Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday begins with Jesus intimately celebrating Passover dinner with His disciples. He institutes the Lord’s Supper signifying the New Covenant made with His sacrifice to come. Jesus and the disciples move to the Mount of Olives and enter the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, Jesus prays earnestly to God, asking that this cup may pass from Him. Judas arrives with a crowd of soldiers, betraying Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested, brought to the chief priests, and is held in an unjust overnight trial by the chief priests and elders. In a single night, Jesus moves from camaraderie and explanation with His disciples, obedience and anguish with God in the garden, and condemnation by the elders.
The Last Passover & The Lord’s Supper
Matthew 26:17-35
On Thursday morning, the First Day of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked Jesus where they should prepare for Passover, which was to be had that evening. Jesus said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your home with my disciples.”’” (Matt. 26:18).
The disciples did as Jesus asked and prepared for Passover.
Passover had been the central act of redemption for Israel as it remembered the Jewish people’s deliverance from Egypt. Now, Jesus is providing a new pinnacle of redemption with His sacrifice on the cross. He reinterprets the meal around Himself
In the Jewish tradition, days began in the evening. So, Jesus ate this Passover meal Thursday evening, which would have been Friday in the Jewish tradition. Friday was Passover. Jesus knew His time was short and chose to have the meal earlier. Jesus ate Passover on the same day as the Jews and the same day He was crucified. The timing aligns Jesus' crucifixion on Friday with the time the Jewish people were sacrificing lambs for the Passover meal that evening.
This timeline is debated. Trivial discussions on chronology can take away from the most important message–Jesus became the sacrificial lamb for us!
As Jesus sat at the table with His twelve disciples, He said that one of them would betray Him. “And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, ‘Surely it is not I, Rabbi?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said it yourself’,” (Matt. 26:25). Every disciple questioned themselves, not each other. Judas responds in complete hypocrisy, knowing he had already betrayed Jesus.
The Lord’s Supper
Dinner continued. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and Judas left. Jesus then took bread, blessed it, and broke it with the disciples. Everything eaten at the Passover meal had symbolic meaning. The bread signified those who are hungry and afflicted to come to eat. Jesus IS the bread of life. His blood represents that which was shed as the sacrificial lamb on the cross for our salvation. “Take, eat; This is my body…This is My blood of the new covenant,” (Matt. 26:26-27). “Take” signifies that it will not be forced upon you. “Eat” signifies that this is vital for everyone.
After the meal, scripture says they sang a hymn. The Passover meal often ended with three Psalms known as the Hallel, Psalms 116-118.
“For you have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 116:6-8
“I will take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:13
“The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14
These are the songs Jesus sang as He headed for the garden of Gethsemane. They paint an accurate picture for what is to come.
Jesus was able to sing on the eve of His crucifixion. How often are we able to express such worship amidst our trying circumstances?
The Garden of Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46
After supper, they went to the Mount of Olives. Jesus told the disciples that tonight they would all fall away and stumble, even Peter. Jesus tells them this in advance to show them again that He is in control. In protest, Peter said he would never fall away. But Jesus knew, saying, “Before a rooster crows three times, you will deny Me three times,” (Matt. 26:34).
Gethsemane means “olive press” and was a place for olives to be crushed for oil. As such, Jesus would be crushed in the garden.
As they arrived at the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus went to pray and asked the disciples to keep watch. He was in mental agony knowing what was to come. He was so distressed that he was sweating blood. Jesus pleaded to God, asking, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will,” (Matt. 26:39).
He again asked the disciples to pray after He found them sleeping. Going away a second time, He prayed, “saying, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done,’” (Matt. 26:42). Again, He found the disciples sleeping and urged them to pray because His hour had come.
Jesus was not forced to save us. In the garden, He is completely aware of the suffering ahead yet chooses to move in obedience towards the cross.
Jesus’ Betrayal & Arrest
Matthew 26:47-56
“While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he who was betraying him gave them a sign, saying, ‘Whoever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.’ Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, ‘Hail, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him. And Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you have come for.’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.” (Matt. 26:47-50)
Peter drew his sword and cut the ear off a soldier. Jesus picked up his wounded flesh and healed him, saying, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take up the sword shall perish by the sword,” (Matt. 26:52).
