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Servant of Servants
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silence. The disciples were uneasy. The looks they gave each other
told of jealousy and conflict.
There was “a dispute among them, as to which of them should
be considered the greatest.” This strife grieved and wounded Jesus.
Each of them still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. James
and John had dared to ask for the highest position, and this angered
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the ten so much that it threatened to split the group. Judas was the
most severe on James and John.
When the disciples entered the upper room, Judas pushed his
way next to Christ on the left side; John was on the right. If there
was a highest place, Judas was determined to have it.
Another cause of conflict had arisen. It was customary for a
servant to wash the feet of the guests. On this occasion the pitcher,
the basin, and the towel were in place and ready, but no servant was
present, and it was the disciples’ duty to perform the task. But each
determined not to act the part of a servant. All of them put on the
appearance of unconcern. By their silence they refused to humble
themselves.
How was Christ to bring these poor followers where Satan would
not gain a clear victory over them? How could He show them that
merely professing to be His disciples did not make them disciples?
How could He kindle love in their hearts and enable them to com-
prehend what He longed to tell them?
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 restricted His movements, He took a towel. In
silence the disciples waited to see what would happen. “After that,
He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet,
and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” This
action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame filled their
hearts, and they saw themselves in a new light.
Christ gave them an example they would never forget. His love
for them was not easily disturbed. He had full consciousness of His
divinity, but He had laid aside His royal crown and had taken the
form of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to
clothe Himself like a servant and perform a servant’s role.
Before the Passover Judas had made the arrangements to deliver
Jesus into the hands of the priests and scribes. The disciples knew