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Hello Great Family,

Today is Maundy Thursday.  Mandatum is the Latin word for “command” or “mandate”, and the day is called Maundy Thursday because on the night before his death Jesus gave his disciples a new command. “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). At first it seems strange that Christ would call this a new command. After all, the Old Testament instructed God’s people to love their neighbors and Christ himself summarized the law as love for God and love for others. So what’s new about love? What makes the command new is that because of Jesus’ passion there is a new standard, a new example of love.

Tomorrow is Good Friday.  We feel conflicted about calling the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, “good.” The fact that there had to be a day when Jesus would take the judgment for our sin is not good at all. However, Jesus freely, fully, and gladly gave Himself for us on the cross, that is a never-to-be-surpassed goodness. It is quintessential, unparalleled “good.”

I encourage you to serve someone selflessly today like Jesus did for His friends on Maundy Thursday and I encourage you to attend our Good Friday service at Noon tomorrow.  Come worship Jesus with us.  Come celebrate communion with your church family.  Bring someone with you.  It promises to be a very good Friday!

God Bless
P.D. (Psalm 139)