On Maundy Thursday years ago, I, Ben Carruthers, stood nervously behind the pulpit for the first time, only to have my family chuckle as I confused 'Maundy' with 'Monday.' That day's sermon, steeped in the message of love Jesus left us, became a cornerstone in my journey of faith, a story that I'm excited to share with you. We'll laugh together at my early mix-up, and then move into a heartfelt exploration of what it means to truly love one another. Drawing from scripture and its many translations—even the trendy 'Gen Z' version—we'll tackle the challenge of living out Jesus' commandment in our complicated, modern lives. Let's embrace the transformative power of love through prayer and reflection, finding courage and inspiration in the intimate moments shared by Jesus and his disciples.

Venture with me to Thunder Bay, where I led a group of high schoolers on a YouthWorks mission trip that turned into a profound lesson on service and humility. We'll recount the touching foot washing ceremony that evoked Jesus' own act of love, even towards those who betrayed him, and discuss how he tenderly addressed his followers as 'little children.' These experiences illuminate the depth of Jesus' love and the ways it can manifest in our own relationships—through service, forgiveness, and justice. As we wrap up with a benediction that affirms our identity as God's beloved, I challenge you to recognize that same divine spark in everyone, and let it guide us to places of unexpected growth and compassion. Join me in embracing the laughter, the lessons, and the love that comes from walking in Jesus' footsteps.

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