What does Maundy Thursday mean? It is the Thursday of Holy Week and the day when Jesus celebrated Passover in Jerusalem with his disciples, his last meal with them before he died on Good Friday. Read on to learn how to make this day meaningful in your spiritual life.
What Does “Maundy” Thursday Mean?
The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum which means command.
At the Passover meal, Jesus gave his disciples this command to love one another,
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34
Jesus also commanded his disciples to continue to celebrate the Lord’s supper in remembrance of him,
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’
Luke 22:19-20
What Happened on Maundy Thursday?
Read the Bible account of Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, here: John 12 and Luke 22.
Two significant events happened during this final meal of Jesus’ life, which is why this is also called the Last Supper. Jesus was Jewish and celebrated Passover with his disciples or family every year.
Yet this meal was different. During this meal, Jesus celebrated Passover in an Upper Room with his disciples and instituted the Lord’s Supper. He took the bread and said, “This is my body, given for you,” and took the wine and said, “This is my blood, given for you for the forgiveness of your sins.” This must have been confusing and amazing to his disciples.
Today, in church services worldwide, Christians use the exact words Jesus’ spoke that night.
The second significant event of the night was when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Foot washing was a humble chore done by servants, yet Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to show humility. He came to save the world by serving, not ruling as an earthly king.
Do you follow his example?
Jesus also predicted that Judas and Simon Peter would betray him that night.
Later that night, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray, where Roman soldiers arrested him. (See the following article: What Happened on Good Friday?)
How Can You Honor Maundy Thursday?
The words Maundy Thursday are not in the Bible, so it’s not required to observe anything in particular on this day, but many people find it meaningful to remember what Jesus did during the Last Supper.
Most churches, during Maundy Thursday worship, focus their worship services on Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper (see Luke 22). Communion is offered and is the primary focus of the service.
Some churches have a foot-washing ceremony where members take turns washing one another’s feet, just as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (John 13).
What is the Stripping of the Altar During Holy Week?
The Stripping of the Altar is a ceremony at the end of Maundy Thursday worship in some traditional churches. During the stripping, all paraments and decorations on the altar are removed to honor Jesus’ time in the grave after his death and before his resurrection.
Because Jesus’ body and blood are present in the elements of communion, and communion is received at the altar, the altar is stripped bare as a reminder of what happened to Jesus’ human body.
Psalm 22 is read as the paraments are taken away to be stored until after Easter Sunday.
For dogs encompass me;
a company of evildoers encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet—
I can count all my bones—
they stare and gloat over me;
they divide my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.Psalm 22:16-18
Taking some personal devotion time on Maundy Thursday to reflect on Jesus’ life can add meaning to the day.
Images of Maundy Thursday
This is one of the most famous depictions of the Last Supper.
Use the celebration of Maundy Thursday to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for you.
How will you honor Maundy Thursday this year? Share in the comments below.
Journey to the Cross: A Holy Week Devotional for Weight Loss and Wellness
Use the Journey to the Cross journal to connect faith and health as you reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice while making mindful choices. Each day includes Scripture, reflection questions, prayers, and simple but powerful action steps to align your food choices with your faith.
Celebrate the resurrection with a renewed body and spirit – because victory is already yours. Get the Holy Week weight loss journal now.
Helpful Articles for Lent and Holy Week
How Do You Know When is Easter?
What is the Meaning of Palm Sunday?
Why You Should Honor Holy Week Before Easter
Other Lent Resources
Holy Week and Easter Kid and Adult Coloring Pages
Grow Your Faith with Helpful Printables
*How to Do a House Blessing
*How to Use an Advent Wreath
*Bible Verse Cards
*more!
This morning I’ll be reading from some of my spiritual books. This evening my husband and I have movie tickets to watch the last 3 completed episodes of The Chosen:The Last Supper. As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist and at every Mass we share a meal with Him and receive his body and blood thru Communion. What a gift He has given us!
Hi Sara,
Thank you for your posting!
I’m Catholic and will be attending Holy Thursday mass at my church tonight. The service is exactly as you describe.
Have a wonderful Easter, and thank you for all you do!
My husband and I will attend Maundy Thursday service at the Anglican Church tonight.
Sara, I love that you share your faith so freely as we all should. I pray your words fall on some open hearts today.
Blessed Easter to you and yours.