2. Is a mere expression of good wishes sufficient?
"If a brother or sister be naked, and dest.i.tute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; _what doth it profit_?" James 2:15, 16.
3. When should we exercise hospitality?
"_As we have therefore opportunity_, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Gal. 6:10.
4. What encouragement is given to entertain strangers?
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for _thereby some have entertained angels unawares_." Heb. 13:2. See Gen 18: 1-8; 19:1-3.
5. What blessings are promised those who do such work?
"The liberal soul _shall be made fat_: and he that watereth _shall be watered also himself_." Prov. 11:25. 1 Kings 17:8-16.
Who Is The Greatest?
[Ill.u.s.tration.]
Jesus Washing The Disciples" Feet. "Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." Mark 10:44.
1. At the last Pa.s.sover, what did Christ say to His disciples?
"And he said unto them, With desire have I desired to eat this Pa.s.sover 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 G.o.d." Luke 22:15, 16.
2. Concerning what had there been a strife among the disciples?
"And there was also a strife among them, _which of them should be accounted the greatest_." Verse 24.
3. How did Christ rebuke this spirit?
"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_." Verses 25, 26.
See Mark 10:42-45.
4. 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_."
Verse 27.
5. Notwithstanding that He was their Lord and Master, what example of humility and willing service did Christ give?
"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.
6. What was the custom anciently respecting feet-washing?
"Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and _wash your feet_." "And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant"s house, and tarry all night, and _wash your feet_." "And the man brought the men into Joseph"s house, and _gave them water, and they washed their feet_." Gen. 18:4; 19:2; 43:24. See also Judges 19:21; 2 Sam. 11:8.
7. How did Christ reprove Simon for misjudging Him in permitting a woman who was a sinner to wash His feet?
"And He turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, _thou gavest Me no water for My feet_: but she hath washed My feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head." Luke 7:44.
NOTES.-From the scriptures just cited, it appears that the usual custom in Christ"s time was for the guests to wash their own feet.
"As sandals were ineffectual against the dust and heat of an Eastern climate, washing the feet on entering a house was an act both of respect to the company and of refreshment to the traveler."-_Complete Dictionary of the Bible, by Smith and Barnum, article __"__Washing the Hands and Feet.__"_
At a feast it was an Oriental custom for servants or slaves to wash the feet of guests. See 1 Sam. 25:40, 41. It was not the custom, however, of _equals_ to wash the feet of _equals_, much less for _superiors_ to wash the feet of _inferiors_. But this is the very thing that Christ did when He washed the disciples" feet, and inst.i.tuted the ordinance of feet-washing. In this lies the lesson of humility and willingness to serve which He designed to teach.
8. What question did Peter ask concerning this proffered service?
"Then cometh He to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto Him, _Lord, dost Thou wash my feet_?" John 13:6.
9. What answer did Jesus make?
"Jesus answered and said unto him, _What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter_." Verse 7.
10. How did Peter feel about the Saviour"s washing his feet?
"Peter saith unto Him, _Thou shalt never wash my feet_." Verse 8.
11. What was the Master"s reply to Peter?
"Jesus answered him, _If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me_."
Same verse.
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 G.o.d"s sight, it is true humility and loving service which const.i.tute real greatness.
12. Learning that union with Christ depended on this service, what did Peter say?
"Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, _not my feet only, but also my hands and my head_." Verse 9. See verse 10.
13. After having washed their feet, what did Christ say?
"_I have given you an example_, that ye should do as I have done to you."
Verse 15.
14. What did He say about their washing one another"s feet?
"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_." Verses 13, 14.