Maundy Thursday - What is it?

By Erin Bird

Today is the Thursday before Easter. That means, according to the "Christian Calendar," today is Maundy Thursday.

If you're like me, you grew up hearing of Good Friday. But what exactly is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday is traditionally the day Christians remember the Last Supper, which was the Jewish Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples before heading to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested.

So I encourage you: do not let today be just a normal Thursday. Instead of just going to work, then vegging in front of Netflix for the evening, maybe do one of these ideas:

• Take communion by yourself as you read Mark 14:22-24.
• If you're married with kids, celebrate communion with your family right after eating supper together.
• As you read Matthew 26:17-30, think about Jesus sitting in that room with his disciples. The disciples had celebrated this Passover meal since they were little kids. It was something every Jew did every year. Imagine what they were thinking as Jesus hands them bread and says "this is my body," or when he passes the cup and says, "this is my blood."
• Before heading to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus and his disciples sang a song. Take a moment to sing one of your favorite hymns or Jesus-centered songs, or listen to this communion song and let it lead you to worship Jesus.
• Attend a Maundy Thursday worship service at an area church. I know St. John's Lutheran Church is having one.

Then to prepare your heart for remembering Christ's death on "Good" Friday, watch this powerful 3-minute video.