Division F..ction JUL :-.•- 1924 STUDIES IN THE '%«!CAy^ LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD By R. A. TORREY, D. D. Author of "What the Bible Teaches," "How to Bring Men to Christ," "The Wondrous Joy of Soul - Winning," "The Return of the Lord Jesus," etc. LOS ANGELES, CAL THE BIOLA BOOK ROOM Bible Institute of Los Angeles 558 SOUTH HOPE STREET Copyright, 1907, 1908 and 1909 Copyright owned by the BIBLE INSTITUTE OF LOS ANGELES EXPLANATORY Vv hat This ^ consecutive, systematic course of studies in our Lord's life and teach- Work is ings, divided into 140 lessons, each complete in itself, and adapted either for individual or class use. TV. A ^-v. ^^' '^°^^^V h^s had years of experience that particularly fit him to write such a work. A graduate of Yale University and Yale Theological Semi- nary, he also spent some time in study in Germany. Then followed a ministry of more than twenty years as a pastor. He was selected by D. L. Moody to be superintendent of The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago in 1889. Since then he has continuously taught the Bible at the Institute, at Bible conferences, etc. His world-wide experience, in later years especially, as evangelist and Bible teacher have also shown him how to help and instruct young converts and other students of the Bible. His helpful books on the Bible and other themes are well known. »r»i_ «»• ^1- J The method is workable, and is calculated to develop the student's own The Method ., , - j- i u t.u, .r t • gifts, and that m direct work upon the Bible text itself. It is not too laborious in quantity or manner for the every-day Christian. It is the method of modern science: first a discovery of the facts, and then a classification of the teachings. The facts are discovered by questions and answers. Dr. Torrey asks the questions, the student — each for himself or herself — answers the questions from the open Bible. Dr. Torrey gives a classification of the teachings, but each student should carry the discovery and classifica- tion further for himself. No subject of Bible study is more vital, fruitful or popular than the life and teachings of our Lord. Obviously, every young convert ought immediately to get well acquainted with His person and work, while every Christian is exhorted to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him. As a suggestive commentary on the Four Gospels, it has special value, bringing together the teachings of Christ on a given subject, also awakening in the student a desire for personal Scripture research. Constant use is made of parallel passages and pertinent reference to other parts of the Bible . Personal applications are made from time to time, thus feeding the Other student's soul and developing him in Christian experience and work. Advantageous ^^^ teacher and Christian worker will find the lessons full of side- Features studies, suggestions and outlines for Bible readings and addresses. For the brief notation of such additional matter the wide margins throughout this book will be found convenient and probably sufficient. No outfit is required beyond this volume and a copy of the English Bible. It will be seen that occasional references are made to the Revised Version, so that the student is advised to use a copy for reference. LIST OF LESSONS, THEIR SUBJECTS AND SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. LESSON PAGE 7 2 9 3 II 4 12 5 14 6 i6 7 i8 8 19 9 21 10 23 II 26 12 28 13 30 14 32 15 35 i6 Z1 17 39 i8 41 19 43 20 45 21 46 22 49 23 51 24 53 25 56 26 58 27 60 28 62 29 64 30 67 31 68 The Prologue of John's Gospel. John i :i-i8. The Birth of Jesus the Messiah, and the Visit of the Magi. Matthew 2:1-18. The Birth of Jesus the Prince of Peace. Luke 2:1-20. The Circumcision of Jesus, and His Presentation in the Temple. Luke 2:21-39. The Childhood of Jesus. Luke 2:40-52. The Ministry of John the Baptist. Luke 3:1-18. The Baptism of Our Lord. Mark i :9-ii. The Temptation of Our Lord. Matthew 4:1-11. John the Baptist's Testimony Regarding Our Lord. John i : 19-34. Our Lord's First Disciples. John i :35-5i. Our Lord's First Miracle. John 2:1-12. The First Cleansing of the Temple. John 2:13-25. Eternal Life : What It Is, What It Cost, and Who Can Have It. John 3 :i-2i. Our Lord and the Woman of Samaria. John 4:1-30. Our Lord and the Samaritans. John 4:31-42. Our Lord Restoring the Nobleman's Son. John 4:43-54. Our Lord Rejected at Nazareth. Luke 4:16-32. The Call of the First Four Disciples. Luke 5:1-11. "A Prophet Mighty in Word and Deed Before God and All the People." Mark i :2i-35. Our Lord's First Evangelistic Tour in Galilee. Mark i :36-45. Our Lord Teaching the Ignorant, Forgiving the Sinner and Healing the Sick. Mark 2:1-12. The Call of Matthew the Publican. Luke 5 :27-39. The Healing of a Man Who Had Been Thirty and Eight Years in His Infirmity. John 5:1-16. Jesus, the Son of Man and Son of God. John 5:17-47. Our Lord Teaching Regarding the Sabbath. Mark 2 ■.2^ to 3 :6. The Appointment of the Twelve Apostles. Mark 3 :7-i9. The Sermon on the ]\Iount. Matthew 5:1-16. The Sermon on the Mount — (Continued). Matthew 5:17-48. The Sermon on the Mount — CContinued). Matthew 6:1-18. The Sermon on the Mount— (Continued). Matthew 6: 19-34- The Sermon on the Mount— (Continued). Matthew 7:1-12. 2 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD The Sermon on the Mount— (Concluded). Matthew 7:13-29. The Centurion's Servant. Luke 7:1-10. The Raising of the Widow's Son at Nain. Luke 7:11-17. John the Baptist's Last Message to Our Lord. Luke 7:18-35. Our Lord and the Woman Who Was a Sinner. Luke 7 :36-5o. The Unpardonable Sin. Mark 3 :20-35. The Parable of the Sower. Matthew 13:1-23. The Parable of the Wheat and Tares. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The Growth of the Kingdom. Mark 4:26-29; Matthew 13:31-33. Three Parables: The Hid Treasure, the Merchant Seeking Goodly Pearls, and the Net Cast Into the Sea. Matthew 13 :44-52. Our Lord Stilling the Tempest. Mark 4 :35-4T. Our Lord and the Gadarene Demoniac. Mark 5:1-20. Our Lord and the Woman Who Had the Issue of Blood. Mark 5 :24-34. Our Lord and the Daughter of Jairus. Mark 5 :2i-23, 35-43. Our Lord's Second Rejection at Nazareth. Matthew 9:27-34; Mark 6:1-6. The Mission of the Twelve. Matthew 9:35 to 10:10. The Death of John the Baptist. Mark 6:14-29. The Feeding of the Five Thousand. Mark 6 :30-44. Our Lord Walking on the Water. Matthew 14:22-36. Discourse on the Bread of Life. John 6:22-51. The Results of Our Lord's Discourse on the Bread of Life. John 6:52-71. Our Lord Exposes the Traditions of the Scribes and Pharisees. Mark 7:1-23. The Syrophoenician Woman. Matthew 15 :2i-28. Our Lord in Decapolis : Healing the Sick, Opening the Ears of the Deaf, Giving Speech to the Dumb, Feeding the Hungry. Matthew 15:29-31; IMark 7:31 to 8:10. 56 123 Our Lord in the Parts of Dalmanutha and in Bethsaida : Answering the Pharisees and Sadducees, and Healing a Blind Man. Matthew 16:1-12. 57 127 Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Matthew 16:13-20. Our Lord Preparing His Disciples For His Crucifixion. Matthew 16 :2i-28. The Transfiguration. Matthew 17:1-13. Our Lord Healing the Demoniac Boy at the Foot of the Mount of Trans- figuration. Mark 9: 14-29. 61 135 Christ Again Foretelling His Death and Resurrection and Discoursing on Humilit}^ Matthew 17:22 to 18:14. The Duty of Forgiving Those Who Sin Against L^s. Matthew 18:15-35. Our Lord at the Feast of Tabernacles. John 7:1-24. Our Lord at the Feast of Tabernacles— (Continued). John 7:25-36. Our Lord on the Last and Great Day of the Feast of Tabernacles. John 7 :37-53- ESSON PAGl 32 70 32, 72 34 74 35 76 36 78 37 80 38 82 39 85 40 87 41 88 42 91 43 93 44 96 45 98 46 100 47 102 48 104 49 107 50 109 51 III 52 114 S3 117 54 119 55 121 58 128 59 130 60 132 62 137 63 140 64 142 65 144 LESSON PAGE 66 146 67 148 68 151 69 152 70 155 71 157 72 159 73 161 74 163 75 166 76 168 77 171 78 173 79 175 80 177 81 180 82 182 83 185 84 187 85 189 86 192 87 193 88 195 89 197 90 200 91 202 92 205 93 208 94 210 95 212 96 213 97 214 98 216 99 218 100 222 lOI 224 102 226 103 229 104 231 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Jesus The Light of the World. John 8:12-24. Jesus The One Who Makes Free Indeed. John 8:25-47. "Before Abraham Was, I Am." John 8:48-59. Our Lord Steadfastl}' Setting His Face to Go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51-62. The Mission of the Seventy. Luke 10:1-16. The Return of the Seventy. Luke 10:17-24; Matthew 11:25-30. The Good Samaritan. Luke 10:25-37. Our Lord and Martha and Marj'. Luke 10:38-42. The Healing of the Man Born Blind. John 9:1-41. Jesus The Good Shepherd. John 10:1-21. Our Lord at the Feast of Dedication. John 10:22-42. Our Lord Teaching His Disciples How to Pray. Luke 11 :i-i3. The Folly of Laying Up Treasure For One's Self and Not Being Rich Toward God. Luke 12:13-21. The Folly of Anxiety. Luke 12 :22-34. The Wisdom of Watching For the Lord's Return. Luke 12 :35-48. One More Opportunity. Luke 13:1-17. Jesus Journeying Toward Jerusalem. Luke 13 :22-35. The True Way to Keep the Sabbath. Luke 14:1-6 ; Isaiah 58:13, 14. How to Find Honor Here and Recompense Hereafter. Luke 14 :7-i4. Man's Excuses. Luke 14:15-24. Conditions of Discipleship. Luke 14:25-35. Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. Luke 15:1-10. Parable of the Lost Son. Luke 15:11-24. The Unjust Steward. Luke 16:1-18. The Rich Man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31. Mary and Martha's Message to Our Lord Wlien Their Brother Lazarus Was Sick. John 11 :i-i6. The Resurrection of Lazarus. John 11:17-45. The Conspiracy Formed Against the Life of Our Lord. John 11 :46-57. The Ten Lepers. Luke 17:11-19. Our Lord Teaching His Disciples to Pray Through. Luke 18:1-8. The Pharisee and the Publican. Luke 18:9-14. Jesus' Teaching Concerning Marriage, Divorce, and Children. Matthew 19:3-15- The Rich Young Ruler. Mark 10:17-27. How God Rewards His Servants. Matthew 19:27 to 20:16. The Ambition of James and John. Mark 10 :32-4S- Jesus and Bartimeus. Luke 18:35-43. Jesus and Zaccheus. Luke 19:1-10. The Parable of the Pounds. Luke 19:11-28. The Anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany. Matthew 26:6-16. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD ESSON PAGE 105 232 106 235 108 242 109 244 no 247 III 250 112 254 113 258 114 261 115 263 116 265 117 268 118 271 119 274 120 ^n Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem. Luke 19:29-44. The Cursing of the Barren Fig Tree, and the Second Cleansing of the Temple. Mark 11 :i2-26. 107 238 The Parahle of the Two Sons and the Unfaithful Husbandmen. Matthew 21 123-46. The Parable of the Marriage Feast of the King's Son. Matthew 22:1-14. Christ's Teaching Concerning Civil Government. Matthew 22:15-22. The Pharisees and Sadducees Questioning Christ and Christ Questioning the Pharisees. Matthew 22 :23-46. Christ Exposing the Scribes and Pharisees. Matthew 23:1-36. The Gentiles Seeking Jesus and the Jews Rejecting Jesus. John 12:20-50. Jesus' Prophecies Concerning the Destruction of Jerusalem. Luke 21 :5-24. Jesus' Prophecies Concerning His Own Coming Again. Matthew 24:29-51. The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Matthew 25:1-13. The Parable of the Talents. Matthew 25:14-30. The Judgment of the Nations. Matthew 25 :3i-46. The Institution of the Lord's Supper. Luke 22:7-20. Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet. John 13:1-17. Jesus Predicts That One of the Twelve Should Betray Him and Another Deny Him. John 13:18-38. 121 279 Thoughts For the Comfort of Jesus' Disciples During the Absence of Their Lord. John 14:1-14. 122 283 Further Thoughts For the Comfort of Jesus' Disciples During the Absence of Their Lord. John 14:15-27. 123 286 "I Am the True Vine, and My Father Is the Husbandman." John 15:1-17. 124 290 The Hatred of the World Toward the Disciples of Jesus. John 15:18 to 16:6. 125 292 Jesus' Last Words to His Disciples Before His Arrest, Trial and Crucifixion. John 16:7-33. Our Lord's Prayer For His People. John 17. Jesus in Gethsemane. Matthew 26:36-46. The Arrest of Jesus and Peter's Denial. Mark 14 :43-54, 66-72. Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Mark 14:55-65. Jesus' Trial Before Pilate. Luke 23:1-25. Pilate's Attempts to Release Jesus. John 19:1-16. The Crucifixion. Luke 23 :26-38. The Death of Jesus. Luke 23 :39-45 ; Matthew 27 :45-56. The Burial of Jesus. John 19:31-42; Matthew 27:61-66. The Resurrection of Jesus. Mark 16:1-11; John 20:1-18. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples on the Way to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-35. Jesus' Two Appearances and Conversations With His Apostles. John 20:19-31- 126 295 127 300 128 302 129 306 130 309 131 312 132 315 133 317 134 319 135 122 136 227 137 331 6 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON PAGE 138 335 Jesus' Appearance to Seven Disciples by the Sea of Galilee. John 21 :i-24. 139 339 Jesus' Appearance to the Eleven on the Mountain in Galilee. Matthew 28:16-20. 140 341 Jesus' Last Appearance to His Disciples in Jerusalem, and His Ascension From Bethany. Luke 24 :44-53. [For Map of Palestine and Textual Index, See Pages 345-347]. studies in the Life and Teachings of 0\ir Lord. LESSON 1. The Prologue of John's DISCOVERY OF FACTS. J. Jesus the Word of God, w. 1-3. How far back does this lesson carry us? What do we find back in eternity? What is the noticeable difference between verse i and Genesis 1:1? Why is our Lord called "the WORD"? What three facts about the WORD does verse i teach us? Is this doc- trine found elsewhere? (Col. 1:17; Rev. 22:13). Is Jesus Christ called "God" else- where? (Is. 9:6; Ro. 9:5; Titus 2:13, R. v.; 2 Peter i :i, R. V.; Heb. 1:8, 6). What is the first work of the WORD that is mentioned? What is meant by the word "by" in verse 3? (See margin R. V.; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2; 11:3; Ps. 33:6). What new idea does the last clause of verse 3 bring in? (Col. i :i7). What comfort is there in the thought that He made us? 2. Jesus the Life and Light of Men, w. 4,5- Where is life to be found? (I John 5: 11; John 5:21, 26; I Cor. 15:45; I John 1:2; John 14:6; 11:25). How then is life to be obtained? (I John 5:12). What is meant by "and the life was the Light of men"? (I John 1:2; John 8:12; 9:5; 12:35, 46). Where did this Light send forth its rays? Where ought we to let our light shine? What was this darkness? To what period of religious history does this refer? How did the darkness receive the light? (R. V.) Why did it not apprehend it? ( I Cor. 2:14; John 3:19, 20). Gospel. John 1:1-18. J. A Man sent from God to bear witness of the Light, vv. 6-13. What means did God use to bring men to appreciate and lay hold of the Light? What is God's usual method in bringing men to appreciate and lay hold of the Light? Was John the only witness God sent? (John 15:26, 27; 5:36). Upon whom does God bestow that honor to-day? How did John show his appreciation of the honor? (vv. 15, 19, 26, 27, 29, 32-34. 36; 3:34-36). How do you show that you ap- preciate it? What was God's purpose in sending John? Why does God want all men to believe? (i Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). Was John himself the Light? Were there any who were in danger of ihinking that he was? Are there any to-day who are in danger of thinkifig the preacher himself is the light? What sort of a light was it to which John was to bear witness? How far does that light shed forth its rays? How was the WORD, the Life, the Light treated by men? (vv. 10-13). Where was our Lord prior to His incarnation? Did the world recognize Him? To whom did He come? Who were meant by "His own"? What did they do? Did this hurt Himf Whom did it hurt? Did all reject Him? What did He do for those who received Him? (R. V.) To whom does He give this right to-day? What is it to receive Him? What is God's definition of "believ- ing on His name"? Who are these men who receive Him? Where will we find the 8 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD truth about regeneration more fully brought out? (John 3:1-15; James 1:18; I Pet. I :23). How many of those who believe are born of God? (See Gal. 3:26). 4. The WORD become flesh, vv. 14-18. As the WORD was not received in His spiritual presence in the world, what further did He do? What does "become flesh" mean? (Phil. 2:6, 7; I John 1:1, 2). What is the literal meaning of the word translated "dwelt" in v. 14? (R. V. mar- gin). Of what promises was this the real- ization? What became possible for us through His incarnation? What was the character of His glory? What was John's testimony regarding Him? What was there in Him (v. 16) ? What may we do with this fulness? What is meant by "grace for grace"? What was the differ- ence between the mission of Moses and the mission of Jesus? In what sense have men seen God? (Ex. 24:10; Is. 6:1). How did the apostles themselves see God? (John 14:9). If no man has seen God, how may we fully know God? (v. 18, com- pare John 14:9). CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus Christ. (i). What He is: Eternal, i, 15; eternally with God, i, 12; in the bosom of the Father, 18; superior to Moses : Moses gave law, Jesus Christ incarnates grace and truth, 17; glorious as God, 14; the Life, 4; the true Light, 4, 9; the WORD, I, 14; the only Ijegotten, 18; God, I. (2). His Work: Made the world, 10 ; made all things, 3 ; came into the world, 10 ; shineth in darkness, 5 ; lighteth every man com- ing into the world, 9; came to His own, II; became incarnate, taber- nacled among men, alone brings grace and truth, 14, 17 ; alone reveals God as Father, 18; alone imparts life, 4; gives to every one who receives Him power to become a child of God, 12; imparts His fulness to believers, grace upon grace, 16. (3). How He was received: The darkness apprehended Him not, 5 ; the world knew Him not, 10; His own received Him not, 11 ; received by those born of God, 12, 13 ; testi- fied to by John, 15; beheld in His glory by believers, 14. 2. The Father. Eternal, 2; invisible, 18; begat the Son, 14 ; revealed by the Son, 18 ; sent John to witness to the Son, 6 ; wishes all men to believe, 7. 3. The New Birth. (i). Its necessity: Natural man in darkness, apprehends not, 5; knows not, 10; receives not, II. (2V Its nature: Not the work of blood or flesh, not of man's will, God's work, 13. (3). Result: Received Christ, right to be God's chil- dren, 12. 4. John. (i). Inferiority to Jesus: A man, not God, i, 6; not the Light, but a witness to the Light, 8; not the Son, but His messenger, 18, 6; not eternal, subordinate to the Son, 15- (2^. What he did: What he was sent to do : bore wit- ness, 7; humbled self, exalted Christ, 15- (3). How he did it: Earnestly "cried," 15. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 2. The Birth of Jesus the Messiah, and the Visit of the Magi. Matthew 2:1-18. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The Saviour sought, vv. i-8. (Mat- thew 8:ii). Who were these wise men? (y. i, R. V. margin, see Esther 1:13; Dan. 2:12). What notices have we in the Bible of this class? How did these particular "wise men" show that they were really wise? Do wise men as a rule seek Christ? (I Corinthians i :26). Why not? (Matthew 11:25). Why was Christ born in the days of Herod? What important question about Christ did the magi ask? Where was the answer to the question sought? Where can we find the answer to that question? How had they been led to believe that He was born? Is there any light outside the Scriptures? What kind of light is it? To what did the starlight of natural religion lead the magi before it led them to Christ? Why did God reveal the truth to the magi by a star? How did He reveal it to the scribes? Would it have been wise for the scribes, who had the Scriptures, to consult the stars? Was it wise for the magi? How did the magi get more light? How far did they follow the light they had? What did the magi want of the new-born King? How far had they come? Is it worth while to go so far and encounter so much discomfort to find Christ? Do we need to go so far? (Ro. 10 :6-8). How did Herod and the peo- ple receive the news of the advent of Christ ? How would you feel to-day if you thought Christ had come or was coming soon again? Why was Herod trotibled? Why were the people troubled? Did Herod assist in the search for Christ? What did he want to find Him for? Was he in earnest in the search? Did it do him any good to seek for Christ? Why not? From whom did Herod seek information? Did they know? Did their knowledge do them any good? Why did they know? Have we any students of prophecy to-day like these scribes? Which were better off, the magi with only the light of nature which they obeyed, or the scribes with the light of Scripture which they disobeyed? Are there any today who point others to Christ but do not go themselves? What is the conception of the Christ presented by the prophecy quoted? How does this prophecy fit in with the purpose of Mat- thew's Gospel? How did Herod show his stupidity? .?. The Saviour found, vv. 9-11. (Jere- miah 29:13). Did the magi spend much time in Jeru- salem? Why not? How were they guided to the place where the Child was? What feeling did the sight of the star produce? Why were they glad when Herod and the Jews were troubled? What men to-day find exceeding great joy when they find Christ? (i Peter 1:8). What did the magi do when they found Christ? Does this worshipping Him prove that they recognized the deity of Christ? 3. The Saviour hated of men, guarded by angels, vv. 12-18. (John 15:25; Psalms 91 :ii, 12). What plan had Herod formed? Who stirred him up to this? What made this 10 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD plan manifestly absurd? Why is the devil so blind? How was Herod's plan upset? What ground of assurance have we that all the devil's schemes concerning God's chil- dren will come to naught? (Rom. 8:31). How was Herod's second scheme foiled? Why was it certain from the outset that it would fail? Why is the Child mentioned before the mother in the angel's charge? How did the angel know that Herod would seek the Child's life? Was Herod's plan formed before or after it was announced to Joseph? How did Joseph show his wis- dom? What were the characteristics of his obedience? What prophecy was fulfilled by this descent into Egypt? (Hosea 11 :i). What then was all the devil achieved by his plot against Christ's life? (Ps. 76:10). Was the verse which Matthew quotes in verse 15 primarily intended as a prophecy of Christ? How then is Matthew justified in saying it is a fulfilled prophecy? How many references to fulfilled prophecy are there in this lesson? How many in the whole Gospel? Why is Matthew so much more careful to notice the fulfillments of Old Testament types and prophecies than the other evangelists? When Herod found that his plan had failed, how did he feel? How do wicked men usually feel at the miscarriage of their plans? How do good men feel? How did Herod manifest the intensity of his hatred to Christ? What was all that was accomplished by this hellish scheme? What does it all show the devil to be? How much careful painstaking and wise plotting is necessary to upset God's plans. CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God. Reveals truth to the heathen, i ; fore- knows all things, protects His chil- dren, forestalls His enemies, upsets the best laid plans of the wicked, 12, 13 ; makes the wrath of men to praise Him, 15, 17; reveals His truth by nature, 2; by dreams, 12; by angels, 13 ; above all in Scripture, 5, 6; step by step, 2, 5, 9. 2. The Devil. His deceitfulness, 8; cruelty, 16; cun- ning, 4, 8, 16; stupidity, 15, 17; help- lessness, 12, 3. 3. The Scriptures. Inspired of God, point to and center in Christ, 5. 6, 15, 17, 18; superior to other revelations, 2; easy to un- derstand, 5 ; mere intellectual under- standing of them will not save, 4. 4. Jesus. (i). His nature: Divine, 2, 11, 13; human, 11, 13, 14. (2). His ofifice: King of the Jews, 2, 4, 6. (3). How received: With joy by heathen magi, 2, 10; with indifference by the theologians, 5, 6 ; with dread by His own people, 3; with hatred by the king, 13, 16. (4). How He should be sought: Joyfully, 10; diligently, i, 8; immediate- ly, 9; for the right purpose, 2, 13. When the wise men "saw the star (that pointed to Christ) they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." When Herod heard of Christ "he was troubled." Which are you like? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 3. The Birth of Jesus the Prince of Peace. Luke 2:1-20. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. The Prince despised hy man, vv. 1-7 (Isaiah 53:3)- How many years before, and by whom, was it prophesied that the Christ should be born in Bethlehem? (Micah 5:2). What decrees and deeds of man worked together to fulfill this prophecy and purpose of God? What does this prove? Where did the Prince of Peace begin His life on earth? Where did He close it? Why did He not begin His earthly life in the inn? Why did He close it so prematurely? In how many places is there room for Jesus to-day? Why have men no room in their hearts for Him to-day? When there was no room for Jesus in the inn, what ought to have been done? What ought we to do when there is no room in our hearts for Him? 2. The Prince honored by angels, vv. 8-14 (I Peter i :i2). To whom was the announcement of the birth of the Christ made? Have we any evidence of spiritual fitness on their part? (v. 15). Have we any evidence that they were waiting, longing and looking for the coming of Christ? (v. 16). What was Zacharias doing when the angel spoke to him? (Luke 1:8-11). What were the shepherds doing when the angels spoke to them? Why did God reveal Himself to the shepherds while they were keeping watch over the flocks, and to Zacharias while burn- ing incense? Was it very pleasant work to keep watch over the flocks? Did it pay? What was "the glory of the Lord" that shone round about them ? Where alone did "the glory" manifest itself? Why then was it manifested at the birth of Jesus ? Where did the disciples behold "the glory"? (John 1:14; 2 Cor. 3:18; 4:6). What was the effect of all this upon the shepherds? Why? In what way does the supernatural usually affect men? Why? What was the angelic salutation? How frequently is this the message God's messengers bring? (Look up the words "Fear not" in a concordance). What cure for fear did the angel propose? What sort of a thing according to the loth verse is the Gospel? Is it "good tidings of great joy" to you? What was the Gospel the angel declared? What was the Gospel Paul preached? (I Cor. 15:1, 3, 4). Which is the fuller Gospel? According to man's notions, where would He that was to be Saviour, Christ and Lord be most likely to be found? What strange sign of the advent of the Saviour, Christ and Lord did the angel give the shepherds? Did the shepherds need that sign as a confirmation of their faith? (v. 15). What is all that real faith ever asks for? (Ro. 10:17; John 20:29). How did the angelic world receive the announcement of a Saviour born? How does this world receive it? What idea as to the feeling of the angels is suggested by the word "suddenly"? What, according to the angelic song, would be the result of the birth of the Saviour? To whom is thii peace? (See R. V.) Who are the men "in whom He is well pleased"? (Find a Bible answer to this question). 3. The Prince joyfully received by the believing few, vv. 15-20 (John i:ii, 12). How did the shepherds show their wis- dom? What words are suggestive of important lessons in this resolve? How did they know that the thing announced had surely "come to pass"? What was their 12 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD object in going? When any great truth is "made known unto us," what ought we at once to attempt to do? What is there in the text that shows their eagerness to see this new-born Saviour? How many per- sons in the Gospel story came to Jesus with haste? Are many as eager to see Him to-day? What did the shepherds find? How did they know beforehand that they would find just that? What did they do as soon as they had seen it? What ought every one of us, to whom the good news of salvation comes, to do? What did they tell? What did Mary do with the great truths? What ought we all to do with them? Did the shepherds remain in Bethlehem? Why not? What did they do as they went from the place of revelation to the place of service? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. God. (i). Glorified: By the fulfillment of prophecy, i, 7; by the birth of the Saviour, Christ and Lord, 14; by His believing chil- dren, 20. (2). Reveals His truth: To lowly men, while at their post of duty, 8 ; if they will only believe, test, 15; testify, 17; return to their post and praise and glorify Him, 20. 2. What to do with the Word. (i). The shepherds: Heard the Word, 10; believed, tested, 15; testified to, 17; glorified God for the Word, 20. (2). Mary: Kept, pondered the Word, 19. J. What to do with Jesus. The shepherds : Heard of Jesus, 11; came at once to Jesus, 15; saw Jesus, 16; witnessed concerning Jesus, 17; praised God for Jesus, 20. 4. What not to do with Jesus. Have no room for Jesus, shut Jesus out, 7. "What then shall I do with Jesus?" LESSON 4. The Circumcision of Jesus, and His Presentation in the Temple. Luke 2:21-39. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. The Circumcision of Jesus, v. 21. Why was Jesus circumcized? (Gal. 4:4, 5). On what day was He circumcized? Why on the eighth day? (Lev. 12:3; Luke 1:59; Gen. 17:12). By what name was He called? Why? Who gave Him this name? (Luke 1:31). What is its significance? (Matt. 1:21). 2. The Presentation of Jesus in the tem- ple, vv. 22-39. How many days after His circumcision was Jesus presented in the temple? (Lev. 12:2, 3, 4, 6). What were they obeying in every detail? Why? Why did Mary offer a pair of turtle doves, and not a lamb"? (Lev. 12:8). What two notable persons did they meet in the temple? What are the four things told us about Simeon in v. 25? What does "just" mean? (See R. V.). "Devout"? "Waiting (looking) for the consolation of Israel"? Was there much outward sign of the "consolation of Israel"? What had Simeon to rest upon? Was that enough? In these dark days, what have we to rest upon? Were there any others STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 13 looking for the "consolation of Israel"? What ought to be the attitude of the believer to-day? (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 3:12, R. v.). What is meant by "the Holy Spirit was upon him"? (Num. 11:25, 26, 29; Acts 4:8; Luke 1:41, 67). In what points ought the believer to be like Simeon? (Titus 2:11-13; Eph. 5:18). Were the times in which Simeon lived such as were calculated to produce men who were "righteous," "devout," "looking for the consolation of Israel," and "the Holy Ghost upon them" ? What is the lesson in this for us? In what sort of times have some of God's most faithful and believing children appeared? (Elijah, Simeon, Moses, Luther, Knox). What glimpse into the future had already been given to Simeon? Who can expect such revelations of the purposes of God? (Ps. 25:14). How was this revelation made to Simeon? How many times in verses 25-27 is the Holy Spirit mentioned in connection with Simeon? What proof have we that he was a son of God? (Ro. 8:14). What two things had it been shown Simeon that he was to see? Which was he to see first? Was his seeing the Christ any preparation for his seeing death? Into what place do we see Simeon going in v. 27? How did he come to go there? What does the expression "came by the Spirit" mean? (Luke 4:1; Acts 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 16:6, 7). Can we today expect to be thus led by the Spirit? Into what place did the Spirit lead Simeon? Is the Spirit likely to lead a man to "the house of God"? Were the services of that house, of God con- ducted in a very exemplary manner? Whom did he meet by coming into the house of God ? Whom can we always meet in the house of God even if the singing is poor and the preaching is dry? (Matt. 18:20)- Will that pay us for going? How did the child Jesus come to be in the house of God? Is there any duty to parents suggested in this? How old was Jesus at the time? (Lev. 12:1-6). What did Simeon do with the child Jesus ? What was all the eye of sense could see in the child Jesus? What did the eye of faith see in Him? What had faith to rest upon? Was that enough? Whom does Simeon first bless? After- wards whom does he bless? What does it mean to "bless God"? What does it mean to "bless them"? (Gen. 14:19). What great contrast is there in the tone of these two prophetic songs of blessing? Why is the first jubilant? Why is the second sad? What did Simeon say would be the char- acter of his departure? Why would his departure be peaceful? If our departure would be peaceful, what must we first see? What did Simeon say this all happened according to? What did Simeon say his eyes had seen? Who was it he had literally seen? What else did Simeon call the babe Jesus besides "God's salvation"? Where did Simeon learn all these titles for Jesus? (Is. 49:6, "Salvation" and "Light"; 42:6, "Light"; Is. 60:19; Zech. 2:5, "Glory"). In the Old Testament, who is it that is called "the Glory of Israel"? (Is. 60:19; Zech. 2:5). Who is it that is so called here? What is the inference? Had the fact that Simeon was a Bible student anything to do with his "looking for the consolation of Israel," "being filled with the Spirit," etc.? (Compare Mary). ^, Had Simeon understood prophecy until it was fulfilled? Had Mary and Joseph under- stood all this? Were they good people? What is the lesson? Which was the better Simeon, or Mary and Joseph? (Heb. 7:1, 7). Which did Simeon particularly address? Why? How did he know that? 14 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD What did Simeon tell Mary about the Child? Where did he learn that? (Is. 8:14, 15; 53:3). What is meant by His being "set for the fall, etc."? Which one of two results always comes to the one who is brought into contact with Jesus ? Why is the "fall" put before the "rising up" ? How would one naturally think Jesus would be received? How was He received? How will those who best represent Jesus be received? (John 15:20, 25). What was told Mary of what awaited her? How must that have sounded to her in that day of happy motherhood and bright anticipa- tion? When was it fulfilled? What was the purpose of all this? What is the final test of the real thoughts and dispositions and character of a man? (John 3:18-21). CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ Born under the law. 21. 22, 23 (Gal. 4:4, 5); of poor parents. 24 (Lev. 12:8); truly human, 21-24; truly divine, 32 (Is. 60:19; Zech. 2:5); the Christ of God, 26; the salvation of God, 30; the Saviour, 21; anointed by God, 26; witnessed to by the Spirit, 26, 29-32; spoken against by man, 34; the light of the Gentiles, 32 ; the consolation of Israel, 25 ; the glory of Israel, 32; the salvation of the world, 30, 31 ; the foundation stone for the believer, the stumbling stone for the disbeliever, the touch stone for all, 34, 35. Simeon. An example for the believer : righteous, devout, 25; a lover of the Bible, 32; showed an obedient acquaintance with the law of God, 27; showed a rev- erent regard for the presence of God, 28; taught by the Spirit of God, 26; led by the Spirit, 27; spoke in the power of the Spirit, 25, 29-32 The Spirit. He leads, 27; reveals, 26; inspires, 25; witnesses for Christ, 36, 29-32. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS LESSON 5. The Childhood of Jesus. Luke 2 :40-52. (Compare Matthew 2:23.) What were the marked features of His boyhood? With what was He filled? With what was He crowned? What is meant by the grace of God being upon Him ? (See Acts 4:33). How may we know that the grace of God is upon a man? (Acts 4:33-35)- How early may one have the grace of God upon him? 2. Inquiring, vv. 41-50. What glimpse does verse 41 give into the habits of Jesus' parents? To put it into modern phraseology, what sort of peo- ple were they? What seemingly reasonable I. Growing, v. 40. How many verses are there in the four Gospels in regard to the boyhood of Jesus? Is this in any way a suggestion of their authenticity? How much of the Gospel histoid is taken up with the death of Jesus? Why is that? Why is it that Luke is the one evangelist who dwells upon His in- fancy and boyhood? What is the first thing that is told us about His boy- hood? (v. 40). Wherein lies the im- portance of the fact that He "grew"? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 15 excuse might they have made for staying away from church ? Would they have had Jesus in their home if they had not been church-going people? What is suggested by this as being one of the surest ways of getting Jesus into our homes? At what age is it first recorded that Jesus went to the feast? Why at 12 years of age? Did Jesus enjoy being in the temple? How did He show He enjoyed it? Why did He enjoy it? Where did they find Jesus? Did they expect to find Him there? Ought they to have expected to find Him there? (v. 49, R. V.). Will a true child of God be often found in the house of God? Was Jesus often found in the temple during His life? (Mark 14:49)- In what attitude was He in the temple? Why was He there? What was He doing: For what purpose was He asking questions ? In what way was He a good example for modern attendants upon Bible classes? What sort of questions did He ask? Did He answer any questions? What was the effect of His presence in the temple upon those there ? At what were they astonished ? Where did He get "His understanding"? (Ps. 119:99; Luke 24:27; John 3:34)- Who were amazed besides the bystanders? Had Mary understood Jesus? What is the tone of Mary's question? Is it conceivable that Mary with the revelation she had had about Jesus should be so astonished and complaining? Ought Mary and Joseph to have had any anxious fear about Jesus? While Mary and Joseph were surprised at Jesus being in the temple, at what was Jesus surprised? What was Jesus' reply? Was there any note of regret or apology in the reply? What is the Revised Version of the reply? Of whom had Mary spoken as His father? Of whom does Jesus speak as His Father? In what way was the first recorded utterance and the last recorded utterance of Christ alike? (86623:46). Did they understand Jesus even yet? How long was it before men understood Jesus? 3. Obeying, vv. 51, 5-2- Having made this assertion and given this clear proof of His deity, what did Jesus do next? How were those days in Naza- reth spent? Was He any less about His Father's business when in Nazareth than when in the temple asking questions? Ought He to have been at Jerusalem asking questions and attending Bible lectures when home duties called Him to Nazareth? How many years longer did Jesus remain in the humble obscurity of Nazareth? Did He chafe at all at that commonplace life? When any of us, conscious of power for larger work, are tempted to chafe at our commonplace fields, what thought from this lesson ought to enable us to overcome the temptation? What did Mary do? What was Jesus doing those eighteen years? (v. 52). If we are in some humble sphere, what can we do there if we cannot do anything else? How could the Son of God increase in wisdom? (Phil. 2:6, 7; Mark 13:32). What means of growth in wisdom did Jesus use? (Matt. 22:29). How could Jesus grow in favor (or grace) with God? Did He grow in any one's favor beside God's ? Did growing in God's favor have anything to do with growing in man's favor? (See i Sam. 2:26; Ro. 14:18). Is it always so? Whose favor was it He sought? If even Jesus could grow in wisdom and grace, what is the lesson for us? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus. Truly human — He grew, 40, 46, 52; truly divine in His wisdom, 40, 47-49', in His consciousness, 49; in His obedience, "^i. 16 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD A model boyhood. Constant growth — physical, intellectual, spiritual, 40, 52; filled with wisdom, crowned with grace, 40; loving the house of God, 43, 46, 49; pondering the Word of God, 47; conscious of the divine Fatherhood, 49 ; obedient to the human fatherhood, faithful in present work, 51 ; fitting for larger work, 52. A three-fold amazement. Of the people, 47; of His parents, 48; of Jesus, 49. LESSON 6. The Ministry of John the (Compare Matthew 3 DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, vv. 1-6. What evidence have we in verses i and 2 of the accuracy of this story? Where had John been educated? (1:80). Who was his teacher? What led him to begin his ministry at this time? From whom had he obtained his message? What had God told John? (John 1:33). Where did he do his preaching? In what sort of a building was every great sermon recorded in the Bible delivered? What did John preach? What is repentance? (Matt. 12:41; see Jonah 3:8-10; Is. 55:7). What is the baptism of repentance? (Acts 2:38). Did Paul preach any other baptism than this? (Acts 19:3-5). What was the exact form of John's message as delivered by him? (Matt. 3:2). Had there been any prediction of this ministry of John? By ■whom? (Is. 40:3-5). How long before? Had anything seemed to come of this pre- diction? Why did it come true at last? (Is. 40:5, last clause). What may we be sure of as regards every prediction of God's Word? 2. "O generation of vipers," vv. 7-g. In what terms did John address those who came to hear him? Who was it that he especially addressed in this way? (Matt. Baptist. Luke 3:1-18. :1-12; Mark 1:1-8.) 3:7). Why did he address them in this way? Is it ever right to speak to men in this severe way? (Matt. 23:33; John 8:44; Acts 13:10). What is it evident from verse 7 that these men were relying upon ? What other false hope does John shatter in the 8th verse? What is hinted at in the words: "God is able of these stones, etc."? (Gal. 3:28, 29). In what way was a true repentance to be manifested? What are "works meet for repentance"? (Is. 1:16, 17). Whose else preaching resembled John the Baptist's in thus demanding repentance and works meet for repentance? (Acts 26:20; see Matt. 4:17). What other delu- sion of the Jews is shattered in the 9th verse ? What is meant by the ax being "laid unto the root of the trees"? What trees in Jehovah's orchard are to come down? Is it enough that a man does not bear bad fruit? For what had Jehovah been waiting for a long time from His orchard? For what is He waiting from us? Suppose He does not find it, what then? What is fruit? (Gal. 5:22, 23; Col. 1:10; Ro. 15:28; Phil. 4:17; Ro. 1:13; John 15:16). How can we bear fruit? (John 15:5). J. Fniit worthy of repentance, vv. 10-14. What was the result upon the hearers of this faithful preaching of John? What is one of the best proofs that a man has STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 17 preached well? (Acts 2:37; 9:6; 16:30). What was the substance of John's answer? Is the spirit of "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none" binding to-day ? To whom is it to be given ? Why did John give different directions to publicans and to soldiers? What is the substance of his directions to the different classes? What suggestions may we draw from John's words as to our preaching to different classes of men? What part of John's preaching is particularly applicable to laboring men to-day? How much ought a man desire in order to be content? (1 Tim. 6:8). Is there any gain in this contentment? (i Tim. 6:6). What part of John's preaching is particularly applicable to the capitalist today? (v. 11). Is this part at all applicable to the poor man? What thought will enable a man to be content? (Heb. 13:5)- 4. "One mightier than I coinctJi," vv. 15-18. What did John preach besides repentance? (vv. 16, 17). To what temptation was John peculiarly subjected by his immense popularity? Did he yield to this tempta- tion? (See John 3:29, 30). What is the comparison that John drew between himself and Jesus? Do professedly Christian men nowadays all think that it is an honor of which they are not worthy to do the lowliest service for Christ? Do you think so? What contrast between his own baptism and that of Jesus did John draw? What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit? (Acts 1:5, of. 2:4; 10:44-46, cf. 11:15, 16; I Cor. 12:4-13). Is the baptism in water a symbol of the baptism in the Holy Spirit? (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Ro. 6:4). What is the baptism in fire? (Jer. 23:29; 20:9; Acts 2:3; 2 Tim. 1:6, R. V. margin; Is. 4:4). What does fire do that the Holy Spirit also does ? ( i Cor. 3 : 13 ; Mai. 3 :2, 3 ; Ezek. 24:9-11). What other offices should Jesus Christ perform? (v. 17). Who, in the Old Testa- ment, is represented as doing this work? (Micah 4:12; Is. 21:10). What is the significance of this fact? What becomes of the chaff? What else was cast into the fire? (v. 9). Where else do these two figures occur together? (Ps. i). Is the fire literal? (Matt. 13:42). Between what two fires do we have our choice? Was this the whole of John the Baptist's preaching? What were some of the "other things" he preached? (John 1:29, 34; 3:29-36). What was the general character of this other preaching? (v. 18, R. V.). CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus Christ. (i). His person: Divine, 17. (2). His work: Gives the Holy Spirit, 16; judges, saves, damns, 17. (3). Exalted privilege of serving Him in lowliest service, 16. 2. The model preacher. (i). In what he preached: Judgment on sin and fruitlessness, 9, 17; heart repentance the one condi- tion of forgiveness, 8 (see Mark I :4'> ; holy living the sole evidence of true repentance, 8, 11-14; the com- ing Saviour and the necessity of faith in Him (see Acts 19:4), the dignity of Christian service, the bap- tism with the Holy Spirit, 16; the baptism of repentance unto the re- mission of sins, 3 ; the eternal secur- ity and blessedness of the saved, 17. (2). In the way in which he preached: Outspoken, 7; easily understood, 9, 1 1, 18 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 13; adapted himself to his audience, 12, 13, 14; fearless, 19; put self in the right place, exalted Christ, 16. (3). What he got for his preaching, 19, 20 (see Phil. 3:10). 3. The Scriptures. Their Author— God, the certainty of their fulfilment at last, 4-6. 4. The Holy Spirit. (i). Who bestows the Holy Spirit: Jesus Christ, 16. (2). What the Holy Spirit does: Searches, cleanses, consumes, illumines, makes to glow, energizes, 16. LESSON 7. The Baptism of Jesus. Mark 1:9-11. (Compare Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-23.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. For what purpose had Jesus come all the way from Nazareth to Jordan? (Matt. 3:13). Why was Jesus baptized? (Matt. 3:15; Ro. 8:3; 2 Cor. 5:21). Why was it that God chose just this occasion to give this wonderful testimony to His Son that is here recorded? (Phil. 2:6-11, and note the force of the word "wherefore" in v. 9). What light does the action of Jesus throw upon the position taken by some that the baptism with the Spirit is the only important thing and it makes very little difference whether or not one is baptized with water? In what remarkable way did God set the seal of His approval upon this act of Jesus? Did Jesus in any sense get a deeper realiza- tion of His Sonship at this time than He had before? For whom else beside Jesus was this descent of the Spirit as a dove a sign? (John 1:33)- Was it the work of regeneration that the Spirit wrought when He descended upon Jesus at this time? Was this descent of the Spirit in any wise a preparation for service? (Acts 10:38). Is it a necessary preparation for us? (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Can all have it? (Acts 2:38, 39). What was Jesus doing when the Spirit descended upon Him? (Luke 3:21). Are any other instances recorded when the Spirit descended upon God's children as they prayed? (Acts 2:1-4; 4:31; 8:15, 16; Luke 11:13). Why did the Spirit descend ''as a dove"? (Matt. 10:16; Gal. 5:22). What other emblems have we in the Word of the Spirit and His work? (Matt. 3:11; Is. 44:3; John 3:8). How can we receive the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:38; Is. 44:3; Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 7 -37-39 ; Acts 5:32; Gal. 3:14; Jas. 1:6, 7)- Was this descent of the Spirit upon Jesus a temporary matter? (John 1:33). What Old Testament prophecies were hereby fulfilled? (Is. 11:2; 44:1; 61:1). How is the word "opened" rendered in the Revised Version? For what purpose were the heavens "rent asunder"? What further testimony from heaven in addition to that of the descending and abiding Spirit did Jesus receive? In what way have we the distinction in the person- ality of the three persons in the Trinity set forth in verses 10 and 11? What was God's audible testimony to Jesus? In this declaration what did God Himself quote? (Ps. 2:7; Is. 42:1). Why does God quote Scripture? Did God ever say of any other being, man or angel, what He here says to Jesus? (Heb. 1:5; 3:5, 6). Is Jesus the Son of God in a sense that no other being . is the Son of God? (Heb. i, especially verses 1-6; John 3:16; Mark 12:6, R. V.; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 19 John t:i4, i8). If Jesus is the Son of God what should be our attitude toward Him? (John 5:23). What is the one who "denieth the Son"? (i John 2:22, 23). Is there any one besides Jesus in whom God is "well pleased"? (Heb. 11:5; Ro. 5:1; Acts 13:39; Eph. 1 :6). How "well-pleased' is God with those v;ho are in Christ? (John 17:23). CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. The Triune God. (i). The Father: Speaks to man, heaven the place from which He speaks, bears witness to His son, the demands of His affec- tions met by His Son in His obedi- ence, II. (2). The Son: His nature — divine, 11; human, 9. His character — humble, took the sin- ner's place,- obedient, 9; altogether lovely, absolutely faultless, 11. The Father's testimony to Jesus— My Son, My Beloved Son, My Son that meets every demand of My nature — "well pleasing," 11. (3). The Holy Spirit: His personality, 10; distinction between Him and the Father and the Son. 10, II; the Father's gift to the Son, ID. , The Bible. Its authority and sufficiency: God Himself quoted it, 11. LESSON 8. The Temptation of Our Lord. Matthew 4:l-n. (Compare Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1-13.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The lust of the flesh— or the flesh, vv. 1-4- What experience on the part of Jesus immediately preceded that of this lesson? (Mark 1:12). Can a man who has been baptized with the Holy Spirit ever be tempted again? At what time is Satan most likely to tempt a man? Was the baptism with the Holy Spirit a necessary preparation for Christ's public ministry? Is it for ours? Was the temptation a necessary preparation for Christ's ministry? (Heb. 2:17, 18). Is it for ours? Which do men usually most covet, the preparation of Was He alone in the wilderness? Are we ever alone? Over how long a period did this temptation extend? (Luke 4:2). Did the three temptations recorded cover all the temptations of this period? What did Jesus eat during all that time? (Luke 4:2). Why did He eat nothing? In what physical condition was He at the end? Did the temptation come from without or from within? Was the tempter a personal devil? With what did Satan begin his temptation? With what did Satan begin his first temptation of man? (Gen. 3:1, 4). What reason had Jesus for knowing He was the Son of God? (3:17). What did exalted privilege or the preparation of fierce Satan bid Jesus do ? What would there conflict with the devil? How did Jesus be wrong in His doing that? (Phil. 2:6, come to go into the wilderness? (Mark 8, R. V.). What made it a real temptation? 1:12). Is there any lesson in that? Did Is there any record of practically the same the Spirit do anything else beside lead Jesus temptation coming to Jesus again? (Matt. into the wilderness? (Luke 4:1, R- V.). 27:40). If Jesus had yielded to this 20 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD suggestion of Satan, whom would He have been distrusting? When we take ourselves out of the position in which God puts us in order to relieve our distress, of whom do we show our distrust? Was it any sin for Jesus to be tempted? At what point does sin begin? How long did Jesus harbor the devil's suggestion in His mind? With what did He meet it? How many of the temptations did He meet that way? How did Jesus come to have at hand in the hour of trial just the Scripture that He needed? What is the best thing that we can do, if we would not be tripped up in the hour of trial? (Ps. 119:11). Where is the Scripture found which Jesus used to defeat Satan with? (Deut. 8:3). How does it apply to the case? When can we find comfort in this verse? 2. The pride of life — or the devil, vv. 5-7. Did Satan give up at this first defeat? What particular trait of character did Jesus display in a remarkable degree in the previous temptation? Along what line then does Satan tempt Him now? Is there any lesson in that? What was the temptation? What did the devil quote to strengthen his case? Does the devil ever quote Scripture nowadays to lead men astray? Why was the devil's use of Scripture illegitimate? Where would have been the wrong in Jesus doing as Satan suggested? What is the point of difference between trusting God and tempting God? (To look to God to deliver us from perils that lie in the path into which He has called us is to trust God; to run into perils in a path of our own choosing and then look to God to deliver us is to tempt God; to look to God to supply our bread when in the path into which He calls and in which we cannot make it is to trust God; to took to Him to supply our bread when He bids us work to get it is to tempt God.) When can God's children look to God to fulfill the promise Satan quoted? Do men who successfully meet the first and third temptations as recorded in Matthew (note the order of the temptations in Luke) ever fall before the second? How did Jesus meet this temptation? What passage in the same Psalm which the devil quoted is fulfilled in Jesus' answer? (Ps. 91:13). J. The lust of the eye — or the world, vv. 8-10. Did the devil give up the battle after this defeat? Does the devil leave us when we defeat him on one tack? What does he do? What was the next temptation as recorded by Matthew? Who else had promised Him the kingdom of this world? (Ps. 2:8). How is this kingdom to be attained according to God's plan? What then was the real essence of the tempta- tion? (To grasp the dominion that was rightfully His by false means ; to avoid the path of suffering that God had appointed and choose a path of compromise with evil to gain His dominion). When are we similarly tempted? Did the devil tell the truth when he said : "All this power. . . is delivered unto me"? (Luke 4:6; John 8:44; 12:31; 14:30; Rev. 13:2, 7; 2 Cor. 4:4; Ro. 13:1). What was the one condi- tion of Jesus getting it all ? Do men nowa- days ever submit to that condition? How did Jesus meet this temptation? Did substantially the same temptations ever come to Jesus again? (Matt. 16:21, 23). How far apart in the Scriptures are these three quotations with which Jesus met the three-fold temptation of Satan? What did the devil do when Jesus overcame this last temptation? What did the devil do before he departed? (Luke 4:13- R- V.). Did he depart forever? (Luke 4:13; 22:28). Who came to Jesus when the devil left? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 21 What will always happen if we successfully resist Satan? Which was better, the angels' food or bread made out of stones? To what did the three-fold temptation appeal? (See i John 2:16). To what three-fold conflict of ours did the three- fold temptation correspond? Where may we find a sufficient answer to every sug- gestion of the devil? In what are all these temptations one? Did the devil appear to Jesus undisguised? How does he often appear? (2 Cor. 11:14). Did the devil intend to help or hinder God's cause? What did he really do? (Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15, 16). Do we ever get beyond tempta- tion? What was the shield with which Christ quenched all the fiery darts of the wicked one? (Eph. 6:16). CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus Christ. His divinity, 4, 7, 10; humanity, 2; dependence on the Word, loyalty to the Word, use of the Word, 4, 7, 10; surrender to the Spirit's leading, i ; unquestioning obedience, 10 ; perfect trust, 4; self-sacrificing love, 2-4 (cf. Phil. 2 :6-8) ; triumphant victorj^, 4, 7, 10; matchless sympathy (cf. Heb. 4:15), sinlessness, suffering, 2-11 (cf. Luke 4:2). 2. Satan. His reality, 3-10; personality, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10; names — the devil, the tempt- er, Satan, i, 3, 10; daring, 3; cunning, 3, 6; malignity, 3-10; power, 6, 8, 9; ambition, 9; persistence, 8; defeat, 4, 7, 10, 11; work — suggests doubts, tempts to sin, 3, 6, 9. The Word. Its divine authority, its sufficiency — a safeguard against unbelief and sin, 4, 7, 10; its protecting power— the devil's misuse met by an appeal to the Word itself (compare verse 6 with verse 7). Jesus and the Word : He used it as His sole weapon in fighting the devil, 4, 7, 10; He conquered by it, 11. Satan and the Word : he quoted it, perverted it, 6; was overcome by it, II. Temptation. Its author — the devil, i. Its object — even perfect men, i. Its time — after most exalted experi- ences, I. Its character — continuous, 2 (see Luke 4:2); multiform, 3, 6, 9. Its value — preparation for service, i ; leads to angelic ministry, 11. Its point of attack — our weakest point, 2, 3 ; our strongest point, 6. Its agencies — our physical necessities, 2, 3; our desire for influence, 8; our desire for spiritual attainments, the Word, 6. Its antidote — the Word of God, 4, 7, 10. LESSON 9. John the Baptist's Testimony regarding Our Lord. John 1:19-34. /. John's testimony before the priests and Levites, vv. 19-28. What proof have we of the far-reaching impression of John the Baptist's work? What was the purpose of the Jews in sending these priests and Levites to make inquiry of John the Baptist? What was the first question they put to him? What characteristic of John comes out in his answer? Who did the Jews think he might 22 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD be? (v. 20). If not the Christ, who did they think he might be? (v. 21, R. V.). What was the Jewish expectation regarding Elijah? (Matt. 17:10). Was there any sense in which John was Elijah? (Matt. 17:12, 13). In what sense was he Elijah? (Luke 1:17). If not Elijah, who did they think he might be? Whom did they mean by "that prophet"? (Deut. 18:15-19). Who did John tell them that he really was? What characteristic of John comes out in that answer? Where did John learn this answer? (Is. 40:3-5). To what party did these messengers belong? What were the characteristics of that party? Of what did they demand an explanation? (v. 25). What two baptisms did John compare? (vv. 26, 33). What comparisons did he draw between himself and Jesus? 2. John's testimony before his disciples, vv. 29-34. For what purpose was Jesus coming to John? (v. Z7)- What was John's testi- mony concerning Jesus? What did John mean by calling Jesus "the Lamb"? (Is. 53:6, 7, 10; Ex. 12:3, 6, 7, 13). Why the "Lamb of God"? (i Pet. 1:18-20; Ro. 8:32; Gen. 22:8). What did John invite those who stood with him to do in regard to "the Lamb"? What is it the business of the Christian worker today to invite the world to do? How can he do this? (i Cor. 1:23). What is meant by "taketh away the sin"? (Hos. 14:2; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:26, 28; i John 3:5; 4:10; Lev. 16:21, 22; Ps. 103:12). How much sin did He take away? (i John 2:2). For whom then is the Gospel offer open? (Rev. 22:17). If Jesus "taketh away the sin of the zvorld," why is any man lost? (John 3:18, 19; 5:40; Heb. 10:28, 29). Where did John get this wonderful view of Christ and His work? (Is. 53:6, 10, 11; V. 33). What previous testimony that he had given concerning Jesus did John repeat? (v. 30). What did John mean by saying "He was before me"? (v. 2; 8:58; 17:5; Col. 1:17). Did John know who was to be the Mes- siah and the Lamb of God when he entered on his ministry? What was all that he did know? Did he ask for any more light at that time? What did he do? (Mark 1:3-5; Acts 19:4). For what was he content to wait before he should recognize the One for whom he was so faithfully preparing the way? Do we know when Christ will come again? What do we know? (Actsi:ii). If we were like John what would we do? What was John's further testimony concerning Jesus? What fact had John emphasized beside that the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus? To what word in the Old Testament prophecy does this "abode" in John's testimony correspond? (Is. 11:2). Of what was the descent and abiding of the Spirit upon Jesus a proof to John? Why was it a conclusive proof? What is the only conclusive proof of any view or opinion that we hold? (Is. 8:20; John 10:35; Matt. 24:35). Had John had my thought whatever before this that Jesus was the Christ? (Matt. 3:13, 14). For what did John wait before he pro- claimed his view to the world? What lesson is there here for us? Is the testi- mony of such a man of much value? What are you going to do with it? What power on Christ's part was connected with the abiding of the Spirit upon Himself? How far can we impart the Spirit to others? What is it John tells us that Jesus can do for us? Has He ever done it for you? Do you w^ant Him to? What will be the effects of that baptism? (i Cor. 12:4-13; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 23 Acts i:8; 4:31; Heb. 1:9; John 4:14; 15:26, 27; 16:7-14). What further testimony did John give regarding Jesus? Did John say that Jesus was a Son of God? How much does that mean? (v. 18; 3:16, 18, 35; 5:22, 23; Matt. 11:27; 26:63, 64; Luke 1:35; Ro. 1:4; Heb. 1:1, 2, 3, 5, 6). What is God's verdict upon all who deny the deity of Jesus? (i John 2:22, 23, cf. I John 5:1, 5). Was John's testimony founded upon a guess? (v. 34). Is it worth receiving? Will you receive it? Is there any testimony greater even than that of John? (John 5:36). CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. r. The Triune God. (i). The Father: Speaks to man, bears witness to His Son, His clear anc^ sufficient direc- tions to His obedient servants, leads His servants one step at a time, 2,2; the demands of His holiness met by His Son in His atonement, 29. (2). The Son: His nature — diVine, 34 ; human, 33. His character — humble — took the sin- ner's place, sinless, 29 (cf. Ex. 12:5). John's testimony concerning Jesus (founded upon what he saw, v. 34) — the Lamb of God, bore the sin of the world, 29; the Spirit descended upon Him, the Spirit abode upon Him, 32; the Spirit imparted by Him, 33; the Son of God, 34. The Father's testimony — "He that bap- tizeth with the Holy Spirit," 2)2>- (3). The Holy Spirit : His personality, distinction between Him and the Father and the Son, anointing Jesus for His work, the Father's gift to the Son, the Son's gift to us, 32, 2>2>- The Bible. Its authority and sufficiency. John from the deep study of it became wiser than any of his contemporaries and than many modern theologians, 22> (cf. Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2). Model preaching (John the Baptist). Intensely Biblical, 29, 30; exceedingly positive, 34; emphasized Jesus' deity and atonement, 29, 34; the combined product of Bible study and personal experience, Z3, 34. LESSON 10. Our Lord's First Disciples. John 1:35-51. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Looking upon Jcsiis, vv. 35, 36. What great preacher do we see in the opening verse? How large a congregation did he have? Were they very notable personages? Was it worth while for so great a preacher to preach to so small a congregation of such obscure persons? What was the sermon John preached? What were its characteristics? Had John ever delivered that message before? Ought he not then to have gotten up something new? How much good of which we know came out of that sermon? What was it that caused John to burst out with this earnest cry? What kind of a look was it that he cast upon Jesus as He walked? 2. Follozving Jesus, v. 37. After looking at Jesus, what did John's disciples do? Before we can truly follow Jesus, what must we do? By which are we saved, looking or following? (Is. 45: 22; John 3:14, 15; Num. 21:9.) What is the relation of following Jesus to being STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD saved by Jesus? (Mark 10:52.) What was it led the two disciples to follow Jesus ? (Compare 4:39, 40.) How did John feel when he saw his disciples leaving him and going after Jesus? (See 3:26, 29, 30.) What good example in this matter has John set to all preachers in all ages ? Why is it that some men's hearers never start to follow Jesus? 3. Abiding with Jesus, vv. 3S, 39. Were these men regenerated when they started to seek Jesus? Will an unregen- erated man seek Jesus? (Ro. 3:11; John 6:44; Luke 7:37, 38.) As soon as they be- gan to follow Jesus, what did He do? What will He always do when we start in pursuit of Him? (Luke 15:20.) What is the full force of the word "saw" (see R. V.)? What question did He put to them? What do men seek when they seek Jesus? (Luke 7:37, 48-So; Mark 10:51; John 6:26, etc.) What are you seeking? What was their answer? What was the meaning of their reply? By what title did they address Him? Had they any reason for giving Him a loftier title than that? Why didn't they? (Luke 24:25; Matt. 8: 26.) What was Jesus' reply to their re- quest? What is always His word to those who wish to come to Him? (John 6:37; Rev. 22:17.) How did they show their wisdom in the way in which they dealt with Christ's invitation? Why don't men today accept Christ's invitation at once? (2 Cor. 4:3, 4.) Did they do any- thing besides go to the house? What did they talk about? Was it a happy day? Of what future privilege of ours is this abiding with Jesus a type? (John 14:2, 3.) In how many points is there a simi- larity? Is He abiding with youf If we cannot now abide with Him what can we do? (John 15:4-) 4. Bringing others to Jesus, vv. 40-46. Who was one of the two whom John the Baptist had pointed to Jesus? Who was the other? What was the effect of that visit with Jesus upon Andrew? What will always be the effect upon any true brother of a visit with Jesus? Why is it so many professedly Christian young men never go and tell their brothers about Jesus? To whom did Andrew go first? If one desires to preach the Gospel, where is the place to begin? (Luke 8:39.) What was Andrew's testimony to Peter? Had Andrew been sure when he went home with Him that Jesus was the Messiah? How had he be- come sure? What is the best way to get assurance that Jesus is indeed the Christ? (John 4:42.) After he had given his tes- timony, what did Andrew do with Peter? Ought we to stop with giving our testi- mony about Jesus ? What was the first thing that Jesus did as Simon was brought into His pres£nce (see R. V.) ? What is the first thing He does when we come ihto His presence? What kind of look was it? What did Jesus say to Simon as the result of that gaze into his heart? How did Jesus know that Simon would become a Peter (a rock)? (vv. 47, 48; 2:24, 25; 6:70, 71.) What was it that was to transform Simon Peter? (Matt. 16:16-18; i John 5:5.) What desire was there in Jesus' heart next day? Why did He not wish to remain longer where He was? Why did He wish to go into Galilee? Whom did He find there? How did He come to find Philip? Is He looking for any of us? Will He find us? Was it a good thing for Philip that Jesus found him? (Luke 22:28-30.) What was Jesus' invitation to Philip ? Does it pay to accept that invitation? (Matt. 19:28.) How can we follow Jesus today? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 25 (i Peter 2:21; Phil. 2:5-8.) What was PhiHp's relation to Andrew and Peter? Had this anything to do with his following Jesus so promptly? As soon as Jesus had found Philip, what did Philip do? When Jesus really finds a man, what is that man sure to do? (See 4:28, 29.) Why is it some of us are so indifferent about going out and finding some one else? Whom did Philip find? Why did he go to Nathanael (v. 47) ? What was Philip's testimony? What made him so positive? Was Nathanael ready to accept his testimony at once? Why not? What kind of a skeptic was Nathan- ael? Did he remain a skeptic very long? Will any honest skeptic remain a skeptic very long? What was Philip's answer to Nathanael's incredulous question? What is the best answer to any one who questions Jesus' deity, or that He is the Christ, or that He has the power to save, or that He is altogether what He claims to be? How did Nathanael show that he was an honest skeptic? How do many who claim to be honest skeptics show that they are not? 5. Coining to Jesus, seeing and hearing Jesus, and losing all doubts about Jesus, w. 47-51- As Nathanael approached Jesus, what did Jesus do? As He looked at him, what did He see? How did Jesus show that He had penetrated the innermost depths of Nathanael's soul? What is it to be "an Israelite indeed"? (Phil. 2:2.) What was the effect of Jesus' declaration upon Na- thanael? How was his amazement inten- sified? How did Jesus know all this? (Ps. 139:1, 2.) What was Nathanael do- ing under the fig tree? What truth flashed upon him at once? Was he justified in his conclusion? Why did he see it so quickly? (v. 47; 7:17; 8:47.) What was the effect upon Jesus of this ready re- sponse of Nathanael's faith? What promise did He make him? Why should he see greater things? (Matt. 13:12; 25:29.) Why is it that no greater things are given to some of us to see? What were the greater things he was to see? To what is allusion made in the angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man? (Gen. 28:12.) What is meant by their "seeing heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man"? (Heb. 10:19, 20; Eph. 2: 18; Heb. 1:4; Luke 24:4; Matt. 25:31.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus Christ. (i). His titles: Jesus, Lamb of God, 36; rabbi, 38; Messiah, 41 ; Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Joseph, 45 ; Son of God, King (2). Ilis divine knowledge: Of what man was, 42, 47; of what man was to become, 42 ; of events at a distance, 48. (3). What Jesus is: The medium of communication be- tween God and man, the One through whom God exercises protecting power, 51. (4). Jesus and sinful men: He attracts, 37; He looks at, sees through, transforms, 38, 42, 47; He invites, 39; He welcomes, 38, 39-47; He encourages, 42, 50; He saves, 36. 2. Six steps of experience. Hearing of Jesus, looking upon Jesus, 36; following Jesus, 37; abiding with Jesus, 39 ; testifying of Jesus, 41 ; bringing others to Jesus, 42. 3- Seeking. Jesus seeking men, 35, 36, 43; men seeking Jesus, 37, 47; men who have found Jesus seeking others, 41, 45. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 11. Our Lord's First Miracle. John 2:1-12. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. Jesus invited to a marriage, w. i, 2. What kind of occasion was a marriage in the Holy Land? (Look this up care- fully in the Bible.) What idea does it give us of Jesus' character that He viras "bidden to the marriage" and accepted the invitation? Did He look upon the mirth and gladness of the entertainment virith dis- approval? Did His presence detract at all from the overflowing joyfulness of the occasion? Who by His presence and bless- ing saved the occasion from ending in mor- tification and disappointment? By reason of His presence, how did it end (v. 10) ? If we wish our social and festive gather- ings to be marked by the deepest and abid- ing joy, whose presence must we secure? Why is Jesus so often absent from our social gatherings? (James 4:2, 1. c.) Do we lose anything by His not being there? Would He like to come? 2. His help needed and sought, w. 3, 4. When was the presence of Jesus especial- ly noticed and appreciated? When are we most likely to think of His presence among us? (Ps. 107:6, 13, 19, 28.) When "the wine fails" in our lives, what is the best thing to do? (Ps. 50:15.) Who was it thought of going to Jesus in this emergency? Why was it she who thought of it? Had she ever known of His performing miracles? (v. 11.) Was she a woman of great faith? (Luke i :45.) In what way did she make her request? If we have any need, what is all we need to do? (Phil. 4:6, 7.) Did she get im- mediate satisfaction? Do we always get immediate satisfaction when we make our requests known to Him? Does that prove that our requests will not be granted? Was the answer of Jesus to His mother as harsh as it sounds to our ears? (Compare 19:26, 27; 20:13, 15; Matt. 15:28.) What was the purpose of this answer? (Compare Luke 2:49.) 3. His help expected and prepared for, z'v. 5-7- Was the expectation of the mother of Jesus at all shaken by His answer? Why not? What wise counsel did she give the servants? Did she regard herself or Jesus as the One to whom men should look for direction and blessing? How does this bear on Mariolatry? How much of what Pie said were they to do? Of what is this doing "whatsoever He saith" the indispen- sable condition? (See 15:14.) Does it pay? (Luke 5:5, 6; Heb. 5:9.) What singular direction did Jesus give the servants? What was the purpose of this direction? (Num. 21:6-9; Josh. 6:3-5; I Kings 17:13, 14; 2 Kings 5:10-14; John 9:7-11, 39, 40; Luke 17:14; Acts 8:26.) How did these servants show they had faith? How did they show the earnestness and fullness of their faith? If they had filled them only half full, how much wine would they have had? (2 Kings 4:4; 13:18, 19.) Why is it that our vessels are not full "to the brim" with the wine of the kingdom? (Matt. 9:29.) 4. His help granted and appreciated, vv. 8-12. To what final test did He put the faith of the servants? Was that much of a test? If these servants had been like many of us, what would they have done? What STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD did they do? Why? What was the re- sult? At what point was the water made wine? What sort of power did the turn- ing of water into wine prove Jesus to possess? Was it good wine (v. lo) ? Does Jesus turn water into wine nowadays? Has He ever turned water into wine for you? Why not? Will you let Him today? What comment did the ruler of the feast make upon the wine Jesus made? In the worldly life when do you always get the better wine? In the Christian life, when? (Luke 16:25; Rev. 7:16; John 4: 14.") What did men see in this miracle that Jesus wrought? (John 1:14.) How did this opening miracle of Jesus' ministry differ from the opening miracles of Moses' ministry? (Ex. 7:19-21.) How do you account for this difference? (John 1:17.) What was the effect of this miracle upon His disciples? What did they believe? How many times in this Gospel does John record the fact that men believed on Jesus? What is the purpose of this Gospel? (See 20:30, 31.) How does John seek to secure this end? (By setting forth the facts that wrought faith in him and his fellow disciples, and the effects upon the disciples of those things they witnessed. John's Gospel is a picture of Jesus' life with an especial reference to the effect of that life upon the development of the author's own faith and spiritual life. This is one thing that gives the Gospel a spiritual life and power that none of the others possess.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. T. Jesus Christ. Possesses creative power, 9; superior to human relations, 4; of a genial disposition, welcome guest on festal occasions, 2 ; saved the occasion from disaster, turns misfortune into glad- ness, 3-10; made the chief contribu- tion to its gladness, 10; should be looked to when the wine fails, those who know Him best are quickest to go to Him for help, 3; goes where He is invited, 2 ; carries a blessing where He goes, 6-10; never acts until the time is ripe, 4 ; puts faith to the test, 7, 8; rewards faith when it shows itself fitted by standing the test, grants not only necessities but also things that minister to mirth and gladness, gives the best wine last, 9, 10. 2. Jesus in social life. Sought after, went, 2 ; needed, appealed to, 3; obeyed, 5-8; brought bless- ing, 10. 3. Faith. Seeks help from Jesus, 3 ; is tested by apparent refusal, 4; is tested by being given an apparently unreasonable thing to do, does as it is told, 5-8; asks no questions, gets according to its measure, 7 ; gets what it seeks, 9, 10; recognizes the meaning of Jesus' test, beholds His glory, 11. 4. Mary. Dependence upon Jesus, 3 ; ignorance of His purpose, misunderstanding of her relation to Him, 4; unwavering faith, 3, 5 ; humble recognition of her true position, 5; abundant reward, 9, 10. 5. How to get blessings. Let Jesus know you need them, 3; be discouraged by no seeming rebuke, 4; believe you are going to get them, do as you are told, 5-8. 28 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 12. The First Cleansing of the Temple. