“Having loved his own who were in the world, Jesus now showed them the full extent of his love.” (Jn.13:1).
“This is my mandate to you—love each other as I have loved you and continue to love you.” (pp Jn13:34-35).
Lord Jesus, it’s the day of “Easter Week” we call today Maundy, or “Mandate” Thursday—a day crammed full of drama and overflowing with grace. Having shared eternal glory with the Father, you now show your disciples the incalculable measure of your love. Indeed, they would soon realize the measure of your love is the cross, and the mandate of your love is for us to love as you love us (Jn.13:34-35).
Getting low to wash their feet was a prelude to getting even “lower” to wash their hearts by your death on the cross. There is no greater love than the love you demonstrated in laying your life down for your friends, sinners, and God’s enemies (Jn.15:3; Rom.5:8-10). What wondrous love is this, indeed? The Good Shepherd gives his life for his lambs—the Lamb of God takes our death to give us eternal life.
Jesus… stunned, silenced, moved to adoring love… that’s what we feel right now. Judas “sold you out” for the price of a slave (Matt.26:14); you bought us from slavery with the cost of your life. Mary anointed your head with expensive oil preparing you to die (Matt.26:6); you now anoint our heads with the oil of the Spiritenabling us to live (Psalm 23:5).
Hallelujah! Our cups are filled and overflow with your gratitude for your mercy, grace, and kindness. Jesus, by the riches of your grace and the “Spirit’s anointing,” free us to love with your love—when it’s easy, and when it’s not. So Very Amen.
