Difference between revisions of "179:3 Washing the Apostle's Feet"
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| − | 179:3.1 After drinking the [ | + | 179:3.1 After drinking the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_seder#Kadeish_.28blessings_and_the_first_cup_of_wine.29 first cup] of the [[Passover]], it was the [[Jewish]] [[custom]] for the [[host]] to arise from the table and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_seder#Ur.27chatz_.28wash_hands.29 wash his hands]. Later on in the meal and after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_seder#The_Four_Cups second cup], all of the guests likewise rose up and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_seder#Rohtzah_.28ritual_washing_of_hands.29 washed their hands]. Since [[the apostles]] knew that their Master never [[observed]] these [[rites]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritual_purification#Judaism ceremonial hand washing], they were very [[curious]] to know what he [[intended]] to do when, after they had partaken of this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_seder#Kadeish_.28blessings_and_the_first_cup_of_wine.29 first cup], he arose from the table and [[silently]] made his way over to near the door, where the water pitchers, basins, and towels had been placed. And their [[curiosity]] grew into astonishment as they saw [[the Master]] remove his outer garment, gird himself with a towel, and begin to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing#Background pour water into one of the foot basins]. [[Imagine]] the [[amazement]] of [[the Apostles|these twelve men]], who had so recently refused to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing wash one another's feet], and who had engaged in such unseemly [[disputes]] about positions of [[honor]] at the table, when they saw him make his way around the unoccupied end of the table to the lowest seat of the feast, where [[Simon Peter]] reclined, and, kneeling down in the [[attitude]] of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant servant], make ready to wash [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon]]'s feet. As [[the Master]] knelt, all [[the Apostles|twelve]] arose as one man to their feet; even the [[traitorous]] [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] so far forgot his [[infamy]] for a [[moment]] as to arise with his fellow [[apostles]] in this [[expression]] of [[surprise]], [[respect]], and utter [[amazement]]. |
| − | 179:3.2 There stood [[Simon Peter]], looking down into the upturned [[face]] of his Master. [[Jesus]] said nothing; it was not [[necessary]] that he should [[speak]]. His [[attitude]] plainly [[revealed]] that he was [[minded]] to [ | + | 179:3.2 There stood [[Simon Peter]], looking down into the upturned [[face]] of his Master. [[Jesus]] said nothing; it was not [[necessary]] that he should [[speak]]. His [[attitude]] plainly [[revealed]] that he was [[minded]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing#Background wash] [[Simon Peter]]'s feet. Notwithstanding his frailties of the [[flesh]], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] loved [[the Master]]. This [[Galilean]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman] was the first [[human being]] wholeheartedly to [[believe]] in the [[divinity]] of [[Jesus]] and to make full and [[public]] [[confession]] of that [[belief]]. And [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] had never since really [[doubted]] the [[divine]] [[nature]] of [[the Master]]. Since [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] so [[revered]] and [[honored]] [[Jesus]] in his [[heart]], it was not strange that his [[soul]] resented the [[thought]] of [[Jesus]]' kneeling there before him in the [[attitude]] of a menial [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant servant] and [[proposing]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing#Background wash his feet] as would a [[slave]]. When [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] presently collected his wits sufficiently to address [[the Master]], he [[spoke]] the [[heart]] [[feelings]] of all his fellow [[apostles]]. |
179:3.3 After a few [[moments]] of this great [[embarrassment]], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] said, " Master, do you really mean to wash my feet? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] And then, looking up into [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[face]], [[Jesus]] said: " You may not fully understand what I am about to do, but hereafter you will know the [[meaning]] of all these [[things]]. " Then [[Simon Peter]], drawing a long [[breath]], said, " Master, you shall never wash my feet! "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] And each of [[the apostles]] nodded their [[approval]] of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s firm [[declaration]] of refusal to allow [[Jesus]] thus to [[humble]] himself before them. | 179:3.3 After a few [[moments]] of this great [[embarrassment]], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] said, " Master, do you really mean to wash my feet? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] And then, looking up into [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[face]], [[Jesus]] said: " You may not fully understand what I am about to do, but hereafter you will know the [[meaning]] of all these [[things]]. " Then [[Simon Peter]], drawing a long [[breath]], said, " Master, you shall never wash my feet! "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] And each of [[the apostles]] nodded their [[approval]] of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s firm [[declaration]] of refusal to allow [[Jesus]] thus to [[humble]] himself before them. | ||