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The temple defiled by man, but cleansed by Jesus, vv. 13-17- Why did Jesus go so often up to Jeru- salem at the time of the Passover? (Deut. 16:16; Luke 2:41; John 6:4; ii:55-) What did He find in the house of God? For what w^ere the oxen and sheep, etc., needed? (Deut. 14:26.) Was Jesus pleased to see them there? If He should visit the house of God in our land, would He find any- thing like that? Would it please Him? For which is there a better excuse, for these Jews or for us? What did Jesus do? Was it the force in the scourge of cords or the display of muscular energy on the part of Jesus that drove these defilers of the temple out? (See 18:6; Zech. 4:6, II; 2 Cor. 10:4.) Did this purification of the temple prove permanent? (Matt. 21 -.12.^ Does it follow that because a reformation is not permanent that it is not of God? Why is it that all reforms wrought among men are of so transient a character? (Jer. 17:9; Gen. 6:5; Ro. 8:7.) Did He drive out them that sold doves? Why not? What did He do? In what ways is God's house nowadays made "a house of merchandise"? Was there any hint or prophecy of this in the Old Testa- ment? (Is. 56:11 ; Jer. 7:11.) When Jesus purged the temple the first time, what did He say they had made it? When He purged it the second time, what did He say they had made it? (Luke 19:45, 46.) Which is the worse? Is there any lesson in this? (Matt. 12:43, 45-) How does Jesus speak of God? (See 5:17; 8:49; 10:29; Luke 2:49.) Why did He not say "Your Father" or "Our Father"? (John 3:16.) When did He John 2:13-25. say "Your Father"? (John 20:17.) How does God become "our" Father? (John 1:12; Gal. 3:26.) Until we believe on Jesus, what are we? (i John 3:10.) What did this action of Jesus call to the dis- ciples' mind? What ought all the events of life to call to mind? Why did the Scripture come so readily to the minds of the disciples? Why does it not come more readily to our minds? Of whom was this Scripture written? What then did the disciples, by this act, see Jesus to be? 2. The temple destroyed by man, but raised again by Jesus, vv. 18-22. Who else recognized in this action of Jesus a claim to be the Messiah? What difference was there between the recogni- tion of this fact on the part of the dis- ciples and on the part of the Jewish lead- ers? What demand did they make? What similar demand did they make on the oc- casion of the second cleansing of the tem- ple? (Matt. 21:33.) Do men nowadays ever try to stop faithful servants of God who are doing what they themselves ought but will not, do, by asking: "By what authority doest thou these things"? What is all the authority a man needs for doing right? (Acts 5:28, 29.) Did these Jews really wish a sign? (Matt. 12:38, 39.) Do men who today are asking for the proof that Jesus is the Son of God really wish proof? Did these men accept the sign when it was really given them? (Matt. 28:11-13.) What sign did Jesus propose to them? What was the sign to which Jesus always pointed them? (Matt. 12:38, 40; 16:1, 4.) What is the great proof that declares Jesus to be "the Son of God with power"? (Ro. 1:4.) In these words — "Destroy this temple and in STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 29 three days I will raise it up" — of what two great events was there a prophecy ? In the shadow of what then did Jesus conduct His ministry from the very outset? How was that shadow illuminated? Who did Jesus say would raise up the temple? Did Jesus raise Himself from the dead? (John 10:17, 18; Mark 8:31; Acts 3:26; Ro. 4:24; 8:11; I Cor. 15:3, 4. 12.) Was Jesus understood by those who heard? Why not? What use of this say- ing of Jesus was made at a later day? (Matt. 26:60, 61; 27:40.) Of what temple was He speaking? Wherein lay the pro- priety of calling His body a temple? (John 1:14, R. V. margin; Col. 1:19; 2:9.) What was the relation of the other temples to this? (i Kings 8:27; see Col. 2:9.) In killing Jesus, what did the Jews destroy? Was this a serious offence? Is there any way in which we too can defile and de- stroy this temple of God? (i Cor. 6:19; 3:16, 17, R. V.) When did the disciples remember and understand these words of Jesus? How did they come to remember them? (John 14:26; 16:4; Luke 24:7, 8.) What was the effect upon them when they remembered these words? What Scripture did they remember? (John 20:8, 9; Ps. 16:10; Is. 53:10.) Was theirs a saving faith? What was the basis of it? J. Men believing in Jesus, bnt Jesus not believing in men, vv. 23-25. What was the effect of Jesus' miracles upon those who saw them? Who is the fiist recorded illustration of those who were convinced through Christ's miracles? (John 3:1, 2; 6:14; 7-Z'^-) Was it a sav- ing faith that most of these men had? What are the characteristics of saving faith? (Ro. 10:10; John 1:12; Gal. 5:6; Eph. 3:16, 17; Jas. 2:14, R- V.) Did Jesus believe in those who beUeved in Him? (In the Greek, "believe" in verse 23 and "com- mit" in verse 24 are the same word. This also illustrates what real faith in Jesus is. It is "committing" one's self unto Him. See 2 Tim. i :i2.) Is it wise to trust in man? (Jer. 17:5) Why did Jesus not believe in these men? How deep was Jesus' knowledge of men? (John 1:42, 46, 47; 5:42; 6:64; 16:19, 30; 21 :i7.) What did this knowledge of men show Jesus to be? (Jer. 17:9, 10; 2 Chron. 6:30.) How alone can we know men? (Acts 13:9-11.) CLASSIFICATION OF TE.\CHINGS. /. Jesus Christ. His deity: consciousness of Sonship, 16; divine knowledge, 24, 25 (2 Chron. 6 :3o) ; divine foresight of His own death and resurrection, 19; divine power to raise from the dead, 19; divine fulness, 21 (Col. 2:19); deity proved by His resurrection, 19 (Ro. 1:4). His humanity, subject to death, 19. The Messiah, 17 (Ps. 69:9). The subject of prophecy, 17, 22. The substance of whom Old Testament types were the shadow, 21. Obeyed the law, followed parental ex- ample, sought needy multitudes, 13. Displeased with the degradation of His Father's house into a place of gain, drove the polluters out of it, 15. 2. Man. Unworthy of confidence, 24; misunder- stands Christ, 20; turns godliness into gain, 14; tries to hinder Jesus' work, 18; heart fully set to do evil, his reform transient, goes from bad to worse, 15, 16 (Luke 19:45, 46). J. The disciples and the Word. Studied, remembered, believed, were saved through the Word, 17, 22 (John 5:24). 30 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 13. Eternal Life: What It Is, What It Cost, and Who Can Have It. John 3:1-21. niSCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Eternal life man's greatest need, vv. I-I3- Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at all? Why did he come by night? (John 12:42, 43.) How many times is he spoken of in the Bible as "he that came to Jesus by night"? Is that a very flattering title? Are there any nowadays that deserve it? Will those who never come out openly on Christ's side be saved? (Ro. 10:10; Matt. 10:32, 33.) What did Nicodemus recognize in Jesus? On what ground? Was he right in thinking that the signs Jesus did were conclusive evidence that He was "a teacher come from God"? (John 5:36; 9:30-33; 14:10, 11; Acts 2:22.) Why is it then that men reject Jesus as such in face of all these miracles? (John 12:37-40; 15:2.-2-24.) What was all that Nicodemus recognized his need of at the outset? What did Jesus show him that he needed? What sort of man was he? And yet, what did he need before he could see or enter the kingdom of God? What is it to be "born again"? (John 1:13; 2 Pet. 1:4; 2 Cor. 5:17-) How can a man be "born again"? (John i :i2; 3:14; see Num. 21:8). How had Nicodemus tried to dodge the searching force of Christ's word? What is unbelief always asking? Did Jesus tell him "how"? What did He tell him? How do we know that Jesus regarded this teaching as of more than ordinary importance? Are we to understand from verse 5 that it is necessary for a man to be baptized in order to enter into the kingdom of God? (See Luke 23:39-43.) Are we to under- stand that it is through baptism that men are begotten again? (Compare i Cor. 4: IS with I Cor. i :i4.) What is the "cleansing water" of which a man must be born in order to enter into the kingdom of God? (John 15:3; Eph. 5:26; James i:i8; I Pet. 1:23.) Who then is the agent in regeneration according to verse 5? What is the instrument the Spirit uses? What is the sinner's part in the new birth? (John 1:12; 5:24.) What is the preachers part in regeneration? (i Cor. 4:15; Ro. 10:14.) Why does every man need to be born again (v. 6)? (Ro. 8:7, 8; Gal. 5:19- 21; Ps. 55:5; Gen. 6:5.) Is it enough to cultivate and refine and reform the flesh (vv. 6, 7) ? (Gal. 6:1s; Matt. 7:16; 12:33.) By what figure does Jesus illustrate the operation of the Holy Spirit (v. 8) ? What are the three points in which the operation of the Spirit is like "the wind" (v. 8) ? (i Cor. 12:11.) Did Nicodemus under- stand? Should he have understood all this before the Saviour told him? (Deut. 30:6; Ps. 51:5, 6, 10; Jer. Z'^:2,2>; 32:39. 40; Ezek. 11:19; 18:31; 36:25-27.) Why didn't he know all this? (Matt. 22:29.) Was Christ's doctrine about the Holy Spirit and the new birth mere guesswork and speculation (vv. 11, 32) ? (7:16; 8:38.) What did He say was done with His testimony (v. 11) ? Have men changed any in this respect? What have men done in all ages with God's testimony? (Is. 53:1; John i:ii; 3:32; 5:29, 40, 43, 44; Matt. 23:37; Acts 7:51. 52; 28:23-27.) Why do men treat God's testimony in this way? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 31 (2 Cor. 4:4.) What thoughts about Jesus does the 13th verse give us? 2. Eternal life purchased by the death of the Son and fully offered to all by the Father, vv. 14-17. How was man's need of life met? What is meant by "lifted up"? (See 12:32.) What word shows the absolute necessity of the death of Jesus if men are to have life? (Luke 24:46; Heb. 9:22; Gal. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; I Pet. 2:24.) What are the points of resemblance between Christ and the serpent lifted up by Moses in the wil- derness? (i — Ro. 6:23, compare Num. 21:6; ii and iii — Ro. 8:3, compare Num. 21:8; iv — "Lifted up," Gal, 3:13, compare Num. 21 :8 ; v — Is. 45 :22, compare Num. 21:8; vi — Acts 4:12, compare Num. 21:9; vii — "Whosoever," compare Num. 21 :g.) What change does the Revised Version make in verse 15? What is its significance? Where did the sacrifice of the Son have its origin? How comprehensive was this love of God? Did it take in sinners? (Ro. 5:6, 8.) What little word sets forth the greatness and character of that love? What is the character of God's love as set forth in the i6th verse? The measure of it? Which made the greater sacrifice, the Son in humbling Himself (Phil. 2:6-8) or the Father in giving His only begotten Son? What more could God give? Of what is the giving of His Son a pledge? (Ro. ^•.2)^.) What was the purpose of God's love in giving His Son? Who would have perished if He had not given His Son? (Ro. 3:23; 6:23; Gal. 3:10.) Who can have life eternal now that He has given His Son? Whom does "whosoever" mean? (John 6:40; Is. 45:22; John 6:37; i Tim. 1:15.) What does every one who believes get? How soon does he get it? (John ^•.36; Acts 13:39.) What is eternal life? (John 10:28; 6:40; 17:3; I John 1:2; 5:20.) How is it to be obtained? (John 3:36.) What was God's purpose in sending His Son? (See v. 17 especially, R. V.) In what sense is the whole world saved by Him? (i John 2:2, R. V. ; i Cor. 15:21, 22; Ro. 5:18.) Who alone are saved by Him in the fullest sense? (i Tim. 4:10.) Why are not all men saved by Him? (John i:ii; 5:40; Matt. 23:37.) 3. Eternal life accepted by believers, re- jected by unbelievers, vv. 18-21. Into what two classes does the i8th verse divide all men? Is there any middle ground between those who believe and be- lieve not? What is the present standing before God of all who believe? (John 5: 24.) Will those who believe ever be con- demned? (John 10:28; Ro. 8:33, 34.) What is the present standing of those who believe not? Why are they condemned? What is the one sin that brings condemna- tion upon men? (John 16:9.) Are men eternally lost because they have sinned? Why then are men eternally lost? Why is it that men do not come to Christ (v. 19) ? What is the greatest proof of the badness of the human heart and its love of evil "darkness rather than light"? If a man does not come to Jesus as "the Light of the world," what does it prove? What lies at the root of unbelief? Why do men hate the light? Why do men hate Jesus? (John 7:7.) Why don't you come to the light? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. The Triune God. (i). The Father: His love — (a) Its character; universal, holy — demanding and providing an atone- ment, self-sacrificing, saving, self- imparting, infinite, 16. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD (b) Its object: the world, i6. (c) Its measure: "gave His only begotten Son," i6. (d) Its purpose: to save and impart life, i6. (e) Its effect: all who receive get eternal life, i6. (2). The Son. Deity, 16; humanity, 14, 16; pre-exist- ence, heavenly origin, omnipresence, humiliation, 13; divinely accredited, 12; an atoning Saviour must die that man might live, 14, 16; the light of the world, hated by the world, 19, 20; the touchstone of character, 19-21. (3). The Holy Spirit. His work — Author of the new birth, 5 ; sovereign — "Where it listeth," mysterious — "Not tell whence it cometh," effectual — "Hearest the voice," 8. 2. Man. Lost by nature, 3-6; can be saved only by a death, 14 ; ignorant of the Word, 10; always wants God to explain, 4, 9; will not accept God's testimony, II; hates light, 19; deeds evil, 20; redeemed by Christ's death, 14-17. S- The nezv birth. Necessity: universal, 3, 5, 7; because man is by generation only "flesh," 6. Nature: impartation of the divine na- ture, 6. Author : the Holy Spirit, 5. Instrument: the Word, 5. Method : looking unto and believing on the Saviour lifted up, 14-16. 4. Nicodemus. Moral, religious, orthodox, zealous, i, 10; high aspirations, earnest seeker after truth, 2; and yet he must be born again, 3, 5, 7; loved the praise of men more than the praise of God, 2. LESSON 14. Our Lord and the Woman of Samaria. John 4:1-30. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Jesus, a weary pilgrim in a hostile land — "despised and rejected of men," vv. 1-6. Why did the report that reached the ears of the Pharisees that Jesus "was making and baptizing more disciples than John" make His departure into Galilee necessary? (c. 10:39; 11:47-54; Mark 3:6,7.) To whom did His rejection by Judah bring a blessing? Of what coming dealing of God with Jew and Gentile was this a hint or prophecy? (Acts 13:46; Ro. ii:ii.) Was there any deeper reason why Jesus "must needs pass through Samaria" than that that was the shortest route through Galilee? (Luke 2:49; 15:4.) What drew Jesus more irresistibly than anything else on earth? (Luke 19:10; Matt. 14:14; Mark 6:31-34.) In what physical condition was Jesus when He reached Jacob's well? Was He often weary and hungry and thirsty ? (Matt. 8 :24 ; 4 :2 ; Luke 9:58.) For whose sake did He en- dure this fatigue and want? (2 Cor. 8:9.) For what did this endurance of human need and suffering prepare Him? (Heb. 2:16- 18; 4:15, 16.) When we are hungry and weary, and tempted to be discouraged in the Lord's service, what is the best thing to do? (Heb. 12:2, 3.) 2. Jesus, the Bestower of Everlasting Life, vv. 7-15. What occurred to make Jesus forget all STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 33 about His weariness and hunger? What was the first thought Jesus had as He saw the woman drawing near? What is the first thought a Christian ought always to have as an unsaved sinner draws near? What was the woman coming for? Did she get water? How much water did she come for (v. 28) ? How much did she get (v. 14) ? Was it a very likely time of day for a woman to come for water? How did she happen to come out at that time of day? (John 6:44, Z7.) Did her going out at noon to draw water seem like a very important circumstance in that woman's life? How much really hung upon it? What was Jesus' object in asking her for a drink? When Jesus asks a small favor of us, what is always His object? What are the lessons for a Christian worker to learn from the way in which Jesus ap- proached this woman? What sort of a woman was she (vv. 17, 18) ? Did the fact that she was vile repel Jesus from her? Why had Jesus an excellent opportunity to deal with the woman? Did the woman respond very readily to Jesus' request for a drink? What light does her answer throw upon her character? Did Jesus get at all the drink He asked for? What sweeter refreshment did He get (v. 34) ? What two things did Jesus say she needed to know (v. 10)? What is the "gift of God" to which Jesus refers here? (v. 14; Luke 11:13; Acts 1:4; 2:33, 38.) What else is spoken of in the Word as "the gift of God"? (Ro. 6:23; John 3:16; Ro. 8:32.) What was the reason why this woman had not "asked of Him" instead of He of her? What is the reason why all men do not "ask of Him" today? What ought our main business then be if we want men to ask and get "living water" (vv. 28, 29)? What did Jesus say was all that was necessary to get this "living water"? (Luke 11:8-13.) What is this "living water" that Jesus gives? (Is. 44:3; John 7:37-39) Why is the Holy Spirit spoken of as "living water"? (Ezek. 7:9; John 6:63 with v. 14.) Did the woman comprehend at all what Jesus was talking about? Why not? (i Cor. 2:14.) Did she seem to be a very hopeful case to deal with? If Jesus had been like most of us, what would He have done after such an outburst of stupidity and spiritual ignorance? Of what was there a mixture in the question in the I2th verse? Did Jesus give her up? What did He do? Of how many wells is it true that every one that drinketh of them shall thirst again? (Eccl. 2.) How many of those who drink of these wells will remain un- satisfied? How many wells are there of which if a man drink "he will never thirst"? Where is this water to be had? Who can have it ? (John 7 -.2,7 ; Rev. 22 : 17 ; Is. 55 :i.) How many will this water satisfy forever? Why will they never thirst? How full will this "well of water" be if one really gets it in his soul ? (7 :37- 39.) What had Jesus told Nicodemus in the previous lesson was his great need? (■3:5-) What does He here tell the woman is her great need? Did the woman of Samaria and Nicodemus seem very much alike? Was there any essential difference between them? (Ro. 3:22, 23.) Did the woman understand Jesus yet? What was the matter? Did Jesus give her up? What was it the woman desired? What ought she to have desired? 3. Jesus the searcher of hearts, vv. 16-24. What was the next tack upon which Jesus approached the woman? What was Jesus' object in telling her to call her husband? Before sinners can see the 34 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUK LORD beauty of Jesus as Saviour, what must they first see? Why had not Jesus gone to work the very first thing to awaken con- viction of sin? Is there any lesson here for Christian workers? What was Jesus' ultimate object in wounding her guilty con- science? How did Jesus know she had had five husbands? (i :42, 47, 48; 2 124, 25 ; Heb. 4:13; Rev. 2:23.) What did the woman recognize in Jesus when she saw that He had read her heart? Was her conclusion warranted by the facts in the case? What did she come to recognize in Jesus later (v. 29) ? How had the woman tried to avoid the close personal dealing of Jesus (v. 20) ? Did she succeed in this way in escaping the penetrating heart-searching to which Jesus was subjecting her? What was it she sought to find out about worship? What did Jesus show her was a more important question than "where" shall we worship? What is His answer to the question: "How shall we worship"? What is it to "worship the Father in spirit and in truth"? (Ro. 8:26; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 3:3, R. v.; Jude 20; Lev. 10:1, 2; compare 16:12; 9:24; i Cor. 15:13.) By what words did Jesus point out the Father's earnest desire for such worshippers? 4. Jesus the Messiah, vv. 25-30. What did the woman say she knew? What didn't she know? What startling an- nouncement did Jesus make to her? What was the effect of that revelation upon the woman? When Jesus reveals Himself to any one as the Christ, what will he at once desire to do? (See 1:41, 45.) Why did she leave her water pot? What was her message? Was that a good sermon? Was it eflfective? Did the labor spent on this apparently hopeless case pay? Who can preach such a sermon as that? What would be the result if every one who had found Christ Himself went about inviting people to "come see a Man who told me all things that ever I did"? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. (i). His humanity. Weary, 6; thirsty, 7; hungry, 8. (2). His deity. The divine searcher of hearts, 17, 18; the divine bestower of living water and eternal life, 10, 14. (3). His compassion. "Must needs pass through Samaria" because of the perishing souls there that needed Him, 4. (4). His loving severity. He wounded that He might heal, 16. (5). His offices. A heart-searching Prophet, 19; a com- passionate Priest, 6 (compare Heb. 2:16-18; 4:15, 16); a divinely ap- pointed King, 26. (6). His justice and mercy. Leaves the place where He is not wanted and goes where He is wanted, 3,4- (7). His love for souls. Hunger, thirst and weariness all for- gotten in the joy of leading a soul to Himself, 6, 7. (8). His method of dealing with the unsaved. Had compassion on the vilest, 17, 18; eager to save, 7; sought one out, 4; on the alert for opportunities to deal with her, 7; took her alone with Himself, 8; sought a small favor that he might grant a great one, 7, 10; first gained attention and con- fidence, 7-15; then aimed directly at conviction and conversion by piercing the conscience, 16; held to the main point, 20, 21 ; deftly turned every STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 35 question, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 24; exercised great patience, 9, 11, 12, 15, 20, 21 ; revealed Himself, 26. T/ze woman of Samaria. Vile, 17, 18; mean, 9; ignorant, 10; full of questions, 9, 11, 12, 20, 29; incredibly stupid, 11, 12, 15; unsatis- fied, 13, 15; wanted the gift, but not the Giver, 15; convicted, 17; tried to dodge the convicting truth, 20, 21 ; got a view of Christ, 26; came to get a pitcher of water and got an everflowing and overflowing foun- tain, 7, 10, 14; left her pitcher, 28; preached Jesus — "Come see a Man," 29; brought a whole city to Him, 30, 39- The woman of Samaria and Nicodemus contrasted. A woman. A Samaritan. A prostitute. Came at noon day. Confessed Jesus at once. Brought a whole city to Jesus. A man. A Jew. A teacher of Israel. Came by night. A secret disciple for years. Brought (?) to Jesus. A common need — the Holy Spirit, John 3:5; 4:14. "There is no difference." 4. True worship. Not where, but how, 21-24; God the object, 24; the Spirit, the inspirer, 23; the Word, the rule, 23; every- where, the place, 21. LESSON 15. Our Lord and the Samaritans. John 4:31-42, DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. "My meat is to do the will of Hint that sent Me and to finish His work," w. 31-38. As soon as the woman of Samaria left Jesus, what did the disciples do? What word in verse 31 shows that Jesus was in very deep thought after the departure of the woman? What about? Did Jesus yield to the earnest request of the disciples? In what physical condition had the disciples left Jesus when they went into the city? (vv. 6, 8.) Was Jesus really ahungered now? Why not (v. 32)? What insight into the condition of the disciples at that time does verse 32 give? Are there many disciples today who do not know this food of which Jesus speaks? How did the dis- ciples further reveal their stupidity (v. 2,i) ? Are there any disciples today as dull as these? Had the disciples spoken the question in verse 33 to Jesus? How then did Jesus know their question? V/hat does this show about Jesus? What was Jesus' an- swer to the question that they put to one another? What did Jesus mean by say- ing: "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me and to finish His work"? (compare Ps. 40:8; Is. 61:1-3; Luke 15: 4-6; 19:10). What does verse 34 teach us as to the relation between Jesus and the Father? For what purpose did Jesus come into this world? (John 6:38.) What was all that Jesus sought to accomplish (v. 34. R. V.) ? What was the Father's work that Jesus sought to accomplish? Did Jesus accomplish it? (John 17 :4-) What ought to be every disciple's meat? What time of year was it? How long was this before the harvest that the Jews had their eyes upon? What harvest did Jesus have His eyes upon? What was the condition of that harvest? What is the condition of that harvest today? Which harvest does it pay best to reap? What STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD will one get if he reaps that harvest? (Dan. 12:2; Ro. 1:13; 6:22; i Cor. 3:14, 15; 9:19-23; Phil. 2:15, 16; I Thess. 2:19; 2 Tim. 4:7, 8; James 5:19, 20.) What kind of fruit does he gather? What two persons can rejoice together? Do the sowers and the reapers always rejoice to- gether? Why not? When any one reaps this harvest, with whom ought the credit to be shared? What had Jesus sent the disciples to reap (v. 38) ? Of whom is that true today? Does the reaper always recognize this fact? 2. A great revival, vv. 39-42. What was the effect of the woman's tes- timony upon the Samaritans? How many were influenced by her testimony? What reason was there why her testimony might not be expected to count for much? What was it in the woman's testimony that par- ticularly convinced the Samaritans? What does the 39th verse teach about the power of testimony? Why are there not more persons won by the testimony of those who have seen and heard Jesus? If this woman's testimony had so much power, who else's testimony might have power? Having believed because of this woman's testimony, what did the Samaritans next do (v. 40) ? What request did they make of Jesus? What reason did Jesus have for not yielding to their request? Why did He yield to it? With how many per- sons will Jesus abide today if they will only ask Him? (Rev. 3:20.) How long did He abide with the Samaritans? How long will He abide with us? What was the effect of Jesus' visit with them? Why did these believe? Which is better, the faith that is built upon hearing testimony about Him, or the faith that is built on listening to Him? Upon what is your faith built, upon listening to some one else's testimony about Him or listening to His own voice? How does true faith come? (Ro. 10:17, compare Heb. 11 :i-30.) What did the Samaritans tell the woman that they had heard that was better than her testimony? What was the result of hearing for themselves? What did the Samaritans say that they knew? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. His humanity, 31 ; His deity — He knew what the disciples were talking about though they had not spoken to Him, 33; His subordination to the Father, His love for the Father, His very meat to do the will of Him that sent Him and to finish His work, 34 ; His love for man, even the outcast, 40; the power of His word, 39, 41 ; the Saviour of the world, 42. 2. The Disciples. Knew not the meat that Jesus ate, 32; their spiritual dullness, 33; blind to the fact that the fields were white already for the harvest, 35; sent to reap a harvest upon which they had bestowed no labor, entered into other men's labors, 38; exhorted by Jesus to lift up their eyes and behold the harvest that was already ripe, 35 ; received wages for reaping the har- vest, gathered fruit unto life eternal, 36; called to rejoice together with the sowers, 36, 37. 3. The Samaritans. Many believed because of the testimony of the woman, 39 ; having believed in Jesus, came unto Jesus, besought Jesus to tarry with them, 40; heard Jesus for themselves, 41, 42; many more believed because of His own word, 41 ; when they heard Jesus, were quick to recognize in Him the Saviour of the world, 42. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 37 LESSON 16. Our Lord Restoring the Nobleman's Son. John 4:43-54. (See also Matthew 14:3-5; 4:12-17; Mark 6:17, 18; 1:14, 15; Luke 3:19, 20.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. A blessing sought and faith demanded, ^^- 42-50- When the two days in Samaria were past, did Jesus go to Nazareth? Why not (v. 44) ? What is meant by "His own country"? (Luke 4:23, 24; Matt. 13:53, 54.) Why does a prophet have no honor in his own country? Ought a prophet to have honor? Why? Is the honor due to God's prophets often denied them? (Acts 7:52.) Ought a servant of God to feel badly when the honor due him is denied him? (Matt. 5:12; Luke 6:22, 23.) Where is the honor due to a prophet most likely to be denied him? Did Nazareth gain any- thing by refusing Jesus the honor that was His due? (Matt. 13 157, 58.) Do men lose anything today by not receiving Jesus as they ought? Did any one receive Jesus (v. 45) ? Did they gain anything by re- ceiving him? What do those who fully receive Him gain? (John i :i2.) Why did these Galileans receive Him? Was that a good reason for receiving Him ? What simi- lar reason have we for receiving Him today? How did they come to see these miracles? Did they do right to go up to the feast? Was much trouble involved in their going up? Did it pay? Is there any lesson for us in this? To what particular town in Galilee did Jesus go? Why did He go there? What proof have we that His going made a good deal of a stir? Was the nobleman a person who would have been likely to seek Jesus? What would have kept him back? What brought him to Jesus? What is it usually that brings men to Jesus? (Matt. 9:18; 15:22; 17:14, 15; Luke 7:27- 38.) What is the most effective way to induce men to overcome the obstacles that lie between them and Jesus? How sick was the nobleman's child? Ought such an ex- treme case as that be taken to the Lord? (Gen. 18:14; Luke 8:49, 50.) Is it extreme cases of sickness alone that should be taken to Jesus? (i Tim. 1:15; Eph. 2:1; Heb. 7:25.) Why did this nobleman come to Jesus? Why is it that men come to Jesus for spiritual life? (John 6:68.) What then is one of the important things to show men if we would induce them to come to Jesus? (Acts 4:12.) Does Jesus wish men to come to Him with their troubles? (Ps. 50:15; Matt. 11 128.) Who may this "nobleman" or "king's officer" (margin, R. V.) have been? (Luke 8:3; Acts 13:1.) How did he know that "Jesus was come"? Before men call upon the Lord now-a-days, what must some one do? (Ro. 10:14.) If some one had not told that nobleman that "Jesus was come," what would have become of his boy? Un- less someone tells the perishing millions at home and abroad that "the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost," what will become of them? Who can deliver that message? What was the most important work that the one who told the nobleman that "Jesus was come" did that day? What is the most impor- tant work any of us can do any day? (James 5:20.) What was the first thing the nobleman did as soon as he heard that "Jesus was come"? Why did he go to Jesus so promptly? Why is it that so many delay STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD when they hear that Jesus is come? If men realized their need of Jesus, what would they do as soon as they heard He had come? Having come to Jesus, what was the next thing the nobleman did? If we want anything of the Lord, what is the way to get it? (Ps. 50:15; Ro. 10:13; Luke 11 -.13.) As what did the nobleman come to Jesus? How must high and low come to Jesus if they come at all? What did the noble- man think it was necessary that Jesus should do in order to heal his boy? Did any one ever come to Jesus with a greater and more intelligent faith than that? (Matt. 8:8-10.) What was Jesus' answer to the nobleman's request? Why did Jesus say this? Why was there not more haste on Jesus' part to grant the request? What was more urgent than the healing of the nobleman's boyf Is there any better faith than one that rests upon signs and won- ders that we see? (v. 42; 20:29; i John 5:10, II; 2 Pet. 1:17-19.) Are there any who will not believe even when they see signs and wonders? (John 12:37.) With whom was Jesus contrasting the Jews in His own mind when He said : "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe"? (vv. 29, 41, 42.) In what light was it the Samaritans regarded Him and sought Him (v. 42) ? In what light was it the nobleman regarded Him and sought Him (v. 47) ? Does Jesus desire more to be sought as "healer" or "Saviour"? Did the nobleman allow himself to be put away by Jesus' first answer? Why not? Ought we to cease asking when we do not get what we ask the first time? (Luke 18 :i-8.) What was the result of the noble- man's persistence? Did he get just what he asked? Why didn't Jesus go down? Why did He yield to the nobleman's re- quest at all? What is implied by the nobleman's saying, "Come down ere my child die"? Could not Jesus help even if the child were dead? (Mark 5:35-42.) 2. Faith exercised and the blessing granted, vv. 50-54. Just what did Jesus say to the nobleman? How did the word sound to the noble- man? What similar sweet words is Jesus ready to say today? What was the first thing the nobleman did when he heard Jesus' word? Did the word that Jesus spoke seem probable? Was it wise for the nobleman to "believe the word that Jesus spake"? (Titus 1:2; Matt. 24:35.) What is the sole ground he had for his faith? Was that enough? Is that enough for you? How did the man prove that he "believed the word that Jesus spake" ? By what did the nobleman walk from Cana to Capernaum? (2 Cor. 5:7.) Does Jesus ever demand of us today to walk by faith ? If he did not believe Jesus, what would he have made Him? (i John 5:10.) Do you ever make God a liar? Did the noble- man's faith prove to be well-founded? How did it all turn out? How will everything turn out? (Acts 27:25; Josh. 23:14.) When had the improvement in the sick boy begun? How do you account for that? (Ps. 33:9; 107:20.) Who was He at whose word sickness fled away? Was the healing affected by the influence of the boy's mind upon his body? Was the heal- ing instantaneous ? Does God always work a complete work in a moment? (Mark 4:28.) What was the effect upon the father when he learned that the boy began to grow better at the very time that Jesus spake? What was the difference between the faith of the nobleman mentioned in verse 50 and that mentioned in verse 53? Did the nobleman believe alone? Is it to be expected when a man believes on Jesus that his family will believe also? (Acts 16:15, 31, 34; 18:8; 2:39.) Why are there STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 39 so many instances where men believe but their families do not? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus Christ. Draws the afflicted to Him, 47; can help when all human help fails, 46, 47; His help must be sought by prayer, 47-50; answers believing per- sistent prayer even though the faith is very imperfect, 50; grants the substance, though does not always grant the letter, of the request, 47, 49, 50; desires to be recognized and sought as Saviour and not merely as Healer, 48; desires the faith that is satisfied with His own bare word, though it sees no signs, 48, 50. 2. His word Banishes disease, begets faith, never fails, 50-53. "Truly this was the Son of God !" 3. The nobleman. (i). His high position, suppliant atti- tude, sore distress, 46, 47; imperfect faith — (a) believed Jesus could heal near at hand, but not at a distance, 47, 49 — (b) believed He could heal the sick but not raise the dead, 49; earnest prayer, 47, 49; searching re- buke, 48; undaunted persistence, 49; unquestioning obedience, 50; abun- dant reward, 51, 53. (2). He needed Jesus, heard of Jesus, believed in Jesus, came to Jesus, 47; prayed to Jesus, 47, 49; held on to Jesus, 49; obeyed Jesus, 50; received the blessing from Jesus, 51-53. (3). Three steps in the nobleman's faith, (a) He believed in Jesus' power, 47; (b) he believed in Jesus' word, 50; (c) he believed in Jesus Himself, 53 LESSON 17. Our Lord Rejected at Nazareth. Luke 4:16-32. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. Jesus' love for the house of God, V. 16. Where is the scene of this lesson? Why did Jesus go to Nazareth? In what way had the expectation in regard to Him been awakened in the hearts of the people (v. 23) ? What glimpse does the i6th verse give into Jesus' habits? Why was Jesus in the habit of going to church? (2:49, R. v.; John 18:20.) By what other teacher was this custom followed? (Acts 17:2.) What is the first thing He is re- corded as doing in the synagogue? Did He do this by invitation? 2. Jesus' familiarity with the Word of God, vv. 17-27. What Book was handed Him to read there? Was He familiar with that Book? How did He know just what place to turn to? Is there any suggestion here for us? What is suggested as to who Jesus was by the Greek word for "anointed" (v. 18) ? What is the Hebrew word? By applying this then to Himself, what did Jesus pro- claim Himself to be? Why must this have been peculiarly startling to the persons to whom He made the proclamation? With what was Jesus anointed? (Acts 10:38.) What follows in Isaiah immediately after the place where Jesus closed the quota- tion? Why didn't Jesus quote those words too? What is the first thing Jesus said He was to do? To whom was He to preach the Gospel? What does "Gospel" mean? Is this thought, that it was "the poor" to whom the glad tidings belonged, found 40 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD elsewhere in the Bible? (6:20; 7:22; Is. 29:19; Zeph. 3:12; Zech. ii:ii; Matt: 5:3; 11:5; Jas. 2:5.) What are these good tidings? What was the next thing He was to do (R. V.)? Captives to whom? Re- leased from what? (John 8:34, 31, 32.) If we desire liberty, then to whom must we go ? What was the third thing He was to do? What kind of "blind"? (John 9:39-) If we want sight to whom must we go? (i John 5:20.) What was the next thing Jesus was to do? "Bruised" by whom? (Gen. 3:15.) Can you give a Scriptural illustration of Jesus doing these four things ? To what Jewish custom does verse 19 refer? (Lev. 25:8-13; 50-54-) Of what was the year of jubilee a type? What is the view of man's natural condition which these words from Isaiah imply? What is the only way of deliverance from this sad condition? In whom did Jesus say these words were fulfilled? How must this have sounded to His hearers? Whom did Jesus alwai's preach? Should we imitate Him in this? (2 Cor. 4:5, first half.) What does the record indicate as to Jesus' manner as He spoke these startling words? Did He have the attention of His audience? How did He get it (v. 18, 32) ? How was His audience at first af- fected by His words? Did that look prom- ising? Was this early promise realized? What was the next thought that came into their minds? What was the meaning of that query at just this point? What was the next thought that Jesus saw stealing into their minds (v. 23) ? What does that thought imply? In what proverb does Jesus sum up His treatment? Why is it that "no prophet is acceptable in his own country"? What thought comforted Jesus in His disappointment at rejection by His own (vv. 25, 27) ? What is it we always find Jesus quoting in every emergency? How was it that Jesus was so ready with Scripture? What was the point of the quotations here? 3. Jesus' rejection by the people of God, ■vv. 28-30. What was the effect of these words upon Jesus' hearers? Do men ever get angry at the truth nowadays? At which are men most likely to rage — at truth or error? Why? (John 7:7.) If you hold truth up to men, will they always accept it? Why not? (John 3:19, 20.) What was it in this particular case that made the hearers rage? (Compare Acts 22:21-23.) How many of His hearers were "filled with wrath"? Does it prove that a man is not preaching as he should when all his hearers get mad? How mad were they? How far did they get Him? What happened then? How did He do that? (John 18:6, 7.) Did He ever go back to Nazareth? (Com- pare Mark i :2i-34 with vv. 31-46 and Mark 6:1-6; Matt. 4:13 with 13:54-58.) What were the steps in the rejection of Jesus at Nazareth? (i — Wonder and admiration, v. 22 ; ii — doubt, v. 22 ; iii — unbelief, v. 23 ; iv — anger, rejection and hate, v. 29.) What is the lesson in that for us? Did Jesus give up preaching because Nazareth rejected Him and imperiled His life? What did He do (v. 31)? What is the lesson in that for us? (Matt. 10:23; Acts 14:1, 2, 6, 7, 19-21; 17:1-3, 10.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. (i). His person — human, 29; divine, 18, 21. (2). His character — affectionate, church- loving, 16; Bible-loving, 17, 25-27; gracious, 22; compassionate, 18; pa- tient, 29, 31 ; awe-awakening, 30. (3). His work — to teach, 31, etc.; to preach the Gospel, to open blind eyes, to set at liberty Satan'= victims, 18. • STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 41 to inaugurate the Christian year of jubilee, 19. (4). His preaching — to the poor, 18; Scriptural, 18, 25-27; in the Holy Ghost, 18; gracious, 22; with power, 32; comforting, 18; convicting, 28; awakening anger, 29; its subject — Himself, 21. (5). His reception — admiration, doubt, 22; unbelief, 23; wrath, 28; murder, 29. 2. Man. (i). By nature — poor, captive, blind, bruised, 18. (2). By grace — rich, free, seeing, re- deemed, 18, 19. LESSON 18. The Call of the First Four Disciples. Luke 5:1-11 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Listening to Jesus, vv. 1-3. Does Luke follow the chronological or- der? (Compare Matt. 4:18, etc.; Mark i: 16.) Why not? Did Jesus have much of an audience? What was it that they were after? Are there multitudes today who are eager for "the Word of God"? Was this crowd eager for "the Word of God" a welcome sight to Jesus? What did He look around for? Where did He find a pulpit? Was that a very attractive pulpit? What other pulpits did Jesus use during His lifetime? Is there any lesson in that for men who are looking for pulpits today? What was Peter doing when Jesus asked the loan of his fishing boat? Was that proper work? Was he willing to leave it at Jesus' request? 2. Obeying Jesus, vv. 4-7. Did Jesus ask His disciples to keep hear- ing sermons all the time? When they had heard the sermon, what did He tell them to do? Was Peter just as pleasing to Jesus when he went fishing as he was when he sat listening to the sermon? In how much of our business and ordinary hfe is Jesus interested today? Of what was Jesus' command a test? (Compare Mark 3:5; John 2:7; 11:39; 21:6.) (See also Matthew was there that made the command look foolish? What was the only thing in favor of letting down the nets? Was that enough? How many objections of our reason and commonsense ought the word of Jesus to outweigh? Why did Jesus tell Peter to launch out into the deep? How did Jesus know just where the fish were? (Ps. 8:6, 8.) What is the first thing Peter says in an- swer to Jesus' command? Do we ever have such thoughts arise when Jesus com- mands us? Is the fact that we have tried and failed any reason for stopping trying when Jesus bids us let down our nets? Suppose Peter had given way to his dis- couragement, what would have been the consequences 1 How it when we sur- What render to our discouragement? What was Peter's second thought and word ? What is there in Peter's reply to Jesus that would make a good motto for every Christian worker? How many of His commands will a true disciple obey? (John 2:5; 15: 14.) What was the result of Peter's obe- dience? What always awaits the obedient? (Deut. 11:27; Is. 1:19.) When was it they enclosed the fishes? When is it al- ways that we get the blessing? Did they get fishes enough? What does that illus- 42 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD trate? What did Peter do in his emer- gency? Is there any lesson in that? If Peter had been like a great many men what would he have done? Was there enough for both? What would always be- come of some of our boats if God should load them as fully as we wish? How did Peter's empty boat become so full? S. Follozving Jesus, vv. 8-11. What did Peter then do? What was it made Peter cry to the Lord to depart— the sight of the great catch of fishes, or the sight of the sinking ship? What did Peter see in Christ in the light of this miracle? ("Master," v. s; "Lord," v. 8.) Was that right? What did Peter see in himself in the light of this miracle? Was that right? Where then was Peter wrong in his cry? If we truly know ourselves and truly know Jesus, will our cry to Him be to depart? Did the time ever come when the recognition of who Jesus was drew Peter to Him? (John 21:6, 7.) What was the efifect of the miracle upon all who beheld it? At what were they astonished in the last chapter? (4:32, 36.) Did Jesus go away because Peter asked Him to? Does He always go away when we wish Him to? Why not? What is Jesus' answer to Peter's "Depart"? (Com- pare also "Follow Me," Matt. 4:19-) Would it have been a good thing for Peter if Jesus had departed when Peter asked him to? Would it be a good thing for us if Jesus departed when we ask Him to? For what did Jesus take that day's fish- ing as a symbol? When did Peter make a bigger catch than that day? (Acts 2:41.) Where is the similarity between winning men and catching fish? What was there about Peter that gave promise of his be- coming a successful fisher of men? (vv. 2, 8, 5, 11). How might Peter know that he would be a successful fisher of men? How did Peter and the others show that they beheved Jesus' promise and appreci- ated His call? Was it right for them to forsake all? Did it pay? (18:28-30.) How much does it pay to forsake for Christ? (Phil. 2,'-7, 8.) Did they do right in for- saking the fish business? Did Jesus call Peter to forsake his business the first time He met him? (John 1:40-42.) Was the forsaking of all the important thing they did? When, then, is it right to forsake all? In what sense must every one who would be a disciple of Jesus forsake all? (Luke 14:33, R. V. and Greek.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus. His deity, 4, 8. His humanity, 3. His knowledge — of what is in the sea, 4; of what is in man, 10. His compassion — for the ignorant, 3 ; for the unsuccessful, 4-7; for the sinful, for the fearful, 10. His sympathy with man in his earthly occupation, 4. As a preacher — preached the Word in the open air, drew crowds, i ; always ready, thought more of His audience than of His pulpit, preached instruc- tively, 3. 2. The essential conditions of success in fishing for men. Faithfulness in our secular calHng, 2; a sense of personal sinfulness, a recog- nition of Christ as Lord, 8; unhesi- tating faith, unquestioning obedience ("Nevertheless at Thy word"), 5; fearlessness founded upon the divine promise, 10; forsaking all, following Him, II. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 43 LESSON 19. A Prophet Mighty in Word and Deed Before God and All the People." Mark 1:21-35. (See also Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:31-41.) Gal. 5:6.) What is all that the faith of devils does for them? (Jas. 2:19.) What DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Jesus' poiver as a teacher, vv. 21, 22. What do we find Jesus doing on the Sabbath, in the first verse of this lesson? Did He often do this? (Luke 4:16.) Was the synagogue worship very spiritual and inspiring? Ought He not then to have utterly withdrawn from it? Ought a per- son to withdraw from a church because it is full of formalism, ignorance and error? (Acts 13:14; 17:2; 18:4.) What was the efifect of Christ's teaching upon those who heard? Did it have a similar effect upon other occasions? (Matt. 7:28; 13:54; John 7:46.) What was it about the teaching that astonished them? Just what does that mean? How great authority did Jesus claim in His teaching? (Matt. 5:21, 22, f- c., 22, 34. f- c. ; Luke 11:32; John Z'-2-) If we are to teach with genuine authority, how must we teach? (i Peter 4:11, f. c.) 2. His power over demons, vv. 23-2/. Who was there in the synagogue that especially needed the help of Jesus? What does "a man with an unclean spirit" mean? What was the efifect of the presence of Jesus upon the unclean spirit? Why did he not keep quiet? What is always the efifect of the presence of Jesus upon the devil or demons? Is it a bad sign to have the devil rage in a community or a church ? What did the demon cry? What is it the devil most wants of Christ? Will Christ let the devil alone? (i John 3:8.) What did the demon think Jesus had come for? Was he right? (Heb. 2:14.) Who had the most correct and extensive knowledge about Jesus of any one in the synagogue? Did that knowledge save him? What sort of faith is it that saves? (Ro. 10 :g, 10; was Jesus' answer to this orthodox con- fession of the demon? Did Jesus ever allow the demons to tell who He was? (v. 34; 3:11, 12.) Why not? (vv. 44, 45; Matt. 16:20; Acts 16:17.) Did the demon want to come out of the man? Did he come out? Why? (Luke 11:21, 22.) Did he come out without a struggle? Does the devil usually make a struggle before giving up his hold upon a man? What was the efifect of this miracle upon those who saw it? What was it that awak- ened their amazement? How had they been astonished earlier in the day (22) ? Were any of them converted? Did anything be- side demons obey Him (4 -.4) ? J. His poiver over sickness, vv. 28-34. What was the efifect of this miracle? Were the people used to miracles? Where did Jesus go next? What did He go there for (31)? Did it pay that family to invite Jesus home to dinner? Does it usually pay? How can we invite Jesus home with us? (Matt. 25:37, 40.) What afifliction did they find in the house when they got there? What did they do about it? Did Jesus like that? Does Jesus want us to bring our sorrows to Him? (Matt. 11:28.) What will be the result if vfe make all our wants known imto Him? (Phil. 4:6, 7.) What did Jesus do? Is Jesus ready to take the sick and sinning by the hand today? (Heb. 13:8.) What did Peter's wife's mother do as soon as she was healed? What ought each of us to do as soon as Jesus blesses us? What was the next scene? What time of day was it? Why did they wait until 44 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD evening? (3:2.) How many of the sick did they bring? Was that wise? Why did they bring them? In what way do they set us an example? How many came together? Were these people as anxious for spiritual blessings as for healing? Are people today? How many of those who came did Jesus heal? (Luke 4:40.) Did Jesus heal just to show that He was the Messiah? (Matt. 8:16, 17.) Are we to understand from this verso that Jesus came to save from sickness as well as from sin? Did those great blessings and wonderful manifestations of the divine power of Jesus in Capernaum result in the spiritual re- generation of the place? (Matt. 11 •.23, 24.) 4. His power with God, v. 35. After the multitude and the exhausting labors of the day, what would have seemed to have been the chief need of Jesus? Did He on that account spend long hours in sleep? Why not? Have we any other instance in which Jesus sorely needed sleep in which He spent the time in prayer and not in sleep? (Mark 6:31, 34, 46.) How did He find rest on another occasion of weariness? (John 4:6, 31.) Where shall we seek rest? (Matt. 11:28, 29.) Is there much danger of our putting time into prayer that ought to be put into sleep? Is there much danger of our putting time into sleep that ought to be put into prayer? (Luke 22:46.) What was Jesus' unvarying method of preparing Himself for the great emergencies of His life? (Luke 6:12, 13; John 6:is; Luke 22:44, S3-) What an- swer is there in verse 35 to those who think that they do not need long seasons of prayer? To those who think they can do all the necessary praying at their work or by the way? To those who think their lives are too busy to spend much time in prayer ? For what was the prayer of those early morning hours a preparation? (vv. 36-45.) If one is to have power with man and power over Satan, with whom must he first have power? (Gen. 32: 28; Eph. 6:12, 18.) What does the 35th verse teach as to the most suitable time and place of prayer? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus. His power — over men, 21, 22; over sick- ness, 29-34; over demons, 23-28, 34; with God, 35. His compassion — for the ignorant, 21, 22; for the sick, 29-34; for the devil's victims, 23-26; for the sorrowing, 29-31. If you have any sickness, sor- row or sin, bring it to Jesus (Matt. 11:28). His love for the house of God. 21. His contempt for human precedent, 22. His separation from unholy alliances, 24, 25. His attractiveness for the suffering, 3^, 38. As a teacher, 21, 22; healer, 23-34; helper, 31 ; man of prayer, 35. He taught as a prophet, 21, 22; he inter- ceded as a priest, 35; he commanded disease and devils as a king, 27, 31. 2. The Devil. His supernatural power, unnatural malig- nity, 23-26; his supernatural knowl- edge, cringing cowardice, abject fear of Jesus, 24; his absolute subjection to Jesus, 27, 34; his great rage when he knows his time is short, 26. 3. Man. His wretched condition, 23-27, 32, 34; his mighty helper, 26, 31, 34; his bounden duty to use the strength received from Jesus in ministering to Jesus, 31- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 45 4. Prayer. Brings refreshment better than sleep, re- freshment of exhausted spiritual en- ergy, 35 (see context) ; prepares for conflict with Satan, 35, 40-45. The man who would work much for God must pray much to God, 35. If you must rise early to work, rise still earlier to pray, 35. 5. Jesus and Peter's wife's mother. She was helpless; they told Him of her; He took her by the hand; He raised her up; she ministered unto Him, 30, 31. LESSON 20. Our Lord's First Evangelistic (See also Matthew 4:23; 8:1-4; Luke DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. Preaching and casting out devils, vv. 36-39. What proof have we that Simon and the other disciples did not understand Jesus? (vv. 36, 37; compare Luke 4:42). Did the fact that all men were seeking Him prove any inducement to Jesus to go back to Capernaum? What call proved louder to Jesus than the call of popularity? For what purpose did Jesus say that He came? How far did Jesus go on His evangelistic tour? What did He do as He went? Of what institution did He make use as the basis of His activity? Is. there any lesson here for us? 2. Imperfect faith seeking a blessing, V. 40. Of whom was the leper a type? What are the points of similarity between lep- rosy and sin? To whom did this leper come for help? Why did he come to Jesus? Did it take much faith to come to Jesus for the cure of leprosy? Had Jesus cured any lepers before this? Where did the leper get in order to obtain the blessing sought? Where is the best place in all the universe to get in order to obtain blessings? When he got at Jesus' feet what further did the leper do in order to get the bless- ing he desired? When we get at Jesus' feet, what is all we need to do to get the Tour in Galilee. Mark 1:36-45. 4:42-44; 5:12-16. Read Leviticus 12.) blessings we need? (Luke 11:9-13; John 16:24.) What was the leper's prayer? In what did the leper have remarkable faith? Why was his faith in the power of Jesus remarkable? What did the leper doubt? Ought we to doubt the Saviour's willing- ness to help any more than His power to help? Are there any persons nowadays who believe that Jesus is able to help, but who put an "//" in regard to His willing- ness to help? If there is any "If" in re- gard to a blessing sought of Jesus Christ, where does it belong? (Mark 9:22, 23.) What was it that very likely made this poor leper question the willingness of Jesus to help him? What is it today that makes many an unclean man and many a foul woman question the willingness of Jesus to receive and save them? What were the characteristics of the leper's prayer? 3. Perfect love granting the blessing sought, vv. 41, 42. Did Jesus respond to the leper's imper- fect faith? Will Jesus respond to imper- fect faith today? (Heb. 13:8.) Does Jesus ever answer prayers when we put in "Ifs"? Ought we to have as much faith as this leper? Do we have? What was it moved Jesus to answer the leper's prayer? What was the prime motive with Jesus in heahng the sick — was it a desire to prove 46 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Himself the Son of God? (Matt. 14:14-) How did Jesus exert His healing power upon this leper? What was the ceremonial effect of that touch upon Jesus Himself? What was the phj'sical effect of that touch upon the leper? Of what have we a type in Jesus making the leper clean while He made Himself unclean? (2 Cor. 5:21.) What was the moral effect of that touch upon that leper? How long had it been since that leper had felt the touch of a clean hand? Would the other teachers of his day have touched that leper if he had tried to draw near then? What were Jesus' words? Is Jesus as ready today to say "I will" when His com- passion is appealed to for help? What do these words indicate as to who Jesus was? (Gen. 1:3; Ps. 33:9; Mark 4:39; v. 41.) What was the effect of this word upon the leper? How soon did the leprosy leave? 4. Heedless gratitude hindering the work, vv. 43-45. What charge did Jesus give the cleansed man? What was its purpose (43)? (7:36; Matt. 9:30; 12:16-20; Mark 3:12.) What was the cleansed man to do? What was the purpose of sending this man to the priests? Did the man obey Jesus' orders? What was his object in blazing it abroad? In so far as there was gratitude in his action, what would have been the truer way of showing it? (John 14:21, 23.) Did the man help the work of Jesus any? If we want to help the work of Jesus, what is the best way to do it? Where would this man's testimony have counted for most? Where is the place to testify for Jesus? Where was Jesus obliged after this to do His work? Did He have any audience out there? What did they come for? (Luke 5:15.) Who drew them? How can a crowd be drawn together soon in a desert place? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus. His deity, 30, 41 ; humanity, 45 ; dislike of notoriety, 37, 38, 44 (compare Matt. 12:16-20); attracted the out- cast, 40; had compassion on the out- cast, drew near, took our unclean- ness that we might be made clean, so clean Himself that His touch banished the uncleanness of others, 41 ; drew crowds wherever He went, 37, 45; the power of His word, 42; the power of His touch, 41 ; devils, incurable disease and sin yield to Him, 39, 42. ^. The leper. (i) What he was: unclean, outcast, friendless, incurable, getting worse, doomed, hopeless, 40. (2) What he did: heard of Jesus, be- lieved on Jesus heartily, imperfectly, came to Jesus, humbled himself be- fore Jesus, got at the feet of Jesus, cried to Jesus, 40. (3) What he got: sympathy, 40; a touch of the Saviour's hand, 41 ; im- mediate and perfect cleansing, 42. (4) How he acted: disobeyed his bene- factor, hindered his benefactor, hin- dered his own testimony, 45. LESSON 21. Our Lord Teaching the Ignorant, Forgiving the Sinner and Healing the Sick. Mark 2:1-12. (See also Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. laid? Why had He left Capernaum? (i: 7. Jesus teaching the ignorant, vv. i, 2. 37, 38.) Did He desire that His return In what city is the scene of this lesson should awaken any excitement? Did it? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 47 Was it ever possible for Jesus to gain any long seclusion ? (7 :24.) Can it be hid today when Jesus really comes into a home or church? What was the result of people's knowing that Jesus was in the house? What wril usually be the result when it is known that Jesus is, of a truth, in any place? (v. 13; 1:33. 45; 4:1, 12; Luke 12:1, f. c.) What did these people come to get? What did Jesus give them first of all? Why did He give them the word? What do people most need today — healing or teaching? When we get a crowd together, if we are to follow the Master's example, what ought we to give them? Is there any hint here as to the conduct of church sociables? What did Jesus preach? Did the apostles follow His example in this? (Acts 6:4; 8: 25; 11:19; 14:25; 2 Tim. 4:2.) What is the word? (i Sam. 3:1; i Thess. 2:13; Mark 7: 10-13.) What is the proper busi- ness of the Christian preacher to preach? (Jonah 3:2.) 2. Jesus forgiving the sinner, vv. 3-5. How was Jesus' preaching interrupted? What justification was there for their bringing their sick friend to Jesus at such a time? How many did it take to get the sick man to Jesus? Was it worth the trouble of four men? If three men can't get a man to Christ, what is the best thing to be done? Why did they bring the man sick of the palsy to Jesus? Did they find any difficulty in getting this man to Him? Why didn't they turn around and go home and wait for some more convenient season? What is the best way to get people to over- come all difficulties and press their way right to Jesus at once? What means did they take to get their friend to Jesus? Would that cause any disturbance? Was it right to disturb a meeting in that way? Did they get what they wanted? Why did Jesus grant them what they wanted? What kind of faith was it they had? How was it seen? Can true faith usually be seen? How? (Jas. 2:18.) Just what was this faith they had? (Luke 7:50; 8:48; 18:41, 42.) What was the first thing Jesus said to the palsied man? Why did He forgive his sins before healing his disease? If we would remove misery what must we first remove? What is the great defect of modern philanthrophy? Did he know he was forgiven? How? 3. Jesus silencing the gainsayers, vv. 6-10. Who took exception to Jesus' word? Where were these scribes from? (Luke 5:17.) What were they there for? (v. 16.) What was the real secret of the hostility of the scribes and Pharisees to Jesus? (John 12:19; Mark 15:10.) What was their criticism on the words of Jesus? Did they make this charge against Jesus on any other occasion? (John 10:33; Mark 14:64.) To what extent were they right in their reasoning? Jesus then must have been a blasphemer or what? Where was the mistake of the scribes? Where did these scribes do their reasoning? Why did they not speak it right out? If Jesus had the power to forgive sins, who were the blasphemers in that case? By what, first of all, did Jesus show that He really had the divine authority which they ac- cused Him of blaspheming for claiming? (2 Chron. 6:30, 1. c. ; Jer. 17:9, 10; Ps. 139:1, 2.) What was the first question He put to them? If they had answered that question honestly, what would they have replied? What was Jesus' direct answer to the charge that He had not authority to for- give sins? How is healing the hopelessly sick a proof of authority to forgive sins? Does Jesus by this utterance make the 48 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD healing or non-healing of an individual's sickness a test of the forgiveness or non- forgiveness of their sins? Does Jesus desire us merely to hope He has power to forgive sins? Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins, has He it now in His exal- tation? (Acts 5:31.) If we have sins, where should we then go with them? Why was it easier to say : "Thy sins be forgiven thee" than "Arise, take up thy bed and walk"? Which is easier for Jesus to do, to forgive sins or to say: "Arise, take up thy bed and walk"? 4. Jesus healing the sick, vv. 11, 12. What was the feeling in different hearts when Jesus spoke these words? (people's? scribes'? friends' above? man's?) How was Christ's claim demonstrated? (How does this case of healing differ from many of the modern cures?) How then does Jesus' claim to forgive sins differ from the Catholic priest's? What was the ef- fect upon the people? Were they con- verted? (Matt. 11:23.) Were the scribes convinced? Why not? Are there any today who would not be convinced if a palsied man should be raised right up be- fore their eyes? Why not? What did Jesus say to the man? Did Jesus touch him or anything of that kind? Why did He not tell the four men to carry the bed home? What two verses of Galatians 6 are illustrated by the four bringing the pal- sied m 16; Is. 63:9.) What was it about the man that especially awakened His sympathy? Is the fact that a man has been a long time in his present evil case any reason for sup- posing He will not take an interest in him, save, help, or heal him? (Mark 9:21 ; Luke 8:43, 13, 16; Acts 3:2; 4:22; 9:33; 14:8.) Why did He select this man from all the sad cases at the pool as the one He would heal? What kind of cases does He delight in? What question did He put to the man? What did that question imply? Could this man make himself whole, or must he be made whole? Can the unsaved man make himself whole? (Eph. 2:1, 8.) In order to wish to be made whole what must this man first recognize? In order to wish to be saved what must the sinner first recognize? Did this man wish to be made whole? Had that anything to do with his being made whole? Why is it that there are so many whom our Lord does not make whole? (Matt. 23:37-) What was the only way of being made whole of which the man had any thought? What did our Lord do? What was the effect of His word? Who was He in whose word there was so much power? (Ps. 107:20.) Is there power in the word of Christ to save today? (Ro. 1:16.) What is all we have to do? (John 5:24-) How soon was the man made whole ? (Mark i :3i, 42.) How did the man show that he was made whole? When our Lord makes us whole how will we show it? 5. Confessing the Great Physician, vv. 10-16. How did the man use his Christ-given strength? Did he find any opposition in doing as our Lord bade him? Will we find any opposition if we do as He bids us? (2 Tim. 3:12.) What was the objec- tion that was raised? What was his answer? Is it a sufficient answer to any objection that any one may raise to our course of action, that "our Lord bids us do so"? (Matt. 23:10; John 2:5; 15:14.) How should strength that He has given be used? Did the man tell them yet who had made him whole? Why not? As soon as he found out what did he do? As soon as we know who it is that has blessed us, what ought we to do? (Ro. 10:10; Matt. 10:32, 33.) Did it take any courage to confess Jesus to these men? Why did he do it? (Matt. 12:34, last half.) What difference is there in the phrase by which the Jews described Jesus (v. 12), and that by which the healed man described Him (v. 15)? What did the Jews see in Jesus? What did the man see in Him? Where did our Lord find the man after He had healed him? Where ought He to find us often after He has blessed us? Why did the man go to the temple? (Ps. 66:13-15; 116:12-19.) Why did our Lord look this man up in the temple? What was His counsel to him? What was evidently the cause of this man's previous suffering? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus. (i). What He was: divine, 8, 9; human, 6; Lord of the Sabbath, 11; es- pecially drawn toward the most des- perate cases, 6; hated of men, 16. (2). What He had: compassion upon all men's sorrows, 6; authority over all man's traditions, absolute right to command all man's actions, 11; power by His word to banish all man's diseases, 8, 9. (3). What He did: observed the law of Moses, sought the places where the multitudes gathered, i ; sought the haunts of misery, looked upon, pitied the wretched, friendless, hope- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 53 less and sinning, 6; transformed suf- fering and despair into joy and hope, 7, 9; removed the awful consequences of sin, 9, 14; healed the hopelessly sick, 5-9; followed up, instructed those whom He had healed, 14. 2. The man. t'l). His condition: incurably sick, many years in that condition, 5; friendless, helpless, hopeless, 7; a sinner, 14; the most unpromising and miserable man in the crowd, 3-6. (2). What happened to him: Jesus saw him, had compassion on him, spoke to him, made him whole, 6, 8, 9. (3). What he did: wished to be made whole, 6, 7; listened to Jesus, be- lieved, acted upon what Jesus said, 6-9; showed the reality of his salva- tion by his walk, used the strength received from Christ in obeying Christ, 9; obeyed Christ in the face of bitter opposition, 10, ii; went to the house of God to return thanks, 14; confessed Christ before His enemies, 15. LESSON 24. Jesus, the Son of Man and Son of God. John 5:19-47. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The Son of God despised and re- jected of men, vv. JJ, i^- What was our Lord's answer to the charge of violating the law of the sab- bath? What fact lay at the foundation of the obligation and law to keep the seventh day as a day of rest? (Ex. 20:11.) From what work did God rest upon the seventh day? (Gen. 2:3.) From what work is God not resting, but working "even until now" (R. V.) ? What work then can and must a child of God engage in on the Sabbath day? What sort of work was it our Lord had just been doing and for which He was accused of violating the sabbath law? Was His answer suflficient? In this argument how does our Lord say He must act? How does every true child of God feel that he must act? (Eph. S'-i-) What did He call God (R. V.) ? Did He call God "His own Father" only in the sense that every regenerate man has a right to call God his Father (v. 23)? (Compare Mark 12:6; John 8:54; 10:30; 14:9.) What did the Jews say that Jesus did by calling "God His own Father"? Were the Jews right about that (w. 23, 21, 26, 19)? (Phil. 2:6; Heb. 1:6; i John 2:23.) Were the Jews willing to accept Him as equal with God? What then was their only alternative? If our Lord was not divine as He claimed to be, what was the right thing according to the Jewish law to do with Him? What then is the one who denies His deity justifying, and with whom does he take his stand? 2. The Son of man honored by the Father as equal with Himself, vv. 19-29- In what position in relation to the Father do we see the Son in the first half of verse 19? (Compare John 14:28.) How did the Son come to occupy this position of subordination and dependence? (Phil. 2:6, 8, R. V. margin.) Even in this posi- tion of subordination and dependence, how much of what the Father does does the Son also? (Compare v. 22 with Ps. i, 6; John 2:19 with Acts 2:24; the first and last halves of verse 21; Ex. 4:11 with Luke 21:15; Jer. 17:10 with Rev. 2:1, 23.) What greater work than raising a man does Jesus say He can and will do (v. 21) ? Did not Elijah and Elisha and Peter also quicken the dead? What is it in each of the cases of resurrection connected with 54 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD these men shows that it was not them- selves that raised the dead? Whom does the Son quicken? Upon what then does the resurrection of the dead depend? What is He upon whose sovereign will depends the question of death and resurrection? (2 Kings 5 7-) What else besides the matter of raising the dead has the Father committed to the Son? Whose prerogative alone is it to judge man? (Ps. 9 7, 8; 96: 13; 2 Tim. 4 :i ; Ro. 2 ;i6.) Why has the Father "com- mitted all judgment unto the Son"? What does "even as" mean? (Heb. 1:6.) Sup- pose one refuses to honor the Son? (i John 2:23, R. V.) Does this leave any standing ground for the Unitarian? What is the result of hearing the word of the Son? Didn't every one who heard our Lord speak hear His word? (John 8:47; Mark 8:18.) What kind of a hearing is a real hearing? (Note the change in R. V. from "believeth on Him" to "believeth Him.") What testimony of the Father is it that one must believe to have eternal life? (See vv. 23, 37; i John 5:10, R. V. and 5:1; John 20:31.) The moment one hears our Lord's word and believes God's testimony, into what does he enter? What does he leave behind him forever? (10:28, 30.) What has the one who has heard our Lord's word and believed God's testimony a right to say he knows? How does he know it? What were they who thus hear the voice of the Son of God and thus get eternal life before they heard (v. 25)? What "dead" are meant in v. 25? (Eph. 2:1, 5; Luke 9:60; 15:24, 32.) How are the "dead in tres- passes and sins" to be made to live? Why is it that life comes through the word of the Son (v. 26) ? Do we ever have life in ourselves? (i John S'-H-) What fur- ther than "to have Hfe in Himself" has the Father given to the Son (v. 27) ? Why has He given Him this authority? (Dan. 7:13, 14; Phil. 2:7-11; Heb. 2:14, 17, 18.) What further resurrection than the spiritual one that "now is" (v. 25) shall come through His voice (vv. 28, 29) ? How many will hear His voice then and obey? How many shall have part in that resurrection? Will all ris.e at the same time? (i Cor. 15:22, 24; Rev. 20:4, 5, 7, II, 12.) What will be the principal difference between the two resurrections? (Dan. 12:2.) What is to decide whether one is to have part in "the resurrection of life" or "the resurrec- tion of judgment"? What will decide whether one does evil or good? (Gal. 5:6; John 6:28, 29.) 3. The Son witnessed to by Moses, John the Baptist, His works and the Father, vv. 30-36. What is the attitude of the will of the Son toward the will of the Father? (John 4:24; 6:38.) Is it the Son alone who bears witness to Himself? Who else bears witness to Him? (vv. 46, S2, 36, 27-) What was Moses' testimony about Him? (Deut. 18:18, 19; Gen. 18:1, 2, 16, 17, 33; 19:1; Mai. 3:1.) What was John the Baptist's testimony about Him? (John 1:34; 3:27-36.) What was the testimony of His own works? (3:2; 10:32, 37, 38; 14:10, 11; 15:24.) What was the testi- mony of His Father? (Matt. 3:17; 17:5.) 4. The Son of God rejected by those who do not love God, vv. 37-47- What was the highest source from which our Lord received testimony? In what ways has the Father borne witness to the Son? Why did not His hearers receive the testimony of the Father? How did that prove that they had not the Father's word abiding in them? Where were they searching for light (v. 39 R. V.) ? Might they have found the light in the Scriptures? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 55 Why did they not find it? What did they think was to be found in the Scriptures? Were they right in thinking so? Why then did they not find eternal Hfe when they searched the Scriptures? To whom did the Scriptures point them? What ought they to have done? If any man fails of life, whose fault is it? Why does any man fail to obtain eternal life (v. 40) ? From whom alone did our Lord seek glory? What was the one great reason that the Jews did not receive Him (v. 42) ? In whose name did He come? Who is the other coming in his own name, whom the Jews will receive, of whom our Lord speaks in v. 43? What kept the Jews from believing in our Lord (v. 44) ? Who will condemn the Jews in the day of judg- ment? If one really believes Moses, whom else will he believe? Of whom did Moses write? In what books did Moses write concerning our Lord? Who does our Lord say wrote the Pentateuch? Was He mistaken? What does He say is in- volved in the rejection of Moses' writings? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. The Father. His sabbath rest broken by man's sin, cannot rest while sin is in the world, worketh even until now, rests from His work of creation but not from His work of redemption, 17 (Gen. 2:3); raiseth the dead, 21; loves the Son, shows the Son all that He Him- self doeth, 20; witnesses to the Son, 34, 37', commits all judgment to the Son, 22; gives the Son to have life in Himself, 26; places the Son on an equality with Himself, cannot be honored apart from the Son, 23. 2. Jesus. (i). The Son of I\Ian : takes the Son's place subordinate to and dependent upon the Father, 19, 30; does what- ever the Father does, 19; works the work of redemption on His sabbath, the Father does on His, 17; entirely devoted to the will of His Father, 20. (2). The Son of God: divine conscious- ness — "called God His own Father," 17, 18; divine honor — the same with the Father, 23; divine attributes — self-existence, 26; divine functions — (a) all judgment, 22 (Ps. 9:7, 8; 1:3-6; 96:13); (b) sovereignty over life and death — raises whom He will, 21 ; (c) gives eternal life to all who hear His word and believe the Father, 24; (d) raiseth all by His voice, 28, 29. (3). The power of His voice: already raises the spiritually dead to spiritual life, 25; will some day raise all the dead from their graves, 28, 29; all who will now hear and obey His voice get eternal life, 24; all must some day hear and obey His voice, but to the wicked it will be a resur- rection of judgment, 28, 29. (4). His treatment: hated by the Jews, 18; loved by the Father, 20; wit- nessed to by the Scriptures, 39, Moses, 46, John the Baptist, ^3, His works, 36, the Father, 27; comes in the Father's name, 43 ; receives not glory from men, 41. 3- Life. The gift of the Son, 21 ; to be had only in the Son, 26; by coming to the Son, 40; by simply hearing and be- lieving, at once, 24; all get endless existence through Christ, 29; only those who now believe get eternal life, 24, 28, 29; eternal life in its completion includes the resurrection of the body as well as the quickening of the spirit, 25, 28, 29. 56 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 25. Our Lord Teaching Regarding the Sabbath. Mark 2:23 to 3:6. (See also Matthew 12:1-14; Luke 6:1-11.