Maundy Thursday ... Jesus Demonstrates Love

 

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day we celebrate Jesus and His disciples having a Last Supper sharing bread and wine for the final time this side of heaven.

What does Maundy mean? Having come from a discipline that celebrates Easter, but not Holy Week so much, I did not know the definition of Maundy. It turns out Maundy means "commandment" or "mandate" in the original language.

I offer my humble attempt to dramatize the events of the first Maundy Thursday:

The Teacher had a special group of students, men whom he had poured three years of his life into as they had lived life together. There was nothing about those students he did not know, their strengths as well as their weaknesses, and how they would react under pressure. Yet he loved them and always would.

Time was short. Not much longer would he be able to impart to them what he wanted them to know. Home was calling him back.

So, they had one last supper together. The Teacher knew that one had already decided to betray him, yet he treated him the same as all the rest. It was meant to be.

After supper, the Teacher stood up and got a towel, basin and pitcher. He wrapped the towel around his waist and then knelt down, and one by one, he placed each student's feet in the basin, scrubbed the foot and then, much like a mother would do, propped the foot on his knee, drying it with the towel that was still wrapped around his waist. What an intimate humbling act for a teacher to do!

That rascally student, Peter, who was always quick with a retort, spoke in wonder, "Do YOU wash my feet?

The Teacher smiled and said, "I know you don't understand now, but one day you will."

Peter insisted, "Teacher, you will never wash MY feet."

The Teacher replied that if he couldn't wash Peter's feet, then Peter could have no part in the Teacher's ministry.

Always one to go "whole hog", Peter did an about-face and wanted the Teacher to wash his head and hands. The Teacher said there was no need for that. They were all clean and only needed their feet washed - well, except for one ...

When all twelve students' feet were washed, the Teacher put away the towel, basin and pitcher and putting back on his robe, he sat down again in his place.

All their eyes looked at him expectantly. "Do you understand what I did?" he asked them.

"You all look to me as your Teacher, as well you should. What I just did is an example for you. You should wash each other's feet, just like I did yours. A student is not greater than his Teacher. You should always do like you've seen me do."

~~~

The greatest Teacher who ever lived, and will live forever, is Jesus. He came and did life with us for 33 years. While He was here, He taught us about what is important, and what's not. 

He taught with words, lecturing in places like synagogues, boat decks and mountaintops. He also taught by example, always willing to bless and to heal, letting the crowds come to Him with their overwhelming needs, always putting others first and somehow finding time to spend alone with His Father.

On that fateful foot-washing night long ago, the Teacher gave a new commandment to apply to the life of anyone who calls themselves one of His students:A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Students, let's follow His example.

~~~

 Adapted from a previous post. All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

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5 Days

Has your outlook ever changed drastically in a short period of time?

I want to contrast two scriptures for you today.

The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!” John 12:12-19 New King James Version

And,
 

So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”
Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?”
But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!” Mark 15:13-14 New King James Version

Same crowd, five days later.
 
What made the difference?
 
You see, the word “hosanna” means “save now.” The crowd wanted to be rescued more than they wanted the Rescuer.
 
When they finally comprehended the Rescuer came to save them spiritually, not politically, they wanted nothing more to do with Him. In fact, they couldn’t even stand to have Him around, so they wanted to get rid of Him.

My question to you today … if God doesn’t give you what you want, will you want to shut Him out of your life?
 
Is there something that could happen that would change your mind about Christ in just five days?

Something to ponder ...

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

I always want to be sure every visitor to the Journey knows how to make heaven their home. Read my post, A Ticket Home. It describes exactly what you need to do.

~~

Thanks for dropping by the Journey!

Linking up at InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Sweet Tea & Friends

Don't Conceal Good News!

My word of the year for 2026 is "publish," or more specifically, make good news known.

As a believer in Christ, I'm all about sharing truths I find in scripture. In fact, I often say, "I'm an encourager who writes bible-based words for the discouraged so they can have hope.

That's my mission.

But, as we all know, the enemy likes to discourage us from our callings. He is often subtle about it, whispering words of doubt trying to waylay us from our goal. There is a fear of not being relevant, or thought of as being ridiculous, or even feeling others say it better, why should I risk adding my voice to the mix?

