Maundy Thursday - On the night Jesus was betrayed.

The love poured out on Jesus by those who celebrated his arrival in Jerusalem barely lasted the week. He empathizes deeply with us for how fleeting human love can be, but his love far surpasses what we could ever offer.

When we are united in love, the world will be able to tell that Jesus is truly from God. When we face the opposition of the world and are triggered to participate in its division, we must call on the supernatural love in the Holy Trinity, which Jesus has given to us.

Jesus warned that following him in this world will bring pain in life. However, the good news is that the Holy Spirit has declared judgment on the demonic forces that cause the pain of sin in the world.

Jesus begins to tie his full message together by calling his disciples into his own calling. While he is the only one whose cross defeats sin and death, we are called to lay down our lives for love just like he did.

While we look to the teachings of Jesus to guide our lives, we often forget that the presence and comfort of God are available because the Holy Spirit lives in us. When we feel confusion, distress, and loneliness, we can count on the Holy Spirit to keep us following Jesus when it is most difficult.

While John never actually talks about the first communion, he describes Jesus' posture as a servant to his disciples by washing their feet, which takes place in the same evening. Even the communion table, which symbolized the sacrifice he was about to make, demonstrates the humble service we are called to.

The story of Jonah is a reminder of the cycle of running, repentance, and relapse that we all go through in our walk with God. How can we use the season of Lent to disrupt that cycle?

In the worst times of our lives, God can often seem strangely silent; but sometimes, it's the quiet, empathic love that we need from him.

Jesus identifies himself as "the good shepherd" who lays down his life for those he cares about, in the face of grave danger. He demonstrates this by continuing to teach the truth even when threatened by the religious elite. Even now, Jesus loves us so much that he defends us in dire circumstances.