Lutheran Church of Mahomet, The Invitation 2018 Easter Invitation | Page 14

Isaiah 50:4-9a, John 13:21-32
Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Isaiah 52:13-53:12, John 18:1-19:42
This day was formerly called “Spy Wednes-
day,” an allusion to the gospel accounts in
which Judas is identified as the betrayer of
Jesus. As Jesus endured the suffering of the
cross, we are called to run the race of life
with perseverance, confident of the joy to
come. In the Three Days, which begin tomor-
row evening, we will journey with Christ
from darkness to light, from captivity to
freedom, from death to life.
With nightfall our Lenten observance comes
to an end, and we gather with Christians
around the world to celebrate the Three Days
of Jesus’ death and resurrection. At the heart
of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus’
commandment to love one another. As Jesus
washed the feet of his disciples, we are called
to follow his example as we humbly care for
one another, especially the poor and the un-
loved. At the Lord’s table we remember Je-
sus’ sacrifice of his life, even as we are called
to offer ourselves in love for the life of the
world.
At the heart of the Good Friday liturgy is the
passion according to John, which proclaims
Jesus as a triumphant king who reigns from
the cross. The ancient title for this day—the
triumph of the cross—reminds us that the
church gathers not to mourn this day but to
celebrate Christ’s life-giving passion and to
find strength and hope in the tree of life. In
the ancient bidding prayer we offer petitions
for all the world for whom Christ died. To-
day’s liturgy culminates in the Easter Vigil
tomorrow evening.