| − | 179:3.4 The [[dramatic]] [[appeal]] of this unusual scene at first [[touched]] the [[heart]] of even [[Judas Iscariot]]; but when his vainglorious [[intellect]] passed [[judgment]] upon the [[spectacle]], he concluded that this [[gesture]] of [[humility]] was just one more episode which conclusively [[proved]] that [[Jesus]] would never qualify as [[Israel]]'s [ | + | 179:3.4 The [[dramatic]] [[appeal]] of this unusual scene at first [[touched]] the [[heart]] of even [[Judas Iscariot]]; but when his vainglorious [[intellect]] passed [[judgment]] upon the [[spectacle]], he concluded that this [[gesture]] of [[humility]] was just one more episode which conclusively [[proved]] that [[Jesus]] would never qualify as [[Israel]]'s [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism deliverer], and that he had made no mistake in the [[decision]] to [[Desertion|desert]] [[the Master]]'s [[Movement|cause]]. |
| − | 179:3.5 As they all stood there in breathless [[amazement]], [[Jesus]] said: " [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], I [[declare]] that, if I do not [ | + | 179:3.5 As they all stood there in breathless [[amazement]], [[Jesus]] said: " [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], I [[declare]] that, if I do not [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing#Background wash your feet], you will have no [[part]] with me in that which I am about to [[perform]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] When [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] heard this [[declaration]], coupled with the [[fact]] that [[Jesus]] continued kneeling there at his feet, he made one of those [[decisions]] of blind acquiescence in compliance with the [[wish]] of one whom he [[respected]] and [[loved]]. As it began to [[dawn]] on [[Simon Peter]] that there was attached to this [[proposed]] enactment of [[service]] some [[signification]] that determined one's [[future]] [[connection]] with [[the Master]]'s [[work]], he not only became [[reconciled]] to the [[thought]] of allowing [[Jesus]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing#Background wash his feet] but, in his characteristic and impetuous [[manner]], said: " Then, Master, wash not my feet only but also my hands and my head. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] |
| − | 179:3.6 As [[the Master]] made ready to begin [ | + | 179:3.6 As [[the Master]] made ready to begin [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing#Background washing Peter's feet], he said: " He who is already clean needs only to have his feet washed. You who sit with me tonight are clean—but not all.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] But the dust of your feet should have been washed away before you sat down at meat with me. And besides, I would [[perform]] this [[service]] for you as a [[parable]] to [[illustrate]] the [[meaning]] of a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_180#180:1._THE_NEW_COMMANDMENT new commandment] which I will presently give you. " |
| − | 179:3.7 In like [[manner]] [[the Master]] went around the table, in [[silence]], washing the feet of his [[twelve apostles]], not even passing by [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]]. When [[Jesus]] had finished [ | + | 179:3.7 In like [[manner]] [[the Master]] went around the table, in [[silence]], washing the feet of his [[twelve apostles]], not even passing by [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]]. When [[Jesus]] had finished [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing#Background washing the feet] of [[the twelve]], he donned his cloak, returned to his place as [[host]], and after looking over his [[bewildered]] [[apostles]], said: |
| − | 179:3.8 " Do you really [[understand]] what I have done to you? You [ | + | 179:3.8 " Do you really [[understand]] what I have done to you? You [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_%28form_of_address%29 call me Master], and you say well, for so I am. If, then, [[the Master]] has washed your feet, why was it that you were unwilling to wash one another's feet? What lesson should you [[learn]] from this [[parable]] in which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_%28form_of_address%29 the Master] so willingly does that [[service]] which his brethren were unwilling to do for one another? Verily, verily, I say to you: A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant servant] is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than he who sends him. You have seen the way of [[service]] in my life among you, and [[blessed]] are you who will have the [[gracious]] [[courage]] so to serve. But why are you so slow to [[learn]] that the [[secret]] of greatness in [[the spiritual kingdom]] is not like the [[methods]] of [[power]] in the [[material]] world?[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] |
