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Servant of Servants
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example He might teach what it means to minister. He served all,
ministered to all. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example
showed how we are to obey it.
Having washed the disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “I have given you
an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” In these words
Christ was instituting a religious service. By the act of our Lord this
humiliating ceremony was made a consecrated ordinance. It was to
be observed by the disciples, that they might ever keep in mind His
lessons of humility and service.
This ordinance is Christ’s appointed preparation for the sacra-
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mental service. While pride, variance, and strife for supremacy are
cherished, we are not prepared to receive the communion of His
body and His blood. Therefore Jesus appointed the memorial of His
humiliation to be first observed.
There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than
his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this
results in evil surmisings and bitterness. The ordinance preceding
the Lord’s Supper is to bring man out of his selfishness, down from
self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve
his brother. The holy Watcher from heaven is present to make this
season one of soul searching, conviction of sin, and the assurance of
sins forgiven. Christ is there to change the current of thoughts that
have been running in selfish channels.
As the Saviour’s humiliation for us is remembered, a chain of
memories is called up, memories of God’s goodness and of the favor
and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, kindnesses
slighted are called to mind. Defects of character, neglect of duties,
ingratitude, coldness, are called to remembrance. The mind is ener-
gized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Sins
are confessed; they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ draws
hearts together. The desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. The
soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with the
sunshine of Christ’s righteousness filling the soul temple.
To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never be-
come merely ceremonial. Whenever this ordinance is rightly cele-
brated, the children of God covenant that the life shall be given to
unselfish ministry for one another. The world is full of those who