The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, has explained the liturgical meaning of Maundy Thursday.
In his sermon at the Cathedral Church of The Advent Life Camp on Thursday 17 April 2025 he said He said “Maundy Thursday highlights the significance of Jesus’ actions on the eve of His crucifixion, particularly His act of humility in washing the feet of His disciples, a task traditionally reserved for servants.”
In saying this the Primate practically demonstrated this by washing the feet of some members of the Cathedral.
The Primate therefore urged Nigerians to serve God and humanity sacrificially, following the example of Jesus Christ
He explained that the term Maundy was derived from the Latin word Mandatum, meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ new commandment to love and serve one another as He has done.
Archbishop Ndukuba noted that Holy Week began with the celebration of Palm Sunday and followed with series of events that reflected what Jesus did, taught, and endured during the final week of His earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection.
Preaching from John 13:1–17, the Primate emphasised the importance of servant leadership, humility, and love, which Jesus demonstrated through this symbolic act.
“Today, we remember how He instituted the Last Supper, during the Jewish celebration of the Passover.
“That evening, Jesus gathered with His disciples for a meal, took bread, broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’
“When He had finished, He sat down and said, ‘You call me Teacher and Lord—and rightly so, for that is what I am.
“If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you to follow.
“He also took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for many.’
The Primate explained that Jesus’ actions fulfilled the message of Mark 10:45, which says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
“On this Maundy Thursday, as we commemorate the Last Supper, I pray the Lord helps us to follow in His footsteps—daily surrendering our lives to God and serving both Him and our fellow humans with love and humility,” he said.
He further explained that Maundy Thursday preceded Good Friday, which “recounts Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, suffering, crucifixion, and ultimately leads to the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday.”
Primate Ndukuba urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to love one another just as Christ loved them and gave Himself for their sake, in fulfillment of Jesus’ command.
– newspotng.com reporting with ACNNTV.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
