The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 198

it oc_cupied in the esteem of the ancients. The Old TestAment., In some pRSSl\gee, extols lowlmess of heart ae eooeptable to the High and Lofty One. f"et this can h11,rdly be deemed a characterietio of even pious Hebrews. But by hie example Rnd by hie pre• cepte our Saviour has done much to encourage e.nd develop e.mong hie followers in every position of life this admiral,le grace. And in proportion to the prevalence of humility is the disposition to render mutual services. As men forget themselves they remember others; as they relinquish claims upon their fellow-men, they rec~gnizo claims upon themselves for services to be rendered. I. TnE HINDRANCES TO HUMILITY, Christ would not have been at such pains to inculcate this lesson unless there was danger of its remaining unlearned. The fact thRt he upon a solemn occ11sion, a crisis in his ministry, deigned to Wl\sh his disciples' feet, with no end in view except the inculcation of lowliness and self-forgettin" help• fulness, proves that in his view there was urgent need for such instruction. "No one who knows human nature ca.n doubt that the lesson is bard to learn. There are dis- positions deeply rooted in man's sinful character which are altogether opposed to that humility which our Lord enjoins upon bis disciples. Especially is pride, or a high opinion of self, an obstacle to be dealt with. There is also selfishness, or the disposi• ' tion to concentrate all interest and all effort upon personal enjoyment and enrichment. On the other hand,'there is a tendency in human nature to disregard others in propor• tion as self is mngnified. The proad and selfish man is likely to be indifferent to the welfare of his neighbours, to be indisposed to undertake any labour, or submit to any self-denial, with a view to their good. This spirit may degenerate into a positive hatred especially of any who may have been injurious. Such ba.senesses as malice, envy, and jealousy may thus enter into and defile the soul, II. Tm: NATIJRE oF HUMILITY. What is the disposition Rnd habit of mind whioh our Lord thought it so needful to impress upon his disciples as essential •to true discipleship? What is the example which he set them for their imitation? As we examine the narrative in connection with our Lord's conversation, we find that the character and conduct here commended have two aspects. 1. With regard to self, the Christian is called upon to cherish meekness and lowliness. IC our Divine Lord did not disdain to minister to his friends, if he did not deem it derogatory to act as a servant, his followers may well lay aside those sentiments of vanity and self-importance which are so ruinous to a noble character. IC men would but think of their own infirmities a.nd imperfections, of their dependence upon their fellow-men, and above all of their obli- gatione to their Creator and Redeemer, it would not be so hard to abase self. 2. With regard to others, the Christian should cultivate the habit of consideration and sympathy. What beauty and force is there in the apostolic admonition to look upon the things of others! Some are " all eyes n for their own interest, but very blind to the concerns of their neighbour11. Christianity is not nnreasonable. Comte bids men •• Jive for others,'' as if reaard to self were sinfnl. But Christ bids us "love our neighbour as ourself; " and tb:' welfare of mankind will be best secured by compliauce with this twofold admonition. III. THE PRACTICAL MAlHFEBTATIONS OF HUMILITY, Looking at these in the light of the context, we may say that true Christ-like lowliness will be displayed in: 1. Ser- vices of social courtesy. There may, indeed, be superficial politeness without Christian humi!.ity. But the danger with many is lest there 6hould be a foolish and proud blun~ ness of manner in intercourse with others. 'l'here have been those who have deemed it a duty literally to copy the Lord's example by wa.shing the feet of the poor; sove- reigns, ministers of state, and popes have endeavoured by such acts to atone for much pride and haughtineFs. The form of Christian courtesy will be determined by the manners and customs of the age. Acts which are natural and beautiful in one country and one state of society may become forced and grotesque in another. It is the spirit which is all-important; this will reveal itself in forms suitable and appropriate to cir- cumstances. 2. Services of mutual help. The washing of the feet was regarded as necessary to comfort e.nd propriety; it was, therefore, a real service. No doubt there is r.. difference of magnitude in the benefits conferred by members of human society upon one another. And there is e. difference of kind. But every day brings some oppor- tunity of rendering service of some kind or other to those with whom we associate; the Cnristie.n, so far as he follows his Master, will take advantage of such opportunitios, OH, XIll. 1-38.] nm GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 205