A Command to Serve One Another
Sermon Maundy Thursday April 17, 2025
A Command to Serve One Another
Pastor Fred Okello
Tonight, we gather to remember a supper long ago and to relive its meaning and mandate. The word "Maundy" is a Latin word “mandatum”, which means “commandment.” drawn from John 13:34.
“A new commandment I give you: that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” So Maundy is a moment of divine instruction -a command to love, serve, and remember.
But what is the significance of Exodus 12:1-14? Jesus sharing of the Last Supper with His disciples was a Passover meal—a feast that for centuries reminded the Jewish people of God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
In Egypt, a lamb without blemish was sacrificed.
Its blood marked the doorposts so that the angel of death would pass over.
God instructed them to remember this act every year—a meal of freedom.
Jesus chose this moment, during the Passover, to institute something new.
At the table, Jesus redefined the meal:
“This is my body, broken for you.” “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.”
Jesus became the Passover Lamb—not just for Israel, but for the whole world.
He didn’t just save from slavery in Egypt—He saves us from slavery to sin.
At Maundy Thursday, before breaking the bread, Jesus did something shocking.
He rose from the table.
Took off His outer robe.
Wrapped a towel around His waist.
And began to wash His disciples’ feet.
This was the task of a servant, not a master. And yet Jesus, the Son of God, knelt to cleanse the dust from their feet.
Peter detested: “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
Jesus wasn’t just talking about physical dirt. He was showing them—and us—what love looks like.
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Washing feet. Breaking bread. Pouring wine. Laying down one’s life.
As followers of Christ, we are called to take up the basin and serve others without hesitation or pride. We are called to be fully present and attentive. To speak life through kind and uplifting words. To bring people’s needs before God.
We are called to show up during illness, grief, or crisis. To restore relationships. To give generously to those in need. To walk alongside others in faith and life. To welcome others into our home and heart. To offer gentle correction and guidance.
The commandment to love one another is sacrificial.
“As I have loved you,” Jesus said—meaning even to the cross.
Our love must cost us comfort, time, energy, and forgiveness. Each time we come to the Table, we must remember the One who gave Himself for us. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11 that we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” And,
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
—John 13:35
Amen.