Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2022)
Illustration
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Those familiar with Alaskan culture know of the Iditarod. It is a sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome. It’s become famous throughout the world and many people in the “lower 48” know what it is. Another facet of Alaskan history that is not as well-known is the “Serum Run.”
In January 1925, an outbreak of diphtheria threatened to wipeout the town of Nome, Alaska, sparking fears that an epidemic would spread and kill thousands if antitoxin medicine was not supplied. The medicine could only be delivered by dogsled across a portion of the Iditarod Trail, the only route accessible for transporting goods during the harsh winters. A heroic relay of dog teams transported the antitoxin across the 674-mile trail from Nenana to Nome braving the blasting winds, -85-degree temperatures, and whiteout conditions across the remote Alaskan interior. The life-saving serum was delivered to Nome in a record-breaking 127.5 hours, without a single broken vial. This came to be known as the 1925 Serum Run.
Reading the archives of Alaska’s state history reveals that lives were saved due to the willing sacrifice of the mushers and their dogs. We think a lot about sacrifice at this time of year. The Hebrews were saved by the sacrifice of a perfect lamb, whose blood was put on the doorposts and lintel. The people of God today are saved by the perfect Lamb of God whose sacrifice brought us life, hope and healing.
Bill T.
* * *
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
According to the NRSV, one is to eat the Passover meal “in haste.” The New Jewish Publication Society translation says “hurriedly.” But Everett Fox, in his more literal rendering, suggests “in trepidation.” When you’re a slave packing for a quick getaway it’s hard not to be a little nervous when you’re preparing to illegally run away, an activity that could to punishment, torture, and death.
There are some of us who under stress would simply not have an appetite, while others would eat twice as much out of nervousness. And this trepidation is justified because later Pharaoh will come to his senses and hightail it in their direction. Only a miracle could save them.
Regardless of what kind a person one is, the command to eat something is sound. The body can’t run without fuel.
Frank R.
* * *
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Mother Teresa believed that The Lord’s Supper strengthened her daily ministry. In her words, “Communion with Christ gives us our strength, our joy, and our love.” Martin Luther also spoke of what the sacrament has to offer for everyday life:
But our Lord Christ desires that just as your greed speaks to you and preaches to you endlessly of money and goods, or power and honor, in the same manner you would let yourself be drawn and led into that life, and think on your redeemer, who died on the cross for you; and so set your heart on fire, that you desire to be with him, being weary of this world. (Complete Sermons, Vol. 6, p. 47)
Early English Puritan leader Richard Baxter well explains why these good things happen in this sacrament:
Nowhere is God so near to man as in Jesus Christ; and nowhere is Christ so familiarly represented to us, as in this holy sacrament.
Mark E.
* * *
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Ron Hutchcraft in his book Five Needs Your Child Must Have Met at Home writes of Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme. In 1976, Fromme was on every front page in America. She had tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford. She was 17 years old at the time. Fromme was a proud follower of Charles Manson. Manson was a crazed killer who worked through his dedicated band of fanatical “disciples” to commit despicable acts. Fromme’s history showed that she felt like a misfit in her town, and so she wandered across the country until she met Manson who promised to take care of her. She went with him and was willing to kill and die for him. Reporters asked, “Why would you give your life to a man like Manson?” Hutchcraft notes he read her explanation in a magazine, where she explained she had made a choice early in her teenage years. Her thought was tragically succinct. “Whoever loves me first can have my life.” Someone probably had loved Squeaky, but she was ready to give her life to whomever made her feel loved first.
The message of love is powerful, personal, and imperative for all people. “Squeaky” Fromme’s story reminds us of the wrong side of it. There’s another, better story of love. At the last supper, Jesus symbolically demonstrated his love for the apostles by washing their feet. Hours later he will show the reality of his love. The last supper is a meal and an event that begins and ends with love. Will you give your life to the one who loves you best?
Bill T.
* * *
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Some denominations, such as the Amish, the various brethren denominations, and a few of the independent African-American churches, take literally what Jesus says: “So if I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John13:14-15) Speaking from personal experience as a member of the Church of the Brethren, many of us describe love feast, a three-part communion service that includes the feet washing, the love feast, along with the bread and cup, the highlight of the church year. But whether you take this literally or not, the willingness of Jesus to take the lead in a menial task reserved for slaves, unashamed and unafraid to lose face in the larger society in which they dwelt, indicates a willingness to make love come alive in action. The health care workers who are willing to perform the grittiest tasks while working in nursing homes, hospice care, and in-home settings, parents caring for their children, adult children caring for their aging parents, those who work with the homeless – all sorts of people truly embody obedience to the command of Jesus to follow his example in this. A celebration of these people may be in order for Maundy Thursday.
