Washing the Disciples' Feet.
THIS being over, Jesus rose,
And laid His robe aside,
And a towel girded round Him,
So free was He from pride;
And with water in a basin
Washed the disciples' feet.
O, lowly Master! loving Lord!
Thy meekness is complete!
But Simon Peter would refuse,
With love and high esteem,
This humble office should be done
By Jesus unto him;
Till Jesus, checking his proud will,
Answered decidedly,
By saying: "If I wash thee not,
Thou hast no part with me."
Then Peter cried: "Lord, not my feet
Only from stain be free;
But also let my hands and head
Be purified by Thee."
Jesus said: "He whose feet are washed
Is every whit made clean;
And ye are clean, but not you all—
He Judas, false, did mean.
So, when the Lord had washed their feet,
And had His robe put on,
And took His seat, He said: "Know ye
What I to you have done?"
Then taught them that if He, their Lord,
Had washed their feet, then so
Should they to one another
Such act of grace bestow;
That they to His example
Should prompt respect accord,
Well knowing that the servant is
Not greater than his Lord.