As I reflect on Maundy Thursday, I think about Jesus’ commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you.” [1] This commandment is given during the Last Supper. Jesus is aware that he does not have much time left to live. With that in mind, he celebrates one last meal with his disciples. Jesus breaks bread and says, “This is my body.” Then he pours wine and says, “This is my blood.” He invites the disciples to eat the bread and drink the wine. Afterwards, he asks the disciples to “Do this in remembrance of me.”[2] These words are important for us to remember because they are Jesus’ parting words. Like an ill person facing his death, Jesus leaves a lasting impression on his disciples. As he faces death, Jesus serves by preparing others for their task.
After dinner, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. He wanted to teach them how to love one another, as he loved them. When Jesus washed their feet, he said “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” [3] By doing this, Jesus instructed his disciples how to love and serve one another.
In the Bible, it says that true greatness in His kingdom is attained by those with a servant’s heart.[4] When we have a servant’s heart, the Lord promised, we will be greatly blessed.[5] We are to emulate Jesus, serving one another in lowliness of heart and mind, seeking to build one another up in humility and love. When we do this, God looks upon us with favor. In turn, God will bless us.
A servant’s heart can help those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The ability to show love to another is an act of compassion. When my son died, people showered me with love. I received countless cards, food, monetary gifts, and flowers from people who loved and cared about me. I will always remember and be thankful for the love I received during the most difficult time in my life.
If you know someone who is hurting, it is important to shower them with love. Acts of love are never forgotten. Jesus commands us to love one another. There are many ways that we can show our love to someone else. Some of these ways include:
Making time for another person.
Listening to another person.
Hugging another person.
Helping make another person’s life easier.
Praying for another person.
Surprising another person with your love.
Sending a care package to another person.
Buying food for another person.
Cooking a meal for another person.
Supporting another person in whatever way you can.
Running errands for another person.
Cutting the yard for another person.
When I think about serving others it helps me to remember that actions speak louder than words. Jesus’ act of love shows that we can express our love without using words. Sometimes it is hard to find the right words to say to someone who has lost a loved one. When you can’t find the right words to say, do something to express your love. Jesus commands us to love one another the way He first loved us. Let us seek to have a servant’s heart like His.
Tags: Servant’s Heart, Love, Compassion, Maundy Thursday
[1] John 13:34
[2] 1 Corinthians 11:24
[3] John 13:15
[4] Mark 9:35, 10:44
[5] John 13:17