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The Sabbath made for man— there- fore sabbath prescriptions are subordinate to man's need and welfare, 2:23-28. Where do we see our Lord as the lesson opens? What day of the week was it? On what two points had the Pharisees and their sympathizers already attacked Him and His disciples? (vv. 16, 18.) On what third point do they now undertake to attack Him? In what condition were His disciples? (Matt. 12:1.) In what condition presum- ably was our Lord Himself? What hint have we here as to His method of life? What means did the disciples take to sat- isfy their hunger? Had they a right to take the grain of others in this way? (Deut. 23:25.) Who observed them as they did it? How did they happen to see them? Which were really most justi- fiable in their action, the disciples or the Pharisees? Where was their authority for their assertion that the action was "not lawful"? (Deut. 5:14; Ex. 31:15.") To what incident in Jewish history could they refer as confirming their interpretations of the law? (Ex. 16:22, 26.) Were the cases in reality parallel? Was the criticism of the Pharisees founded upon a complete or partial knowledge of the teachings of God's Word? What lesson for us? Does being very near the Master lift one above the possibility of being the object of such unjust criticism? How should we act un- der such criticisms? How did our Lord point out to these critical Pharisees that their assumed knowledge of God's word and will was in reality only ignorance of God's word and will? What is the best correction for unwarranted and one-sided iferences from God's Word? Ought we to take single passages? What are the five arguments by which Christ defends His disciples against the unjust criticisms of the Pharisees? (v. 25; Matt. 12:5; 12:7; vv. 27, 28). What is the first argument? What is the point of it? What is the principle regarding the relation of ceremonial observances to the demands of man's welfare that under- lies this argument? What provision of the ceremonial law did David violate? (Lev. 24:5-9; 22:10.) Why was David justified in eating? How was Abimelech justified in giving David this bread? (Matt. 12:7.) Which are most sacred in God's sight, the ceremonies He has commanded for man's welfare, or man's welfare itself? Is it right according to this to endanger life or health for a ceremony even though it is of divine appointment? Is it right to imperil life or health for a principle? Which were most sacred to the Pharisees, ceremonies or men? Have we any Phari- sees today? Upon what day in the week did this incident in David's life occur? (i Sam. 21:6; compare Lev. 24:8.) What was our Lord's argument in de- fense of His disciples in verse 27? What is meant by the sabbath being made for man? If made for man what is the right use of it? What was God's purpose in giving man the sabbath ? ( Ex. 23 : 12 ; Deut. 5:14; Neh. 9:13, 14.) If it was made for man is it for the Jew alone? How many men need one today? Is the obligation then binding on men today? If it was made for man who is the Lord of the sabbath? To whom shall we go to find out its true use? Did Christ's action and that of His dis- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 57 ciples run counter to the Alosaic law, or only to the Pharisees' interpretation of it? Is the Christian under the Mosaic sabbath law? (Ro. 14:5; Col. 2:16; 2 Cor. 2:7, 11.) For whom alone is the law done away? (Gal. 5:18; Ro. 7:4.) If the Christian is not under the Mosaic sabbath law, what obligation is there upon him to keep a sabbath (v. 27) ? What day of the week will the one who is not of the old creation, but the new creation, naturally keep? 2. "Lawful to do good (works of mercy) on the sabbath days," 3:1-6. What place was the scene of the next recorded contest between our Lord and the Pharisees? Was it the same sabbath? (Luke 6:6.) What was the occasion of the controversy? Had the Pharisees any compassion for this poor man's misfortune? What was all they saw in his affliction? With what were their hearts filled? Are there any like them today? Did these Pharisees wish our Lord to heal the poor fellow? Was it out of compassion for the man's suffering that they wished Him to heal him? Has the man who wants another to break a law in order that he may have somewhat to accuse him of, any real love for the law? What question did they put to our Lord? (Matt. 12:10.) What was the answer that the rabbis gave to that question? What answer did our Lord give to the question? (Matt. 12:11, 12.) What did He show them by that answer? What was the great trouble with the Pharisees? (Matt. 23:23.) What is the general principle that He announces as to what it is lawful to do on the sabbath day? (Matt. 12:12, R. V.) What kind of a doing would a refusal to heal the man have been ? If we are not doing good on the sabbath, what are we doing? When our Lord told the man to stand forth what feelings did it awaken in the hearts of the Pharisees? Did they believe He could heal him? Before performing the expected miracle what did He do? What kind of a look was it? What did they do under the power of that look? Was there any personal resentment in His anger? What aroused it? How in the manner of performing the miracle did He baffle the malicious plots of the Pharisees? By what was the healing work wrought? Who manifestly was Jesus? (Ps. 33:8, 9.) What did He bid the man do? Had the man faith? How did he show it? Had he the power to do as he was told? Where did he get it? What was the re- sult? Can our Lord do such things today? Why does He not more frequently? Can He heal anything besides withered hands? What was the effect of the miracle upon the Pharisees? Were the Pharisees and Herodians naturally friendly to one an- other? What bound them together at this time — loyalty to the law or hatred of our Lord? Did He perform any other miracles on the sabbath? (Mark 1:21, 29; Luke 13:14; 14:1; John 5:9; 9:14.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Our Lord. Divine, 3:5; 2:28; human, 2:23, 28; 3:5*, poor, hungry, 2:23; an object of the hostile criticism of professedly pious men, suspected, watched, hunted, 3:2; hated. His life plotted against, 3:6; His thorough and un- failing knowledge of the Word, His compassion on the hungry, 2:23, 25; His readiness to defend the unjustly accused, 2:25-28; His compassion on the afflicted — no fear of offense to hypocrites or of peril to His own life prevented Him from relieving human distress, His anger at the hardness of heart that overlooks the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD appeal of suffering in its zeal for ceremonies and that clothes pitiless- ness with the cloak of piety, 3:2-6; His penetrating gaze, His authority — the Lord of the sabbath. His power to baffle His enemies, to heal by a word, to impart to the man who believes power to do the impossible, 3:5- 2. The Pharisees. Familiar with some of the teachings of the Word, 2:24; ignorant of the teachings of the Word as a whole, 2 :25 ; ready to criticize others' sup- posed violations of the teachings of the Word, 2:24; blind to their own real and grievous violations of the teachings of the Word, 3:4 (Matt. 12 7) ; without pity, full of murderous and implacable hatred, on the watch for violations of the law, without real love for the law for which they pro- fessed such intense loyalty, presumptu- ous in recognizing the divine power of our Lord but yet unhesitatingly questioning the moral character of His acts, sought to entrap Christ, dogged His footsteps, 3 :2 ; baffled by His wisdom and power, 3:5; joined hands with their sworn enemies to compass the death of their common foe — Jesus, 3 :6. S. The sabbath. Made for man — God's gracious provision for man's need, of universal neces- sity and so of universal validity, its true use that which best promotes man's welfare, 2 -.27 ; the Son of Man the supreme legislator as to its right use, 2 :28 ; its true use will regard (a) man's distress, 2:23, (b) man's suffering, 3:4; works of necessity permissible, 2 123-25 ; work of mercy obligatory, 3 4, 5 ; ceremonial pre- scriptions which God has made to promote man's welfare must give way before the demands of that wel- fare which they were made to pro- mote, 2:23-27; the demands of di- vinely begotten compassion superior to the demands of divinely ordained ceremonies, 2:23-26; 3:4. 4. The man with the withered hand. Helpless, 3:1 (Luke 6:6); no pity from man, the tool of man's malice, 3:2; our Lord had compassion upon him, spoke to him, commanded him to do the impossible, :i:2„ 5 ; believed that what our Lord commanded him to do He would give him the power to perform, obeyed, was healed, 3 :5. LESSON 26. The Appointment of the Twelve Apostles. Mark 3:7-19. (See also Matthew 12:15-21; 10:2-4; Luke 6:12-19.) mSC0\'ERY OF THE FACTS. I. "Thou art the Son of God," vv. 7-12. In the verses that immediately precede this lesson, what had our Lord done? How would we naturally expect that this miracle would affect those who saw it? What was the effect upon some (v. 6) ? To what did this miracle give rise (v. 6) ? Was this the only conspiracy that was ever formed against our Lord (John 11:53; Luke 6:11)? Who are parties to this con- spiracy? To what extent did they purpose to go in their intense hatred (v. 6) ? What did our Lord do (v. 7) ? Why did He not stay and face His enemies in their plots? (Matt. 12:15.) Was it STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 69 not cowardly on His part? Did the time ever come when He did face His enemies and let them do their worst? Did He escape the muhitude by going to the sea? What two muhitudes were there at the sea? Were these people attracted by His wonderful teaching? Which attracts the average man most today, the wonderful teaching of our Lord or His wonderful deeds? What kind of things had He done? Does He do great things today? What are the greatest things that He does? How far did these multitudes go? How did they know of the great things which He did? From whom did they hear? Of what then have we an illustration here? If we wish to get men to come to our Lord, what should we do? Was He pleased with the notoriety He was getting? (Matt. 12:16- 21.) Was this crowd in earnest? How did they show their earnestness (v. 10, R. V. margin) ? Who was it pressed upon Him? Who is always most eager to get to Him? Are men usually as concerned about their spiritual plagues as they are about their physical plagues? Why not? How many of those who had plagues pressed upon Him? What led them to press upon Him? How can we touch Him? What did the greatness and eagerness of the throng neces- sitate His doing (v. 9) ? Who else besides the crowd recognized Christ's power (v. 11)? What did these unclean spirits do? Why did they do that? What drew them to Him? Who did they say that He was? Were they right? How did they know it? Did their knowledge do them any good? Why not? Of what is their falling down a sort of anticipation? (Phil. 2:10.) What did our Lord say to these unclean spirits? Why did He say that? (Acts 16:17, 18.) Did He charge any besides the unclean spirits not to make Him known? Why? (Matt. 12:15-20.) Did Christ regard the great crowd as a help or hindrance to His work? Are popularity and crowds ever a hindrance? 2. The appointment of the Twelve, vv. 13-19- In the 13th verse what do we see our Lord doing? What mountain was it? Why did He go to the mountain? (Luke 6:12.) Why did He wish to get away from the crowd? When on the mountain, what did He do? Were there only twelve that He called unto Him in the mountain? Whom did He call? Who were those whom He willed to call? How did those whom Fie called show their fitness for the call (v. 13)? Was this wise on their part? What is the wisest thing that any man can do when our Lord calls? Was this a call to salvation or to service? Was there any inner circle among those He called? Of how many was the inner circle composed? Why twelve? Was there any inner circle in the Twelve? What did He do with these twelve? What does "ordain" mean (R. V.)? To what did He appoint them first of all? Why were they "to be with Him"? Must one "be with Him" before he can be wisely sent forth to preach? (Acts 4:13.) How can we be with Him today? (i John 1:3.) Were these apostles whom He sent forth uneducated men? Did our Lord wish them with Him for His own sake? (Luke 22:28, 29; Matt. 26:40; John 14:3; 17:24.) Why did He choose the Twelve at just this time? What did He send them forth to do (R. V.)? (Matt. 10:5-15.) Who was to be first called? Why? By whom were these men sent? By whom must any true preacher be sent? By whom are many preachers sent forth? What preparation had our Lord made for the selection and sending forth of the Twelve? (Luke 6:12, 13.) How many lists of the apostles have we? Do they agree? Is the order the same? Why are there changes in the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD order? What new name did our Lord give Simon? How did Simon become Peter? (Matt. 16:16-18.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS: I. Our Lord. His deity, 10, 11, 15; His power: over disease, 10; over un- clean spirits, II; to give power to others, to heal sickness and to cast out devils, 15. His compassion : on the multitudes, 7, 8, 20; on the sick, 10; on the demon- possessed, II; on the ignorant, 14; A Man of prayer. 13 (Luke 6:12). What He did: drew crowds, 7, 8; great things, 8; healed, 10; cast out demons, 11; ordained others to be with Him and carry on His work, 14-18; read the hearts of men, 16, 17; avoided notoriety, 12, 13. How He was treated: misunderstood, even by His friends, slandered, re- garded as insane, 21. 2. Workers in God's harvest. Qualifications : must be chosen by Christ Himself, 13; must be ordained by Him, must be with Him before they can tell others about Him, 14; must have power for their work from Him. 15. Their work: preach, 14; heal sicknesses, cast out devils, 15. 3. The multitude. Their crying need, 8, 9 (Matt. 9:36); awakened Christ's compassion, 10, 14, IS; all their needs met by Christ, eager for the help of Christ, 8-10. LESSON 27. The Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:1-16. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. True blessedness, and how to find it, vv. 1-12. Where did our Lord speak these words? Who are the first class whom our Lord pronounces happy? What does "poor in spirit" mean? (Ps. 34:18; 51:17; Prov. 29:23; Is. 57:15; 56:2; James 4:9, 10.) What is the blessedness that belongs to them? Are they the only ones who enter the kingdom of heaven? (Luke 18:14; Matt. 18:3; Luke i :53-) What will make a man poor in spirit? Why did our Lord put this beatitude first? What position in life is most favorable to poverty in spirit? (i Cor. 1:26-28.) Who are the second class who may ex- pect blessedness? Does the world usually regard it as very blessed to mourn? Why are they that mourn blessed? Who will comfort them? (2 Cor. 1:3, 4.) Which is better, never to have sorrowed or to have sorrowed and been "comforted of God"? Why are God's people bound to be mourners on this earth? (i John 5:19; Phil. 3:20; Ro. 8:23; Matt. 21:5; i Peter 3:4, 5; James 1:21; 3:13-) Who are the third class pronounced happy? What does "meek" mean? (i Cor. 4:21; 2 Cor. 10:1; Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:24, 25; Titus 3:2.) What is the blessed- ness awaiting them? Does the gentle, yielding spirit that puts self and worldly ambition out of sight seem to be that which will gain the earth? Who really enjoy the earth even now, those who try to "get the earth" or those who put self out of sight? Where is this promise to the meek found elsewhere in the Bible? (Ps. 37:11; compare Is. 57:i3-) What form of intense desire is sure of abundant gratification (v. 6) ? What is STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 61 it to hunger and thirst after righteousness? Why is it so many men are not filled with righteousness? Who are the fifth class whom our Lord pronounces happy? In what way does the exercise of mercy toward others bring abundant reward? What will be the result if we are not merciful toward our fellow- men? (Matt. 18:23-25.) Who constitute the sixth class pro- nounced happy? What is meant by being "pure in heart"? What is the one condi- tion of the unutterable blessedness of see- ing God? Why? When and where shall the pure in heart see God? (John 14:19, 21, 23; I Cor. 13:12; Heb. 12:14.) Who are the seventh class pronounced happy? Does a peacemaker mean merely one who reconciles differences between man and man? (John 14:27; Matt. 10:13; Luke 10:5, 6.) What is the peculiar blessed- ness that awaits the peacemakers? Why is it that they are called "the children of God"? (Ro. 15:33; 16:20; Phil. 4:9; Heb. 13:20. See too how often the expression "peace from God" is found in the New Testament. Col. i :20.) Upon whom is a twofold blessedness pronounced ? What do vv. 10-12 presuppose as to the way the truth of the kingdom will be received by men? Who will suffer per- secution for righteousness' sake? (2 Tim. 3:12.) Will any enter the kingdom who are not persecuted? (Acts 14:22.) Do men usually count themselves happy when they are "persecuted for righteousness' sake"? Ought they to? (James 1:2; Ro. 8:17, 18.) Between what is our choice, as regards persecution for Christ? (i Tim. 2:12.) What are we to do when we are reviled, persecuted and all manner of evil is said against us falsely for His name's sake? Why rejoice? Is "a great reward in heaven" worth suffering all things on earth to get? (Ro. 8:18.) What examples have we in the Bible of men rejoicing in persecutions for Christ's sake? (Acts 5 :4i ; 16:25; 2 Cor. 12:10.) To what glorious company may we account ourselves as belonging when we suffer thus? 2. The responsibilities of the kingdom, vv. 13-16. What is the relation of the earth to those who know the blessedness of the kingdom? In what way are they like salt? If salt is to preserve anything from corruption or to impart to it flavor, where must it be put? Is there any lesson in that for us? What is the salt good for when it has lost its savor? What is the church or individual believer good for when the spirit of sacrifice is gone? What is the relation of those who know the blessedness of the kingdom to the world? What is the condition of the world if their light goes out? Why are they the light of the world? (John 8:12; Eph. 5:8; Ro. 8:9; John 14:20.) Is it truth in the ab- stract that is the light of the world ? What are we all doing with the light that the indwelling Christ imparts? Where are we to let it shine? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus. His love for the multitude, i ; compassion on the multitude, 2; fearlessness as a teacher, 3-16. 2. Members of Christ's Kingdom. (i). Their characteristics : Poor in spirit, 3; mourn, 4; meek, 5; hunger and thirst after righteousness, 6; merciful, 7; pure in heart, 8; peacemakers, 9. (2). Their blessedness: Theirs is the kingdom of heaven, 3, 10; comforted, 4; inherit the earth, S; fully satisfied, 6; obtain mercy, 7; see God, 8; called the sons of God, 62 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 9; great reward in heaven, 12; com- panions of the prophets, 12. (3). What they receive from the world: Reproach, persecution, all manner of slander, 11. (4). What they receive from God: A kingdom, 3, 10; the earth, 5; full satisfaction, 6; mercy, 7; a vision of Himself, 8; a place as His sons, 9; an exceeding great reward in the world to come, 12. (S). Their office in the world: To season and save the earth, 13 ; to illumine the world, 14; to glorify the Father, 16. LESSON 28. The Sermon on the Mount — DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Our Lord's relation to the law of Moses, vv. 17-20. What was our Lord's relation to the law? In what way did He fulfill the law? (John 8:46; Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28; Col. 2:17; Heb. 10:1; Eph. 2:15; Ro. 8:3.) How much of the law had absolute and divine authority in His sight (v. 18) ? How does that bear upon the doctrine of verbal inspiration? How should the righteousness of the kingdom compare with the righteous- ness of the scribes and Pharisees? About what were the scribes and Pharisees par- ticular? (23:23, 25, 28.) About what is God particular? (Luke 16:15.) What kind of righteousness is necessary to gain admission to the kingdom? 2. What the law of Moses required, and what the law of the kingdom requires, regarding our treatment of our neighbor, w. 21-26. By the old law regarding murder what was forbidden? By the higher law of the kingdom for which Christ legislates what was forbidden? What is meant by "the hell of fire" (v. 22, R. V.)? What must always precede acceptable service to God (vv. 23, 24) ? What is meant by our brother having "aught against" us — does it refer to his having a grudge against us or to his having a just claim against (Continued). Matthew 5:17-48. us (vv. 25, 26) ? Has the fact that others have just claims against us, which we have not settled, anything to do with God's not answering our prayers? How long should one allow the just claim against himself to remain unsatisfied? Can we avoid settling just claims sooner or later (v. 26)? J. What the law of Moses required, and what the law of the kingdom requires, regarding personal purity, vv. 27-32. What was forbidden by the old law regarding sexual relations? What is for- bidden by the higher law of the kingdom of heaven? Where does adultery begin (v. 28) ? Has the man to whom the devil suggests an evil thought regarding a wc«nan committed adultery with her? What word in v. 28 brings out the exact point at which sin begins? How does the law of the kingdom regard adultery even in this incipient form (v. 29) ? What would we better do with our eyes than to have them looking upon a woman to lust after her? Why? Where will a lustful eye land a man (v. 29) ? What had any one better lose than to go to hell? What was the old law regarding divorce? What is the law of the kingdom regarding divorce? In what case alone has a man a right to divorce his wife? If he divorces her for any other cause, what does he STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 63 make her? Of what sin is the man who marries a divorced woman guilty? 4. What the law of Moses required, and what the law of the kingdom requires, regarding oaths, vv. 23-37. What was the old law regarding oaths? What is the law of the kingdom regard- ing oaths? What is the fulfillment or higher application of that law in the kingdom (v. Z7) ? 5. What the law of Moses required, and what the law of the kingdom requires, regarding retaliation, vv. 38-42. What was the law of Moses regarding retaliation for personal injuries? What is the law of the kingdom regarding the same? Are we to understand this literally, that we are never to strike back? If one acted up to this law, would he not soon be deprived of all his rights? (Ro. 12:19.) Where do we find the best exem- plification of this law? (Luke 22:64; 23:34.) What made it easy for our Lord to live up to this law? (i Peter 2:23.) How can we live up to it? (Phil. 4:13.) Are we to understand literally that a mem- ber of the kingdom should never go to law? What thought will enable us to take joyfully the spoiling of our goods? (Heb. 10:24.) What should we do to every one that asks of us? What shall we give to those who ask of us? (Acts 3:3-6; 2 Thess. 3:10.) 6. What the law of Moses required, and what the law of the kingdom requires, regarding love, vv. 43-48. What did the law of Moses require re- garding love? How is this law of love broadened out in the ethics of the king- dom? According to the latter, who should be the special objects of our love? How should we show our love for them? As soon as any one persecutes us, what should we do? What does such love show us to be? What does the absence of it show us to be? In whom have we the most wonderful exemplification of this law? (Luke 23:34; Ro. 5:6, 8, ro.) Whose character and action is the standard of perfection for the child of God? How alone can we attain unto this standard of perfection? (John 3 :3, 5 ; i John 4:7, R. v.; Eph. 4:13-16.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus Christ. His superiority to Moses, the supreme Lawgiver, 21, 22, 27, 28, 38, 39; His relation to the law — came not to destroy but to fulfill, 17. 2. The kingdom of heaven. Conditions of entrance : Heart righteous- ness, not mere outward conformity to moral precepts, 20; no hate in the heart as well as no murder in the life, 21, 22; no lust in the heart as well as no impurity in the life, 27-32; truth in the heart as well as veracity in the oath, Z2>-Z7', Jove to enemies as well as reciprocity toward friends, 38-48. 3. Love. The supreme characteristic of the king- dom, 44; the one divine thing, 45; its object — our enemies, 44. How manifested: by not killing, 21; by not being angry, 22; by not call- ing harsh names, 22 ; by making resti- tution, 23; by not committing adul- tery, 27; by not contemplating adul- tery, 28; by not divorcing a wife, 31; by not using oaths, 34; by not avenging injuries, 38-40; by giving to him that asks of us, by loaning to him that would borrow of us, 42; by praying for our enemies, 44. 4. Hell. There is a hell, 22, 29, 30; a "hell of fire," 22; anything is better than going to hell, 29. 64 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 29. The Sermon on the Mount— (Continued). Matthew 6: 1-18. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. How to give alms, vv. 1-4. What should be our manner of giving alms? Does this forbid all gifts in public? (i Cor. 16:1, 2.) Did our Lord ever com- mend a gift made in public? (Luke 21:1- 4.) Just vifhat is forbidden? Who knows of the gift of which no man knows? Is that enough? Why does our Father know it (v. 4) ? How much of what is done in secret does He see? (Heb. 4:i3-) What will be the result if our alms are given to be seen of men? What will be the result of alms not given to be seen of men? When will God reward us? (Matt. 25:31, 32, 37-40; Acts 10:1-4.) What will the reward be? (Acts 20:35; Mark 10:21.) How large will the reward be? (2 Cor. 9:6.) Is the reward that God gives for well-doing a legitimate motive for well- doing? (Heb. 11:6, 26.) Is it the supreme motive for the Christian? (2 Cor. 5:14; I Cor. 10:31.) When we do our alms before men so as to attract their attention do we get any reward? When? What? Is that reward of much value? 2. Hoiv to pray, vv. 5-15. How did our Lord teach His disciples that they should pray? Whose example should they avoid? What is the primary meaning of "hypocrite" according to its etymology? Are there many professed Christians today who are only "playing a part"? Where does the hypocrite love to pray? Why there? Did our Lord mean by these words to condemn all public prayer? (John 6:11.) What did He mean to condemn? Is there any of that nowa- days? What did He say was the result of this parade of piety? What is "the reward" they have? Is that worth much? To what place did Jesus tell His dis- ciples to go and pray (v. 6, R. V.) ? What are the advantages of secret prayer? Are there ever times when publicity in prayer is a duty? (Dan. 6:10.) To whom did our Lord tell us to pray in secret? Is there ever any prayer that is not to the Father? What thought of God lies at the foundation of all true prayer? (7:11.) What will be the result of this secret prayer to the Father? How will He reward? (Matt. 7:7; i John 5:14; Eph. 3:20.) When we are in the secret place where no man sees us, who may we be sure does see us? Against what second mistake in prayer did our Lord warn His disciples (vv. 7, 8) ? What is meant by "vain repetitions"? Are there any guilty of this today? Of whom did our Lord speak as making this mis- take? What illustration have we of it in the Bible? (i Kings 18:26.) What was the object of the Gentiles in these vain repetitions? Do people nowadays ever act as if they expected "to be heard for their much speaking"? Have we any illus- tration in the Bible of short prayers that were answered? (Luke 18:13; Matt. 14:30, etc.) Does our Lord condemn much praying? (Luke 18:1-8; 11:5-8; 21:36; Matt. 14:23-25.) Does He condemn all using of the same words again and again? (Matt. 26:44.) Just what did He con- demn? What reason does He give why there is no value in mere repetition? If our Father knows what "we have need of" why does He not give it without our asking? Following upon His warning against vam repetition, what does our Lord give His disciples? Is this properly called "The Lord's Prayer"? Where is the prayer to be found that may properly be called "The STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 65 Lord's Prayer"? (John 17.) Who alone has the right to offer the prayer given here? Who are the children of God? (John 1:12; Gal. 3:26; Ro. 8:14.) What are the rest of men? (i John 5:19; 3:10; John 8:44; Eph. 2:3.) Is this intended as the exact form of prayer which the disciples of Jesus are literally to adopt? Is this a proper prayer for the Christian to offer? Is it the only prayer he should offer? (Jas. 5:14; Phil. 4:6.) How is God addressed? By teaching His disciples to call God Father did Jesus mean to teach the universal Fatherhood of God? Whose Father is He? (Gal. 3:26.) What is meant by calling Him "Our Father who art in heaven"? (Ps. 115:3; Is. 66:1; John 16:28; Acts 1:9; Mark i:ii; John 12:28.) Whose interests does this model prayer put first? Whose interest should be first in all true prayer? What should be our supreme motive in praying? What is the first wish this prayer expresses in regard to God? What does that mean? What should be our first thought in all our prayers? What is the second wish ex- pressed in regard to God? Is God's kingdom coming now? When will God's kingdom fully come? (Rev. 11 :iS-) What is the third wish expressed in regard to God? Who alone has the right to offer that prayer? Where should we wish the will of God to be done? How far can we answer this prayer ourselves? Will God's will ever be done in earth? How fully should we wish it done on earth? Will it ever be done in earth as fully as it is done in heaven? Whose wants are put second in the prayer? Is it right to pray for temporal things? How much food should we seek from God? How should a Christian live, according to v. 11? What second wish in regard to self does v. 12 express? What is meant by "debts"? Who are meant by "debtors"? Who alone can safely offer the petition of v. 12? If we are not forgiving our debtors and pray this prayer, what are we asking God to do? What is the next petition in regard to self? Does God ever bring men into temptation? For what purpose? What will a truly humble person's feeling be about tempta- tion? What does this petition teach us as to our going into places of unnecessary temptation? If we think that we are really strong enough to resist all temptation, of what should we take heed? (i Cor. 10:12.) What was the final petition in this model prayer? (See R. V.) Against whose wiles are we always to be on our guard? (i Peter 5:8; Eph. 6:11, 12.) How alone can we overcome his power and wiles? What great promise is held out in v. 14? What is the condition of that promise? If we do not forgive others their tres- passes against us, what then? Is our forgiving others the ground upon which God forgives us? (Eph. 1:7.) Is it the fundamental condition upon which (}od forgives us? (Acts 10:43; I3:39-) What is the proof that we really have believed on Christ and accepted this forgiveness offered through His shed blood? (Eph. 4:32; Matt. 18:23-35.) Is the forgiveness for which the disciple is taught to pray in V. 12 forgiveness of the sin that ex- cludes us from eternal life or of the sins that separate us from communion with Him who is already our Father? Upon what ground does God answer any of our prayers? Can He deal with us as forgiven sinners if we do not forgive others their trespasses against us? What then is always necessary when we pray? (Mark 11:25.) 66 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 3. How to fast, vv. 16-18. What should be our manner of fasting? Whose example in fasting should we avoid? How do those merely playing a part fast? What is their motive? What do they get? In whose sight should we fast? What will be the result of fasting in that way? What reward will He give us? Ought there to be fasting in the Christian dispensation? (Acts 13:2, 3; 14:23.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Our Father. (i). What He is: A Father, 4, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 18. (2). Where He is: In the secret place, 6, 18; in heaven, 9. (3). What He does: Sees in secret, 4, 6, 18; recompenses openly, 4; forgives trespasses, 14; knows what we need, 8; answers prayer, 6, 9-13; gives us our daily bread, 11 ; delivers us from the evil one, 13. 2. God's children. (i). What they should be: Different from the Gentiles, 7; not mere players of a part, 2, 5, 16; prayerful, 7, 9, 13; forgiving, 15; humble, self-distrustful, aware of the devil's wiles and power, 13. (2). What they should do: Seek the Father's glory supremely, trust Him, reverence Him, pray to Him, 6, 9; please Him, t8; seek the coming of His kingdom, delight supremely in His will, 10; depend upon Him for daily supplies, 11; seek His forgiveness, 12; fast in His presence, 17, 18. 3. Prayer. (i). To whom to pray: The Father, 6, 9. (2). Where to pray: In the closet, alone with God, 6. (3). For what to pray: The Father's glory, 9; the coming of His kingdom, the perfect doing of His will, 10; the supplying of daily needs, 11 ; the forgiveness of sins, 12, 14; to be kept out of the place of temptation, deliverance from the evil one, 13; for everything we need, 8. (4). How to pray: Reverently, 9; no unnecessary words, 7. 9-13; definitely, putting God's glory first, trustfully, 8, 9-13; to be heard of God and not to be seen of men, 6 ; with forgiveness to others, 12, 14; expectantly, 6, 9-13. 4. Good works. Should be done without display, to please the Father and not to win applause of men, are seen by the Father, are rewarded by the Father, 4, 18. 5. Fasting. Christians should fast, 6-18; they should not make a parade of their fasting, 16; their fasting should be in the presence of the Father and not to be seen of men, will be rewarded by the Father, 18. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 67 LESSON 30. The Sermon on the Mount — (Continued). Matthew 6:19-34 DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Where the disciple of our Lord should have his treasures, vv. 19-23. Where does our Lord forbid our laying up treasures? For whose benefit should we not lay up treasures upon earth? Is it ever right to lay up treasures upon earth for the benefit of others? (i Tim. 5:8.) Is it wise to lay up very large treasures even for others? What becomes of treasures laid up on earth? Is it right to lay up treasures for ourselves anywhere? Where? Why is it wiser to have treasures laid up in heaven than on earth? How can we lay up treasures in heaven? (Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3; John 4:35, 36; 15:16; Luke 16:9-12; Matt. 19:29; 5:ii. 12; 2 Tim. 2:12; Ro. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17, 18.) What reason does our Lord give in v. 21 why we should lay up our treasures in heaven? If our treasures are upon earth where will we wish to stay? If our treas- ures are in heaven where will we always be willing to go? (Phil. 1:23.) Upon what should the believer set his affections? (Col. 3:1.) What is the light of the body? What in the soul corresponds to the eye in the body? (John 7:17, R- V.) What kind of a will must we have if the soul is to be full of light? If the will itself is perverted in darkness, what will be the result? 2. No man can serve two masters, vv. 24-34- What can no man do? Why not? Do men ever try? What two masters are many men today trying to serve? Which one of the two do they always end by serving? Must every man serve some master? Who are the two masters between whom we must choose? Which one should we choose? What does God demand of every one who chooses Him? (Matt. Will God accept a half-hearted If a man will serve God what 12:30.) service? must his attitude toward the world be? (i John 2:15; James 4:4.) If a man's heart is wholly set on pleasing God, what will be his attitude toward the things of this world (v. 25) ? What is the Revised Version of "Take no thought"? About what things should we have no anxiety whatever (v. 25)? (Phil. 4:6.) V/hat is the connection between the last sentence in v. 25 and the first part of the verse? For what does God provide (v. 26) ? If God provides for the birds, of what may we be confident? Is He interested in birds? In whom is He more interested? What is His relation to us? What guar- antee has He given us that He will not withhold any good thing from us? (Ro. 8:32.) In what sense are we better than the birds? (See R. V.) What is the measure of the value our Father puts upon even the vilest of men? (John 3:16.) Do some men seem to be "of much more value" than the birds? What makes men so valuable in God's sight? Why is anxiety foolish anyhow (v. 27, R. V.) ? Did any one ever gain anything by being anxious? Why do we not need to be anxious about our clothes (vv. 28-30) ? What should the flowers of the field teach us? Who is it that clothes the earth with beauty? If we are anxious about food and clothing, what does it prove about ourselves (v. 30) ? Are we to infer from God's feeding the birds without their working that we need not vrork? (2 Thess. 3:10.) What is the pf'jnt of the argument? Is it reasonable STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD for a child of God ever to be anxious for food and other necessities? What reason is given in the first part of V. 32 for our not being anxious? What is its force? What reason is given in the last part of v. 32 for our not being anxious? If our heavenly Father knows we need these things, of what may we be sure? What should we put first? If we are anxious about food and drink and cloth- ing, what is it evident that we have put first? What does it mean to "seek first the kingdom of God"? What will be the result as regards our temporal needs? How much anxiety should we have regard- ing the future (v. 34) ? How many days should we live at a time? To what may we safely leave tomorrow's needs? How much of our anxiety is regarding troubles that never come? When will God take care of our troubles? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. God. (i). What He is: Father, 32; King, 33; Ruler of the material universe, 26-30. (2). Where He is: In heaven, 26, 32. (3). What He does: Demands whole-hearted service or none, 24; feeds the birds, 26; clothes the fields with beauty, 28-30; takes account of our every need, 32; pro- vides food for those who trust Him, 30; supplies every need of those who put His kingdom first, Z2>- 2. The children of God. (i). What they should not do or be: Should not lay up for themselves treasures on earth, 19; not be anxious as to what they eat or drink, 25-31 ; not be anxious for the morrow, 34. (2). What they should do and be: Should lay up for themselves treas- ures in heaven, 20 ; set their affec- tions on things above, 21 ; sur- render their will absolutely to God, 22, 2^; serve God with the whole heart, renounce the world altogether, 24 ; trust God for food and drink and clothes, 25-32 ; seek first the kingdom of God, 33; live a day at a time, 34. LESSON 31. The Sermon on the Mount— (Continued). Matthew 7:1-12. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. Whom and how to judge, vv. 1-6. What does our Lord forbid our doing in v. I? What reason does He give? Have we any illustration in the Bible of one who judged another and was in turn judged himself? (See for example Luke 7:39-50.) What other reasons are given in the Bible for not judging others? (Ro. 2:1; 14:3, 4, 10, 13; I Cor. 4:3, 5; James 4:11, 12.) Does this passage forbid all forming of estimates of others? (See v. 6.) What is the difference between estimates and judgments? How far have we a right to form estimates of others ? In what spirit should we form them? (i Cor. 13:4-7-) With what judgment shall we be judged ourselves? With what measure will God measure to us? To whose faults is the average man sharp-sighted? To whose faults is he totally blind? What should we look at before we look at the mote that is in our brother's eye? What is the average man ready to pull out? What should we cast out first? When can we see clearly to cast out the mote that is in our brother's eye? If a man is eager to deal with the faults of others before STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 69 he has dealt with his own, what is he? What is meant by not giving that which is holy unto dogs? (v. 6; compare Prov. 9:7, 8; 23:9; Acts 13:45, 46.) What is meant by not casting pearls before swine? What are the pearls we should not cast before swine? Who are swine? (2 Peter 2:22, note context.) Is there any lesson here for the personal worker? When only should we decide whether a man is a dog or a hog? Ought our opinion when thus formed be final? What will be the result if we cast pearls before swine? 2. The pozver of prayer, vv. 7-12. What is the way to get things? What is the simple definition of prayer suggested by V. 7? Does God really answer prayer? (21:22; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9, 10; 18:1; John 14:13, 14; 15 7; 16:23, 24; James 1:5, 6; I John 3:22; 5:14, 15.) If we do not get a thing by mere asking, what should we do next? If we do not get it by seeking, what should we do? What will be the result if we seek? What will be the result if we knock? Why are not more doors open unto us? How many that ask receive? Is this the statement of a general principle, or does it teach that every one that asks gets everything that he asks? Is it true as a general principle that men that ask have things given them? Of whom ought we to ask if we would be most sure of getting them? Is it true as a general principle that the one that seeketh findeth? What does a man gen- erally get? How ought we to seek? (Jer. 29:12, 13.) When ought we to seek? (Is. 55:6.) To whom are doors open? What proof does our Lord offer that our Father will give us good things? What thought of God here underlies the doctrine that He answers prayer? What conception of God do men lose sight of when they deny that He answers prayer? Do facts of experience warrant the con- ception of God that He is a Father, and not a mere Lawgiver? What does an earthly father usually give his son? Will our heavenly Father give us as good things? What reason have we for believ- ing that He will deal better with us than we do with our own children? To whom does He give good things? Why haven't we more good things? (James 4:2.) Who is wiser, the man who speculates how it is possible for God to answer prayer or the man who goes to God and asks for things and gets them? How should the fact that our heavenly Father is ready to give us whatsoever we ask Him lead us to act toward others (v. 12) ? Does our Lord merely bid us not to do unto others what we would not have them do unto us? What does He bid us do? How many things that we wish others to do unto us should we do unto others (v. 12, R. V.) ? How should we talk about others? How should we sell goods to others? How should we buy goods from others? How in general should we deal with others? What is summed up in this Golden Rule? Has any man ever perfectly kept it? Can any man be saved by keeping it? Why not? If one should perfectly keep it would it cover all a man's duty? (Matt. 22:37, 38.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. God. Father, dwells in heaven, gives good things to them that ask Him, 11; judges man with the judgment with which they judge others, metes out to us with the measure we mete out to others, 2. 2. The Christian's duty. Should not judge (i. e., form final and decisive opinions against men), i; 70 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD should form such estimates of men as are necessary to govern our con- duct toward them; should scrutinize carefully the beam in his own eye before he looks at the mote that is in his brother's eye, 3; should first cast the beam out of his own eye before he tries to pull the mote out of his brother's eye; when he has really cast the beam out of his own eye, should help his brother to get the mote out of his eye, 5; should not give that which is holy unto dogs, should not cast pearls before swine, 6 ; should pray, seek, knock, 7 ; should do all things unto others which he desires that others should do unto him, 12. S. Prayer. What prayer is : asking for what we want, 7. How to pray : persistently, 7 ; expectantly, 8; definitely, 7, 8, 11. To whom to pray: Our Father which is in heaven, 11. Results of praying: we get what we ask, 7, 8; we get all good things, il. LESSON 32. The Sermon on the Mount (Concluded). Matthew 7:13-29. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The way of destruction and the way of life, vv. 13-14- How many "ways" does our Lord say that there are? Where does the one way lead? Where does the other way lead? If one is not in "the way which leadeth unto life" in what way is he? What is meant by "destruction"? (Rev. 17:8; 19:20; 20:10.) What is meant by "Hfe"? (John 10:28, 29; 17:3; I John 1:2.) What kind of a way is it that leads to destruction? Is it easy to enter? Is it easy to walk in? (Prov. 13:15.) How many go that way? What kind of a way is it that leads to life? Is it easy to enter? What must a man do to enter it? (Matt. 18:3, 4; Acts 2:38; John 3:3, 5; John 14:6.) Is it easy to walk in? (Matt. 11:28-30.) Is it a disagreeable way to walk in? (Prov. 3 :i7.) How many are traveling that way? Why are so many traveling the broad way? (Jer. 17:9; Ro. 8:7.') Why are so few traveling the narrow way? (i Cor. 4:14) Which way are vnu travplincr? 2. Beware of false prophets, w. 15-20. Of what class of persons does our Lord especially urge His disciples to beware? What is meant by "false prophets"? Are there any other warnings in the Bible against them? (Deut. 13:3; Jer. 23:16; Matt. 24:4, 5, II, 24; Mark 13:22; Ro. 16:17, 18; Eph. 5:6; Col. 2:8; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; I John 4:1.) Are there any false prophets in the world today? Will their number increase or decrease before the coming of our Lord? (i Tim. 4:1, 2; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 8-10; 2 Peter 3:3; i John 2:18; 2 Tim. 3:13, R. V.) How can one avoid falling a prey to them? (Acts 20:29, 30, 32; 2 Tim. 3:13-17.) How do they appear outward- ly? What characteristics are indicated by "sheep's clothing"? What are they inward- ly? What is meant by this description? Does the fact that a man makes fair pre- tences of humility and meekness and love prove that he is really a messenger of God? (2 Cor. 11:13, 14; Ro. 16:18.) How can we detect a false prophet (v. 16) ? What are the fruits the real prophet of God bears? (Gal. 5 :22, 23; i Cor. 13 :i-8.) STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 71 If we want good fruit, what must we have first? In order that a man may be- come a good tree, what experience must he pass through? (John 3:3, 5.) Is there any attempt today in religious work to make bad trees bring forth good fruit? What is the fundamental fault with all "Ethical Culture" movements? If a tree does not bring forth good fruit what will become of it? Is it enough to save a tree that it does not bring forth bad fruit? Are there any modern trees that will be hewn down and cast into the fire? Into what fire will they be cast? (Matt. 13:41, 42; 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:15; 21:8.) What is the final test by which any man can be known? S. Saying and doing, w. 21-23. How do many people expect to get into the kingdom ? Can any one enter the king- dom that way? Ought we to call Jesus "Lord"? (Ro. 10:9, 10.) When only will our calling Him Lord do any good? (Luke 6:46; 13:25-27; Matt. 25:11, 12; Acts 19:13-16.) Is it mere "saying" that God demands? What does He demand? What is it that we must do? What is the will of the Father in heaven? (John 6:29; i John 3:23.) Where will we find His will re- vealed? If then we are to do His will what Book must we study? How long will many persons be deceived? Do the persons described in v. 22 really believe themselves to be a saved people? What had they done? Because a person preaches, casts out devils and does many wonderful works in the name of Christ, does it prove that he is really a disciple of Christ? Can one get into heaven that way? What will our Lord say to those persons who have called Him "Lord," etc., but who have never surrendered their own wills to Him (v. 23) ? Where will they spend eternity? (25:41.) 4. Building upon the rock and building upon the sand, w. 24-29. What two things must a person do in order to build upon the rock? What must he hear (v. 24, R. V.) ? Where can we now find our Lord's words to hear them? Will hearing alone prove sufficient? What kind of a man is he that hears and does the words of our Lord? How is the house which every man builds to be tested? What will become of the house built upon the rock when the day of storm comes? Will it do any good to hear the words of our Lord if we do not obey them? What kind of a man is he that hears His sayings but does not do them? What is such a one do- ing? How will his house be tested? Is every one's house sure to be tested sooner or later? What will become of the house of the one who hears the sayings of Jesus but does not do them? What kind of a fall will it be? What was the effect of our Lord's teach- ing upon the people? Why were they astonished? Why did He teach them as one who had authority? (John 7:16; 12:49; 14:10, II, 24.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God. A Father, His dwelling place — heaven. His will — the supreme law of the kingdom, 21. 2. Jesus Christ. The Son of God, the Judge of the world, our Lord, 21-23; an incomparable teacher, taught as one having au- thority, 13-29; what we do with His sayings determines our destiny, 24-27. J. The two roads. The broad road leading to destruction, many traveling it, 13; the narrow road leading unto life, few traveling it, 14. 72 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 4. False prophets. Make an outward pretence of meekness and gentleness and innocence, in in- ward fact are fierce and predatory, 15; known by their fruits, 16. 5. Good trees and corrupt trees. (i). A good tree: bringeth forth good fruit, 17; cannot bring forth evil fruit, 18 ; is known by its fruit, 20. (2). A corrupt tree: bringeth forth evil fruit, 17; cannot bring forth good fruit, 18; is known b^' its fruit, 20; shall be cut down and cast into the fire, 19. 6. The coming judgment. There is a judgment coming, many will be disappointed in that day, 22; only one adequate preparation for it, not merely hearing but doing, 24-27; merely calling Jesus "Lord, Lord," prophesying in His name, casting out devils in His name, and doing many wonderful works in His name will not prepare one for that day, 22; Jesus Christ is the Judge, 23. LESSON 33. The Centurion's Servant. Luke 7 : DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The prayer of faith, w. 1-3. Where was this miracle performed? What miracles had already been wrought there? (John 4:46-54; Mark 2:1; etc.) What was the social position of the man who came to our Lord compared with that of our Lord Himself? How did the centurion approach Him? (Matt. 8:5.) Did he come in person? How are we to reconcile the account we have here with that we have in Matt. 8:5-8? Why did he not come in person (v. 7) ? In whose behalf did he send to our Lord? (See margin, R. V.) If he had been like many masters what would he have done with that slave? (i Sam. 30:13.) Why did he want the servant healed (v. 2) ? What glimpse does this give us into his charac- ter? Had his compassion upon a suffering slave anything to do with his faith in Christ's readiness to help him? How sick was the boy? Why did he send to our Lord in such a desperate case? Upon what did he build hh faith? (v. 3; com- pare Ro. To:i7-^ What was his prayer at this time? What did our Lord say? 1-10. (Compare Matthew 8:1-13.) (Matt. 8:7.) Is He ready to say that in answer to our prayers today? (Heb. 13:8.) Did the apostles claim healing power? (Acts 3:12.) Why did He promise to come? If we want Him to come to our homes what must we do? (Rev. 3:20.) 2. The humility of faith, vv. 4-7 (first half.) When the centurion saw our Lord ac- tually approaching his house, what did he do? What was his testimony regard- ing himself? What was the testimony of the Jewish elders regarding him? Which were right? Which are the most likely to get a blessing from God, those who think they are worthy or those who think they are not? (Ps. 10:17; Luke 18:10-14.) Which is it best to plead be- fore Him, our worthiness or our unworthi- ness? How had this centurion further shown his sense of unworthiness ? If we feel that we are unfit to approach God, is there any one we can get to present our plea to Him? (Heb. 7:25.) However great our sense of unworthiness, how can we still have boldness to draw near to God? (Heb. 10:19; 4:14-16.) STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LOI 73 3- The confidence of faith, vv. 7 (last half), 8. What reason besides his own unworthi- ness did the centurion allege why our Lord should not come under his roof? Who only can banish sickness by His bare word? (Ps. 33:9; 107:20.) What faith, then, in our Lord did the centurion have? Did any one else ever come to our Lord expecting that He would at a distance, by a mere word, banish disease? Was the centurion quite confident that the mere word of our Lord would prove effectual? How did he further illustrate his faith? What did he think was Christ's relation to disease? Was he right about that? What do we find in the Gospels subject to the mere word of Christ? (Luke 4:35, 36, 39; Mark 4:39; John 11 :43, 44.) What kind of servants did the centurion have? Why? (v. 2.) 4. The reward of faith, vv. 9, 10. What was the effect upon our Lord of this declaration of his faith? Is there any record that the Son of God ever mar- velled at anything else? (Mark 6:6.) At which has He the most occasion to marvel in us, our faith or our unbelief? Did He do anything besides marvel at his faith ? Whose else faith did He once commend? (Matt. 15:28.) Wherein were these two persons whose faith He commended alike? Where do we find the greatest faith today, in "Christian" or in "heathen" lands? Was there anything commendable about the centurion besides his faith? What was the one thing our Lord commended? Why? (Heb. 11:6, f. c; John 6:29; Ro. 4:3.) Of what did He see a prophecy in his faith? (Matt. 8:11.) Did he get anything besides commendation of his faith? Why was what he asked done? Why are many of the things we ask not done? (Jas. 1:6, 7.) How much was done for the centurion? (Matt. 8:13.) What is the measure of our getting? (Matt. 9:29; 17:20; Mark 9:23.) What was the result of our Lord's word in this instance? Had the servant himself exercised faith? Will faith today avail for any one besides him that has it? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Our Lord. His deity, 7, 8; humanity, 9; the power of His word, 7, 8, 10; readiness to respond to humble prayer, 6, 10; would not go to see a nobleman's child (John 4:46-50), starts at once to see a humble centurion's servant, 6; His joy at faith, rewards faith, heals the incurably sick, 9, 10; res- cues from the very jaws of death, saves in response to the prayer and faith of another, 2-10. 2. The centurion. His position, tender love for a slave, 2; generous regard for God's worship, 5 ; humility, 6, 7. His faith : he believed our Lord could cure incurable disease, in its last stages, 2, 7; at a distance, 7, 8; by a word, 7; disease was as subject and obedient to our Lord as his slaves were to him, 8 ; our Lord was divine, 7,8. What he got : what he sought, 10 ; more than he sought, commendation, 9; admission to the kingdom (Matt. 8:11.) His prayer: earnest, definite, for a tem- poral blessing, for another, 3, 4; humble, believing, 6, 7 ; prevailing, 10. 3- The boy. Lowly position, a slave, dearly loved. 74 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD desperately sick, grievously torment- ed, at the last extremity, beyond human help, 2 (Matt. 8:6); had a believing master, g; was the subject of prayer, 3 ; made completely whole, ID. 4. Faith. It is humble, confident, 6, 7; its natural soil — a loving heart, 2, 6; comes to Christ, 3; expects large things of Christ, 7, 8; gets more than it ex- pects, 9, 10 (Matt. 8:10-12); found where least expected, Christ honors it above everything else, 9. Its reward : gets what it seeks, 10 (Matt. 8:13); gets commendation, 9; gets admission to the kingdom (Matt. 8:11). LESSON 34. The Raising of the Widow's Son at Nain. Luke 7:11-17. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. A broken-hearted mourner, vv. 11, 12. Where does this lesson represent our Lord as going? For what purpose? Were there no other sorowing hearts that day? Why did He go to this poor woman alone? What two processions met that day? What made this case a pecuUarly touching one? How many instances of the raising of the dead are there in Bible history? How many of them were of the only child? What time of day was it? Who was she to meet on that dreary journey? What was to turn her hopeless sorrow into unut- terable joy and gladness? Whom may we always meet on the saddest, dreariest jour- ney? What will be the result of the meeting? (Matt. 11:28.) Does our Lord ever meet funeral processions today on the way to the grave? Was the woman alone? Why was the multitude with her? Did they do her much good? Who alone can comfort at such an hour? 2. A compassionate Saviour, vv. 13, I4- What was the effect upon our Lord of the sight of this poor bereaved widow? Does He see us in our sorrows? How does He feel when He sees us? (Judges 10:16; Ps. 86:15; Is. 63:9; Lam. 3:32-36; Heb. 4:15, 16.) Did the woman ask His help? Did she believe He could help her? What was it that appealed to Him, if there was neither prayer nor faith? How did He first of all manifest His compassion for her? Had any one else said that to her? What was the difference between His saying it and others saying it? How many tears will God ultimately wipe away? (Rev. 21:4.) Is it wrong for a believer to weep? (John 11:35.) What is wrong for the believer in this matter of sorrow? (i Thess. 4:13.) Ought the be- liever to spend much time in weeping and sorrowing? (i Cor. 7:30.) Is this the only place where our Lord said: "Weep not"? (8:52.) Does He say to any mourners today: "Weep not"? What was the next thing He did? Does He seem to have been much excited? What most impresses one about the manner in which this incident is related? What did the bearers do when He touched the bier? Why? What did all the spectators do? What did He do? 2. Sadness turned into gladness, w. 15-17- What did the young man do? What was all that our Lord had to do to raise STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 75 the young man? (Compare John 11:43; Luke 8:54.) What did He prove by that? (Ps. 33:8, 9; John 5:21-23.) How did His raising from the dead differ from that of Elijah and EHsha? (i Kings 17:20, 21; 2 Kings 4:34.) That of Peter? (Acts 9:40.) That of Paul? (Acts 20:10.) Who will ultimately hear His voice and rise? (John 5 :28, 29.) Does His voice ever raise the dead today? (Eph. 5 :i4; 2:1.) What was it about the young man that heard His voice and responded? Was it a kindness to the young man to call him back to Hfe? What had he to tell of what he had experienced in those hours of death? How must life have seemed to him after this? How ought the resurrection life we get from our Lord seem to us? What does the incident teach about the power of Christ? About the power of death? What different things does the Gospel narrative show us as sub- ject to Christ? (Diseases, nature, devils, death.) Who then is He? What did our Lord do with the young man after He had raised him? What will He do with dead children after He raises them in that great day? What transformed the saddest day of that mother's Hfe into the gladdest day? (Meet- ing with Jesus.) What can transform the saddest day of our lives into the gladdest day? Did the mother enjoy that boy as much after his death and resurrection as before? Will we enjoy our loved ones as much after their death and resurrection as before? Was her bereavement a mis- fortune or a blessing? Why? When are our bereavements blessings? What was the effect upon the beholders of this miracle? Why did they fear? (1:65; 5:8, 26; 8:37; Matt. 28:8; Acts 5:5, 11-13.) What was their conclusion? Was it justified by the facts? Does God generally accredit His prophets? How far did the news spread? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. J. Our Lord. His deity, credentials, commanding pres- ence, divine composure, wondrous tenderness, 14, 15; humanity, 13; prophetic office, 16; unfailing com- passion^ II, 13, 15; matchless power over self, over man, over sorrow, over death and Satan, 13-15 (Heb. 2:14) ; He seeks out the sorrowing, 11; sees, has compassion on, com- forts the sorrowing, 13 ; gives them back their dead, 15; transforms their deepest gloom into loftiest ex- altation. 2. Man. Subject to death, conscious after death, 14; victorious over death, 15. 3. Death. Its power — claims even the young as its victims, 12; its impotence — yields to the word of Christ, 15. 4. Sorrow. Its frequency, 12; its appeal to our Lord, its beneficence, its cure, 13, 15. 5. Consolation. The emptiness of human, 12; the suffi- ciency of divine, 13. 6. The widow of Main. The saddest woman in all the city, ir, 12; met our Lord, 12; the gladdest woman in all the land, 15, 16. 7. The young man. He was dead, 12; our Lord spoke, 14; he heard His voice and he lived, 18. 76 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 35. John the Baptist's Last Message to Our Lord Matthew 11:2-19.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. proving His claims? I. John the Baptist's perplexity, vv. l8- Luke 7:18-35. (Compare Who is the central figure of this lesson? Where was he at this time? Hovi^ did he get there? What news reached him? How did he come to hear it? What clear revelation had he had concerning our Lord at an earher day? (John 1:33, 29, 34.) In what state of mind do we find him in this lesson? What led to his doubt? (Compare i Kings 19:3. 4-) Is it credible that John who had formerly had such clear faith should afterward get into doubt? What will help us to understand it? What proof have we here of the genuineness of the Gospel story? Had he lost all faith in Jesus? How much faith had he yet? How did he show his wisdom? What is the wisest thing any man can do with his doubts? Did he remain long a doubter? Why not? Just what was the question he asked of our Lord? What is the mean- ing of "He that cometh" (R. V.)? What seemingly good reason had he for ques- tioning whether our Lord was "the Com- ing One"? How did his messengers prove their fitness for their mission? 2. Our Lord's anszver to John the Bap- tist, vv. 21-23. What was occurring at the very moment John's messengers arrived? Of what was this proof? (Is. 35:5, 6; 42:6, 7; 61:1-3.) Did our Lord enter into any long discussion to prove that He was "the Coming One"? What did He do? What is the best proof that He is indeed "the Coming One" and the Son of God? Are there any other pas- sages where He appeals to His works as (John 5:36; 14:11; 15:24.) What were the specific things to which He appealed in this instance? To what things that He is doing can we appeal today to prove that He is the Son of God? Does the mere fact of healings prove that one is the Messiah, the Angel of the Cov- enant, or even a man sent from God? To what crowning miracle did Jesus call atten- tion? What dead one had been recently raised (vv. 11-16) ? To what did our Lord appeal besides His miracles? Do pretenders usually preach the Gospel to the poor? What do they do to the poor? What final word of warning did our Lord add? To what O. T. prophecy did this refer? (Is. 8:14, 15.) What occasioned the word of warn- ing just at this time? 2. Our Lord's testimony to John the Baptist, vv. 24-30. What do we find our Lord doing in the verses that follow? When did He bear His testimony to John? Why did He not bear His testimony while the messengers were still there? How did John win the honor of having our Lord bear testimony to him? How can we win this honor? (Matt. 10:32, 2,^; 25:20.) What might the people be tempted to think concerning John? Why might they think that he was a "reed shaken with the wind"? Who defended him against this suspicion? What in the second place did our Lord say John was not? Where did He say that those who were gorgeously arrayed and lived delicately were to be found? Where was John to be found? What did He say John was? (1:76; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 20:6.) What is a prophet? Did John attain to anything higher than that? To what? Where is this prophecy found? (Mai. 3:1.) What two "messengers" are there mentioned? What was this messen- ger to do? How high a position among men did John occupy? How did his posi- tion compare with that of our Lord Him- self? ("Matt. 3:11 ; V. 28.) Who else occu- pies a higher position than John? Why? (Luke 10:23, 24; Eph. 3:8, 9; Col. 1:25-27; I Peter i : 10-12.) Ought we to aspire to be John the Baptists? Why not? What can any one of us be? In what two ways had John's message been received? Who had accepted it? Who had rejected it? By accepting the message what did our Lord say the peo- ple had done? How justify God? How did they show they accepted John's mes- sage? What does our Lord say the Phari- sees and lawyers rejected? (R. V.) How did they show it? Is it a serious thing to reject God's counsel? (Prov. 13:13.) 4. The unreasonableness of men, vv. 31- 35- To what did our Lord liken the men of that generation? From what was the illus- tration taken ? What insight does this give us into Christ's character? Into His method of teaching? What is the point of the comparison? How did He describe the life of John? What kind of a life was it? To what was the authority at- tributed? What was the true explanation of it? If a man should live such a life today what would be said of him? What is Christ's description of His own life? Does this imply that He drank wine? What did they say of His life? Was He a glutton? Was He a wine-bibber? Was He a friend of publicans and sinners? What did His enemies mean by calling Him such? Was He a friend of publicans and sinners in the sense they meant? If one is a friend of publicans and sinners in the sense in which our Lord was, will he be contemptuously so called nowadays? What was His real meat? (John 4:34.) While the most of the people received the message of John and our Lord in this contemptuous way, were there any who received it differently? What does He call those who received their message? (John 8:47.) What is the crowning proof that one is one of wisdom's children? By re- ceiving wisdom's message what had they done? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus Christ. (i). What He is: Divine, 27 (Mai. 3:1); the Lord, 19; the Coming One, 20; the healer of all men's diseases and troubles, 21 ; the Messiah, 21, 22 (Is. 35:5, 6; 42:6, 7; 61:1-3) ; the friend of pul:)li- cans and sinners, 34. (2). What He did: Cured diseases, cured scourges, deliv- ered men from evil spirits, bestowed eyesight on the blind, 21 ; made the lame to walk, cleansed lepers, made the deaf to hear, raised the dead, preached the Gospel to the poor, 22. Blessed is he whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in Him! 2. John the Baptist. An imperfect man, a temporary doubter, an honest doubter, went to the right One with his doubts, 19; a prophet, much more than a prophet, 26; God's messenger, the preparer of the way of the Messiah, 27 (Mai. 3:1) ; none greater than he among men, not so great as the one who is but little in the kingdom of God, 28. 78 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 36. Our Lord and the Woman Who Was a Sinner. Luke 7 : 36-50. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. A curious and an anxious seeker, vv. 36-39- Who invited our Lord to eat with him? What -was the purpose of the invitation? Did He ever on any other occasion receive an invitation to eat from this class? (ii:37; 14:1.) Did He ever receive invitations from a different class? (Mark 2:14, 15.) Hovir many of these invitations did He accept? Hovir many of us can have Him at our table? What unexpected guest came to the Pharisee's house? What sort of a woman was she? What drew her there? What gave her the courage to come to our Lord? (Matt. 11:28.) Did He like to have such persons come where He was? (5:30-32.) What did she bring with her? What for? What did she do when she got where He was? Why did she weep? It it a good thing for sinners to weep? (Ps. 5i:i7; Joel 2:12, 13.) Is sorrow for sin repent- ance? (2 Cor. 7:10.) What was it moved this woman to penitence? Would Pharisaic treatment have done it? What did the Pharisee conclude from this scene? Where was he right in his reasoning? Where was he wrong? Ac- cording to his idea how is righteousness to be shown? According to Christ's idea how is righteousness to be shown? Are there any people who hold the Pharisee's idea today? Did our Lord know this woman was a sinner? Was that to His mind a reason for rejecting her? (i Tim. 1:15.) 2. A critic rebuked and a penitent com- mended, vv. 40-46. How did our Lord prove to this super- cilious Pharisee that He could read hearts? What did He say first to him? Why did He have something to say to Simon? Has He anything to say to each of us? In this parable who is represented by the credi- tor? By the two debtors? By represent- ing both the Pharisee and the woman as debtors, what does our Lord aim to teach him? By picturing Himself as the credi- tor of both, whom does He assume to be? In what second point does our Lord repre- sent the Pharisee and the woman as being alike (v. 42) ? How many men and wo- men are alike in these two respects? (Ro. 3:22, 23.) Had the Pharisee realized it? Do moral, respectable sinners today realize that they are just like drunkards and har- lots and thieves and murderers in these two respects? Ought they to be taught it? When men have "nothing to pay" what does our Lord do? Before they enjoy that forgiveness what must they do? (Luke 18:13, 14.) With what question did He conclude His parable? What was the purpose of this question? (To show the Pharisee that if this woman had been a greater sinner than he, she was now a more loving saint.) According to this, what must there be before there can be any deep, intense love for Christ? Why is it some of us have no deeper and intenser love for Him? Will those forms of Christianity that minimize sin and have little to say about pardon, produce a very ardent love for Christ? How many of us have sinned enough to put us in the class of those who have been much forgiven? Why is it then that we do not love more? Did Simon see the purpose of Christ's ques- tion? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 79 What was the second question our Lord put to Simon? Did he really see the wo- man? What was all he saw in her? What did our Lord see in her? What is all the Pharisee of today sees in a redeemed man or woman? What does our Lord see in a redeemed man or woman? What contrast did He draw? Who appears in the better light in that contrast, Simon or the woman? Who appears in the better light in His eyes today, the redeemed out- cast now filled with intense love to his Redeemer or the cold moralist? With whom was our Lord better pleased, Simon or the woman who had been a sinner? With whom is He best pleased today? Does He mark the dishonor shown Him today as He did that shown by this Phari- see? Does God? (Heb. 10:28. 29.) S- Forgk'ciicss, love, peace, z'Z'. 47-50. What was the conclusion our Lord drew from this woman's act? Was she forgiven because she loved much, or did she love much because she was forgiven? What will be the proof that we are forgiven? What did He say to the woman? What does "forgiven" mean? Does He say that to any today? To whom? (Acts 13:38, 39.) Had she a right to say she knew she was forgiven? How did she know it? Has the believer a right to say he knows he is forgiven? How does he know it? Did Jesus say: "Thy sins shall he forgiven"? If the woman had questioned whether she was forgiven, what would she have been doing? What did the hearers say? What is the right answer to that question? What did our Lord tell the woman had saved her? What ground had she for her faith? (Matt. 11:28.) How had her faith saved her? How many will faith save? (Ro. i :i6.) What were Christ's closing words to the woman? Why could she "go in peace''? How alone can we "go in peace"? (Ro 5:1.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Our Lord. His humanity, 36; deity, 40, 41, 42, 48, 49; compassion for sinners, 38; at- tractiveness to sinners, 2>7', knowl- edge of sinners, 39-47; power to for- give sinners, 48 ; desire for and ap- preciation of the love of sinners, 44-46. 2. Sinners. Drawn to our Lord, awakened by Him, Z7] received by Him, 39; forgiven by Him, 48; when saved, devoted to Him, 44-46. 3. Forgiveness. Free to, needed by all sinners, great and small, 42; our Lord the giver, 48, 49; faith the condition, 50; peace and love the result, 47. 4. Faith. Comes to our Lord, Z7; begets love to Him, 44-46; enters into His peace, 50. 5. Simon and The Woman. Moral, 41. Immoral, 37. Honored, 26. Despised, 27, 39- Unloving, 44-46. Loving, 44-46. Censorious, 39. Penitent, 38. A debtor with noth- A debtor with noth- ing to pa}^ 42. ing to pay, 42. Rebuked by our Commended by our Lord, 44-46. Lord, 44-46. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD The Unpardonable Sin. LESSON 37. Mark 3:20-35. (Compare Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11:14-36.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. Considered insane by friends, vv. 20, 21. How was the eagerness of the multitude to hear our Lord illustrated? Was it simply to hear Him that the multitude came? (vv. 9, 10; Luke 6:17.) Was He willing to have His rest and refreshment broken in upon in this way? (Mark 6:31- 35.) Why? In which did He find the most satisfying refreshment, food for His own body or ministering to the needs of others? (John 4:31, 34-36.) If He had been like many of us, what would He have done if the needy multitudes gathered about Him when He needed food and rest? Why was it He sent the multitudes away in one instance? (Mark 6:45, com- pare John 6:15.) When His friends heard how He was taking time from rest and refreshment to minister to the needy multi- tudes, what did they at once conclude? If a man nowadays spends his strength and takes the time that other men would spend in eating and rest in ministering to the needs of perishing souls, what do many people conclude about him? What did our Lord's friends try to do? Were they moved by kindly or hostile mo- tives? Were they right? What lay at the root of their grievous mistake? Was any other man of God beside our Lord ever reckoned insane? (2 Kings 9:11; Jer. 29:26; Acts 26:24.) 2. Considered in league with the devil by His foes, vv. 22-30. What was the interpretation put upon His actions and deeds by the scribes? Why did .they seek to explain His miracles in that way? What would have been a more simple and natural explanation? (John 3:2.) Why did they not accept that ex- planation? (John 3:19, 20; II :47, 48; Mark 12:7.) For what purpose had these scribes come down from Jerusalem? (vv. 2, 6; 7:1, 2; Luke 5:17, 21; Matt. 21:15, 16.) What was the immediate occasion of their accusing Him of being in leagiie with Beelzebub? (Matt. 12:22-24.) Was this the only instance in which this accusation was brought against Him? (Matt. 9:34; John 7:20; 8:48, 52; 10:20.) If such charges were brought against Him, what may His disciples expect? (Matt. 10:25.) Did these awful accusations grieve Him? (Ps. 69:20.) For whose sake did He "en- dure such contradiction of sinners against Himself"? (Is. 53:3, 4.) Did He meet these outrageous charges with anger and invective? What did He do? Had the scribes made these charges directly to Him- self? (Matt. 12:25; Luke 11:17.) Of what was "knowing their thought" a proof? (i Kings 8:39.) What was His argument to prove that it was not by Satan's power that He cast out Satan's emissaries? Was that a con- clusive argument? If it was not by Satan's power that He cast out demons, by what power must it have been? (Matt. 12:28; Luke 11:20.) Who was He who could thus put forth "the finger of God" and bring Satan's power to naught? To what does He compare Satan in verse 27? To what does He compare the man under Satan's influence? (Luke ii :2i, 22.) What must be done before the poor victim of Satan can be delivered? Who is the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 81 "stronger than he" (Satan) who comes upon him and overcomes him and taketh from him all his armor and divideth his spoils? (Luke 11:22.) If a man then is under the mighty power of Satan, to whom must he look for deliverance? Why is he sure of it if he looks to Him? Who must this One who is mightier than Satan be? What turn does the thought take next? How many sins are pardonable? (i Peter 2:24.) What is the condition upon which they will be pardoned? (Acts 10:43; 13:39-) What is the unpardonable sin? (Matt. 12:31, 32.) Why unpardonable? (Heb. 6:6.) Will one who has committed the unpardonable sin wish to come to Christ? Will every one who comes to Christ be received? (John 6:37.) If then one does come to Christ what does it conclusively show? Will the Spirit move upon the heart of one who has committed this sin? If then the Spirit is moving a man's heart what does it show? What change does the Revised Version make in the closing words of verse 29? What is implied by that change? How does this doctrine of an unpardonable sin (see espe- cially Matt. 12:32) bear upon the doctrine that all men will ultimately be forgiven and saved? Why did our Lord utter this warning' Had they in so saying committed the unpardonable sin? S. Misunderstood by His nearest kin, vv. 31-35- What was the effect of the conflict be- tween our Lord and the scribes upon His relatives? What was their object in calling Him at this time? Instead of trying to call Him away what ought they to have been doing? (Luke 10:39-42.) Was it an occasion of any grief to Him that His own kin and His own mother misunderstood Him? (Ps. 69:7, 8.) Which caused Him the more bitter grief, the terrific denun- ciation of His avowed enemies or the strange misunderstanding of His own kin? Which causes Him the more bitter grief today, the gross misrepresentations of His open enemies or the failure of His pro- fessed friends to understand Him? How did He rebuke the interference of these officious relatives? What were the char- acteristics of this rebuke? Who did He say were His nearest kin and most loved ones? (John 14:21-23.) Does obedience to God make us children of God and so nearest kin to Christ, or does it prove that we already are children of God and nearest kin to Christ? How do we be- come children of God? (John 1:12, 13.) What is the test by which we shall know we are (v. 35)? (i John 2:29.) Is the love that our Lord here proclaims a general love or a love for each individual who does God's will? If we wish Him to have this deeper and peculiar affection for us as individuals what must we do? If we would do God's will what must we first become? (Ro. 7:18, 19; 8:3, 4; i John 3:9; Gal. 3:26.) How much does He love us if we "do the will of God"? Are there any other blessings pronounced in the Bible upon those who do the will of God? (Matt. 7:21; John 7:17; i John 2:17; 3:22.) What is the will of God? (John 6:29; I John 2:22.