Jesus' Example In Humility

[Thompson, Darryl]

---------------------------------------------------------
Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 25
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
-----------------------------------------------------------

Jesus' Example In Humility

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.

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 of spirit. The ordinance
preceding the Lord's Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to
bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of
self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve
his brother.

The ordinance of feet washing most forcibly illustrates the necessity of
true humility. While the disciples were contending for the highest
place, in the promised kingdom, Christ girded Himself, and performed the
office of a servant by washing the feet of those who called Him Lord.

Reconciliation one with another is the work for which the ordinance of
feet washing was instituted. . . . Whenever it is celebrated, Christ is
present by His Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit that brings conviction to
hearts.

As Christ celebrated this ordinance with His disciples, conviction came
to the hearts of all save Judas. So we shall be convicted as Christ
speaks to our hearts. The fountains of the soul will be broken up. The
mind will be energized, and, springing into activity and life, will
break down every barrier that has caused disunion and alienation. Sins
that have been committed will appear with more distinctness than ever
before; for the Holy Spirit will bring them to our remembrance.

Having washed the disciples' feet, He {Jesus} said, "I have given you an
example, that ye should do as I have done to you." . . . Christ was here
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.

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 83, 84.