| − | 179:3.9 " When I came into this chamber tonight, you were not content [[proudly]] to refuse to [ | + | 179:3.9 " When I came into this chamber tonight, you were not content [[proudly]] to refuse to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_washing#Background wash one another's feet], but you must also fall to [[disputing]] among yourselves as to who should have the places of [[honor]] at my table. Such [[honors]] the [[Pharisees]] and the children of this world seek, but it should not be so among the [[ambassadors]] of [[the heavenly kingdom]]. Do you not know that there can be no place of preferment at my table? Do you not [[understand]] that I [[love]] each of you as I do the [[others]]? Do you not know that the place nearest me, as men regard such [[honors]], can mean nothing concerning your [[Status|standing]] in [[the kingdom]] of heaven? You know that the [[kings]] of the [[gentiles]] have [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord lordship] over their subjects, while those who [[exercise]] this [[authority]] are sometimes called [[benefactors]]. But it shall not be so in [[the kingdom]] of heaven. He who would be great among you, let him become as the younger; while he who would be chief, let him become as one who [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant serves]. Who is the greater, he who sits at meat, or he who serves? Is it not commonly regarded that he who sits at meat is the greater? But you will [[observe]] that I am among you as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant one who serves]. If you are willing to become fellow servants with me in [[doing the Father's will]], in [[the kingdom]] to come you shall sit with me in [[power]], still doing [[the Father]]'s will in [[future]] [[glory]]. " |
| − | 179:3.10 When [[Jesus]] had finished [[speaking]], the [[Alpheus twins]] brought on the [ | + | 179:3.10 When [[Jesus]] had finished [[speaking]], the [[Alpheus twins]] brought on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_seder#Motzi_.28.22who_brings_forth.22.29 bread and wine, with the bitter herbs and the paste of dried fruits], for the next course of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_supper Last Supper]. |
<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_179 Go to Paper 179]</center> | <center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_179 Go to Paper 179]</center> | ||
Latest revision as of 23:19, 12 December 2020
179:3.1 After drinking the first cup of the Passover, it was the Jewish custom for the host to arise from the table and wash his hands. Later on in the meal and after the second cup, all of the guests likewise rose up and washed their hands. Since the apostles knew that their Master never observed these rites of ceremonial hand washing, they were very curious to know what he intended to do when, after they had partaken of this first cup, he arose from the table and silently made his way over to near the door, where the water pitchers, basins, and towels had been placed. And their curiosity grew into astonishment as they saw the Master remove his outer garment, gird himself with a towel, and begin to pour water into one of the foot basins. Imagine the amazement of these twelve men, who had so recently refused to wash one another's feet, and who had engaged in such unseemly disputes about positions of honor at the table, when they saw him make his way around the unoccupied end of the table to the lowest seat of the feast, where Simon Peter reclined, and, kneeling down in the attitude of a servant, make ready to wash Simon's feet. As the Master knelt, all twelve arose as one man to their feet; even the traitorous Judas so far forgot his infamy for a moment as to arise with his fellow apostles in this expression of surprise, respect, and utter amazement.
179:3.2 There stood Simon Peter, looking down into the upturned face of his Master. Jesus said nothing; it was not necessary that he should speak. His attitude plainly revealed that he was minded to wash Simon Peter's feet. Notwithstanding his frailties of the flesh, Peter loved the Master. This Galilean fisherman was the first human being wholeheartedly to believe in the divinity of Jesus and to make full and public confession of that belief. And Peter had never since really doubted the divine nature of the Master. Since Peter so revered and honored Jesus in his heart, it was not strange that his soul resented the thought of Jesus' kneeling there before him in the attitude of a menial servant and proposing to wash his feet as would a slave. When Peter presently collected his wits sufficiently to address the Master, he spoke the heart feelings of all his fellow apostles.
