Introduction

Thursday during Holy Week is one of the most beautiful days of the week. The compassion of Christ as He interacts with his disciples for what would be some of the final moments before his excrutiating death on the cross gives us just a beautiful picture of his humanity, serving and loving nature. As they all gather around the table to once again celebrate the Passover feast and look forward to the coming Messiah, imaginations can’t help but just wonder what those moments were like. Did He secretly giggle when the disciples started arguing over who the greatest was and He had to get one more lesson in? Was He awkwardly uncomfortable in His humanity sitting across from Satan within Judas the entire night? Were there inside jokes? Was it all serious? One thing we do know is that Christ was “earnestly” waiting for that dinner.

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. -Luke 22:14:20

As if Jesus taking on our sins with the shedding of His own blood wasn’t enough to show how much He loves us and serves us, Jesus arises from the table during the dinner for an object lesson.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. -John 13:3-5

Christ does this all while knowing what tomorrow brings. The amount of love pouring from Him is unfathomable. Knowing that one of your own has already sold you out. Let us not forgot that while Christ is fully God, Jesus is also fully human. Humanity is hard. Christ knows the will of the Father and He knows He must die the next day. Our minds can not imagine what this moment was like for our Savior. Luke gives us a glimpse into the moment as Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray.

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. -Luke 22:41-44

Jesus was arrested shortly after.

But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.-Matthew 26:56

Adoration

And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying,“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” – Revelation 5:13

Oh Father God, we praise you today! We worship you in all honor and glory. Thank you that Jesus sits on the throne beside you, reigning foever and ever! You are so Holy. Your plan is so altogether wonderful! MAY WE PRAISE YOUR NAME!  Amen.

Confession

“O God, you know us well. We are quick to speak of faith, but slow to live it completely. We shout “hosanna” as Jesus approaches, and yet we hold back parts of ourselves from You … O God, you know us well. We are quick to claim faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but we are fickle, slow to live fully as faithful disciples. We know where we fail … O God, you know us well. We are quick to want the blessings of faithfulness, but we are slow to accept the cost of authentic Christlike living. Forgive our weakness and fear … Lord, You are God. You bring light to those in darkness, forgiveness to those who truly confess, and pardon to all who seek to follow Jesus. We rejoice that  Your steadfast love endures forever and ever. In the name of Jesus Christ, we receive the love that never dies and never fails. Amen.” – Missio Dei Confessional.

Thanksgiving

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, – Hebrews 1:3

Father God, Thank you for your Jesus! Thank you for His courage and strength to live out your will on earth. Thank you for your plan that gave us a way to you! Thank you for loving us so much that while we were still sinners you sent your son to die for us. May we honor you in our lives. May we serve and share your love just as you did on earth. In your Holy name we pray, Amen.

Supplication

Local Church
Pray that your local church continues to be a light for the community, that the church shares the love of God to the ends of the earth. Pray that the local church becomes a new home for many this Easter Sunday! Pray that those within the church who are sick stay healthy. Pray for our church members who are hurting during this season in life that they are able to find comfort in your arms.

Community

Pray for your community, that the lost are found and the found grow closer to the Lord. Pray that kindness between community members reign supreme and that peacemakers step forth to be a light for Christ in the everyday battles of darkness. Pray for finances throughout the community and those that hurt.

World
Pray for the Ukraine/Russia Conflict. Pray for softening of hearts, persevering of the saints, provisions and safety of civilians, God’s glory to be shown throughout the war. Pray that as tensions continue to grow, that communication would strengthen and compromises would be made. Pray that those displaced can return home soon. Pray for the financial consequences of war on society that God continues to meets the needs of His people. Pray for those who are hurting internationally and nationally. Pray for the missionaries carrying out the message of God. Pray for the violence in Israel to be stopped.