Maundy Thursday (John 13-17)
On Thursday, Jesus had some Disciples prepare the Passover meal, and then they got together in the evening and ate it. During the very familiar process of that celebration He added a few really weird things, "This cup is the New Covenant in my blood, this is my body given for you," That week, if not that night, the Disciples argued about who should be most important in the coming Rule of Jesus. He washed their feet. He confers upon them His Kingdom. He prays for them (John 17) and us, that we might have unity and love each other like the Father loves the Son – that would be the point of the Church. After dinner the go out to a garden where Jesus wrestles in prayer – he doesn’t want to do what he’s being asked to do. His friends sleep.

Imagine the King of the Universe telling you that you are friends.
Imagine Him washing your feet.
I believe that it is better to give than to receive, but I think it’s harder (on the pride) to receive than to give. How do you take the service of a King? It is the heart, where pride exists, that Jesus asks us to transform first, to be without pride. My pride hurts almost daily. I am humiliated by the service of my King. And honored.

I can’t write it all here, but there is something profound about the way Jesus takes, blesses, breaks and gives the bread. I like to remember that. [Ask if you want more.]

That bit about this New Covenant, that was a lot like the language of marriage proposals in the culture in the day – with the wine and everything. Jesus was proposing marriage to the Disciples (and to us) in a serious spiritual way. If you cannot receive that, you have not fully received Jesus’ message.
The New Covenant is a fascinating subject found in Jeremiah 31. Jesus is the fulfillment. Those boys probably didn’t get it in the moment.

We are invited to accept what we do not fully understand. Trust Him. Meditate on His Word. Let His Word abide in you.