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 7. Our Lord. Divine, 2^ (Luke 11:17; i Kings 8:29), 27 (cf. Matt. 12:28; Luke 11:20); drew the multitudes to Himself, 20, 2,2; forgot His own needs in His consideration for the needs of the neglected masses, 20; was counted "beside Himself" by His friends, 21 ; and in league with the devil by His STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD enemies, 22; would not be severed from the path in which God led Him by the impulses of natural af- fection, or the misunderstanding and opposition of blind friends, or the slanders and plots of unprincipled enemies, 21, 22, 31-33; composed in the face of unjust and outrageous accusation, 23; put His enemies to confusion, 23-29 ; stronger than Satan, binds him, alone can deliver his vic- tims, 27; forgives all sins but one, 28; finds His nearest kin in those who obey His Father's will, has a peculiar and personal love for each obedient child of God, 34, 35. 3. The scribes. Dogged the footsteps of our Lord, ac- cused Him of being in league with the devil, attributed the work of the Spirit of God to Satan, 22; com- mitted, or were in imminent peril of committing, the unpardonable sin, 29, 30; were answered and silenced by our Lord, 23-26. 3. The friends of our Lord. Misunderstood Him, misrepresented Him, hindered His work, ti-ied to put a stop to His work, 21 ; interrupted His work, were without calling when they should have been within listening to Him, 31 ; grieved Him by their lack of appreciation of Him- self and His purposes perhaps more than His avowed enemies by their slanders, 21-33; tenderly but severely rebuked by Him, 31-35. 4. Satan. Mighty, masters men and takes posses- sion of them as "his goods," over- mastered by Christ, bound by Christ, despoiled of "his goods" by Christ, 27. 5. The unpardonable sin. There is an unpardonable sin, 29; there is but one unpardonable sin, 28; it is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, its character is such and it dis- closes such settled antagonism to the truth and to good that it is certain that the one who commits it will never repent, it is unpardon- able because eternal and never re- pented of, 29, R. V. LESSON 38. The Parable of the Sower. Matthew 13:1-23. (Compare Mark 4: Luke 8:4-15.) ■20; DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. In what sort of a church was this para- ble uttered? Is there much justification in the Bible for open-air meetings? If we consider all open-air preachers cranks, whom do we condemn? What celebrated sermons were preached in the open air? Why did our Lord go to the seaside to teach? What thoughts should guide us in selecting a place to teach or preach? When did He speak? (Luke 8:4.) Was He in the habit of speaking only when a great multitude assembled? (John 3, 4.) Any other instances where multitudes came to hear Him? (Matt. 5:1; 15:32; Luke 8:45.) Why did the great multitudes come? What did our Lord always see in a great multitude? (Matt. 9:36-38; Mark 2:2; 4:34.) From which sermon did the greater good come, that to great multi- tudes or that to one woman? (John 4:39.') What method of teaching did our Lord STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 83 employ on this occasion? Had He ever employed it before (v. lo) ? What was His purpose in using it now? (vv. 10-13; Mark 4:11, 12.) Whose fault was it that some of the people had these things spoken unto them in parables and not clearly? If we want the truth clearly and not in parables, what must we do? (John T.i'J.') What does God send to those who do not love and will not heed the truth? (2 Thess. 2:10-12.) From what sort of a pulpit did our Lord speak this parable? (Mark 4:1.) What picture does the parable present to us? Of what is the seed the symbol? (Luke 8:11.) Why is the Word of God likened unto a seed? (Col. 1:5, 6.) Is there any comfort in the thought that the Word is a seed? Who is the sower? Who can be sowers? What promise is there in the Bible to all who earnestly sow it? (Ps. 126:6.) Where will the fulness of the harvest be seen? What did the sower do before he went out to sow? Why is it that so many would-be sowers get so scant a crop? How many kinds of soil are mentioned in the parable? What do these different soils represent? Who are represented by the wayside hearers (v. 19)? (Luke 8:12.) What becomes of the seed sown in such hearts? Who is the chief agent in taking away the seed sown in these hearts? What is his purpose? (Luke 8:12.) What is the one thing, above all others, from which Satan wishes to keep men? What power is there in the truth if planted, believed and rooted in the heart? (Luke 8:12.) How do people get to be wayside hearers? Can a wayside hearer become a good soil hearer? Why did our Lord say that "the devil cometh and taketh away the Word"? Why did He not say the seed lay there and rotted, or the impression faded away? Is it an important part of Satan's work to take away the seed sown in human hearts? How soon does Satan come? (Mark 4:15.) What became of the seed in the second case? Who are represented by the rocky ground hearers (v. 20)? (Luke 8:12.) Is there any response to the truth in this case ? Upon what does it take hold ? What is it that is rocky and impenetrable? Do these hearers give any promise? (Mark 4:16.) Is it always a good sign when any one responds very readily to the Word and receives it at once with gladness? How does a man who sees the real bearing of the truth and its solemn demands often- times receive it at first? Which is better, a swift work or a deep work? What be- came of the seed in this case? What is symbolized by that (v. 21)? What was the cause of their falling away? If the seed were well rooted what would be the effect of the sun? If the Word is well rooted in a man's heart what will be the result of "temptation, tribulation and perse- cution because of the Word"? Have we any N. T. illustrations of rocky ground hearers? (Gal. 4:15; 5:7; 6:12.) What became of the seed in the third case? Whom does this represent? Has there been any real attention to the Word here? Has it taken any hold on the will? Are they capable of bearing fruit? What is the trouble in their case? What is represented by the thorns? (Mark 4:18, 19; Luke 8:14.) What had been done with the thorns? What ought to have been done? What is the practical lesson? Have we any instance in the N. T. of one in whom the Word was in danger of being choked by "the cares of this world"? (Luke 10:41, 42; 14:18, 20.) 84 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD When may we know that the cares of this world are choking the Word? How can we keep from being anxious about any- thing? (Phil. 4:6, R. V.) What very solemn warning has our Lord given us in regard to the cares of this world? (Luke 21 :34, 35-) What was the second thing that choked the Word? Are those who have riches the only ones in peril from them? (I Tim. 6:9, R. V.) What is the third thing that choked the Word? What becomes of the seed? (Mark 4:7.) What will become of the unfruitful? (John 15:6; Matt. 3:10. ) Is this a danger in our churches today? Have we any N. T. illustrations? (2 Tim. 4:10; Rev. 3:14, 17, 18.) What became of the seed in the fourth case? Who are represented here? (5:23; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15.) In how many in- stances did the seed come to nothing? In how many did it bear fruit? Did it pay then to sow it? Have we any of the fourth class today? If we are tempted to be discouraged because of the first, second and third, with what thought can we encourage our hearts? What promise have we to comfort us? (Is. 55:11.) Are we to con- clude that three-fourths of the seed came to nothing? At what stage in the growth of seed did the failure occur? What was the proof of the good soil? What is the test of genuine acceptance of the Word? (Jas. 2:18; John 15:5-) Have we any N. T. illustrations of the seed sown on good soil? (Acts 17:11, 12; Col. 1:6; I Thess. 1:2, 3.) Is the good soil all equally productive (V. 8)? What is the practical lesson of the par- able (vv. 9, 24, 25) ? (Luke 8:18.) Did the disciples understand the parable? What did they do? (Luke 8:9.) When we don't understand any of Christ's teaching, what is the wisest thing for us to do? What prayer of the Bible ought every stu- dent of the Bible to have ever upon his lips? (Ps. 119:18.) Why didn't the others ask to have the parable explained? If they had, would our Lord have granted the request? (James i :5.) What privilege did He say His true disciples had? Is that much of a privilege? How did they get this privilege, as something earned or a gift? Why had it been given to them and not to the rest (v. 12) ? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. The Word. (i) Its power: to grow, 5-8; to bear fruit, 23; to save men (Luke 8:12). (2) Its importance : in heedless hearts, 4, 19; in shallow hearts, 5, 20; in pre- occupied hearts, 7, 22. 2. Hearers of the Word. (i) Foolish: hear but do not heed, 4, 19; heed but do not hold, 5, 20; hold but do not hoe out thorns, or hold with only half the heart, 7, 22. (2) Wise : hear, understand, heed, ac- cept, hold fast, pray for light, 9. 3. The devil. His existence and reality, appreciation of the power of the Word, hatred of the Word, alertness, activity, maligni- ty, power, 4, 19. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 85 LESSON 39. The Parable of the Wheat and Tares. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Two sowers, vv. 24, 25. To whom was this parable spoken (v. 36)? To whom was it explained? What parable preceded this? How much time intervened between the two? Is there any connection between the two? To whom is the kingdom of heaven likened? Does this form of expression mean that the kingdom is like the man himself or that its progress is like that in this history of which the man is the central figure? What is meant by "the kingdom of heaven"? Whom does the sower in this parable symbolize (v. 2>7) ? What is im- plied in the title "Son of Man"? What is symbolized by the good seed (v. 38) ? In the preceding parable what did the good seed symbolize (v. 19) ? What is the rela- tion between the two? What is the field (v. 38) ? Whose field is the world? Who is the god of this world? (2 Cor. 4:4.) Is he rightful ruler in this world? What does our Lord assume to be by claiming the world to be His field? In whose field did the Son of man sow? How many of us have a field? What is our field? What is it our duty to do in regard to it? If oae has a very small field is it important to sow good seed in it? Which is best, a small field well cultivated or a large field poorly cultivated? What harm came to the field? Who is the enemy (v. 39) ? Does this mean a personal devil? (2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10; Matt. 4:1-11.) Why do men den^ the existence of a personal devil? What proof of his existence have we? Whom do the tares represent (v. 38) ? How do wicked men come to be in the world? How does the devil sow them? (Gen. 3:4, 5.) What is taught by that? Where did the devil sow them? Do the tares ever get into the church? What are tares literally? Is such an atrocious act ever committed in fact? What illus- tration have we in history of the devil sowing tares? (Gen. 3; John 13:2; Acts 5:3; 20:29, etc.) Does the devil have any helpers in sowing tares? What may we be sure will be sown on top of the wheat we sow in the home, in the Sunday school, etc.? When is the enemy said to have sown the tares? What did the Saviour mean to teach by that? Can we always be on our guard? What guarantee then have we that we shall always be kept? (Ps. 121:3.) What did the enemy do when he had sown the seed? Why? Does he try to conceal himself today when he has done his work? Was there any similarity be- tween the work of Satan and that of the Son of man? 2. Two crops growing together, vv. 26- 29. When were the tares discovered? When and how can tares be distinguished from wheat? When and how can bad men be distinguished from good? (Matt. 7:20.) Were they tares before they were dis- covered to-be such? How many kinds of seed were there? How many kinds of men are there? (i John 3:10.) What was the first feeling of the farmer's servants when they discovered the tares? What does this surprise represent? What is our Lord's answer to the question of the origin of evil in the world? What is the origin of the obstacles to Christ's work today? (i STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Thess. 2:18.) How far can Satan hinder? (Job 1:12; 2:6.) What was the second feeling of the servants in regard to tares? What does that represent? Did this spirit ever manifest itself in the disciples? (Luke 9:54.) Have the professed disciples of Jesus ever exhibited this spirit since? Does the householder permit the tares to be root- ed up? Does this prohibit the excommuni- cation of church members? (18:15-17; Ro. 16:17; I Cor. 5:3-5, 11; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14. What is forbidden? Has the command any bearing on church discipline? What reason does the householder give for not rooting out the tares at once? How might the wheat be rooted out? What question that men are constantly asking do His words answer? Why does God delay the execu- tion of judgment on the wicked? (2 Peter 3 :9.) What element of Christ's character is here set forth? 3. Two harvests, v. 30. Were the tares and wheat to grow to- gether forever? When is the harvest (v. 39) ? What two kinds of harvest are spoken of in the Bible as taking place at the end of the world? (Rev. 14:14-20.) What is to take place at the harvest? Who are the reapers (v. 39) ? What will they do with the tares? What is signified by binding them in bundles? What is meant by the burning (v. 42) ? Where else is the doom of the wicked spoken of as fire? (2 Sam. 23:6, 7; Matt. 7:19; John 15:6; Is. 66:24; 5:24; 9:18, ig; 10:16, 17; 33:11, 12 ; Heb. 6 :8 ; 10 :26, 27 ; Matt. 25 :4i ; Rev. 20:15; 21:8.) What shall be cast into the fire (v. 41) ? What shall the wicked do in the furnace of fire (v. 42) ? What does "gnashing of teeth" signify? (Acts 7:45.) Where is the barn where the wheat is gathered (v. 43) ? What shall they do there? Who will shine most? (Dan. 12:3.) How much of the wheat will be gath- ered into the garners? How many of the tares will be cast into the fire (v. 41) ? Does this parable teach that the evil gradu- ally disappears from the world or that evil and good grow side by side until a final, awful catastrophe in which the good shall be separated from the evil? Does the harvest precede or follow Christ's coming? (Matt. 24:30, 31.) Upon what does our place in the harvest depend? What does the lesson teach about the devil's charac- ter? About God's? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus. His humanity, 27^ 4i ; deity, goodness, 24; the ideal man, 27', the world's right- ful Lord, 24; the world's final judge, His long-sufifering, severity, 30; His final triumph over Satan and sin, 41-43. 2. The devil. The certainty of his existence, the malig- nity of his heart, the activity of his movements, the cunning of his opera- tions, the subtlety of his methods, 29, 35; the usurpation of his domin- ion, 24-26. 3. The angels. Christ's servants, 41 ; ministers of Christ's mercy, 30; executioners of His wrath, 42. 4. Man. Two classes : sons of the kingdom, sons of the devil, 38; not always distin- guishable or separable now, 29; will be distinguished and separated when they are ripe — the one for heaven, the other for hell, 30; two destinies: God's garner, the furnace of fire, 30; two experiences: burning in hell, shining in the Kingdom of their Father, 42, 43. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 87 5. The bliss of the righteous. Its character : real, final, certain, glorious, 30, 43 ; its nature : holy fellowship, communion with Christ, effulgent glory, 30, 43 ; time : the end of the age, 40. 6. The doom of the wicked. Its character: real, certain, final, terrible, 30, 31, 42; its nature: physical tor- ment, moral degradation, unholy companionship, unavailing cries, 30, 42 ; time : the end of the age, 40. LESSON 40. The Growth of the Kingdom. Mark 4:26-29; Matthew 13:31-33. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The seed growing of itself, Mark 4:26-29. What is the relation of this parable to the parables in Matt. 13:1-30? What is represented by the seed in this parable? (Luke 8:11; I Peter 1:23.) Where is it to be sown? Why does it spring up and grow? Who is it sows it? What com- forting thought is there for the sower in V. 27? What is the teaching of v. 28 as to the manner of the growth of the kingdom? Is there any teaching here as to the growth of the spiritual life of the believer? Who is it puts in the sickle? When does He put it in? 2. Outward grozvth, Matt. 13:31, 32. What is the relation of the parable of the mustard seed to the two parables that precede it? In what respects principally is the kingdom of heaven like the mustard seed? (Acts 1:15, compare 21:20; Ps. 72:16, 17; Dan. 2:34, 35.) In what single seed was the kingdom of heaven first plant- ed in the earth? (John 12:24; Gal. 3:15.) What was the character of this seed in the eyes of the world? (Is. 53:2, 3.) Is this parable intended to teach "the outward growth of the kingdom in the world," "the internal growth of the church as a system of truth and ethics" or "the growth of the spiritual life of the individual"? Are there other respects in which the kingdom of heaven is like the mustard seed? Who is it sows the seed? Where does he sow it? What is his field (vv. Z7, 38)? What is meant by the birds of heaven coming and lodging on the bfanches thereof? (vv. 4, 19; Ezek. 17:22, 23, 24; 31:6, 12; Dan. 4: 12-14.) In what respects are almost all movements which are from God like the mustard seed? 3. hnvard decay, Matt. 13:33. To what is the kingdom of heaven lik- ened in the second parable of this lesson? Of what is leaven the type in every other passage in which it is found in the Bible? (i Cor. 5:6, 7; Gal. 5:8, 9; Matt. 16:6, etc.) Was it usually allowed in the sacri- fices? Why not? Was there any sacrifice in which it was allowed? (Lev. 23:17.) In this sacrifice in which it was allowed what did it symbolize? Why is it so fre- quently used as a symbol of corruption? Does it necessarily follow because a thing is often used in the Bible as a symbol of something evil that it cannot be used else- where as a symbol of something good? (Compare i Peter 5:8 with Rev. 5:5; Hos. 7:11 with Matt. 10:16; Rev. 12:9 with Num. 21:8 and John 3:14.) Are these instances really parallel to the usage of leaven in the Bible? Have we any in- spired reference to this parable of our Lord by which we can decide whether leaven is here used as a symbol of good STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD or of evil? (i Cor. 5:6-8.) How then can "the kingdom of heaven" be said to be "like unto leaven"? (Compare vv. 24, 25.) Of what is woman a type in the Bible? (Zech. 5:7-11; Rev. 17:3-6; i Tim. 2:14, etc.) What is represented by the three measures of meal? If we take the leaven to represent the Gospel in its pervasive in- fluence, what must the measures of meal represent? Of which does the meal seem the more natural symbol, the world or the children's bread? Why are three measures mentioned? (Gen. 18:6; Judges 6:19; I Sam. 1:24.) What three forms of leaven are mentioned in the teaching of Christ? (Matt. 16:6, 12; Mark 8:15.) What did the woman do with the leaven? Why (v. 25) ? What did the leaven do in the meal? What does that teach? If we take the leaven as the Gospel itself what would it teach? Is it the doctrine of the Bible elsewhere that the whole world is gradually to be converted by the silent, pervasive influence of the Gospel? (vv. 30, 49; I Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13; Matt. 24:24-31; 2 Thess. 2:3-8; 1:7, 8; Rev. 1:7; Luke 18:8, etc.) What is the relation between the para- ble of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven? Where did our Lord get His illustrations for these two parables? Is there any lesson in that for Christian workers today? What is the practical les- son from this parable for us? Where shall we find a safeguard against this corrupting of the children's bread by the leaven of false doctrine? (Acts 20:29, 30, 32; 2 Tim. 3:13, 14.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Our Lord. His insignificance in the eyes of men, 32; His knowledge of the whole future outward and inward history of the kingdom of heaven, 31-33; the founder of the kingdom, the world His field, 31 ; His use of com- mon things to illustrate great truths, 31-33; forewarns and forearms His attentive disciples against the in- sidious perils of the last days, 33. 2. The kingdom of heaven. Its insignificant beginnings, 31 ; its wondrous growth, protecting shadow over individuals and nations, 32; its inward corruption by an apostate church, the manner in which it is corrupted — the woman secretes the leaven of error in the children's bread (the truth), the insidiousness of the process, the all-pervasiveness of the corrupting influence, it was all foreknown and provided for by the founder of the kingdom, 33. "Take heed and beware of the leaven !" LESSON 41. Three Parables: The Hid Treasure, the Merchant Seeking Goodly- Pearls, and the Net Cast into the Sea. Matthew 13:44-52. our Lord wish to bring out by this com- parison? Was hidden treasure often found To what is the kingdom likened in v. 44? in the country in which He spoke these What point m regard to the kingdom did words? How did the man come to find DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Finding without seeking, v. 44. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD the treasure ? What truth does that teach ? What does the field represent in the par- able of the tares (v. 38) ? Doesn't the fact that the field means the world in one parable necessitate our interpreting it as the world in another parable? (Compare V. 44 with V. 52, where the "treasure" mani- festly does not mean the same if we accept the interpretation of v. 44 that makes the field the world; and Matt. 25:14 with Luke 15:13, in both of which "far country" is mentioned in opposite senses.) Is what a man gives up when he "gains Christ" much in comparison with what he gets? What must a man be willing to give up? (Luke 14:33.) Suppose this man had refused to sell his all, what would he have lost? Suppose we refuse to part with our all, what will we lose? Will that pay? (Mark 8:36.) Is it likely that this man after he got this treasure talked very much of the "sacrifices" he had to make in order to acquire it? Will any one who has really found and appre- ciates the treasure there is in Christ talk very much of the sacrifices he made to gain it ? How do you reconcile this parable with such passages as Eph. 2 :8 ; Ro. 6 :23 ? Are there any other passages in the Bible in which the word "buy" is used to express our acquiring the treasures of grace? (Is. 55:1; Rev. 3:18; Prov. 23:23; Matt. 25:9, 10.) Who sought a treasure in this world and to gain it gave up all He had? (2 Cor. 8:9; Heb. 12:2.) Note. ..There are two interpretations of this parable, the comparative force of which may best be seen by the following arrange ment : Parable. I. Treasure. The field. Hid. 4. A man. 5. Hath found. First interpretation. Second interpretation. Israel, Ex. 19:5. (Some The treasures in Christ, i. e., heavenly say the church.) treasure, Matt. 6:19, 21; treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col. 3 :3 ; Prov. 2:4; 16:16; 2 Cor. 4:6, 7; eternal life, I John 5 :ii, 12. The world, v. 38. Christ, Col. 2:3. Original insignificance of Hid in Christ, Col. 2:3, See also 2 Cor. Israel (in Abraham's 4:3, 4, 6. loins visible to God but not to the world). Jesus, V. 2)7- It was God Any one who stumbles upon the treasures who found Israel. in Christ, for instance Nathanael, John 1:46, 49; the woman, John 4:7. God's discovery of Israel The discovery of the treasures hid in in Abraham (should be Christ, John 4:28-30. Jacob, if the interpreta- tion is to be accurate). Was God's discovery of Israel accidental and sur- prising as in parable (Ro. 10:20) ? 90 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Parable. First Interfrelation. 6. He hideth. Jesus scatters Israel among the nations, and so hides. 7. The joy Joy over Israel. thereof. 8. Goeth and sell- Christ's sacrifice of all, 2 eth all that Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:6, etc. he hath. 9. Buyeth the Redeems the world to gain field. Israel. Second Interpretation. The precaution exercised by the one who has just found the treasure not to lose it, 2 John 8; Rev. 3:11; 2:25. Joy in the heavenly treasure found in Christ, Acts 8:8; 16:34; John 1:41; Phil. 3:8. Sacrifice of all to gain Christ, Phil. 3:8, R. v.; Matt. 19:21, 27, 29; Luke 14:33; Heb. 10:34. A common Biblical expression for acquir- ing the treasures of grace and in this parable with especial reference to the cost, "all that he hath." Luke 14:28, 2,y, Matt. 19:21, 2-], 29; Phil. 3:5, 8. The first interpretation is based upon the use of the word "treasure" as applied to Israel in Ex. 19:5 and parallel pas- sages, but the Hebrew word segnllah used there is not the equivalent of the Greek word thesauros used in our parable but of the word peripoicsis, by which it is translated in i Peter 2 \g — a quotation from the O. T. passages regarding Israel. It does not mean "treasure" but "posses- sion" (see R. v.). The Greek word thesauros is used 18 times in the N. T., 12 times of the treasures that come through Christ, 4 times of the treasures of the heart, the remaining 2 times in the ordinary sense of material treasures. It is never used of Israel. 2. Seeking and finding, vv. 45, 46. To what is the judgment of heaven likened in vv. 45, 46? What is repre- sented by the pearls sought? (Job 28:12, 13, 15. 18; c. 7:6.) What by the one pearl found? (John 14:6.) What kind of a pearl is it? How did the man come to find it? How does this case differ from that of the preceding parable? Did the man in v. 44 buy the field for itself or for what was in it? For what did the man buy the pearl? Do men ever seek to gain Christ for what they get in Him? (Matt. 19:27; Phil. 3:8.) Do men ever value Christ for what He is Himself? What did this man seeking goodly pearls need to be on his guard against? Any lesson in that? Did the man do wisely when he sold all his other pearls to gain this one pearl? Do we do wisely when we part with all other pearls to gain the "one pearl of great price"? Was it any hardship for the man to give up the in- ferior pearls? Will it be hard for us when we appreciate what a priceless pearl Christ is? What if he had clung to the pearls he had? When the man was seek- ing did he expect to find one pearl or many? Why did he rest content with one? Why are Christians content with one pearl? What are the points of difference between this parable and the preceding one? 3. Gathering of every kind, vv. 47-50. To what is the kingdom compared in V. 47? In what respect is it like the net cast into the sea? What is the sea into STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 91 which it is cast? What is done when the net is full? When will the net be full? Who are represented by the bad fish? (v. 38.) Who by the good fish? What is done with the bad fish? With the good fish? What thought is represented by their being gathered into vessels? When does the separation take place (v4g) ? Who will do the separating? What is represented by the furnace of fire? (See questions on Lesson 39.) What thought is set forth in their weeping? In their gnashing of teeth? 4. Giving forth the treasure found, vv 5h 52. What question did our Lord put as He brought to a close the seven parables? Why was He anxious they should under- stand (v. 19) ? Is He equally anxious that we should understand His teaching? How can we? (i John 5:20; Jas. 1:5; I Cor. 2:14.) What did the disciples answer? Was that true? Were they quick to understand? (Matt. i6:ii; Mark 7:18; 9:31, 32; 8:15.) Do we always under- stand when we think we do? How does our Lord say that one who is truly "in- structed unto the kingdom" will show it? If we are not imparting this treasure to others is it probable that we have it our- selves? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Our Lord. (i) What He is: The One in whom are treasures of priceless value, 44; the one pearl of great price, 46. (2) How He is found: The treasure in Him is hidden from the eye, is stumbled upon by those who know not of it and seek not for it, 44 ; He is found as the one pearl by those diligently seeking goodly pearls, 45, 46. (3) How He is gained: To gain Christ all else must be sur- rendered; the treasure there is in Him and the priceless pearl He Him- self is are incomparable, more pre- cious than all earthly good, 44-46. 2. The kingdom of heaven. A net that gathers all kinds, 47; will be filled with good and bad, 48; there will be a separation at the end of the age, 49. LESSON 42. Our Lord Stilling the Tempest. Mark 4 :35-4L (Compare Matthew 8 : 18-27; Luke 8:22-25.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Ecce Homo! vv. 35-39. What sort of day in the life of our Lord had it been? What did He say to His disciples at its close? Why did He wish to go to the other side? (5:1-20.) Why did He not go before evening? When even came after so busy a day what would He have done if He had followed the promptings of nature (v. 38) ? Why did He not do that? Did He spend much time on that other side? (5:17, 18.) Did He make many converts over there? Did He not make a mistake in going? Did He feel repaid for His trouble? (5:15, 20.) How many did He leave behind Him? How many did He minister to on the other side? Does God ever call His serv- ants to leave a multitude in order to minister to just one soul? (Acts 8:6^ 92 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 26-29.) What is meant by the expression "even as He was" in v. 36? Were the people willing to give our Lord up? What occurred when they got out into the lake? From whom did that storm come? (Job 1:12, 19; Ps. 107:24, 25; John 1:4.) How severe was it? Was there any real danger that the boat would go down? Why not? How far can the devil go in his attempts to destroy or injure God's servants? (Job 1:10-12; 2:4-6.) Until when is a servant of God perfectly safe from all Satan's attempts to put him out of the way? (John 7:30.) Need we then have any fear in the face of the most imminent peril? What was our Lord doing all this time? Why did He go to sleep? (John 1:14; Phil. 2:6-8; Heb. 2:17; 4:15; John 4:6.) Was His human nature real or only ap- parent? When did He take His rest? How had He become so weary? Do many Christian workers weary themselves as our Lord did with incessant toil for God or perishing men? How could He sleep at such time and in such place? (Ps. 3:5, 6; Ps. 127:2.) Ought not He to have remained awake and kept on the watch for the perils that might arise on the voyage? (i Peter 5:7.) What did the disciples do in their apparent danger? What ought we to do when in trouble? (Ps. 50:15.) Was there any wrong in the way in which they addressed our Lord? Was He indifferent to their safety? (John 18:8, 9; 10: 1 1.) Does He care if we perish? (John 3:16; Matt. 23:37.) Does it ever seem as if the Lord had forgotten His servants or was indifferent to their welfare? (Ps. 10:1; 22:1, 2; 77 7-10.) Does He forget? (Is. 49:14, iS-) 2. Ecce Deus! vv. 39-4^- What did our Lord now do? Was He excited? Was He ever excited? (John 20:6, 7.) What is the literal meaning of the words translated "Peace, be still" ? Did He use many words? Why was it neces- sary to speak to the sea as well as to the wind? Why did He rebuke the wind? What else is He recorded as rebuking? (Mark 9:25; Luke 4:39.) Did He ask God to make the wind stop blowing and the waves to cease raging? Why not? What was the effect of His bare word? Who does this show Him to be? (Ps. 107:29; 89:9.) If Satan raised this storm what relation between Satan and the word of Jesus does this verse show to exist? Do we see the power of Satan anywhere else subject to the bare word of Jesus? (5:8, 10.) What was all that Satan had suc- ceeded in doing by raising the storm? Did our Lord perform this miracle to secure His own safety? Did He ever perform a miracle to protect or provide for Himself? If we wish "a great calm" after the tempests that sweep over our souls how can we find it? Where else did our Lord administer a rebuke besides to the wind? What was it in the disciples that He rebuked? What change does the Revised Version make in His words? Was it not natural that they should be afraid? Was it justifiable? Were they in any real peril? What made it certain that they would reach the other side in safety (v. 35) ? When our Lord calls us to go to any place and we start at His command is there any uncertainty about our getting there? Has a believer ever any right to be fearful? (Ps. 46:1-3; 27:1-3; Is. 41:10; 43:1, 2.) What is the great cure for fear? (John 14:1; Is. 12:2; 26:3; Ps. 56:3.) What then did the fearfulness of the dis- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 93 ciples reveal? If they had really believed in our Lord and appreciated Him would they have been afraid? If we really be- lieve in and appreciate Him will we ever be afraid? Was it time the disciples had faith? By what word did our Lord bring that out? (R. V.) Is there ever occasion for Him to put that question to us? Was it often necessary for Him to rebuke the unbelief of His disciples? (Matt. 14:31; 6:30; 16:8.) What was the effect of all this upon the disciples? What kind of fear was this? What question did they put to one another? (R. V.) What is the true answer to that question? (Ps. 89:9.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 7. Our Lord. (i) His nature: His true humanity, 38; true divinity, 39, 41- (2) His word : Its power, directness and brevity, 39, 40. (3) His character: Unwearying zeal in well-doing, 35 ; un- ruffled calmness in great crises, un- approachable dignity, 39. (4) What He suffered: Exposure to tempest, 37; misunder- standing, extreme weariness, re- proach, 38 ; disappointment at the unbelief of His disciples, 40. (5) What He did: Forgot His own weariness in others' need, 35 ; attracted multitudes to Himself, left the admiring multitudes to minister to one wretched demo- niac, 36; seemed at times to forget His disciples, 38; never did forget them, gave deliverance at the last moment, turned the wild storm into a great calm, 39; rebuked the fear- fulness and unbelief of His dis- ciples, 40. 2. The disciples. (i) What they enjoyed: Perfect security in the face of apparent danger, 37, 40. (2) The foolish things they did : Misunderstood, reproached their Mas- ter, 38; indulged in unbelief, gave way to fear, 40. (3) The wise things they did: Called on our Lord in their peril, 38; recognized His divinity, 41. S. Three rebukes. The disciples rebuked our Lord for His imagined neglect of their safety, 38; our Lord rebuked the disciples for their real unbelief, 40; our Lord rebuked the wind, 39. LESSON 43. Our Lord and the Gadarene Demoniac. Mark 5:1-20. (Compare Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. In Satan's power, vv. 1-13. Where is the scene of this lesson laid? Was it a very godly neighborhood? Is there anything fitting that this extreme in- stance of the degradation and misery caused by Satan's power should be found in such a locality? What time of day was it when they reached Gergesa? (4:35-37.) By whom was our Lord met as they left their boat? What was his condition? (Matt. 8:28; Luke 8:27.) In this fearful 94 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD picture of the demonized man, what do jou see illustrated? Of what future state of existence does it give us a slight hint? What had men ineffectually attempted to do? In what brief clause is the result of these attempts summed up? Could anyone tame him? If "no man could tame him," and our Lord tamed him, who then was our Lord? By what means had men en- deavored to tame him? By what means did our Lord tame him? Which is most effectual — the force and chains of men or the love and word of our Lord? Does it prove because a man today cannot be sub- dued by man's force that he cannot be subdued by our Lord's love? When the demonized man saw our Lord, what did he do ? What had he usually done when he saw men approach him? (Matt. 8:28.) Was it the man's overmastering sense of need, or the demons within, that brought him to the feet of our Lord ? What evidence is there in v. 7 that there was a superhuman intelligence within the man? What is indicated by his words as to the moral character of this indwelling being? Do w^e ever nowadays see a person drawn (as this man was) now toward the divine and again toward the devilish by mighty contending forces within? How do you account for that? What words does Matthew add to the demon's prayer "Tor- ment me not"? (Matt. 8:29.) What is in- dicated by that addition? Why did the demons offer this prayer to our Lord? What did our Lord ask the man? Was it the man's or the demon's name that He asked? (Luke 8:30.) When did He ask him his name? For whom did the man answer? What is the explanation of that? How did the demons further show their cowering, cringing and malicious nature? How does Luke put their prayer? (Luke 8:31, R. V.) What is the "abyss" into which they feared they should be sent? (Rev. 20:2, 3, R. V.) Where did the demons ask that they might go? What is indicated by this as to the character of their subjection to the will and word of our Lord ? Is there anything encouraging in that? Did He permit them to go into the swine? Was that right on His part? (Lev. 11 7, 8.) Did He send the demons into the swine or simply give them leave to go? Ought He not to have exer- cised His supernatural powers to protect the illegal property of these men? What be- came of the swine? What made them do that? Which had most willingly submitted to the indwelling of demons, the hogs or the man? Do men nowadays ever volun- tarily surrender themselves to the power of the devil in a way a hog would not ? Were there really demons in this man, or did he only imagine so? 2. At the feet of our Lord, vv. 14-18. What did the keepers of the swine do? Why? In which were those who heard most interested— the good which had come to the man, or the harm which had come to the swine? What did those who heard do? Why? What wonderful sight greeted their eyes? What had wrought this mar- velous change? Would the bare word of a mere man have wrought such a change? Does our Lord work any such changes in men today? What sort of a spirit do we receive from Him? (2 Tim. 17.) Where did this formerly naked demoniac get his clothes ? What would one naturally suppose would be the effect of such a sight upon the be- holders? What was the actual effect? Why were they afraid? What singular prayer did they offer to our Lord? Do men ever offer that prayer nowadays? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 95 Why did they make this request? (Luke 8:37; Deut. 5:25; Job 21 : 13-15.) Who had given utterance to a similar prayer earlier in the chapter? (v. 7.) Which of the apostles had once oflfered a similar prayer to Jesus? (Luke 5:8.) How did Peter's prayer differ from that of these Gergesenes ? (Luke 5:9-11.) Did our Lord do as these Gergesenes wished? What lesson is there in that? What very different prayer did the restored demoniac offer? Why did he wish to be with our Lord? (Phil, i :23.) J. Witnessing for our Lord, vv. ig, 20. Did He grant the saved man's request? Why not? Why is it that Christ often- times does not permit His longing disciples "to depart and be with Him"? (Phil. 1:23, 24.) What did he tell this man to do? Where was he to testify first of all? Is there any lesson in that for us? What was he to tell his friends? What should be the substance of our testimony? Why did our Lord in this case bid the man to testify, while in previous instances He had bidden others to say nothing to any man? Ordinarily does He wish us to testify of our blessings received? (Ro. 10:10; Ps. 66:16.) As what does He wish newly saved men to go out, teachers or witnesses? How did the man show the genuineness of his gratitude? What would we think of this man if after our Lord had done so great things for him, and bidden him go tell it, he had kept it to himself? Is it probable that his testimony was always favorably received? Would he stop testifying on that account? Would it be very pleasant to tell how degraded he had been? Why ought he still to do it? Would he tell it in a boasting way, as if he were proud of it ? Who was it, he would say had wrought the change? Would he take any credit to himself? Where did he tell it? Did our Lord ever visit Decapolis again? (7:31.) Who had prepared the way for this second visit? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Our Lord. (i) What He was: Divine: (a) the unwilling testimony of demons, 7; (b) the testimony of deeds, 4, 15; compassionate — toward Satan's victim, 8; toward those who did not want Him, 19; long-suffer- ing: they asked Him to depart but He left a witness, 19; omnipotent: can subdue by His mere word those whom human force cannot tame, 3, 4, 14; absolute power and authority over demons, 7-13; feared: by de- mons, 7; by ungodly men, 17; His companionship more desirable to the saved man than that of all earthly friends, 18. (2) W^hat He did: Had mercy upon a poor outcast, 19; saved one of whom men despaired. 15 ; transformed a fierce, indecent, untamable, self-torturing demoniac into a self-possessed, gentle, teach- able, faithful pupil and witness, 15, 20; did not protect illegitimate prop- erty, 13 ; departed from those who did not desire Him, 18. 2. The demoniac. (i) What he was : In Satan's power, 1-5 ; possessed of a legion of demons, 2, 9; deluded, his identity lost in that of the indwelling demons, 7, 9; indecent, 15; fierce, un- tamable, an inhabitant of the tombs, 3 ; self-torturing, in agony night and day, 5. (2) What he did: Saw our Lord, ran to Him, kneeled to Him. 6. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD (3) What happened to him: Our Lord had mercy upon him, 19; banished the demons from him, 8. (4) The result : He became calm, sane, clothed, joyous, 14; grateful, 18-20; desired to be with our Lord always, 18; at His word remained behind as a witness, testified to his friends first, then throughout the country, and always of what our Lord had done, 19, 20. The devil and demons. Malignant, 3-5 ; cringing, 10 ; appre- hensive of coming doom, 7; self-de- structive, 13; absolutely subject to Jesus' power and word, cannot even enter into hogs without His permis- sion, 7, 8, 12 ; take possession of men, drive men mad, torment men, 2-5, LESSON 44. Our Lord and the Woman Who Had the Issue of Blood. Mark 5 :24-34. (Compare Matthew 9 :20-22 ; Luke 8 :43-48.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. In need of a Saviour, vv. 24-26. Whither was Christ going in the open- ing verse of the lesson? What does He do by the way? What lesson is in that? What was the condition of this woman? In what way did this issue of blood injure her? (Lev. 15:19, 20.) In what way was this sickness a type of sin? How long had she been thus affHcted? Whom did she need? Whom does the sinner need? Did not the long continuance of her plague make her case hopeless? (Luke 13:16; John 5:5. 8, 9; Acts 4:22, 26.) To whom had this woman been for relief? Had she got it? Is it ever the case nowadays that our Lord heals those whom no human skill can help? If this sickness is a type of sin, of whom are these baffled physicians a type? Was there any help for her? When man's help is vain whither should we look? (Ps. 108:12.) Why did this woman come to our Lord? 2. Coming to our Lord, w. 27-29. What prompted her to come to our Lord? If we want people to come to Him as their Healer, Helper and Saviour, what ought we to do? Did the mere hearing about Him save her? What was the connecting link between the hearing and coming? What must hearing always be mixed with to profit any one? (Heb. 4:2.) What was the wo- man's plan for getting the desired heal- ing? What was there wrong in her thought? What was there wrong in her purpose? What was there right? Did her mistake shut her out of the blessing? Which is better — heart faith mixed with errors that nevertheless brings one to Je- sus, or views that are correct but entirely Was the thought a matter of the head? that that which belongs to Jesus (as, for instance. His garment) had something of His power in it, altogether mistaken? (Matt. 14:36; Acts 5:15, 16; 19:12.) What was the effect of that touch? How prompt was the going forth of healing power? What was there about that touch that brought so prompt a blessing? How complete was the cure? How did the wo- man know she was cured? Was the cure the effect of imagination? 3. Confessing the Saviour, vv. 30-34. Did she expect our Lord to know about this cure? Did He? How soon? Why? What did He do? What did He do that for? (Ro. 10:10.) Why were the disci- ples surprised at His question? Was there STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 97 anything unreasonable in it? What two different ways are there of touching Him? Are there any nowadays who "throng" Him but do not "touch" Him? What was His answer to the disciples? (Luke 8:46.) What did that answer imply? Did the woman at first confess what she had done? (Luke 8:45.) Did He let her go without confessing the blessing she had received? Whj' not? Any lesson in this? Why did she come at last and confess all? (Luke 8:47.) How did she come? Why trembling and fearing? In which did she have most confidence — our Lord's power or His love? How is it with men today? How much did she tell? How much does our Lord want us to tell? Whom did she tell? Didn't He know it already? Why then did He want her to tell it? When He has healed or helped us, what should be our feeling about telling it to others? (Ps. 66:16.) What was His response? Wasn't that comforting? Would she have received that benediction if she had not publicly confessed the blessing received? Why is it nowadays that many who have received Christ do not get the light? By what title does He call her? Did He ever address any other woman so? Why did He address her? (Matt. 12:20.) What did He say had saved her? Just what was her faith? How did it save (v. 30) ? What is the literal translation of "Go in peace"? What does it mean? How may we too "go into peace" and be whole of our plagues? (Phil. 4:6, 7.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. (i) What He shows: His deity, 25-34 ; humanity, 30 ; omnipo- tence, 26-34; attractiveness to the multitude, 24; to the needy, 25, 27; compassion on the needy, 24-26; on the ignorant, 28; on the fearful, ;i2, 34; tenderness ("Daughter"), 34; self-sacrifice, 30; unwearying activi- ty — never so busy with one man's distress but that He had time to help another by the way, 24, 25. (2) What He does: Draws the multitudes to Himself, re- sponds to every sincere cry for help, 24; heals those whom no human skill can reach, 25, 26, 29; heals others at the sacrifice of His own strength, de- mands confession, 30; searches out those whom He has blessed that they may confess, 33; and receive larger blessing, 34; comforts the broken hearted, gives peace to those who are trembling and afraid, 33, 34. 2. The woman. (i) Her condition: A great sufferer, 26; defiled, outcast, friendless, her trouble of many years' standing, 25; penniless, had sought help in many places in vain, no help from man, getting worse, despairing, no one to go to but our Lord, 26. (2) What she did: Heard of our Lord, believed what she heard, had an ignorant and imper- fect, but genuine faith, came to Him, 27; trusted in His power to help, 28; touched Him with the touch of faith, 30; trembled and feared even after she had received the blessing, confessed her condition, confessed her Saviour, fell at His feet, "told Him all the truth," 33; had more faith in His power than in His pity, 27, 28, 33; found Him as divinely compassionate as He was divinely powerful, 34. (3) What she got: Healing, complete, immediate, 29; com- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD fort, assurance, peace, commenda- tion, 29, 34. (4) Contrasts : Tried to steal the blessing and felt guilty, confessed the blessing and found peace, 33, 34; came an outcast of men, Christ called her "Daughter," 25, 34. Faith. (i) What it is: Confidence that our Lord can and will save, 28. (2) How it is begotten: A sense of dire need of Jesus prepares the way, 25, 26; hearing of Him be- gets it, 27; contact with Him con- firms it, 33, 34. (3) What it does: Comes to Him, 27; touches Him with another touch than that of mere out- ward contact, 30; confesses Him, 33. (4) What it gets: Healing, 29; comfort, assurance, peace, commendation, 34. Confession. Demanded by Christ, 30, 32; gladly given by those who appreciate Him, 33; brings larger blessing, 34. LESSON 45. Our Lord and the Dauehter of Jairus. Mark 5:21-23, 35-43. (Compare Matthew qTi, 18, 19, 23-26; Luke 8:40-42, 49-56.) feet? (Compare Matt. 8:8 with Luke 9:41 ; V. 23.) Will our Lord respond to imper- fect faith? (vv. 28, 29.) What made this case a peculiarly touching one? How many cases of resurrection are there in the Bible? How many of these are of an only child? 2. Our Lord encouraging the fearful, "VV. 35, 36. How had He been delayed by the way? What had occurred during this delay? Was He now too late? Is He ever too late? Does He ever seem too late? (John 11:21.) What was the effect produced upon Jairus by the intelligence that his daughter was dead? What was it that buoyed up his sinking faith? To whom must we look to buoy up our sinking faith? What characteristic of our Lord is illus- trated by the fact that He not only re- sponds to faith but sustains sinking faith? (Is. 42:3.) What did He say? What cure did He propose for fear? Is there any other passage in His teachings where faith is proposed as a cure for fear? (John 14:1.) What does fear come from? DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Our Lord sought by the sorrowful, w. 21-23. What brought Jairus to our Lord? Does that often bring men to Him? Had Jairus been previously well disposed toward Him? How did he manifest his earnestness and the thoroughness of the humbling of his pride? Is that a good place to get? What proof of His deity is there in the fact that our Lord received this homage? (Com- pare Acts 10:25, 26; Rev. 22:8, 9; 5:8.) What was Jairus' prayer? (Luke 8:41.) What words show the genuineness and intensity of the prayer? Did our Lord go? Will He come to our houses if we ask Him? (Rev. 3:20.) Why did Jairus wish Him to come to his house? What is the wisest thing we can do when we have any sick or dying in our homes? Have we any dead in our homes? (Eph. 2:1.) What would we better do? How soon did He respond to this ruler's prayer? (Matt. 9:19.) Is He as ready to respond today? (Heb. 13:8.) Was this ruler's faith per- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 99 What does fearlessness come from? (Is. 26:3.) What is the only thing that can drive out fear? (Is. 12:2.) What promise did our Lord put underneath Jairus' sink- ing faith? What was the one condition of that promise being fulfilled? What is the one condition of enjoyment of God's prom- ises? (Mark 9:23.) What is the one thing in man that will surmount the insur- mountable? (Mark 11:22, 23.) Why can faith do so much? What must faith have to rest upon? (Ro. 10:17.) What must we do if we would see the glory of God? (John 11:40.) 3. Our Lord rebuking the ostentatiously sorrowful and the scornful, vv. 37-40. Why did oiir Lord let no one go with Him save Peter and James and John? (v. 43.) Why did He take them with Him? (Luke 9:28; Mark 14:33.) What condition of affairs did He find in the house? (Matt. 9:23.) Was He pleased? Is He pleased when we make great lamen- tations over departed friends? What rea- son does He give why they should not make such ado? Does that reason hold for those of our friends who die? (i Thess. 4:14; Acts 7:60.) What is meant by "sleep" as applied to the dead? Does it mean a state of un- consciousness ? How did the people receive our Lord's statement? What ground had they for their derision? On whose side were com- mon-sense and reason? Were they right? What was the only ground Jairus had for faith that she merely slept? Who came out better at the end? When we have com- mon-sense and reason on one side, and the word of Christ on the other, which shall we accept? What is faith? (Heb. 11 :i.) W^at did our Lord do with the scorners? What will be the ultimate treatment of all scorners? (Rev. 21:8.) 4. Our Lord raising the dead, vv. 41-43. When He had put the scorners out, what did our Lord next do? Did He ever take any one else by the hand? (Mark 1:31; 8:23; 9:27.) What was the result in each case? Will He ever take any of us by the hand? (Is. 41:13.) What rea- son was there why He might have hesitated about taking her by the hand? (Num. 19: II.) Why did He do it? What else did He do? To what did He call? What was it that responded? (Luke 8:55.) Was the departed spirit of the girl capable of hear- ing His call? Was it conscious? How did He address it? ( Luke 8:54.) Where then did the real personality of the girl exist? From what place did her spirit return? (Eccl. 12:7; Luke 23:43; Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:6, 8.) What was the re- sult? What is natural death ? What power was it brought resurrection? With how many will the voice of our Lord have power to bring resurrection? (John 5:28, 29.) How soon did the dead girl arise? What direction did He give concerning her? When one has been raised by the voice of Christ from spiritual death, what is our first duty regarding him? What shall we give him to eat? (i Peter 2:2.) Suppose the girl had not been fed? Are people whom Christ raises from the dead nowadays ever left to starve afterwards? What was the effect of all this on the parents? Had they not believed? What further charge did our Lord give them? Why? (Matt. 12:15-20; Mark i :43-4S-) How had that ruler felt when he left his home to find Him? How did he feel now when He left? What is the lesson for us? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. His deity, 22, 39, 41, 42; humanity, 24; 100 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD hatred of ostentatious grief, 39; sternness toward scorners, 40 ; dislike of notoriety, 43; absence of hurry, 14-35 ; compassion upon sorrow, 24 ; compassion upon weak faith, 36; readiness to answer prayer, 22-24; power to answer prayer, 41, 42; power to strengthen fainting faith, 36; power to banish sorrow, power over death, 42, 43; delayed not at all for His own need, 24; delayed long for another's need, 24-35. 2. Man. His scorn for Christ's word, helpless- ness before Christ's word, 40; feeble faith in Christ's word, comfort in Christ's word, 36; amazement at the power of Christ's word, 42. J. Sorrow. Brings men to Christ, 22; banished by Christ, 42, 43; awakens the compas- sion of Christ, 23. 4. Prayer to Christ. Its power, 22, 23, 42 ; shorld be earnest, to the point, 23; beheving, 3(5. 5. Faith. Awakened by need, brings men to Je- sus' feet, 22; banishes fear, gets the blessing, must be supported by Christ, 36; believes His Word, even against the testimony of his senses, 36-39; conquers death, 42. LESSON 46. Our Lord's Second Rejection at Nazareth. Matthew 9 :27-34 ; Mark 6:1-6. (Compare Matthew 13:54-58.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Our Lord's power over blindness, Matt. 9:2^-31. What miracle had our Lord just per- formed? (Matt. 9:23-26.) Whither was Fie going? (Mark 5:43-6:1.) What oc- curred as He passed along the way? How did these blind men show their earnest- ness? How did they show their faith? Did He seem to pay any attention to them at first? Why not? As whom did the blind men recognize Him? Had that any- thing to do with their expecting Him to open their eyes? Was there any Old Testa- ment prophecy that the Messiah would open the eyes of the blind? (Is. 29:18; 35:5; 42:6, 7.) What is the significance of the title "Son of David"? (Matt. 12:23; 15: 22; 20:30, 31; 21:9, 15; 22:41-45; Is. 7:13, 14; 9:6, 7; 11:14; Jer. 23:5, 6; Ezek. 34:23, 24; Amos 9:11.) What characteristic did the blind men display in following Him right into the house? What question did He put to them? What was the purpose of that question? What is the one condition that He de- mands of us if we would realize experi- mentally the fulfillment of His promises and the enjo3'ment of His power? (Luke 1:45; Jas. 1 :5-7-) What was the answer of the bHnd men to His question? Would you be as ready to say yes if the Lord should put the question to you? What question does He put to us concerning all the blessings that we seek of Flim? Why is it that we do not more often get what we seek? How much is He able to do? How much do you believe that He is able to do for you? What did He do as soon as they said: "Yes, Lord"? What did He say? What principle is taught in these words? (8:6, 7, 13; 15:28; Mark 10:52.) Why do we STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 101 not enjoy more of His grace and power? What was the result of His touch? Has it similar power today? Has it that power for the body today? Has it power for anything besides the body? Who is it that opens the eyes of the blind? (Ps. 146:8.) Who then was our Lord? What command did He lay upon the men w^hose eyes He had opened? What was the purpose of that charge? (Matt. 12:16- 21 ; Mark l :44, 45.) What characteristic of our Lord is brought out by the charge? 2. Our Lord's power over demons, Matt. 9:32-34- With whom next that needed His help was our Lord brought in contact? What does the word translated "devil" really mean? (See R. V. margin.) What is a demon? Is there such a thing as demon possession today? What was the result of this demon's influence over the man? What is the best thing to do with those who are possessed with demons of any kind? What did the man do after the demon was cast out? Can our Lord make those who are dumb from any other cause to speak? (Ex. 4:11, 12.) What prophecy was fulfilled in His giving this man power to speak? (Is. 35:6.) What was the com- ment of the multitude? What explanation did the Pharisees give? Did they ever give a similar explanation of other mira- cles? (Matt. 12:22-24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:14, 15.) Why? Was it a rational ex- planation? What did it reveal as to the state of their own hearts? (John 3:20.) $. Our Lord limited by unbelief, Mark 6:1-6. To what city did our Lord now go? How had He been treated the last time He was there? (Luke 4:16-30.) Why did He go again? How did His disciples show their loyalty? What did He do in His own town? Why? On what day? Why on that day? Was He in the habit of teach- ing in the synagogue on the Sabbath? (Mark 1:21, 39; Luke 4:15, 16, 31, 32.) Who followed His example in this? (Acts 17:2.) What was the effect of His teach- ing? What question did they ask about it? Was that an important question? What is His own answer? (John 7:15, 16; 12:49; 14:10, II, 24.) Is this a rea- sonable answer? Is there any other pos- sible answer? What second question did they ask? What was the wisdom that was given unto Him? (Col. 2:3.) What third question did they ask? Wliat did these "mighty works" mean? (John 14:10, 11; 3:2.) What fourth question did they ask about Him? What was its meaning as they asked it? (Matt. 13:5s, 56; Is. 49:7; 53:2, 3; I Peter 2:4.) Was it any disgrace to our Lord that He had been a carpenter? What has He sanctified and made hon- orable by being a carpenter? Had Mary borne any children beside Him? (Matt 12:46; I Cor. 9:5; Gal. 1:19; John 7:5.) What were the names of His brothers ? ( See R. V.) Had He sisters as well? Where were all these living? What were they doing? What did the fact that one out of their own town had risen to such a height of divine favor and power cause His town't people to do? (v. 3, R. V. margin.) What prophecy was thus fulfilled? (Luke 2:34.) Where did they stumble at Him most of all? (Luke 4:23-29.) Is He a stumbling block to any today? What is it about Him that especially causes men to stumble to- day? (i Cor. I :23.) What was His own explanation of the attitude taken toward Him by His own people? (v. 4.) Had He ever said this before? (Luke 4:24; John 4:43, 44-) Where? Why is it that a prophet is without honor in his own country? What 102 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD characteristic of the human heart does this reveal ? What effect did the unbelief of the peo- ple have upon our Lord? Does our unbe- lief ever hmit Him? Why is it He does not do greater things for us ? (9 123 ; Matt. 13:58.) Is there anything else that hin- ders God doing His best for us beside our unbelief? (Is. 59:1, 2.) Did their unbelief prevent our Lord doing any good there? Does the general unbeHef of peo- ple today prevent Him from accomplishing anything in a place? How did He regard their unbelief? Is He anywhere recorded as having marvelled at anything beside un- belief? (Matt. 8:10.) Which does He find the most to marvel at today — incredible unbelief or unusual faith? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. (i) What He was: Divine, 29, 32, ZZ; human, 3; Son of David, the Messiah, 27; Lord, 28; Son of Mary, a carpenter, 3 ; hum- ble, avoiding publicity, 30 ; without honor in His own country, 4; limited by unbelief, 5. (2) What He had : Power over sickness, 27-30, 5; power over demons, 32, 33; power to work mighty works, 2; power to make the blind to see, 27-30; power to make the dumb to speak, 32, 33; wisdom from God, 2; a human mother, brothers and sisters, 3. (3) What He did: Taught in the synagogues, 2; opened the eyes of the blind, 29, 30; un- stopped the mouth of the dumb, 32, Z2,', cast out demons, 32-34; what He was asked, 28, 31 ; what men believed for, 28, 29; loved His own people, 1-6; shunned publicity, 30; marvelled at unbelief, 6. (4) How He was treated : Followed by his disciples, i ; by those in need, 27; honored by the blind, 27-31; by the dumb, 32, 32i\ by the multitude, 31 ; sneered at, stumbled at by His town's people, 3 ; blas- phemed by the Pharisees, 34. 2. Faith and unbelief. (i) Faith: Necessary to blessing, 28; largeness of blessing measured by the degree of faith, 29; brings opening to the eyes, 29. 30. (2) UnbeHef: Limits Jesus Christ, 5; marvelled at by Jesus Christ, 6. 3. The natural man. Blind, 27; dumb, demon-possessed, :z2; stubborn in unbelief, blasphemous, 34. LESSON 47. The Mission of the Twelve. Matthew 9:35 to 10:10. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Our Lord Himself ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of flic masses, 9:35-38. What are the three forms of activity ascribed to our Lord in v. 35? What is meant by "preaching the Gospel of the kingdom"? How differ from the "teach- ing in their synagogues"? Did He wait for those who needed Him to come to Him? Where was this three- fold activity exercised? Where else is a similar state- ment made of Him? (Matt. 4:23.) In what similar way does Peter describe His activity? (Acts 10:38.) What forms of sickness and disease did He heal? What STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 103 forms may we expect Him to heal today? Why? (Heb. 13:8; Is. 59:i-) Did Christ's work draw a crowd? What part of it attracted the multitudes? What feelings did this crowd awaken in His heart as He looked upon them ? What feel- ings do crowds awaken in His heart today? What was it especially in these crowds that awakened His compassion? Had God in His plans for Israel anticipated this condi- tion of affairs? Ezek. 34:5, 6; Zech. 10: 2.) Plad these people no teachers? How then had they no shepherds? Is it pos- sible for people to have teachers and preachers nowadays and yet have no real shepherds? What is a real shepherd ready to do if need be? (John 10: 11.) Who ought to be shepherds? (John 10:2, R. V. margin.) Did our Lord's compassion sim- ply exhibit itself in feeling and in words? How is genuine compassion to be distin- guished from spurious? (i John 3:17, 18.) Whom did He seek to have share His thoughts and feelings about the great un- shepherded masses? Did they? Do you? To what did these great masses of uncared- for souls seem to Him like? Where else do we see a similar thought coming to Him? (John 4:35, :s6.) Is that a good harvest to have a hand in? Which would excite the most interest in the mind of the average American — a great bonanza wheat field or one of God's wheat fields on some street corner? Why, according to our Lord, is not the great harvest garnered? Is that true to- day? Are paid laborers the great need? Is there work for every Christian? How is it then that so many can't find work to do? What was the first thing the disciples were to do in order to meet this emergency of the great harvest? What is the need of praying— couldn't God send laborers any- how ? Ought we to offer that prayer nowa- days? If we see the need of a worker in any special direction, what is the first thing to do? Will God answer the prayer? (i John 5:14, 15.) If we are honestly to pray God to "send forth laborers into His harvest," what must we be willing to do? Why pray God to send the laborers? (Ro. 10:15.) Of whom must a true laborer be sent? What is the exact meaning of the words translated "Send forth"? Where are we to ask the Lord to send His laborers? Lender what other circumstances did He use similar words? (Luke 10:2.) 2. Our Lord sending forth those who have learned of Him to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the masses, 10:1-10. Having told the disciples to pray God to send forth laborers, what does He do with them? Was it at this time He chose the twelve disciples? (Luke 6:12, 13.) What had He been doing with them between the time of choosing and this time? Why does He send the disciples at this time? How does He equip them for this work? What does it indicate as to who Christ was that He could give to others such power? What indication is there in this verse that de- moniacal possession is something more than a form of disease? Over what kinds of disease were they to have power? Were these powers confined to the twelve apos- tles? (Luke 10:9-19; Mark 16:17, 18; I Cor. 12:9; James 5:15.) What are the names of the twelve apos- tles? How many lists have we? How do they agree and how differ? Why is Peter's name always first? What was Bartholo- mew's other name? How many of the Gospels mention that Matthew had been a publican? Do we hear much of most of these men after Christ's death? Does that prove that their work was insignificant? Of these singularly privileged men, how did 104 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD one turn out? From what position in so- ciety were these men called? Where did our Lord bid them not go? Were they not just as needy as Israel? Why not go there then? Who ought to decide where each of us should go ? Where were they to go? Who are lost sheep? (Is. 53:6.) What were they to do? What was to be the substance of their teaching? Who else had begun with that message? (3:2; 4:17.) To whom else did our Lord give it? (Luke 10:9.) What else were they to do ? What were they to charge for their services? Why not? What obliga- tion does receiving always lay upon men? Note: The remaining instructions given to the Twelve are so like those given to the Seventy in Luke 10:1-23 that they will be considered in studying that portion of our Lord's life. CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. His divine nature, 35, i ; power — every sickness and disease, demons and death subject to Him, i, 8, 35; com- passion — on the unshepherded mass- es, on the sick, on the demonized, i, S, 35. 36; most-loved harvest field — the world of unshepherded and wretched men, 2>7'y fi^'d of work — city, country, 35. 2. Workers in God's harvest field. Few, 2)7 '> to be sought in prayer, must be sent of God, must be thrust forth, must sympathize with our Lord's thoughts and feelings regarding the masses, 37, 38; must be trained at PTis feet, must receive power for service from Him, i ; have an abun- dant harvest, 37; must take that field of labor to which Christ Himself appoints them, must seek lost sheep, 5, 6; a variety of work to be done — preach, heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, what they have received from God they must give forth to man, — have freely received, must freely give, 8. 3. The masses. Their crying need, awakens Christ's compassion, He meets all their need. 35. 36; He longs for helpers to carry on work among them, they consti- tute a large and glorious harvest field, sadly neglected, ^y; their need should drive our Lord's disciples to prayer, 38; should arouse His disci- ples to work, 1-15. LESSON 48. The Death of John the Baptist. Mark 6:14-29. (Compare Matthew 14: 1-12; Luke 9:7-9.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The abject terror of a conscience- smitten king, vv. 14-18. How far did the rumor of the mighty works of the Son of God penetrate? How did His name and power become so widely known? (Matt. 9:31; Mark 1:45.) What was Herod's explanation of these mighty works? Was it he who first suggested that our Lord was John risen from the dead? (Luke 9:7.) What made him ready to catch up this idea? How did he feel about it? Was his anxiety on this score of very long duration? (Luke 23:8.) Were the impressions which were made upon his mind usually of very long duration? What was the explanation others gave of our Lord and His mighty works? What was STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 1C5 a third explanation? (Matt. 21:11; Luke 7:16; John 6:14; 7:40; 9:17.) Was this last explanation true? Was it the whole truth? Why did none of them reach the whole truth on the matter? Did Herod accept any of these other explanations? Why not? Was it a peaceful day for him when he reached this conclusion? At whose instigation had he laid hold upon John in the first place? How had John brought down the wrath of this wo- man upon his own head? What were the characteristics of John's preaching as we read it in v. 18? Ought he to have spoken so plainly to a great man? What would have been the result if he had not? (Ez. 3:18.) Did his denunciation of Herod's sin bring the latter to repentance? Was it not in vain then? (Ez. 3:i9-) Would it be right in our day to denounce the sins of great men in this plain, straight-forward, fearless way? What was the result of this plain preaching? If our practices do not harmonize with the teachings of some faith- ful servant of God, what are the two ways of trying to do away with the discrepancy? Which is the favorite way with the world? Did Herod succeed in covering his sin by silencing the preacher? What may a faith- ful preacher always expect? (2 Chron. 24: 20, 21; 36:16; Neh. 9:26; Matt. 21:35, 4i J 22:6, 7; John 15:20.) 2. The implacable hatred of a wicked queen, vv. I9-25- How far did the hatred of Herodias against John go? Could she carry out her murderous desires? Was she any less a murderess on that account? What is it God looks at? When is a person a mur- derer in His sight? (i John 3:15.) What kept back Herodias from her evil designs? Why did Herod fear John? What feeling will men who are righteous and holy al- wavs awaken in the hearts of those who would do them harm? (Mark 11:18; i Kings 21 :2o.) Was it merely fear of John that kept Herod from yielding to the sug- gestions of Herodias? (Matt. 14:5-) Was there much virtue or stability of purpose in his protection of John? What was the effect of John's preaching upon him (v. 20, R. V.)? Why was he "much perplexed"? What would have been the simplest way out of his perplexity? Was he wilHng to listen to John? Are there ever persons nowadays who seem to listen with pleasure to the preaching of the truth and let that take the place of obeying the truth? Did his glad hearing of the word do him any good? Why not? What were the steps that led up to the final tragedy and Herod's appalling crime? Was he the last man who has lost his head and plunged into crime because of a beau- tiful dancer? Had Herod's wife much regard for her daughter to send her in to dance on such an occasio-n? What was all she was thinking about ? Had the daughter much self-respect to go in and dance? What was all she was thinking about? What was the effect of the girl's dance upon Herod and his friends? Was God "pleased"? What offer did Herod make the maiden? In what physical and mental condition was he when he made this promise? What request did the girl make? Who instigated her to make that request? (Compare 2 Chron. 22:3.) Had all this been a pre-arranged plot on the part of Herodias (v. 24) ? Did the daughter of Herodias yield herself readily to the hellish conspiracy? Why did she come in such haste? 3. The strange rczvard of a faithful preacher, vv. 26-29. How did the king feel when he saw the trap into which' he had fallen? How had he fallen into the trap? Did it do any 106 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD good to be sorry? Was it "godly sor- row"? (2 Cor. 7:10.) How could he have got out of the trap? Why didn't he do that? Was he right or wrong in keeping his oath? (Ex. 20:13.) Was it merely regard for his oath that led him to accede to the maiden's request? What would it have cost him to have refused the re- quest? What did it cost him to grant the request? Was he as conscientious in the strict fulfillment of all his vows as he was in the fulfillment of this? Didn't the re- sult prove that John had made a mistake in his bold preaching? (Matt. 5:11, 12; 2 Tim. 2:12.) What did the disciples of John do? Did they lay him in the tomb? (Phil. 1:23, 24; 2 Cor. 5:8.) What further does Mat- thew tell as to what they did? (Matt. 14: 12.) What is the best thing we can do with all our bereavements, discouragements and perplexities? (Matt. 11:28.) Which was the happier that night, Herodias the living and seemingly triumphant sinner, or John the dead and seemingly conquered servant of God? Which is better — to die true or live false? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. John the Baptist. (i) What he was: Righteous, holy, 20; courageous, 18; awe-inspiring, 20. (2) What he did : Rebuked sin, plainly, fearlessly, with- out respect of persons, 18. (3) What he got: Imprisonment, 17; death, 27, 28. 2. Herod. (i) His early promise: Feared John, heard him gladly, opposed to plots of Herodias, 19, 20. - (2) His final failure : Loved his sin inore than the truth he gladly heard, 20, 17; remained an adulterer, 18-28; became a murderer, 27. (3) His wretchedness : Was much perplexed, 20; brought upon himself exceeding sorrow, 26; was tormented by an accusing conscience, 14, 16; goaded by his own paramour, 19, 24; entrapped by his own rash- ness, 22, 23 ; haunted by his own con- science, 14, 16. (4) His manifold fears: Feared John, 20; the people, Matt. 14: 5; his wife, 19, 28; his friends, 26; the ghosts of his own imagination, 14. 16. (5) His steps toward hell: Took his brother's wife, 17; rejected the faithful warning, 18; imprisoned the faithful preacher, 17; made a drunken feast, 21 ; watched a lascivi- ous dancer, 22 ; obeyed the prompt- ings of his excited imagination and made a rash vow, 22, 23 ; kept his foolish and wicked oath, 26; mur- dered a holy man, 27. Sin grows. 3. Herodias. (i) Her shameless adultery, 17; cruel vengefulness, turbulent rage at re- buke, 19; cunning plotting, 22-24; pitiless murder, 19, 24. (2) The road she travelled to her own place : Entered an adulterous alliance, 17; re- jected a faithful warning, hated the faithful messenger, 19; plotted his death, 22-24 ; sacrificed her daughter's modesty upon the altar of her own hellish hate, 22; murdered God's faithful ambassador, 27; gloated over the head of the victim of her lust and hate and cruelty, 28. Sin grows. