By April Rodgers, Content Coordinator
As Holy Week continues, today is Maundy Thursday—a day filled with powerful meaning, solemn reflection, and deep spiritual symbolism. It marks the night Jesus gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room, shared what would be known as The Last Supper, and humbly knelt to wash their feet—an act that continues to shape Christian understanding of love and service.
To help reflect on the significance of this sacred day, I spoke with Major Sharon Payne, a retired Salvation Army minister. I asked her how Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet helps us understand the humility and love that led to the triumph of the resurrection. “Rabbis simply didn’t do that—washing the feet. It would have been beneath them,” she said. “Jesus flipped it around and did it. The only one who had an issue was Peter. He thought it was wrong for Jesus to wash their feet. But he finally relented.” Jesus’ shocking act of humility taught a lesson that echoes through the centuries: greatness is found in serving others.
During that same evening, Jesus gave his followers a new commandment—to love one another as He had loved them. The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” highlighting this moment.
The Last Supper: A Sacred First At the table, Jesus broke bread and shared wine with his disciples, telling them the bread represented his body and the wine his blood. This was the beginning of what churches today recognize as Holy Communion or the Eucharist.
I asked Major Payne how Christians should reflect on this moment in light of the resurrection to come. “The Last Supper was the last time they would be together,” she said. “They actually did what amounts to the first communion.
While eating their last meal together, Jesus announced that one of His disciples would betray Him: ‘One who dips his bread in the dish with me will betray me.’ And Judas replied to Him, ‘Master, am I the one?’ Jesus told him, ‘Thou hast said.’”
It was a deeply emotional moment. Jesus knew what was coming—his betrayal, his suffering, and his death.
Yet He still chose love.
He still served.
He still gave thanks.
A Night That Changed Everything Maundy Thursday is more than a remembrance—it’s a call to action.
To love sacrificially. To serve humbly. To remember Christ’s body broken and his blood poured out. As we reflect on this holy night, may we be reminded that the road to resurrection began with a basin of water, a shared meal, and a love strong enough to endure betrayal.