Do you know the opposite meaning of the word publish? It is keeping something secret. It is concealing or hiding information.

In essence, if I know something that is true and uplifting, or that sparks wonder in my heart, and love for God. I'm robbing you if I don't share it. 

Conversely, if I discover something convicting that I could make a change and bring blessing and healing in my life. and I don't share it with others, what does that say about me? Am I more afraid of people's opinions than I am of the consequences of not following my calling of encouragement?

Do I really want to stand before the Lord one day and admit I was too afraid to speak encouragement in people's lives?

I think not!

What about you? What is your calling? Is something keeping you from it? I am praying for you, my reader, and asking God to help you fulfill whatever calling He has laid on your heart.

As believers, we are all called to share the gospel, the good news. Here is a  scripture and a prayer I'm sharing today for all of us:

For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 New Living Translation

 

Abba,

 

I’m so thankful for the messengers of the gospel. Where would we be if we had never heard?

 

I also note we should focus on pleasing God, not people. He is the only one that knows our true motives.

 

I like the part of this scripture that assures us He approves of us, that He trusts us to share the Good News. So many times, we are fearful to share thinking our explanation might not be good enough. But if we are being led by the Holy Spirit, we don’t have to worry about that. He will make it come together in just the right way. Our job is to share the seed. He will add whatever is needed to help it grow.

Be with us dear Holy Spirit as we go about our day. Schedule divine appointments for us and lead us in the way everlasting.

 

In Jesus’ name I pray; may many come to You today. So be it, amen.

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

I always want to be sure every visitor to the Journey knows how to make heaven their home. Read my post, A Ticket Home. It describes exactly what you need to do.

~~

Thanks for dropping by the Journey!

Sharing at One Word Link-up

 

How to Live in Harmony

 

The bible has much to say about living in harmony with each other. Today, I’m honing in on Romans 12.

 

¹⁶ Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! ¹⁷ Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. ¹⁸ Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:16-18 New Living Translation

 

GO

 

I think the secret of living in harmony is to practice courtesy. I once heard courtesy described like this: doing what you think will make the other person comfortable.

 

Courtesy is the grease that oils the rusty hinges of everyday living. Like a screen door that squeaks every time someone goes in or out, living with only you in mind can grate on everyone’s last nerve.

 

The truth is we don’t always know best; we are wrong some of the time, and acting like everything should go our way can just be plain irritating!

 

Showing love by treating each other with respect is for your own good. After all, you want to be the one everyone is glad to see arrive at a gathering. It’s disheartening if everyone scatters when you join a group!

 

It boils down to the golden rule: treat others as you would want to be treated.

 

If the golden rule prevailed in gatherings – and on social media! – life would be so much sweeter.

 

STOP

 

I did a deep dive on what some of the different bible translations had to say about verse 16:

 

AMP -           Do not overestimate yourself.

CJB  -           Be sensitive to each other’s needs

ERV -            Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.

GW -             Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are.

PHILLIPS -   Don’t become snobbish but take a real interest in ordinary people. Don’t become set in your own opinions.

MSG             Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

 

This post was written in response to Five Minute Friday's prompt, "harmony." The post was written in 5 minutes, but looking up scriptures and adding a graphic took longer.

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

I always want to be sure every visitor to the Journey knows how to make heaven their home. Read my post, A Ticket Home. It describes exactly what you need to do.

~~

Thanks for dropping by the Journey!

Sharing at Five Minute Friday  Remember Me Monday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let's Have Coffee

Delays can be a good thing

 

I received an email notifying me that the Five Minute Friday link-up was delayed due to technical issues. The word "DELAYED" sparked a memory I'd like to share, so I will free-write on it for five minutes.

GO

Has something ever happened that stopped you from taking the next step in your journey?

 

I remember once that I signed up at the community college for courses that would start me on the road to becoming an elementary teacher.

 

I had a four-year-old and a husband who was struggling with bi-polar. I could see the handwriting on the wall and thought I should do something to prepare to be a bread winner. I felt since I loved to study and had a child, becoming a school teacher would work out best for us.