Jesus looked at the crowds, asking, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets,” (Matt. 26:55).
They took Jesus away and all of the disciples fled.
Overnight Trials: Jesus Before Caiaphas
Matthew 26:57-67
Those who seized Jesus brought Him to Caiaphas, where all the scribes and elders were gathered. Peter followed at a distance so that he could see what was happening.
As the trial continued in the middle of the night, chaos ensued and legal protocols were ignored. Jesus was not given a fair trial as the proceedings were rushed and driven by emotion rather than justice or logic. Instead, He endured injustice so that we will be spared from justice we deserve for our sin.
“Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward,” (Matt. 26:59-60). Through the chaos, Jesus kept silent. Men came forward and claimed Jesus said He could tear down the temple and rebuild it in three days. And the high priest again asked Him what He answers to those testifying against Him, but again Jesus kept silent.
The high priest commanded Jesus to tell them if He is the Christ. “Jesus said to him, ‘You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of Heaven.’” (Matt. 26:64)
In response, the high priest tore his robes and proclaimed that Jesus had blasphemed. He asked the Council, “Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; what do you think?” and they answered, “He deserves death!” (Matt. 26:65-66).
They spat in His face and beat Him with their fists. “Others slapped Him and said, ‘Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit you?’” (Matt. 26:67-68).
As Peter sat outside the courtyard, bystanders recalled him to be a disciple. He denied knowing Jesus to two different woman, and as a third called out, “he began to curse and swear, ‘I do not know the man!’ and immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered…he went out and wept bitterly.” (Matt. 26:74-75).
Written By: Catherine Cagnina
10 Years of God’s Faithfulness: A Reflection on His Work Through AmazingGrace.Life
This year, we are celebrating 10 years of God’s faithfulness through AmazingGrace.Life! What began as a simple desire to share the hope of Jesus has grown into a decade of partnership, discipleship, scripture distribution, and tangible expressions of Christ’s love across communities — locally and globally. Every story, every life touched, and every moment of transformation belongs to Him. As we look back, we do so with gratitude and awe for what God has done through the generosity, prayers, and participation of so many!
Over these 10 years, God has allowed us to link arms with ministries and leaders who are faithfully serving in His kingdom’s work. Together, we’ve watched hope and restoration reach hearts across the world.
The testimonials shared below come directly from our partners, sharing what God has done through AmazingGrace.Life.
Refuge for Women recently shared how AGL’s provisions have allowed the Gospel to transform lives in their recovery programs. One resident described her journey this way: “From broken ground, God is growing something beautiful, and your love and support has watered that soil. Because of your support, I am standing in a new season of healing and hope.” Her healing is rooted in the living Word of God, shared through AGL’s resources.
Children and youth have been reached through Youth Believing in Change and encountered Christ through after-school mentoring, worship, and God’s word. As Vince from YBC shared, “Thousands of children have accepted Christ, and AGL literature has reached families across our community.” Some have gone on to join the military, attend universities, embark on mission trips, and lead others in faith — carrying the Gospel into new places we could never reach alone.
Our Calling shared how AGL’s support has equipped Care Ministers to sit with the homeless, pray with them, walk with them, and form community among those who are often unseen. Juliana Williams said, “Together, we are demonstrating Christ’s love in action and being His hands and feet to those who need it most.” Recently, the launch of OurCommunity created a consistent place of belonging for elderly homeless neighbors — a reminder that dignity and love reflect the heart of Christ.
In South Sudan, we’ve seen the incredible impact of the Avokaya Bible translation project. Doug Wicks told AGL, “Because of this partnership, the Avokaya people are reading, worshiping, and praying in their heart language, many for the very first time.”
One pastor shared the joy of hearing his wife read the Bible aloud at home after years of not being able to read in any language. The Gospel is not just reaching them — it is growing among them!
At Pine Cove summer camp, AmazingGrace.Life has “helped thousands of campers encounter the Gospel” and come to know Jesus. Susan Andreone reflects over AGL’s commitment to Pine Cove, saying, “Because of their generosity, many children and families have experienced the love of Christ in life-changing ways.“
One parent said, “Our daughter came home with the goal of setting aside time each day to ‘be quiet with Jesus.’ She has never pursued Him like this before.” Another shared, “Both of my boys have a renewed passion for the Bible. Your generosity is shaping their faith forever.”