179:3.3 After a few moments of this great embarrassment, Peter said, " Master, do you really mean to wash my feet? "[1] And then, looking up into Peter's face, Jesus said: " You may not fully understand what I am about to do, but hereafter you will know the meaning of all these things. " Then Simon Peter, drawing a long breath, said, " Master, you shall never wash my feet! "[2] And each of the apostles nodded their approval of Peter's firm declaration of refusal to allow Jesus thus to humble himself before them.
179:3.4 The dramatic appeal of this unusual scene at first touched the heart of even Judas Iscariot; but when his vainglorious intellect passed judgment upon the spectacle, he concluded that this gesture of humility was just one more episode which conclusively proved that Jesus would never qualify as Israel's deliverer, and that he had made no mistake in the decision to desert the Master's cause.
179:3.5 As they all stood there in breathless amazement, Jesus said: " Peter, I declare that, if I do not wash your feet, you will have no part with me in that which I am about to perform. "[3] When Peter heard this declaration, coupled with the fact that Jesus continued kneeling there at his feet, he made one of those decisions of blind acquiescence in compliance with the wish of one whom he respected and loved. As it began to dawn on Simon Peter that there was attached to this proposed enactment of service some signification that determined one's future connection with the Master's work, he not only became reconciled to the thought of allowing Jesus to wash his feet but, in his characteristic and impetuous manner, said: " Then, Master, wash not my feet only but also my hands and my head. "[4]
179:3.6 As the Master made ready to begin washing Peter's feet, he said: " He who is already clean needs only to have his feet washed. You who sit with me tonight are clean—but not all.[5] But the dust of your feet should have been washed away before you sat down at meat with me. And besides, I would perform this service for you as a parable to illustrate the meaning of a new commandment which I will presently give you. "
179:3.7 In like manner the Master went around the table, in silence, washing the feet of his twelve apostles, not even passing by Judas. When Jesus had finished washing the feet of the twelve, he donned his cloak, returned to his place as host, and after looking over his bewildered apostles, said:
179:3.8 " Do you really understand what I have done to you? You call me Master, and you say well, for so I am. If, then, the Master has washed your feet, why was it that you were unwilling to wash one another's feet? What lesson should you learn from this parable in which the Master so willingly does that service which his brethren were unwilling to do for one another? Verily, verily, I say to you: A servant is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than he who sends him. You have seen the way of service in my life among you, and blessed are you who will have the gracious courage so to serve. But why are you so slow to learn that the secret of greatness in the spiritual kingdom is not like the methods of power in the material world?[6]
179:3.9 " When I came into this chamber tonight, you were not content proudly to refuse to wash one another's feet, but you must also fall to disputing among yourselves as to who should have the places of honor at my table. Such honors the Pharisees and the children of this world seek, but it should not be so among the ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom. Do you not know that there can be no place of preferment at my table? Do you not understand that I love each of you as I do the others? Do you not know that the place nearest me, as men regard such honors, can mean nothing concerning your standing in the kingdom of heaven? You know that the kings of the gentiles have lordship over their subjects, while those who exercise this authority are sometimes called benefactors. But it shall not be so in the kingdom of heaven. He who would be great among you, let him become as the younger; while he who would be chief, let him become as one who serves. Who is the greater, he who sits at meat, or he who serves? Is it not commonly regarded that he who sits at meat is the greater? But you will observe that I am among you as one who serves. If you are willing to become fellow servants with me in doing the Father's will, in the kingdom to come you shall sit with me in power, still doing the Father's will in future glory. "
179:3.10 When Jesus had finished speaking, the Alpheus twins brought on the bread and wine, with the bitter herbs and the paste of dried fruits, for the next course of the Last Supper.
