Today we will talk about bible verses about Holy Thursday. Many Christians may not fully understand the significance of this day. Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples before His crucifixion. It is a day that reflects on themes such as love, sacrifice, and service. As we immerse ourselves in these Bible verses, let’s open our hearts to the lessons Jesus imparted during this pivotal moment in history. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word, allowing His message to guide and inspire us.
Bible Verses About Holy Thursday
The Last Supper
During the Last Supper, Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples, a moment filled with deep meaning and revelation. This event is central to our understanding of Holy Thursday. As we reflect on these verses, we’re reminded of how Jesus shared His body and blood with us, establishing a new covenant. We can find comfort in this sacred sharing, knowing how deeply loved we are.
Luke 22:19-20
“And he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” – Luke 22:19-20
Matthew 26:26
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.'” – Matthew 26:26
1 Corinthians 11:24-25
“And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
Mark 14:22-24
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them.” – Mark 14:22-24
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” – John 6:51
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
One of the most powerful moments of Holy Thursday is when Jesus humbled Himself to wash the feet of His disciples, demonstrating the essence of serving others and showing love through action. In our lives, we can learn to put others before ourselves, much like Jesus did. This profound act of love invites us to reflect on how we serve those around us.
John 13:4-5
“So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” – John 13:4-5
John 13:12-15
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.'” – John 13:12-15
Matthew 20:28
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28
Philippians 2:7
“Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” – Philippians 2:7
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
A New Commandment
On Holy Thursday, Jesus also gave His disciples a new commandment—to love one another as He loved them. This commandment is the foundation of our faith and how we are supposed to interact with each other. It challenges us to practice selfless love and provides a guiding principle for our lives as believers.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
1 John 4:21
“And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” – 1 John 4:21
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Betrayal of Judas Iscariot
Holy Thursday also marks the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. This tragic event serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we make and how those choices affect our relationship with Christ. It encourages us to examine our own hearts and remain steadfast in our commitment to follow Him faithfully.
Matthew 26:14-15
“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.” – Matthew 26:14-15
Luke 22:48
“But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'” – Luke 22:48
John 13:21
“After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.'” – John 13:21
Matthew 26:24
“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man whobetrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” – Matthew 26:24
Acts 1:16-17
“Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” – Acts 1:16-17
The Garden of Gethsemane
After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and seek strength for the trials ahead. This moment emphasizes the importance of prayer and communion with God, especially in difficult times. We are reminded of the peace that prayer can bring and how vital it is to ask for God’s guidance and support.
Matthew 26:39
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'” – Matthew 26:39
Mark 14:32-34
“They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took Peter, James, and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.'” – Mark 14:32-34
Luke 22:41-42
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.'” – Luke 22:41-42
John 17:1
“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.'” – John 17:1
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Jesus’ Arrest
The arrest of Jesus was a pivotal and sorrowful moment in the story of Holy Thursday. The disciples witnessed their beloved teacher being taken away, and it reminds us of the sacrifices made in love. This event compels us to understand the serious price of faith and the commitment that follows it. We are invited to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with challenges.
Matthew 26:50
“Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.” – Matthew 26:50
Mark 14:48-49
“‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.'” – Mark 14:48-49
Luke 22:54
“Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.” – Luke 22:54
John 18:12
“Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him.” – John 18:12
Isaiah 53:3
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” – Isaiah 53:3
The Trial of Jesus
Finally, the trial of Jesus represents a profound moment of injustice and struggle. It reflects upon the heavy burden Jesus bore for our sins and illustrates His faithfulness. Through this, we can grasp the depth of God’s love and plan for redemption. We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith, especially during times when we feel falsely accused.
Matthew 26:67-68
“Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, ‘Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?'” – Matthew 26:67-68
Luke 23:1-2
“Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.'” – Luke 23:1-2
Mark 15:3-5
“The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.” – Mark 15:3-5
John 18:28-29
“Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanliness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.” – John 18:28-29
John 19:16
“Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.” – John 19:16
The Meaning of the Covenant
As we reflect on Holy Thursday, we are presented with the significance of the new covenant established by Jesus through His sacrificial love. This is an invitation for us to enter into a deeper relationship with God. It reassures us that through faith in Jesus, we are united with Him and granted eternal life. Let us embrace this beautiful promise and live in accordance with it.
Hebrews 9:15
“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” – Hebrews 9:15
Jeremiah 31:31
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.” – Jeremiah 31:31
Luke 22:20
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” – Luke 22:20
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Final Thoughts
In our exploration of Holy Thursday, we have delved into meaningful moments from the Last Supper to pivotal acts that define our faith. The night is filled with lessons of love, humility, betrayal, and sacrifice. As we reflect on the teachings of Jesus during this critical time, we find guidance and encouragement to lead lives marked by love and service.
Through the example of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, we learn the importance of serving others. His new commandment urges us to love one another genuinely and unconditionally. Even in the face of betrayal and adversity, we find strength in prayer and the promises of God’s covenant.
Holy Thursday reminds us of the depths of God’s love and the sacrifices made for our salvation. Let us embrace the lessons learned and strive to reflect Christ’s love in our lives each day. Together, we can walk forward in faith, ready to share His light with the world.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
