Holy Week is a slow, deliberate journey—and now we feel the pace quicken. Yesterday, shadows began gathering; today, the clock speeds toward the darkest and brightest moments of all time.
Spy Wednesday: The Betrayal Set in Motion
Yesterday, we remembered the chilling events of what is often called "Spy Wednesday."
Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16
"Then one of the Twelve — the one called Judas Iscariot — went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."
Conspiracy. Betrayal. Greed. Hate. All the darkest forces of the human heart came together. Judas, a trusted companion, gave in to disillusionment or greed (or perhaps both) and agreed to sell out the Savior for the price of a slave.
But even here, the Sovereign Hand of God was at work. Evil thought it was winning, but God was weaving redemption.
Some Methodists celebrate a Tenebrae Service- The word "tenebrae" is Latin for "darkness" or "shadows"- and they tend to include a dark service with candles that are extinguished.
Maundy Thursday: The Final Evening Before the Cross
Today, Maundy Thursday, the clock ticks louder. Jesus spends His last full evening with His disciples, and each moment is packed with eternal meaning.
1. The Last Supper:
Scripture: Luke 22:19-20
"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
At the table, Jesus transforms the ancient Passover into a new covenant meal. The bread and cup become living symbols of His body and blood, soon to be broken and poured out for the sins of the world.
2. The Washing of Feet:
Scripture: John 13:14-15
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
In a breathtaking act of humility, the Lord kneels to wash the dirty feet of His disciples. The King of Kings chooses the role of the lowest servant, teaching us that greatness in His kingdom always looks like love in action.
3. The New MANDATE:(Maundy)
Scripture: John 13:34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
The "Maundy" of Maundy Thursday comes from "mandatum" — mandate, command. Love is not optional for those who follow Christ. It is our mark, our mission, and our testimony.
4. Gethsemane:
Scripture: Matthew 26:39
"Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'"
In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus' raw anguish. The weight of the coming cross crushes down, yet He chooses obedience. His yes in the garden undoes the no of Adam and Eve.
5. The Betrayal and Arrest:
Scripture: Luke 22:47-48
"While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, 'Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'"
The traitor acts. The soldiers seize Jesus. The long night of trials, mockery, and torture begins.
Here is Jesus- washing MY feet, Drinking the Cup of MY deserved wrath, Giving His body to be broken for ME!
Is it too much to ask for me to simply love Him and love others?
Time is Ticking
Every moment carries us closer now — to the scourging, the nails, the cry of abandonment, the final breath.
But every moment also carries us closer to victory.
Stay awake. Stay near. The cross is coming—and after it, an empty tomb.