For eight years, AGL has partnered with West Dallas Community School. Elizabeth Garrison lovingly shared her sentiments towards AGL, saying, “Through their generosity, more children in our community have been able to access high-quality, Christ-centered education. Together, we are equipping students to live purposefully in service to God and others.”
Scripture booklets distributed through The Pocket Testament League have reached nearly 400,000 people with the Gospel. One young boy who received a booklet hugged it close and said quietly, “Then I will carry hope with me.”
And through Mercy Street, Rivertree Academy, Refuge City, West Dallas Community School, and many others, we have seen these seeds of hope multiply into discipleship, community, and transformation that continues long after the moment of first encounter.
All of these stories are testimonies of God’s love — and you are part of them!
We are deeply grateful for every partner, supporter, and friend who has walked with us over the past decade. As we enter the next decade, we do so with faith, thankfulness, and joy — knowing that God will continue to lead, provide, and transform lives through AGL in the years to come. Thank you for being a part of our mission!
Written By: Catherine Cagnina
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
You’re in a conversation and someone asks, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” What would you say?
One of the oldest questions in the human experience... asked by people in all times and places throughout history... is why bad things happen. When tsunamis drown cities, or terrorists kill, or a child dies of cancer, we wonder why a good and loving God would allow such horrible events to happen to us.
While there are no easy explanations for any specific incident of evil and suffering, Christianity offers an explanation of reality that is big enough to acknowledge and explain human suffering, while also giving us reason to trust that God is in control and is still good and loving.
The next time someone asks, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” here are three things to remember:
First, to meaningfully talk of “bad things” and “good people” requires that we live in a moral world.
When skeptics and cynics claim that an all-powerful, all-good God would never allow bad things to happen to good people, they are assuming we live in a world where it makes sense to speak of “bad things” and “good people”... a world in which there is such a thing as good and bad, and that humans can know the difference between good and bad.
But what are “bad things” in a world without God, in which death, violence, and natural disasters are just natural parts of an evolutionary process? What are “good people” if human behavior is really no different than animal instinct, within a world in which “survival of the fittest” ultimately determines the future of all living things, and humans have no freedom to act against it?
In other words, a universe without God is not a morally intelligible one.
When we recognize something as “bad,” we are suggesting that whatever happened is not the way it is supposed to be. But if there is no Creator, no design or purpose to the world, then there is no way things ought to be, only how they are. And there is no moral standard to which humans are accountable.
But we do sense the world is a moral place and we have an ability to know when something is bad. If there is no God, that sense is meaningless.
Second, Christianity teaches that bad things are the result of sin.
Christianity acknowledges that often this world “is not the way it’s supposed to be.” Suffering, violence, and acts of evil are deviations from God’s original intention for the world and for people who are created in His image and were tasked with caring for the world.
How did the world get this way? The Bible’s answer is that when the first humans used their God-given freedom to disobey God, the world was plunged into moral and natural chaos.
So, in an ultimate sense, bad things happen in the world because of people. We live in a world that is deeply marred by human sin and in which people, who are deeply marred by sin, often make bad choices that continue to harm the world and each other.
Many wonder why God would ever allow humans to ruin His creation... Why doesn’t He prevent them from committing acts of evil against each other? Why doesn’t He just put a stop to all the bad things in the world?
These are all very good questions, and there are answers that are plausible... for example, God wished to create creatures who were not forced to obey but would choose to love Him and others freely. God wanted humans and not robots. And to rid the world of the evil humans caused would be to rid the world of humans.
As C.S. Lewis wrote, the gift of freedom makes evil possible, but it “is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having.” God apparently thought this “a price worth paying.”
Not everyone finds the Christian explanation of evil and suffering satisfying, especially in the face of personal suffering. But, unlike atheism, Christianity has an explanation to offer. Even more, God offers Himself to those who suffer.
Third and most importantly, God’s final answer to sin and suffering is Jesus Christ.
The sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ, was a truly “good person” who suffered evil and injustice. In other words, God experienced what it’s like to live in this fallen world, to suffer injustice, to weep by the grave of a friend, and to be abandoned by those closest to him, even to be abandoned by God as He bled and suffocated to death. He experienced it all and can say to anyone who has endured evil or suffering: “I feel your pain.”
