Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2013)
Illustration
Object:
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
There are days to remember: birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Independence Day, tax day, election day. On these days, we share certain rituals that remind us of the significance of that particular day. The day is important because it has consequences for the living of the rest of the days: joy in being alive, being in relationship, being a citizen, sharing the responsibility of community, having a voice to determine who will lead. The Passover was a day to remember that one is alive to God to remain in a covenant relationship, identified as a free people to share in a new community where leadership is to be an expression of God's guidance.
Mark M.
Exodus 12 1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Whenever we see a lamb mentioned in the Old Testament, we think of Jesus, the lamb of God who was indeed perfect and without blemish. We are also saved by the blood of that lamb. The Lord's Supper symbolizes this. There is a list of terrible things that happen to the lamb in the Old Testament. In every case it is a sacrifice for and to God by us.
The other thing that strikes you in the closing verse is that it will be a tradition -- a lasting ordinance. Lent is our tradition that leads up to the sacrifice of the lamb of God on Good Friday. This is the last sacrifice and ends the tradition begun in the Old Testament. Lent is a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us not just on Good Friday, but in his whole life on earth.
As a missionary to Nepal I saw blood from animals running on the streets every fall at the time of the traditional sacrifice. I could see the relief on many new converts when they realized that they did not need any more sacrifices because God had made the last one for them. He had given himself!
That is a great message for the entire world and even for some Christians today who are trying to find out what they need to sacrifice to God for their salvation. They need to know that it is finished! Jesus has done it for them!
Bob O.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Students of evolution have observed that sharing common rituals enhances trust and social solidarity (Nicholas Wade, The Faith Instinct, pp. 78-81, 92-96, 197ff). A congregation and its community would be much closer and cohesive if we stopped to remember how many times we have shared a common meal. Table fellowship creates and solidifies families. As we come to see the Lord's Supper in this way, then on this Thursday and other days we could sing with Pope Benedict XVI that in Christ we have been made a " 'we,' which transcends our divisions and makes us one…" (God Is Love, p. 47).
Mark E.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
During the meeting of the Continental Congress, George Washington was the only attendee to wear a military uniform. He was also the only one in the chamber that had combat leadership experience during the French and Indian War. One duty of the Congress was to select a commander for the newly formed Continental Army, which was to battle the British and secure America's independence. To the delegates, Washington became the obvious choice for that position. Upon receiving his commission, Washington said, "I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with."
Paul writes, in reference to the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper, "For I received from the Lord what I also handed onto you." We may not feel worthy of partaking the Lord's Supper and embarking upon the responsibility that it commemorates, but we do so because it is a calling that is entrusted to us.
Ron L.
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
It is said that mimicry is the highest form of flattery. Comedians have often imitated famous politicians and celebrities. Rich Little has been one of the best comedic impressionists, known as "the man with a thousand voices." He has done great routines as George Burns, Richard Nixon, and Johnny Carson, among many others.
Jesus counsels his disciples to imitate him, not to sound like him with their voices, but to act like him with their deeds -- servant deeds. As we show servant love for one another, others will recognize Jesus in us.
Mark M.
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
There is enough in this passage to fill your whole ministry!
First we can point out that Jesus celebrated established traditions. He changed forever what they symbolized, but he used them for his message, which is found in the entire Bible. The most important message he gave is the message of his love. God is love and without that love we have no message for the world.
The next item in the passage tells of the betrayal of that love by one of his own, Judas. Even Jesus' own inner circle was not immune to Satan's temptation. Judas doubted that Jesus was really who he said he was, or Jesus would be getting rid of the Roman occupiers to save his people. He missed the message!
Jesus knew the consequences of that betrayal, but he obeyed his Father in heaven. I wonder if I would have been faithful if I knew what was in store for me. I saw converts in Nepal thrown in prison or killed for their faith. We like to think we would have been strong enough to be faithful. Would we? It made me humble!
At one meeting in Nepal, the first Christian in Nepal was at a meeting where the leader suggested that we have a foot washing. All my pupils wanted to wash the feet of old pastor Tir. Instead he shocked everyone by washing all of their feet. What an example! Pastor Tir had been jailed for his faith several times and suffered brutal treatment but forgave all! I saw a "foot washing" service in a church years ago where the pastor dusted off the shod feet of his members with a dry rag -- symbolism? Acceptable to God? Who knows?
Again, none of Jesus' disciples understood what he meant by saying he would be with them only a bit longer! How many times I have not understood a passage of scripture until later when something happened to me that fulfilled it.
Again that word "love" comes up. That is the most important message -- and it is not a message that only comes through words. Others must see love acted out in the lives of Christians. That is what wins people in every country on earth, and it will win your next-door neighbor!
