The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, March 28, 2024: Holy Thursday

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, March 28, 2024: Holy Thursday

The Promise of Redemption

Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19;
1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Three Days—Easter)

Introduction

Holy Thursday, a day of profound spiritual significance, invites us to immerse ourselves in the deep waters of biblical reflection. In Exodus 12:1-14, we encounter the pivotal moment of the Passover, where God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt prefigures the ultimate redemption. Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 echoes with gratitude, a fitting response to God’s merciful acts. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper, a sacrament that forever reminds us of Christ's sacrificial love. Finally, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 portrays Jesus' humbling act of washing the disciples' feet, exemplifying the full extent of His love and setting a path of service for all believers. Together, these passages weave a tapestry of salvation history, culminating in the selfless love of Christ, calling us to remember, reflect, and recommit to His commandment of love on this Holy Thursday.

Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14
The Passover of the Lord

Exodus 12:1-14 is a pivotal passage that marks a defining moment in the history of the Israelites. This section details God's instructions to Moses and Aaron in Egypt regarding the first Passover. It describes the specific preparations and rituals the Israelites must follow, including the selection and sacrifice of a lamb, and the smearing of its blood on the doorposts and lintels of their homes. This act serves as a sign for God to 'pass over' these homes during the final plague, the death of the firstborn in Egypt. This event not only signifies God's deliverance of the Israelites from bondage but also establishes the Passover as a perpetual festival, a lasting ordinance to remember God's salvation. This passage is foundational for understanding the liberation theology within the Jewish faith and holds significant typological importance in Christian theology, prefiguring the sacrifice of Christ.

12 1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it.

[5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. 7 They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10 You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn.]

11 This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the LORD. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

14 This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-2: This marks a new beginning for the Israelites, a transition from slavery to freedom. The establishment of a new calendar signifies a new era and identity for God's people.

Verse 3: The selection of the lamb is significant. It represents a communal act, where each family participates in God's plan. The lamb is symbolic, later becoming a representation of Jesus Christ as the "Lamb of God" in Christian theology.

Verses 4-5: This instruction promotes community and sharing among the Israelites. The requirement for the lamb to be 'without blemish' signifies purity and perfection, foreshadowing the sinless nature of Christ.

Verse 6: The communal slaughter of the lamb symbolizes unity and collective obedience to God. The timing ('at twilight') is also significant in Jewish ritual practices.

Verses 7: The blood on the doorposts serves as a sign of faith and God's protection. The manner of eating the lamb—roasted, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs—is rich in symbolism, representing the haste of departure and the bitterness of slavery.

**Verse 9:** This specific instruction for cooking the lamb indicates a complete and total consumption, symbolizing full participation in God's deliverance.

Verse 10: This instruction ensures the meal is confined to the specific holy time set by God, emphasizing the sacredness of the event.

Verses 11-12: The Israelites are to eat in a state of readiness, symbolizing their imminent departure from Egypt. The Passover signifies God's judgment on the Egyptian gods and His supremacy over them.

Verse 13: The blood serves as a protective sign, marking the houses of the Israelites and sparing them from the plague. This establishes the concept of redemption and salvation.

Verse 14: The Passover is instituted as a lasting memorial, a yearly festival to remember God's deliverance. It becomes a cornerstone of Jewish religious life and identity.

Each of these verses contributes to the overall narrative of deliverance and redemption, central themes in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
The Cup of Salvation

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 is a deeply emotive and expressive segment of the Psalter, characterized by its profound sense of gratitude and dedication. This passage vividly encapsulates the psalmist's deep personal relationship with God, reflecting a heartfelt response to divine deliverance and mercy. The verses commence with a declaration of love and faith in God, acknowledging His attentive response to the psalmist's pleas. The latter section, verses 12-19, shifts to a contemplation of thanksgiving and the fulfillment of vows made to God in the presence of His people. This passage is not just a personal testament of deliverance, but also serves as an enduring example of devout thankfulness and commitment to God, encouraging believers to reflect on their own experiences of divine grace and to respond with similar devotion and gratitude.

1    I love the LORD, because he has heard
        my voice and my supplications.
2    Because he inclined his ear to me,
        therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

12  What shall I return to the LORD
        for all his bounty to me?
13  I will lift up the cup of salvation
        and call on the name of the LORD,
14  I will pay my vows to the LORD
        in the presence of all his people.
15  Precious in the sight of the LORD
        is the death of his faithful ones.
16  O LORD, I am your servant;
        I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.
        You have loosed my bonds.
17  I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
        and call on the name of the LORD.
18  I will pay my vows to the LORD
        in the presence of all his people,
19  in the courts of the house of the LORD,
        in your midst, O Jerusalem.
    Praise the LORD!

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-2: These opening verses set the tone of the psalm with an expression of deep love for the Lord, rooted in personal experience. The psalmist feels heard and cared for by God, who has responded to his prayers. This personal experience of divine responsiveness instills a lifelong commitment to prayer and dependence on God.

Verses 12-14: The psalmist ponders how to repay God's generosity. Recognizing the impossibility of equal repayment, he chooses symbolic acts of gratitude: "lifting the cup of salvation" and "paying vows". These actions represent participation in religious rituals, likely referencing thanksgiving offerings and public declarations of God's deliverance. The focus is on public worship and acknowledgment of God's grace.

