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From Heaven With Love
The disciples were ill at ease. The glances they cast on each other
told of jealousy and contention.
There was “a strife among them, which of them should be ac-
counted the greatest.” This contention grieved and wounded Jesus.
Each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. That James
and John should presume to ask for the highest position so stirred the
ten that alienation threatened. Judas was the most severe on James
and John.
When the disciples entered the upper room, 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.
Another cause of dissension 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 readiness; but no servant was present,
and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each determined not
to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern. By
their silence they refused to humble themselves.
How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would
not gain over them a decided victory? How could He show that a
mere profession of discipleship did not make them disciples? How
was He to kindle love in their hearts and enable them to comprehend
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 impeded His movements, He took a towel.
In silence the disciples waited to see what was to follow. “After
that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’
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feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith 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
gird Himself as a servant, and perform a servant’s part.
Before the Passover Judas had closed the contract to deliver Jesus
into the hands of the priests and scribes. The disciples knew nothing
of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret, yet He