54
The Story of Jesus
There had been a contention among them. They still thought that
[96]
[97]
Christ was soon to be made king, and each of them wanted the highest
place in His kingdom. So they had jealous and angry feelings toward
one another.
There was another cause of trouble. At a feast it was the custom
for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion
preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher of water, the
basin, and the towel were there, ready for the feet-washing. But no
servant was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it.
But each of the disciples thought that he would not be a servant to
his brethren. He was not willing to wash their feet. So, in silence they
had taken their places at the table.
Jesus waited awhile to see what they would do. Then He Himself
rose from the table. He girded Himself with the towel, poured water
into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet. He had been
grieved by their contention, but He did not reprove them by sharp
words. He showed His love by acting as a servant to His own disciples.
When He had finished, He said to them:
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also
ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example
that ye should do as I have done to you.”
John 13:14, 15
.
In this way Christ taught them that they ought to help one another.
Instead of seeking the highest place for himself, each should be willing
to serve his brethren.
The Saviour came into the world to work for others. He lived to
help and save those who are needy and sinful. He wants us to do as
He did.
The disciples were now ashamed of their jealousy and selfishness.
Their hearts were filled with love for their Lord and for one another.
[98]
Now they could give heed to Christ’s teaching.
As they were still at the table, Jesus took bread, and gave thanks,
and broke it, and gave to them, saying, “This is My body which is
given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.
“Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New
Testament in My blood, which is shed for you.”
Luke 22:19, 20
.
The Bible says, “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup,
ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.”
1 Corinthians 11:26
.