Verses 15-16: Verse 15 is often interpreted as acknowledging the value God places on His faithful, even in death. However, it could also be seen as an affirmation of God's care and sorrow over the suffering or death of His believers. The psalmist identifies himself as a devoted servant, implying a life of obedience and humility. He acknowledges God's role in liberating him from his troubles, which may be metaphorical or literal bonds.

Verses 17-19: The psalm concludes with a reiteration of the commitment to thanksgiving and public worship. The reference to "the courts of the house of the Lord" emphasizes the communal aspect of worship and the importance of the Temple in Jerusalem as a focal point for Israelite worship. The final exhortation, "Praise the Lord," serves as a doxology, inviting all to join in the worship and recognition of God's goodness.

This passage from Psalm 116 beautifully weaves personal devotion with communal worship, emphasizing the importance of both individual and collective expressions of faith. The psalmist's experiences lead to a deep, personal commitment to God, which is expressed through public acts of worship and thanksgiving, underscoring the inseparable connection between personal faith and communal religious practice.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Proclaim the Lord’s Death

The passage from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 presents a profound moment in Christian tradition, where the Apostle Paul recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper. This segment is pivotal as it outlines the practice of Holy Communion, a sacrament central to Christian worship. Paul emphasizes the significance of this ritual, directly relating it to the words and actions of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. Through his narrative, Paul not only offers a liturgical guideline but also instills a sense of reverence and remembrance, urging believers to reflect on the sacrificial love of Christ each time they partake in the Eucharist. This text is foundational for understanding the theological and spiritual importance of Communion in the Christian faith.

11 23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Expository Commentary

Verse 23: Apostle Paul emphasizes the divine origin of his knowledge, asserting that the details of the Lord’s Supper were directly revealed to him by Jesus Christ. This introduction establishes the authenticity and sacredness of the practice. The reference to "the night when he was betrayed" sets a solemn and reflective tone, underscoring the significance of the event in the context of Jesus' impending sacrifice.

Verse 24: This verse captures the symbolic act of Jesus breaking bread, which he declares as his body, given for the believers. The act of giving thanks (Eucharisteo in Greek) before breaking the bread is where the term 'Eucharist' originates. Jesus' instruction to "do this in remembrance of me" institutes the practice as a memorial of his sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of remembering Christ's work and presence in the lives of believers.

Verse 25: The cup, symbolizing Jesus' blood, is associated with the "new covenant". This covenant is a fulfillment and transcendence of the old covenant, offering redemption and establishing a deep, spiritual relationship between God and humanity through Jesus' sacrifice. The repetition of "do this in remembrance of me" reinforces the continued and active remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and teachings in the practice of communion.

Verse 26: This verse highlights the eschatological (pertaining to the end times) significance of the Lord's Supper. Each act of communion is not only a remembrance but also a proclamation of Jesus' death and a hopeful anticipation of his second coming. It serves as a declaration of faith, affirming the central Christian belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of his return.

Overall, this passage from 1 Corinthians establishes the theological foundation for the Christian practice of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. It emphasizes the importance of remembrance, proclamation, and the solemn reverence of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.

John 13:1-17, 31b-35
The Service of Christ: Footwashing and Meal

John 13:1-17, 31b-35 presents a profound narrative set during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in the Christian faith. This passage captures Jesus Christ's demonstration of humility and service, exemplified through the washing of his disciples' feet, an act that was traditionally performed by servants. This symbolic gesture not only defies social norms but also embodies the essence of Christian leadership and love. Furthermore, the passage includes Jesus' prediction of his betrayal and the new commandment He gives to 'love one another.' Through these events, the text invites believers to reflect on themes of service, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love, which are central to Christian theology and practice.

13 1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

31b Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-3 — Jesus' Knowledge of His Hour and Authority: These verses set the scene, emphasizing Jesus' awareness of His impending death ("His hour had come") and His divine authority ("knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands"). This introduction reinforces the significance of the actions that follow, as they are performed with the full knowledge of His mission and destiny.

Verses 4-5 — Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet: Jesus performs a servant's task by washing His disciples' feet, a radical act in the cultural and social context of the time. Foot washing was typically done by servants or slaves, and by doing so Himself, Jesus illustrates humility and the reversal of societal roles. This act serves as a physical metaphor for spiritual cleansing and service.

Verses 6-11 — Peter's Resistance and Understanding: Peter initially refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, displaying a common misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and methods. Jesus' response, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me," indicates the necessity of accepting Jesus' work for participation in His kingdom. The conversation also distinguishes between total cleansing (symbolizing salvation) and the ongoing need for purification (symbolizing ongoing spiritual maintenance).

Verses 12-17 — Teaching on Servant Leadership: After washing their feet, Jesus explains the meaning of His actions. He emphasizes the importance of humility and servant leadership, stating, "If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." This teaching inverts traditional notions of power and greatness, placing service at the heart of discipleship.

Verses 31b-35 — The New Commandment: After Judas' departure, Jesus speaks of His glorification, which is tied to His crucifixion and resurrection. He then gives a new commandment: "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." This commandment encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry and teaching, setting a standard for Christian behavior that extends beyond traditional laws and rituals.

In summary, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 encapsulates key themes of Christian doctrine: the inversion of societal and religious norms, the centrality of humble service, and the command to love others as Jesus has loved. This passage challenges traditional concepts of power and authority, and calls for a radical reorientation of relationships and community life in accordance with Jesus' example and teachings.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT. The biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org