18th April 2025

Maundy Thursday

Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You,

I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.

 Matthew 26:35

Today's Bible Reading: Luke 22:7-38.

The triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The cleansing of the temple. The teaching and the miracles. All displayed their leader’s power, and the faith of the disciples soared.  

Now, on this fifth day of the week, came the most intimate moment of all, the Passover meal, that high holy feast, just the twelve and Jesus. Over and over, at the table, He reiterated His love for them, even kneeling before them to wash their travel-weary feat.

Maundy Thursday corresponds to those times in our own lives when our faith feels unassailable. Surrounded by so many proofs of His love, how could we ever doubt?

Thursday is the most perilous day of our pilgrimage. Because when the test comes, we so often fail. Before daybreak, Peter was swearing he’d never heard of Jesus. Maundy Thursday represents our failures too, the ones which swiftly follow our moments of high commitment. The times when, having made great promises, we fall on our faces. When we let God down and let ourselves down and are left with only the certainty of our own weakness.

Thursday also ushers in the most hopeful stage of our journey. Because at last we are truly on the road to Easter. We have learned better than to place our trust in ourselves. Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows today, you will deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:34)

Notice, the Lord said it without condemnation, and without rejection. Jesus knew that the way leads through loss. Loss of self-satisfaction and self-sufficiency. He knew that on the other side of Easter, Peter would find the power that never fails.

Prayer: My Lord and God, Help me to stand firm in my faith when faced with opposition. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.