Maundy In this unique and challenging time, it’s all the more importance to draw near to our Savior. In that spirit, we want to equip you to meditate, worship, and reflect on the wonder of our Lord Christ crucified and risen for us through this Thursday liturgy.

This liturgy is a way for us to set our minds and hearts on Christ as we approach . You may use this liturgy individually, with your family in person, or with friends or your Fellowship Group via Zoom. Feel free to adjust the following as needed.

Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ last meal before giving himself to die for our sin. Maundy Thursday receives its name from the mandatum—the mandate or commandment—that Christ gives: “A I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (:34). At the , Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and commanded them to love and serve one another as he had done. This day commemorates the Lord’s example of servant ministry, the institution of , the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal leading to the crucifixion.1

Opening You may select a person to read the following and for others to read together the lines in bold. You may also select a different person to read aloud each line of “This is the night.”

Blessed be our God. Now and for ever. Amen.

This is the night that Christ the Son of Man gathered with his disciples in the upper room.

This is the night that Christ our Lord and Master took a towel and washed the disciples’ feet, calling us to love one another as he has loved us.

This is the night that Christ our God gave us this holy feast, that we who eat this bread and drink this cup may here proclaim his perfect sacrifice.

This is the night that Christ the Lamb of God gave himself into the hands of those who would slay him.

Prayer Almighty God, whose Son gave himself for us, open the eyes of our hearts that we would comprehend the height and depth of your love for us. By your Spirit, make us attentive to your Word and your truth that we might sense with deeper understanding and wonder the work of Christ. Amen.

1 Overview and liturgy quoted and adapted from The , ACNA 2019. Readings Select a reader or readers for each passage. These passages demonstrate the theme of salvation through sacrifice in the history of God’s people and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 78:15-26 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Gospel Reading Select a reader or readers for each passage.

John 13:1-15 John 13:34-35

Sermon

Foot Washing You have the option to participate in washing the feet of your family members, serving one another as an example of the service and love Christ gives us and calls us to extend to one another. Read the following before washing.

Fellow servants of our Lord Jesus Christ: On the night before his death, Jesus set an example for his disciples by washing their feet, an act of humble service. He taught that strength and growth in the life of the kingdom of God come not by worldly power and authority, but by such lowly service.

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so . If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. — John 13:12-14

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:34-35

After washing one another’s feet, you may pray over one another, thanking Christ for his love for that person and asking him to guide them into knowledge of his grace, presence, and love.

Prayer Engage in a time of prayer and reflection however you are led. You may conclude your time with the following prayer: Lord Jesus, who became flesh for our sake, there is no greater love than your love for you have given yourself as a ransom for our sin. Teach us to rest in your love and to walk in your new commandment that as we love one another and declare your love the world would come to know you in the joy of your salvation. Amen.