Maundy Thursday

This is the sixth year we’ll hold a Maundy Thursday service at @V21Church. It was originally born out of a desire to bring greater depth and understanding to Easter, which has the tendency to become more about the post-service meal instead of the betrayal and murder of God’s Son, the willingness of God to pour out his wrath on Jesus, who bore our sin, and the victory of Jesus over death.
Traditionally in the church, the Maundy Thursday service includes a ceremony based on the washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus in John 13, and his call to then wash each other’s feet. While this is a beautiful reminder of our service and sacrifice to one another, we focus on the other events of the evening- the Last Supper, the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ.

This year, we’re specifically honing in on the betrayal. Jesus Christ was alone on the cross. In the weeks and months prior to the crucifixion, the disciples often spoke as if they had something to offer God, or that they deserved honor. On the night Jesus was betrayed they professed undying loyalty, and soon after deserted their Teacher, Master, and Lord. While the tendency is to judge the disciples for their action, we are guilty of this same pride. Although we have no part in the saving work of Jesus except that it’s our sin he bore, faced with the grace of God we somehow hold onto some sort of entitlement. This year’s Maundy Service is designed to strip away our pride, piece by piece.

It is a reflective, somber service in nature, but this darkness brings greater understanding of God’s love and grace. Easter will be an amazing celebration, but do not miss the Maundy Thursday Service.

April 9, 7:00 pm – Invite your friends on Facebook.