As I ponder and reflect on this Holy Week, and each different event that took place, from the triumphal entry where the crowds cried Hosanna all the way through to the crowds screaming crucify Him. Even on through the horrors of abuse and torment of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion, the burial, and the Resurrection. 
I believe that Maundy Thursday, as expressed in John 13 through 18, would have to have been the most emotionally full night with the disciples that Jesus had during His earthly ministry. Oh, sure there were many times and events throughout the Gospels of Jesus’ life and ministry that were emotional, powerful, and even painful for Jesus to experience. But here we can hear the sense of finality in what Jesus is sharing with his disciples. It’s like the final speech on graduation day, there is a finality to that speech, there is this feeling that this is the last chance to get it about what comes next, and what is coming after the next.
I believe that Maundy Thursday, as expressed in John 13 through 18, would have to have been the most emotionally full night with the disciples that Jesus had during His earthly ministry. Oh, sure there were many times and events throughout the Gospels of Jesus’ life and ministry that were emotional, powerful, and even painful for Jesus to experience. But here we can hear the sense of finality in what Jesus is sharing with his disciples. It’s like the final speech on graduation day, there is a finality to that speech, there is this feeling that this is the last chance to get it about what comes next, and what is coming after the next.In the course of this Thursday Jesus does the following:
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Washes the disciples feet
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Celebrates Passover
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Instituted the Lords Supper (Communion or the Holy Eucharist as it is described in some faith traditions)
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Identified His betrayer
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Jesus taught on
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His coming death
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His bridegroom role preparing a place for us with the Father (John 14)
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Staying integrated with the vine
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Unity
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Holy Spirit
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Slavery identity
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Friend identity
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Prayer and Answered Prayer
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Jesus prays what we now know as His “Priestly Prayer”
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He prays for himself
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He Prays for his disciples
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He prays for the coming believers
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This prayer models the Old Testament Priestly prayer where-by on the Day of atonement the high priest would pray, intercede, or mediate (including offering sacrifice) for themselves, their tribe (the Priesthood), and then the nation (Leviticus 16). It’s seen here in Jesus, our High Priest (Hebrews 7-9 & 13) As he prepares to go to the cross as the Atonement sacrifice for the sins of the world.
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Jesus gives a new command “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 – This is where we get the term “Maundy” from. It originates from the Latin word for commandment. Maundy Thursday is where Jesus gives us this new commandment.
There are two distinct time-periods in the Gospels where a significant portion of the chapters are devoted to a single teaching, single timeframe. One of those is the sermon on the mount. Jesus treatise on the life of the believer and the life of His Ekklesia. His Church, recorded in Matthew 5-7. This one here in John is 20% of the total text. Three years of Jesus’ life recorded in 21 chapters in the book of John, 5 chapters devoted to this singular twenty-four hour period speaks to its importance to Father God to be recorded in His prophecy of Scripture in this magnitude. It screams to us as believers “pay attention, this is important to your relationship with Me”. It screams to us “This is what my Son went through for you”.
Let me encourage you today to take time to read, really read these 5 chapters of John, John 13-18 and let Holy Spirit speak to you about Jesus. This one section of scripture could change your life. I know it has mine!