e making record of it John, as at the supper in Bethany,
points to Judas. We are reminded of the traitor's purpose formed while
Mary anointed and wiped Jesus' feet. So awful was that purpose, so full
of hatred and deceit, that John now tells us it was the devil himself
who "put into the heart of Judas ... to betray Him." "Humanity had
fallen, but not so low."

John seems to have well understood his Master's thoughts and interpreted
His actions in giving the second object lesson. He noticed carefully,
and remembered long and distinctly, every act. Was there ever drawn a
more powerful picture in contrast than in these words,--"Jesus, knowing
that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came
forth from God, and goeth unto God, riseth from supper, and layeth aside
His garments; and He took a towel, and girded Himself. Then He poureth
water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe
them with the towel wherewith He was girded."

This was the service of a common slave. It is easy to imagine the silent
astonishment of the disciples. The purpose of Jesus could not be
mistaken. It was a reproof for their contention. The object lesson was
ended. John continued to closely watch His movements, as he took the
garments He had laid aside and resumed His seat at the table. The
very towel with which the Lord had girded Himself, found a lasting place
in John's memory, worthy of mention as the instrument of humble service.
What a sacred relic, if preserved, it would have become--more worthy of
a place in St. Peter's in Rome than the pretended handkerchief of
Veronica.

[Illustration: THE LAST SUPPER _Benjamin West_ Page 158]

Christ's treatment of one of the disciples at the feet-washing left a
deep impression on John's mind. With sadness and indefiniteness the Lord
said, "He that eateth My bread lifted up his heel against Me": one who
accepts My hospitality and partakes of the proofs of My friendship is My
enemy. For that one whoever it might be, known only to himself and to
Jesus, it was a most solemn call to even yet turn from his evil purpose.
But the faithless one betrayed no sign; nor did Jesus betray him even
with a glance which would have been a revelation to John's observant
eye.

It is John who tells us that as they sat at the table "Jesus ... was
troubled in spirit." The apostle closest to Him in position and sympathy
would be the first to detect that special trouble, and the gre