When my sister was dying, she said things to her loved ones I had never heard her say before – tender moments she shared with those she loved. I imagine that if you knew you were dying, you would call your loved ones to your bedside and tell them important things you would want to leave with them. Well, that’s exactly what Jesus did on that Maundy Thursday – the day before His arrest and crucifixion. He knew He was going to die and He had important things He wanted to tell His beloved disciples because they were the ones who would carry on His mission after He was gone. In addition to celebrating the last Passover meal with His disciples, He talked about a lot of things… things that would be crucial for their future work. Allow me to summarize His actions and His words with four words or phrases:
Humility/Servanthood: He demonstrated this by washing the disciples’ feet. Here’s the startling thing… Judas was among them for this foot-washing ceremony. Yet, Jesus treated him like all the rest. Jesus was demonstrating to the disciples the importance of walking in humility (putting others’ needs above their own) and serving others. Humility and servanthood should be a part of who we are.
Reliance: Jesus talked extensively about the Holy Spirit who would soon be poured out. The Holy Spirit would guide them by truth because He is the TRUTH. They would need to rely on Him because He would be the one to help them in the difficulties, keep them from drifting into false territory, and guide them with important decisions. If they did not rely on the Holy Spirit, then they would be doing things in their own strength and then the enemy would prevail.
Relationship: Jesus spent a great deal of time talking about the Vine and the Branches… in other words, the branches need the Vine so they must remain in Him. Jesus said in John 15:7: “If you remain in Me [prayer] and My words remain in you [Bible study], you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” Hence, we are to always nurture our relationship with Jesus by spending time with Him in prayer and in His Word.
Persecution: Jesus stressed to His disciples that they would face persecution… “If the world hates me, then it will hate you.” Each of them would suffer horrible persecution and all of them, except John, would be martyred for their faith. The more we speak truth, stand on the side of truth, and live out our faith, the more we come against opposers. Something to think about.
These things Jesus taught in His last moments with the disciples are for you and I as well. The disciples handed us the torch… and we are run with it. But as we do, we need to make sure we follow the way Jesus told us to follow. We need to live humbly (serving others), relying on the Holy Spirit, nurturing a strong relationship with Jesus, and keeping our eyes open because the enemy is coming after us. Hope this encourages you today.