Many of us have a familiarity with the Last Supper. On the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he broke bread. We celebrate this now in the sacrament of communion. But what does the term Maundy Thursday mean? And what all happened on this day? In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning of the name behind the day and the many events that took place on that Thursday, prior to Jesus’ crucifixion. We’ll also explore some Maundy Thursday Scriptures that you can read as a family before your Good Friday service, or suggest to a pastor whenever you celebrate this day in the Holy Week.
What Does Maundy Thursday Mean?
Maundy means “mandatum," which means "command." It is on this Thursday before his crucifixion that Jesus gives his disciples a new mandate or command to love one another.”
During this night four important events happen. First, Jesus prepares the upper room for their Passover meal. In doing so, he also washes the disciples’ feet, and an act of servitude. This exemplifies his ministry on earth to humble himself and love the least of these. He even washes the feet of Judas Iscariot.
Secondly, Jesus breaks bread and uses the unleavened bread and the wine at the table as symbolism for his coming sacrifice. We recognize this practice now during communion. Some churches practice this sacrament weekly, others, monthly.
Thirdly, Jesus goes out to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. During these hours, the disciples fall asleep and Jesus is in agony about the events to come.
Finally, Judas approaches with a mob to come and arrest Jesus and place him on trial.
Below we’ll analyze the four Gospel accounts of these events.
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Jesus Washes the Disciples - Maundy Thursday Verses
Passover had arrived in the city. Jesus, knowing that Judas would betray him soon, decides to spend his last night washing his disciples’ feet. Some of his disciples protest because this act would’ve been reserved for a servant. But Jesus proceeds anyway, showing us how we should live our lives when we follow him.
Matthew 26:17-19: “On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’”So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.”
John 13:1-5: “It was just before the Passover Festival.Jesus knew that the hour had comefor him to leave this world and go to the Father.Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power,and that he had come from God and was returning to God;so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet,drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
The Last Supper Verses
They partake in the Passover feast. Jesus passes Judas bread, indicating that Judas will betray him (however, because of the commotion at the table, people probably wouldn’t have noticed. Bread got passed a lot during this meal). Judas leaves to carry out what the devil has placed on his heart.
Mark 14:17-21: “When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve.While they were reclining at the table eating, he said,“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?” “It is one of the Twelve,”he replied,“one who dips bread into the bowl with me.The Son of Manwill go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Luke 22:19-20: “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it,and gave it to them, saying,“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying,“This cup is the new covenantin my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane - Maundy Thursday Verses
After the meal, they go out to a garden Jesus favored throughout his ministry. He prays in agony, knowing what will come later that evening. The disciples, meanwhile, keep falling asleep, leaving Jesus alone in his misery.
Matthew 26:36-39: “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Mark 14:37-40: “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour?Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.”
The Arrest of Jesus Verses
Judas approaches with a mob. At first, Jesus’ disciples put on a brave face, to the point where Peter lops off the ear of a servant in the approaching crowd. Jesus heals the ear and rebukes Peter, telling him that he would later deny even knowing Jesus. Then the crowd leads Jesus away to his trial, and later, his execution that would take place on Good Friday.
John 18:1-3: “When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.”
Luke 22:47-48: “While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him,but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
Further Reading
What Is Maundy Thursday? 5 Things Christians Need to Know
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/IngridHS
Hope Bolingeris an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, book editor for hire, and the author of almost 30 books. More than 1500 of her works have been featured in various publications. Check out her books at hopebolinger.comfor clean books in most genres, great for adults and kids. Check out her editing profile at Reedsy.com to find out about hiring her for your next book project.
This article is part of our larger Holy Week and Easter resource library centered around the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!
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