Luke 22:17-19 — And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Good Friday … Days we love, and love to worship on. But Thursday? Yes, Thursday.
We don’t stop enough to meditate on the Thursday before Good Friday, but it contains moments of wonder and tragedy that should give seed for hours of quiet contemplation.
It was on that Thursday that the Last Supper took place. Jesus gave us the sacrament of Communion.
It was on that Thursday that Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, and gave us the perfect example of obedience — “saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42 KJVA)
It was on that Thursday that Jesus was betrayed, “when he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.” (Luke 22:42, 47 KJVA)
That Thursday was a day of wonders and miracles. And yet, most often, those of us in the evangelical churches tend to skip over it. Other denominations look differently at this holy day.
Myra and I were raised in England, where the Church of England has a unique way of celebrating the day which is there called “Maundy Thursday”. The name “Maundy” refers to a Latin word, “mandatum” meaning “instruction” because of the instruction that Jesus gave us at the Last Supper that His followers should love one another.
The day is marked by a special ceremony during which the British Monarch ceremonially distributes small silver coins known as “Maundy money” to as many elderly men and women, chosen because of the Christian service they have given to the Church and community, as there are years in the sovereign’s age.
Over the years the ceremony has simplified. In the Middle Ages, The King or Queen washed the feet of beggars in imitation of Jesus, and presented gifts and money to the poor. In modern times the feet washing has been abandoned and extra money has replaced the clothing and other items that used to be given.
You might think the Church of England ceremony is a bit elaborate. (I happen to think it’s beautiful). However that might be, I hope these few thoughts might focus you, a little more, on this special day. Don’t miss Thursday!