Frank R.
Those familiar with Alaskan culture know of the Iditarod. It is a sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome. It’s become famous throughout the world and many people in the “lower 48” know what it is. Another facet of Alaskan history that is not as well-known is the “Serum Run.”
In January 1925, an outbreak of diphtheria threatened to wipeout the town of Nome, Alaska, sparking fears that an epidemic would spread and kill thousands if antitoxin medicine was not supplied. The medicine could only be delivered by dogsled across a portion of the Iditarod Trail, the only route accessible for transporting goods during the harsh winters. A heroic relay of dog teams transported the antitoxin across the 674-mile trail from Nenana to Nome braving the blasting winds, -85-degree temperatures, and whiteout conditions across the remote Alaskan interior. The life-saving serum was delivered to Nome in a record-breaking 127.5 hours, without a single broken vial. This came to be known as the 1925 Serum Run.
Reading the archives of Alaska’s state history reveals that lives were saved due to the willing sacrifice of the mushers and their dogs. We think a lot about sacrifice at this time of year. The Hebrews were saved by the sacrifice of a perfect lamb, whose blood was put on the doorposts and lintel. The people of God today are saved by the perfect Lamb of God whose sacrifice brought us life, hope and healing.
Bill T.
* * *
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
According to the NRSV, one is to eat the Passover meal “in haste.” The New Jewish Publication Society translation says “hurriedly.” But Everett Fox, in his more literal rendering, suggests “in trepidation.” When you’re a slave packing for a quick getaway it’s hard not to be a little nervous when you’re preparing to illegally run away, an activity that could to punishment, torture, and death.
There are some of us who under stress would simply not have an appetite, while others would eat twice as much out of nervousness. And this trepidation is justified because later Pharaoh will come to his senses and hightail it in their direction. Only a miracle could save them.
Regardless of what kind a person one is, the command to eat something is sound. The body can’t run without fuel.
Frank R.
* * *
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Mother Teresa believed that The Lord’s Supper strengthened her daily ministry. In her words, “Communion with Christ gives us our strength, our joy, and our love.” Martin Luther also spoke of what the sacrament has to offer for everyday life:
But our Lord Christ desires that just as your greed speaks to you and preaches to you endlessly of money and goods, or power and honor, in the same manner you would let yourself be drawn and led into that life, and think on your redeemer, who died on the cross for you; and so set your heart on fire, that you desire to be with him, being weary of this world. (Complete Sermons, Vol. 6, p. 47)
Early English Puritan leader Richard Baxter well explains why these good things happen in this sacrament:
Nowhere is God so near to man as in Jesus Christ; and nowhere is Christ so familiarly represented to us, as in this holy sacrament.
Mark E.
* * *
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Ron Hutchcraft in his book Five Needs Your Child Must Have Met at Home writes of Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme. In 1976, Fromme was on every front page in America. She had tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford. She was 17 years old at the time. Fromme was a proud follower of Charles Manson. Manson was a crazed killer who worked through his dedicated band of fanatical “disciples” to commit despicable acts. Fromme’s history showed that she felt like a misfit in her town, and so she wandered across the country until she met Manson who promised to take care of her. She went with him and was willing to kill and die for him. Reporters asked, “Why would you give your life to a man like Manson?” Hutchcraft notes he read her explanation in a magazine, where she explained she had made a choice early in her teenage years. Her thought was tragically succinct. “Whoever loves me first can have my life.” Someone probably had loved Squeaky, but she was ready to give her life to whomever made her feel loved first.
The message of love is powerful, personal, and imperative for all people. “Squeaky” Fromme’s story reminds us of the wrong side of it. There’s another, better story of love. At the last supper, Jesus symbolically demonstrated his love for the apostles by washing their feet. Hours later he will show the reality of his love. The last supper is a meal and an event that begins and ends with love. Will you give your life to the one who loves you best?
Bill T.
* * *
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Some denominations, such as the Amish, the various brethren denominations, and a few of the independent African-American churches, take literally what Jesus says: “So if I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John13:14-15) Speaking from personal experience as a member of the Church of the Brethren, many of us describe love feast, a three-part communion service that includes the feet washing, the love feast, along with the bread and cup, the highlight of the church year. But whether you take this literally or not, the willingness of Jesus to take the lead in a menial task reserved for slaves, unashamed and unafraid to lose face in the larger society in which they dwelt, indicates a willingness to make love come alive in action. The health care workers who are willing to perform the grittiest tasks while working in nursing homes, hospice care, and in-home settings, parents caring for their children, adult children caring for their aging parents, those who work with the homeless – all sorts of people truly embody obedience to the command of Jesus to follow his example in this. A celebration of these people may be in order for Maundy Thursday.
Frank R.