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 107 LESSON 49. The Feeding of the Five Thousand. Mark 6:30-44. (Compare Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. rest? (Luke 9 :ii. R- V.) Why not? Is /. Our Lord's care for His servants, vv. 30-32. From what were the apostles returning? What was the first thing they did upon their return? (Luke 9:10.) What is the wisest thing we can do at the close of each missionary tour and each day's work? To whom did they tell what they had done? To whom do men usually tell what they have done? How much of what they had done did they tell our Lord? Do men usually tell Him "all things whatsoever they have done"? Doesn't He know it without our telling Him? What is the use then in telling Him? Did they tell Him anything besides what they had done? What would be the effect upon the teaching of many of us if at the close of each day's work we should tell our Lord all that we have taught? What did He say? Why did they need rest? Are vacations right? Who went with the apostles upon their proposed vaca- tion? Whom ought Christians to always take with them on their vacation? Do you always take Him along? Was it purely for rest that He took them apart? (Matt. 14:12, 13.) What sort of a place did He take them to? Why to a desert place? (v. 31; Matt. 10:23; 12:15; 4:12.) 2. Our Lord's compassion for the neg- lected masses, vv. 33, 34- Did He get the seclusion and rest He needed and desired? Why did the people follow Him? (John 6:2.) How did they show the earnestness of their following? Was He vexed at them that they broke in in this inconsiderate way upon His needed there any hint here for us? For which did He care most, opportunities for refresh- ment or opportunities to do good? (John 4:6, 31, 32.) Did His own sorrow make Him heedless of the sorrow of others? What was the feeling in Jesus' heart when He saw that great multitude? (cf. Matt. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32.) What was it about them that moved Him with compassion? What will be the feeling of every true fol- lower of Christ as he looks upon the vast unshepherded crowd? How did He mani- fest His compassion toward them? (Luke 9:11; Matt. 14:14.) Which did they need the most, the healing or the teaching? Whom did He heal? (Luke 9:11.) What was it appealed to Him? Who is it He wishes to come to Him? (Matt. 11:28.) Did He spend much time at this work? 3. Our Lord as the bountiftil provider, vv. 35-44- What anxious thoughts disturbed His disciples as evening drew on? Who had first suggested to their minds this question about feeding the multitude? (John 6:5.) What was His purpose in this? (John 6:6.) Was the anxiety of the apostles natural? Was it justifiable? What fact did they regard that made them anxious? What fact did they overlook that would have banished all anxiety? What fact do we al- ways overlook when we give way to anxiety? (Ro. 8:31.) What was really at the bottom of their anxiety? What is al- ways at the bottom of anxiety? (Is. 26:3.) In their unbelief whom did they under- take to advise? Do men nowadays ever undertake to give the Lord pointers on lOS STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD what He ought to do? Of what fact did they inform Him? Did He know all that before? Do men nowadays ever undertake to inform the Lord of that which He al- ready knows perfectly well? What did He know that the disciples did not? (John 6:6.) What was the suggestion of the disciples as to the way out of difficulty? Did they on any other occasion suggest the same expedient? (Matt. 15:33.) Is this a com- mon way of getting out of difficulties in Christian work? Was this Christ's way? Is it His way today? What startling com- mand did He give the apostles? Was it possible to obey? Was it duty to obey? Is our duty to be measured by our ability? What is it to be measured by? Where are we to look for the ability to do that which we are unable to do but which He com- mands us to do? Of what may we always be sure when He gives us a command? How much can one do? (Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 9:7, 8.) What two things did He wish to bring them to recognize by this command? What was their reply? (Luke 9:13.) What kind of loaves were they which they had? (John 6:9.) Is there any significance as to the way in which our Lord and His companions lived in the fact that they were barley loaves? Was there enough to feed the multitude? Did He altogether discard them on that account? What was the first thing to be done with them before they should be multiplied? (Matt. 14:18.) If we want our powers to be multiplied, what is the first thing to do with them? Did the disciples really bring the loaves? Did they lose anything by giv- ing their own scant stores to feed others (vv. 42, 43) ? Do we ever lose anything by giving at Christ's command? (Mai. 3:10; Prov. 11:24, 25.) What was Christ's next command? (Luke 9:14.) Was it any test of faith to the disciples to seat the crowd? Did their faith stand the test? What is the wisest thing to do when we get any order from the Lord, no matter how strange it may appear? What must have been the feeling of the disciples and the multitude at this point? How many obeyed the order and sat down? (Luke 9:15.) How many of the loaves and fishes did our Lord take? What do we learn from this that we must do before we expect God to increase our power in His service? Hav- ing taken the loaves and fishes, what did He do? Did He thank God merely for what was already there or in view of what was to be there? Did He on any other oc- casion return thanks at meals? (Matt. 15:36; 26:26, 27.) What reason have we for supposing that the way in which He did this was different from the way in which other men did it and made a deep impression upon the disciples? (John 6:23; Luke 24:30, 31.) Was it a common custom among Christians? (Ro. 14:6; i Tim. 4:4, 5.) Ought we to do it when we eat in public places? (Acts 27:35.) Did our Lord give the bread directly to the multitude? Any lesson in that? How many people were fed? How much did they get? (John 6:11.) In what condition were they all when the meal was over? Did any one ever really come to Christ's table and not get filled? Are there any tables where we can never get filled? Why is this in some respects the most wonderful of all the miracles? What does it prove our Lord to have been? Where are our multitudes to feed? Are we feed- ing them? What bread is our Lord ready to minister today to every hungry and perishing soul? (John 6:35.) Who can STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 109 have it? (John 6:35-37.) What does it cost? (Is. 55:1.) What will be the result of eating it? (John 6:49, 50, 51.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. His deity, 41-43; humanity, 30, 31, 41; accessibleness, 34; love of order, 39, 40; use of human instrumentalities, 41 ; compassion on His v^reary dis- ciples, on the ignorant, on the sick, on the hungry, 31, 34, 37; power to teach, surmount difficulties, to create, to satisfy, 34, 37-42; forgetfulness of self, of His own need, of His own sorrow, 34; mindfulness of other's need, of God's glory, 34-42. 2. Our Lord and the masses. Their need, 34; sufficiency, 34, 42; came to Christ, 33; loved, welcomed, taught, fed, healed by Christ, 34, 41, 42. S. True service. Its joy — sweeter than rest, 31, 34; its measure — not our ability but Christ's command, 27', its support — His strength, 41 ; its consecration — every loaf and every fish, 41. LESSON 50. Our Lord Walking on the Water. Matthew 14:22-36. 6:45-56; John 6:14-21.) (Compare Mark DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Sending Flis disciples into the storm, vv. 22-24. What was the effect upon the multitude of the miracle we studied in the last lesson ? (John 6:14, 15.) What was the first thing our Lord did upon this outburst of popular feeling? Why did He send the disciples away? Would they have sympathized with the purpose of the multitude? Were they willing to go? How did He test their real loyalty to Him as King? How can we best show our acceptance of Jesus as King, by putting a crown upon His head or by what? (Luke 6:46.) In sending the disciples away where was He sending them? Was that loving and kind? Does He ever send His disciples out into the storm nowadays? When they had gone, what did He do? Did He need prayer? Why didn't He pray with His disciples? Why go up into a mountain? Who was with Him? Was He absolutely alone? (John 16:32.) How long did He pray? (v. 25.) Did He not need rest? Why then did He not spend the night in rest rather than prayer? Are there times when we need prayer more than rest? From which did He get the greatest refresh- ment — rest or prayer? (Is. 40:31.) While He was praying where were the disciples? In what circumstances? Had they ever been in somewhat similar cir- cumstances before? (8:24.) Where was the great difficulty? (John 6:17.) Did our Lord know their trouble? (Mark 6:48.) How could He see them if it was dark? Were these men naturally competent to con- tend with wind and storm? What did He desire them to learn? From what way was the wind blowing? Would not that seem to be a providential indication that they were going the wrong way? 2. "It is I ; be not afraid!" vv. 25-27. When did help come? Who came to their help? How? How could He walk on the waves? Of whom is it said in the Old Testament: "He treadeth upon the waves of the sea"? (Job 9:8.) When the dis- 110 STDUIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD ciples saw Him how did they feel? Why? Of what did they probably think the seem- ing apparition was a proof? How much frightened were they? Does He ever draw near to us in a way that frightens us? Did He leave them long in suspense? How did He reassure them? What is the most comforting and inspiring thing that He can say to a disciple as He approaches? How did He encourage John when he fell at His feet when he saw Him in glory? (Rev. 1:17, 18.) Would it have done any good to have said : "Be of good cheer," if He had not also said: "It is I"? J. "Lord, save me!" vv. 28-21 ' Who was seemingly most affected by the discovery that it was our Lord? Is what is related of Peter here in keeping with what is related elsewhere? What request did he make? What blending of good and bad feeling was there in the request and the sequel? What did our Lord say in response? Did this prove that He alto- gether approved of it? Why did He bid Peter come? Did Peter succeed in walking on the water? What held him up? What was necessary on his part that this power of Christ might act? (i Peter 1:5; Acts 3:16.) If we had faith enough could we walk on the water? (Matt. 17:20; Mark 9:23.) Ought we to have faith for this? How was Peter's triumphant march over the waves interrupted? Why did he begin to sink? Why did he lose faith? Why did he take his eyes off from our Lord? Are we at all like poor, weak Peter? On what side are some of us less like him? What did he do in his peril? Was that a very long prayer? Was there perfect faith back of it? Did it get answered? If any sinking soul sincerely cries out: "Lord, save me," will He do it? (Ro. 10:13.) How soon did our Lord help? Does He usually help so soon? (Is. 65:24.) How did He save him (v. 31, R. V.) ? What else do we learn in the Bible about the outstretched hand of Jesus? (Ps. 138:7; Is. 63 :i2 ; Mark 1 :3i, 41 ; 5 :4i ; Acts 4 :30.) How much power is there in His out- stretched hand today? (Is. 59:1.) What question did our Lord put to Peter? What does that indicate as to the cause of his failure? Did He ever tell the disciples that any other failure of theirs was due to unbelief? (Matt. 17:19, 20.) What is the common cause of failure among Christians in all ages ? Did Peter have any good ground to doubt? How might he have known that he would get to our Lord over the waves? Was Christ's question intended as a rebuke? Was it very harsh? Was He obliged to rebuke the unbelief of the disciples on any other occasion? (ch. 8:26; 16:8; 17:20.) Has He ever occasion to rebuke our unbelief? 4. Our Lord on hoard — the storm over, and the desired haven reached, vv. 32-36. When He went into the boat what was the result? What is all that many a tem.- pest-tossed soul needs in order to find calm and safety? How did the disciples feel about these wonderful things that they had seen? (Mark 6:51.) Ought they to have been amazed? (Mark 6:52.) What did they do? Did they do right? (Heb. 1:6.) What did His acceptance of this worship show as to His own feeling about Himself? (4:9, 10; Acts 10:25, 26; Rev. 19:10.) Who did they say He was? Was that true? How much longer were they in the boat? (John 6:21.) How did they get to land so quickly? If one is "all at sea," storm- driven, toiling fruitlessly against wind and wave, whom must he take on board if he wishes to get speedily and safely to land? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 111 How was our Lord received in Gennesaret? How did the people show their wisdom? Their faith? What was the result of touching our Lord? How can any one be made whole today? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Our Lord. Son of man, 23 ; Son of God, 26, 31, 2,2,; His humility, love of solitude, dependence upon the Father, 22, 23; teaches His disciples their weakness and dependence by trial, 22, 29 ; sends His disciples out into the storm, to pull against the wind, 22, 24; sees them while in the storm, 25; upholds them by His prayers while storm-tossed and toiling, 23-26; comes to them in the storm, 25 ; speaks comfort and cheer, 27; enters the boat with them, brings calm, 32; brings them safely and speedily to land, 34; answers prayer, promptly, stretches both His hands to, takes hold of, saves the sinking man, 30, 31. 2. The disciples. Sent from the place of refreshment to place of conflict, obeyed and went, 22; sore distressed, pulled bravely against the wind, 24; did not recog- nize our Lord as He drew near, feared, 26; reassured by Him, 27; received Him into the boat, 32 ; found calm and a harbor, 34; wor- shipped Him, 33. 3. Peter. His desire to get to our Lord, to dis- play himself, 28, 29; believed, walked on the waves, 29; got his eyes off from Jesus upon the wind, his faith faltered, was afraid, began to sink, cried unto the Lord, upheld, his un- belief rebuked, 30, 31. 4. Prayer. (i) When to pray: In the stillness of the night, after ex- haustive labors, in times of emer- gency, 23; when sinking, 30. (2) Where to pray: In the mountain alone with God, 23; in the tumult, 30. (3) How to pray: Sometirnes protractedly, 23-25; some- times briefly, definitely, personally, to the point, in faith, 30, 31. (4) The need of prayer: The Son of God prayed, 23. (5) Results of prayer: Walking on the waves, 25 ; deliverance from destruction, 30, 31 ; brings rest better than sleep, 22. LESSON 51. Discourse on the Bread of Life. John 6:22-51. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Seeking the food that perisheth, vv. 22-34. What is the multitude represented as doing in the opening verses of the lesson? Was it really Himself they were seeking? Is there any of that sort of seeking today? What noticeable change is made in the Revised Version in v. 26? What is taught by the use of the word "signs" instead of miracles as to the deeper purpose of the wonders our Lord wrought? What was all the people had seen in these deeds of power? What did He wish them to see in them? If they had seen "in the bread the sign" and not "in the sign only the bread," 112 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD what difference would there have been in their seeking Him? What was the charac- ter of the food upon which their eyes and desire were set? What is the inevitable consequence of laboring merely for "the meat which perisheth"? What other food is there ? From whom must this better food be received? As what must it be received? (Ro. 6:23; Eph. 2:8; V. 27.) In what sense are we to labor for it? As a sign or type of what were the mul- tiplied loaves intended? What will be the result of eating this "meat which endureth, etc."? (vv. 51, 58.) What proof had they that the Son of man would give them this bread? How had the Father sealed Him? (John 1:33, 34; 5:36, ZT, 10:37, 38; Acts 2:22; Matt. 3:17; Eph. 4:30)- If any one rejects Him whom the Father has so clear- ly "sealed," what does it show? (John 15:24.) What question on the part of the multi- tude did our Lord's words about laboring "for that meat which endureth, etc." awak- en? How did they evidently think the bread was to be obtained? (Matt. 19:16; Luke 10:25; Acts 2:37; g:6; 16:30.) Was it to be gained by "works"? What is the one work God requires as the condi- tion of obtaining this bread? (John 3:16- 18, z(>; Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8.) What did His hearers demand as a condition of believing upon Him? What made this demand especially unreasonable at this particular time? (vv. 10, 14.) Are the demands of modern skeptics as a condi- tion of their behaving any more reason- able? What greatest of all signs did they have before their eyes at that very mo- ment (v. 36) ? By a reference to what did they seek to reinforce their demand for a sign? Of what did He show them that the manna was merely the type? What are the two characteristics of the Bread of God (v. zz) ? Did His hearers understand at all what our Lord meant by "the Bread of God"? (John 4:15-) If they had understood would they have said: "Lord, evermore give us this bread"? Does the world wish this Bread of God today? 2. Offering the Bread of life, vv. 35-51. What did He explain to them the Bread of life was? What did He say that He would perfectly and permanently satisfy? Is there any distinction in thought brought out by the words "hunger" and "thirst"? Is there any difference between coming to Jesus and believing on Jesus? Had they seen this true Bread (v. 36) ? Had they appreciated what it was? Why not? Why do not men appreciate and believe in this Bread today? Who did our Lord say certainly would come to Him? Who are they whom the Father gives to Him (v. 45) ? What is the best way to prove that one is one of these? What would be the result if any one did come (v. 37) ? Suppose that one who had "sinned away his day of grace" should come? What little phrase of three words in v. 37 makes it absolutely certain that whosoever comes will be fully received? Why will our Lord in nowise cast him out (v. 38) ? What is the Father's will? Who is it the will of the Father should have eternal life? What word does the Revised Version sub- stitute for "seeth"? What is the force of that change? Where can we behold the Son today? (i John 1:1-3; John 20:31; 2 Tim. 3:15.) Who must show Christ in Scripture if we are really to behold and believe? (John 15:26; 16:14.) What will our Lord do for the one who beholds Him and believes in Him? How did the Jews receive this declara- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 113 tion? What was the objection they made? Are there any today who stumble over the doctrine that a man of human parent- age should also be of divine origin? Did our Lord know what was passing in tlieir minds? What did He tell them was the real ground of their difficulty (vv. 44, 45) ? What is absolutely necessary before any man can come to Him? What will He do for the one whom the Father draws to Him? Who begins the work of salvation? Who completes it? How is this drawing effected (v. 45) ? Does "all" in v. 45 mean that all men shall "be taught of God," or does it mean that all who come are "taught of God," or drawn of the Father, and owe their coming to that fact? (See the pas- sage quoted, Is. 54:13, and its context, and note the context here.) Who are they who are really drawn of the Father and "taught of God"? Whose fault then is it if we are not drawn and taught and do not come and do not get eternal life? (John 5:40.) What does he who hears from the Father, etc., get (v. 47) ? When? What contrast does our Lord draw be- tween the effects of eating the manna and eating Himself (vv. 48-50) ? What similar contrast does He draw elsewhere? (John 4:13, 14.) What is the bread that He gives? How is His flesh bread that brings everlasting life? (i. i Peter 2:24; INLitt. 20:28; Eph. 5:2, 25; Heb. 10:12, 20; John 1:29; 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21; I John 2:2; 4:10, 14; Ex. 12:7, 13. ii. Ex. 12:8; John 6:53- 57; I Cor. 10:16, 17.) What will you do with this bread— eat and live forever, or reject and perish? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. The Father. Invisible to man, visible to the Son, 46; sent the Son, 38, 39; gives the true Bread from heaven— His Son, 32; sealed the Son whom He sent, 27; gives to our Lord all who hearken to and learn from Himself, S7, 49; draws to the Son all whom He has given to Him, 44, 37; Him- self teaches all those whom He has given, 45. His will — that Qirist should not lose a single member of that which He has given Him; that Christ should raise up every member of the body He has given Him, that every one who beholdeth and believeth on the Son should have eternal life, 39, 40. 2. Our Lord. (i) What He is: Son of God, 32, 40; Son of man, 27; sent by the Father, perfectly devoted to His will, 38; came down from heaven, 33 ; reads men's hearts, 43 ; Himself the great sign of which the multiplied loaves were only a shadow, 36; Himself the reality of which the manna was only the type, 31-33- (2) What He gives: Life unto the world, 33; the meat which endureth unto eternal life, 27; never-failing strength to all who come to Him, never-failing peace to all who believe on Him, 35. J. The Bread of life. Should be that which we seek rather than the meat which perisheth ; given by the Son of man, 27; Jesus Him- self the Bread of life, 35; from heaven, the Bread of God, giveth life unto the world, 32, 33; whoever eats never hungers, 35; never dies, 50, 51; to be received by faith, 27- 30, 35. 4. Coming to Jesus. (i) False coming— for earthly gain, 26; true coming — for Himself, 35- 114 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD (2) What necessary in order to come — That the Father draw us, that we listen to and learn of Him, 44, 45. (3) Who come — all whom the Father has given to Jesus, Z7- (4) Results of coming — received, 37; never-failing strength given, hunger and thirst forever satisfied, 35; res- urrection, 44. 5. Those whom the Father has given. (i) Who they are: Those who hear and learn of the Father, those who are taught of God, 45. (2) What they do: Come to Jesus, 37; behold the Son, believe on the Son, 40. (3) What they get: Welcome, 37; eternal life, 40; eternal security— the Father's will that none be lost, the Son's work to raise all up, 39- 6. The saved. Those who are given by the Father to the Son, 37; drawn by the Father to the Son, 44; taught of God, 45; who have heard and learned of the Father, 45; come to Jesus, 37; be- lieve on the Son, 40, 47; eat the Bread of life, 50, 51. 7. Tlie mass of men. Seek Jesus for loaves, but not for spiritual blessing, 24-26; seek the meat which perisheth, but not that which endureth unto eternal life, 27; think the Bread of life is to be gained by good works, 28; require further signs before they believe when signs already abound and our Lord Himself is the great sign, 30, 33, 36; see Him, but believe not, 36; stumble and murmur at His doc- trine, 41 ; stumble at His deity veiled in His humanity, 42; do not hearken to and learn from the Father, and so are not taught or drawn by Him, do not come and believe, and so do not get eternal life and resurrection, 44, 45. 37, 39. Note. — It is hoped that no one will be satisfied with this meagre outline, but will ponder these verses long and deeply for himself. The writer never feels the limitations of his own knowledge more keenly than when he approaches the 6th chapter of John. He sees many wonderful truths here, but feels that there are also great depths that he has not begun to fathom. LESSON 52. The Results of Our Lord's Discourse on the Bread of Life. John 6:52-71. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Eating the flesh and drinking the blood of our Lord, vv. 5^-59- What was the first result of His won- derful discourse (v. 52) ? Did His words cause strife on any other occasion? (7:40- 43; 9:16; 10:19.) Is it anything against one's teaching that his words cause discus- sion and contention? What question puz- zled the hearers of our Lord? Why could they not understand? (i Cor. 2:14.) Are His words in this instance difficult to un- derstand? Did He explain their meaning? What was the explanation (vv. 53, 54) ? What did He say would be the result of any one's eating His flesh and drinking His blood (v. 54)? How does He fell us elsewhere that one obtains eternal STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 115 life? (vv. 39, 40-47; John 5:24; 3:36.) How then do we eat His flesh and drink His blood? In what way does this bring to us eternal life? (Gal. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; I Peter 2:24; Heb. 9: 22.) How do we appropriate to ourselves the good there is in any article of food? How do we appropriate to ourselves the life that has been purchased for us by the offering of the body and the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ? (Ro. 3:25, R. V.) In what ordinance of the church is set forth the truth that our Lord here teaches? (Matt. 26:26-28.) Can one par- take of the Lord's supper without really eating the flesh of the Son of man and drinking His blood? (i Cor. 11:27-29, R. V.) What will be the result if a man does not eat the flesh of Jesus and drink His blood? (v. 53; compare 3:36; i John 5: 12.) What will be the result if one does? (v. 54.) How many of these obtain eter- nal life? Is eternal life something they have hereafter or something they have now? (3:36; 5:24.) What will our Lord do for them hereafter? When does the resurrection of believers take place? (v. 54; I Thess. 4:16.) Whom did our Lord say earlier in His discourse He would raise up at the last day (v. 40) ? What does He say about His flesh and His blood in v. 55, R. V. margin? Why is His flesh meat indeed and His blood true drink? What further result comes from eating the flesh and drinking the blood of our Lord? (v. 56, R. v.; 14:20, 23; 15:4, 5; 17:21-23; Eph. 3:17; I John 3:24; 4:12, 15, 16, R. V.) Have you eaten His flesh and drank His blood? What does He call God in V. 57? What is meant? (Jer. 10: 10; I John 1:9; Heb. 9:14-) How did our Lord say He lived? (v. 57, R. V. ; 2 Cor. 13:4.) What thought does this teach us as to the relation of the Son to the Father? Has Jesus Christ life in Himself? (5:26.) How did He come to have life in Himself? (5:26.) While He lived because of the Father, how does the one who eateth Him live (v. 57, R. V.) ? How does He sum His teaching up in v. 58? What type of Jesus as the Bread of life is found in the Old Testament? At what point did the type fall short of the reality (v. 58) ? If one wishes to live forever, what must he do (v. 58)? Where did our Lord teach these things? Was He in the habit of teaching in the synagogue? (ch. 18:20). ^. Our Lord forsaken by many of His disciples, vv. 60-66. What comment did many of His disciples make upon these words? What did they mean by calling it a hard saying? Was if a hard saying? Are there things difficult to understand in the words of our Lord and in other Scriptures? (Heb. 5:11; 2 Peter 3:16.) Is that any reason why we should not believe them? Why are the Scriptures difficult for us to understand? (Heb. 5:11; I Cor. 2:14.) How can we come to understand them? (John 7:17; 14:26; 16:12, 13; I John 2:20, 27.) How did our Lord know that His dis- ciples were murmuring at His teaching? (vv. 61,64; 2:24,25; Heb. 4:13; Rev. 2:23.) What does it prove about Him that He knew the thoughts of men? (2 Chron. 6:30.) What did He say when He read the hearts of His disciples and saw they were murmuring at His teaching (vv. 61, 62, R. V.) ? What was the point of this question? Has He ascended to where He was before? (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9; Eph. 4:8-10; I Peter 3:22.) 116 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Where had He been before He came into this world? (3:13; 16:28; 17:5; Phil. 2:6, Am. R. V.) What is it that makes alive? (v. 63; Ro. 8:2; 2 Cor. 3:6; Gal. 5:25.) From whom does all life come? What did He say of the words that He spoke (v. 63) ? In what sense are His words spirit and life? (v. 68; 12:50; Ps. 119:50, 93; Heb. 4:12, R. v.; Jas. 1:18; I Peter 1:23.) What instrument does the Holy Spirit use in quickening or imparting life? What did our Lord say of some that pro- fessed to be His disciples? (vv. 64, 36, 61; 5:42; 8:23, 38-47; 10:26; 13:10, 18-21.) Are there any today among His professed followers who do not really believe? Do you really believe? Was He surprised? How had He known? (2:24,25; Ps. 139: 2-4.) Does He today know who among His disciples are real? (2 Tim. 2:19; Heb. 4: 13.) What was the effect of this teaching upon many of His disciples? Were those who went back real disciples? (John 8:31.) Who else in the Bible was deserted by many of his professed disciples? (2 Tim. 1:15; 4:10.) Does it prove that one is not a true and skillful teacher that many of his disciples afterwards desert him? Why did many of our Lord's disciples desert Him? (Matt. 13:20, 21.) Did any of His ap- parently enthusiastic disciples desert Him after this? (Matt. 19:20-22; 21:8-11; 27:20-25.) What judgment did He pro- nounce in another place upon those who turn back? (Luke 9:62) What does it prove when one deserts Him? (i John 2:19.) Will those who really believe ever go back? (Heb. 10:38, 39) 5. "To whom shall ive go? Thou hast the zvords of eternal life" vv. 67-71. What question did our Lord put to the Twelve when He saw the multitude desert- ing Him? To whom does He put that ques- tion today? What was Peter's answer? Is there any one else to whom we can go if we leave the Lord? (Acts 4:12; Ps. 73:25; I John 5:11-13.) What did Peter say our Lord had? What is meant by "words of eternal life"? (5:24; 20:31; i John 5:13; Ro. 10:17.) Do His words really bring eternal life to those who receive them? What confession of faith did Peter make? Is a similar confession found anywhere else? (1:29, 41, 45-49; 11:27; 20:28, 31; Matt. 16:16.) Why did the confession mean more now than on former occasions? Did Peter go beyond believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? Was he right? Are you sure that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God? What did Jesus say of one of the twelve? What did He mean by saying that Judas Iscariot was a devil? (13:2; 8:44; 13:27; Acts 13:10; I John 3:8.) Did He ever call any one of the other disciples a devil? (Matt. 16:23.) CL.^SSTFICATION OF TEx\CHINGS. 1. The Father. Living, source of all life, sent the Son, 57; gives to man to come unto the Son, 65. 2. Jesus Christ. (i) What He was: Divine, Son of the living Father, knew men's thoughts, pre-existent, 60-64, 69, 71 ; human— had flesh and blood, 54, 55, 56 ; Son of man, 54, 56, 62; subordinate to, lived by, sent by the Father, 57; the Christ, 69; the true bread that came down from heaven, 58. (2) Llis relation to man: No life can be had except through Him, 53 ; every one who eats His flesh and drinks His blood has eternal life, 54; His flesh true meat and His blood true drink, 55; He STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 1]7 dwells in the one who eats His flesh and drinks His blood, 56. (3) What He did: Taught in the synagogues, 51 ; im- parted eternal life to those who fed upon Him, 58; knew men's thoughts, 61, 64, 70, 71 ; chose the Twelve, chose a devil among the Twelve, 70; spoke words of eternal life, 68; as- cended again to the Father, 62. (4) What He will do : He will raise up at the last day every one who eats His flesh and drinks His blood, 54. (5) How He was treated: Murmured at by many of His disciples, 60, 61 ; betrayed b}^ one of the Twelve, 64, 70, 71 ; forsaken by many disciples, 66. (6) His words: Sometimes hard to understand, 60 ; are spirit and life, 63; sometimes led professed disciples to desert Him, 66; bring eternal life, 68. The Spirit. He quickeneth, 63. The disciples. (i) Professed but not real disciples: Did not understand His teachings, 52; murmured, 61 ; stumbled at, 60 ; did not really believe His teachings, 64; deserted, walked no more with Him, 66. (2) True disciples: Recognized that our Lord had the words of eternal life, had no one else to whoin to go except to Jesus Christ Himself, 68; believed and knew that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, 69. LESSON 53. Our Lord Exposes the Traditions of the Scribes and Pharisees. 23. (Compare Matthew 15:1-20.) Mark 7:1- DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The Word of God and the traditions of men contrasted, vv. 1-13. Who were gathered together unto our Lord? How far did they come? For what purpose? Did they display their hostility to Him on any other occasion? (2:6; 2,:6, 22; 8:11; Luke 5:17-22; ii:S3, 54; Matt. 19:3.) Of what did the Pharisees and scribes take a special note (v. 2) ? What did they think of that? Why did it appear to them so outrageous that His disciples should eat with unwashen hands (v. 3) ? Why were they so scrupulous about the washing of their hands before eating? Was it ordinary dirt of which they were afraid? Was the washing for hygienic purposes? For what purpose then was it? What did the Pharisees do before they ate every time they came in from contact with ordi- nary people? (Note the Greek word used in V. 4 for "wash," R. V. margin.) What did they "baptize" beside themselves? What question did the Pharisees and scribes put to our Lord? Was that a proper question? With what question did He reply? (Matt. 15:3.) When ought we to walk according to the tradition of the elders? According to our Lord's ques- tion, when ought we to transgress the traditions of the elders? Had the scribes and Pharisees ever complained before of the conduct of His disciples? (2:i6-i8.'> What did He call His questioners (v. 6) ? Did He on any other occasion call them 118 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD hypocrites? (Matt. 23:13-15; Luke 11:39- 44.) What does "hypocrite" mean? Who had already described these Pharisees and scribes? (Is. 29:13.) With what did they honor God? With what ought they to have honored Him? What did He through the prophet Isaiah say concerning their hearts? (Compare Ezek. 33:31; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 1:16; Jas. 2:14-17.) What does God demand that we give Him? (Prov. 23:26; 4:23.) Which is more important — that we honor God with our heart or with our lips? If our heart is full of love to God, will we also honor Him with our lips? Was their worship acceptable to God? (v. 7; James 1:26.) Why was it vain? How many times in this lesson do we find essen- tially this same charge brought by our Lord against the Pharisees (vv. 8, 9, 13) ? What had they left (v. 8, R. V.)? For what purpose? Are there any Pharisees and scribes in our churches today? W^hat has superior authority to human tradition, no matter how venerable that tradition may be? What three phrases does our Lord use in describing their treatment of the Word of God (vv. 8, 9, 13)? Are there any who treat the Word of God in that way today? Was it a customary thing in Israel to reject the commandment of God? (2 Kings 16:10-16; Is. 24:5; Jer. 44:16, 17; Ps. 119:126.) What teaching of the law did our Lord contrast with the teaching of the Pharisees? How had God especially emphasized this law? (Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1, 2.) What did the law of Moses require should be done with those who spoke evil of father or mother? (v. 10; Ex. 21:17; Lev. 20:9; Deut. 27:16; Prov. 20:20; 30:17) What does our Lord here call "the Word of God" (v. 13) ? Had He quoted from any other part of the Pentateuch beside the Ten Commandments? What does He then call the law of Moses? Did He ever teach on any other occasion that the law of Moses was the inerrant Word of God? (Matt. S:i8.) Are there any who today say it is not the Word of God? Between whom then must we make our choice? If any one speaks not according to the law and the testimony why is it? (Is. 8:20; Jer. 8:8, 9.) 2. Inward and outward defilement con- trasted, vv. 14-23. After having answered the question of the Pharisees, whom did our Lord call to Himself? What did He bid them do? To whom does that command come today? What will be the result if we do not hear Him? (Deut. 18:15-19; Acts 3:22, 23.) Is it enough to hear? How alone can we understand? (i Cor. 2:14; John 16:12, 13; I John 2:20, 27.) What cannot defile a man? What does defile a man? Why does the food which enters into him not defile him? Why does that which proceeds from him defile him? What law had taught that some kinds of food did defile the one who ate them? (Lev. 11:42-47.) What lesson had God intended to teach by this Levitical law? Why was it no longer binding? (Col. 2:16, 17; Ro. 10:4; Eph. 2:14, 15.) What may a Christian eat without defilement? (i Cor. 10:25; I Tim. 4:3-5; Titus 1:15; Heb. 13:9.) Which is more important — what a man puts into his mouth or what comes out of his heart? (Prov. 4:23; Matt. 12:34.) What is it important that we keep pure? (Gal. 5:22, 23.) If the heart is filled with the Spirit, will we be in bondage to the ordinances and prescriptions of men? (Ro. 8:14, 15.) Did the disciples at first understand our Lord's teaching (v. 17) ? What effect had STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 119 their ignorance upon Him? Has He any similar reason to be surprised at us? What significant change does the Revised Version make in the closing words of v. 19? Who had to be taught this same lesson by a vision from heaven? (Acts 10:9-17.) What are the things that come out of the human heart (vv. 21-23) ? What does this teach us about the unregenerate heart? Have we similar teaching regarding the human heart elsewhere in the Bible? (Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Ps. 14:1, 3; 58:2, 3; Jer. 4:14; 17:9; Matt. 23:25-28; Luke 16:15; Acts 8:22; Ro. 8:7, 8; Gal. 5:19-21.) In what way is the exceeding wickedness of covet- ousness brought out? What is meant by "evil eye"? (Deut. 15:9; 28:54, 56; i Sam. 8:8, 9; Prov. 23:6; 28:22; Jer. 20:15.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. ( 1 ) Characteristics : His wisdom as a teacher, 6-13, 14-23; contempt for ecclesiastical traditions, 7-13 ; disregard for mere outward ceremonials, 15-23; high estimation of O. T. Scriptures— called the Law of Moses "the commandment of God," "the word of God," 8, 9, 13; supreme authority — demanded that men should hearken to Him, 14. (2) His method of judgment: Judged men by what was in their hearts, 15-23. (3) How He was treated: Followed by the multitude, 14, R. V.; misunderstood by His disciples, 17; watched and criticised by scribes and Pharisees, i, 2. Pharisees and scribes. Their regard for the tradition of the elders, 5 ; for external ceremonies, 3, 4; hypocrites — honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him, 6; left the commandment of God in order to hold fast the traditions of men, 8; rejected the commandment of God that they might keep their own traditions, 9; made the Word of God void by their own traditions, 13; their worship vain, 7; their hatred for our Lord, 1-5- The Law of Moses. The Word of God, 13 ; the command- ment of God, 8, 9; its ceremonial precepts for a temporary purpose and now done away, I5-I9- The human heart. All-important in the sight of Christ, 6, 15, 18-20; the unregenerate heart thoroughly corrupt, 21-23. Worship. The worship that honors God with the lips while the heart is far from Him is hypocritical, 6; worship built upon the precepts of m.en is vain, 7; wor- ship that comes from the heart is alone acceptable, 6. LESSON 54. The Syrophoenician Woman. Matthew 15:21-28. (Compare Mark 7 :24-30.) those parts known? (Mark 7:24.) Why did it become known? Can it ever be hid when He is present in a house? DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Faith seeking a blessing, vv. 21, 22. Where is the scene of this miracle laid? For what purpose did our Lord de- part to those parts? (12:15; 14:3; IS:I2.) Did He desire to have His presence in Who came to Him there? What brought her? What made her think that He could help her? How did she show that she was 120 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD in earnest? ("Cried," v. 22; "crieth" vv. 23, 25, 27.) What was her prayer? Did He often hear that cry? (9:27; I7:i5; Luke 17:13; 18:13.) Did He ever let it pass unheeded? Why did she cry: "Have mercy on me"F Why didn't she cry: "Have mercy on my daughter" ? How did she address Him? What did the title "Son of David" mean? (i:i; 20:30, 31; 22:42-45.) 2. Faith tested, vv. 23-26. What was Christ's reply? Why did He not answer? Did He answer her by any- thing if not by a word? What prayer did the disciples make to Him? Why? Did they want Him to heal her child and thus send her away, or simply send her away without the blessing? (Matt. 19:13; Luke 18:39.) What did He reply? What did His answer imply under the circumstances ? What did He mean by saying that He was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel? (John 10:16; Eph. 2:16, 17.) When was the barrier that stood between Christ and the Gentiles removed? (Eph. 2:1s, 16.) Did she give up? Suppose she had? Did her persistence do any good? What is meant by "she worshipped Him"? What was her prayer? What were its character- istics? What did our Lord reply? What sentence is added in Mark's account? (Mark 7:27.) What is implied by "Let the children first be fed"? What did He mean by "the children's bread"? (Ro. 9:4.) Was the word He used as harsh as "dogs" soimds to us? Was the Gentiles' position like that of a little dog under the table compared with Israel's as a child at the table? 3. Faith overcoming difficulties and ob- taining the blessing, vv. 27, 28. What did the woman reply? What does the answer reveal? Is one who is willing to take a lowly place likely to get a blessing from Christ? (8:8; Ps. 51:4, 5; Luke 15:18, 19; 23:40-42.) Is one who does not? (Luke 18:11.) What is the force of her reasoning: "The dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table"? In what sense was what she asked crumbs that fell from the Master's table? What reward did she get? What was it overcame the real obstacle that lay in the way of His granting her request? What word of Christ is illustrated by that? (Matt. 21 :2i.) What did this woman's faith make her? (Gal. 3:7.) Whose else faith did our Lord commend as great? (8: 8-10.) Where do we find the greatest faith today, in Christian or heathen nations? What does faith usually get? (8:13; 9:29; Mark 5:34; 9:23; Luke 7:50; 18:42, 43; John 4:50-53-) When was her daughter healed? Where can any one find deliver- ance from Satan's power? How can he get it? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Our Lord Jesus. His nature — divine, 25; human, 27. His office — Messiah, 22; sent of God, 24- His desire for solitude ; could not be hid, 21, 22. His mission — first to the Jew, 23, 24, 26; then to the Gentile, 26. His fidelity to His mission, 24. His compassion — could not send the needy away unhelped, 23, 24; healed the suflferer, 28. His justice — demanded that the woman take her right place before He grant- ed the desired blessing, 26. What He does— tries faith, 23, 24; answers prayer; gives faith all it asks ; commends faith ; heals the sick, 28; delivers from Satan's power STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 121 those who are grievously vexed by him, 22, 28. 2. The Syrophocmcxan woman. (i) Her position: Outside the covenant promises and blessings, 22, 24, 27; in sore distress, 22; no helper, 25. (2) What she did : Believed in Jesus as the Messiah, came to Him, at first on wrong grounds, prayed, believed, 22, 28; worshipped, persisted, 25-27; humbled herself and took her rightful place, 27. (3) What she got: Testing, instruction, 23-26; commenda- tion, blessing, 28. Another arrangement: (i) Her trouble, 22. (2) Her hindrances : Her position as a heathen, 22, 24; the unsympathetic disciples, the seemingly unheeding Saviour, 23. (3) Her mistake: Came as one within the covenant, 22-24. (4) Her faith: Great, 28; prayerful, persistent, 22, 25; prevailing, 24, 28. (5) Her prayer: Earnest, 22, 22; direct, brief, personal, 25 ; definite, 22, 25 ; humble, persistent, 22, 25, 27; believing, prevailing, 28. (6) Her humility: Took the dog's place, 27. (7) Her victory: Immediate, complete, 28. 3. The daughter. What she was — in Satan's power, griev- ously tormented, 22. What she had — a believing, praying mother, 22. What was done for her — taken in pray- er to Jesus, 22, 25, 27. What she got — immediate and complete deliverance, 28. 4. Faith. Where found — often where least ex- pected, 22, 28. In whom rooted — Jesus, 22. How manifested — in coming to, pray- ing to, holding on to, expecting much from Jesus, 22, 25, 27. What it accomplishes — overcomes seem- ingly insurmountable obstacles, 24; obtains all it asks, pleases Christ, wins commendation, 28. LESSON 55. Our Lord in Decapolis: Healing the Sick, Opening the Ears of the Deaf, Giving Speech to the Dumb, Feeding the Hungry. Matthew 15 :29-31 ; Mark 7 :31 to 8:10. (Compare Matthew 15:32-39.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The lame walking, the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the dumb speaking. Matt. 15:29-31; Mark 7:31-37- After healing the Syrophoenician wo- man's daughter, what did our Lord do? Why so soon? Where did He go? What does the Revised Version say instead of "a mountain"? Is there any significance in the change? What did He do in the moun- tain? What happened then? Why did they come to Him? Whom did they bring with them? Had they any right to do that? Have we any warrant for doing the same today? (Heb. 13:8; Jas. 5:14.) What did they do with the lame, blind, dumb, maim- ed? What is the thought suggested by the word "cast"? What did our Lord do? 122 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD What was the effect upon the multitude? Why was it the God of Israel whom they glorified? (Ex. 15:26.) What special case of healing does Mark select from them all for a full description? Is this the only case of a dumb man healed recorded in the Gospels? (Matt. 9:32, 2,Z', Luke 11:14.) What did our Lord do first with this dumb man? What was His pur- pose? Did He seek notoriety? How did He differ radically in this respect from many modern healers? What other miracle does this resemble in some of the details? (John 9:6, 7; Mark 8:23.) What was His purpose in touching his tongue? Why did He look up to heaven? (6:41; John 11:41; 17 :i-) Why did He sigh? (8:12; Luke 19:41; John 11:33- 35, 38; Heb. 4:15.) Did He know that this man's misfortune was soon to be completely relieved? Why then was He burdened over it? Is He burdened over our sorrows even though He knows that they are of short duration and in part imaginary? Did His sigh express any- thing beside sympathy? Did it cost Him anything to perform this miracle? Is there any peculiar power in prayers so earnest that they are accompanied by sighs and groans? (Ro. 8:26, 27; 15:30; Col. 4:12, 13, R. V.) Did our Lord's miracles cost Him any suffering or pain? Had the con- nection between sin and sickness anything to do with His sigh on this and similar occasions? What did He say? What was the result? How was His unstopping the ears of the deaf and giving speech to the dumb proof that He was the Messiah? (Is. 32:1-4; 35:4, 5; Matt. 11:3-5.) What strict injunction did our Lord lay Upon them? What was His purpose? (1:44, 45; 3:10-12; 5:43; 8:25, 26.) Did He ever tell any one to witness to what God had done for him? (Luke 8:39.) Ought we today to keep to ourselves or to tell out what Christ has done for us? (Acts 1:8.) What was the effect of the miracle upon those who saw it? (i :27; 2:12; 4:41; 5:42; 6:51.) Were they converted? What did they say He did? Who alone can make the dead to hear and the dumb to speak? (Ex. 4:10, II.) 2. The feeding of the four thousand, Mark 8:1-9. What proof have we here of our Lord's popularity with the people? For what pur- pose did they come together? Had they any real appreciation of Him? (John 6:26, 27.) How did they prove that they were deeply interested? What was His feeling toward this hungry multitude? What was He un- willing to do? Is there any lesson here for us? With what were the disciples filled at His suggestion that they should feed them? Who else had been similarly per- plexed under like circumstances? (Num. II :2i-23; 2 Kings 4:42-44; 7:2.) Why was their perplexity and anxiety inexcusable? (6:35-44-). What question did our Lord ask of the disciples? What was its purpose? What command did He give to the multitude? (Matt. 14:18, 19.) Why did that seem like a foolish command? What did He do when the multitude were seated? What did He take? Was that naturally enough to go around? How much of what the disciples had did He take ? How much that we have must we put in His hands if we wish Him to bless, multiply and use it? Having taken the loaves, what did He do? Ought we to return thanks every time we eat? (Ro. 14:6; I Cor. 10:30, 31; Col. 3:17; I Tim. 4:3-5; Acts 27:35.) How do we know that there was something deeply significant in the manner in which our Lord returned thanks? (John 6:11, 23; Luke 24:30, 31, 35.) Did He return thanks for anything beside the seven loaves? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 123 Did the few small fishes seem of much account? Was it necessary that they too be brought? Is there any lesson here for us? How bountiful did that repast' prove? Does any one ever go away hungry from the Lord's table? How was this feeding of the four thou- sand a proof of the deity of Christ? What proof have we that this was a separate miracle from the feeding of the five thou- sand, and not merely another account of the same miracle? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature: Divine (Matt. 15:30; Mk. 7:27, 34, 35; Mark 8:1-9); human, 34. (2) His characteristics: Shunned notoriety, :^2>', full of S3mi- pathy, intensely earnest, 34; com- passionate — on the sick, 30; on the deaf and dumb, 32; on the hungry, 2, 3. (3) What He did: Opened the ears of the deaf, unstopped the mouth of the dumb, Mark 7:32- 35; healed the lame, maimed and many others. Matt. 15 :30, 31 ; fed the hungry, Mark 8:1-9; fuHy satisfied those who sat at His table, 8; multi- plied the possessions and power of His disciples when they put all that they had in His hands, 5-7; returned thanks before meals, for even the smallest things, 6, 7. LESSON 56. Our Lord in the Parts of Dalmanutha and in Bethsaida: Answering the Pharisees and Sadducees, and Healing a Blind Man. Matthew 16:1-12 (compare Mark 8:10-21) ; Mark 8:22-26. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. An evil and adulterous generation seeketh for a sign, Matt. 16:1-4. What was the attitude of the Pharisees and Sadducees toward one another? (Acts 23:6-8.) In this lesson what do we see them combining to do? What led two parties so hostile to one another to com- bine their forces? What was the constant attitude of the Pharisees toward our Lord? (9:11; 12:14; 15:1, 2; 22:15, 34; 27:62, 63.) What was the attitude of the Sad- ducees toward Him? (22:23.) With what other hostile party did the Pharisees com- bine on another occasion to entangle Him? (22:15, 16.) What was now their purpose in asking Him to show them a sign from heaven? What did they mean? Did they ask a sign from Him on any other occa- sion? (12:38, 39; Mark 8:11-13; Luke II :i6, 29, 30.) Had He already given them any sign that He was the Messiah? Why then did they ask a further sign? Have we any sign from heaven today that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God? (Acts 2:33; 5:32.) How did this demand of the Pharisees affect our Lord? (Mark 8:12.) Why did He sigh deeply? How did He answer their demand? How was this an answer? Are there any today who can read the signs in the physical world but who are blind to the signs in the spiritual world? Who can never un- derstand spiritual things? (i Cor. 2:14.) What were the signs of the times to which He referred? What abundant signs 124 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD of the times had He given them? (ATatt. 4:23; 11:5.) What did He say that their demanding a sign showed them to be? Are there any today who demand a sign? (i Cor. 1:22.) What is sign enough to a real seeker after truth? Had He ever told them on any other occasion that seeking after a sign was itself a sign of an evil and adulterous heart? (12:39.) What was the only sign that they should be given? What did He mean by the sign of Jonah? (12:39, 40.) Is the resur- rection of Jesus Christ a sufficient sign from heaven to prove His claims? What does it prove? (i Peter 1:21, R. V.; Acts 2:24-36; 17:31; Ro. 1:4; 4:25; I Cor. 4:14; Eph. 1 : 1 8-20.) Having refused their demand for a sign, what did He do? Why? (Matt. 7:6; compare Gen. 6:3; Hos. 4:17; Acts 18:6.) Does He ever leave men today? (Heb. 13:8; 2 Thess. 2:10-12; Ro. 1:24, 26, 28.) What is the worst misfortune that can be- fall any man? (Hos. 9:12.) 2. Beware of the leaven of the Phari- sees and Sadducees, vv. 5-12. Where did our Lord and His disciples go? (Mark 8:13.) What did the dis- ciples forget? What did He say to them? What did He mean (vv. 11, 12)? Is leaven ever used in the Scriptures of any- thing good? (Ex. 12:15-19; Lev. 2:11; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1; i Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9.) In what way is leaven an expressive figure to describe false doctrine? What was the leaven of the Pharisees? (Luke 12:1; Matt. 15:1-9, 11-18; 23:13-26.) What was the leaven of the Sadducees? (22:23; Acts 23:8.) Are formalism on the one hand, and rationalism on the other hand, things against which the church and the individual believer need to be on their guard today? Did the disciples understand His words? What did they think He meant? Did they often misunderstand His words? When at last did they come to under- stand? "(John 16:12-14.) How alone can we understand?' (i John 2:20, 27.) How did He know that they said among them- selves: "We took no bread"? (John 2:24, 25; 6:64; 16:30.) How much that we rea- son in our hearts does He know? (Heb. 4:13; Rev. 2:23.) What does this prove Him to be? (2 Chron. 6:30; Jer. 17:9, 10.) What did He call His disciples? (Com- pare 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; Mark 16:14.) Of whom might He well say it today? What memory might have relieved them from all anxiety about their having no bread? What memories might relieve us from all anxiety in apparent need? By thus rebuking them what did our Lord show? (Rev. 3:19.) What does He show when He rebukes us? What searching question did He put to them? (See first eight words of v. 11, R. v.; Mark 4:40; John 8:43-) Has He ever occasion to put that same searching question to us? 3. The. healing of the blind man near Bethsaida, Marl; 8:22-26. What other instance in the life of our Lord occurred near Bethsaida? (6:45; Luke 9:10; John 1:43, 44; Matt. 11:21.) Did the blind man come to Him of His own accord? Why not? How did those that brought him show their earnestness? What did they ask our Lord to do? What was their thought in asking Him to touch him? Did His first touch heal this man? Did His mere touch ever heal? (5:27-29; Matt. 8:3, IS; 9:29.) Why did not His mere touch heal in this instance? What did He do more than merely touch him? Can we dictate to our Lord just how He will exercise His healing power ? What STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 125 did He do with the bhnd man? Why? (7:33-36.) Did He use spittle on any other occasion in healing? (7:33; John 9:6, 7.) Would the mere spittle have opened the eyes of the blind man? How did the healing of this man differ from most of the cases recorded m the Gospels? Of what is the gradual opening of his eyes an illus- tration ? (Prov. 4:18; 2 Peter 3:18; i Cor. 13:9-12.) Of what was the opening of his eyes a proof? (Is. 29:18; 32:1-3; A'latt. 11:3-5.) How did he see at last? What did our Lord forbid him to do? (See R. V.) Why? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature: Divine, 8; human, 23. (2) His office: The Messiah, 23-25. (3) Characteristics: Compassionate — even upon the Phari- sees and Sadducees (Mark 8:12) ; on the bhnd, 22-25. (4) How He was treated: Hated by the Pharisees and Sadducees, I ; sought out by those in trouble, besought to help when all human help failed, 22. (5) What He did: Refused a sign to those who shut their eyes to the signs already given, 3. 4; sighed deeply over the spiritual blindness of men, Mark 8:12; finally gave up those who persistently re- fused to see the truth, 4; read men's thoughts, 8; warned the disciples to take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees — formalism on the one hand and skep ticism on the other, 6; rebuked the spiritual dullness and little faith of His disciples, 8-11; avoided notori- ety, took by the hand, laid His hands upon the blind man, 23; laid His hands upon the blind man's eyes, 25; restored his sight gradually, 23- 25 ; did not perform all His mira- cles by the same method, 22, 23. 2. Pharisees and Sadducees. Hated Jesus Christ so bitterly that they forgot their hatred of one another in their hatred toward Him, demanded a sign from heaven when already there had been abundant signs, i ; could discern the face of the sky but could not discern the signs of the times, 3; a wicked and adulterous generation, given up by the Saviour, 4; their doctrine corrupt, 6, 12. 3. The disciples. Their forgetfulness, 5; dullness of ap- prehension, 7, 9, 10, 11; little faith, 8. 4. The blind man at Befhsaida. Blind, could not come of himself to our Lord, brought by others, his friends besought our Lord for him, 22; taken by the hand by our Lord, had His hands laid upon him, 23; at first saw dimly after He laid His hands on him, 24; completely restored and saw every man clearly when He laid His hands upon his eyes, 25. 126 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 57. Peter's Confession of Jesus as The Christ, The Son of The Living God. Matthew 16:13-20. (Compare Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21; John 6:67-69.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. Peter confessing Christ, vv. 13-16. Where is the scene of the lesson? How was our Lord engaged? (Luke 9:18.) What question did He put to His dis- ciples? Why did He ask this? Is what men think of Christ an important matter? Does this question engage much attention today? Was there agreement as to who He was? Is there agreement today? What were some of the opinions? Were they correct? Are many of the opinions of today any nearer correct? In what did all the opinions stated agree? In what do almost all opinions of Christ today agree ? What was the second question which He put to His disciples? Which is the more important question for each of us — what men think of Christ or what we think of Christ? Why did He seek to have them express their conviction? (Ro. 10:9, 10.) Which of the disciples answered His question? Why Peter? Was he any quicker to see the truth than others? (John 21:7.) What was he quicker to do? Whom did Peter say that our Lord was? (Compare John 1:49; Matt. 14:33.) What was the difference between the confession as here made and as made on former occa- sions? Is this statement of Peter's an important one? (Acts 9:20; i John 4:15; 5:1, 5; 2:22.) What book in the Bible was written for the express purpose of convincing men of its truth, and what is the result of a heart-belief of this statement? (John 20:31.) Did Peter realize all that his words meant? Do we? Had Peter on any previous occasion given utterance to a similar confession of Christ? (John 6:69; compare A. V. and R. V.) Under what circumstances will a loyal follower of Jesus be most likely to come out with a ringing confession of Him? 2. Christ confessing Peter, vv. 17-20. Was our Lord pleased with Peter's con- fession of Him? Is He pleased today when we confess Him with a sincere heart? Is He pleased if we neglect to confess Him? (Matt. 10:33.) How did He show His pleasure? What did He say that Peter was in view of this confession? From what source did He say Peter had gotten his knowledge? Can any one today really know Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, except God reveal it to him? (i Cor. 2:14; 12:3.) If then we wish to know the truth about Jesus to whom shall we go to show us? (John 16:13-15.) If one comes to us who is perplexed as to who Jesus is, what advice shall we give him? How can we put ourselves in a position where the Father will reveal it to us? (John 7:17.) How can we tell wheth- er we really believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, or not? (i John 5:5; James 2:18.) What further did our Lord say to Peter? What does "Peter" mean? What trans- formed Simon Barjonas into Peter? What is the great controversy about this verse (18)? What can be said in favor of Peter being the "rock" meant? What against it? If Peter is the rock, what made him to be the rock? How then can STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 127 all become rocks? (i Peter 2:4, 5.) Who then is the Chief Corner-stone, the Rock upon which all others rest and from which they derive their own strength? (Is. 28:16; I Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20.) What is the conclusion drawn by Roman Catholics from this verse? What can be said for it? What against it? Who are the true suc- cessors of Peter? (Gal. 3:7.) What does "church" mean? What does Christ say of the strength of the church built upon this rock? What is meant by "the gates of hell" not prevailing against it? What promise of the Old Testament is suggested by this? (Is. 54:17-) What does Christ say He will give Peter? What is meant by "the keys of the kingdom of heaven"? (Ro. 10:14.) What custom of the ancient rabbis is re- ferred to in this figure of speech? Where in the Bible is Peter seen using the keys? (Acts 2:14; 10:34; 15 'J.) Who has the keys of the kingdom of heaven today? When do we unlock the kingdom to men? When do we lock the kingdom against men? (Matt. 23:13.) What power did our Lord say Peter should have? What is meant by "binding" and "loosing"? To whom else did Christ give this power? (Matt. 18:18.) Who has it today? (Gal. 5:18.) Was the power to forgive sins given to the apostles? (John 20:23.) In what sense had they this power? (2 Cor. 2:10.) In connection with what other gift was the gift of power to forgive sins? (John 20:22.) Is there any sense in which any one today besides our Lord has power to forgive sins? Ought we to be satisfied with man's assurance that our sins are forgiven? What charge did our Lord lay upon His disciples? Why? Does that charge rest upon His disciples today? (Matt. 20:19; Acts 2:36; 8:4.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. The Father. (i) Where He is: In heaven, 17. (2) What He does: Testifies to the Messiahship and Son- ship of Jesus, reveals truth even to sinful, ignorant men, ready to receive it, 17. 2. Our Lord Jesus. (i) What He is: The Son of man, 13; the Christ, 16; the Holy One of God, John 6:69; the Son of God, 16; the Builder of the church, 18; the subject of divergent opinions of men, recog- nized by all as an extraordinary per- sonage, 14; recognized in the fulness of His glory only by those whose minds God illumines, 17. (2) What He does: Desires the mouth-confession of heart- faith, 13; delights in the good con- fession of His disciples, 17; entrusts illuminated men with the responsi- bility of opening the kingdom of heaven, 19. J. The church. Christ the Builder, built upon the Rock, Christ, faith in His deity the condition of being made pieces of the Rock, its eternal security, 18. 4. Peter. Taught of God, recognized the Messi- ahship and deity of Christ, 17; con- fessed Him as Messiah and Son of God, 16; transformed by his God- given faith in Jesus as the Son of God into a man of rock, 18; had power given him because of his pos- session of this truth to unlock the kingdom of heaven unto men. had authority given him to forbid or permit, 19. 128 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 58. Our Lord Preparing His Disciples For His Crucifixion. Matthew 16:21-28. (Compare Mark 8:31 to 9:1; Luke 9:22-27.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 7. "Get thee behind Me, Satan," vv. 21-23. For what was Christ preparing His disciples in bringing out so clearly the doctrines of His deity and the security of the church in the immediately preceding verses? Why "must"? (John 3:14; 14:19; Ro. 4:2s; 5:9, 10; Heb. 9:22; Is. 53:4-6; 2 Cor. 5:21; I Peter 2:24.) Had He ever told them of His death and resurrec- tion before? (John 2:19-21.) Is it credi- ble that after He had so plainly foretold His resurrection that His disciples should find it so hard to believe in it when it actually occurred? (Luke 18:34; 24:25.) What in the present day will help us to understand this? Which of the disciples came to the front again at this point? What did he do? Do any of the disciples of the Lord nowa- days think they know better than He what He ought to do? Was Peter concerned for Christ or for self? Of whom had he been the mouthpiece in v. 16? Of whom was he the mouthpiece now? Where else do we see a like spirit in Peter? (Matt. 26:51; John 13:6-8.) How was his protest met by our Lord? On what other occasion had He used the same words? (Luke 4:8.) Why did He call Peter "Satan"? When did this fearful error and awful rebuke of Peter occur? (vv. 17, 18.) Is there any lesson in this? Was our Lord really tempted by Peter's suggestion (v. 23) ? Where was the root pf the difficulty with Peter? Is it a serious thing to mind the things of man? (See R. V. and Phil. 3:19; Ro. 8:5-8.) 2. Before the crown, the cross, vv. 24-28. To whom did our Lord then speak? What does He tell them? What does "deny" mean in Bible usage? (26:35, 75; Mark 14:31; Luke 12:9; 22:34; Titus 2:12.) What then does "deny himself" mean? What was the cross literally? Why did our Lord take up the cross? What then does "take up his cross" mean? What does "follow Me" mean? (i Peter 2:21; Phil. 2:5-8.) Is there any way to be a disciple of Christ and enter the kingdom but by denying self, taking up the cross and following Him? (''Any man"; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12; I Thess. 3:3.) Is the Pope more truly Peter's successor as we see him in vv. 17, 18 or as we see him in vv. 22, 23? What is the special con- nection between v. 24 and the verses which immediately precede? Does it pay "to come after" Christ when we consider these severe conditions? (John 12:26; 2 Tim. 2:12; Ro. 8:18.) What general principle did Christ now announce? What words does Mark add? (Mark 8:35.) What is the meaning of this principle? What searching question did Christ put to them? What does "soul" mean? Is the contrast here between the present and future? Does the man who loses his soul lose the future? What kind of future? Does he gain the present? Does the man who saves his soul lose the present? Does he gain the future? What second question did Christ put to them? What is its meaning? By reference to what event does Christ enforce His teaching? What will be the manner of His coming? What will He STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 129 do at His coming? What evil-doing is to be especially punished at that time? (Mark 8:38.) What occasion was there at this particular point to mention being ashamed of Him? What did He further tell His disciples? Is the same event referred to in v. 28 as in v. 27? What is referred to? (27:1-8; John 8:52.) Note. — This lesson is one of the easiest to understand and hardest to practice. Not so many questions as usual are needed to bring out the teachings ; more grace than usual will be needed to perform them. CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Our Lord. His deity, 27; humanity — Son of man, tempted, 27, 23; temptation — its source a disciple, its issue instant and complete victory, 22, 23 ; shrink- ing from the cross, 23; loyalty to duty — repelling every tempter that would lead Him from the cross, 23 ; consideration of man's weakness, and skill as a teacher — confirms faith be- fore revealing coming trial, 21 (com- pare vv. 13-20) ; sufferings, death and resurrection — their necessity, 21 ; coming — its certainty ("shall come"), manner ("in the glory, etc."), pur- pose ("to render unto every man, etc."), 27; its prefiguration (the transformation), 28. 2. Peter. His carnal mind and consequent failure to see and enter into the divine plan of suffering love, immediately after the hour of wondrous revelation, noble confession and lofty commen- dation, 22, 23; utter failure, stupen- dous presumption, unsparing rebuke, 22 ; a stumbling block to the Saviour, 23; when he minded the things of God he was God's spokesman, but when he minded the things of man he became Satan's spokesman, 23 (compare 16, 17). J. What follows: Suffering and death followed by resur^ rection and glory, 21, 27; Denial of self and cross-bearing fol- lowed by union with Christ and par- ticipation in His kingdom, 24; Sacrifice of temporal life followed by the gain of life eternal, 25; Holding on to temporal life followed by the loss of life eternal, 25 ; Seeking for the world followed by the loss of the soul, 26. 4. Eight rules that have no exceptions. Every one who would save his life shall lose it, 25; Every one who shall lay his life down for our Lord's sake shall find it, 25; Every one who forfeits his life to gain the world makes a poor bar- gain, 26; Every one who forfeits his life to gain the world loses it beyond re- covery, 26; Every one who would go where our Lord went must go by the road He took, 24, 25 ; Every one who would come after our Lord must utterly renounce self, 24; Every one who would come after our Lord must face without wavering and bear without flinching the suf- fering, shame and death that lie in the path of obedience to God, 24; Every one who would come after our Lord must walk as He walked, 24. 130 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 59. The Transfiguration. Matthew 17:1-13. (Compare Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Jesus, Moses and Elijah, vv. 1-4. Of what prophecy of our Lord is this lesson a fulfilment? (Matt. 16:28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27.) How many of the dis- ciples did He take with Him? Did He take these three with Him on any other occasion? (Mark 5:37; Matt. 26:37, 38.) Why did He take them only? Does He today grant the same exalted experience to all His disciples? Why not? (i Cor. 12:5, II.) What evidence have we of the profound impression it made upon those who saw it? (John 1:14; 2 Peter 1:17, 18.) What was Christ's purpose in going up into the mount? (Luke 9:28.) Why did He go into the mount? Why did He take any one with Him? What wonderful thing happened? What does "transfiguration" mean? What trans- formation had He undergone before this? (Ph. 2:6, 7, Greek.) Who are some today who undergo a similar transformation to that recorded here? (Phil. 3:21.) What transfiguration is possible to us in the life that now is? (Ro. 12:3.) How did our Lord appear when He was transfigured? (Mark 9:3; Luke 9:29.) How can our countenances be made to shine? (2 Cor. 3:18.) What was He doing when this wonderful change came? (Luke 9:29.) Was He always transfigured when He prayed? Will prayer bring any glory into our faces? What other wonder did the three dis- ciples see besides the transfigured Jesus? Why were Moses and Elijah chosen as the persons to appear? Had either of them died? (Deut. 34:5, 6.) Was Moses conscious when he appeared on the mount? How does this fact bear upon the doctrine that the dead are unconscious between death and the second coming of Christ? What great desire of Moses was grati- fied by this appearance in the mount? (Deut. 3:23-26.) How did Moses and Elijah appear? (Luke 9:31.) What does this indicate as to the state of the blessed dead even before the resurrection? Did the disciples recognize Moses and Elijah? How? How does this bear on the ques- tion whether we will recognize our friends in heaven? What was the subject of conversation between Jesus, Moses and Elijah? (Luke 9:31.) What does that indicate as to the fact that is most central in the Gospel and most interesting to the heavenly world? (i Peter i : 10-12.) Will the death of Christ be much spoken of in the coming glory? (Rev. 5:8, 9.) Had Moses and Elijah any personal interest in the death of Christ? Was this a real thing that the disciples saw, or a dream in their sleep? (Luke 9:32, R. V. and margin; 2 Peter 1:16-18.) In what physical condition v/ere the dis- ciples when the manifestation began? Were they much in the habit of going to sleep in prayer meetings? (Luke 22:45.) Do men nowadays miss anything by not being waked up in meetings? What man acted like himself at this stupendous mo- ment? What was his comment on their presence there? What did he mean? Was it good for them to be there? Would it have been good for them to have remained there (vv. 14, 15) ? Where is the best place for us to be always? What proposi- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 131 tion did Peter make? Why? (Mark 9:6.) When a man doesn't know what to say, what is generally the best thing to say? Was any attention paid to Peter's proposi- tion? Why not? 2. Jesus only, vv. 5-8. What occurred just then? What was this cloud? (Ex. 40:34, 35; i Kings 8:10, 11; Acts 1:9; Rev. 1:7; Ps. 104:3.) Over whom did the cloud come? What came to the disciples who were on the outside of the cloud? Whose voice was it? What did God say? Of whose words was that a divine confirmation? (Deut. 18:18.) What will happen to one who does not heed this command of God to hear His Son? (Acts 3:22, 23; Heb. 12:25.) What will happen to one who does obey? (Heb. 5:9.) To whom did God bear testimony? What was it? What does that one do who rejects this testi- mony? (i John 5:10.) If we accept the beloved Son, how much does God love us? (John 17:23.) By this testimony given at this time whom did God subordi- nate to Jesus? What was the effect of the voice upon the disciples? Had Peter any more sug- gestions to make? How were they re- assured? What occurred just as soon as the voice had spoken? (Luke 9:36.) Was there anything significant in their departure just at this point? When they looked up whom did they see? Would it have been better to have seen Moses or Elias? What would the Jewish world rather have seen? Wouldn't it have been better to have had Moses and Elias go down from the mount together with Jesus? 3. Death, resurrection and return of the Son of man, vv. 9-/J. What charge did our Lord give His disciples about what they had seen? Why? Is it always best to tell all that has been revealed to us? When Paul said he had "not shunned to declare all the counsel of God," did he mean he had told them everything God had revealed to him? (2 Cor. 12:3, 4-) Does the word translated "vision" always mean a vision seen in sleep? (Acts 7:31, Greek.) Does it here? (Luke 9:32, R. V.) What question were they prompted to ask? What suggested it right here? What was our Lord's answer? Are we to under- stand from this that before Christ's final coming there is to be another coming of Elijah? (Acts 3:21.) In whom did he mean Elijah had already come? (11:14.) In what sense was John the Baptist Elijah? (Luke 1:17.) What three prominent events in His history does our Lord men- tion in connection with His transfigura- tion? What was the relation of His trans- figuration to these events? In the light of this majesty of Jesus revealed at the transfiguration and the command from heaven uttered by the Father at the trans- figuration of His Son, what must we say of the rejection of Christ? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus. (i) His true humanity: Son of man, 9; need of prayer, i; must suffer and die, 12, 9. (2) His true deity: My Son, 5. (3) His majesty and glory: Testified to by the law and prophets in the persons of Moses and Elijah, 3; by the outshining of the indwell- ing glory, 2; by the overshadowing shekinah glory, by the audible voice of the Father, 5; beloved of God, fully meets all the demands of God's aflfections, obedience to Him com- 132 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD manded by the Father, 5; grants special experiences to individual dis- ciples, not for their own sake alone but for the sake of others, i, 9; loved seclusion and prayer, desired fellowship and sympathy, i ; His compassion. His comforting touch and voice, 7. (4) His sufferings : Never lost sight of in moments of exalted glory, 12; prepared for by the experiences of the mount, 1-8, 12. (5) His death: Must precede glory and its proclama- tion to the world, 9; the central fact of revelation in heavenly interest, 3 ; His return, 10, 11. (6) His superiority to Moses and Eli- jah : He a Son, they servants, they gave way to Him, 3-5. (7) His all-sufficiency: Jesus only, 5. Peter. Spoke unthinkingly when he had noth- ing to say and so spoke what was not worth hearing, 4; preferred to be on the mount beholding visions to being in the valley ministering to the unfortunate, 4; desired to have Moses and Elijah, not recog- nizing the all-sufficiency of Jesus, 4; terrified by the voice of the Father, 6; reassured by the voice and touch of the Son, 7. Prayer. Its necessity — Jesus prayed; place — alone with God; time—in the face of coming trial, i (16:13-28) ; power — transfigured while He prayed, i, 2 (Luke 9:28, 29). Tlie departed saints. They exist in a conscious state, in glory, can talk, can be recognized, are especially interested in the death of Christ, 3, 4. LESSON 60. Our Lord Healing the Demoniac Boy at the Foot of the Mount of Trans- figuration. Mark 9 :14-29. (Compare Matthew 17 :14-20 ; Luke 9 :37-43.) Why were they amazed? (vv. 2, 3; com- pare Ex. 34:30.) To whom did He invite them to bring their questionings? If we wish our questionings settled where is the best place to take them? Are unbelievers usually as ready to bring their questionings to Christ as to His disciples? Who was the first to reply to our Lord? Why was he so prompt to speak? What was his trouble? What was his boy's condition? (See also Matt. 17:15; Luke 9:39.) Who was the author of this sad condition? What does this teach us about the Devil? What hint does it give as to what the condition of the world will be when he has unrestricted charge of affairs? DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The failure of the disciples, vv. 14-19. ;While our Lord was in the mountain into what difficulty had the disciples fall- en? In what state of mind were they in this emergency? Who came on the scene at this moment of defeat and distress? Is He likely to appear on the scene in the moment of His disciples' failure, per- plexity and despair? Was there anything better that the disciples could have been doing in their difficulty than engaging in controversy with the scribes? (Ps. 1:1; v. 29, R. V.) What was the effect upon the crowd of the appearance of our Lord? