Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

The Significance of the Service

What was the Master’s reply to Peter? BR-ASI9 440.7

“Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me.” John 13:8. BR-ASI9 440.8

Note.—This ordinance is a type of a higher cleansing—the cleansing of the heart from the stain of sin. It is a rebuke to all selfishness and seeking of place and preferment among Christ’s professed followers, and a witness to the fact that, in God’s sight, it is true humility and loving service which constitute real greatness. BR-ASI9 440.9

Learning that union with Christ depended on this service, what did Peter say? BR-ASI9 440.10

“Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” John 13:9. (See verse 10.) BR-ASI9 440.11

After having washed their feet, what did Christ say? BR-ASI9 440.12

“I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:15. BR-ASI9 440.13

What did He say about their washing one another’s feet? BR-ASI9 440.14

“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 also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John 13:13, 14. BR-ASI9 440.15

What did Christ say would be their experience in obeying His instruction? BR-ASI9 440.16

“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17. BR-ASI9 440.17

How does Christ regard an act performed toward the humblest of His disciples? BR-ASI9 441.1

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Matthew 25:40. BR-ASI9 441.2

Note.—The great lesson intended to be taught by the instituting of this ordinance evidently was such humility as would lead to willing service for others. BR-ASI9 441.3