Thursday 2 April 2026
- Bible Book:
- 1 Corinthians
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." (vs 23-24)
Background
Today is Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning ‘command’. It refers to the instructions Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper – the final meal they all had together before Jesus was arrested. Paul (the author of 1 Corinthians) is referring to this event in our passage for today.
Interestingly, scholars think Paul wrote this letter around AD 55, so this description of Jesus' words and actions predates the record we have in the gospels. Mark's Gospel is generally considered by scholars to be the first gospel to have been written down. It was composed sometime around AD 65-70, shortly before or around the time the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. Paul’s letter precedes this by at least ten years.
Paul wrote his letter to the Corinthians because he was hearing rumours of division and selfish behaviour when people gathered as a church. Shortly before this extract begins, (in verses 20-22) he writes: "When you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord’s supper. For when the time comes to eat, each of you goes ahead with your own supper, and one goes hungry and another becomes drunk. What!"
Paul is incensed that this solemn memorial of Jesus' last meal with his friends is being treated in such a casual and unworthy manner.
To this day, the sequence of actions that Paul describes Jesus performing in relation to the bread and the wine is the same sequence repeated in Christian churches across the world. Regardless of denomination, liturgy, language, ritual, grandeur or simplicity, the actions are the same: take; thank; break; share.
Far from being casual, celebrating the Last Supper is a risky and demanding act of radical gratitude for, solidarity with, and responsibility to, the work of God.
To Ponder:
- When in the last few days, have you received most love? How?
- When in the last few days, have you shown least love? Why?
Prayer
Gracious God, show me how the ways in which I have been broken can enable me to share more fully in your love. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Sheryl Anderson
Sheryl is a supernumerary presbyter in the West Herts and Borders Circuit. In retirement she continues to preach and be a supervisor. She is also learning to keep bees.