"A New Mandate"

Scripture: John 13:34

Today is Maundy Thursday. It is the day that Christians commemorate the final meal that Jesus had with his disciples. John 13 gives us the most detailed account of what happened at the table that night. John tells us how Jesus washed the disciples feet. John records how Judas was revealed as the betrayer and then finally John gives us the record of a new commandment that Jesus gave. Verse 34 reads: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

We call today Maundy Thursday because of verse 34. The word "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment." We get the word "mandate" from "mandatum." Maundy refers to the command Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper: to love with humility by serving one another.

The love that Jesus refers to is not a feeling. It is an action. Our response to the new mandate is the apex of celebrating the resurrection season. Love one another by serving with humility.