Page 512 - Bible History

THE PASSION AND DEATH OF CHRIST 485
of the apostles were seated on couches at either side of Jesus.
When they were all in their places, Jesus said, "With desire have I desired to eat this Pasch with you before I su er.''
A large cup or chalice of wine was now brought in. According to the ceremony of the Paschal meal, the head of the family was expected to ask a blessi on this cup, and, after taking a sip of it himself, to pass it on to all the others that were at table. All of this Jesus did. When He passed the cup to His apostles. He said, '' Take, and divide it among you. But as for Me, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine until
that day when I shall drink it with you in the Kingdom of My Father."
After all had taken a sip from the cup, those who w hi were eating the Paschal meal were supposed to wash the their hands. Meanwhile, an argument had started et among the apostles as to which of them would be the greater. Jesus rebuked them, saying, "For which is greater, he that sitteth at table or he that serveth?
Is it not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth." Then it was that Jesus gave to His apostles and to all mankind a beau­ tiful lesson of love and humility. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them unto the end. Rising up, He put aside His outer garment and, taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then, putting water in a basin, He knelt down and began to wash the feet of His disciples, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.