Today is the Ultimate #Throwback Thursday

#TBT -- Today is the ultimate #throwbackthursday.

This photo is one of the world's most famous paintings. It is the 15th Century mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and His Twelve Disciples. You can see how aghast they were at Jesus' announcement that one of them would betray Him.

Today is Holy Thursday when we remember more than a painting. It is the day before Jesus' crucifixion when He shared a Passover meal with His disciples. That meal invoked what we know as Holy Communion (Luke 22:19-20) where we hear His words: "As often as you do this, you do it in memory of Me!" That night, Jesus, the One celebrated as a King just days before, became a Servant when He washed His disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service. "No," Peter protested, "you will never wash my feet!" Jesus replied, "Unless I wash you, you won't belong to me." He set an example for us -- that we should love and serve one another.(John 13:3-17). At church tonight, we will not only remember and receive His love in Holy Communion, but there wil be a foot-washing ceremony in commemoration of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples.

For 3-1/2 years Jesus had poured His life into these men. After all the miracles they had seen, the tender and merciful acts of kindness and love He had shown, the many times He had said, "Do not be afraid" to them, somehow they still just didn't "get it". Only John would be standing off to the side of the cross tomorrow. The rest of them were too afraid to stand with Him. What if we had been there? Would we, too, have cowered in fear?

It certainly gives me pause for who I am today. Am I a devoted follower of Christ....even to the cross to bear witness of Him and His love for me? During this season of Lent (which ends this week) we've endeavored to spend quality time in the Holy Spirit's Wash-A-Teria, purposefully desiring cleansing and purifying to draw closer to our Lord and to be vessels that He can use. I continue to take these words to heart today. "Lord, wash me, cleanse me, purify me so that I too may be presented as a vessel of honor to you. I've said it before, I say it again "The purer the vessel the greater the flow". What an incredible flow of mercy, love, forgiveness, servitude and sacrifice that flowed from Jesus then, and continues to flow to us today. Oh Lord, may we be your servants today -- to follow, serve and love You, and others, as You served and loved.

May this beautiful song, "Make Me Your Servant" be your and my prayer today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rznoe3zKxM