The Pulpit Commentary on John 13:13

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Mastership and subjection.

Equality amongst men is the dream of fanatics. It is true that men should by law have equal rights. But the Creator has not bestowed equal gifts or powers of body or of mind, and no human laws can equalize men's condition, their possessions, or their enjoyments. And in all society there must be authority and. subordination; some must rule, and some obey. So is it in the spiritual kingdom of our Lord.

I. THE CLAIM OF CHRIST.

1. Wheel it is.

2. On what it rests.

II. HIS PEOPLE'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CHRIST'S CLAIM.

1. The character of this acknowledgment. It is sincere and practical; opposed to resistance and rebellion, and equally opposed to pretence and hypocrisy. The repudiation of the rebel, the enemy, and the pretence and dissimulation of the hypocrite, are alike detestable to Christ.

2. The methods of this acknowledgment. Practical submission to Jesus means the studying and reception of his doctrines, and obedience to his commands. Yet there are certain definite ways in which we may recognize Christ's lordship, e.g. by honoring his holy Name, and by discountenancing and rebuking profanity; and again by devoutly observing his ordinance, concerning which he said, "Do this in remembrance of me."

3. The advantages of this acknowledgment. It tends

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