Holy Thursday: Faith, Service, and Following Jesus’ Example
I’m writing to you all because today is Holy Thursday. This is the day when Jesus and His disciples ate the Last Supper, and Jesus consecrated the bread and wine. These elements symbolize Jesus’ body and blood, and He told us to partake in them in remembrance of Him. This is the essence of communion.
While reading over this passage in Luke 22 again, I noticed some details I hadn’t seen before. After Jesus consecrates the bread and wine, the disciples begin to dispute over who among them is the greatest. Jesus responds to them:
“The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” — Luke 22:25-27
A Change in My Heart
Since coming to college, I’ve seen God do a great work in me. In a recent philosophy class, we made lists of our core values. When I looked at my list, I realized that the values I hold dear—like loyalty, honesty, strength—are all rooted in my relationship with God. If you had asked freshman-year Kayode what he valued, I would have said things like getting a good job or being successful. But over time, God has tenderized my heart. I now realize that I value the person I’m becoming more than my college achievements. I’m reminded of Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
God’s Work Through Shared Meals and Conversations
Recently, I’ve seen God working on campus, especially during mealtimes. A few weeks ago, I had an argument with a friend, and we agreed to meet later that evening to resolve it. Feeling stressed, I went to the library to pray. I read Proverbs 16:3:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
That night, as I looked for a place to pray, I was led by the Holy Spirit to a room in the student center. I found out that it was an Iftar gathering, where the Muslims on campus were breaking their fasts during Ramadan. Initially, I thought, “This can’t be where God wants me,” and I left.
But as I walked away, I felt a pull from the Holy Spirit. I returned to the Iftar dinner, trusting that God had a plan for me. I didn’t know what to do, but I followed His lead. I ate quietly, but as I left, I heard the Holy Spirit ask, “Why are you leaving so quickly? You didn’t even talk to anyone.”
I returned the next night, again with no plan. Yet, God delivered. He led me to meaningful conversations, and I spent the rest of Ramadan engaging with people, sharing stories, and talking about God. Many of them have expressed interest in meeting again to talk more about God. It has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I am thankful that God led me to this community.
Following Jesus’ Example
Looking back, I realize that none of this would have happened if I hadn’t chosen to follow Jesus’ example. He calls us to serve, not to seek power or glory for ourselves. If I hadn’t been willing to set aside my own plans and follow God’s calling, I might never have had the chance to share the Gospel with these students.
I’ve seen God working in the Muslim community here on campus, but also in the hearts of my friends and classmates. Many are searching for something to fulfill them and are eager to learn more about Jesus. They’ve been asking me questions, coming to church, and showing interest in God’s word.
Please continue to pray for the MIT community and the ways that God is working here!
Remembering Jesus’ Sacrifice
So as you go forward today, remember the bread and wine. Jesus said that every time we partake in communion, we should do so in remembrance of Him. Remember His sacrifice and love for us.
Let us also remember how He calls us to lead by serving. Seek first the Kingdom of God and know that God can use even the simplest of moments—like a shared meal—to make a lasting impact.
I look forward to seeing you all this summer!
About the Author:
Kayode Dada
Student- MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Mechanical Engineering Major)
TC Attender Since October 2016