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 133 What had the father done with his son? What is the best thing to do with a child who is in the devil's power? In the ab- sence of the Lord to whom had the man applied for help? Did he get it in that quarter? Do men nowadays ever apply to the disciples of Christ for help and fail to get what they might naturally ex- pect? What is the best thing to do when Christ's disciples fail us? Why were not the disciples able to cast the demon out? (Matt. 17:19, 20; Mark 9:28, 29.) Why is it today that the disciples of Christ so often fail to accomplish the mighty works expected of them? Did this man miss the desired blessing because of the failure of Christ's disciples? Why not? (vv. 19, 20, 25.) Need we miss the bless- ings we desire because of the church's failure in faith and prayer? What can we do? How did our Lord feel over the failure of His disciples (v. 19) ? Had God elsewhere occasion to sorrow over and rebuke the unbelief of His people? (Num. 14:11, 22, 27; Ps. 78:6, 8, 22; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:25.) Has He any occasion to grieve over and rebuke the unbelief of His people today? (Luke 18:8.) What did He tell the man to do with his boy, seeing His disciples had failed? What can we do with our friends whenever every other source of help fails? 2. The victory of the Son of God, vv. 20-29. Did it seem at first to do the boy any good to bring him to our Lord? Does it ever happen nowadays that our friends grow worse rather than better when we bring them to Him? What is the ex- planation of this aggravation of the boy's malady upon bringing him to our Lord? (Rev. 12:12; Mark 1:26.) How long had this boy been mastered and tormented by the demon? Is the long-standing of the misery of our friends any reason for not bringing them to our Lord, or for doubt- ing His readiness or ability to deliver them? (Mark 5:25; Luke 13:16; John 5:5, 6; 9:1, 20, 21; Acts 3:2; 4:22; 9:33; 14:8.) For what did the father appeal? Did the cry for compassion and help ever rise into His ears unheeded? (Matt. 15:22-28; 20:31-34; 9:27-29.) Will it now? (Heb. 13:8.) Did the father have a very firm faith that our Lord could help him? How much faith did he have? Did he get the blessing sought? What was it very likely that made him doubt His ability to help him (v. 18) ? What is the source of much of the unbelief in our Lord today? What did He reply (v. 23, R. V.) ? Where shall we put the "if" in regard to receiving blessings from Him? How much can faith get and accomplish? (Mark 11:23; Matt. 17:20; 21:21, 22; John 11:40; Acts 14:9; Matt. 9:29.) What did the father reply? Did our Lord hear that prayer? If we are conscious of our lack of faith and desire more what shpuld we do? (Luke 17:5-) Did our Lord prolong the conversation? Why not (v. 25, R. V.)? Will a wise Christian worker carry on personal deal- ings with men if a crowd gathers? What did our Lord do? What difference marked His treatment of demons and of sinful men? What did the demon do? What truths are we taught about the devil and his angels by this? What was the condi- tion of the boy when the demon had left? What did our Lord do? Before He can give the sinner life what must the sinner become? (Ro. 7:11; Gal. 3:24.) What did the disciples do? When we have met with some great failure what is the best thing to do? When they talked with Him alone about their failure what ex- 134 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD planation did He give them of it (29, R. V.)? (Matt. 17:20.) If then we wish to win victories for Christ in conflict with Satan in the most extreme forms of his manifestation, what must we do? If we have already suffered defeat how may we turn defeat into victory? (2 Kings 4:31, 33-35-) Whom according to this lesson can our Lord save? What does the most helpless and hopeless victim of Satan need to do to get this salvation? CLASSIFICATION OP TEACHINGS. r. Otir Lord. Comes to the help of His disciples in the moment of their failure and despair, 14-19; turns defeat into vic- tory, 19-27; wishes the questions that perplex His disciples to be brought to Himself, 16; wishes the cases that defy His disciples' power to be brought directly to Himself, wearied with the unbelief of His disciples, rebukes their unbelief, 19 ; His readi- ness to save — always hears the cry for compassion and help, 22-27; His power to save — can do anything that men trust Him for, 22, 23; rebukes, commands unclean spirits to depart, 25; casts out unclean spirits, 26; lifts up the one whom Satan has cast down, 27. S. The disciples. When the Lord left them for a season got into trouble at once, 14; dis- cussed their failure with their ene- mies instead of carrying it to God in prayer, 14, 29; tried to cast out a demon and could not, 19; failed because of neglect of prayer and un- belief, 29, 19; their failure weakened the faith of others in their Master, 18, 22; wearied our Lord by their unbelief, received a severe rebuke, 19; talked to our Lord alone, sought and received an explanation of their defeat, 28, 29. J. The boy. His condition — in Satan's grasp, 17-25; from childhood, 21 ; cast down by Satan, pining away, 18, R. V.; grievously torn, 20; life imperiled, 22; almost killed, 26; no help in man, 18. What was done for him — brought to our Lord, 20. The result — first became worse, 20; like dead, 26; taken by the hand, raised up, restored, 27. 4. The father. His son in the devil's power, sought to bring him to our Lord, 17; tried the disciples first, received no bless- ing, turned from the disciples and appealed to our Lord Himself, 18; but little faith, cried for compassion and help, 22 ; heard, shown that the blessing desired is not a question of Christ's power, but of his own faith, 23 ; used the little faith he had, sought more faith, 24; got the blessing sought, 27. 5. The devil. His awful power, 17-26; incredible malignity, 18, 20, 22, 26; real impo- tence — subject to Christ's mere word, rage — made a final terrific but in- effectual struggle, seeming victory- left his victim as if dead, 26; over- whelming defeat — conquered by Jesus, 26; conquered by faith, 18, 19; conquered by prayer, 29. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 135 LESSON 61. Christ Again Foretelling His Death and Resurrection and Discoursing on Humility. Matthew 17:22 to 18:14. (Compare Mark 9:30-35; Luke 9:43-50.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The shekel in the fish's mouth, 17:22-27. What does our Lord now announce to His disciples (vv. 22, 23) ? What was His purpose in telling them so often in these days of His coming death and resur- rection? Did they comprehend what He was talking about? (Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45.) When they reached their home town, what demand was made upon Him (v. 24) ? Why was He under no obligation to pay the temple tax (vv. 25, 26) ? Did He pay it? Why (v. 27) ? Is there any lesson here for us ? How did He know that Peter would find a shekel in the fish's mouth? 2. Hozv to enter the kingdom of heaven and to be great in it, 18:1-4. With what question did the disciples next come to our Lord? What had sug- gested to them the asking of that ques- tion? What did it reveal? Did there ever arise any strife on this point after this? (Matt. 20:20, 21; Luke 22:21-24.) Is it credible that such strife should arise at such times among those who were so near the Lord? What will best help us to understand it? How did He answer their question? How came there to be a child at hand? How large a child was it? What were His first words as He took the little child? How much deeper than the question does the answer go? What does "be converted" mean (see R. V.) ? Why was it necessary that they "be converted"? In what respect must they become as little children to enter into the kingdom at all? In what respects in general ought we all to be- come childlike? (i Cor. 14:20; i Peter 1:14; 2:2; Matt. 6:31; 11:25; Eph. 5:1.) In what respects must we be unlike chil- dren? (i Cor. 14:20; Eph. 4:14.) Are we to understand from this verse that children are by nature in the kingdom or that they are of the spirit that fits them to easily enter? (John 3:6.) How can one who is old become a child? (John 2:2,; I Peter 2:2.) What are the condi- tions of an "abundant entrance"? (2 Peter 1:5-11.) Whom does our Lord say is the greatest in the kingdom? What is meant by "hum- ble himself"? How else is this same prin- ciple stated by Him elsewhere? (Luke 14:11; Matt. 20:26, 27; 23:11, 12.) Who is the great illustration of this humbling oneself and the consequent exaltation? (Matt. 20:28; Phil. 2:6-11.). Do men often follow this road to greatness? What is the world's idea of the path to greatness? 2. How to treat the members of the kingdom, vv. 5-g. How did our Lord seek to emphasize the preciousness of these little ones to Him? Does He mean a literal child or one with the childlike spirit? Who are the ones then especially dear to Christ? (Is. 57:15.) What is meant by "in My name"? What very solemn warning does He give in V. 6? What is meant by "offend"? (See R. V.) What does the warning mean? To whom does it apply? How can we "cause one of these to stumble"? (Gen. 13:7; 2 Sam. 12:14; Ro. 2:23, 24; 14:21; 136 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 15:1-3; I Cor. 8:9-13.) With what feel- ing does our Lord regard the occasions of stumbling in the world? What does He say of their necessity? Wherein lies the necessity? (i Cor. 11:19.) Does it in any wise excuse the one through whom these occasions of stumbling come? (Acts 2:23.) If stumbling blocks are so bad how far ought we to go in avoiding them? (i Cor. 8:13.) Are we only to give up the things that are m themselves bad? (Luke 14:26, 27, 33.) Why would it pay one to cut off a hand or a foot or pluck out an eye if they led to sin? 4. God's unquenchable love for His own, vv. 10-14. What warning does our Lord give in regard to the little ones? Is there need of that warning today? What reason does He give for not despising them? What does "behold the face, etc." indicate? (Esther i:i4; Luke 1:19.) Are we to learn from this that we have guardian angels? Whose angels have the prominent places? Why is v. 11 left out in the R. v.? Is theje any place where it is iound in the R. V.? (Luke 19:10.) If it belongs here just what is its meaning in this connection? What parable does our Lord utter in vv. 12, 13? Where else found? Is it just the same? How many of us have gone astray? (Is. 53:6.) Who are the sheep that our Lord left? What sheep is God most interested in? How does God reel when He finds one of His lost sheep? How great is this joy? (Zeph. 3:i7-) What application does our Lord make oi the parable? Is God willing that any one should perish? (2 Peter 3:9.) What is God's will? (John 6:39, 40; Luke 12:32; I Tim. 2:4.) Will one ot these little ones perish? (John 10:27-29; 17:12.) If God's will is that all be saved, why are not all saved? (John 5:40.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHIT^GS. /. God. The Father of Jesus Christ, 10; the Father of all believers, 14; His dwelling place — heaven, bestows spe- cial privilege and honor upon chil- dren, 10; takes an especial interest in, seeks the lost, rejoices over the lost one found, 13; not His will that a single little one be lost, 14. 2. Our Lord. His deity, 23, 27; carefulness to avoid causing others to stumble, 27; aton- ing death, resurrection, 23 ; love to children, 2 ; solicitude for children, 10; attractiveness to children, 2; be- lieved on by children, 6; received in little children, when they are re ceived in His name, 5. 3. The kingdom of heaven. (i) Conditions of entrance: Renunciation of self seeking, i, 3; re- nunciation of pride, 3, 4. (2) Condition of greatness in the king- dom : Humility— taking the lowly place, 4. 4. Occasions of stumbling. Must needs be, bring woe to the world, bring woe to the man through whom they come, 7; better to perish most miserably than to be an occasion of stumbling to a believing child, 6; bet- ter sacrifice the dearest and most indispensable thing than be an occa- sion of stumbling, 8, 9. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 137 LESSON 62. The Duty of Forgiving Those Who Sin Against Us. Matthew 18:15-35. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. How to deal zvith an offending brother, vv. 15-20. What are Christ's directions as to the first step to take if a brother sin against us? Should we talk to others about the fault? What will probably be the result in such a case? Suppose we are quite sure that he will not hear, does that alter our duty in the matter? When alone have we a right to conclude that he will not hear? Should we give him up if he will not hear us ? What should we do ? What is the purpose of taking some one with us? Suppose he refuse to hear them, should we give him up then? What should we do? Should we tell it to the church before we have taken the earlier steps? Would there be many long cherished feuds between Christians if they followed these directions of Christ? Is it obligatory upon every professed disciple to follow them? If we do not, what are we doing? Not until when, however, should he be to us "as the Gentile and the publican"? What is the purpose of treating him as such? (i Cor. 5:5; I Tim. 1:20). What power did our Lord say His dis- ciples should have (v. 18) ? What does it mean to "bind" and "loose"? (Matt. 16:19; Acts 15:28, 29.) How should the disciples receive wisdom to declare what should not be done and what could be done? (John 20:22, 23.) In how far have the disciples of Jesus Christ this power today? (i John 2:27.) What fur- ther power did He promise His disciples (v. 19)? What does the "you" mean? What does it mean "to agree as touching anything"? (Acts 1:14; 2:1; 4:24.) Do men ever think they have this promise to rest upon when they are not m reality fulfilling the plainly stated conditionsT What will be the result when the conditions are fulfilled? What shall be done? Why is it then that so often the things that two ask are not done? Who alone can bring us into real unity in our praying? (Eph. 4:3.) Why is it that the prayer is heard when there is real agreement touching the thing asked (v. 20)? What does He do in the midst? Suppose in widely separated parts of the world many groups of two or three are gathered together in the name of Christ, how can He be in the midst of all at the same time? Is He always in the midst where two or three professed Christians are gathered together? 2. Seeking forgiveness for self, vv. 21-27. To what question on Peter's part did our Lord's words give rise? What was the rule of the teachers of that day as to how often we should forgive? Did that rule satisfy Peter? Had he yet reached the Christian standard of forgive- ness? What is the Christian standard? (Col. 3:13; Eph. 4:32; 5:1.) What was our Lord's answer? What does "forgive" mean? What verses illustrate this mean- ing? (Is. 38:17; 43:25; 44:22; Jer. 31:34; Micah 7:19; Ps. 103:12.) Can we be said to forgive a wrong when we treasure it in our mind? What does our Lord mean by saying "seventy times seven"? Is there anything that the offen- der must do before we are under obliga- tions to forgive? (Luke 17:3, 4.) Before he repents and confesses, have we a right to hate him or ignore him? (Matt. 18:15- 17.) What ought we to do to every ene- 138 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD my, repentant and unrepentant? (Matt. 5:44; Eph. 5:1; Ro. 5:8.) How does our Lord seek to impress upon the disciples the duty of boundless for- giveness? Of whom is the king in the parable a picture? Who are the servants? What is the king represented as doing with his servants? When does God reckon with us? (John 16:8, g; Matt. 25:19.) Is this the final reckoning in v. 23? What is God's purpose in these earlier reckonings with us? How great a debtor was brought into His presence? How much is a thousand talents? What is our Lord's purpose to teach in stating so enormous a sum? Who is so guilty before God? (Ps. 130:3; 38:4; 40:12; Ezra 9:6.) Did the debtor come of his own accord before the judge? What is taught by that? Was the debtor able to pay? Are we able to pay our debt to God? When then did the king command? What does the picture set forth? What did the debtor then do? What does that repre- sent? What promise did the debtor make? Could he fulfill it? Why did he make it? Does the awakened sinner ever fancy that he can pay his debt to God? Can he? What provision has God Himself made for settling the old account? (20:28; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; I Peter 2:24.) What was the king's feeling in response to his debtor's anxious cry? What does that represent? How much compassion has God? (Ps. 86:15; 145:8.) How did the king's com- passion show itself? Is that as much as a debtor asks? How will God's giving correspond with our asking? (Eph. 3:20.) Does God's compassion wait until we re- pent? (John 3:16; Ro. 5:8.) J. Refusing forgiveness to others, vv. 28-35. Did the debtor really accept the pardon and realize what had been done for him? How did he show that he did not? What does this illustrate? How great was the debt owed him? How did that compare with his own debt? What truth did Christ intend to teach by that? Did he act this way in the presence of the king? Does that teach anything? How did his debtor act? Had he seen any one else act that way? Did he remember that? Was there any possibility of his debtor actually pay- ing? Did he do as he had been done by? Do we? Did he do as he would wish to be done by? Ought we to do to others as we want God to do by us? (Matt. 6:12.) Do we? Who observed his treatment of his fel- low-servant? How did they feel? (Heb. 13:3; Ro. 12:15; Mark 3:5.) What did they do? What is the best thing to do with griefs and wrongs? (Ro. 12:19.) How did the king feel (v. 34) ? Why is it right that we should be grieved rather than angry at sin though God is wroth at it? What did his lord first do? Will God so call us to account for our acts? (Ro. 14:12; I Cor. 4:5.) How did he address him? Was his guilt greater in the former interview or in this? How is it with us : is our guilt greater because of our many sins or because of our treat- ment of God's grace? What argument does the king use to show him the enormi- ty of his guilt? What similar argument might God use to show us our guiltiness? What was the king's feeling? Who, judg- ing from this parable, ought most to fear God's wrath? How was the king's wrath displayed? What does this represent? (2 Thess. 1:8, 9; Rev. 14:10, 11.) How long was he to be tormented ? How long would that take? Is there any hope of the sin- ner's ever paying his debt to God in perdi- tion? How will God deal with those who show no mercy? (Jas. 2:13.) How alone STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 139 can we learn to be merciful? (Col, 3:13-) Are we to learn from this parable that God ever withdraws His pardon from one He forgives and who really accepts the forgiveness? Was this man given over to tormentors because of his debts or because of his treatment of his master's grace? Are men damned because of their many sins, or because of their rejection of offered grace? What is the application our Lord make? of the parable? What kind of forgive- ness does God demand? What is it then that God looks at? (Prov. 21:2; Luke 16:15; Rev. 2:23.) Are we to learn from this parable that men are eternally lost be- cause they do not forgive or because they do not believe in God's forgiveness? CLASSIFICATION 0? TEACHINGS. /. God. The Father of Jesus Christ, 19, 35; His abode — ^heaven, answers prayer where there is agreement as touch- ing the thing asked, 19 ; reckons with men, 23 ; deals in justice until man approaches Him on the ground of mercy, 25 ; has compassion on the greatest sinner that cries for mercy, releases him, forgives the debt, 27; demands that the one thus forgiven should show that he has accepted the forgiveness by forgiving others, 32, 33; will deal without mercy with those who have despised mercy, 34, 35- 2. Christ. God's Son, 19, 25; omnipresent, in the midst of two or three gathered together in His name, 20; His skill as a teacher, 21-35. ^. Christians. (i) Their privileges: Free and boundless forgiveness for enormous sins, 24-27; get what they ask with one accord, 19; have Jesus in the midst, 20; discern what is per- missible in God's sight and what is not permissible, 18. (2) Their duty: To gather in Christ's name, 20; to pray unitedly, 19; to forgive even as God has forgiven them, 28, 29, 32, 3S ; to go show those who have wronged them the wrong in private, 15; if they hear not, to take one or two more, 16; if they hear them not, to tell the church, 17; if they refuse to hear the church, to treat them as the Gentile and the publican, 17; to freely forgive all who ask it, to do unto others as God has done unto them, 32, 33. 4. The unmerciful servant. Heavily in debt to his master, 24; unable to pay, in great danger of fearful judgment, no hope on the ground of justice and law, 25; cried for mercy, promised to pay, 26; found compassion, was freely forgiv- en, 27; despised the forgiveness, went out from the king's presence, 28: refused to show mercy, 30; sum- moned before his master, his wicked- ness and contempt for mercy ex- posed, 32, 33; delivered to the tor- mentors, 34. 5. Forgiveness. The great and universal need of man, 24, 35; freely given for all who seek it, 27; permanently enjoyed only by those who show their acceptance of it by forgiving others, 28, 35 ; our forgiveness of others should be full, free, from the heart, like God's, 33, 35- 140 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 63. Our Lord at the Feast of Tabernacles. John 7:1-24. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Our Lord and His unbelieving brothers, vv. i-g. What was the attitude of the leaders of the people in Judea toward our Lord at this time? Why did they wish to kill Him? (5:16-18; Matt. 12:10-14; 21:37, 38.) What did this necessitate on His part? Was there any other time in the life of Christ when He retired from Judea to avoid the peril of arrest and death? (John II :S3, 54.) Was it right for Him to retire because of the peril there? Is it ever right for a follower of Jesus to go from a place of peril to some other place of comparative security? (Matt. 10:23.) On what occasion did He go up again to Judea (v. 2) ? What was the Feast of Tabernacles? (Ex. 23:16, 17; Lev. 23:34- 43; Num. 29:12-38; Deut. 16:13-16.) What did our Lord's brethren suggest that He do? Why? What does this reveal as to the character of His brethren? Was it His spirit to do things in order that men might see what great things He could do? (Matt. 12:18-20; Is. 42: 2, 3.) Will it be the spirit of any true follower of Jesus? What reason did these brethren give why He should show His works to His dis- ciples (v. 4) ? Was He seeking to be known openly? What lay at the root of the suggestion made by the brethren of Jesus? (Luke 6:45.) What was the attitude of His own brethren toward Him (v. 5) ? What rea- sons had His brethren for believing in Him? Why then did they not believe (v. 3, 4 ; compare 5 "•44) ? Did the time ever come when they did believe? (Acts 1:14; 15:13; I Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19.) Had the brothers of Jesus on any other occasion shown that they did not understand Him and truly believe in Him? (Mark 3:21, 31; John 1:11-13; Micah 7:5, 6.) If we are true to Christ, where very likely will we find those who misunderstand us and op- pose us? (Matt. 10:34-36.) Ought oppo- sition in our own homes deter us from loyalty to Christ? (Matt. 10:37-39.) From whom had the suggestion come earlier in His history that He make a public display of His powers? (Matt. 4:6.) What did He answer His brethren? What did He mean by: "My time is not yet come" (vv. 8, 30; 8:20; 13:1; 17:1)? What connection was there between this answer and the suggestions of His brothers? What did He say was the atti- tude of the world toward His brothers (v. 7) ? Why could not the world hate them? (15:19; James 4:4; i John 4:5.) Is it always a good sign when the world agrees with us and applauds us? (Luke 6:26.) What did our Lord say was the attitude of the world toward Himself? Is that the attitude of the world toward Him today? (Ro. 8:7.) Of what prophecy was it a fulfillment? (15:23-25; Ps. 35: 19; 69:4; Is. 49:7; 53:3.) Why did the world hate Him (v. 7) ? How did He testify of the world that its works were evil by word, or by His life? (3:19-21; Luke 11:39-54-) How does the world usually feel toward one who rebukes its sin? ( I Kings 22:8; Prov. 9:7, 8; Amos 7:7-13; Acts 5:28-33; 7:51-54.) How only can a preacher keep the favor of the world? 2. Our Lord and the perplexed people, vv. 10-13. Did our Lord go up to the feast at all (v. 10)? Why secretly? (11:54; Is. 42:2, 3; Matt. 10:16.) Who were watch- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 141 ing for Him at the feast? (11:56.) What different opinions about Him did the peo- ple express? Was either of these opinions the whole truth about Him? Was there a similar diversity of opinion about Him on any other occasion? (vv. 26, 27, 40-43; g:i6; 10:19-21; Matt. 16:13-16; Mark 6:14, 15.) What did this reveal as to the people themselves? (Luke 6:45.) Is what a man thinks of our Lord today any test of what he is in his heart? (John 3:18-21.) By what were those who be- lieved in Him deterred from an open con- fession of Him? (v. 13; 9:22, 23, 34; 12:42, 43; 19:38; Gal. 2:12, 13; 2 Tim. 2:9-13.) Is it enough to believe in Jesus in secret? (Matt. 10:32, 33; Ro. 10:9, 10.) S. Our Lord and the wondering people, vv. 14-24. When did our Lord first appear in public during the feast? What did He then do? Was He accustomed to go to the temple to teach? (8:2; 18:20; Luke 19:47.) Why? What prophecy was thus fulfilled? (Hag. 2:7-9; Mai. 3:1.) What was the effect of His teaching? (vv. 15, 46; Matt. 7:28, 29; 22:22, 2i3', Luke 2:47.) Does His teaching appear equally remarkable to fair-minded men today? What made it especially diffi- cult for the Jews to understand how He should be such a remarkable teacher of the truth? What did they mean by saying He had "never learned"? Are there any today who think a man can know nothing unless he has been to the rabbinical schools? What was His own answer to the ques- tion: "How knoweth this Man letters" (v. 16, R. V.)? Was this a reasonable answer? Is there any other reasonable way in which to account for the unparalleled wis- dom of the teaching of our Lord? To what extent is His teaching the teaching of God? (3:11, 31-34; 8:28; 12:49, 50; 14:10, 24; 17:8, 14.) What must a man do if he is to know for himself to a certainty that the teaching of Jesus is the teaching of God (v. 17) ? Whose glory is that man seeking who speaks for himself? Was our Lord seek- ing His own glory? (5:41; 8:49, 50.) Whose glory was He seeking? Whose glory should each one of us seek? If one feels hurt when he hears of some one else who has been greatly used in God's work, what does it prove as to whose glory he is seeking? If one rejoices when he hears that others are being used more than he is, what does it prove as to whose glory he is seeking? (Num. 11:29.) What does our Lord say of the man who seeks not his own glory but the glory of Him that sent him (v. 18)? Who did Jesus say gave the law? To what law did He refer? Is it the opinion of all scholars today that Moses gave this law? Who is right about this, Jesus or these modern scholars? How many of the Jews kept the law? (v. 19; Matt. 23:2-4; Ro. 2:12, 13, 17-29; 3:10-23; Gal. 6:13.) What startling question did our Lord now put to them? What did the people reply? Was He accused on any .other occasion of having a devil or being crazy? (8:48, 52; 10:20; Mark 3:21.) Ought we to grieve if people accuse us of being crazy because of our loyalty to the truth? (Matt. 10:25; Acts 26:24.) Was our Lord right in supposing that they were trying to kill Him? (5:16-18; 10:31, 2,^, 39; 11:53; Mark 3:4-6.) Did not the peo- ple know that they were trying to kill Him? (v. 25.) To what work does He refer in v. 21? (5:9-11.) How does He prove that it was right according to their own law and usage for Him to heal this man on the Sabbath day (22, 23) ? How did He tell them to judge? (8:15; Is. 11:3, 4-) 142 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. jr. God. Sent our Lord into the world, gave Him the doctrine that He should teach, i6; reveals to any man who wills to do His will that the doc- trine of our Lord is His own doc- trine, 17; man should seek God's glory — not his own, should teach God's doctrine— not his own, should surrender his will absolutely to God, 16-18. 3. Our Lord. (i) What He did: Retired from Judea where the Jews sought to kill Him, to Galilee where He would be comparatively safe, I ; avoided publicity, 4, 10 ; pa- tiently awaited His time, 6, 8; testified to the world that its works were evil, 7; obeyed the Mosaic law, 10; went up into the temple and taught, 14; spoke not from Himself but from God, 16; sought not His own glory, sought the glory of Him that sent Him, 18; made an entire man sound on the Sabbath day, 23; judged not accord- ing to appearance but judged right' eous judgment, 24. (2) How He was treated: Misunderstood and disbelieved in by His own brothers, 3-5; hated by the world, 7; called a deceiver by some of the people, considered a good man by some, 12; not confessed by the multitude for fear of man, 13; marvelled at because of His teach- ing, 15 ; the Jews sought to kill Him, 19; accused of having a devil by the people, 20. 3. The brothers of our Lord Longed for the praise of men, 3, 4; disbelieved in Jesus, 5 ; in agreement with the world, 7; observed the out- ward forms of religion, 10. 4. Unbelief. Its unreasonableness — refuses to be convinced by sufficient evidence, 5; cannot see the beauty in our Lord though it is right before its eyes, 5; ostentatious vanity, 3, 4; agree- ment with the world, 7; unfairness, misrepresentations, 20; cure, a sur- rendered will, 17. LESSON 64. Our Lord at the Feast of Tabernacles (Continued). John 7:25-36. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Many of the people convinced tJuit Jesus is the Christ, vv. 25-31. How did our Lord speak in those days (v. 26) ? Is there any warrant for the change from "boldly" to "openly" in the Revised Version? (Compare the Greek and R. V. of Acts 4:13; Eph. 6:19, 20.) What characteristic of our Lord was man- ifested by His bold speaking at this par- ticular time? (See v. 25.) What thought should make us bold in declaring the truth of God even when we are threatened with death? (Is. 50:7, 8; Ro. 8:31.) What thought was suggested to the people by the fact that the rulers said nothing to our Lord though He spoke thus boldly (v. 26) ? Did the rulers know that He was indeed the Christ? (ii:47-53; 12:42.) Did the people really believe that Jesus was the Christ? What reason did the people give for doubting it? What did STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 143 they say they knew? Did they know whence Jesus was? (8:14.) Can a man today at the same time know and yet not know whence Christ is? What did the people say about the Christ? Was that true? What did our Lord then do (v. 28)? Why did He admit that there was any truth in their claim to know whence He was? In what sense did they know Him, and whence He was? In what sense did they not know Him, and whence He was? Would such knowledge save them? (20: 31; 17:3-) Have any today only this knowledge of Jesus as a man that the Jews had? What will it do for them and what will it fail of doing for them? What did our Lord tell them about Himself that they did not know? How do we know that He regarded this as a very important truth? (8:16, 42; 10:36; 17:8, 25.) What secret of a successful mission have we in these words of our Lord? What did He say of the One who sent Him? How true is God? (Ro.3:4; Titus 1:2; i John 1:5.) If God is true, what ought to be our at- titude toward Him? In what four words did our Lord bring terrible indictment against the Jews? How important is it that a man know God? (17:3; 2 Thess. 1:8, 9.) Was it the thought of the Jews about themselves that they did not know God? What was their boast over all nations? What solemn lesson is there in this? What is true of many today who profess to know God? (Titus 1:16.) What is the practical proof that we do know God? (i John 2:3, 4-) What was the conclusive proof that these Jews did not know God? (8:19, 42, 54, 55; i5:20.) In what way and what way alone can we know God? (Matt. 11:27; i John 5:20.) What did our Lord say of Himself in contrast to what He had said of the Jews (v. 29) ? What was the ground of His knowledge of God? How long had He been with God? (1:2.) How is His knowledge of God different from a philoso- pher's knowledge of God? Which con- ception of God is more reliable and more worthy of acceptance— that of the great- est philosopher or that of Jesus? What had He a right to say? Have you a right to say it? What was the effect of these words of our Lord on His hearers? Why? What may any one who testifies to the full truth expect of men? What was the practical outcome of their attempt to take Him? Why did no man lay hands upon Him (v. 30) ? How far can wicked men go in their purposes? (Ps. 76:10.) Was the re- straint by which God held these men back visible? Did they realize what held them back? What lesson is there in all this? What great truth is contained in the words : "His hour was not yet come"? Were all evil disposed toward our Lord (v. 31)? Is it worth while to save the common people? What question did they ask? 2. The Pharisees plotting, and the peo- ple perplexed, vv. 32-36. What was the effect upon the Pharisees of the faith and words of the people? Did they succeed? Why not (v. 30)? What was the outcome of the attempt? (vv. 45, 46.) What important announcement did our Lord make? How little a time is the Holy Spirit to be here? What was our Lord to do when the little time was up? What would the Jews do after He was gone? What would be the result of their search? What lesson in that? Have the Jews sought for a Messiah since they re- jected the true one? What would be the result of their not finding Him? What lesson in this? (8:21, 24.) When should we seek the Lord? (Is. 55:6.) Did the 144 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Jews lay His words to heart as they ought? Why didn't they understand? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. Spoke boldly to the Jews though they plotted His death, 26; taught in the temple, with great earnestness, came not of Himself, sent of God, 28; knew God, was from God, 29; the Jews sought to arrest Him, no man could lay hands on Him until His hour was come, 30; believed on by many of the people, did miracles that even His enemies could not deny, 31 ; went to Him that sent Him, 33; if not sought in the day of opportunity cannot be found at all, 34. 2. The Jczvs. Sought to kill Jesus, 25 ; their rulers knew that Jesus was indeed the Christ, 26; were perplexed about Jesus, 27 ; knew not the true God, 28; sought to arrest Jesus, 30; can- not go where Jesus went, 34. LESSON 65. Our Lord on the Last and Great Day of the Feast of Tabernacles. 7 :37-53. John DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Our Lord, the giver of the living water, w. 37-39- To what day does the 37th v. take us? What and why did our Lord cry on the last day of the feast? What ceremony suggested the invitation? (Lev. 23:36.) Could a mere man give such an invitation as that? Why could our Lord? (Matt. 3:11; Acts 2:33; John 1:33; 20:31.) How do we see in His attitude the eagerness of His desire that men should accept that in- vitation? Whom did He invite? What does "thirst" mean? (Is. 44:3; 55 :i; Matt. 5:6; Rev. 22:17.) What is the deepest thirst of the human soul? (Ps. 42:4; 63:1; 143:6.) Where alone can this thirst for God be satisfied? (John 14:6.) To whom must he go? Will coming to a creed, a church or to ceremonies satisfy a man who is athirst? What must he do be- side "come"? Will our Lord allow a wicked man or a skeptical man to come? (John 6:37.) What sort of water is it He gives? (4:10.) What is the first re- sult of drinking? (4:14.) What is the second result (v. 38) ? Before we can have the rivers of living water flowing out to others what must we first do ourselves? Why is it then that there are no rivers flowing out from some of us? Why does believing on Him cause rivers to flow from us? From whence in O. T. prophecy do we see the rivers of living water flowing forth? (Ez. 47:1.) Is there any connec- tion between the rivers flowing forth from the temple and from the believer? (i Cor. 6:19.) From whose dwelling place will rivers always flow forth? (Rev. 22:1; Zech. 14:8.) Whence did our Lord derive this figure of rivers or floods of water? (Is. 44:3.) When the Spirit comes to men. in what streams does He pour forth His power from them? (Acts 2:4; 4:3T-") Were all that believe to receive the Holy Spirit? (v. 38; Ro. 8:9.) Do all believers have the baptism with the Spirit? (Acts 8:12. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 145 15, 16.) Can all believers have it? (Acts 2:38; Eph. 5:18.) How is the Spirit re- ceived? (Gal. 3: I, 14.) When? (Eph. 1:13.) What was necessary before this gift of the Spirit could be bestowed? (v. 39; John 16:7.) When was it that Christ re- ceived this gift to bestow upon His people? (Ps. 68:18; Acts 2:33.) Are we to under- stand that the Holy Spirit was not in the world at all until our Lord was glorified? (Take a concordance and see.) Was this glory something He had never known be- fore? (John 17:5.) 2. Our Lord the divider of men, vv. 40- 53- What was the effect of His wonderful words upon the multitude who heard them? What did some recognize in Him? What difficulty did others see in the way of accepting Him as the Christ? Was the difficulty a real one? Were they right in their interpretation of Scripture? (Ps. 132:11; Is. ii:i; Micah 5:2.) Where then was their mistake? When we have diffi- culties with the Scriptures or with Christ, is the source of the difficulty in the Scrip- tures and Christ or in ourselves? What was the result of all their discussion (v. 43) ? Was that the only instance in which Christ caused a division among men? (v. 12; John 9:16; 10:19; Acts 14:4.) Does He cause division among men today? (Luke 12:51.) Where does He cause divi- sion oftentimes? (Matt. 10:35, 36; Luke 12:52, 53.) What is the reason? Who is to blame? How far did the antagonism of some go? Did they succeed in their awful purpose? Why not? (v. 30; John 8:20; Acts 18:10.) What attempt had been made against Him by the leaders (v. 32) ? Was it successful (v. 45) ? What was all that it had resulted in (v. 46) ? Of what is that an illustration? (Ps. 76:10.) What was the testimony of the officers sent to arrest Him? Was that testimony true? If "never man so spake," who was He? Did the rulers deny that He spake as never man spake? What was all their reply? Do men nowadays try to settle the claims of a doctrine or a person by an ap- peal to what "the rulers" think? Would it have proved that our Lord was not the Christ or the Son of God even if none of the rulers had believed upon Him? Is it generally to great men that God especially reveals His truth? (Matt. 11:25; i Cor. 1:20, 22-28; 2:8.) Was it true that none of the rulers believed upon Him? (3:2; 12:42.) Did their belief count for much? Why not? What opinion did the leaders hold of the multitude (v. 49, R. V.) ? Who was it that was really "accursed"? (Gal. 3:10.) Who lifted a voice in defense of our Lord? What progress do we see here in Nicodemus? Did he ever get beyond this? (John 19:39, 40.) Was his point well taken? How did the leaders try to get around it? Is it a common mode of pro- cedure when men can't answer a point to seek to get around it by calling the man who makes it names? What point did the Pharisees try to make? Were they right about that? (Is. 9:1, 2; Matt. 4:13-16.) Is it common to make very positive asser- tions that men will find things in the Bible which are not there at all? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. (i) His nature: Human, 39; divine, 2>7, 38, 46. (2) His characteristics: Familiarity with the Scriptures, earn- estness as a preacher, compassion for the thirsty, Z7, 39- 146 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD (3) How He was treated by men : Some thought Him the prophet, 40; some the Christ, 41 ; some came and drank and were satisfied, 37-39; some stumbled at Him, 42; some (the rulers generally) rejected Him, 48; some hated Him and sought to destroy Him, 44. (4) What He did: Spake as never man spake, awed by His teaching the officers sent to ar- rest Him, 45, 46; invited all the thirsty to come to Him, gave living water to all who would take it, 2,1 \ made all who drank the living water themselves fountains from whom "rivers of living water" flowed forth to others, 38; gave the Spirit to all who believed, 39; caused divi- sion between those who were of God and those who were not, 43. 2. The Holy Spirit. Christ's gift, all who thirst (intense- ly desire) can have, all who believe on Christ receive, makes those who do receive Him a fountain from which rivers of living water flow forth to others, not given until Jesus was glorified, 37-39. 3. All who— All who thirst invited to our Lord, all who come can drink and be satisfied, 27', all who believe on Him receive the Holy Spirit, 39; all who believe on Him made fountains of blessing to others, 38. LESSON 66. Jesus The Light of The World. John 8 : 12-24. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Jesus the Light of the World, vv. 12-20. What is the first word of the 12th verse in the R. V.? W^hat lesson is there in that word? Who is the speaker? What is His position in the society of the day? What did He say? That utterance shows Him to be one of three things: what are they? Was our Lord a lunatic? Was He an im- postor? What then was He? Did He say: "I am a light of the world"? From whom then does the world get all its light? (1:4, 5, 7-9.) Who does John tell us in his epistle is light? (i John 1:5.) If then our Lord is the Light of the world, who is He? What does light do? What does our Lord do? Of what is He the light? How can we prove that we believe that He really is the Light of the world, and not merely of our race? Does the average Christian be- lieve that He is the Light of the world? Is this truth found anywhere else in the Bible? (Luke 1:78, 79; Is. 42:6, 7; 49: 6; 60:1, 2.) What has demonstrated that He has a right to say it? If we would see what absolute truth and goodness is, where must we look? Did our Lord merely bring light? If He is the light, what must we do? What does it cost to follow Him? (Matt. 16:24.) What reward does it bring? How does the reward compare with the cost? From what kinds of darkness will follow- ing Him save us? If one is walking in darkness, of what may he then be sure? (John 12:46; Is. 50:10.) If then we find ourselves in darkness, what should we seek to find out? What kind of light should we have if we follow our Lord? Did the Pharisees let His statement that He was the light of the world produce its right impression on their hearts ? How did STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 147 they seek to escape the force of His words (v. 13) ? Did it necessarily prove that His testimony was not true because He bore testimony of Himself? Is it true as a rule? (5:31-47-) Why was our Lord's testi- mony true though He bore testimony re- garding Himself (v. 14) ? What did He know about Himself? From whence did He come (v. 42)? (7:29; 10:36; 13:3; 16:28; 17:8.) Whither did He go? (13:3.) What did the Pharisees not know (v. 14)? (7:27, 28; 9:29, 30.) How did the Pharisees judge? Is that the right way? (7:24; I Sam. 16:7.) Who judges in this way? What did our Lord mean by saying: "I judge no man" (v. 11)? (3:17; 12:47, 48.) Will He ever judge any man? (5:22, 23; Acts 17:31.) What kind of judgment (v. 16)? (5:22-30; Ps. 45:6, 7; 72:1, 2; 98:9; Is. 9:7; 11:2-5; 32:1, 2; Jer. 23:5, 6; Acts 17:31; Rev. 19:11.) Why would His judgment be true (v. 29) ? (16:32.) What principle of their own law would compel them to accept His testimony (v. 17)? (Deut. 19:15.) Who were the two witnesses to our Lord (v. 18)? (i John 5:9.) Where do we find His wit- ness to Himself? Where did the Father bear witness to Jesus? By what question did the Pharisees re- veal the depths of their own ignorance (v. 19) ? Is the question in itself an important one? What was our Lord's answer (vv. 54, 55)? (1:10, 11; 15:21; 16:3.) Is it im- portant that men know the Father and know Jesus? (John 17:3; 2 Thess. i: 7-9.) How alone can we know the Father? (i John 5:20; Matt. 11:27; John 17:7; 1:18.) If any one does not know Jesus, of what may we be sure? What did they wish to do with Jesus (v. 20) ? Why did they not arrest Him? 2. "If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins," vv. 21-24. Were the words recorded in vv. 21-24 spoken on the same occasion as the im- mediately preceding words? What two sol- emn statements does our Lord make on this occasion? How alone can a person escape dying in his sins (v. 24)? (3:18, Z6; Mark 16:16; Acts 4:12; Heb. 2:3; 10:26-29; 12:25.) Which is more sol- emn, to live in sin or to die in sin? If one dies in his sin what will be the result (v. 21)? How does this bear upon the doc- trine that there is another probation after death? (Luke 16:22-26.) For what deeds are we judged at the judgment seat of Christ? (2 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 9:27.) Who alone is happy in his death? (Prov. 14: 32.) How did the Jews interpret our Lord's words : "Whither I go ye cannot come" (v. 22) ? What suggested this in- terpretation to them? Would the time ever come when the Jews would seek our Lord (v. 21)? When? When must we seek Him in order to find Him? (Is. 55: 6; Luke 13:24, 25.) When can He be found by those that seek Him? (2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:7; Prov. 27:1.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. The Father. Sent our Lord back into the world, bore witness regarding His Son, guided His Son in judgment, was al- ways with the Son, 16, 18; can only be known through the Son, 19; would not allow any man to lay hands on Him until His hour had come, 20. 2. Jesus Christ. Divine, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23; subordinate to the Father, 16, 18; the Light of the world, 12; witnessed to by the Father, 18; came from God the Father, 14; sent by God the Father, 14, 21 ; came not to judge but to save, 15; a true judge, 16; in con- stant fellowship with the Father 148 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD during His earthly life, i6; knowl- edge of the Father depended upon knowledge of Him, 19; is from above, not of this world, 23. The Jews. Their enmity against our Lord, 13; they misunderstood Him, 13, 19, 22; knew not whence he came, nor whither He went, 14; judged after the flesh, 15 ; condemned by their own Scriptures, 17, 18; knew not the Father, knew not the Son, 19; re- strained by God in their desire to arrest our Lord, 20; died in their sins, could not go to the Father whither our Lord went, 21 ; were from beneath, were of this world, 23. The way of blessedness. Following our Lord, 12; seeking Him while He can be found, 21 ; believing on Him, 24. TJic zvay of darkness and ruin. Refusing to follow our Lord, 12; re- fusing to believe in Him, 24, 22. LESSON 67. Jesus The One Who Makes Free Indeed. John 8:25-47. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Questioning about Jesus and belieV' ing on Jesus, vv. 25-30. In the verses immediately preceding this lesson what had our Lord said a man must do unless he wished to die in his sins? What question did that lead His hearers to ask? Is that an important question? (20:31.) What was there, then, out of the way in their asking it? Ought we to be asking it today? Is there any excuse today for any one in this land not knowing who He is? Why didn't these questioners know who He was? Why is it in most cases today that men are in the dark or in uncer- tainty as to who He is ? Concerning whom did these questioners wish to judge? Who did our Lord tell them would do the judg- ing? How will the tables be turned some day upon those who are judging concern- ing Him? What things did He speak unto the world? (John 3:34; 7:16; 17:8.) If then we reject His teaching whose teach- ing are we rejecting? Did Christ's hearers understand of whom He was talking? Why not? (2 Cor. 4: 3, 4.) When should they know who He was? Where then are the true character and deity of our Lord, and His unreserved surrender to the will of the Father, most clearly revealed? What illustrations have we of those who recognized Him as what He really was after He was "lifted up"? (Matt. 27:5, 54; Acts 2:41; 4:4.) What thought more comforting even than that God had sent Him did our Lord have to sustain Him (v. 29) ? In what great crisis and trial of His life was He sustained by this thought? (John 16:32.) What other servant of God comforted himself with this thought? (2 Tim. 4:17.) Who else have a right to comfort themselves with the same thought? (Heb. 13:5, 6.) Why was it that the Father was with our Lord and had not left Him alone? If we want Him to be with us and hear us, what must we do? (i John 3:22.) Why is He not with some of us? How much of the time did our Lord do the things that pleased the Father? (4:34; 5:3°; 6:38; 14:31; 15: 10; 17:4-) What was the efifect of these words ? Do they make you believe on Him? 2. True discipleship and true freedom, vv. 31-36. What two important changes are made in STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 149 V. 31 in the R. V.? Why does John say: "Jesus therefore said, etc."? Had these Jews "believed on" our Lord? (See R. V.) What did He wish this dawning faith to de- velop into? Did it in all of them (v. 37, R. V.-44) ? Did that faith save them? What kind of faith is it that saves? (Ro. 10:10.) How does the real heart-faith manifest itself? (John 1:12; 2 Tim. i: 12.) What did our Lord say that these men who "believed Him" but did not as yet "believe on" Him must do if they would be "truly" His disciples? What then is the at- mosphere in which the true disciple lives, and the soil in which his life roots itself? Is the necessity of continuing in the Word and the life which grows from the Word much dwelt upon in the N. T.? How can we continue? (Acts 26:22; Heb. 10:38, 39; I John 2:24.) If we do not continue what does it prove? (i John 2:19.) What two further promises does our Lord make to those who abide in His word (32) ? If any one then wishes to know the truth what should he do? If he wishes to be free what should he do? What three things flow from simply abiding in His word? Does He say that they shall know "a truth" or "some truths" ? How much of "the truth"? (John 16:13, R. V.) What had He indicated to these Jews that they were? Did they like this (v. 33) ? Do men like it today when you tell them that they are slaves? Did the Jews admit it? How could they deny their bondage? How can men out of Christ deny it today? How did our Lord show them that with all their boasted liberty they were slaves? Is that as true in America as in Judea? Who is a slave (v. 34) ? What are the fetters with which the sinner is bound? (Prov. S: 22; Acts 8:23.) Who alone can give free- dom from this awful slavery of sin (v. 36)? What kind of freedom? To whom will He give it (vv. 31, 32) ? vVhy can He make free indeed (v. 3S) ? (Heb. 7:25.) 3. Children of God and children of the Devil, vv. 37-47- What was our Lord's aaswer to their claim to be "Abraham's seed"? How did they show that though they were "Abra- ham's seed" they were not "'Abraham's children" (vv. 37, 39. 4°)? iRo. 9 7-) Why did they who once "believed Him" (v. 31, R. V.) now wish to kill Him (v. 37, R. V.) ? If one sees the truth and then re- fuses to let the Word have "free course" in him what is the inevitable result? \A/hat class of men most bitterly hate Christ? Where had our Lord learned the truth He spoke (v. 38) ? Where had they learned the deeds they wrought? Whom did these Jews claim for their father (vv. 39, 41)? Whom did they really have for their father (v. 44) ? Are there any today who claim God for their Father who really have the Devil for their father? What is the mark of a true child of Abraham (v. 39) ? (Ro. 4 ••12, 16; Gal. 3 7, 29.) What is the first mark of a true child of God? (Matt. 5:45; Eph. 5:1.) What did our Lord say they would surely do if they were God's children (v. 42) ? Why would a child of God surely love Him? If then one does not love our Lord is he a child of God? What is he (v. 44) ? Why had not these Jews understood what He said (v. 43) ? Are there any today who are in- capable of hearing Christ's word? (i Cor. 2:14.) Who is to blame for that? (John 3:19; 5:44.) How can "any man" be- come capable of hearing and understanding Christ's word? (John 7:17, R. V.) What are the two chief characteristics of the Devil (v. 44) ? What then are the two clearest marks of a child of the Devil? (i John 3:15, 12.) How did the Devil get into the awful position in which he now is 150 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD (v. 44, R. V.) ? How had these children of his got into the awful position in which they were (v. :i7) ? What will be the re- sult if we refuse to accept and "stand in the truth"? What was the principal reason why these Jews refused to beheve our Lord (v. 45 ) ? What is the principal reason why men refuse to believe Him and the Bible today? (2 Thess. 2:10; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.) Is it anything against the Bible that men who love sin and error don't be- lieve it? What did our Lord challenge them to do? Could any of them do it? Why not? (14:30; 15:10; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; I Peter 2:22.) What mark of a child of God is given in v. 47? (10:26, 27; 17:8.) Why did the Jews not hear them (v. 47) ? Why do men today not hear them? What must one do to be born of God? (1:12.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus. (i) His nature: A man, 40; Son of man, 38; Son of God, 38, 42. (2) His character: Sinless, 46. (3) What He did: Nothing of Himself, but as the Father taught Him, 38; always the things that pleased His heavenly Father, 29; made free indeed, 36. (4) His relation to the Father : Born of Him, 38, 42; sent by Him, 26; sustained by Him, 29. (5) His relation to Satan: Hated by him, 42-44- (6) His relation to man : Hated by him, 37, 40; crucified by him, 28. (7) As a preacher: Taught of God, 40, 26, 28; declared to the world the truth He had heard from God, 26; told the truth, 40; preached with great plainness, 44; His preaching rejected, 45. 2. The Word. Abiding in the Word makes true dis- ciples, 31 ; begets knowledge of the truth, 32; brings freedom from sin's power, 32; unbelief in the Word the result of hatred of the truth, 45 ; the Word listened to by all God's chil- dren, despised by those who are not God's children, 47. 3. Satan. His personality, fall, character — a liar, father of lies, original murderer, 44; hated Christ and wished to destroy Him, 38, 44. 4. Children of God. Marks by which they can be known — act like God, 39; love our Lord, 42; hear God's words, 47. 5. Children of the Devil. (i) Who they are: All haters, liars, 44; who reject the truth, 45; who do not love Christ, 42. (2) Steps in their downward career: Believe Jesus but do not beHeve on Him, 31, R. V. ; refuse to let the truth have free course in them, their dawn- ing faith transformed to murder- ous hate, 27- (3) What they do: Will to do the lusts of their father. 44, R. v.; reject those who speak the truth, 45; hate our Lord even unto death, 40. (4) What they will not do : Acknowledge their real condition, 33; hear God's Word, 47. (5) What they cannot do: Hear and understand the word of Christ, 43. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 151 LESSON 68. 'Before Abraham Was, I Am." John 8:48-59. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. "If a man keep My Word he shall never taste of death," vv. 48-52. What two slanders against our Lord did the Jews utter in v. 48? To what extent was the word "Samaritan" a term of op- probrium in that day? (4:9.) Did they accuse Him of being possessed of a demon on any other occasion? (7:20; 10:20; Matt. 12:24.) If they spoke this way of our Lord what may we expect if we are loyal to Him? (Matt. 10:25.) Ought we to dread this reproach? (Heb. 13:15; Matt. 5:10-12.) Of what was this treatment a fulfillment? (Is. 49:7; 53:3.) How did He reply to the charge (v. 49) ? Whose honor was He seeking? Whom were the Jews seeking to dishonor? Was He seeking also His own glory? (5:41, R. v.; 7:18-) While He sought not His own glory, who did seek the glory of Christ (v. 50) ? To what extent does the Father desire that our Lord should be glorified? (Phil. 2:9-11.) By what words does He emphasize the importance of what He is about to say in V. 51? {Z'-i, 5; 5:24.) What astounding statement did He make about those who kept His word (v. 51, R. V.)? Is it true? What does it mean? What was the effect of this utterance upon the Jews (v. 52) ? What would we think today if we should hear any man say: "If a man keep my word, he shall never see death"? By say- ing this, what did our Lord make Himself? 2. "Before Abraham was, I am," vv. 53- 59- What question did the Jews now put to our Lord? In what way had He made Himself to be greater than the prophets? To what extent is He greater than Abra- ham (v. 58)? (10:29, 30; Is. 9:6; Matt. 12:6, 41, 42; Ro. 9:5; Heb. 3:2, 3; 7:1-7-) What further question did the Jews put to Him? What did His utterance really im- ply that He considered Himself to be? (5:18; 10:33; 19:7.) Was it only Jesus Himself who regarded Him as divine (v. 54) ? What does our Lord call God in v. 54? What did the Jews say of Jehovah (v. 54) ? Was He really their God? What did He say of the Jews' relation to God in V. 55? Are there any today who claim to know God but who do not really know Him? Who did not know God (v. 55)? How alone can we know Him? (1:18; 14:6; Matt. 11:27.) How did our Lord prove that He knew God? How can we prove that we really know God and His Son Jesus Christ? (i John 2:4.) To what extent did He keep the word of the Father? (v. 29.) What astounding statement does our Lord make in v. 56? On what occasion did Abraham see Jesus Christ? (Gen. 18.) What was the effect upon Abraham of see- ing the day of Jesus Christ? What will be the effect upon any one who really sees Him as He is? (i Peter 1:8.) What was the effect upon the Jews of His statement that Abraham had seen His day? What question did they put to Him (v. 57)? In what spirit did they put it? What statement did He make in reply? Did He merely say: "Before Abraham was, I was"? What is the significance in this con- nection of the words "I am"? (Ex. 3:14; Is. 43:13; 44:6; 46:9; 48:12; Rev. 1:8.) How long has our Lord existed? What was the effect of this statement 152 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD upon the Jews? As what did they regard Him? What was the Jewish law regard- ing the blasphemer? (Lev. 24:16.) If He was not divine were the Jews justified in stoning Him according to the Jewish law? What then does the one who denies the deity of Jesus justify? On what other oc- casion did the Jews attempt to stone Him? (10:30-33.) Who prevented the Jews from killing him on this occasion? Was He justi- fied in hiding Himself? Did He hide from His enemies on any other occasion? (10:39, 40; 11:54-) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. The Father. Honored by our Lord, 49; sought His glory, judgeth, 50; honored the Son, 54; known by the Son, 55; protected the Son, 59. 2. Jesus Christ. 3- Divine, 51, 58; human, 59; subordinate to the Father, 55. (2) What He did: Honored the Father, 49; sought not His own glory, 50; gave eternal life to those who kept His word, 51; knew the Father, 55; hid Himself from His enemies, 59. (3) How He was treated: (a) By man — called a Samaritan, charged with having a demon, 48, 52; dishonored by the Jews, 49; assault- ed, 59. (b) By God — honored, 54; the Father sought His glory, 50; protected, 59. The Jews. Misunderstood our Lord, 48, 52, 59; accused Him of being a Samaritan, of having a demon, 48, 52; dishon- ored Him, 49; were liars, 55; sought to stone Him, 59. (i) What He was: LESSON 69. Our Lord Steadfastly Setting His Face to Go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51-62. (Compare Matthew 19:1, 2; 8:19-22; Mark 10:1.) Mai. 3:1). Who may have today the priv- ilege of preparing the way for our Lord? Had He ever visited the Samaritans be- fore? How had He been received? (John 4:40-42.) How was He received on this occasion? Why? How was this rejection of our Lord taken by His disciples? Was it pure love for Him that inspired them to make this suggestion? What were they illustrating? Do the professed disciples of Jesus today ever show a similar spirit? How did He treat their suggestion (v. 55) ? Why did He rebuke them? (Rev. 3:19.) If we treat with anger and bitterness even those who reject our Lord, what does He do with us? 2. The would-be disciple zvho did not DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Disciples zvho did not understand their Master, w. 51-56. What time was drawing nigh (v. 51, R. V.)? What is meant by "being received up"? (24:51; Mark 16:19; John 6:62; 13:1; 16:5, 28; 17:11; Acts 1:2, 9; Eph. 1 :20; 4:8-11 ; i Tim. 3:16; Heb. 6:20; 12:2; I Peter 3:22.) What must occur before His receiving up? In full knowledge of the agony that awaited Him, what did our Lord do? What characteristics come out in His steadfastly setting His face to go to Jerusalem? (12:50; Acts 20:22-24; 21:11- 14.) How did He prepare the way for His own approach (v. 52)? (7:27; 10:1; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 153 count the cost of foUozving Christ, vv. 57- 58. What position did the speaker in v. 57 occupy? (Matt. 8:19.) Were the men of this class as a rule kindly disposed toward our Lord? What led Him to break with his associates and ofifer to attach himself to our Lord? What did the man say? Was that a good resolution? (Matt. 16:24; 19:28; John 8:12; 10:27, 28; 12:26; Rev. 14:4.) Did he have any adequate idea of how much was involved in this promise? Who else in the Gospel story made a sim- ilar declaration without due consideration of what it meant and of his own inability to live up to it? (John 13:37; Mark 14:31; Ex. 19:8.) Are such rash and inconsider- ate avowals of a determination to follow our Lord "anywhere, everywhere" common today? How did He deal with this man? What does He desire that every one should do before starting out to be a follower of Him? (Luke 14:28-33.) Is it in the line of Christ's method when we are trying to lead men to Him to picture only the rosy side of the Christian life, or should we show a young disciple from the very out- set that there are hardships and trials to be met in the path of true discipleship? (Matt. 16:24; 2 Tim. 2:3; 3:12.) What did our Lord tell this man he must expect if he becomes a follower of Him? Does a purpose to follow Him if intelligent always involve a willingness to be a homeless wan- derer on earth? What must every true dis- ciple be willing to take? (John 15:20; i Peter 2:21.) What according to this 58th verse was the character of the Saviour's own life on earth? Ought any disciple to complain if he does not own a home, or even has no certain resting place for the night? Who furnished our Lord with a resting place for His head when the night came round? Who will always furnish us with a resting place when the time comes if we only trust and obey Him? (Phil. 4:19.) Why did He spend His Hfe here on earth in poverty? (2 Cor. 8:1, 9.) Would it be a good thing if some of His disciples today would voluntarily forego the luxuries and comforts of life and lead such a hfe of simplicity and poverty as He and Paul lived? What might be thought of any one of real ability and talent who did? Was that ever thought of Jesus Him- self? (John 10:20.) 3. The zvould-be disciple who zvished to delay follozving Christ until a more con- venient season, vv. 59-60. What invitation did our Lord extend to another man? Was he already in some sense a disciple? (Matt. 8:21.) What did that invitation mean? (Matt. 4:19; 9:9.) What did the acceptance of the invitation involve? (Matt. 4:20, 22; 16:24; Luke 5:11.) Would it pay then to accept? (Mark 10:29, 3o.) Did the man reahze what the invitation involved? Was he willing to accept it at all? What then was the only difficulty with him? Are there any today who are willing to follow Christ but wish to do something else first? What was it that this man desired to do first? Isn't it a proper thing for a disciple of Christ to do to see to the proper burial of his father? Where then was the fault with this man's request ? Is it proper to put anything, no matter how innocent or sacred in itself, before obedience to Christ? (Matt. 6:33.) What must be made secondary to His claims? (Matt. 10:37; Luke 14:26.) What was Christ's answer to this re- quest? Was this man's father dead yet? Who were "the dead" that our Lord meant could attend to the burial of the dead? (Eph. 2:1, 5; I Tim. 5:6.) What should 154 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD this disciple do? How does this bear upon the duty of those whom God has called to go and preach the Gospel who feel that perhaps they ought to remain at home and look after the comfort of their parents and see to their burial when the time comes? Are men as likely to think that they must stay at home and look after their aged parents when some great opportunity for money making opens at a distance as when some call for missionary service comes from a distance? 4. The zvould-he disciple who was not willing to cut zi'hoUy loose from the world, vv. 61-62. To what resolution did the third man give utterance? Was that a good resolu- tion? Was he fully settled in it? What showed that he was not ? What would bid- ding farewell to his friends involve? Do men ever determine nowadays to follow Christ but wish to take a farewell look at the world? How does that all generally end? Who stands out in sacred history as the awful and impressive example of the folly of taking a last lingering farewell look at the world we are leaving behind? (Luke 17:32; Gen. 19:26.) What was Christ's answer to this man? If a man wishes to plough a good straight furrow what must he always keep doing? What must the disciple who desires to cut a good furrow in Christian life and service always keep doing? (Phil. 3:13.) What is God's feeling toward those who draw back? (Heb. 10:38.) What is their end? (Heb. 10:39.) If we wish to hold on to Christ and the kingdom what must we do with the world and worldly friendship? (Luke 14:33.) If we hold on to the world what must we do with Christ and the kingdom? Which will you hold on to, and which will you let go, Christ and the kingdom or the world? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Our Lord. His deity, 51; humanity, 51, 56, 58; Son of Man, 58; ascension, 51; Messianic office — fearless devotion to duty, 51 ; steadfast determination, 57; poverty, homelessness, 58; wise and fearless dealing with the mistakes of would- be disciples, 57-62; claims superior to the most tender and sacred earthly claims, 59, 60; method of dealing with those who desired to follow Him— (a) The thoughtless and hasty He bids count the cost, 57, 58; (b) The procrastinating He bids sun- der the most sacred ties and follow at once, 59; (c) The hesitating He bids to cut loose entirely from the world and not to take a single look back, 62; rejection by the Samaritans, 53. 2. Conditions of true discipleship. A willingness to suffer extreme pov- erty and hardship, to be as our Lord Himself was, to suffer as our Lord Himself suffered, 58; to make the tenderest ties subordinate to the claims of and obedience to Christ, to obey our Lord and preach the Gos- pel no matter what calls away, to obey at once, 60; to cut entirely loose from the world and never cast a single glance back at it, 62. 3. Three "I will follow Thee's" which count for nothing with Christ. (i) The "I will follow Thee" of the one who does not count the cost, 57, 58; (2) The "I will follow Thee" of the one who wishes to do something else first, 59, 60; (3) The "I will follow Thee" of the one who is not willing to cut entirely loose from the world, 61, 62. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 155 LESSON 70. The Mission of the Seventy. Luke 10:1-16. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. The Lord's command to pray, w. i, 2. What was the purpose of the sending forth of the seventy? What is the purpose of sending forth workers today? Why were seventy sent? How were they sent? Why? (Deut. 32:30; Matt. 18:19, 20.) Was this sending forth two by two followed in the church in later days? (Mark d.T, Acts 13:2-4; 15:39, 40; Rev. 11:3.) Is it a good arrangement today What thought did our Lord give utter ance to as an incentive to and prepara tion for the work upon which they en- tered? Is that a thought Christian work- ers need to get hold of today? Is it true ,today that the harvest is great? And the workers few? Is there work for every Christian? Why is it then that so many can't find anything to do? To do what first would Christ have the greatness of the harvest send the disciples? What is the first thing we should do when we see the greatness of the harvest and the fewness of the laborers? When we see the need of a worker in any special direction or any special field? Will God answer the prayer? Who is the Lord of the harvest? (Matt. 13:37. 41; Acts 22:21; Acts 26:15-18.) If a laborer is to be of anv tit;e by whom must he be sent? What is the exact force of the words "send forth"? CSee Greek.) If we are honestly to pray the prayer, what must we be will- ing: to do? 2. The Lord's command to go. w. 3-9. Havingr praved for laborers what were they to do? What then are the two things that an appreciation of the largeness of the harvest are to drive us to? How were they to be sent forth? Was that a very encouraging thought to start out with? Ought the Christian worker to be disap- pointed if he is not always received with hospitality and abounding gratitude? Are Christians willing to go forth today as lambs in the midst of wolves ? Do we need workers who are? Were they to carry much baggage? Why not? Is the efficiency of an ambassador of Christ nowadays ever impaired by too much baggage? (2 Tim. 2:4.) Is the exact letter of these directions binding upon am- bassadors of Christ under all circum- stances? (Luke 22:35, 36.) Did these am- bassadors get fed? Is the obedient, faith- ful ambassador always sure to be fed? What was the next direction He gave the seventy? Its purpose? The practical lesson for us? What was to be their first thought when they entered a home? What is too often the first thought of Christian workers today when they enter homes for entertainment? Would their benediction do any good? Would the good wish and the benediction be lost if the home was not ready to receive it? Are true prayers ever lost? What was the peace the dis- ciples were to impart? Is there any lesson in that for us? What direction did our Lord give the seventy as to where they were to stop? Why were they not to go from house to house? Has the ambassador of Christ any time for empty feastings and social frivolities? What were they to eat? Will the worker who leaves a field be- cause the fare is too plain have much power for God? Need the ambassador who is living upon the gifts of those to whom he ministers feel like a beggar? 156 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD What was to be the work of the seventy? To whom else was the same commission given? (9:1, 2.) Is the ministry to both body and soul the proper function of the missionaiy today? Is the healing of the sick a part of the missionary's commission? (Luke 4:40; 6:1, 7, 19; 9:1, 2; 10:9; Acts 6:5, 8; Jas. 5:14, 15; Mark 6:5, 6; 16:17, 18; John 14:12; Matt. 4:23; 9:35-) What was the burden of their message? What does the "kingdom of God" mean? (17: 20, 21; Dan. 2:44; Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7; John 3:3, 5; Acts 28:28, 31.) S. The Lord's esteem for His workers w. 10-16. What were they to do where they were not received? The meaning of that act? Its purpose? (9:5.) The practical lesson? (9:5; Acts 13:51; 18:6.) Did Christ's love altogether give them up? Did their un- belief invalidate the truth of God? What would be the result to the city? Which is guiltier, Sodom or the modern city that rejects Christ's truth? Why? (John 3: 19.) What is the measure of a city's or an individual's guilt? In what was the greater guilt of Chorazin and Bethsaida than that of Sodom seen? What is meant by repenting in sackcloth and ashes? (Job 42:6; Dan. 9:3.) Is sorrow and self- abasement an accompaniment of true re- pentance? What is it according to this verse that leads to repentance? Why are Tyre, Sidon and Sodom chosen as the cities to set over against Chorazin and Bethsaida? What does a man show as to the condition of his heart when he rejects Christ? What must our Lord have thought of Himself to have said that the rejection of Himself was the sin that deserved the deepest condemnation? Have we any record of the mighty works done in Chor- azin? With what feeling did our Lord contemplate the coming doom of Chorazin and Bethsaida? (Matt. 23:37.) Did His pity for the wicked cities make Him falter in the least in the sternness of His judg- ment? What will be the respective stand- ing of those cities in the day of judgment? Why? (12:47; Amos 3:2.) What will be the respective standing of Sodom and our modern cities? What is the Revised Ver- sion of v. 15? Why did Capernaum think she should be exalted to heaven? Do priv- ileges necessarily exalt? Why was Caper- naum to be brought down to Hades? What one act settles the doom of nations and in- dividuals? Why was it that the rejection of Christ's messengers was to meet with such an awful doom? How closely does Christ identify Himself with His disciples? (Matt. 25:35-45; Acts 9:4.) Is it very serious business to turn a deaf ear to a messenger of Christ? Is it a serious mat- ter to criticise or slander one? Why is it the world hates Christ's faithful messen- gers? (John 15:19-21.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Our Lord. His deity, 2, 12, 14; humanity, despised and rejected of men, sent by the father, 16; Lordship over the harvest, 2, 3, 15; does not force His salva- tion on any one, 10, 11; compassion, 2; grief over those who reject Him, 13; relentless judgment upon those who reject Him, 12, 14; rejecting Him the decisive proof of a wicked heart, the damning sin, 13, 15. 2. The laborers in the harvest. Greatly needed, to be sought in prayer, ?; appointed by Christ, go before His face, i ; sent forth by Him, 2, 3; represent Him, identified with Him, 16; should go as lambs among wolves, 3 ; two and two, i ; should travel light and trust, waste no time, 4, 7; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 157 should seek first the good of those to whom they are sent and not their own, 5; should be indifferent to per- sonal comfort, 3, 7, 8; should min- ister to body and soul, 9; should tes- tify against unbelief, not cast pearls before swine, 10, 11; worthy of their hire, 7; sure to get their hire, 4. Prayer. Should precede action, 2; be followed by action, 3; to Christ, for workers, 2; never lost, 5, 6. LESSON 71. The cities in which Jesus worked His mighty works. Highly privileged, enjoyed abundant opportunities for repentance, refused the merciful call of God's goodness, expected to be exalted to heaven be- cause of their great privileges, were cast down to hell because of their neglect of those privileges, 13-15; greater guilt and more fearful doom than Sodom, Tyre and Sidon, 12, 14. The Return of the Seventy. Luke 10:17-24; Matthew 11:25-30. (Compare Matthew 13:16, 17.