Today is Maundy Thursday, the day when we remember in particular Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, teaching them about many things and inaugurating Holy Communion at the Last Supper, that meal when He took bread and wine and pointed ahead to His death very plainly, urging us to remember His sacrifice each time we celebrate the Eucharist.
John tells us at the start of this mammoth teaching session that Jesus, having loved his own who were in the world, loved them to the end. (John 13:1) Some translations say ‘He loved them fully‘ or ‘He showed them the full extent of His love.’ Even though He knew Judas had betrayed him and that Peter was about to deny Him, with the other disciples fleeing when danger loomed, Jesus loved them. His love for us is not defined by our faithfulness or service. His love is unconditional and unchanging.
What always strikes me about these last hours of liberty before His arrest, trial and crucifixion is that Jesus still thought about other people, loved them and cared for them. Though He was sorrowful and in deep anguish at times, He did not allow self-pity or fear to cloud His judgment or actions. He thought about other people, even as He carried the cross and bore the pain and suffering of crucifixion, telling the women not to weep for Him (Luke 23:28) and arranging for John to care for His mother after His death. (John 19:26-27) His love was constant and faithful, even to the end.
That gives us great hope as we wait patiently for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We have a Saviour who loves us to the end, who thinks about us and who cares for us. May we mirror His faithful love to those around us as we remember today.