God did not abandon us in this fallen world of sin and suffering. The central teaching of Christianity is that in the person of Jesus Christ, God entered the world He made, shared in the suffering of those He made in His image, bore the weight of our sin and guilt, to reconciled us to God and, one day, to restore all things. Rather than exempting Himself from the evil humans caused, Jesus took it on the cross, tortured to death, but ultimately defeating it by rising from the dead three days later.
In other words, the answer to the anguished human question, why doesn’t God just do something is, He did. And no other religion or explanation of reality offers what Jesus has done.
As the theologian Edward Shilito described, after witnessing the horrors of World War I:
The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.
Though Christianity does not offer an explanation for every particular act of evil or experience of suffering, it explains why should hate and grieve these things, while also knowing that God hates and grieves them more... so much so that He acted. And Scripture promises that Jesus, who shared in our suffering, will one day wipe away every tear from our eyes.
So, the next time someone asks, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” remember these three things:
First, to meaningfully talk of “bad things” and “good people” requires that we live in a moral world.
Second, Christianity teaches that bad things are the result of sin.
Third and most importantly, God’s final answer to sin and suffering is Jesus Christ.
Written By: Colson Center
When “why” has no answer
Our faith is in the God of all creation, the God who is love (1 John 4:8). His will is sovereign, and according to Ephesians 1:11, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” So then, if all things occur according to the counsel of his will, why did our perfect God allow the river to rise and people to perish?
What do we do when our “why” questions have no answers? The only solution I’ve ever settled on is this: When we can’t understand God’s sovereign will, we can pray for the strength and wisdom to accept it. That is the prayer that God will answer.
Joni Eareckson Tada was severely injured as a teenager in a freak diving accident, and she never walked again. Her journey with God has been unique, making her words all the more profound. She said, “Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.”
Why do we feel grief for these we don’t know?
At church on Sunday, many spoke about their heavy hearts and the tears they had shed over the news of the flood victims. Christians in the state of Texas and around our country are grieving. Why does the loss of so many innocent men, women, and children cause our hearts to break? Most of the people were strangers, although almost everyone in Texas had a connection to someone whose life was impacted by the flood.
I was listening to the news when they said, “A Christian camp,” and I realized why my feelings were actually grief, rather than just sadness and concern. Those at Camp Mystic and many others who died were our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and that spiritual relationship explains our grief. We are God’s family, and we need to remember that the Lord grieves the pain of his children, too.
First-century Christians believed Christ’s return would be imminent. When some began to die before Christ returned, Paul addressed their doubts, saying, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as the others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Christians grieve with hope. But we also need to remember that hope is not the same thing as healing.
Why is hope not healing?
I read a friend’s post about the flood on Facebook. This friend lost her husband to suicide and later lost her daughter in that same way. She is a strong Christian but has experienced the depths of grief more than most people ever will. I wanted to share her words with all of you because while our lives were impacted by grief, there are many whose lives have been changed forever. How can we help people who lose a person they love, especially a child? My friend answered that question well, saying:
Everything has changed for the parents of the lost children. They will need gentle loving compassion for the rest of their lives. They need us to remember their child’s name and to speak of them often. They need the grace to heal in their way and their time. Remember, grocery shopping will be a nightmare as they see all the things their little one ate, maybe ask if you can do that for them for a while; church will be both comforting and painful, they will struggle with the life-long concept that their child is gone, and even though they know she’s in Heaven, they want their child here with them much more; the 4th of July will take on a new meaning for the parents, while the rest of the country celebrates, they will mourn. The best thing you can say to the parents is, I cannot imagine what you are going through. Because it is true and validating. Yes, God is close to the broken-hearted; it’s a good thing because otherwise the loneliness and grief would be too much.
As Christians, we should take a moment to pray and ask God to give us a heightened sensitivity to everyone we know who has ever lost a child. We watched a horrific tragedy on our television sets. Those friends re-lived their grief because it will always be part of their lives. All around us today are people who will need to receive our compassion and, once again, choose to trust God’s hope one more time. We need to be careful not to “move on” or move away from the people who will return to their grief for the rest of their lives.
Why do we need to act on our grief now?
