September 21

And begun to wash the disciples' feet. — John 13:5.

IN our last exercise, we witnessed the power and glory of Jesus in the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. Now we are called upon to witness his amazing humility and condescension in stooping to wash the disciples' feet. What majesty and lowliness distinguished the actions of Jesus! What heavenly grandeur, and yet what earthly condescension! He by whom all things were created and unto whom the ascriptions of the myriads of spirits in glory are rendered, disdains not to be girt about with a towel, washing the feet of his own creatures, and wiping them with the towel with which he was girded. What a proof that Jesus became the servant of servants. What an example of tender meekness and voluntary humiliation in the Son of God. Who can imagine the scene without being affected? Who can reflect upon it without being ashamed? Man, a worm of the earth, is inflated with pride, and takes every occasion to display his authority over those whom he considers to be beneath him, while the creator of man, the Lord of angels, is seen stooping to the lowest office, and washing his disciples' feet. And wherefore did he do it? He himself informs us that it was, that they might not assume lordship over each other, but that in love and humility they might also wash each other's feet. Christ is therefore our great model; to him we are always to look, his example always to copy, and his lowly spirit always to evince. We are to regard all the family of believers as our brethren, and to cultivate towards each of them unfeigned esteem and fervent love. In all cases we are to think more highly of them than of ourselves, and be ready to perform any act of hospitality, and, if necessary, even to wash their feet. Such did Jesus, and such is the application which he made of his own conduct.

"Lord, that I may learn of thee,

Give me true humility:

Wean my soul, and keep it low, Willing thee alone to know."