Maundy Thursday

Every year on this day, I’m asked about the origin of the term “Maundy” as in “Maundy Thursday.” A lot of scholars believe the word is a combination of Middle English and Old French with a touch of Latin, emerging out of a translation of John 13:34 where Jesus instructs His disciples to “Love each other, just as I have loved you.”

The origin of the word, if it should be called Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, and whether or not it’s important for Christ Followers to mark this day, isn’t a critical debate. But I do hope you’re living this week with a heightened awareness regarding the events of Jesus’ final, critical days.

Tomorrow we’ll observe Good Friday, a day of sober reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. On the weekend we’ll celebrate resurrection, the glorious triumph of Christ. But on this Thursday of Holy Week, I encourage you to reflect on what happened the day before Good Friday. Read John 13 - Jesus gathers with his closest friends to share a final meal. Examine slowly and prayerfully the description of Jesus interrupting the meal to wash the feet of His disciples. As He explains His actions, Jesus gives another ‘advance interpretation’ of what is to come. Observe Peter’s reluctance to let Jesus wash his feet, and consider any hesitation you may have in giving yourself fully to Jesus. Reflect on Jesus’ challenge to love as He loved. Love empowered by a supernatural source loves when it’s inconvenient, loves when it is hurt, and loves others more than self. This kind of love is difficult, but we strive to love this way as an act of worship.

“We adore you O Christ and we praise you. Because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.”

Greg

PS ~ The auditorium at SPAC is set up in observance of Holy Thursday (9 am to 9 pm). If it works with your schedule, why don’t you consider stopping by for a time of reflection and personal prayer as we head toward the weekend.  Our Good Friday service is at 10:30 am tomorrow, and Easter celebrations will be held at our regular service times Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Two Thieves

There’s a very moving passage in Luke 23:39-43. It’s an account of the two thieves who were being crucified next to Jesus. When you read this, you will see that in their last hours of life, maybe even moments, one thief grows bitter and insulting towards Jesus and the other humbled and receptive of Jesus’ gift of eternal life.


I recently shared this passage with someone who came to meet with me. This person is dying from an illness, and the health crisis has caused long and deep reflection on relationships for them. For many years, this person’s journey was full of selfish ambitions and unhealthy choices. As we sat in my office talking about their past and future, I heard a person taking responsibility for their choices and the impact they had on the people around them. At one point, they shared that it’s time to get things right with Jesus. I immediately thought of the passage from Luke 23:42-43 and assured them that like the thief on the cross that chose to follow Jesus at the last minute, it wasn’t too late to make the same decision.

Wherever this finds you and whatever you are going through today, I pray that you recognize how loved you are and receive the gift of real life Jesus extends to you. He is relentless in His pursuit of us, and His invitation to come and follow Him never ceases. I pray that today is a day you say “yes” to Jesus…for the first time, or once again.

God Bless you!
Pastor Kevin

Peter's Denial

Hi Church Family,

This season of the church year, one story that intrigues me is Peter’s denial of Jesus.

The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter brashly boasted that he would never abandon Jesus in His hour of need. Jesus’ reply was surprising. He said that even before sunrise the next morning Peter would, not just once, but three times deny He even knew Jesus. Sure enough, when Peter was confronted with accusations that he was one of the people who had been with Jesus, he angrily replied, “I do not know this man!” Then the rooster crowed and Peter bitterly wept.

It’s a little too easy for us to think that if we’d been in Peter’s shoes, we would have courageously defended Jesus. But is that really true? How often have we been ashamed to be recognized as a follower of Jesus? How often have we remained silent when there was a need for the truth to be spoken? Aren’t these denials just like Peter’s?

But now let me tell you “the end of the story.” It is found in John 21:15-24. Take some time to check it out this week.

After His resurrection, Jesus made a point of taking Peter aside. How ashamed the three-time-denier Peter must have felt. Jesus gently asked him THREE times (coincidence? I don’t think so!), “Peter, do you love me?” Then three times Peter answered that he did. The words used in the original Greek indicate that at least Peter was honest enough to say his love probably only amounted to a fondness rather than the committed love Jesus deserved. And Jesus’ response? Three times He lovingly re-commissioned Peter for His kingdom work.

Are you feeling a bit of a failure this week? Do you feel like you’ve let Jesus down in some way? Remember the end of Peter’s denial story: divine forgiveness and affirmation. Jesus responds the very same way to us. I think that’s really good news to think about this week.

In Him,
Pastor Norm

Hey Church Family,

Can you believe that three weeks from today is Good Friday? The next few weeks’ communications are intended to help prepare our hearts to fully engage with all that God has for us this Easter season. Today, let’s think about Jesus in the garden before His arrest.

At Gethsemane, Jesus gives us a clear picture of a person living out the values of God’s kingdom. He knows His mission and the reason He has come; He also knows the extreme suffering He is about to endure in order for that mission to be fulfilled. He wrestles with His Father in prayer, pouring out His heart, asking if there is any other way the mission could be accomplished: “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me.” Jesus’ next words encapsulate the heart of a follower: “Yet,” (or in the translation I grew up with, “Nevertheless,”) “not my will, but Yours be done.”

“Nevertheless” is the pivotal point where Jesus subordinates His desires to the greater plan of God’s kingdom. I am so thankful for that “nevertheless”—that Jesus was more committed to the will of the Father than His own comfort, even His own life. As we move towards Easter, let’s honour Jesus’ magnificent self-sacrificing choice by choosing everyday to do the same thing—putting His mission and His will above our own.

PRAYER: Thank You, Jesus, for choosing a path of suffering to bring me life. Thank You for choosing the way of the kingdom—the way of self-sacrifice—laying down Your life so others, including me, could have life. I ask for the grace today to let go and to pray with Jesus, “...nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done.” Amen!

Joy!
Rita

PS ~ Last weekend, Pastor Wade talked a bit about “spiritual pathways” to help us connect even more with God. We’ve had a few requests for a copy of these, click here if you would like one.