Holy Thursday, 18th April 2019

The Passover was always a time to celebrate liberation and freedom. After the first Passover, they were led by Moses out of Egypt. The Israelites were commanded to sacrifice a lamb — but only the best. They were also to share it with others. God desires freedom for all from every form of bondage or slavery, and there are many of them that still exist. From what sort of captivity do we need to be set free?

The Lord’s Supper was a celebration of a different type of Exodus — from the slavery of sin and brokenness to a new life in Christ. If we are truly experiencing the Eucharist, our hearts and minds should be much more free, especially from fear and doubt

John does not describe the Eucharist — instead, he recounts the foot washing of the disciples by Jesus — shocking because it was normally the job of the lowest slave in the house. Jesus explains that this is the pattern for all who live in him and all who participate in the Lord’s Supper: humble and loving service. It should never be beneath us or a bother to serve others, and personal honour should be the last thing in our minds. The Eucharist is not about us; it is about others and about the common good.

Lord, free my mind and heart to love and serve.