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174
S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 5
Himself to wash the feet of the worst sinner, did not break his heart,
what more could be done? It was the last act of love that Jesus could
evidence in behalf of Judas. Infinite love could not compel Judas to
repent, confess his sin, and be saved. Every opportunity was granted
him. Nothing was left undone that could be done to save him from
the snare of Satan (
The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898
).
13-17. A Dedication to Service
—The ordinance of feet washing
is an ordinance of service. This is the lesson the Lord would have
all learn and practice. When this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the
children of God are brought into holy relationship with each other,
to help and bless each other.
That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which
dwells in the natural heart, and which strengthens by self-serving,
[1139]
Christ Himself set us an example of humility. He would not leave
this great subject in man’s charge. Of so much consequence did He
regard it that He Himself, One equal with God, washed the feet of
His disciples [
John 13:13-17
quoted].
This ceremony means much to us. God would have us take the
whole scene, not only the single act of outward cleansing. This
lesson does not merely refer to the one act. It is to reveal the great
truth that Christ is an example of what we through His grace are
to be in our intercourse with each other. It shows that the entire
life should be one of humble, faithful ministry.... The ordinance of
feet washing most forcibly illustrates the necessity of true humility.
While the disciples were contending for the highest place, in the
promised kingdom, Christ girded Himself, and performed the office
of a servant by washing the feet of those who called Him Lord.
He, the pure, spotless Lamb of God, was presenting Himself as a
sin-offering; and as He now ate the Passover with His disciples, He
put an end to the sacrifices which for four thousand years had been
offered. In the place of the national festival which the Jewish people
had observed, He instituted a memorial service, in the ceremony
of feet washing, and the sacramental supper, to be observed by
His followers through all time and in every country. These should
ever repeat Christ’s act, that all may see that true service called for
unselfish ministry (
Manuscript 43, 1897
).
14, 15 (
Matthew 23:8
;
1 Corinthians 11:28
). Humility an Ac-
tive Principle
—Humility is an active principle growing out of a