MAUNDY THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. ~ John 13:16–17

On Maundy Thursday, we see Jesus using every part of his body to convey a single message: he and his followers have come to serve. After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus states, “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you as an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (John 13:14–15).

Since Jesus mentions his role as a teacher, I want to reflect on his teaching methods. Jesus frequently conveys his messages at a slant. He teaches in parables, and Christians have been puzzling over their meanings for centuries. Jesus uses intentionally obscure gestures. For instance, when he faces a tough line of questioning, Jesus raises a coin and proclaims, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

In contrast, during the Last Supper, Jesus throws his full body weight to convey one clear message. He uses every tool at his disposal— dramatic, symbolic action and words—to emphasize his message that those who follow him are there to serve, not to be served. He desperately doesn’t want his future followers to get this part wrong.

And yet we do. It is mildly funny to see how Peter immediately misunderstands what Jesus was trying to convey. Peter first refuses to have his feet washed and then he goes to the other extreme and asks Jesus to wash every part of him.

Today’s readings

• Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14

• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

• John 13:1-17, 31b-35

• Psalm 116:1, 10-17

To what extent have we received Jesus’ message about service?

Do we really see our ministry as one of service or are we trapped in the role of waiting to be served?

More resources can be found at Episcopal Relief & Development

WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK, MARCH 27

After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” ~ John 13:27

Today’s passage from John’s Gospel portrays an intimate and dramatic scene of pain and betrayal. Jesus is eating supper with his close friends when he becomes troubled in spirit and announces to the group that one of them will betray him. He then signals with a piece of bread dipped in a dish who it will be, and knowing full well what is to come, Jesus tells Judas to carry out his betrayal quickly.

Sometimes when I reflect on the Last Supper, I picture the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci that depicts Jesus and his disciples all seated on one side of a very long table. John’s portrayal, however, suggests something less formal and much more intimate.

In this small group of friends, Jesus is able to dip his piece of bread, hand it to Judas, and get his message across immediately. Not only is this group of friends physically close, Judas is portrayed as being even closer. John’s Gospel makes a point of saying that Judas has been entrusted to make preparations for the celebrations and offer donations to the poor. The one who has been entrusted with great responsibility heads out into the night to carry out the ultimate betrayal.

Today’s readings

• Isaiah 50:4-9a

• Hebrews 12:1-3

• John 13:21-32

• Psalm 70

What is John’s Gospel trying to say to us here?

What is the Gospel writer attempting to warn us about?

How can it be that sometimes those who are seemingly closest to Christ betray all that he represents?

More resources can be found at Episcopal Relief & Development

TUESDAY IN HOLY WEEK, MARCH 26

While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light. ~ John 12:36a

As we approach Good Friday, Jesus begins to collect and sum up his most important teachings and messages with his followers. In today’s passage from John, he reemphasizes the unique relationship Christians have with death: when a grain of wheat falls to the ground, what appears to be an end is, in fact, just the beginning. He then imparts a message that well applies to our long journey together this Lent: “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

This passage encapsulates Jesus’ sense of urgency. Clearly, Jesus is referring to his own time on earth when he says, “The light is with you for a little while longer.” However, I believe his words are paradoxically timeless and universally applicable. In addition to urgency, he speaks of light as a symbol of hope, humanity, love and life—a primordial flame representing humanity’s resilience over the forces of evil in the world.

Our time on earth is brief, and our moments with our loved ones are rare and precious. As Jesus faces his impending crucifixion, he also understands the formidable forces converging on his followers. While we are in the light, we must walk in it, taking steps forward in response to the Gospel’s call, even as we acknowledge the day is growing shorter.

Today’s readings

• Isaiah 49:1-7

• 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

• John 12:20-36

• Psalm 71:1-14

When you feel like darkness is overcoming you, how can you return to the light?

Think of a particular passage of Scripture, prayer or a hymn that draws you near to Jesus. Say—or sing—it today.

More resources can be found at Episcopal Relief & Development