What Happened on Thursday of Holy Week

The Last Supper, The Garden of Gethsemane, and the Power of Christ’s Love

As we walk through Holy Week, each day unfolds a deeper understanding of the love, sacrifice, and obedience that Jesus exhibited leading up to the cross. Thursday of Holy Week is a pivotal day, marked by two significant events: the Last Supper and Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. These moments not only highlight Jesus’ love for His disciples but also His obedience to the Father, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.

In this blog post, we will dive into the significance of Thursday of Holy Week, examining how the events of this day speak to us as Christians, business owners, and entrepreneurs. We will reflect on Jesus’ example of servant leadership, humility, and sacrifice, and how these principles apply to our personal and professional lives today.

The Last Supper: A New Covenant of Love and Service

The most significant event of Thursday of Holy Week was the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His disciples. This intimate meal marked the beginning of the Passover feast and was a moment for Jesus to teach His disciples about sacrifice, service, and unity in the Kingdom of God.

In Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV), we read:

“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.’ 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.'”

In these powerful words, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, a sacrament that would serve as a reminder of His sacrifice and the new covenant He was establishing through His death and resurrection. The bread symbolized His body, and the wine symbolized His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. This moment signified the ultimate act of selflessness, where Jesus willingly gave His life for the salvation of the world.

For Christian business owners, this act of sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the higher calling we have in our work. As entrepreneurs, we are called to serve others, not just for personal gain, but to make an impact for God’s Kingdom. Jesus, in His role as a servant, taught us that true leadership in business involves humility, selflessness, and a willingness to lay down our lives for the good of others. The Last Supper teaches us to serve our customers, our teams, and our communities with the same love and humility that Jesus demonstrated.

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet: A Model of Servant Leadership

Following the meal, Jesus performed a remarkable act that further exemplified His teachings on service and humility. In John 13:3-17, we read about how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant:

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 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.”

Jesus, who had all authority and power over all creation, humbled Himself and took on the role of a servant. This act shocked His disciples, and Peter initially resisted, unable to fathom why his Lord and Teacher would do such a humble task. But Jesus’ response was clear: He came to serve, not to be served. He then told His disciples:

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15, NIV)

For Christian entrepreneurs, this example of servant leadership is foundational. Jesus shows us that true leadership is about humbling ourselves, serving others, and putting their needs before our own. In our businesses, this can translate into practices like:

• Providing excellent customer service
• Supporting employees and colleagues with respect and care
• Creating products and services that meet the needs of others, not just for profit but for kingdom impact

When we approach our work with a heart of service, we are reflecting the heart of Jesus and fulfilling His command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The Garden of Gethsemane: Jesus’ Prayer and Submission to God’s Will

After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. This moment was a pivotal point in His journey, as He knew the agony of the cross was fast approaching. In Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV), Jesus prayed:

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

As Jesus prayed, He experienced deep anguish, knowing the physical and spiritual suffering that awaited Him. Yet, despite His deep sorrow, He submitted to the Father’s will:

“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, NIV)

This prayer is a profound example of obedience and surrender to God’s will, even in the face of extreme suffering. Jesus teaches us that, even when we are faced with difficult decisions in life or in our businesses, we must align ourselves with God’s will. No matter how hard it may be, we must trust that God’s plan is better than our own.

For Christian business owners, this act of surrender is a call to align our businesses with God’s will. It’s a reminder that our success, our challenges, and our future all rest in God’s hands. We are called to trust Him, submit to His plan, and obey His guidance, even when we don’t fully understand the path ahead.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Thursday of Holy Week in Our Business and Lives

Thursday of Holy Week serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ love, humility, and obedience. From the Last Supper to Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated the principles of servant leadership, self-sacrifice, and submission to God’s will. These lessons apply not only to our personal walk with Christ but also to how we run our businesses and serve others in our professional lives.

As Christian business owners, we are called to lead with humility, serve with love, and submit our businesses to God’s plan. The way we interact with our customers, employees, and fellow believers reflects our faith and obedience to Christ. Let this Holy Week be a reminder that, just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down our pride, selfishness, and ego for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

May this Holy Week lead you to deeper faith, stronger obedience, and a renewed desire to serve God through your business. And as we approach the Resurrection, may we be reminded of the hope and victory we have in Christ, knowing that He has already won the ultimate battle over sin and death.

Galilee Life

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