This simple yet powerful command encapsulates the heart of Jesus’s teachings — that love should be the guiding force of every believer’s life. Maundy Thursday, therefore, serves as a reminder of this divine mandate: to love selflessly and serve others with humility. 

The Last Supper: The Gift of Communion

At the Last Supper, Jesus gathered His twelve disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem. During the meal, He broke bread and shared wine with them, saying,

“This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
(Luke 22:19)

With these words, Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist — also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper. This sacrament, central to Christian worship, symbolizes Jesus’s sacrifice for humanity and serves as a continual reminder of His love and redemption.

Through the bread and wine, believers remember His body and blood offered on the cross. Every time Christians partake in the Eucharist, they are invited to reflect on His sacrifice and renew their faith and gratitude.

The Washing of the Feet: A Lesson in Humility

Another powerful event of Maundy Thursday is the washing of the disciples’ feet. As recorded in the Gospel of John, Jesus took on the role of a servant, washing the feet of each disciple — a task typically reserved for the lowliest household servant.

When Peter objected, Jesus gently reminded him,

“If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

This act was more than symbolic; it was a profound lesson in humility and servant leadership. Jesus demonstrated that true greatness lies not in authority, but in service. He showed that love must be expressed through action — by caring for and serving others selflessly.

Many churches around the world reenact this act of service on Maundy Thursday, with priests or pastors washing the feet of congregants as a living example of Christ’s humility.

The Night of Prayer and Betrayal

After the meal, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. It was here that He experienced immense anguish, knowing the suffering that awaited Him. His prayer — “Not my will, but Yours be done” — reflects His complete obedience to God’s plan.

In that same garden, Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested by Roman soldiers, marking the beginning of His Passion. This moment of sorrow and surrender reminds believers of the cost of salvation and the depth of Christ’s love.

How Maundy Thursday Is Observed

Maundy Thursday is observed with solemnity and reverence across Christian denominations. Churches hold special services that include the Holy Communion and sometimes the washing of feet ceremony. The altar is often stripped bare after the service, symbolizing Jesus being abandoned and the beginning of His suffering.

In some traditions, believers spend time in silent prayer and meditation, reenacting Jesus’s vigil in Gethsemane. Others engage in acts of charity, reflecting the spirit of service that defines the day.

The Message of Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday stands as a powerful reminder of selfless love, humility, and service. It invites Christians to reflect on their relationships with others — to forgive, to serve, and to love unconditionally.

It reminds us that love is not just a feeling, but an action — a choice to put others before ourselves. The bread, the wine, and the washing of feet all speak of one truth: to follow Christ is to live a life of compassion, humility, and sacrifice.

As the world prepares for the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter, Maundy Thursday bridges the two with a message of love and service. It calls every believer to remember the example set by Jesus — to love one another as He loved us.

In this spirit, Maundy Thursday is not just a remembrance of the past but a call to live out that same love today. Through humble acts and open hearts, we honor the commandment that defines our faith:

“Love one another.”