Maundy Thursday feels different this year after we visited Israel last year.
When I think about Maundy Thursday, I’m back on Mount Olivet looking at the sweeping view.
That day, I asked our guide to point out the routes Jesus and his disciples took that day.
“Ah, excellent question.” He swept his hand, indicating where the men began, traveled, returned, and ended.
Jerusalem, physically, is much smaller than I imagined.
Jesus was busy during Holy Week
As the culmination of three years of ministry, Jesus and his disciples entered Jerusalem in a time of heightened tension.
The Sanhedrin wanted Jesus to vanish–to do away with him for good.
The Romans didn’t really care who was involved. They always wanted order in their provinces.
I’ve written about Holy Week events here and here.
Today, I’m focusing on Maundy Thursday, the day everything came to a head and the “bad guys” acted.
In the photo below, taken from the top of the Mount of Olives, I’ve marked four strategic sites where we know Jesus spent time that day.
First thing Thursday morning
It’s not clear where Jesus and his disciples spent the night.
Some believe they slept in Bethphage, a short walk east of the Mount of Olives. (Or basically behind the location of the above photograph).
Others believe the men slept in a grotto at Gethsemane (which means “oil press” in Hebrew).
That morning the disciples headed into the area now called “old town” in Jerusalem, by walking across the Kidron Valley through the Eastern Gate onto the Temple Mount.
Prophecy tells us Jesus will return through the Eastern Gate (or Golden Gate) someday.
Closed by the Muslims in 810, reopened in 1102 by the Crusaders, it was walled up by Saladin after regaining Jerusalem in 1187. Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilt it together with the city walls, but walled it up in 1541, and it stayed that way.
Wikipedia
During the daytime
None of the four gospels recount Jesus’ activities that day–which was the day before Passover.
Judas sought out the Temple authorities and volunteered to betray Jesus that night.
The Sanhedrin already plotted to get rid of Jesus of Nazareth, but may not have known where to find Him that day.
Perhaps Jesus remained outside of the walled Temple Mount to pray about what He knew would come.
The disciples were busy (Luke 22:10-14) preparing for the Passover feast that night. Jesus sent two of them
into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.”
Luke 22
What does Maundy Thursday mean?
Middle English maunde “ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on the Thursday before Easter,” from early French mandé (same meaning), from Latin mandatum “command”; so called from Jesus’ words “A new Commandment I give to you …” in John 13:34 (RSV) after he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper.
Thank you, Merrian Webster Dictionary.
Passover actually was the next day, so this technically was not the traditional Passover sedar meal.
But it included elements of the sedar.
Jesus himself said that night, “ I tell you I will not eat it [the Passover meal] until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:16)
Judas departed to betray Jesus before Jesus spoke about how much He loved His people–including those who lived long after (you and me).
The men sang a hymn and then left the Upper Room for a time of prayer back in the Garden of Gethsemane.
How did it end on Maundy Thursday?
In the “olive press” garden under an olive tree.
His sleepy disciples couldn’t stay awake, so Jesus prayed alone.
His agony was so great, he sweated blood.
The Roman Catholic Church of All Nations sits beside the garden.
Also known as the Basilica of Agony, visitors can touch the stone on which legend says Jesus’ blood spilled in prayer.
That’s my hand touching it.
Did I feel anything?
Not inparticular beyond the awe-filled wonder that Jesus prayed nearby that dreadful night.
Here, or not far away.
Standing and kneeling in the places where Jesus actually moved felt overwhelming.
I was at the place–give or take a few hundred feet–where these events took place.
Mind and soul-boggling!
You know how the night ended–a company of soldiers, a kiss of betrayal, a servant lost his ear.
In Jesus’ final act of mercy and love–he returned the servant’s ear to where it belonged: healed.
Holy week, Maundy Thursday, and Easter fill me with awe after an Israel visit.
It all happened. Right there.
A blessed Easter to you all. He is risen, indeed!
Tweetables
Why Maundy Thursdays feels different following a trip to Israel. Click to Tweet
What happened on Maundy Thursday in AD 33 Jerusalem? Click to Tweet
In other news, my long-awaited biography, Overflowing Faith: Lettie Cowman and Streams in the Desert, is now on PRE-sale in the KINDLE edition for the lowest ever price of $2.99
The book and audiobook (read by me), will be available June 6.
Carol Ruth Nicolet Loewen says
Thank you Michelle. We were at the hall and a number of years ago and your post brought back memories of walking in the places where Jesus walked, in walking on the via Delarosa, visiting Gethsemane. Yes, they all make Easter even more meaningful because we can picture the places Where their soldiers beat and crucified Jesus; and the tomb, from which he was raised on Sunday. He is risen indeed! Thank you and blessed Easter.
Michelle Ule says
So amazing and poignant, wasn’t it, Carol?