Today we will talk about Bible verses about Maundy Thursday. This special night holds deep meaning for Christians, marking the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. It is a time to reflect on Jesus’ acts of service, love, and sacrifice, a moment when He washed the disciples’ feet and instituted the communion that we still practice today. This sacred occasion helps us remember the depth of Jesus’ love for us and the call for us to love others in return. We invite you to meditate deeply on these verses as we walk through God’s word together.
Bible Verses About Maundy Thursday
The Last Supper
During Maundy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His disciples. This act was not merely a meal; it was a demonstration of love and camaraderie among friends. In a simple gathering, Jesus reaffirmed the importance of community and the remembrance of His sacrifice through shared bread and wine. Reflecting on the Last Supper reminds us that we are part of a larger family in Christ and that we share in His blessings and promises together.
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
Mark 14:22
“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.'” – Mark 14:22
Luke 22:19
“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.'” – Luke 22:19
John 13:2
“The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” – John 13:2
1 Corinthians 11:23-24
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 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.'” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Washing of the Disciples’ Feet
Another significant event on Maundy Thursday is when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. In an act of humility and service, our Lord showed us how we should treat one another, especially those we consider friends and family. This gesture is a powerful reminder that true leadership is about serving others and that we are all called to live in a way that reflects Christ’s love and humility in our interactions with others.
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.'” – John 13:12-15
Matthew 23:11-12
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts themselves will be humbled, and whoever humbles themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12
Philippians 2:5-7
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” – Philippians 2:5-7
Mark 10:43-45
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:43-45
Betrayal of Jesus
As we reflect on Maundy Thursday, we also remember the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. This heartbreaking event teaches us the importance of loyalty, friendship, and our human frailty. Jesus knew of His betrayal, yet He chose to serve and love even those who would turn against Him. Understanding this aspect allows us to grasp the depth of Christ’s love and His willingness to accept us, despite our flaws and failures.
John 13:18
“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.'” – John 13:18
Matthew 26:14-16
“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. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” – Matthew 26:14-16
Luke 22:47-48
“While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'” – Luke 22:47-48
Mark 14:43-45
“Just then Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.'” – Mark 14:43-45
John 18:2-3
“Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons.” – John 18:2-3
Institution of Communion
Maundy Thursday also marks the establishment of Communion, also known as the Eucharist. This sacrament is a profound act of remembrance, solidifying our connection to Jesus and His sacrifice. When we partake in Communion, we acknowledge the significant role Jesus plays as the Lamb of God who takes away our sins. This practice is a way to express faith, unity, and gratitude for the incredible gift of salvation that we receive through Christ.
Matthew 26:27-28
“Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'” – Matthew 26:27-28
1 Corinthians 11:25
“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 11:25
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
Mark 14:24
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” – Mark 14:24
John 6:53-54
“Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.'” – John 6:53-54
The New Commandment
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus also gave us a new commandment summarized in love. He instructed His disciples to love one another just as He has loved them. This command is often referred to as the essence of the Gospel—a model for how we are to interact with one another. By embracing this commandment in our hearts and actions, we are reminded to extend grace, compassion, and support to everyone, especially those within our faith community.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Galatians 5:14
Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane
Part of Maundy Thursday includes Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He faced incredible sorrow and anxiety about His impending sacrifice. In this moment, we witness the vulnerability of Jesus, reminding us that feeling overwhelmed is part of the human experience. His prayer teaches us the importance of seeking God’s will, persevering through challenges, and trusting that God is present even in our most challenging moments.
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 14:36
“Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.'” – Mark 14:36
Luke 22:44
“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” – Luke 22:44
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
Hebrews 5:7
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” – Hebrews 5:7
The Agony of the Cross
We also remember on Maundy Thursday the agony that Jesus knew awaited Him on the cross. It is a moment of reflection on the weight of sin and the immense sacrifice made for our sake. Understanding Jesus’ willingness to endure pain for love’s sake helps us appreciate the depth of His grace. This is a call for us to embrace our own crosses in life, knowing that just as Jesus overcame, so can we.
Matthew 26:38
“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'” – Matthew 26:38
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Luke 22:42
“‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.'” – Luke 22:42
John 10:18
“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.'” – John 10:18
Philippians 2:8
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:8
Preparation for the Resurrection
Lastly, Maundy Thursday serves as a solemn reminder that while we reflect on Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, we also look forward with hope to the resurrection. It is crucial to remember that the cross leads to the empty tomb, and through Jesus, we gain the promise of eternal life. This hope lights our path and fortifies our spirits amid trials, assuring us that even in the darkest moments, God’s redemptive plan is at work.
1 Peter 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3
Romans 6:5
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” – Romans 6:5
Matthew 28:5-6
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.'” – Matthew 28:5-6
Revelation 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” – Revelation 1:18
John 11:25
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'” – John 11:25
Final Thoughts
As we have journeyed through the Bible verses about Maundy Thursday, we have seen the profound love, sacrifice, and teachings of Jesus Christ. Each event on this meaningful night reminds us of our Lord’s dedication to serve and love. From the Last Supper to the washing of the disciples’ feet, each act speaks volumes about living in humility and submission to God’s will. As we embrace these teachings, we are called to love one another deeply, reflecting Christ’s love in our lives.
Maundy Thursday encourages us not only to remember the heavy cost of our salvation but also to look forward with hope to the resurrection that follows. Our faith is rooted in this truth, and knowing that Jesus willingly faced betrayal and suffering serves as an inspiration for us to persevere through difficult moments in our lives.
In practicing what we have learned, love and service will radiate from us, shining brightly in a world that needs it more than ever. May we hold dear the lessons from Maundy Thursday, cherishing this beautiful expression of grace and commitment, as we seek to live out our faith every day.
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
