These two devotionals were part of the 2021 Maundy Thursday Service at Christ Community Church. The former “Jesus, the Servant” (John 13:1-17) focuses on the radical humility of “the God who does feet,” including those of his enemies, like Judas. The latter, “Jesus, the Living Bread” (Luke 22:14-23) focuses on the mystery of Christ’s body and blood being made given to his followers in the redefinition of elements found on the Passover table. Not only are believers washed by Christ, but they are also nourished and sustained by him in the new exodus.

Holy Week can be one of the most significant times of a church’s worship year. During these special days, we clear our calendar to focus exclusively on the events of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, which are at the very heart of our Christian faith. Our attention during this special week is directed toward the person and work of Jesus Christ as the triumphant yet humble King (Palm Sunday), the Servant of God and Mediator of the New Covenant (Maundy Thursday), the Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World (Good Friday), and Christus Victor—the Risen Savior of the Human Race (Easter Sunday).

Historically, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday have all been regarded as the Great Triduum (“Three Great Days”), yet one single, continuous worship service. Therefore, the benediction is not typically spoken until the conclusion of the Easter Sunday worship service. Our purpose in these gatherings is to exalt and honor the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on our behalf, and remember his amazing grace to us. In the words of John the Baptist, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30).