Today, we have a lot to think about:
Thursday
(See Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-71, John 13:1-18:27.)The Thursday prior to Jesus’ crucifixion fills many pages in Scripture. It begins with John and Peter securing the upper room. There, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, explaining He was there to make them clean.
As they begin to eat, Jesus announces one of them is about to betray Him. Each wonders if He means them. Then He dispatches Judas to do what he intends.
During this last supper, Jesus sets apart the Passover bread and cup and reassigns—or better, perfects—their meaning. The bread is His Body. The cup, His blood. This meal will no longer primarily remind them of God’s deliverance from the external tyranny of Pharaoh, but rather from the internal tyranny of their own guilt and sin against God.
Jesus prays for these His friends and those who will come to know Christ through them—that His Father would make them one. (Jn 17) Then Jesus and His friends leave for the Mount of Olives to pray. (Mk 14:33) But He isn’t there only to pray. He is also there to wait. Soon a line of torches snake their way toward Him in the darkness. This is what He has been waiting for.
In light of this, we are encouraged to:
Grab a basin of water and a towel. Call your children over and wash their feet. After this, have someone read John 13:1-17 and Philippians 2:5-11.
Talk through these questions:
1. What did Jesus do at the last supper with His disciples?
2. Who deserved to have their feet washed? Jesus or the disciples?
3. Who was washing feet?
4. What does this show about Jesus?
5. What is Jesus’ greatest act of humility and service to sinners?
6. Did Jesus deserve to die?As a family, spend time thanking Jesus for dying on the cross.
I hope as you think about Jesus on this Thursday, your worship would bring Him praise.