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I. OUR LORD'S POSITION.

1. In the world our Lord was not one of the cultured few on whom others wait. He was a working-man, and in spirit Servant of servants.

2. In the circle of His own disciples He was one that served.

3. In celebration of Holy Supper, He was specially among them "as He that serveth," for He washed His disciples' feet.

4. In the whole course of His life, Jesus on earth ever took the place of the servant or slave. His ear was bored by His entering into covenant. "Mine ears hast thou digged, or pierced (Psalm 40:6 (margin); Exodus 21:6). His office was announced at His coming, "Lo, I come to do thy will!" (Psalm 40:7; Hebrews 10:5-9). His nature was fitted for service: He " took upon Him the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). He assumed the lowest place among men (Psalm 22:6; Isaiah 53:3). He cared for others, and not for Himself. "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve" (Mark 10:45). He laid aside His own will (John 4:34; John 6:38). He bore patiently all manner of hardness (1 Peter 2:23).

II. THE WONDER OF IT — that He should be a servant among His own servants. The marvel of it was rendered the greater —

1. As He was Lord of all by nature and essence (Colossians 1:15-19).

2. As He was superior in wisdom, holiness, power, and in every other way, to the very best of them (Matthew 8:26, 27; John 14:9).

3. As He was so greatly their Benefactor (John 15:16).

4. As they were such poor creatures, and so unworthy to be served.

III. THE EXPLANATION OF IT. We must look for this to His own nature.

1. He is so infinitely great (Hebrews 1:2-4),

2. He is so immeasurably full of love (John 15:9; 1 John 3:16).

IV. THE IMITATION OF IT.

1. In cheerfully choosing to fulfil the most lowly offices.

2. In manifesting great lowliness of spirit and humility of bearing (Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:3; 1 Peter 5:5).

3. In laying ourselves out for the good of others. Let self: sacrifice be the rule of our existence (2 Corinthians 12:15).

4. In gladly bearing injustice rather than break the peace, avenge ourselves, or grieve others (1 Peter 2:19, 20; 1 Peter 3:14).

5. In selecting that place in which we receive least, and give most; choosing to wait at table rather than to sit at meat.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

WEB: There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.