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A Series of Lessons in Mystic Christianity1036
Even this last solemn occasion was marred by a petty squabble among
the disciples regarding the order of precedence to be observed in their
seats at the table. Judas succeeded in gaining the seat of honor next to the
Master. Jesus startled the company by insisting upon washing the feet of
the Twelve, an act which placed them on a pedestal above Him. This occult
ceremony, which was not comprehended by the Twelve, apparently was
one which the Hierophants of the Occult Brotherhoods performed for their
associates when the latter had been chosen to carry out some important
office or mission, or when a successor was about to take the place of one
of them. And Jesus evidently so intended it. Then He bade them wash one
another’s feet, in token of the recognition of each of the high mission of the
others.
Then Jesus, overcome by the knowledge of the morrow, burst out in
anguished tones, saying: “And even one of you, my chosen ones, shall betray
me!” And several asked Him in turn, in a tone of reproach, “Is it I?” And
Jesus shook His head at each question. But Judas asked not, but overcome
with confusion he reached over and took a portion of bread from the plate
before the Master. Then Jesus took a bit of bread and, moistening it from His
plate, handed it to Judas, saying to him firmly, “Judas, do thy work without
loss of time.” And Judas, abashed, slunk away from the table.
Then began that remarkable conversation of the Last Supper, as recorded
in the Gospels. Then also was performed that first celebration of the Holy
Communion, the Mystic significance of which shall be explained in a later
lesson. Then Jesus chanted the Passover hymn.
Then shortly after, the company left the room and walked into the streets,
and over the meadows near by. Then under the trees of the Garden of
Gethsemane, apart from His disciples, now reduced to Eleven, He gave
Himself up to prayer and meditation. He called aloud to The Father to give
Him strength for the final ordeal. Struggling with His doubts and fears and
misgivings—conquering His physical inclination and impulses—He gave
utterance to that supreme cry: “O Father, Thy will, not mine, be done!” and