A Parting Example

When I think of a portrayal of mission, Jesus style, it is Maundy Thursday that stands out. During the Passover meal, Jesus demonstrated the two greatest commandments, leaving his disciples a parting example to live by: 

1. Remember what he has done - - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, strength and soul
2. Serve other people as he did - - Love your neighbors as yourselves

Jesus knew the time had come to do the hardest part of the work he had been given.  During this last meal with His disciples, he demonstrated how they were to live as ongoing examples. This also serves us today! 

The evening meal was in progress...Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;
...so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with a towel that was wrapped around him. 

Later he said to them: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feed.  I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  JOHN 132A, 3-5, 14-15

Jesus already knew he had been betrayed.

He had been preparing the disciples all along

for his parting, and now the time had come.

     While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and give it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
     Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."  MATTHEW 26:26-28

Jesus' life, death, and resurrection ushered forgiveness into the world.  This final meal is a summary of how we are to live... giving thanks, offering forgiveness, serving one another... 

Jesus, the Messiah, set the example - - and He calls us to live as He did.

What would it look like if you and I lived in the absolute confidence

that we have come from God and are returning to God?

None of this is possible unless we remember!

Remember by communing with God's people - - receiving His love and forgiveness.
Remember by serving others with the same love He did.
Remember by giving thanks in all circumstances, even difficult ones,
                   ...they are the best opportunity to show the loving nature of the Father.
Remember by offering forgiveness to those who can't yet understand this kind of love.
                      While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Remember that Jesus only asks us to live out that which he lived first as our example!

Take a few minutes to worship and give thanks!