Bible Readings for the Home

Chapter 144

The Ordinance of Humility

At the last passover, what did the Saviour say to His disciples?
"And He said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Luke 22:15, 16.

What spirit was manifested by the disciples?
"And He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." Luke 22:25, 26.

What did the Saviour say of His own position?
"For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth." Luke 22:27.

With such knowledge of His own power and authority, what excellent example did Christ give of His humility?
"He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself, After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded," John 13:4, 5.

On approaching Peter, what did that disciple say?
"Then cometh He to Simon Peter; and Peter saith unto Him, lord, dost thou wash my feet?" John 13:6. 

And what was the reply?
"Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." John 13:7.

How did Peter feel about submitting to the Saviour's proposal?
"Peter saith unto Him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou has no part with Me." John 13:8.

Learning that his salvation depended on his submission to Christ, what did Peter then wish done?
"Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." John 13:9. 

Was this really necessary?
Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save {only] to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all." John 13:10.

After performing the ceremony, what did Christ say had been His object?
"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." John 13:15.

What did He say they should therefore do to one another?
"Ye call Me Master and Lord, and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye a/so ought to wash one another's feet." John 13:13, 14.

What promise is given to those who carry out this ordinance?
"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:17.

How was the Oriental custom of feet washing invariably conducted?
"Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree." Gen. 18:4 (Gen.19:2) (Judges 19:21) (2 Sam. 11:8) (Luke 7:44).

As late as A.D. 65, what was one test applied by the apostle to determine whether a widow was worthy to be taken into a certain circle?
"If she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." 1 Tim. 5:10.

How does Christ regard an act performed toward the humblest of His disciples?
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Matt. 25:40.