Grief for others is a powerful motivator that draws us nearer to God with a compassionate desire to serve. We are also fallen human beings. Chances are, when the news speaks of the floods less often, we will think of the flood victims less often as well. The time to act is right now, as God prompts us, not when we plan to get around to it.
Remember, every news story can prompt us to pray. Pray as you watch the story, listen to the victims speak, and hear about their needs. Don’t wait to add it to your prayers later on because those prayers often don’t happen.
Pray for everyone to be found. Their families just want them back, even if it is just to make plans for their burial.
Pray for the hearts and minds of the first responders. One man serving as a search team diver said, “It’s always hard. No one I ever search for under the water is still alive.”
Give to the organizations that provide relief efforts for these tragic situations. My husband and I like to give to Texans on Mission because, in addition to their amazing ability to serve physical needs, they also give Jesus to meet spiritual needs.
Pray for God’s Spirit to author your words and fill your life. There will be many conversations about this flood, and it’s natural for people to want to blame other people. It’s more comforting to find blame in others than admit we live in a fallen world we can’t control. You know Jesus, and you received the power of his Holy Spirit when you made him your Lord. Do not underestimate his ability to author your words and your character, and use your knowledge of his word to bring light and hope into a conversation. Speak when Jesus wants to speak through you, and others will hear his wisdom in your words.
Pray not to “grow weary in well doing.” Christians are the light of the world, and dark days are redeemed when his light in us draws others to seek Christ. We can be kind, loving, patient, and giving. And then we can be all of those things again and again.
The “why” has no answer, but our witness will speak volumes
Paul said, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Work hard this week to bring Jesus into the difficult conversations. Let your love and patience stand out like a light in a dark room. Allow the Spirit of Christ to guide your path. Let’s all do without something to give that money to those who need it the most. Even the widow’s mite works wonders with God’s blessings. And let’s pray without ceasing for those whose pain will never cease here on earth.
I don’t know why God our Father allowed such a flood. I do know that he has promised to redeem the pain if his children will be called to his purpose (Romans 8:28). How will you follow his calling and seek his redemption this week?
Written By: Janet Denison
Choose the flesh or the Spirit
We often hear people say that everyone must serve something, so to choose wisely. As Christians we believe that people only have two options, one must either serve their flesh or the Spirit. This is laid out clearly in Scripture and specifically in Romans 8. In verses 7-8 Paul (the author of Romans) explains the detriment that accompanies following your flesh. If someone chooses to submit to themselves (flesh) over the Spirit (God), then they are “hostile to God” and “cannot please God.” What should we take away from these striking words?
First, this exhortation to choose God over self should empower us. Let us flip the warnings into what will happen if we follow God. We will be friends with God and please Him. Wow! We have the choice to either turn our backs and disregard God, His law, and His friendship, or we can become friends with the Creator of the Universe.
Second, choosing the flesh only brings temporary pleasure. Flesh is mortal and finite. There is only so much one can do as a human and it is quite limited. However, God is powerful and endless. He was and is and will be forevermore. If we submit to the Spirit, we are choosing to align ourselves with the most powerful, eternal being that will ever exist. Practically this seems to be a better long-term plan.
Lastly, most things from the flesh are confusing, deceptive, and isolating. Even the things that seem to be harmless will end and stop giving life (i.e. deceptive). For instance, nutrition. You could choose to make nutrition your number one goal and submit yourself fully to pursuing your health and nutrition. This is not innately bad. However, when you are 85, regardless of the hours you spent training and feeding your body, you will near death and see your abilities decline. Nutrition can take you far in life, but is it worth your everything? Eventually it will fail. It cannot go on forever. Paul would argue no. He would suggest instead that you lay down to God first. In turn, God will ask you to pursue a healthy lifestyle body, mind, and soul. God made you and therefore knows that nutrition is important. He also knows that pursuing Him first is better. Following the Spirit is clear and without secret, lies, or confusion. When you submit to the Spirit, you submit to God. His ways become your ways.
Overall, it seems the most positive and clear choice is submitting to the Spirit. But the beauty of choosing the Spirit is that it is a choice. Everyone can say yes or no to the Spirit of God. He will not force Himself on you. He will offer His hand and allow you to say yes. God is a gentleman and quietly pursues His beloved children.
Written By: Elizabeth Keith