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven," Luke 10:17-20. Had the seventy gone forth with con- fidence or with fear and trembling? How did they return? What had they demon- strated (v. 17) ? Can we demonstrate the power of Jesus' name today in a similar manner? What were "the devils" that were subject unto them in the name of Jesus? (See A. R. V.) Is the unseen world of evil a mighty world? (Eph. 6: 12, R. V.) Why need we not dread it? What is mightier than the power of Satan? In the demons being subject unto the seven- ty through the power of His name, of what did our Lord see a prophecy (v. 18)? Has Satan fallen from heaven ye^^ (Eph. 6:11, 12, R. v.; Rev. 12:7-9; 20:2.; What will be the manner of his fall? What is meant by saying that his fall will be as "lightning"? What did our Lord come to do in relation to the Devil? (i John 3:^; Heb. 2:14.) Shall we also have power over Satan? (Ro. 16:20.) How do we obtain this power? (9:1-) What author- ity does our Lord give to His ambassadors (v. 19) ? How secure is His ambassador (v. 19)? (Ps. 91:10, 13; Mark 16:18; Acts 28:5; Luke 21:17, 18; Ro. 8:31-39; Heb. 13:5, 6.) Is there anything even better yet for the disciple (v. 20) ? With what feeling should this fill our hearts? Did the seventy know that their names were written in heaven? How? May we know it? How? Would it be possible for one to do wonders in the name of Jesus and yet not have his name written in heaven? (Matt. 7:22, 23; 27:5; I Cor. 13:2, 3.) Whose names are written in heaven? (Heb. 12:23.) 2. To whom God reveals the truth, Luke 10:21-22; Matt. 11:25-27. In what state of mind do we see our Lord in v. 21? Who was the source of ) His joy? (See R. V.; Gal. 5:22.) To what beside rejoicing did the Holy Spirit lead Him? Does the Holy Spirit always lead those whom He fills into thanksgiving and praise? (Eph. 5:18-20.) To whom did our Lord return thanks? What did He call the Father? What is meant by this expression? From whom does God hide His truth? Can a man who is full of his i 158 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD own wisdom have God's? (Is. 5:21; i Cor. I :i8-27.) If we are to be wise with a true wisdom, what place must we take? (i Cor. 3:18-20.) What must we renounce? To whom does God reveal His truth? What is meant by "babes"? Why does God reveal His truth unto babes and not unto the wise and prudent (v. 21) ? (Matt. 11:26.) Is that reason enough? How much authority did our Lord say had been delivered unto Him by the Father (v. 22) ? Is that statement to be taken in the broad- est and most absolute sense? (Matt. 28: 18; John 3:35; ^3-3; 17:2; Eph. 1:20-23; Phil. 2:10, 11; Heb. 2:8-10; Acts 10:36.) Has God actually committed the whole universe, terrestrial as well as celestial, into the hands of Jesus Christ? What kind of a Saviour then have we? How wise a Saviour is He? How thoroughly does He know God? Who alone beside our Lord can thoroughly know God? How alone can He be known? Outside of the revela- tion which Jesus Christ makes of the Father, what is God? Why does God not need to remain to us the unknowable (v. 22)? (i John 5:20.) To whom does the Son reveal the Father? 3. "Blessed are the eyes that see the things zvhich ye see" Luke 10:23, 24. What did our Lord say to His disciples privately (vv. 23, 24)? (Matt. 13:16, I7-) What were the things which their eyes had seen to which He referred? Above whom had He exalted His disciples (v. 24) ? Have we as exalted a position as the prophets of old had? Do we know things which they did not know? (i Peter 1:10- 12.) What things? 4. Hozv to find rest. Ma ft. 11:28-30. What wonderful invitation is in these verses? Who is it gives the invitation? Whom does He invite? What is meant by "all that labor"? By "all that are heavy laden"? What does our Lord prom- ise to those who accept His invitation? What is the great need of the human heart today? Who alone gives rest? Upon what condition? To how many of those who come to Him will He give rest? How does the deity of Jesus Christ come out in this invitation? If He were not divine, what would such an invitation prove Him to be? What does He bid us do in V. 29? What is meant by this? (See also John 14:21-23; 15:10-14.) Does He bid us do anything beside take His yoke upon us? Why? If we do this what shall we find? What kind of rest do men need most of all? What does He say of His yoke (v. 30) ? Is His yoke really easy? Is His burden really light? (l John 5:3; Prov. 3:17.) In what three striking ways does the deity of Christ come out in this lesson? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. The Father. His sovereignty, does ?s is well-pleas- ing in His own sight, Lord of heaven and earth, hides His truth from the wise and understanding, reveals it unto babes, 21 ; delivers all things unto the Son, knows, is known by Him, 22. 2. Jesus Christ. His deity, 17, 19, 22, 28; subordination to the Father, 21, 22; the power of His name, 17; His omnipotence, 19; supreme authority over heaven and earth, knowledge of the Father, 22; joy in the Holy Spirit, faithfulness to the Father, 21; revealer of the Father, 22; the giver of rest, 28, 29; the character of His service— His yoke easy and His burden light, 30. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 159 S. The Holy Spirit. The author of joy, the inspirer of thanksgiving and praise, 21. 4. Satan. His exalted dignity, doom, 18; subjec- tion to the name of Jesus, impotence against those who work in Jesus' name, 17, 19. 5. Christ's disciples. Their names written in heaven, 20; have authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, nothing shall in any wise hurt them, 19; even the demons subject to them through the name of Christ, 17; Jesus Christ reveals the Father to them, 22; the Father re- veals His truth to them, 21 ; exalted and privileged above prophets and kings, 24; have rest unto their souls, 28, 29 ; have an easy yoke and a light burden, 30. 6. Rest. Who offers it — Jesus, 28; to whom — those that labor and are heavy laden, 28; how it is found — by coming unto Jesus, taking His yoke and learning of Him, 28-30. LESSON 72. The Good Samaritan. Luke 10:25-37. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 7. The inquiring lawyer, vv. 25-2^. What was the question that led to the parable of the Good Samaritan? Who put it? What is meant by "lawyer"? What was his purpose in the question? Did he have any real sense of his need of eternal life? What did the question imply as to how eternal life was to be obtained? What was the purpose in Christ's reply? Is eternal life to be obtained by doing? (Ro. 6:23.) How is it obtained? (John 3:36, etc.) To what does our Lord direct the lawyer for an answer (v. 26)? Why? Why did not our Lord tell him to believe? What is the purpose of the law? (Ro. 3: 19, 20.) What was the lawyer's summary of the law (v. 27) ? Had he read the law rightly? (Matt. 22:37, 38.) Where then was the trouble with him? How does our Lord point out to the lawyer where the real difficulty lay? Wherein was he right? Wherein was he wrong? Does it ever happen nowadays that men's views and an- swers are right and their practice wrong? What did our Lord say the lawyer would obtain by keeping this law of love? How perfect would the keeping have to be to thus obtain eternal life? (Gal. 3:10.) Has any one ever obtained eternal life that way? (Gal. 2:16.) Why not? (Ro. 3: 22,.) When sin has once entered can there be justification by law? (Ro. 3:19, 20.) How must justification be when once sin has entered? (Ro. 3:23, 24.) What then was the real object of Christ's words? Did His answer sting the conscience of the lawyer at all (v. 29) ? What did he try to do? Do men often attempt that to- day? Is it a good thing to try to justify ourselves before God? (Job 32:2.) Can we do it? (16:15; 18:9-14.) What part of the law did the lawyer fancy he had kept? Had he? In what way did he seek to avoid the keen edge of Christ's reply? What did the question mean in this connection? Will one who really has the love of God in his heart ask: "Whom must I love"? What sort of people is it who are always asking: "Must I do this, and must I do that"? Was there any answer in the law itself to 160 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD the lawyer's question? (Lev. 19:34; Ex. 23:5.) How did our Lord answer the lawyer's question? What is the point of the answer? 2. Our Lord's answer to the question : "Who is my neighbor?" vv. 30-sy. What is the picture of the man who was in trouble (v. 30) ? Where did it all hap- pen? Was this a likely place for such a thing to happen? Are there any Jericho roads nowadays? Who is our neighbor? Who was the first man who came along (v. 31) ? How did he happen to come down that way? What did he do? Was that very wrong? Do men ever see sor- row and need and pass by on the other side nowadays? What excuse had he for his action? Who next came along (v. 32) ? How did he act? What excuse had he? Was it sufficient? Who acted the part of a neighbor (v. 33) ? Why did our Lord choose a Samar- itan as the illustration of the true neigh- bor? (17:16-18; John 4:9; 8:48.) Would he have as good an excuse as the priest and Levite for passing by? What did he do? How did he show his compassion was genuine (vv. 34, 35) ? How much did it cost him to act this way? How are we (according to this parable) to treat need and suffering? Did the Samaritan leave his work half done? Does real compassion ever leave its work incomplete? According to this parable what is love? Who are the proper objects of the work- ings of this love? Is anything lost by it? (Prov. 19 :i7 ; i John 3 :22 ; 4 :7.) Who most fully realizes this picture of the good Sa- maritan? What are the points of similar- itv between a sinner and the man among thieves? Between our Lord and the good Samaritan? By what question does our Lord point His parable and drive it home? Did the lawyer see the point (v. yi^ ? Does he answer it fairly and squarely? How does he reveal his prejudice? What is Christ's final thrust at the lawyer's con- science? In what condition did the inter- view leave the lawyer? Who was :t that had really been put to the test? And what was the result of the testing? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. J. Jesus. His divine wisdom, 26-37; His divine love, 33-35- 2. Man. Ever fancies he can gain eternal life by his works, 25; can know the law but can't keep it, 27, 28; seeks to keep the law by lowering its require- ments, justifies himself rather than God, 29; doomed to confusion, 37. 3. The Law. Its sum — love, 27, 28; Its demand — not knowledge, but obedi- ence (perfect knowledge of it will not bring eternal life; perfect obedi- ence to it would, but cannot be ren- dered), 28, 29-37; Its purpose — "conviction," 28, 29. 4. Love. Its object — God, and all mankind, 27- 35; Its manifestation — prompt o-impassion, 2,3; untiring service, uncalculating self-sacrifice, 34, 35 ; Its limit — neither race, nor creed, nor social standing, but humanity, 33; More acceptable to God than loftier religious profession and activity, 36, 5. Man. Our duty — love, 27, 28; Our neighbor — the man who needs us, 30; Our folly — self-justification, 29 . STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 161 LESSON 73. Our Lord and Martha and Mary. Luke 10:38-42. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. Martha occupied for Jesus, Mary oc- cupied with Jesus, vv. 38, 39. What is the certain village mentioned in V. 38? (John II :i.) In whose house? What other scenes in our Lord's life oc- curred in that house? (John 11; 12:2; Matt. 21 -.17.) How did He come to be in that home? Did it pay Martha to have Him in her home? (John 11.) Can we have Him in our homes? (Rev. 3:20.) Will it pay? Why is it that men do not have Him in their homes? (Luke 2:7.) What was it very likely that made Martha ready to receive our Lord into her home? (Matt. 26:6.) Who else was at the home? What did Mary do? Is that a good place to be? Did Mary ever get down at our Lord's feet again? (John 11:32; 12:3.) For what purpose was she at His feet in this lesson? Is that a good place to learn? (Compare Acts 22:3.) For what purpose was she at our Lord's feet in John 11:32? Do you suppose she would have been at His feet for help at such a time if she had not first been at His feet for teaching? For what purpose was she at His feet in John 12:3? As she sat at His feet what privilege did she enjoy? Did Martha hear His word? Why not? Does it ever occur today that men and women are so taken up with working and worrying for our Lord that they miss the privilege of hearing His words? Is that wise? (Mark 4:19.") With how many things was Mary occu- pied? With how many things was Martha occupied (v. 41) ? What was the result (v. 40") ? What is the exact meaning of the word translated "cumbered"? (See mar- gin Revised Version.) From what was she "distracted"? By what? Whom was she serving? Are men nowadays ever distract- ed from the Lord Himself by their "much serving" of the Lord? Would He rather we should be occupied with our service of Him or with Himself? What prompted this much serving? Does our love ever become alloyed with selfish pride in our service of the Lord? Was there any need at this time of this much serving? Is the much serving which we oftentimes allow to crowd out communion with our Lord Himself generally needed? Are we to understand that Mary never served? Was she serving Him now? Which of the two was really ministering the more to our Lord's enjoyment in that home? Which serves our Lord better, he who works most for Him or he who re- ceives most from Him? (John 6:28, 29.) 2. Martha sharply rebuking Mary and Jesus, V. 40. What at last was the effect upon Martha of her much serving? Toward whom did she display her irritation? Are we ever tempted to get cross with our Lord in our much serving? What does that show? Did He care that Mary had left Martha to serve alone? Was it Mary's fault that Martha was serving so much? Was it our Lord's fault? Whose fault was it? What did Martha think Mary was? How did she reveal her own selfishness? Had it ever occurred to her that she was selfish? Is that form of selfishness that bustles around in many kind activities and then talks about how much it has done and how little others are doing, at all common today? What did Martha request our Lord to do? What was the manner of the re- 162 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD quest? Was she most concerned with the comfort and pleasure of her guest or with her own comfort? S. Our Lord gently rebuking Martha, w. 41, 42. Did He bid Mary help Martha? Are we to infer that He wishes His disciples to be always sitting at His feet and never min- istering for Him? (John 20:17.) What did He say to Martha? Is there any great harm in being anxious about many things? (Luke 8:14; 21:34.) About what sort of things was Martha "anxious and troubled"? About what ought we to be anxious? (Phil. 4:6, R. V.) Did our Lord re- buke Martha for serving? Not till when did He rebuke her? After rebuking her anxiety about many things what did He say? What is the one thing needful? (John 17:3; Luke 18:22; Ps. 27:4; 73:25; Mark 8:36; i Cor. 13:3; Gal. 5:6; i John 5:tt. 12.) Who had chosen the one need- ful thing? How was her wise choice to be rewarded? Did any one wish to take that good away from her? Can that good part be taken away from any one who makes choice of it? (John 10:28. 29; Ro 8:3?. 39; I Peter 1:4, 5; John 4:14; 5:24.) If one chooses worldly goods can that be taken away? (Luke 12:20. Z?<\ 16:2. 25.) Were Martha and Marv both disciples? Were they both loved by the Lord? (John 11:5.) What two types of discioleship do they represent? Does the true disciple dis- play the active type of discipleship or the meditative? In whom do we find the most perfect combination of the two? (Acts 10:38; Mark 1:35; John 4:33, 34.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. Entered the home Martha opened, 38; spoke the word into the heart Mary opened, 39; did not rebuke Martha for serving, 40-42 ; did rebuke Martha for worrying over her service, for her fault finding, for her worldly- mindedness, for serving when she should be listening, 39-42; praised Mary for her choice of the one thing needful, protected her in the enjoy- ment of her wise choice, 42; desires that we be occupied with Himself rather than with our service for Him, is more acceptably served by the one who receives the most from Him than by the one who works the most for Him, 39-42. 2. Martha. Opened her door for our Lord Jesus to enter, 38; allowed her heart to be closed by earthly cares against the entrance of His work, 39; worked hard for the Lord she really loved, was made cross by her much service, distracted from the Lord Himself by her much service for Him, her loving service greatly alloyed with pride, sharply rebuked Mary, sharply re- buked the Lord, wished Him to note how much she was doing and how little Mary was doing, endeavored to instruct Him as to what He should do, 40; anxious and troubled about many things, but forgetful of the one thing, 41, 42: remembered the crav- ings of her Lord's hunger, but for- got the cravings of His love, so busy with earthly cares she had no time for the Saviour's words, so busy with working for Him she had no time to listen to Him, imagined the Lord would be better pleased with a good dinner than with a good learn- er, 39, 40; servd at the wronsr time — when she should have been listening, 39-42; served in the wrong way — with worry, 41 ; self-consciousness, irritation, fault-finding, without con- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 163 sideration of whom she served, with needless effort, 40; was gently re- buked by the Lord, 41, 42. Mary. Sat at the Lord's feet, heard His word, was occupied by naught but the Lord Himself, had rest while Martha had worry, had praise while Martha had reproof, chose the good part, the good part eternally secured to her, 39-42. LESSON 74. The Healing of the Man Born Blind. John 9:1-41. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Receiving sight, vv. 1-7. What was the condition of the man who is the subject of this chapter? Was there any hope for him? Of whom is he the type? What fact is mentioned in the first verse that opens a door of hope for this otherwise hopeless case? What was our Lord's feeling as He saw the blind man? The feeling of the disciples? Is there any connection between sin and suffering? (John 5:14; Mark 2:5.) Is there any other purpose in sickness than that of the chastisement for sin? (v. 3; 2 Cor. 12:7.) Did our Lord mean to teach that neither this man nor his parents had ever sinned? (i John 1:8, 10.) What did He mean to teach? What was the purpose of this man's long protracted affliction (v. 3) ? For what do our infirmities and distresses afford an opportunity? (2 Cor. 12:9.) Ought we then to regret these? (2 Cor. 12:10.) When do they bring glory to God? Why is it that "the works of God" are not more frequently "manifested in" us in our infirmities of soul and body? (Mark 6:5, 6.) What did our Lord tell His disciples was His and their business in view of man's needs (v. 4, R. V.) ? By what word did He emphasize the imperative nature of that business? What fact did He mention that made it important that He and they be about this business at once and always? Does that reason hold for us today? Com- paring the 2nd verse and the 4th, what do we find to be more important in our Lord's estimation than speculating about the origin of evil? When is the world's darkest night (v. S) ? When is the darkest night for the individual soul? Having briefly rebuked the heartless theo- logizing and lack of active sympathy of the disciples, what did our Lord proceed to do at once? Had this man sought the Sav- iour's help? Why then did He give it? Does He wait for us to ask Him to bless us before He blesses? Ought we as His followers to wait for the miserable to come to us and seek help? What was the pur- pose of the command : "Go, virash in the pool of Siloam"? (2 Kings 5:10, 14; Mark 3:5; Luke 17:14.) What does "Siloam" mean? Of whom was it then a tA'pe? (John 10:36; Ro. 8:3; Gal. 4:4.) Where then must we go and bathe if we wish sight for our blinded eyes? (John 8:12.) Did the blind man have faith? How did he show it? What is the true way of showing it? The result? Why is it some of us don't "come seeing"? 2. Witnessing, vv. 8-12. What did the cure of the blind man oc- casion? What will Christ's work in a man always occasion among those who behold it? Was there agreement among the be- holders? Why not? When Christ per- forms a work today is there perfect agree- ment among those who behold it? Why 164 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD not? What did all this talk and disagree- ment afford the man an opportunity to do? How did he show his manliness? Did he gain anything by his testimony (vv. 34, 35-38)? What question was put to him? Did he avoid it? How did he speak of our Lord? Later in the day what did he call Him (v. 17) ? Still later as what did he recognize Him (v. 38) ? How do you ac- count for this rapid growth of faith? What desire did the man's testimony awaken in the hearts of those who heard (v. 12) ? 3. Suffering, vv. 13-34- What was the next thing done to the man? What was the object in bringing him to the Pharisees? (v. 22; 11:46, 47, 57; 12:42.) What question was put to him there? Did he dodge it even there? What was the effect of his testimony upon the Pharisees (v. 16) ? Was the man at all daunted by the opposition his testimony had created? What was his opinion of his great Friend? Could the Jews account for the facts by their theories? Can sceptics ac- count for the facts today by their theories? What did the Jews attempt to do as they could not reconcile the facts with their theories (v. 18) ? What do sceptics to- day try to do with facts they cannot ex- plain? Did they have much success in deny- ing the facts? What was the testimony of the parents? Was it a willing testimony? What kept the parents back from a full and glad avow- al of their faith that our Lord had healed their son? What did they gain by their cowardice? Was it of much consequence to be cast out of the synagogue? What did the parents lose? (vv. 35, 38; Matt. 10:32, 33-) What did the Pharisees tell the man to do (v. 24, R. V.) ? Could he give glory to God without giving glory to Jesus? (John 5:23.) What did the Pharisees say they knew? What did the man say he knew? Which had the best of it so far? Why has the man whom our Lord has saved and who knows He has saved him always the best of the infidel even though he is not nearly so good a reasoner? What does the man next proceed to do (vv. 26, 27) ? What did the Pharisees in their response claim to be? Were they really Moses' disciples? (John 5:46.) Whose disciples were they? (John 8:38, 44.) Did the man give up his faith in our Lord because the leaders refused to endorse Him? What did he do (v. 30)? Accord- ing to their own Bible and their traditions what did the fact that He opened blind eyes prove Jesus to be? (Is. 29:18, 19; 35:1, 5; Matt. 11:5.) What proof did the man bring forth that Jesus was not a sin- ner as they asserted (v. 31) ? What did he say were the conditions of answered prayer? Was that true doctrine? (i John 3:21, 22.) What further argument did he bring up to show his extraordinary character of Jesus and that He was from God? Could the Pharisees answer him? What two things did they then do? What did they sneer at? Was the idea of his teaching them to be sneered at? Is it ever wise to sneer at any one, no matter how lowly, who wishes to teach us? By being loyal to Christ what treatment did he get from men? What treatment will the one who is loyal to Christ always receive from men? (2 Tim. 3:12; John 15:19, 20.) Do we lose anything by that? (2 Tim. 2:12.) 4. Receiving Jesus Himself, and zvor- shiping, vv. 35-41. When men cast him out who sought him out? If men throw us off for our loyalty to our Lord, who will always take us up? What question did He put to the man ? Was that important? (John 20:31; 3:2,^.) What was its purpose? With what spirit did the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 165 man receive it? What was all he asked as a condition of believing on "the Son of God"? Is it difficult to show^ one who is really willing to believe? Whom did He show him? What had our Lord first opened the man's eyes to see? What did He now open his eyes to see? Which was the better vision? What did the man do when he got that vision? Did he do right? (Heb. i:6.) What will we do if we get a real view of Jesus ? Who must give us that view? (i John 5:20.) To whom will He thus manifest Himself? (John 14:21.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. (i) What He was: Divine, 35, 38; human, 11; the light of the world, 5. (2) What He did: Saw the needy, i ; had compassion on the needy where others saw only judgment for sin, 2, 4. 6; felt the one duty of life was to work the works of God, felt that the time was short and that each opportunity must be improved without delay, 4; did not wait for His help to be asked, 6; re- quired the obedience of faith, 7; gave sight to one hopelessly blind, i, 7; sought out the one men cast out for His sake, drew the castaway closer to Himself, revealed Himself more clear- ly to the man after he was cast out by men, 35, Z7- (3) How He was treated: Hated by the Pharisees, 15, 34; ma- ligned by the Pharisees, 24; disowned by those He had benefited, 20, 22; believed in by the man to whom He had given sight, confessed by him, 38 ; worshiped by him, 38. 2. The man who received sight. (i) His original condition: Never had seen, i ; beyond help, hope- less, I, 32; without human sympathy, suspected and despised, 2, 34; a beg- gar, 8; his need only an opportunity for God's grace, 3. (2) What happened to him: Our Lord saw him, i ; came to help him; pointed out the simple way of healing, 6, 7. (3) What he did: Put faith in Jesus, asked no questions, did as he was told, 7. (4) What he got: Sight, 7. (5) What he did after our Lord had blessed him: Frankly confessed his previous wretch- ed condition, 8, 9; testified of his sal- vation and for his Saviour, 10, 11; to the curious and doubtmg, 8, 10; to the enemies of our Lord, 15; fear- lessly, 15, Z2,\ fully, to the exact facts, II; briefly, pointedly, 11, 15; re- mained loyal to our Lord in face of bitter opposition, 15, 17; stood firmly in face of all man's sophistry by the one fact of experience, 25; rebuked the powerful enemies of our Lord and exposed their insincerity, 27. (6) What he suffered : Brought before the enemies of our Lord, 13; reviled, 34, 28; cast out, 34- (7) His compensation: Sought out by the Saviour, 35; re- ceived a fuller revelation of Him, spiritual sight, 35, 38. (8) His steps to spiritual vision: Ready and eager to believe in the Son of God if He should be revealed, 36; saw, Z7\ believed, worshiped, 38. 166 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD (9) His theology: "Whereas I was blind now I see," 25; Jesus "opened my eyes," 30; "God heareth not sinners," 31 ; God hears any man who worships Him and does His will, 31. (10) Progressive conception of Jesus: A man, 11 ; a prophet, 17; a sinless One, 31, 32; a messenger from God, S3'> the Son of God, 35, 38. The Pharisees. Heard the facts that should have led to faith in Jesus as the Messiah, 13, 15, 19, 21 ; tried to obscure the signifi- cance of the facts by theological so- phistries, 16; tried hard to disprove the facts, 18, 26; wilfully shut their eyes to the significance of the facts they could not disprove, slandered the Son of God whom they would not receive, 24 ; claimed to be Moses' dis- ciples, while rejecting Him of whom Moses wrote, 28; haughtily rejected the teaching they sorely needed, re- viled and cast out the loyal witness for Christ, resorted to vituperation and persecution when argument failed, 34; wilfully blind, 41; con- demned to perpetual blindness, 39; without excuse, 41. LESSON 75. Jesus The Good Shepherd. John 10:1-21. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Shepherds and robbers, vv. 1-6. What is the exact translation of v. 2? (See R. V. margin.) What thin is the con- trast of the opening verses? What is the chief difference between a thief and robber and a shepherd which these verses empha- size? What is the door by which one can properly get admission to the sheep (v. 7) ? If one then tries to get access to the sheep except by Jesus Christ what is he? What is the fold spoken of in v. i (v. 16) ? If one enters to the sheep by Jesus Christ what is he (v. 2) ? If we then wish to be shep- herds and not thieves or robbers, through whom must we approach the sheep? Were there any in Christ's day who claimed to be shepherds who were really thieves and robbers? (See c. 9.) Were there any such in the years of Jewish history which pre- ceded Christ's coming? (Is. 56:10, 12; Ezek. 34:2, 5.) Were there any in the years that immediately followed Christ's earthly ministry? (Acts 20:29, 30; Ro. 16:18; Titus i:ii; 2 Peter 2:3, 14.) Are there any such today? Who can always recognize the difference between a true shepherd and a thief ? (vv. 3, 4, 26, 27.) By what does the true sheep recognize the true shepherd? If any one is unable to dis- tinguish between the voice of the true shepherd and the voice of a thief and a rob- ber, what does it prove that he is not? Having got access to the sheep, what does the shepherd first do? What does this re- veal? (Ex. 33:17; 2 Tim. 2:19.) What does the shepherd do with the laggard sheep? How? In whom is this idea of a true shepherd fully realized? (John 13:14, 15; I Peter 2:21.) In whom ought it to be realized? (i Peter 5:2, 3.) What do the sheep do? What shepherd will the sheep follow above all others? (vv. II, 27.) If one is not following Him as He leads the way what does it prove? (Matt. 16:24; John 12:26.) Why do the sheep follow the shepherd? (8:47.) If one desires to get the power to recognize STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 167 the voice of Jesus from every other voice what must he become? What will one of Christ's sheep not do? Why not? If one runs off after every false teacher that comes along what does it conclusively prove that he is not? What will one who is really a sheep do when "a stranger" calls? 2. The Good Shepherd, vv. 7-21. How did our Lord characterize those who came before Him seeking to get the sheep to follow them? What is a thief and rob- ber after? What is a shepherd after (v. 11)? Had these thieves and robbers suc- ceeded in getting the sheep to follow them? Why not? What does Jesus call Himself in v. 9? The door to what? (See context, also John 14:6; Eph. 2:18; Ro. s:i, 2; Heb. 10:19- 22.) To whom does this door stand open? What is the consequence of entering it? How many who enter shall be saved? Do those who enter get anything beside salva- tion? What is the expression "shall go in and out" meant to teach? What does the thief come for? Of whom is he the imitat- or? (8:44.) What did Jesus Christ come for? (John 3:17; 12:47; Matt. 20:28; Luke 19:10; I Tim. I :is.) How much life? How abundantly may we have life? (John i :i6; Col. 1:19; 2:9, 10; Eph. 3:19.) Do all who have life have it abundantly? Might they have it abundantly? Why don't they? In whom does the picture of a shepherd which our Lord has drawn reach its perfect ful- filment? What therefore does He call Him- self? Who is the good shepherd of the Old Testament? (Ps. 23:1; Is. 40:10. 11; Ez. 34:11-13.) By taking the title to Him- self then whom does He assume to be? What is the crowning proof of the shep- herd's love for his flock? How does our Lord prove that He is the good shepherd? Tf we wish to be true shepherds what must we be ready to do? If one at the approach of danger leaves the sheep and flees for his own safety what is he? Are there any hire- lings nowadays? (i Peter 5:2; 2 Tim. 4:10.) Why does the hireling flee? How intimate is the mutual understanding be- tween our Lord and His sheep (vv. 14, 15, R. V.) ? To what thought does our Lord come back? Why is that fact mentioned so often ? Who are "the other sheep" of whom He speaks? (Is. 11:10; 49:6; Zech. 2:11; Acts 15:14.) What will these Gentile sheep do? What will become of the sheep called out of the two folds? (Eph. 2:14.) Was the Father willing that our Lord should lay down His life for the sheep? Was the sacrifice voluntary? In whose will did the sacrifice originate (v. 18) ? What was the eff'ect of His words upon the Jews? How often did His words cause division? Why? Why do men reject His words? (John 8:47.) What different opinions were expressed about Him? Was this ever said on any other occasion? What proof did the supporters of our Lord bring that He was not possessed of a demon? Was that good proof? Is there any other proof? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. J. Our Lord. (i) His deity, 11; humanity, li, 15; obeyed the Father even unto death, 18; loved by the Father because of His obedience, 17; rejected by many, accused of having a demon, suspected of insanity, 20; came that men may have abundant life, 10; had power to lay His life down and to take it again, laid it down at the Father's command, and of His own free choice, 18. (2) The door: By which a shepherd gets access to the sheep, I, 7; by which the sheep enter into salvation, 9; any one can enter 168 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD this door, all who enter find salva- tion, pasture, security, liberty, 9. (3) The Good Shepherd: Knows the sheep even as, etc., 14, 15, R. V. ; is known by His sheep even as, etc., IS; has a personal interest in each sheep and deals individually with each, calls by name, leads them out, 3; thrusts the laggard forth, overlooks none, goes before the sheep, 4; cares for the sheep, 13; lays down His life for the sheep, 1 1, 15; gives them eternal and abundant life, 10, 28. Christ's sheep. They know the Shepherd's voice, 4; hear His voice, follow Him, 3, 27; know not the voice of strangers, will not follow strangers, flee from stran- gers, 5; know Him even as He knoweth the Father, are known by Him even as, etc., 14; get life, 10, 28; pasture, security, liberty, 9. False shepherds. Seek to get access to the sheep by some other way than our Lord, i, 7; hire- Hngs, 12; thieves and robbers, i, 8; care not for the sheep, 13; leave the sheep in time of danger to seek their own safety, 12; come to steal and kill and destroy, 10; the true shep- herd looks out for the sheep, the false shepherd looks out for himself. LESSON 76. Our Lord at the Feast of Dedication. John 10:22-42. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 7. Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, the giver of eternal life, vv. 22-2g. What exact time of year was it ? Where did our Lord speak these words? What other Bible incidents occurred in Solo- mon's porch? (Acts 3:11; 5:12.) What question did the Jews put to our Lord (v. 24, R. V.) ? Was it His fault that they were in suspense? On what particular point were they in suspense? What did they demand of Him? Had they ever on any other occasion asked Him who He was? (8:25, 53; Luke 22:67-70.) Had He never told them plainly that He was the Christ? (v. 25; 5:17-23; 8:12, 24, 58.) How had they received His statements? Would they have received the statement now any dif- ferently? To what then does He appeal instead of answering their questions in words? What works? Does He in any other place refer to His works as a proof that He was the One sent from God, the Messiah, the Son of God? (v. 38; 5:36; 14:11.) Were the works that He did a proof that He was such? (3:2; 20:31; Acts 2:22; 10:38.) Had any recognized His works as proof that He really was the Messiah? (7:31.) Were there any who refused to recognize this proof? (12:37, 40.) Did the leaders themselves recognize His works as a sign that He was the Messiah? (11:47, R- V.) How did He do His works (v. 25) ? What is meant by His doing them "in His Fath- er's name"? What did our Lord say that His works did? What did they prove regarding Himself? (14:10, 11; 20:31.) Why did not the Jews believe when they saw these works (v. 26) ? Why is it that any one today hears the words and sees the works of Jesus and yet does not be- lieve? Whose fault is it if one is not one of Christ's sheep? What similar reason does our Lord give elsewhere why the Jews did not hear His word? (8:47; 12:37- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 169 40; I Cor. 4:3, 4.) Is it a privilege to be one of Christ's sheep? What does He do for His sheep (v. 28) ? Who gives eternal life? If our Lord gives eternal life who must He be? Why shall one of Christ's sheep never perish (vv. 28, 29) ? What word does the Revised Version substitute for "pluck" in these two verses? What added thought is there in that word? Is this thought found anywhere else in the Scrip- ture? How do these persons become Christ's sheep? (v. 29; 6:37.) What is the proof that one has been given by the Father unto the Son? What is absolutely sure about those whom the Father does give unto the Son? (v. 29; 17:2, 6, 9, II, 12.) Whose hand keeps us beside the hand of the Son? Of what may we be sure if one is in the Father's hand? 2. "I and the Father are one," vv. 30-38. What astounding statement does our Lord make about His relation to the Father in V. 30? Is this statement true? Do you really believe it? In what sense were Jesus and the Father one? What was the effect upon the Jews of this utterance? Why did they take up stones to stone Him? If the statement was not true, then what was Jesus? According to the Jewish law what was done with the blasphemer? If Jesus and the Father are not one, would the Jews have been right or wrong in stoning Jesus? If Jesus and the Father are one, who then is the blasphemer? Did the Jews on any other occasion seek to kill Him for a simi- lar reason? (5:18; 8:58, 59.) On what charge did the Jews finally kill Jesus? (Matt. 26:65. 66.) If He was not divine, was His slaying justified by Jewish law? What then does any one who denies the deity of Jesus justify? Was He frightened at the attempt of the Jews to kill Him? How did He take it all? What answer did He make to the thought of their hearts that lay back of their action (v. 32) ? To what did He appeal? Of what were His good works a proof? (v. 25; 5:19, 20, 36; Matt. 11:3-5; Acts 2:22; 10:38.) What was the Jews' an- swer to our Lord's question? What did they say He was? What did they say He made Himself out to be? Did He? (v. 30; 5:18; Ro. 9:5; 14:9; Phil. 2:6, R. v., mar- gin.) What was His answer to the charge (vv. 34, 35) ? Whom does he say the Father called gods? (Ps. 82:6.) Is there a sense in which all those who really receive the Word of God are divine? (v. 35; Ex. 7:1; Ps. 82:6, 7; 138:1; 2 Peter 1:4; Ro. 8:29.) What did our Lord say the Father had done with Him that He had not done with others? (v. 36; 3:34; 6:27; Ps. 2:2, 6-12; Is. 11:2-5; 42:1, 3; 61:1-3.) Was He fond of dwelling upon the fact that the Father had sent Him? (3:17; 5:30, 36, 37; 6:38, 57; 8:42; 17:3, 5, 8, 18, 21.) Is it important that we believe that He was sent of the Father? (17:2, 3, 8, 21, 23, 25, 26.) What is tlie last thing that He says about Himself in v. 36? Does He say that any- where else, or what substantially amounts to that? Is it important that we believe it? (20:31.) Under what condition did our Lord say they would have the right not to believe on Him (v. 37) ? Did that con- dition actually exist? Had they therefore any excuse not to believe on Him? What takes away all excuse? What did He de- mand if He did the works of the Father (v. 38) ? Is that a reasonable demand? If they believed the works that they actually saw, what must they also believe? Does our Lord do any works today that prove that He is divine? 3. Our Lord beyond the Jordan, vv. 39-42. What was the effect upon the Jews of our Lord's claim that He was in the Father 170 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD and the Father in Him? Did they attempt on any other occasion to arrest or kill Him? (7:30, 44; 8:59; Luke 4:29, 30.) Did they succeed? Why not? Where did He go? Why did He stay there? Was He afraid? What then was He ? Was it known whither He had gone? What did many do when they learned the place where He had re- tired? Did our Lord usually attract mul- titudes? (Matt. 4:23-25; Mark 1:37; Luke 5:1; 12:1.) What may we be sure will be the result when it is known that He is really in a place? What fact about Him drew the people to Him (v. 41)? What was John's testimony concerning Him? (1:29, 33, 34; 3:29-36; Matt. 3:11, 12.) What was the result of their seeing and hearing Him again (v. 42) ? (2 -.23 ; 4 139, 41, 42; 8:30; 11:45; 12:42.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God the Father. Our Lord did His work in His name, bore witness to our Lord by the works He gave Him to do, 25 ; great- er than all, 29; gave Christ's sheep to Him, no man able to pluck Christ's sheep out of His hand, 29 ; the Father is in the Son, 38; sanctified Jesus and sent Him into the world, 36; called those unto whom the word of God came "gods," 35. 2. Jesus Christ. (1) His deity: The Son of God, 25, 29, 30, 32, 36, 37, 38; He and the Father one, 30; the Father is in Him and He in the Father, 38. (2) His humanity, 31, 39, 40. (3) His subordination to the Father: Did His works in His Father's name, 25 ; sent by the Father, 36 ; His sheep given to Him by the Father, 29; the Father greater than He, 29. (4) The Christ, 24, 25. (5) His relation to His sheep: He owns them, is followed by them, 27; gives unto them eternal life, guarantees that none of them shall ever perish, keeps them in His hand so that no man can hurt them, 28. (6) His characteristics: Fearlessness, 23 ; patience, 25 ; plain- ness of speech, 26; love, 28; assur- ance of His relation to His Father, 30; calmness, 31, 32; familiarity with Scripture, 34; prudence, 39, 40. (7) His works: Did the works of the Father, 37, 38. (8) How He was treated: Honored, witnessed to by the Father, 36, 38; sanctified and sent into the world by Him, 36; protected by Him, 39; witnessed to by John, resorted unto by many, 41 ; believed on by many, 42; listened to and followed by His sheep, 27; misunderstood by the Jews, 24; the Jews sought to ar- rest Him, 39; took up stones to kill Him, 31 ; accused of blasphemy by the Jews, 33. (9) What our Lord demanded : Faith in Himself, 25, 37, 38. 3. The Jezvs. Misunderstood our Lord, asked Him to tell them what He had already told them plainly, 24; did not believe in Him, were not of Christ's sheep, 26; accused Him of blasphemy, 33; sought to arrest Him, 39; took up stones to stone Him, 32; did not un- derstand their own Scriptures, 35, 36. 4. Christ's sheep. Believe on Jesus, 26; hear His voice, follow Him, 27; receive eternal life, eternally secure in the hand of the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 171 Son and of the Father, shall never perish, 28, 29. Faith. The mark of Christ's sheep, 26; found- ed upon the works that Christ does, 25, 38; founded upon the Word, 35; demanded by reason in view of the works of Christ, 27; exercised by- many, 42; not to believe the supreme proof that one is not one of Christ's sheep, 26. The Scriptures. The Word of God, 35 ; cannot be brok- en, 35- LESSON 77. Our Lord Teaching His Disciples How to Pray. Luke 11 :1-13. Matthew 7:7-12.) (Compare DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. "Lord, teach us to pray," vv. 1-4. With what request did our Lord's dis- ciples come to Him? What was it awak- ened in them such a desire? Do we need to be taught how to pray? (James 4:3, Ro. 8:26.) Will He teach us? How? (Ro. 8:26, 27.) In what different connection in Matthew do we find the prayer that fol- lows? (Matt. 6:9-13.) How do you ac- count for this seeming discrepancy between Matthew and Luke? Is this prayer prop- erly called "The Lord's Prayer"? Where do we find the Lord's prayer ? (John 17.) Is this prayer intended as an exact form which the church is to adopt and repeat in all ages? (Matt. 6:9.) Who only has a right to pray this prayer (v. 2) ? (Gal. 3:26; Ro. 8:14; I John 3:10.) Ought a believer to limit himself to this prayer? (James 5:14; Phil. 4:6.) What feature of Christian prayer is entirely wanting here? (John 14:13.) Why is it wanting? How does the prayer begin? What truth about God is taught in these opening words? What truth about believers? What is in- dicated by calling God "Our Father which art in heaven"? (Ps. 115:3; Is. 66:1; Ps. 11:4; Dan. 2:28; Matt. 3:17; 10:32; Acts 1:9, 10.) What is the first petition? What does it mean? Why is it put first? What does all true prayer put first? What is the second petition? What does that mean? (Is. 2:2-5; Dan. 2:44; 7:27; Rev. 2:15; 19:6; 20:14.) Before the kingdom comes who must come? (Rev. 19:11-16, etc.) What prayer is a good prelude to this? (Rev. 22; 20.) If we truly desire God's kingdom to come \.hat is the first thing we will do? The second? Do any pray this prayer dishonestly? What is the next petition? What does it mean? (a. Luke 22:42; b. John 6:38; Eph. 6:6; c. 1 Thess. 4:3; d. text.) What is the supreme delight of every true believer? (God's will.) What will the man who honestly offers this petition do? What is the fourth petition (v. 3) ? How much bread are we to ask for? How much at a time? Are men willing to come to God each day for each day's need? What miracle in the O. T. teaches the same les- son? (Ex. 16:15-22.) Can the believer confidently trust God to supply each day his need for that day? (Matt. 6:33, 34; Phil. 4:19.) Has he any right to expect more than that? What is the fifth petition (v. 4) ? Is this the prayer of the unsaved man for the for- giveness that makes him God's child? For what forgiveness is it a prayer? If we are to enjoy the forgiveness that brings fel- lowship with God what must we do? How about I John 1:9? Can there be any fel- lowship with God if we do not forgive? (Matt. 6:14, 15.) Are there many prayers 172 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD hindered by an unforgiving spirit? (Mark 11:25, 26.) What does the fact that in this permanent model of prayer the request for forgiveness is placed alongside the re- quest for daily bread indicate as to the disciples' daily need? Is the fact of our forgiving others the ground upon which God forgives us? (Eph. i 7; 4:32.) What is the condition upon which the believer gets forgiveness? (i John 1:9.) Why is the prayer for pardon put first of the prayers for spiritual blessing? Who are meant by those indebted to us? What is the sixth petition? What is meant by "Bring us not into temptation"? Will God bring us into temptation? (Jas. 1:13; Job. 1:12; 2:6.) What limit does God put to our temptations? (i Cor. 10:13.) Why ought we to offer this petition? (Matt. 26:41.) What spirit does this petition re- veal upon the part of the one who offers it? What will the one who honestly offers it do? What is the final petition? What change do the Revisers make in it? (Matt. 6:13.) Where did our Lord Himself offer this pe- tition for His disciples? (John 17:15.) 2. The power of importunity, vv. 5-J0. With what parable did our Lord follow this prayer? What is its lesson? In what other parable is the same lesson taught? (Luke 18:1-8.) Is it right to ask the same thing more than once? If we are in the right spiritual condition and have the right conception of God, will we not claim it on the first asking and rest upon that? (Matt. 26:44.) What illustrations have we in the Bible of importunate prevailing prayer? (Gen. 32:26; Matt. 15:22-28.) What three commands are there in v. 9? What three promises? Upon what are the promises conditioned? Why don't men receive? (Jas. 4:2.) Why don't they find? Why is it not opened to them? Is it a duty to pray? (Luke 18 :i.) Why does our Lord say "Ask, seek, knock," and not merely "Ask" ? What sweeping statement does He make about every one that asks (v. 10) ? Does He mean that God hears everybody's every prayer? 3. The heavenly Father's willingness to give to His asking children, vv. 11-13. What is the argument our Lord uses to prove God's readiness to answer prayer? Is it a good argument? What fact about God do all these reasonings of philosophers about the impossibility of God's answering prayer based upon the reign of law lose sight of? What statement does our Lord make in regard to human nature? How evil is it? (Gen. 6:5, 6; 8:21; Ps. 51:5; Ro. y-.y, 8; 3:10-19.) What is the only thing that will change it? (Titus 3:3-5.) Does our Lord include Himself in this estimate of human nature? What does that prove as to His conception of Himself? To whom is it men give in answer to requests? To whom according to this argument may we expect God to give? Who are His child- ren? (John 1:12, 13; Gal. 3:26.) To which of His children does God give? Why is it then that so many of God's children lack the fulness of blessing? (Jas. 4:2; Ps. 81 :io.) Why is it many lack who do ask? (Jas. 4:3.) What does God especially give to them that ask? How does Matthew differ from Luke here? (Matt. 7:11.) Why are the promises substantially the same? If we want the Holy Spirit what shall we do? Will God give only what we ask? (Eph. 3:20.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. God. His relation to man— Father, 2; His home — heaven, 2; His honor and will — supreme, 2; His character — holy, 2; compassionate, approachable, 2, 5; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 173 His work — answers prayer, 2, 5, 13; rules, 2 ; feeds the hungry, 3 ; for- gives the sinner, protects the weak, 4. 2. Our Lord. Divine, 13 ; human, i ; sinless, 13 ; the teacher of true prayer, 14. J. Man. Ignorant, i ; weak, dependent, a daily sinner, 3, 4; evil, in the divine image, 13. 4. Believers. Brethren, 2; God's glory their supreme desire, 2; God's will their supreme delight, 2; God's kingdom their supreme hope, 2. They have forgiveness, 4; earthly necessities supplied, 3 ; protection, 4. Daily dependent upon God for support, 3 ; forgiveness, safety, 4. 5. Prayer. (i) What to pray for: God's glory first, God's kingdom, God's will, 2; our daily needs, 3; our daily forgiveness, our daily protection, 4; the Holy Ghost, 13. (2) How to pray : Trustfully, 2, 13; simply, briefly, to the point, 2, 5 ; importunately, 5, 10. (3") When to pray: Daily, 3; constantly, 9, 10. LESSON 78. The Folly of Laying up Treasure for One's Self and Not Being Rich Toward God. Luke 12:13-21. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. "Take heed and bezvare of covetous- ness," vv. 13-15. What was the occasion of this parable? Had the profound teaching to which our Lord had just given utterance made much impression on this man? Why not? What was all this man saw in Him ? Do we ever find people of that sort nowadays? How did he address our Lord? Was he really a disciple? Why did he then address Him as Master? To whose offenses did this man have an open eye? To whose was he blind? What kept his brother from dividing the in- heritance? What made him wish his brother to divide it? What was our Lord's reply? Does this mean that He has nothing to do with man's conduct concerning wealth? What does He mean then? Against what sin does He take occasion to warn His disciples? Why does He warn them at this time against this particular sin? What is covetousness ? With what other sins does the Bible class it? (i Cor. 5: 10, 11 ; 6:ro; Eph. 5:3, 5.) What is its relation to other sins? (i Tim. 6:10.) Is there need of warning against it today? In order to escape its grasp what must man do? What change does the Re- vised Version make here? What is sug- gested by the expression : "Take heed and keep yourselves from all covetousness"? What reason does our Lord give for "tak- ing heed, etc."? What is the primary meaning of this reason? Is there any deeper meaning in it? How much of this world's goods ought we to desire? (r Tim. 6:8.) 2. Wise in the eyes of men, vv. 16-19. How does our Lord seek to impress the lesson? What is the main point of the parable? Did the man come honestly by his wealth? To whom did he owe his pros- perity? Did he recognize the fact? What was the first thing this man's rapidly in- creasing wealth brought him? Is that a 174 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD true picture of life? What was he per- plexed about? Was there nowhere to be- stow his fruits? (Luke 3:11; 11:41; 14:13, 14; 16:9; 18:22.) In the repeated use of what pronoun does the intense selfishness of the man come out? Were they really hisf What was his way out of the difficulty? Was he a shrewd man? What was the one fault in all his calculations? (James 4:15.) What was he going to do next? Had he any ease in the accumulation of his wealth? Was he going to have any in the enjoyment of it? Is there ever real ease in the acquire- ment or enjoyment of wealth? Where alone can it be found? (Matt. 11 :28.) To whom did the rich man address himself? What did he say? Did his soul have much goods laid up? Where is the place to lay up goods for many years? (Matt. 6:19, 21.) How do we lay them up there? (Mark 10:21.) What was his highest conception of the right use of money? How did he expect his soul to be satisfied? Can you satisfy a soul that way? Why not? What alone can satisfy the soul? (John 4:13. 14) Is taking one's ease, eating, etc., a wise way to spend life? (Luke 16:19, 22, 23; 21:34; I Tim. 5:6; James 5:5; Rev. 18:7.) 3. A fool in the sight of God, vv. 20-21. How were the man's calculations all up- set? Who has done all the talking up to this point? Who now speaks? Does He say much? Does it take many words from God to upset our worldly plans? For how long did this man say he had goods laid up? How long did God say he could keep them? What did He call the man? Why was he a fool? Are there many fools of that kind nowadays? What had the man called his soul? How did God show him it was not his? When God demanded the man's soul what had he left' If God should require your soul tonight how much would you have left? Of how much time can we boast ourselves? (Prov. 27:1.) What was to become of the rich man's wealth when he was gone? What was all that he had to do with it after all? (The burden and toil of accumulating it : "thou hast pre- pared.") Does it pay to live for money? What is the man who heaps up wealth in the eyes of God? Of whose life and end does our Lord say this is a picture? Is the fault in laying up treasure? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Riches. Cannot give life, 15; or peace, 19; can- not be kept, 20; bring care, 17; blindness, 19; ruin, 20; should not be treasured up for self, should be used for God, 21. 2. Covetousness. Universal in its sway, manifold in its m.anifestations, insidious in its at- tacks, awful in its guilt, 15; ruinous in its results, 20. 3. Our Lord. His knowledge — of man, 15, 16-20; of men, 13-15; of God, of destiny, 20. His skill as a teacher, 13-21. 4. God. Left out in man's calculations, watches man's doings, silences man's boast- ings, exposes man's folly, confounds man's reasonings, upsets man's scheming, reckons with man's selfish- ness, claims proprietorship over man's possessions, takes back man's misused possessions, 18-20. 5. The poor rich man. (i) The bright side: Rich, his wealth honestly gotten, 16; thoughtful, far seeing, worldly wise, 17, 18; plans seemingly wisely laid, bright prospects for years to come. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 175 i8; filled with hope and exultation, 19. (2) The dark side: His prosperity a burden, 17; poor in real wealth, ignorant of the real needs of the soul, 19; forgot God in his blessings, 17-19; a fool in God's sight, left God out in his planning, God upset all his well laid plans, God required his soul, left his wealth to another and his memory to contempt, his life an utter and eternal failure, 20. (3) Contrasts: Owed all his prosperity to God, but forgot the God who gave it, 16; Rich in the wealth that perisheth, but penniless in the wealth that abideth, 21 ; Wise in the world's sight but a fool in God's sight, 17, 18, 20; Had the burden and anxiety of accumu- lating wealth, but was forced to leave to another the enjoyment of it, 20; Expected to put his goods into his own barns, but put them into the barns of another, 20; Thought he had much goods laid up for many years, but could not hold them another day, 19, 20; Expected to eat, drink and be merry for years to come, but ceased to eat, drink or be merry that very night, 19, 20; Reasoned within himself what he should do, but God told him what he must do, 17, 20; Expected to live in happiness, but died in gloom, 19, 20; Thought he needed great barns to be- stow his goods, but only needed a little grave to bestow his body, 18, 20. "So is he that hiyeth up treasure for himself and not such toward God." LESSON 79. The Folly of Anxiety. Luke 12:22-34. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. God's care for his creatures, vv. 22-28. What was the central lesson of the pre- ceding lesson? What is the central lesson of this? What is the connection between that lesson and this? In what two ways as seen in the last lesson and this does a heart set upon temporal things manifest itself? What is the Revised Version of "take no thought"? What is Paul's cure for anx- iety? (Phil. 4:6.) The psalmist's? (Ps. 55:22.) Peter's? (i Peter 5:7.) Christ's radical cure? (Matt. 6:24, 25, and the re- mainder of lesson.) Is it possible for one to live without anxiety? Is there any di- rect Bible warrant for wise forethought in providing for the future? (Prov. 6:6-8; Gen. 41:33-36; Eph. 4:28; i Tim. 5:8; 2 Thess. 3:10; Matt. 26:17-19.) What is for- bidden ? What are the things that our Lord specifies that we are not to be anxious about? Is there much anxiety in the world about these things today? In what way do we see in this lesson that our Lord felt the disciples were greatly exposed to this peril? (The number and variety of reasons given against it.) Is this just as much an im- perative command as the others of Christ? What is the first reason given here by Christ for not being anxious about food? What is its force? Which is the 'more im- portant—the body or the clothes we put 176 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD upon it? What shall we say then of those who sacrifice the health of the body for the sake of clothes? What is the second reason given for not being anxious (v. 24) ? Are we to infer from God's feeding the ravens without their working that we need not work? What passage in God's Word would cor- rect any such notion as that? (2 Thess. 3 :io.) What is the force of the argument? What is meant by our being much better than the fowls? (See R. V.) What is the reason of the value that God sets upon man? (John 3:16.) What is the third reason (vv. 25, 26) ? (It acomplishes nothing.) The fourth rea- son (vv. 27, 28) ? Against what especial form of anxiety is this a reason? (Matt. 6:28.) What is the point of this argument? Is it really true that the adornment of the flowers is more perfect and glorious than that of Solomon? When will our Father clothe us with raiment more wondrous than theirs? Is it right for us to look at and study the beauties of nature? For what purpose ought we to study them? Of what lack did our Lord say this worry was an indication? Is it a common lack? (8:25; Matt. 14:31; 16:8; 17:17,20.) Is it a serious lack? (Heb. 11:6.) 2. What to seek and what not to seek, vv. 29-M- How does our Lord sum up the teaching of the lesson so far? What is meant? (Matt. 6:31.) What is the proper limit of our desires in these things? (i Tim. 6:8, R. V.) Are most people satisfied with that much? Has that fact anything to do with their anxiety? What is the fifth reason given against worldly anxiety? What is the difference between a heathen and a Christian if the Christian has the same ambitions and treas- ures as a heathen? What is then the man whose heart is set upon earthly things.'' Have we got any heathen in our churches? What is the sixth reason? Is that as good as the others? What is it that God knows we need? What then may we be sure of? (Phil. 4:19.) What is to be the great object of the Christian's search (v. 31)? What is the kingdom of God? (Ro. 14:17.) If you want to get men to take their affections off from earthly things what is the best thing to do? Has our seeking of the kingdom of God anything to do with our being anxious about worldly things? If our one supreme consuming de- sire and interest is in His kingdom how much worldly anxiety will we have? What promise accompanies the exhortation? What is meant by "these things"? Are simi- lar promises to this to be found elsewhere in the Bible? (Ps. 34:9, 10; ZT-Z, 25; 84:11; Heb. 13:5; Ro. 8:31.) If we want food, drink, clothing, what is the surest way to get them ? What final word full of comfort does our Lord give them (v. 32) ? Why does He call them a "little flock"? Is the fact that it is God's, etc., a sufficient reason for not fear- ing? What is the kingdom that is to be given them? (Matt. 25:34; 2 Thess. 1:5; Heb. 12:28; Jas. 2:5; 2 Peter i:ii; Rev. 22:5.) To what word of practical exhorta- tion does this word of comfort form a basis? Docs this mean that a man is to lit- erally give away all he has? (18:22; Acts 2:45; 4:34, 35; Matt. 6:19, 20; I Tim. 6:17-19; James S:i-3-) What is the best bank to lay up money in? The safest purse to carry it in? Where can we keep it where it will be safe from robbery and corruption? Does our place in the future life depend on how we use our money here? Will every one who gives away money here lay up treasure in heaven? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND What is the final reason our Lord gives for laying up our treasures there (v. 34) ? Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? What are the six reasons He gives against anxiety? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. God. (i) His goodness, wisdom, power and providential care revealed in nature : He feeds the birds, 24; He clothes the grass, 28. (2) His relation to His children: He knows their need, 30; He clothes them, 24; He feeds them, 28; He has a kingdom for them, 32 ; He must be put first by them, 31. 2. Anxiety. Has no ground, 24, 28; does no good, 25; reveals no faith, 28; can furnish no excuse, 22-32; results from a di- vided heart, 22, 31 ; is positive diso- bedience — sin, 22. 3. Seven doses for dyspeptic Christians. (i) God gives life. He will surely maintain it, 23 ; (2) God feeds the birds, much more will He feed His children, 24; (3) God clothes the grass, much more will He clothe His children, 28; TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 177 (4) Worry cannot add one cubit to one's stature, but can add much lean- ness to our souls, 26, 28; (5) Worry is natural in a heathen, but monstrous in a Christian, 30; (6) Our Father knows our every need, 30; (7) It is our Father's purpose to give us a kingdom. He will surely provide our travelling outfit, 32. 4. The kingdom of God. God's gift, z^; should be our first aim, brings with it all other good, 31 ; our position in it depends upon our use of our money here, 33. 5. Food and clothes. Something the world is anxious about, 30; for which God's children are tempted to forget Him, 22; God's children need, 30; God's children need not be anxious about, 22 ; God's children must put second, 31 ; God's children will be supplied with by their Father, 24, 28. 6. God's children. His children under His bountiful care, 24, 28, 30; His flock under His mighty protection, 2^ ; His heirs des- tined for His eternal kingdom, 32; His almoners to dispense His bounties, ZZ', His depositors with treasures in His bank, 33. LESSON 80. The Wisdom of Watching for the Lord's Return, pare Matthew 24:43-51.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. Watching for their absent Lord, vv. 35-40. What is the proper attitude of mind of disciples of Jesus Christ toward their ab- sent Lord? (2 Peter 3:11, 12, R. V.; Luke 12:35-48. (Corn- Titus 2:13; 2 Tim. 4:8.) Why do the faithful servants watch for Him? If He should come today would all His professed disciples be ready to "open unto Him im- mediately"? Would you? In order to be looking for Him what must at least he 178 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD possible? Why is it that there are so many who are not looking for Him? Does He come and knock at any time be- sides at His second coming? (Rev. 3:20.) In order to hear His knock and let Him in, in what attitude of mind must we be? Suppose we are not watching and do not respond promptly to His knock, what then? (Solomon's Song 5:5, 6.) How are we to show that we are looking for His return? What is the object of having the "loins girded about" (v. 2,7) "^ (i Kings 18:46.) What "loins" are we to gird? (i Peter 1:13.) With what? (Eph. 6:14.) How? (John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.) What are the "lamps" (R. V.) which are to be kept burning? (Matt. 5:16; 25:1, 3; 2 Tim. 3:5.) What is necessary in order that the lamp be kept burning? (Matt. 25:3, 4, 8.) Of what is this oil a symbol? (Acts 10:38; I John 2:20, 27; Ps. 45:7.) What word describes the experiences of Christ's watching servants when He comes? In what will their blessedness consist? Will that be a feast worth having a part in? Will all Christ's servants have a part in it? How many times are we exhorted in the Bible to watch? If our "loins are girded" to serve Him what will He do? Does it make any difference in the blessed- ness of the watching servant at what hour He comes? What is it more important to have a care to than in what particular watch He comes? In what watch is He coming? (Mark 13:35.) By what illustra- tion does He enforce this teaching about the necessity of constantly watching? What is the point of this illustration? Is the coming of Christ elsewhere compared to the coming of a thief? (Matt. 24:43, 44; I Thess. 2:3; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. Z'Z', 16: 15.) Where is the similarity? In what manner will He come? (Acts i:ii.) In what way can we prevent that day overtak- ing us as a thief? (i Thess. 5:4-6; i John 2:28.) If He should come today would you be overtaken by surprise and dismay or not? What is the lesson our Lord draws from this parable? When should we be ready? What will those who are "ready" when the Lord comes do? (Matt. 25 :io.) What will happen to those who are not ready? (Matt. 25:10-12.) Are men, or the church as a whole, looking for His coming today? Is that any evidence that He is not coming? 2. Faithfully serving their absent Lord, vv. 41-48. What was Peter anxious to know? Is it necessary in order to correctly understand the Bible to know to whom any particular promise, warning, exhortation or command- ment is addressed? What is the best way to find out? To whom was this parable and its lesson addressed (v. 42) ? (Mark 13:3s. 27-) To what are teachers com- pared? Is this figure found elsewhere? (Matt. 24:45, 46; Acts 20:28; I Cor. 4:1, 2; I Peter 4:10.) What is the steward's busi- ness? What is the pastor's and teacher's business? (John 21:15-17; i Peter 5:2; Jer. 3:15.) "Who, then, is the faithful and wise steward" ? Do all whom Christ has appointed to this office do this? Whom do some whom He has called to be stewards feed? (Ezek. 34:2, 3.) With what does the "wise and faithful steward" feed the "household"? (i Peter 2:2; 4:10, 11.) Do all stewards give the household this meat? With what do they sometimes try to feed the household? When should the steward give the household their portion of meat? What word is used to describe the experi- ence of the wise and faithful steward at the coming of his Lord? In what will his blessedness consist? Wherein lies the ap- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 179 propriateness of this reward? Who is placed in contrast with this faithful and wise steward? What lies at the bottom of his evil doing? What is the practical ef- fect upon the church and individual of re- garding the coming of their Lord as a far away and unreal event? What is the ef- fect of thinking of it as a most real and possibly imminent event? (Matt. 26:6, 7.) What is the one great cause according to this verse (45) of worldliness and laxness in evangelical enterprise and of oppression and self-indulgence among many professed stewards of Jesus Christ? What was the great cry of the early church as it pushed the evangelization of the world? (Phil. 4 :5 ; Jas. 5 :?, 8 ; i Cor. 16 :22, R. V., mar- gin.) Where was it the unfaithful servant said: "My Lord delayeth His coming"? Can one have a head faith and a heart un- belief in the coming of the Lord? How can we show we have a heart faith in it? Is there any step beyond saying : "My Lord delayeth His coming"? (2 Peter 3:3, 4.) Are there any mockers in the church saying this today? How first of all did loss of faith in the near approach of the Lord show itself in the unfaithful servant? For what is that a figure? Is there a warning against this anywhere else in the N. T. ? (i Peter 5:3.) How in the second place did this loss of faith show itself? Have these faults in the actual history of God's people been seen in those whom the Lord has "set over His household"? (i Sam. 2:13-16; Ezek. 34:3; Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29; Titus 1:10, 11; 3 John 9, 10.) How are these unfaithful stewards to be brought to their senses? Will the day of Christ's coming be a joyful day for all who have been in authority in His church? What will be done to the unfaithful ser- vant? With whom will his lot be eternally cast? (Matt. 24:51.) Why? (Acts i :25.) To whom may this solemn and terrific warning be justly applied? (i Peter 4:10.) Why does our Lord delay His coming? (2 Peter 3:9.) Will all unfaithful servants be punished with equal severity? What will be the measure of the punishment? Will ignorance of the will of Christ avail to deliver one from punishment altogether? What does the greatness of our opportuni- ties increase? (Matt. 11:21-24.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Our Lord. Coming back, 36, 40; may come at any moment, 36, 38; will come when He is not expected, 39, 40; the important point is that we be ready whenever He comes, 38; wishes His servants to be watching for His return, 36; will gloriously reward the faithful at His coming — (a) if we are watching and have girded ourselves to serve Him, He will gird Himself and serve us, 35, 37; (b) if we have been faith- ful in the use of little power and op- portunity He will give us all power and opportunity, 42-44; will fearfully punish the unfaithful at His coming, 45, 46. ^. Christ's servants. Should always be — Watching for His coming, 36; ready for His coming, 40; ready to open to Him immed- iately, 36; engaged in the work to which He has appointed them, 43. Should always have — Their loins gird- ed, their lamps burning, 35. Should never — Say: "My Lord delay- eth His coming," exercise oppression over those under their authority, prac- tice self-indulgence, 45. Their opportunity and responsibility— 180 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Over Christ's household, the welfare of Christ's family in their keeping, 42. Their duty — To watch, to open to Christ immediately, 36; to give the household their meat in due season, 42. Their blessedness— Our Lord Himself will make the watching servant a feast and serve him, 37; dominion given the faithful servant over all the Lord hath, 44. 3. The unfaithful servant. (i) His theology: "My Lord delayeth His coming," 45. (2) His practice: Tyranny, self-indulgence — feeds him- self, 45; neglect to give the house- hold their meat, 42, 45. (3) His destiny: Surprised by Christ's unexpected com- ing, driven into outer darkness, 46: the more light the greater guiit and heavier punishment, 47, 48. LESSON 8L One More Opportunity. Luke 13:1-17. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Repent or perish, vv. 1-5. What gave rise to Christ's warning in these opening verses? What idea about the Galileans did those who spoke to Christ have? Did He say that these Galileans were not sinners? Did He say that the suffering that befell them was undeserved? What use did He make of their calamity? In the calamities that overtake men what should sinners always see (vv. 3, 5) ? O^ vhose sins were those who spoke to our Lord thinking? To whose sins did He di- rect their attention? With whose sins would He have us most occupied? (Ro. 14:4, 10, 12.) With whose sins are men most prone to be occupied? Is there any connection between our sinning and our sufifering? (John 5:14; Matt. 9:2; i Cor. 11:29, 30, 32.) Is it safe to infer from this that when men are especially aflflicted they are especially sinful? (Heb. 12:6; John 9:2, 3; Matt. 5:10-12.) What did our Lord say was the only way in which to escape the penalty due our sins? What is it to repent? (Luke 11:32, compare Jonah 3:10; Ezek. 33:11; Is. 55:7; Acts 26:20; Rev. 2:4, 5; 9:20, 21.) Is sorrow for sin repentance? (2 Cor. 7:10.) From what sin especially must men repent if they are to be saved? (Acts 2:36-38; 3:14, IS, 19.) To whom should repentance be preached? (Acts 20:21.) What will happen to men if they do not repent (vv. 3, 5) ? Did the Jews as a nation repent? Did they perish? (Luke 19:42-44; 21:22-24; 23:28-30; Matt. 22:7; 23:3s, 38.) Did they perish in the way these Galileans did? Was their blood mingled with their sacrifices? To what other incident did our Lord refer to enforce His teaching of repentance? Where did He get His texts and illustra- tions? Did the Jews perish as the men on whom the tower in Siloam fell ? Did towers fall on any of them in the siege of Jerusa- lem? 2. Bear fruit or he cut down, vv. 6-g. Is it only for positive sin that men are to be destroyed? How does our Lord bring this out? Who is represented by the man who had a fig tree? Who is represented first of all by the fig tree? (Ps. 80:8-13; Is. 5:1-3, 7; Luke 20:10-13.) Can it be ap- plied to anyone besides the Jew? What was STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 181 the owner's complaint? Had he a right to expect fruit? Has God a right to expect fruit from us? What fruit? (Gal. 5:22, 23; Ro. 1:13; Phil. 4:17; Col. 1:10.) What was the owner's sentence upon the fruitless tree? What is God's sentence upon the fruitless man or nation? (Matt. 3:10; 7:19; John 15:2, 6; 15:16, 8.) By what act in His life did our Lord teach the same lesson ? (Mark 11:13, 14- 20, 21.) For what pur- pose has He chosen His disciples? (John 15:16.) If a tree in a vineyard does not bear fruit what does it do (v. 7) ? If a nation, a church, an association or an in- dividual does not bear fruit for God what do they do? In the mind of God what is the thii^g to do with such? Is the divine sentei.ce of judgment to oe executed at once? Why not? (2 Peter 3:9.) Does God always forewarn men of the judgments to come upon them and give them space for repentance? (Gen. 6:3; 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Chron. 33:10, 11, etc.) Who held back God's judgment from falling on fruitless Israel? (Ex. 32:11-13, 30-32; 34:9; Num. 14:11-20; Ps. 106:23.) Who stands be- tween us and our merited doom? (Heb. 7:25; I John 2:1.) How long a space was Israel given for repentance after the warning in this pas- sage? Did they repent? What therefore was done? What was done with the tree during the year of grace granted it ? What is symbolized by this additional care? What was the added and extraordinary grace bestowed upon Israel in the time im- mediately preceding their judgment? Is it customary with God to multiply means of grace to nations and communities and indi- viduals just preceding times of judgment? (Noah before the flood; Jeremiah, Isaiah and others before the captivity; Christ, the apostles and Pentecost before the destruc- tion of Jerusalem, etc.) Is this a day of especial grace? By what may we expect it to be followed? What was to be expected from this added care bestowed upon the tree? What is to be expected from t-he added and especial grace bestowed upoH men? What would be the consequence if the added care did not result in fruit? What will be the consequence if God's special grace in the days of His patient waiting does not produce fruit? With what then are we to expect special seasons of grace to nations, communities and individuals to be followed if they do not bear fruit in their lives? With what will God's long suffering close if it is persistently abused? (2 Peter 3:9, 10; Ro. 2:4, 5.) If the sinner abuses the special grace given him in the days of God's long suffering pa- tience, will Jesus Christ any longer take his part? What will He say (v. 9)? S- Man's unmcrcifulness and God's mercy, vv. lo-ij. Where is the scene of this incident laid? What day was it? What sight was there in the synagogue to awaken compassion? Did the sight awaken any compassion in the heart of the ruler of the synagogue? In whose heart did she awaken compassion? How did He show it? Did He do anything besides speak to her? Could He heal by a mere word? Why did He lay His hands upon this woman? What was the effect of His words and the laying on of His hands? To whom did she attribute her cure? How would the ruler have been affected if he had a heart of love and compassion? How was he affected? Was he a religious man? Can a religious man be an unmerciful man? Will that kind of religion save one? For what was the ruler a stickler? For what had he no care whatever? What did our Lord call him? What characteristic of our 182 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Lord did we see in this? Was this rebuke too severe and harsh? By what illustra- tion did our Lord expose his hypocrisy? Was it jealousy for God's law or hatred for Jesus that led to the ruler's protest? Do men nowadays ever cover up hatred for some man by the pretense of jealousy for God's law? Who did our Lord say had bound the woman? Is sickness Satan's work? Who can loose every bond of Satan? (i John 3:8.) What was the effect of our Lord's word upon His adversaries? Upon the people? