Cross of Christ Lutheran Church

On Maundy Thursday, we gather around the table where Jesus first shared the meal of grace and gave his command to love one another. 

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Luke 22:1-24 (NIV) Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, {2} and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. {3} Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. {4} And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. {5} They were delighted and agreed to give him money. {6} He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present. {7} Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. {8} Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." {9} "Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked. {10} He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, {11} and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' {12} He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there." {13} They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. {14} When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. {15} And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. {16} For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." {17} After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. {18} For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." {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." {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. {21} But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. {22} The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him." {23} They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. {24} Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

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 Good Friday we gather in solemn remembrance of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.

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Luke 23:33-34 NLT

When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

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Luke 23:38-44 NLT

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A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.

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Luke 23:46-47 NLT

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Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.”