165. Servus Servorum.

I am among you as he that serveth. - Luke 22:27.

SINGULAR fact with regard to the apostles. They were at the same time troubled with two questions: "Which of them should be accounted the greatest?" and "Which of them should betray his Master?"

Where humility should have abounded ambition intruded.

Of the evil of self-seeking our Lord would cure the apostles.

The remedy which he used was his own conduct (John 13:12-17).

If he made himself least, they must not strive to be greatest.

May this example be blessed to us also! Let us attentively note—

I. OUR LORD'S POSITION. "I am among you as he that serveth."

1. In the world our Lord was not one of the cultured few on whom others wait. He was a workingman, and in spirit he was servus servorum, servant of servants (Mark 10:45).

2. In the circle of his own disciples he was one that served. Where he was most Master he was most servant.

He was like a shepherd, servant to the sheep.

He was like a nurse, servant to a child.

3. In the celebration of the Supper, our Lord 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" (Ps. 40:6 margin; Exod. 21:6).

His office was announced at his coming, "Lo, I come to do thy will!" (Ps. 40:7; Heb. 10:5-9).

His nature was fitted for service: he "took upon him the form of a servant'' (Phil. 2:7).

He assumed the lowest place among men (Ps. 22:6; Isa. 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; 6:38).

He bore patiently all manner of hardness (1 Pet. 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 (Col. 1:15-19).

2. As he was superior in wisdom, holiness, power, and in every other way, to the very best of them (Matt. 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. How could it be that they suffered themselves to be served of him? How could it be that he endured to serve them?

III. THE EXPLANATION OF IT.

We must look for this to his own nature.

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

2. He is so immeasurably full of love (John 15:9; 1 John 3:16). Because of these two things he condescended so marvelously.

IV. THE IMITATION OF IT.

Let us copy our Lord ---

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

2. In manifesting great lowliness of spirit, and humility of bearing (Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 2:3; 1 Pet. 5:5).

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

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

Does not the text rebuke our pride?

Does it not arouse our adoring love?

Does it not lead us to gird up our loins to serve the brethren?