 

However, a couple weeks after signing up, two things happened to delay me. My husband lost his job: and I found out I was pregnant with baby #2. (I discovered these things on the same day!)

 

I abandoned my plan and took the first full-time job I could find because we had to have an income NOW.

 

I never became a school teacher. However, I see now that the delay was a good thing. I need time to realize I was not meant to be a school teacher!

 

STOP (My five minutes are up; but here is the rest of the story.)

 

Deciding to advance myself in teaching children while waiting for the right time to go back to school; I volunteered as Leader of the Daisies in our girls’ program at church.

 

Here is what I learned about myself: I did not want to be a teacher of elementary children. The one hour a week that I led the Daisies was the longest hour of my life! I could not imagine how I would teach children every day all day long.

 

(If you know a teacher who really has a heart for students, give them some sign of appreciation every chance you get. They deserve it!)

 

God knew teaching children was not in my wheelhouse. He had something else for me. I just couldn’t see it yet.

Sometimes delays are a redirect towards the path you should go.

 

Wait and trust.

~~

Want to know more? Read my post, A Ticket Home. It describes how you can arrive at Home.

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

~~

Thanks for dropping by the Journey!

Sharing at Five Minute Friday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let's Have Coffee

I am blessed

Let's begin the week knowing we are blessed.The world around us seems dark and chaotic; but believers, who have put their trust in the One True God, know there will be blessing no matter the situation. We might go through struggles but we will make it Home.

What a blessing to be able to lay down your head each night knowing you are one step closer to eternal joy with the One we love!

⁷ “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
⁸ For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 New King James Version

 

Abba,

 

I want to be like that man who trusts, hopes and is rooted in You, never anxious and always fruitful.

It’s my heart’s desire to be that person; but Lord, You know how hard it is to keep that desire at the forefront of my mind when I’m overwhelmed by the pressures of life.

 

I ask You to send the Holy Spirit to remind me where my hope and trust is during those times. It’s not in me, but it’s in You. On my own, I can accomplish nothing; but You and I together can plant seed in every situation.

 

Be with me and my friends as we start our week. May we keep our focus on You and Your Word, standing on the promises You have given. Direct us to where the Living Water is so we can put down deep roots  and drink in all You have for us.

 

In Jesus’ holy name I pray; may many come to You today. So be it, amen.

Want to know more? Read my post, A Ticket Home. It describes how you can arrive at Home.

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

~~

Thanks for dropping by the Journey!

Sharing at Remember Me Monday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let's Have Coffee

Nurtured by The Shepherd

This week's prompt provided for the free writers at Five Minute Friday is the word, "nurture."

Nurture means to care for, feed, protect, and foster the growth or development of someone or something. One of nurture's synonyms is tend. (Merriam -Webster)

Tend? Now, there is a word I can talk about! 

GO

I first thought of the Lord comissioning Peter after his denial of Christ during the crucifixion. The Lord forgave Peter but challenged him three times about his love for Christ to counter the three times Peter denied Him.

Every time Peter admitted that he loved Jesus; then Christ gave him the directive to feed my lambs, then tend my sheep and finally, feed my sheep. (see John 21:15-17) Doing so would prove Peter's sincerity in his love for the Lord.

I find it so interesting we prove our love for God in how we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I especially love that Peter was told to tend the sheep, or in other words nurture them. He was to help them grow both physically and spiritually.

Of course, any discussion of sheep and shepherds immediately draws us to the beauful imagery of Psalm 23.

STOP (My five minutes are up, but wait! I have more!)

You see, tending is much more than just feeding the physical body. Look at the action words I highlighted in green contained in Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever. - Psalm 23, NL

I think the Shepherd described in Psalm 23 is the very essence of a Nurturer.

Who is this Nurturer? The Lord Jesus Christ! And I'm thankful to proclaim, to publish, the news that He is my Shepherd.

He can be yours, too.

Want to know more? Read my post, A Ticket Home. It describes the way Home.

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

~~

Thanks for dropping by the Journey!

Sharing at Five Minute Friday, Remember Me Monday, Sweet Tea & Friends