Liturgical day · kjv
What Is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday of Holy Week — the night Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples, washed their feet, and gave them a new commandment: love one another.
History & Origin
The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum — "commandment" — from Jesus's words in John 13:34: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another." On this night Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper (Communion/Eucharist), washed the disciples' feet as a sign of servant leadership, prayed in Gethsemane, and was betrayed by Judas. It is the gateway between the triumph of Palm Sunday and the grief of Good Friday.
How It Is Observed
Services often include foot-washing (literally, in many traditions), the celebration of Communion, and the stripping of the altar at the end — symbolizing the abandonment of Christ. Some traditions observe a Tenebrae that begins Thursday evening and continues through Good Friday.
Scripture for Maundy Thursday
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
John 13:14
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.”
Matthew 26:26
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.”
Luke 22:42
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Maundy" mean?
It comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning "commandment" — a reference to Jesus's new commandment in John 13:34 to love one another as he loved us.
What happened on Maundy Thursday?
Jesus shared the Last Supper with the twelve disciples, instituted the Lord's Supper (Communion), washed the disciples' feet, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and was betrayed and arrested.
Why is foot-washing part of the service?
Foot-washing was Jesus's living parable of servant leadership — the Lord of all taking the role of the lowest household servant. Churches re-enact it to preach the same call to humility and love.
Is Maundy Thursday the same as Holy Thursday?
Yes. "Maundy Thursday" is the name used in many Protestant and Anglican traditions; "Holy Thursday" is more common in Catholic usage. Both refer to the same day.