Message Notes

(I) SIGNIFICANCE OF MAUNDY THURSDAY

1. Maundy comes from the Latin “Mandatum” (commandment)

2. We take time to remember what the Lord Jesus commanded His disciples

(II) A NEW COMMANDMENT

1. Primary idea behind the word “new”

a) A new Quality

b) Rather than a contrast between “new” and “old”

2. Poignant Context of this New Commandment

a) Jesus addressed them as “children” (John 13:33a)

b) He spoke of being with them for “just a little” longer (John 13:33b)

c) This was on the Eve of His departure (His death) (John 13:33c)

d) They will seek Him (John 13:33d)

e) But they will not be able to join Him immediately (John 13:33e)

(III) THE FORCE OF THIS NEW COMMANDMENT

1. A new commandment I give to you THAT you love one another (John 13:34a)

a) This commandment is linked by the word “that” (Greek: hina)

b) “That” suggests both “purpose” and “goal”

i) Purpose of this commandment issued

ii) Goal of this commandment to be realized

c) Focus: “Love one another”

2. As I have loved you THAT you love one another

a) This sentence is also linked by the word “that” (Greek: hina)

b) “That” suggests both “purpose” and “goal”

c) Focus: Love one another

i) As the disciples had experienced the love of the Lord Jesus

ii) The purpose of this commandment is to practise this same love received

iii) The goal of this commandment is to exhibit this love to one another

3. Reinforcement of this commandment

(Same use of the word “hina”- “THAT”)

a) This is My commandment THAT you love one another (John 15:12)

b) These things I command you THAT you love one another (John 15:17)

(IV) A SOBERING THOUGHT

“By this all will know that you are My disciples IF you have love for one another” John 13:35

“IF anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23

1. A big “IF”

a) IF there is indeed that love for one another

b) IF there is real love for the Lord Jesus

2. Significance of this word “IF”

a) Uncertain

b) Unfulfilled

3. A Maundy Thursday Challenge

To re-examine our hearts and to renew our love for the Lord in humble obedience!