God, declaring with infallible certainty the most con- tingent events : and when he comes to his Disciples, behold, he forgets all his own approaching sufferings, and is intent only on promoting their eternal welfare. The last evening was arrived, when he was to conflict with all the powers of darkness, and to be delivered into the hands of sinners. This he well knew ; and therefore, one would suppose, should have greatly dreaded the approaching hour : but, instead of dread- ing it for himself, he earnestly desired it for their good : " With desire have I desired to eat this Pass- over with you before I suffer : for I say unto you, I will not eat any more thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
Here two inquiries arise ; and they will afford a profitable subject for our present contemplation ? I. Why did he so desire to eat the Passover with them at that time ?
Many reasons doubtless conspired to make him so desirous of it. It would afford him a valuable opportunity
1. Of manifesting his love to them —
[Parting friends are usually anxious to give to eacli other some lasting token of their mutual regard. Our blessed Lord, in particular, was glad to avail himself of the opportunity which the Paschal feast would afford him for this purpose. That feast was attended with repeated washings of the hands of him who presided at it : but our Lord, having his Disciples alone with him, instead of washing his own hands, took a towel, and girded himself, and washed their feet : nor would he suffer any one of them to decline accepting this token of his love: so anxious was he to convince them all, that " having loved them, he loved them to the enda." Nor did he by this action merely express to them his own love, but shewed them what sentiments they should entertain towards each other, and towards all his people to the end of time : they should account no service too humiliating to perform for the lowest member of his mystical body ; but every one should make it the summit of his ambition to become the servant of all.]
2. Of conveying instruction to their minds — [They had been frequently .informed of his approaching
a John xiii. 1.