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Counsels for the Church
eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s
body.”
1 Corinthians 11:28, 27, 29
.
None should exclude themselves from the Communion because
some who are unworthy may be present. Every disciple is called upon
to participate publicly, and thus bear witness that he accepts Christ as
a personal Saviour.
In partaking with His disciples of the bread and wine, Christ
pledged Himself to them as their Redeemer. He committed to them
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the new covenant, by which all who receive Him become children of
God, and joint heirs with Christ. By this covenant every blessing that
heaven could bestow for this life and the life to come was theirs. This
covenant deed was to be ratified with the blood of Christ. And the
administration of the Sacrament was to keep before the disciples the
infinite sacrifice made for each of them individually as a part of the
great whole of fallen humanity.
The Servant of Servants
When the disciples entered the supper room, their hearts were full
of resentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ on the left side; John
was on the right. If there was a highest place, Judas was determined
to have it, and that place was thought to be next to Christ. And Judas
was a traitor.
Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was customary
for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion
preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and
the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant
was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each of
the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part
of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious
that there was anything for them to do. By their silence they refused
to humble themselves.
The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus
waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine
Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside the outer garment that
would have impeded His movements, He took a towel, and girded
Himself. With surprised interest the disciples looked on, and in silence
waited to see what was to follow. “After that He poureth water into a