Bob O.
There are days to remember: birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Independence Day, tax day, election day. On these days, we share certain rituals that remind us of the significance of that particular day. The day is important because it has consequences for the living of the rest of the days: joy in being alive, being in relationship, being a citizen, sharing the responsibility of community, having a voice to determine who will lead. The Passover was a day to remember that one is alive to God to remain in a covenant relationship, identified as a free people to share in a new community where leadership is to be an expression of God's guidance.
Mark M.
Exodus 12 1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Whenever we see a lamb mentioned in the Old Testament, we think of Jesus, the lamb of God who was indeed perfect and without blemish. We are also saved by the blood of that lamb. The Lord's Supper symbolizes this. There is a list of terrible things that happen to the lamb in the Old Testament. In every case it is a sacrifice for and to God by us.
The other thing that strikes you in the closing verse is that it will be a tradition -- a lasting ordinance. Lent is our tradition that leads up to the sacrifice of the lamb of God on Good Friday. This is the last sacrifice and ends the tradition begun in the Old Testament. Lent is a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us not just on Good Friday, but in his whole life on earth.
As a missionary to Nepal I saw blood from animals running on the streets every fall at the time of the traditional sacrifice. I could see the relief on many new converts when they realized that they did not need any more sacrifices because God had made the last one for them. He had given himself!
That is a great message for the entire world and even for some Christians today who are trying to find out what they need to sacrifice to God for their salvation. They need to know that it is finished! Jesus has done it for them!
Bob O.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Students of evolution have observed that sharing common rituals enhances trust and social solidarity (Nicholas Wade, The Faith Instinct, pp. 78-81, 92-96, 197ff). A congregation and its community would be much closer and cohesive if we stopped to remember how many times we have shared a common meal. Table fellowship creates and solidifies families. As we come to see the Lord's Supper in this way, then on this Thursday and other days we could sing with Pope Benedict XVI that in Christ we have been made a " 'we,' which transcends our divisions and makes us one…" (God Is Love, p. 47).
Mark E.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
During the meeting of the Continental Congress, George Washington was the only attendee to wear a military uniform. He was also the only one in the chamber that had combat leadership experience during the French and Indian War. One duty of the Congress was to select a commander for the newly formed Continental Army, which was to battle the British and secure America's independence. To the delegates, Washington became the obvious choice for that position. Upon receiving his commission, Washington said, "I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with."
Paul writes, in reference to the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper, "For I received from the Lord what I also handed onto you." We may not feel worthy of partaking the Lord's Supper and embarking upon the responsibility that it commemorates, but we do so because it is a calling that is entrusted to us.
Ron L.
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
It is said that mimicry is the highest form of flattery. Comedians have often imitated famous politicians and celebrities. Rich Little has been one of the best comedic impressionists, known as "the man with a thousand voices." He has done great routines as George Burns, Richard Nixon, and Johnny Carson, among many others.
Jesus counsels his disciples to imitate him, not to sound like him with their voices, but to act like him with their deeds -- servant deeds. As we show servant love for one another, others will recognize Jesus in us.
Mark M.
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
There is enough in this passage to fill your whole ministry!
First we can point out that Jesus celebrated established traditions. He changed forever what they symbolized, but he used them for his message, which is found in the entire Bible. The most important message he gave is the message of his love. God is love and without that love we have no message for the world.
The next item in the passage tells of the betrayal of that love by one of his own, Judas. Even Jesus' own inner circle was not immune to Satan's temptation. Judas doubted that Jesus was really who he said he was, or Jesus would be getting rid of the Roman occupiers to save his people. He missed the message!
Jesus knew the consequences of that betrayal, but he obeyed his Father in heaven. I wonder if I would have been faithful if I knew what was in store for me. I saw converts in Nepal thrown in prison or killed for their faith. We like to think we would have been strong enough to be faithful. Would we? It made me humble!
At one meeting in Nepal, the first Christian in Nepal was at a meeting where the leader suggested that we have a foot washing. All my pupils wanted to wash the feet of old pastor Tir. Instead he shocked everyone by washing all of their feet. What an example! Pastor Tir had been jailed for his faith several times and suffered brutal treatment but forgave all! I saw a "foot washing" service in a church years ago where the pastor dusted off the shod feet of his members with a dry rag -- symbolism? Acceptable to God? Who knows?
Again, none of Jesus' disciples understood what he meant by saying he would be with them only a bit longer! How many times I have not understood a passage of scripture until later when something happened to me that fulfilled it.
Again that word "love" comes up. That is the most important message -- and it is not a message that only comes through words. Others must see love acted out in the lives of Christians. That is what wins people in every country on earth, and it will win your next-door neighbor!
Bob O.
