Below you will find a guide filled with Scripture and some resources to equip you to slow down and reflect on the events of Maundy Thursday during the last week that Jesus walked among us. We pray this week is one of reflection, communion with and a growing affection for Jesus.
Scripture Reading
Luke 22:7-20 · ESV
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
4 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Reflective Resources
The following resources have been provided by Tanner Daniels.
Practice · Silence and Solitude
This one may seem a little odd, but I’d challenge you to participate in it. Throughout history, believe it or not, silence has been a huge part of the Christian’s response to the Gospel. Many of us loathe and even fear what many would deem “awkward” silence in church gatherings. I’ve been in plenty of gathering planning meetings where we’ve decided to have an instrumental play during a prayer time because the silence is too weird. This particular moment in history grants an interesting opportunity, though, and I want to invite you in to it.
Today, our church gathers. Not in person, but together still, we focus on these same words and seek the same God. Consider spending time in silence as we gather. Unlike Sunday mornings, you probably won’t hear the creak of a chair or someone walking through the doors to the gathering space (Although you may hear other household noises…). All the same,, seek a moment that is still - and invite Jesus into it. Too often we attempt to pacify His Spirit and our conscience with a screen or a sound. Worship God today by seeking a moment with Him that contains nothing other than a heart longing after Him.
Reading to accompany Communion · Link
Communion is precious. Partaking of the blood and body of Christ unites us to Him and to the Gospel story. Today, I’m so glad that we get to respond to the Gospel message by partaking. I hope you realize that this is a worshipful act. Jesus said “This do in remembrance of me.” We worship when we make something the object of our attention and our affection. I encourage you to make Jesus the object of your attention and affection as you unite yourself to Him in His Holy Supper. Consider reading this as you do it.
Hymn · Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery
I’m sure many have wondered over the years what it would have been like to sit at the table with Christ at that last Passover before He hung on a tree. There are poems about it. Paintings commemorate it. It’s one of the most famous vignettes in the story of the Gospel. The Last Supper. I wonder if the Apostles knew what was happening. Often, it seems, Jesus had to clear things up for them. Did they realize what was going on in those moments? Did they know what was about to occur? Did they make the connection that this man had come to be the “New and better Adam?”
Then I wonder… is it possible that we, too, miss that reality, even though we live 2000 years after it happened?
... I know I do.
This song is a reminder of what Jesus was going to do. And today, as we remember passover, we remember that yes - the angel of death passed over the Israelite’s door frames that night all those years ago. But even more so, we remember that the wrath of God passed over us when Christ hung on a tree.
Praise God.
Passover Meal with Pastor Mikey and his family · Missio Dei Facebook Page
Join Pastor Mikey and his family as he walks us through a Passover meal with his family. This will begin at 5:30PM on the Missio Dei Facebook page linked above.
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