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. God. All blessings are from His hand, all glory should be rendered to Him, 13 ; all men are His property. He ex- pects, demands fruit from all men, often finds no fruit, 6, 7; regards the fruitless tree as an injury to the ground, 7; bears long with sinners, 3, 5, 8, 9; warns men to think of their own sins rather than those of others, 1-5; exhorts men in the calamities of others to hear the voice of warning for themselves, 3, 5 ; demands repent- ance as the universal condition of salvation, (a) repentance about sin. 3, 5 ; (b) repentance about f ruitless- ness, 8, 9; in His mercy He warns men before He destroys them, grants space for repentance, multiplies grace before He executes judgment, 8, 9; in His severity He utterly destroys those who despise mercy, brings in swift and certain judgment where men reject abounding grace, 3, 5, 9. Jesus Christ. Taught in the synagogue, on the Sab- bath, 10; His compassion, power over disease, 12, 13; hatred of hypocrisy, severity in dealing with hypocrites, IS ; put to shame all His adversaries, caused the people to rejoice, 17. The woman. (i) Her exalted position: Daughter of Abraham, 16. (2) Her misfortune: Had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, was bowed together, could in no wise lift herself up, 11 ; no sympathy from man, 14; bound by Satan, 16. (3) How she was healed : Went to the place of worship, 11; met our Lord there. He spoke to her, 12; He laid His hands on her, she was immediately made straight, glorified God for her healing, 13. LESSON 82. Jesus Journeying Toward Jerusalem. Luke 13:22-35. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Are there few that be saved?, vv. 22-30. Where was the scene of this lesson? The time? (Probably latter part of January, 783 A. U. C., that is 30 A. D., a little more than two months before Christ's death. Robinson's view involves a date several weeks later.) What was Jesus doing? For what purpose was He going to Jerusalem? (Compare 9:51.) What did He do as He journeyed? What ought we to do as we go journeying on? What was Jesus always doing as He went about? (Acts 10:38.) STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 183 What question was put to Jesus (v. 23) ? Was the question one of honest inquiry or of speculative curiosity? Did Christ answer the question? Why not? (Matt. 7:13, 14."* Did He usually answer questions of specu- lative curiosity? (John 21:21, 22.) Are there many today who approach solemn subjects in a similar light manner, not to find out practically how to live, but to grat- ify mere speculative curiosit}', or even to get Christian teachers in a corner? How ought we to answer them? Which is more important, that we know how many are to be saved, or that we know how to be saved? Can we know that? To whom did Christ direct the answer He gave? What did He say (v. 24) ? While Jesus did not tell whether many would be saved, what did He say about many? Are there many to- day who are not saved? Instead of specu- lating as to how many of them are to be saved, what ought we to do about them? (Mark 16:15, 16.) Since there were many who would seek to enter and should not be able, what did Jesus urge each of His hear- ers to do? Which is more important, that we solve the problem of how many are to be saved, or that we see to it that we are saved ourselves? What is the first word in Christ's answer? What does "strive" mean? Does it take earnest effort and conflict to enter into the Kingdom? (Acts 14:22; John 6:27; I Cor. 9:24-27; Phil. 2:12, 13; Heb. 4:11; 2 Peter 1:10.) Conflict with whom? (Eph. 6:11, 12.) Can one be "car- ried to the skies on flowery beds of ease"? (2 Tim. 3:12.) Will the easy-going "form of godliness" so common in churches ever take one into the Kingdom of God? What will become of these easy-going religionists when the Master rises up and shuts the door? To what is the Kingdom of God compared in this 24th verse? By what sort of door is this beautiful palace entered? How narrow is this door? (Luke 18:13, 14; Is. 55:7; Prov. 28:13; Luke 18:24; Matt. 16:24; Matt. 5:20; Ro. 9:32, 33; 10:3; John 3:3.) Is it worth while to make the sacrifices and efifort necessary to get through this narrow door? (Ro. 8:18.) Will every one who seeks to enter in suc- ceed? Why not? (Ro. 9:31, 32; 10:3; John 10:1, 2, 9; Jer. 2:9, 13; v. 25.) Is it enough to seek? What must we do? Are we saved by efifort? (Eph. 2:8.) Are we saved without efifort? In what way especially is efifort to be put forth? (c. 21:36; I Cor. 9:24-27; Phil. 2:12, 13; 2 Peter i :5-ii.) Will the opportunity of en- tering always remain open (v. 25) ? When will it end? (John 8:21; Matt. 25:10.) Is it Christ Himself who brings the day of opportunity to a close by a decisive act? When may the Lord of the palace rise up and shut the door? Have we any Bible illustrations of shut doors? (Gen. 7:16; Heb. 12:17; Matt. 25:10.) What did Jesus say His hearers would do when the door was shut? Are there any who are careless and easy-going now in this day of opportunity who will be anxious and eager when it is too late? Where will they stand? What will they say? What will He say? Will not call- ing Him: "Lord, Lord" save them? (Matt. 7:21, 22; Luke 6:46; Matt. 25:11, 12.) What claim for admission will they ad- vance (v. 26)? Will the fact that we have eaten at Christ's table, or heard His teaching save us? Will any merely out- ward connection with Christ save? What do great opportunities bring, if abused? (]\Iatt. 11:20-24.) What shall He say (v. 27)? Whom does the Lord know? (Ps. 1:6; I Cor. 8:3; 2 Tim. 2:19; John 10:14; compare John 10:3, 4, 27.) 184 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD What will Christ bid those whom He does not know to do? (Compare Matt. 25:41.) What does He call them? For all their seeking entrance into the King- dom, had they given up their sins? Are there any today who are seeking entrance into the Kingdom without giving up their sins? Will they gain it? We must either depart from our sins, or depart from whom? (Rev. 21 :27.) Does iniquity mean only gross sins? Has the man who wishes to hold on to his sins and yet gain salva- tion a true desire for salvation? What will be the occupation of the land to which they depart (v. 28) ? Is this a true picture? (Compare Matt. 8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30.) What does "gnashing of teeth" imply? (Compare Acts 7:54.) What would especially cause them to gnash their teeth? Are there any in our day who will weep and gnash their teeth for a similar reason? From whence would they come to take seats in this kingdom (v. 29) ? Who will be there? (John 3:3; John 1:12; 2 Thess. i :8.) Who shall be first (v. 30) ? Are there any first today who shall be last there? Any last who shall be first? Is this true of nations as well as individuals? 2. "0, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, zvhich kill- est the prophets," vv. 31-35. What message was brought to Jesus at this time? Who brought it? Were the Pharisees really interested in Jesus' safety? What then was their purpose in bringing this message? (Compare Neh. 6:9-11; Amos 7:12, 13.) What was Jesus' reply? What characteristics of Herod did He bring out by calling him a fox? Was it a true characterization of Herod? (Com- pare 3:19, 20; 9:7-9.) What was the point of Jesus' answer to Herod? (Compare John 11:8-10.) What did He mean by the words, "I shall be perfected"? (John 17:4, 5; 19:30; Heb. 2:10; 5:9.) Whither was Jesus journeying? Why was He jour- neying to Jerusalem (v. 33) ? What char- acteristics of Jesus appear in v. 34? What would naturally be His feeling toward Jerusalem after the way in which Jeru- salem had treated Him? Why did He love Jerusalem with such patient, unweary- ing love? Whom does He love today with the same patient, unwearying love? Do the sinner's sins destroy Christ's will- ingness to save them? (i Tim. 1:15.) Does the unwillingness of sinners to be saved destroy Christ's willingness to save them ? When we thrust away His out- stretched arms, what does He do? When we say, "I will not," what does He say? What had Jerusalem already done that would have made it just for God to have already forsaken her utterly? What did Jesus say had been Jerusalem's treatment of the prophets ? Was this characterization of Jerusalem just? (2 Chron. 24:21, 22; 36:15, 16; Neh. 9:36; Jer. 2:30; 26:23; compare Acts 7:52, 59.) Did Jesus on any other occasion show a like passionate love for Jerusalem in spite of her multi- plied sins? (c. 19:41, 42; compare Matt. 23:37-39.) What did Jesus say had been His attitude toward Jerusalem? Are there any utterances in the Old Testament sug- gestive of this? (Deut. 5:29; 32:29; Is. 48:17-19; Ps. 81:10, 13.) What suggested the figure of a hen gath- ering her own brood under her wings? (Compare Ruth 2:12; Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 91:4; Deut. 32:11, 12.) What three things does a chicken find under its moth- er's wings? What do we find under the protecting wings of our Saviour? What is contrasted with Jesus', "I would"? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 185 (Compare John 5:40; Neh. 9:30; Ps. 81 :ii; Prov. 1:24-30; Jer. 6:16; T.22i, 24; 44:4-6; Matt. 22:3.) Is it ever true today that while Jesus "would" men "will not" ? Why is anyone today without life, safety, rest and warmth? What will be the result of Jerusalem refusing to be gathered? (Com- pare c. 21 :5, 6.) Had the desolation of Jerusalem because of its persistent dis- obedience to God ever been prophesied? (Lev. 26:31, 32; Is. 64:10, 11; Dan. 9:26, 27; IMicah 3:12.) What will be result to the individual soul that persistently re- fuses to be gathered under the protecting wings of Christ? How desolate will it be left? While Jesus pronounced doom upon Jerusalem, did He utter the words in anger or in pity? Is justice any the less awful when it has so much pity in it? Was the time ever coming when the Jews as a nation would see Jesus again? When would that time be? (Compare Zech. 12:9- 13:1; 14:1-21; Ro. 11:25-29.) Did the Jews at any time during Christ's life here on earth say regarding Him : "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord?" (Matt. 21 :9.) Is this the time to which Jesus refers in this verse? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. T. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature: Divine, 34 compare Ps. 91:1, 4; human, 31, 32, Z2>- (2) His character : Tender, 34; compassionate, 34; un- wearying, 34; stern, 27, 34; fearless, 32; persistent, 33. (3) His work: Taught, 22, 26; cast out devils, 32; healed the sick, 32; protected, 34; cherished, 34; gave rest, 34; judges, 25-30. (4) His coming again, 35. The Jezvs. Enjoyed unusual privileges, 22, 26, 28, 30, 34; despised the privileges they enjoyed, 25-30, 34; refused the fre- quent calls of their Saviour, 34; would not, when Jesus would, 34; killed the prophets, 34; stoned those sent unto them, 34; shut out of the Kingdom, 28; though first in privi- lege, last in the Kingdom, 30. Hoiv to be saved. Requires earnest effort and conflict, 24; the door narrow, 24; many shall seek to enter and not be able, 24; to enter we must put forth effort before the door is shut, 25 ; merely hearing the teaching of Jesus not enough, 26; all who will not depart from iniquity now must depart from Jesus hereafter, 27; just tome to Jesus and find safety, comfort, rest under His wings, 34. LESSON 83. The True Way to Keep the Sabbath. Luke 14:1-6; Isaiah 58:13, 14. them when they came from other than the respectable classes? (5:29.) When He accepted these invitations how did He in- variably improve the opportunity thus afforded Him? Ought Christians to accept invitations to dine and to social gatherings given by people who are not Christians? DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The way our Lord kept the Sabbath, 14:1-6. How did our Lord come to be at the Pharisee's house to eat? Did He usually accept invitations to social gatherings and to eat? (7:36; 11:37-) Did He accept 186 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD If they are to follow the example of Christ what use should they make of such occa- sions ? Were the Pharisees friendly to our Lord? What was this man's object in in- viting Him? For wkat purpose were they watching Him? (67; 11:53, 54; 20:20.) Did they meet with very much success in their attempt to find something to condemn in Him? Are there any today who watch eagerly for something to condemn in our Lord? Do they succeed in finding it? Is there any purpose for which it is right for us to watch Him? Upon what day of the week was it that our Lord accepted this invitation to dine? Does that throw any light upon the proper observance of the Sabbath? Did He make this Sabbath dinner merely a time for idle talk or of religious instruction? Does thrt throw any light upon the proper observance of the Sabbath? Who especially attracted His attention on this occasion? Why? In whom was our Lord always especially inter- ested? How did the dropsical man come to be there? Was there any help for him in man? What two reasons were there why it would do him no good to seek help from the Pharisees? What two words in v. 2 show that there -was hope for him though the Pharisees could not help him if they would and would not help him if they could? Whom did the lawyers and Pharisees imagine was on trial? Who were really on trial? Why does the record say: "Jesus, answering, spake" — had they asked any questions? (Mark 2:6, 8; Luke 6:7-9.) How did our Lord know their thoughts? What question does He put to the lawyers and Pharisees? What did they answer? What did they think? Why didn't they say so then? (Matt. 21:25-27; 22:46.) Had this question ever come up before in the controversies between our Lord and the Pharisees? (6:9; 13:14-16; Matt. 12:10.) What three things did He do for the man? What does "Let him go" mean? (13:12 — "loosed," same Greek word.) Who was it had bound the man? (13:16; Acts 10:38.) Whose work was our Lord undoing? (i John 3:8.) Is it a proper use of the Sab- bath to undo Satan's work? By what argument did our Lord show them the folly of their position? Did He use similar argument on any other occa- sion? ('13:15; 6:9; Matt. 12:11, 12.) Why was it they were ready to help an ass or an ox out of a pit, but not to lift a man out of Satan's power, on the Sabbath? Are there any today who care more for cattle than for men, and who would work on the Sab- bath to save their cattle but who when they are called upon to exert themselves upon the Sabbath to save perishing men plead the necessity of Sabbath rest? Ac- cording to our Lord's argument and prac- tice what is a proper use of the Sabbath? Why did not the lawyers and Pharisees reply to our Lord? (13:17; 20:26, 40.) Can we have a similar power to silence and put to shame the enemies of the truth and of Christ? (21:15; Acts 6:10.) 2. The zvay God wished the lews to keep the Sabbath, Is. 58:13, H- What did God desire the Jews to turn from on the Sabbath day? Whose pleas- ure did He wish them to do? Whose words did He wish them to refrain from? Whose words did He wish them to speak? Where will we find those -words? (l Thess. 2:13.) How did He wish them to regard the Sabbath ? How do many regard it? Why is the Sabbath properly observed a weariness to many? What is it to the man who knows and loves God? (Ps. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 187 27:4; 84:2, 10.) Of what then is the way in which a man regards the Sabbath a test? What did God wish them to do with the Sabbath? How? What would be the threefold result of regarding and treating the Sabbath as God wished them? What made it absolutely certain that this would be the result? How sure are the promises of God? (Matt. 24:35.) Was the Sab- bath in its essential idea intended for the Jew alone? (Mark 2:27.) Do the same general principles govern a proper observ- ance of the Lord's Day as governed a proper observance of the Jewish Sabbath? Will God bless a due regard for the Lord's Day as He promised to bless a due regard for the Sabbath? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. (i) His nature: His deity — (a) divine knowledge, 3, (b) divine power, 4; His humanitv, i. (2) What He did: Accepted invitations to social gather- ings even on the Sabbath day, 1-3; improved the occasion by imparting religious instruction, 3-5; read and answered men's unspoken thoughts, 3; silenced His opponents, 3, 4, 6; had compassion on the suffering, 3, 5 ; set Satan's captives free, 4. 3. The Sabbath. (i) What not to do on the Sabbath: Our own pleasure, our own ways, our own words. Is. 58:13; let men or beasts suffer, Luke 14:3-5. (2) What to do on the Sabbath : Improve every occasion as our Lord did, 1-6; perform acts of mercy to man, 3, 4 ; and beast, 5 ; undo Satan's work, 4. (3) What to do regarding it: Honor it, call it a delight, honorable, Is. 58:13. (4) Result of its proper observance : Joy in the Lord, exaltation in the earth, abundant supply of needs, a glorious heritage. Is. 58:14. S. The man which had the dropsy. (i) His condition: Sick unto death, no help in man, no sympathy from man, 2, 3. (2) What happened to him: Brought before our Lord, 2; He had compassion on him, took him, healed him, loosed him from Satan's power, The Pharisees. Hated our Lord, laid in wait for Him, played the hypocrite to catch Him, t ; could not help the dropsical man if they would, and would not if they could, 2-4; would work on the Sab- bath to save cattle but not to save men, 4, 5 ; silenced by our Lord, 4, 6. LESSON 84. How to Find Honor Here and Recompense Hereafter. Luke 14:7-14. addressed ? Why did our Lord teach them these things ? How did He know that they needed this teaching? Does He mark how we conduct ourselves at social and other gatherings? What about their conduct did He especially note? Was it characteristic of those times for men to squabble for the DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The path to honor, 7-11. What in V. 7 indicates that we are to look for some deeper spiritual meaning in the following verses than the mere teaching as to our conduct in social life that lies on the surface? To whom were these words 188 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD places of honor? (11:43; 20:46.) Do we ever see anything of that in our modern Christianized society? Do we ever see anything of it in the church of Christ? Is it as excusable in us as it was in those Jews? Why not? (Phil. 2:5-8.) What did our Lord tell them they should not do? Why not? What would be the probable result of inviting one's self to the place of honor? Is this good advice to fol- low in its literal sense? Has it any applica- tion beyond its literal sense? (v. 11; Phil. 2:3, 6, 7; Matt. 18:4.) Was this teaching in its literal application original with our Lord? (Prov. 25:6, 7.) Was the deeper meaning and application original with Him? Are any other instances recorded in which He took current proverbial teaching and gave it a new and deeper meaning? What did He tell them they should do? (R. V.) Which place? How were they to make it absolutely sure that they got quite low enough? Is this good advice to follow in its more literal applications? Suppose one should happen to get a lower place than he rightly deserved? Why is it that we are not often bidden by the Lord to come up higher than the place we have picked out for ourselves at His table? What goes be- fore honor? (Prov. 15:33.) What is our Lord's far-reaching inter- pretation of His own apparently common- place parable? Is that a commonplace truth? What evidence have we of its vast importance in God's sight? (18:14; Matt. 23:12; Ps. 18:27; 138:6; Prov. 15:33; 29:23; Is. 2:11, 17; 57:15; Jas. 4:6; I Peter 5:5.) Is there any other reason be- sides its importance why this truth is so often repeated in the Word of God? If we wish to be set on high what must we do? If we set ourselves on high what then? Are there any exceptions to this principle? 2. The path to heavenly recompense, 12-14. Having taught the guests a needed lesson, to whom did our Lord next address Him- self? If we invite Him to be a guest with us, in what way may we be sure He will always repay us? What did He tell His host that he should not do? Why not? Why ought we not to seek our recompenses in "the life that now is"? (Matt. 6:1-4, 16-18.) Ought we to regret it when we get no recompense here for the good we do? Of what may we be confident? In whom have we an illustration of one who does not invite the rich to His banquets? (i:S3; Matt. 11:5.) Is this the method of the world? (Prov. 14:20.) Does the profess- ing church follow Christ's method or the world's? (Jas. 2:1-6.) Does v. 12, taken in exact literalness, absolutely prohibit an interchange of hospitalities and courtesies? Where does it tell us to look for our guests in our more elaborate feasts? In a world where there is so much want and misery to relieve ought a follower of Jesus Christ to spend much time in the mere entertain- ment of those who have no need? What did He tell His host he should do? Is this intended to be taken literally? How are those upon whom we are to bestow our hospitalities characterized? Who is re- corded in this same chapter as inviting these very same classes to His feast? (v. 21.) In whose footsteps then will we be following if we obey this injunction? What did our Lord say would be the re- sult if he invited these classes? Are there elsewhere in the Bible promises of blessed- ness to those who are generous to the poor? (Prov. 19:17; Is. 58:7, 8, 10, II.) What reason did our Lord give why he should be STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD blessed? Do men regard it as an especially blessed thing when those to whom they show kindness cannot recompense them? Why does He say it is a blessed thing? Which is better, to be recompensed now in this life or at the resurrection of the just? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Our Lord. Marks men's behavior, 7; always on the watch for opportunities to teach the truth of the kingdom, found the text for His teaching in the most commonplace passing events, 7, 12; put new meaning into familiar prov- erbs, adapted His teaching to each hearer's peculiar need, 7-1 1, 12-14; taught truths of which He Himself was the most amazing illustration — (a) humility, 7-11, (b) all-absorbing consideration for the poor, 12-14; repays those who invite Him to their homes by teaching them the way of blessedness, recompenses those who bestow their bounties upon those who cannot themselves recompense, 12-14; took the lowest place and God called Him up to the highest place, 10, 11 (Phil. 2:6-11); invites to His feast the poor, maimed, lame, bhnd, 13, 21. 2. Man. His need of circumspection seen in the fact that Christ marks what he does, 7; His pride seen in his seeking the chief seats, 7; His selfishness seen in his bestowing his bounties upon those who can repay, 12; His only road to exaltation — self-abase- ment, II, 3. Four paths. (i) The path to honor: Take the lowest place, 10, 11. (2) The path to heavenly blessedness: Seek not the recompenses of the rich, but minister to the poor, expecting nothing in return, 12-14. (3) The path to shame: Take the high chief seats, 8, 9. (4) The path to future emptiness : Minister to those from whom you ex- pect a recompense, 12. 4. The spirit of Christ in social life. If you are a guest take the lowliest place, 10; If you are the host invite to your feast the poor, maimed, lame, blind, 13. LESSON 85. Man's Excuses. Luke 14:15-24. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Despising God's gracious invitation, 15-21. What gave rise to this parable (v. 15) ? What is the connection between this parable and this utterance? What does the "great supper" symbolize? Why is the kingdom of God represented as a supper? What kind of a supper? How great a supper? Who were "the many" who were first bidden? (Matt. 21:23, 3i ; 22:3, 6, 7; Acts 13 :4s, 46, 47.) What is represented by the two invitations of v. 16 and v. 17? To whom was it that the invitation — "Come, for all things are now ready" went forth? (Gal. 4:4, 5; Matt. 3:2; Mark 1:14, iS-) When was the preliminary invitation to the Jews given? (Matt. 11:12, 13.) What 190 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD was all the invited guests in the final invita- tion had to do? What is all any one has to do to enjoy the blessings that Christ offers? (Is. 55 :i; Matt. 11:28; John 6:35; Rev. 22:17.) How should we suppose this invitation would be received? How was it received? How should we suppose that all God's in- vitations of wondrous grace would be re- ceived? How are they received, as a rule? Why is it that men treat God's loving invitation in this way? (Jer. 17:9; Ro. 8:7; 2 Cor. 4:3, 4.) What did the invited guests do with remarkable unanimity? What do men usually do today when the Gospel invitation is made to them? When an unparalleled offer is made to a man, what is the only wise thing to do? What was the plea the first man made for not accepting the invitation? Why was there no need of haste in going to see the property? Do men usually buy property first and go to see it afterwards? Why did he give such an absurd excuse? Are there many who are kept from accepting God's invitation by their property? (18:23; 2 Tim. 4:10.) What will be the end of the man who makes his property an excuse for not coming to Christ? (i Tim. 6:9.) Of whom is he an imitator? (Heb. 12:16.) Why is God's invitation of far greater im- portance than all earthly possessions? (l John 2:17.) Did the man who gave the supper excuse the invited guest who so lightly treated his invitation (v. 21) ? Does God excuse men who slight His invitations and then urge their paltry reasons? What plea did the second man urge for not accepting the invitation? Are there many who allow themselves to be kept from accepting Christ's invitation by the demands of business? (Matt. 13:22.) Couldn't he have attended the feast first and proven the oxen which were already his afterwards? Do men usually prove oxen at supper time? Are the excuses which men make today for not accepting Christ's invitation as trivial as this? What is the true order as to the invitations of God and the demands of business? (Matt. 6:33.) What was the third man's excuse? Are there many who are kept away from Christ by domestic ties or by the love of some god- less woman? Is the man wise who allows himself to be kept from Christ by such ties ? (Matt. 10:37; Mark 10:29, 3°; i Cor. 7:29- 31.) According to the Mosaic law from what would the fact of his having recently married have excused him? (Deut. 24:5.) Would it be a suflficient reason for not at- tending a feast? Do those who refuse the Gospel invita- tion on such grounds understand to what they are summoned? Which is the most respectful in its tone of these three answers? Which the least respectful? Were any of the excuses sufficient? How many of the excuses which men make today for not coming to Christ are sufficient? Were any of these men kept away by any- thing which was in itself sinful? Is there any reason in that? Where were all these excuses reported? Where will all the excuses we make be re- ported? How will they sound to God? How can we test how our excuses sound to Him? How did the master of the house feel about these excuses? What is that meant to teach? Why was he angry? How did he show his anger? How will God show His anger at those who despise His gracious invitations? (v. 24; Acts 13:46; Matt. 21 :43.) Will God's feast lack guests because some despise it? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 191 2. Accepting God's gracious invitation, 21-24. Where did the host now send for his guests? If he had followed the plan of some of our modern churches what would he have done to fill his house instead of send- ing to the poor, etc. ? Who are represented by those who are in the streets and lanes of the city? (iS:i; 19:2, 9, 10; Matt. 21:31.) What was the command regarding them given the servant? Why quickly? What does this teach as to where the ministers of Christ should go? As to whom they are to go? As to how they are to go? Who was the servant to bring in? Was that the class that rich men were wont to invite to their homes? Whom does it represent? Who is it then that God bids to His feast? (Matt. 11:5, 28; 9:13; Luke 19:10; I Tim. 1:15.) What is it, according to this verse, that should recommend a man to the considera- tion of a servant of Christ and lead him to extend an invitation to God's feast to him? What did the servant do? Have all pro- fessed ministers of Christ done as they are commanded along this line? Was there any room left? What does that indicate as to heaven? (John 14:2; Rev. 7:4-9.) Was the master satisfied as long as the feast was not full ? What are we taught by that? Where was the servant sent? Who are represented by those in the highways and hedges? (Acts 13:46, 47; Ro. ii:ii.) What is the practical lesson for the Chris- tian worker today in this commission? What suggestion as to the way in which to fill empty churches? Is it by adding at- tractions to draw the rich who despise the Gospel invitation? Where can we al- ways find guests for God's table who will gladly listen to the invitation which the rich and full despise? (Mark 12:37; Luke 15:1.) What is taught by the use of the phrase "Compel them to come in"? (2 Cor. 5:11, 20; 6:1; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 4:2.) Was the reluctance to come to the feast, which was to be overcome in the case of these poor outcasts, the same as that of the three in vv. 18-20? According to this parable what constitutes fitness for a place at God's great feast? Why did the man say that he wished his servant to compel them to come in? What then is God de- termined to have? Will His house be full? Suppose one nation despises His invitations? What is Christ's sentence re- garding those who scorn His invitations? Is there any hope held out here for those who refuse Christ's invitations in this life? (John 8:21.) What then is the only wise thing to do? When should we accept it? (2 Cor. 6:2; Prov. 27:1; 29:1.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. God. Has made a great supper and bidden many, 16; sends His servants at sup- per time to say to them that were bidden: "Come," 17; will accept no excuses, 18-20; is angry with those who refuse His invitation of mercy, invites the poor, maimed, halt and blind, 21 ; sends His servants out into the highways and hedges to com- pel them to come in, 23; excludes all those who treat His invitation with contempt, 24. 2. Jesus Christ. His wisdom as a teacher, 15-24; His compassion on the unfortunate masses, 21. 3. The kingdom of God. A great feast, many bidden, 16; those first bidden refuse to come, make foolish excuses, 18-20; the poor, maimed, halt and blind urged to come, accept the invitation, 21; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD when the kingdom was refused by the Jews it was offered to the Gen- tiles, 23; none of those who refused the invitation shall enter, 24. The Gospel invitation. An invitation to a great feast and not to a funeral, 16; extended by God's servants, 17; received with contempt by many, 18-20 ; then extended to the poor, maimed, halt and blind, 21 ; imperative, 21 ; should be extended with compulsory earnestness, 23; is withdrawn from those who do not appreciate it, 24. Excuses. Are made with one consent by those invited to the Gospel feast, 18; ap- pear reasonable at first sight, but upon examination are found to be utterly absurd, 18-20; awaken God's intense displeasure, 21 ; shut men out of the kingdom, 24. LESSON 86. Conditions of Discipleship. Luke 14:25-35. love from us all? How must we regard even our own life if we are to be His disciples? In whom have we an illustra- tion of this? (Acts 20:24.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. The first condition of discipleship, vv. 25, 26. How was the popularity of our Lord at this time shown? Did the multitudes realize what was involved in a true following of Him? What did the sight of the multitudes and the realization of their motives lead Him to do? (John 6:26, etc.) How did He dampen their ardor? In comparison with the love we bear to Him what must be our attitude even toward those who are dear to us by natural ties? Does discipleship of our Lord really lessen our love for those who are dear to us by natural ties? (Eph. 5:25, 28-31; 6:1-4.) What then did our Lord mean by sfiying that in order to be His disciple one must "hate" his own father, etc.? (Matt. 10:37; Phil. 3:7, 8; Ps. 73:2s, 26; Deut. 33:9; 13 :6-8.) Is the word "hate" used anywhere else in the Bible in contrast with the word "love" as setting forth an immeasurably less attachment? (Gen. 29:30, 31; Deut. 21:15; Mai. 1:2, 3; John 12:25; Ro. 9:13-) Who must be the supreme object of the Chris- tian's affections? Who must our Lord be if He has a right to demand this supreme 2. The second condition of discipleship, vv. 27-32. What did our Lord say was the second condition of discipleship? What was the cross literally? What is meant by our cross? Is there always shame and suffer- ing in the path of loyalty to God and duty? (2 Tim. 3:12; Acts 14:22.) How only can we avoid shame and suffering? If we are disloyal in any matter to Jesus Christ in order to escape shame and suffering, what are we refusing to bear? In that case what can we not be ? Whose cross must each one of us bear (v. 27, R. V.) ? What must we do beside bearing our cross? What is meant by "coming after" Christ? Does it pay to follow Him? (John 12:26.) Did our Lord state the same conditions of dis- cipleship anywhere else? (Luke 9:23-25; Matt. 10:38; 16:24-26; Mark 8:34-37.) Have we any illustration in the Gospel histories of one who refused to take up his cross and follow Christ? (Mark 10:21.) STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 193 What would our Lord have every one do before undertaking to become His disciple (vv. 28-32) ? Do any ever start out to be disciples of our Lord without counting the cost? What do they bring upon themselves? Did any one in the Bible beside our Lord insist upon the necessity of counting the cost? (Josh. 24:19-24; I Thess. 3:4.) Did He insist upon it on any other occasion? (Matt. 8:20; 10:22; 20:22, 23.) Where have we any illustration in the Bible of one who began to build in the Christian life and was not able to finish? (Matt. 27:3-8.) What is God's attitude toward the man that draws back and is unable to finish? (Heb. 10:38.) In urging people to accept Him ought we to present to them anything beside that which is gained by Christian dis- cipleship? J. The third condition of discipleship, vv. 33-35- What does our Lord state to be the third condition of discipleship? What is the force of the word "forsaketh"? (See R. v.; literally, "biddeth farewell to.") To how much must we bid farewell if we would be Christ's disciples? Have you said your adieus to all that you have, and are you ready to leave it at any moment? What place must our Lord occupy in the heart of the true disciple? Have we any illustrations of those who forsook all and followed Him? (s:ii, 28; Phil. 3-7, 8.) Of those who would not forsake all to follow Him? (18:22, 23; Acts 5:1-5; 8:19-22; 2 Cor. 4:10.) Does it pay to forsake all to follow Him? (18:28-30. ) To what does our Lord compare a true disciple in v. 34? What may salt lose? What may the disciple lose? What is salt good for after it has lost its savor? What is a Christian good for after he has lost his savor? What is salt fit for after it has lost its savor? What do men do with it? What does our Lord do with the disciple after he has lost his savor? (John 15:16.) With what closing words did our Lord seek to impress the importance of the truth He was teaching? (8:8; 9:44; Matt. 11:15; 13:9; Rev. 2:7. II, 17, 29.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus Christ. His deity, 26; humanity, 27; attractive- ness to the multitudes, 25 ; skill as a teacher, 26-35; uncompromising de- mands of His disciples, 26, 27, S3', should be the supreme object of our love, 26. 2. Conditions of discipleship. Whoever would be our Lord's disciple must be ready to turn his back upon father, mother, wife, children, breth- ren, sisters and his own life wher- ever loyalty to Christ demands it, 26; must bear His cross, must come after Him, 27; must bid farewell to all he has and be ready to leave it at any moment, 3;^ ; should count the great cost of discipleship before entering upon it, 28-32. LESSON 87. Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. Luke 15:1-10. What one purpose is there in all these par- ables? (Compare v. 2 with vv. 7, 10, 24, 32.) How do these parables, while having the same general purpose, differ from one another? DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Parable of the lost sheep, vv. 1-7. What was the occasion of our Lord's ut- tering these three parables of Luke 15? 194 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD What do we see the publicans and sin- ners doing in V. i? How many? Why? What was Christ's feeling as the publicans and sinners drew near to Him? (Matt. 9:10-13; I Tim. 1:15.) The feeling of the Pharisees and scribes? Did they murmur on any other occasion at the same thing? (5:30; 7:34, 39; 197.) Do we ever meet the same spirit today? Is there ever a time when we should withdraw ourselves from sinners? (i Cor. 5 rg-ii.) What complaint did the Pharisees and scribes make? What was their idea of holiness? What was Christ's idea of holiness? What are the figures of the first parable? Who is represented by the sheep-owner or shepherd? (John 10:11, 12; Luke 19:10.) What did the Pharisees fancy themselves to be that gave point to Christ's parable? In the Old Testament who is the faithful Shepherd who searches out the sheep which unfaithful shepherds have allowed to go astray? (Ezek. 34:11-13, 16, 7-10.) Who is represented by the lost sheep? (Ps. 119: 176; Is. 53:6; I Peter 2:25.) Where is the fitness in comparing a sinner to a lost sheep? How many sheep must go astray before the interest and pitying love of the good shepherd is aroused? How much is he in- terested in the stray sheep? How does he show it? What is involved in the going after it? How long does he keep up the search? Are we to understand that Christ follows every sinner until He finds and saves him? (John 17:2, 12.) What class of sinners then are represented by the lost sheep ? What is represented by leaving the ninety and nine in the wilderness? What does the shepherd do with the sheep when he has found it? What is represented by his laying it on his shoulder? (Is. 63:9; I Peter i :5.) What is his feeling? What is represented by this rejoicing? (w. 23, 24, 32; Is. 62:5; Ezek. 33:11; Zeph. 3:17.) Where does he bring the sheep? What does he do then? Who are represented by these friends and neighbors (v. 7) ? What does he call upon these friends and neigh- bors to do? Why? What is the force of "with me"? Did they do it? Where alone was there no joy over the lost one found? (vv. 2 and 28.) What is Christ's own application of His parable? Over how many sinners that re- pent? Why does Christ say that there "shall be" joy and not tliat there "is" joy? Are there any just persons who need no re- pentance? Who then are meant? (vv. i, 2, 25-32; Prov. 30:12; Is. 53:6; Ro. 3:22, 23; Luke 18:9-11; Matt. 9:12.) Did these Pharisees who murmured need no repent- ance? Did they think they needed none? (Luke 16:15.) In which does Christ take greater delight, a moral and respectable sinner who in his own estimation needs no repentance or a man away down in sin who knows his lost condition and repents? What is the force of "I say unto you"? 2. Parable of the lost coin, vv. 8-10. What are the figures used in the second parable? Who is represented by the wo- man? (Rev. 22:17; Eph. 5:25.) What cus- tom is there in that land of a woman hav- ing coins? In what respect is a member of Christ like a coin? (The image of the emperor stamped upon it.) What did the woman do when she lost one coin? What does the lamp represent? (Ps. 119:105; Phil. 2:15, 16.) Having lighted the lamp what does she do? What does this repre- sent? What does sweeping usually stir up? How do people in the church feel when the church awakens to the fact that some are lost and stirs up a dust in her eager search STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 195 for them? (Acts 17:6; i Kings 18:17.) Where was the coin lost? (In the house, not in the wilderness.) How did the wo- man seek? How long? Does this repre- sent the outward visible church or the in- visible church, the real bride? What did the woman do when she found her coin? Who are these friends and neigh- bors? Are the angels neighbors of the church? (Heb. 11:13, 14; i Cor. 11:10.) What did the woman say? The shepherd said: "My sheep"; did the woman say: "My piece"? Why not? The woman said: "The piece which / had lost"; did the shep- herd say: "The sheep which / had lost"? Why not? (John 6:39; 18:9.) What is Christ's application of the par- able? Is it "shall be" as in v. 7? Why not? Is there any mention of heaven in this verse? Do the angels take a present joy in repentant sinners? (i Peter 1:12; Eph. 3:10.) Why is "more than over ninety and nine just persons that need no repentance" omitted in this instance? Does the church call angels to rejoice with her? How many repentant sinners does it take to make angels rejoice? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. A friend of, attractive to publicans and sinners, i ; received sinners and ate with them, murmured at by the Phar- isees and scribes, 2; taught in par- ables, 3 ; has a deeper interest in one sheep that goes astray than in ninety and nine who do not wander, leaves the ninety and nine in the wilderness and goes after that which is lost, keeps after it until He finds it, 4; rejoices over the lost sheep found, lays it on His shoulders, 5; brings it clear home, calls the angels to rejoice with Him over it, 6. ^. The Holy Spirit. Has a deep interest in lost ones, seeks them diligently, until He finds them, 8; rejoices over lost ones found, 9. 3. Publicans and sinners. Drew near unto our Lord, listened to Him; were welcomed by Him, 2; the objects of deepest interest and love to our Lord, sought out by Him, re- joiced over when found by Him, 4; rejoiced over by the angels when found, 6, 7, 10. LESSON 88. Parable of the Lost Son. Luke 15:11-24. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The nature of sin, vv. 11-13. Wherein does this parable resemble the two that precede? What is the chief point of difference between this and those? Who were Christ's hearers? (w. i, 2.) What was His purpose in uttering it? Who is represented by the father? Is the figure a perfect representation? Who by the younger son? Who by the elder son? What request did the younger son make of the father? What lay at the bottom of this request? What is the very essence of sin? What lies back of that desire to be independent of God? What response did the father make to the son's demand? What are we taught by tliat? Didn't that father know what use his son would make of the goods? Why then did he let him have them? Why does our all-wise Father put into our hands the means of going off into folly and sin? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Did the younger son go away from home at once? What is taught by that? What was away from home at the outset? When a man's heart is estranged from God will he keep up his outward contact with God very long? What is represented by the far country? Is it a good place to be? (Jer. 2:5, 13, 17-19; Ps. 73:27-) What is it makes the one who is afar off nigh? (Eph. 2:13.) 2. The fruits of sin, vv. 13-16. What is the first thing the prodigal found in the far country? What is the first fruit of sin? What was the consequence of his profligate pleasure? Is poverty a frequent consequence of profligacy (Prov. 21:17; 23:19-21.) The second thing? How great was his want (v. 17) ? What is the second fruit of sin? Does sin always bring a man to want, hunger and starvation? In his want, of whom should he have thought? Did he at first? Where did he seek help? Who is represented by a citizen of that country? What is represented in the experience of the sinner by his seeking help from that source? (Jer. 5:3; Is. 1:5.) What did the citizen set him to doing? What is repre- sented by that? What is the third fruit of sin? What might that young man have been? What was he? What brought him there? What choice is set before each of us? (Deut. 28:47, 48.) Did the young man get much pay for his de- grading service? Does the servant of the devil ever get good wages? What were these husks? What is represented by his lusting after swine's food? How did man treat him? What is represented by no man's helping him? (Ps. 142:4.) 3. The remedy for sin, vv. 17-24. What was the next step in the prodigal's experience? What is indicated as to the nature of sin by the expression "he came to himself" ? Before he came to himself what was he? What is every impenitent sinner? What was it brought him to him- self? Does that bring many sinners to themselves? (Ps. 119:67; 2 Chron. 33:12, 13; Lam. 1:7.) What was the first step in the prodigal's return? What did he think about? What is the contrast between a sinner and a ser- vant of God? What was the second step in the prodi- gal's return? What did he resolve to do? How must a sinner always come to God? (Ps. 32:3-5; Prov. 28:13; I John 1:9.) What two words in the confession show that he had the right apprehension of the nature of sin? (Ps. SI :4.) What was his thought of himself? Is God likely to think him worthy who thinks himself unworthy? (18:13, 14.) What was all the prodigal expected? What is all the sinner often- times expects when he comes back to God? Is that all he gets? Is that all he ought to ask? (Ps. 81:10.) What was the next step in the prodigal's return? Was his father looking for him? How do you know? What is represented by all this? What was the father's feeling when he saw him? What is God's feeling when He sees a sinner in rags and hunger and with the ravages of dissipation upon him returning to Him? Did the father wait until the son got home and confessed? How did he show his intense eagerness to welcome his son? As soon as he got to his son what did he do? What did the kiss mean? (Gen. 33:4-) Was the son any less ready to make confession after his loving welcome? Does the love of God to us lessen our convic- tion of sin and willingness to confess? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 197 (Ro. 2:4; Ez. 16:63.) What part of his premeditated confession did he leave out? Why? Was it true he was unworthy to be called his son? What did the father say? What was indicated by all the ornaments? What word is added in the Revised Version? Of what is the robe a type? (Is. 61:10; Zech. 3:3-5; Phil. 3:9.) Does God give the re- turning sinner a ring? (Eph. 1:13, 14; Gal. 4:6.) Does He put shoes on his feet? (Eph. 6:15.) What was done next? What does that represent? (Ps. 63:5.) Why was there all this joy? What is the con- dition of the impenitent sinner according to V. 24? Of the penitent? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Man. Foolish, 13-17; unfeeling, ungrateful, alienated from God, 12, 13; fully set to do evil, IS; loved by God, 20-24; can be saved, 17-24. 2. Sin. (i) Its nature: Alienation from God, 12, 13; insanity, 17- (2) Its fruits: Pleasure, 13; hunger, 14-17; slavery, degradation, 15; death, 17. (3) Its remedy: Return to God, 18-24. 3. God's dealings with the sinner. Lets him have his own way, 12; fills him with his own way, 13-17; loves him in his folly, watches for his re- turn to Himself, runs to meet him as he returns, has compassion upon him, welcomes him, 20; forgives him freely, fully and forever, makes him a son, clothes and feeds him, re- joices over him, 20-24. 4. The sinner's return to God. (i) Comes to himself, 17. (2) Thinks: On his folly, 17; on his sin, 18, 21. (3) Resolves: To arise, to return, to confess, to seek acceptance, 18, 19. (4) Comes, 20. (5) Is received, 20-23. (6) Is feasted, 24. 5. M^hat a penitent sinner gets. Compassion, welcome, reconciliation, 20; sonship, a robe, a ring, shoes, a feast, 22. LESSON 89. The Unjust Steward. Luke 16:1-18. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The unjust steward, vv. 1-13. To whom was this parable spoken? Of whom are the parables in this chapter a rebuke, and of what characteristic (v. 14) ? Against what sin was it especially directed (v. 14) ? What use of money was it intended to teach as being the wise one (v. 9) ? Did our Lord intend to hold up this steward's action for the imitation of His disciples in every respect, or merely to teach that as a child of this world is shrewd so to use the money committed to him as to provide for the future time when his stewardship is taken from him, so much more a child of light should be shrewd to so use the money committed to him that when his earthly stewardship is taken from him he will have provided for a future eternity? How do we know that He did not approve of the man's action from a moral standpoint (v. 8) ? Are 198 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD there any other parables where wicked or selfish men are held up by way of contrast to show how much more God or godly men may be expected to act in some way suggested? (i8:6, 7; 11:5-8; Matt. 12:11, 12.) Who are the stewards? (i Cor. 4:1; Titus 1:7; I Peter 4:10.) Of whom? How much of what we sometimes call our own belongs to Him? (Haggai2:8; Ps. 50:10-12.) What is required of stew- ards? (i Cor. 4:2.) What accusation was brought against many of God's stewards? What are some of the ways in which they waste His goods? What were the two results of the stew- ard of the parable wasting his lord's goods? What will be the two results if we as stewards of God waste His goods? How many of us will have to give account of our stewardship? (Ro. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10.) To whom? Of what? (Matt. 12:36; Ecc. 12:14; Ro. 2:16; I Cor. 4:5; 2 Cor. 5:10.) Will the stewardship of the unfaithful steward of God be taken away? (19:21-26; 12:20; Matt. 25:24-28.) Will anything else be done? (Matt. 25:30.) In what state of mind is he represented as being at this announcement of the termi- nation of his stewardship? Does his in- ability to labor and his unwillingness to beg represent anything in the position of the man of the world when suddenly con- fronted with the termination of his earthly stewardship ? What seemingly shrewd scheme did he hit upon in his perplexity and dismay? Do God's stewards who all their lives long have wasted God's goods ever try to pro- vide for their future by being generous with God's money in the last hour when they can't keep it any longer if they would? Was the trick discovered (v. 8, R. V.) ? Is it likely then that it succeed- ed? Is the similar attempt of men likely to succeed? Who is the lord who is represented as commending the unjust steward? (R. V.) What was it he commended? In what re- spect are the children of this world wiser than the children of light? (See R. V.) What is the principal lesson that our Lord draws from His story? What is meant by "the mammon of unrighteousness"? Why is it so called? (i Tim. 6:9, 10.) What is meant by "making friends by means of the mammon of unrighteous- ness"? (Matt. 19:21; 25:35-40; 6:19; I Tim. 6:17-19; Prov. 19:17.) Had the steward any right to use his master's goods to make friends for himself? Has the steward of God any right to bestow the goods of his Master upon the needy? (Matt. 24:45; I Peter 4:10.) Will our en- trance into the kingdom of God be any more sure and abundant because of our generous use of God's money upon the needy? (Matt. 19:21, etc.) Is not our entrance into the kingdom dependent upon faith alone? How then can benevolence have anything to do with it? (Gal. 5:6; Jas. 2:18.) What further lesson did our Lord teach (v. 10)? (19:17; Matt. 25:21.) If a man is not faithful in some humble place of service will he be faithful in some high place of service? If then we wish God to promote us what must we do? Who is the most conspicuous illustration of one who was unjust first in little, then in much? (John 12:6; 13:2, 27.) What is the practical application our Lord makes of the principle of v. 10? If then we do not use the earthly wealth committed to STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 199 us (whether much or little) faithfully for God, of what may we be sure? What are the true riches? (12:33; 18:22; Prov. 8:18, 19; Eph. 3:8; Jas. 2:5; Rev. 3:18.) Are the earthly riches we have our own? (i Peter 1:4, 5.) What if we are not faithful "in that which is another's"? What if we are faithful in it? What are many professed servants of God trying to do (v. 13) ? How many can succeed in that attempt? What must we do then? (Joshua 24:15.) If we hold on to the world and mammon what is our relation to God? (i John 2:15; Jas. 4:4.) 2. "That which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God," vv. 14-18. Who most needed these teachings of our Lord? Did they have them? Did they do them any good? What was the result to themselves of their derision? Do men nowadays ever receive in that way our Lord's teachings which convict them? What will be the result? How did He reply to the derision of the Pharisees? Are there those today who justify themselves in the sight of men? Do they succeed in justifying themselves in the sight of God? Why not? How does God often regard those whom men regard highly? What change was there in preaching since the time of John? What is meant in V. 16 by "Every man presseth into it"? (See R. V.) In what words does our Lord set the stamp of His endorsement upon the absolute inerrancy of the law? In what words does He set forth the sa- credness of marriage? Is there any ground upon which a man can put away his wife and marry again? (Matt. 5:32; 19:9.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God. Knoweth our hearts, abominates that which men regard highly, 15; de- mands our absolute and single-heart- ed service, 13; His law inviolable, 17- 2. Covetousness, or the love of money. The sin of many religious and highly respected people, 14; severely re- buked by Jesus Christ, 1-14; incom- patible with the love and service of God, 13 ; an exceedingly difficult sin to save men from, hardens the heart against the teachings of our Lord, leads to derision of His teach- ings, 14; shuts out from obtaining the true riches, II ; brings dismay and ruin, 4. 3. Riches. The two kinds — the mammon of un- righteousness, 9, II; the true riches, II ; To whom they belong — the earthly riches not our own, the heavenly riches our own, 12; How the true riches are obtained — by faithful stewardship of earthly wealth, 11; How lost — by faithless stewardship of earthly wealth, 11 ; Earthly riches a temporary steward- ship to test our fitness for the eter- nal ownership of the true riches, 11; The wise use of earthly riches to make friends of those who are bound for the everlasting habitations, 9; Men of the world more shrewd in the use of their wealth in the light of time (to provide for future time, 4) than the children of light in the light of eternity (to provide for a future eternity), 8, 9. 200 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 4. Stewardship. All men are God's stewards, i, 8; God carefully notes how men fulfill their stewardship, i ; Many waste their Lord's goods, i ; Every man will be called to account for his stewardship, 2; The faithless steward will be filled with perplexity and dismay in the day of reckoning, 3 ; The faithless steward will have his stewardship taken from him, 2, 10, II ; The faithful steward will be made a proprietor of more excellent treas- ures, 10-12. 5. Service. Only one master possible, 13; Each must choose a master for him- self, 13; The choice is — God or mammon, 13 ; Faithful service in little things will bring opportunities for service in larger- things, 10; Faithless service in little things will exclude from larger opportunity, 10. LESSON 90. The Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The life that now is, vv. 19-22. Is this an actual event or an imaginary incident? (Compare 18:9-14.) Who is the first man mentioned? What do we know about him? Did he go to hell because he was rich? Why then? What was his fault? (v. 25.) How did he live? Is it a wrong use of wealth according to God's Word to spend it on fine clothes and rich fare? (Ezek. 16:49; Amos 6:1, 4-6; Rev. 18:7.) Is this a common use of wealth? What is the proper use of wealth? (16:9; I Tim. 6:17-19.) Did this man get any real, solid satisfaction out of his sumptuous living even while here? (Ecc. 1:8.) What was right be- fore the rich man's eyes that took away all excuse for his sumptuous living? Do men today ever spend their money in self- indulgence while misery and want lie at their very gates crying for help ? What do we know about Lazarus? Which is better, to be rich and clothed in purple and fine linen and fare sumptuously every day and go to hell hereafter, or to be a beggar full of sores and hungry and go to heaven hereafter? Which was really the happier on earth? Was Lazarus a godly man? Does the fact that a man is in poverty and distress of body prove God is displeased with him? What does the name Lazarus mean? Did it really look as if God was his help? What is God's promise to us in regard to the sup- ply of our needs? (Phil. 4:19.) Does that mean we shall never hunger? (i Cor. 4:11; 2 Cor. 11:27; Phil. 4:12.) Did Laz- arus have any friends? Did the rich man know he was there (v. 24) ? What did he want? What is all the rich often give the poor? Do they always give them even that? What was the issue of both lives ? What is one thing neither riches nor poverty can ward off? What did death bring the poor man? The rich man? What was all the rich man's wealth could bring him at his death? Did that do him much good? What did the poor man's piety bring him? Which had the best of it? Whom did the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 201 rich man have for his pallbearers? Whom did the poor man have for his? Which would you rather have for yours? 2. The life that is to come, vv. 23-31. Where did the rich man find himself as soon as his eyes were closed on earth? Was his condition there a conscious one? Of what was he principally conscious? (Rev. 14:10, 11; 20:10.) Where had he seen Lazarus during his lifetime? Where does he see him now? What did he do in his distress? Did that cry reveal a real desire for heaven? Is the condition of the lost that of torment in literal fire? (Fre- quency of the image, Matt. 13:24-30, 36-42; 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 14:10, II ; 19:20; 20:iS; 21:8.) What was the re- lation between the character of the rich man's suffering and the character of his life? Is it wise to develop strongly de- sires for which the world to come has no satisfaction' What desires should we cul- tivate? (Col. 3:1, 2.) What did Abraham tell the rich man to do? What does every one carry into the other world with him? Will that have anything to do with our joy or our sorrow there? With what had we best store our memory? Why was it, according to Abra- ham, that the rich man was in torment? Will a godly man always get evil things in this life? (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; i Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:12.) What awful thought is there in v. 26 for those who die impenitent? What joyful thought is there for those who die in Christ? Where must a man make his choice for eternity? What was the rich man's next request? Did that indicate a real repentance on his part? Does his request imply a covert excuse for himself? Was it from sin he wished to save his brethren, or merely from torment? What was Abraham's reply? Were there sufficient warnings in Moses and the prophets against such lives as they were leading? Have all impeni- tent sinners today sufficient light to keep them from such lives as they lead? Was it more light that his brothers needed? What was it? What is it that the impeni- tent need today? What did the rich man think would be the result of their seeing a resurrected man? Would it? (Rev. 16:9- 11; John 11:43-53; 12:10, II.) What was Abraham's reply? What does that imply? When has a man a right to ask more light and claim he would live up to it if he had it? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Wealth. Brings with itself great responsibili- ties, 19, 20; great perils, 19; great and eternal anguish when wrongly used, 23-26. 2. Poverty. Oftentimes the earthly lot of godly men, 20; brings neglect by man, 20; may lead men to set their affections on things above and so secure comfort and honor and joy hereafter, 25. 3. Suffering and glory. Suffering of others a call to service, 20; Suffering on earth no sign of God's displeasure, 20; Suffering hereafter the doom of those who seek self-indulgence on earth, 25; Suffering of the godly in this present time not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be re- 202 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD vealed in them in the life to come, 20-22 ; Glory of the self-indulgent in this present time not worthy to be com- pared with the agony that shall be endured by them in the life to come, 19, 23, 24. Death. The lot of all, rich and poor, 22; brings sweet release, angelic ministry and eternal blessedness to the godly poor, 22, 25 ; brings a big funeral, the end of hope, and eternal and un- bearable anguish to the worldly rich, 23-25. The life to come. A conscious state — for the godly of indescribable joy, for the worldly of indescribable torment and anguish, 23-25 ; we carry our memories into it, its issues depend on conduct in the life that now is, 25; its issues are unalterable, 26; its torments along the line of earthly indulgences, 19, 24. Worldliness. Its cruelty, 21; end, 22; penalty, 23-25. LESSON 9L Mary and Martha's Message to Our Lord When Their Brother Lazarus was Sick. John 11:1-16. to heal our sickness immediately? Were DISCOVERY OF FACTS. I. The messenger from Mary and Mar- tha brings tidings to our Lord of the sick- ness of their brother Lazarus, vv. 1-6, In what home is our Lord recorded as having visited more frequently than any other? What shadow had now fallen upon that home? To whom did Martha and Mary turn in their extremity? Where was He now? (10:40.) How far away was that? To whom should we turn in every extremity? (Matt. 11:28-30; Phil: 4:6, 7.) What message did they send Him? What were its characteristics? Did they ask Him to come? Why not? Did He come? Did He come as quickly as these sisters considered necessary, and ex- pected? Why not? What does their mes- sage show that they were confident that He could do? Can He heal all sickness? Did He deem it best in this case to heal the sickness immediately? Will He in our case always deem it best they right in saying that our Lord loved Lazarus (v. 5) ? Did He love Lazarus and Martha and Mary in a way in which He did not love all His disciples? Are there any disciples today for whom He has a peculiar attachment? Is a universal love for all men inconsistent with a peculiar form of love for certain individuals? Can one who is the especial object of the Saviour's love be sick? How sick was Lazarus? Can one whom our Lord loves be sick unto death and actually die? Is the theory that those who are nearest and dearest to Him cannot sicken and die well founded, or is it baseless? What did our Lord say when He heard that Lazarus was sick? Was not this sick- ness unto death in any sense? In what sense was it not unto death? Was La- zarus' so-called death really death, or simply a four-days' sleep? Does a be- liever ever die? (v. 26.) What then is what we call death? (i Thess. 4:i5-) Is STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 203 it an unconscious sleep? (Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:1-8. R. v.; Luke 16:19-31; 23:43.) Do we worry when our friends fall asleep at the close of the day? Ought we to worry if they sleep a little longer than usual? How much longer than usual did Lazarus sleep in this case? How much longer than usual will those who fall asleep in Jesus sleep? For what purpose did our Lord say this sickness came to Lazarus? For what purpose is the sickness of all believers? How was God glorified in this special instance? In other cases how is He glorified? (See 9:3.) How can we make sure that the Son of God may be glorified in our sick- nesses? When our Lord heard that Lazarus was sick what did He do (v. 6) ? Why? (Note "Therefore.") How would it seem at first thought, that His love to Martha and Mary and Lazarus would have brought Him at once to their side or that it would have kept Him from going to them? Does He ever delay His coming to us just because He loves us? What did Martha and Mary desire from Him? Had He anything better than healing to give them? Has He anything better than heahng to give us for our loved ones? What? (v. 43, 44; Phil. 1:23; i Thess. 4:16.) If the resurrection of our loved ones does not come in four days, of what may we be sure? Will it be long before Jesus comes and raises our loved ones? (Rev. 22:20; i Thess. 4:13-18.) Did those four days seem long to Martha and Mary? Were they perplexed by His not coming? Does the time we have to wait for Him seem long? Do we need to be perplexed by it? What question must Mary and Martha have asked them- selves again and again as they stood by the bed of Lazarus and saw his life fad- ing away? What was the true answer to this question? Why is it that our Lord does not come to us at once and heal our loved ones? 2. Our Lord goes to Martha and Mary and Lazarus, vv. 7-16. What apparently good reason had He for not going into Judea again (v. 8) ? Did His going back, humanly speaking, hasten His death? (v. 46-53-) What answer did He make to the protest of His disciples? What is the point in that answer? While a man's allotted day lasts, against what is he safe? What is the real place of safety? What is everything outside of God's will (v. 10)? What did our Lord say of Lazarus in the 14th verse? What that He had al- ready said did this seem to contradict (v. 4)? Did it really contradict it? Are our loved ones dead? Why did He say that Lazarus was dead (v. 12) ? How did He first speak of him (v. 11) ? For what pur- pose did He say He was coming to Laza- rus? For what purpose may we be sure that He will some day come to our sleep- ing loved ones? (i Thess. 4:16.) Of what does He say He was glad (v. 15) ? For whose sake? If Jesus, the Prince of Life, had been there, what would have fled away abashed ? How was God more glori- fied and their faith more greatly strength- ened? What then was one purpose of this whole transaction? Are you glad that He was not there and so Lazarus died? If He had been there and Lazarus had not died, what would we have lost? Would the loss of this nth chapter of John be much to the church? Will the day ever come when we will be glad that our Lord 204 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD did not come more quickly to the sick bed of our loved ones when we called Him, but permitted them to fall asleep for a season? From what do all our perplexi- ties and griefs over God's dealings arise? (Ro. 11:33.) Who stands forth at this point as a doubter, and as one who always looked on the dark side of things (v. 16) ? Yet what did he show himself to be? Are there many doubters of the Thomas type? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature: Divine, 4, 11, 14; human, 6, 8, 9, 10, IS, 16. (2) His attributes: Omniscience, 4, ii, 14; omnipotence, 11; love, 3, 5. (3) What He did: He loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus with a peculiar love, 5 ; knew what was going on at a distance, 4, 11, 14; glorified the Father, 4; delayed going to His loved ones who seemed to need His help that He might give them a greater blessing, 6; fearlessly faced death that He might bring bless- ing to those whom He loved, 8-16; taught that any man is safe and no one can touch him until his work is done, 9; raised the dead, 11. (4) How He was treated : Depended upon and sought after by those who believed in Him, 1-3; hated and persecuted unto death by the Jews, 8, 16; misunderstood by His disciples, 12, 16. 2. Mary. An object of the Saviour's peculiar love, 5; annointed Him with oint- ment and wiped his feet with her hair, 2; was allowed to lose her brother for a time, 2; had her brother restored to her after a short sleep, 11-13; sent to the Lord in her extremity, 3 ; her Lord whom she loved did not seem to heed her message, 6; though apparently dis- regarded, it was only that she might obtain a greater blessing, 6-15. 3. Lazarus. An object of the Lord's peculiar love, 3, s; fell sick, 3; died, 14; his death apparent, not real, 4. n; after a brief sleep raised from apparent death, 11, 4. Sickness. Is for the glory of God, 4; one whom Jesus loves may be sick even unto death, 3, 5; is subject to the power of Jesus, 3, 11. 5. Death. Even those who are objects of our Lord's love may appear to die, 3, 5, 14; the apparent death of those whom He loves is not real death, but only sleep, 4, n. I4; when He comes apparent death gives place to resurrection, 11-15. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 205 LESSON 92. The Resurrection of Lazarus. John 11:17-45. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Our Lord and Martha, vv. 17-28. How long had Lazarus been dead and buried when our Lord reached Bethany? Were Martha and Mary without comfort- ers? Was there much real help in these comforters? Who is the great Comforter? (Matt. 11:28.) What glad news was brought? What did Martha do? How promptly? Why sc promptly? Did household cares keep hei away from our Lord this time? (Com- pare Luke 10:39, 40-) Why did not Mary go too (vv. 28, 29) ? Why was it Martha was the first to hear of our Lord's ap- proach? What were her first words to Him? Who else was of the same opin- ion (vv. 2,2, 37)"^ Was it true? Why, then, had not our Lord been there? (vv. 4, 5, 6, 15.) Did it seem kind? Was there any touch of reproof or complaint in the words of Martha? (Compare Luke 10:40.) Are we ever tempted to complain of those dealings of our Lord which we cannot for the time being understand? Was there any ground for complaint? How much faith had Martha as manifested in this 21st verse? Do we find anjrwhere in the Gos- pels a faith that went beyond that? (Matt. 8:8-10.) What further faith had she (v. 22)? Was she right about that? (v. 42.) Can we get to a place where God will give us whatsoever we shall ask? (i John 3:22.) What was it Martha de- sired our Lord to ask? Why did she not say so plainly? Did she get what she de- sired? Does He ever grant us the things we only dare hint at? Did He understand what Martha wished? What did He say (v. 23) ? What does He say concerning our loved ones who have fallen asleep in Him? Did this answer altogether satisfy Mar- tha? Why not? What did she say? Was her theology correct in this matter? (i Cor. 15:52.) Where had she learned it? (Dan. 12:1, 2, 3; John 5:28, 29.) Was she very positive about it? Can you say "I know" about this doctrine of the resur- rection ? What new thought about "resurrection" and "life" did our Lord give Martha? If then we wish "resurrection" and "life" what must we do? (i John 5:12.) What is the difference between "resurrection" and "life"? (Phil. 3:21; John 17:3.) When do we get "life"? John 3:36; i John 5:12.) When do we get "resurrection"? (Phil. 3 :20, 21 ; I Cor. 15 :52.) What is the neces- sary corollary of our Lord being "the res- urrection" and "the life"? What is meant by the assertion that "whosoever liveth and believeth on Me shall never die"? (John S: 24; 3:36; 6:50, 58; i John 5:10- 12; Ro. 8:13.) Can one be dead in the spirit while alive in the body? (i Tim. 5:6.) Can one be alive in the spirit while dead in the body? (i Peter 3:18, R. V.; 2 Cor. 5:8.) After making this statement about Him- self what question did our Lord put to Martha? Is it important to believe this? Do you believe it? What did Martha an- swer? Was her faith this very firm (v. 39) ? What further did she say she be- lieved? Is it important to believe that? (i John S:i, 5; John 20:31.) How alone can we learn this wondrous truth? (Matt. 16:16, 17.) Did Martha wait any longer? Why not? What did she do? What STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD ought every one to do who finds the Lord and the comfort there is in Him? (1:41, 45.) 2. Our Lord and Mary, vv. 28-35. What were the glad tidings Martha brought to Mary (v. 28, R. V.) ? To whom may that glad information always be carried. (Matt. 11:28; Mark 10:49; Heb, 13:7.) How did Mary show her wis- dom? What is always the wisest thing to do when the Master calls? (Ps. 27:8.) What did she do when she got where He was? Had she ever been at His feet be- fore? (Luke 10:39.) Was she there for the same purpose now? Is "at His feet" a good place to get sympathy and help as well as instruction? Had Martha fallen at His feet? Why not? Which got the most from Him, Mary or Martha? What did He give Martha (vv. 23-26) ? What did He give Mary (vv. 33-35)? What did Mary say? How did she come to say precisely the same thing that Mar- tha did? Was there any complaint in it this time? What did our Lord do? Was her sorrow to be of any great duration? Had it any good foundation? Why then did He weep too? (Is. 63:9.) What is the literal translation of the word ren- dered "groaned"? (R. V. margin.) Toward whom or what was He "moved with indig- nation" in the midst of His sympathetic sorrow? (Hosea 13:14; i Cor. 15:26; Heb. 2:14, 15.) Is this the only instance in which He is reported to have wept? (Luke 19:41.) Is there anything unmanly in tears? (Jer. 9:1; 13:17; I4:i7-) 3. Our Lord and Lasarus, vv. 36-43. How did the Jews explain His tears? What thought did some of them have (v. 37) ? Could He? Did they dream that He could do more than that? What did He do at these words? What did He bid them do? Could not He take away the stone Himself? Why did not He? Before He speaks the word that raises our dead, what must we do? Did any one think He was making a mistake? Does it make any difference with Him how long a man has been dead? What was His reply to Martha's protest? What is then the condition of our seeing the glory of God? (2 Chron. 20:20.) How did they show they did believe (v. 41, R. V.)? What did our Lord then do first of all? What proof had He that the Father had heard Him? Had Lazarus yet come forth? Can we have the assur- ance our prayers are heard before we see the thing we have asked? (i John 5:14, 15.) When we have that assurance what should we do (v. 41) ? What did our Lord say He knew? Can we know that the Father heareth us always? (i John 3: 22; 5:14, 15.) Why did our Lord say this? What did He wish them to be- lieve (17:8, 21, 25) ? What did He then do? With what ef- fect. Who was this whose voice raised the dead? (Ps. 33:8, 9; i Sam. 2:6, A. R. V.) How did this resurrection differ from those effected through Elijah and Elisha? (i Kings 17:21, 22; 2 Kings 4:33-36.) How was it more remarkable than the other resurrections effected by our Lord Himself? In it what do we see sub- ject to His bare word? Will He ever again speak the word that will raise the dead? (John 5 :28, 29.) Is there any sense in which His voice raises the dead today? (John 5:24.) STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 207 What did He bid the friends do? Why didn't He loose him Himself? After He has raised the spiritually dead, is there any- thing for us to do? What was the effect of this miracle? Was their faith reasonable? Has it that effect upon you? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Our Lord. (i) His nature: Divine — death subject to His word, 43, 44; human, 17, ZZ> 35- (2) His titles: Christ, Son of God, 4; Jesus, 14 times; Lord, 5 times; Master (teach- er), 28; the Resurrection, the Life, 25. (3) His deahngs with man: Does not always do what we would nat- urally expect, 17, 21 ; seeks His loved ones in their sorrow, 17; is near and calls them unto Himself, 28; grants a better thing than the loved ones seek, 43, 44; hears the prayer His loved ones scarcely dare to put into words, 21-25, 43. 44; instructed Martha, 22-26; wept with Mary, 22- 35; is indignant at death and Satan's devastation, 33; demands faith as a condition of beholding God's glor- ious working, 40; demands that men take away the stone from before the sepulchre before He speaks the word that raises the dead, 39; de- mands that men take off the grave clothes from those He raises, 44; raises men long dead, corrupt, bound and shut in a sepulchre, 43, 44; gives life to all that believe — (a) He that believes on Him, though he die, yet shall he live, 25; (b) He that liveth and believeth on Him shall never die, 26. (4) His relation to the Father: Subordinate to, prays to, 41 ; the Father heareth Him always, 42; grants whatever He asks, 22; He knew that the Father always heard Him, 42; believed His prayer was heard before there was any outward sign, thanked God for hearing His prayer even before the thing asked was received, 41 ; wished men to be- lieve that the Father had sent Him, 42. 2. Martha. Bereft of one she dearly loved, our Lord sought her in her be- reavement, 17-20; had many com- forters before He came, but no con- solation, 19; as soon as she heard He was coming she went to meet Him, 20; complained of His deal- ings where she could not understand, 21; was instructed by Him, 22-26; believed that if He had been present He could and would have kept her brother from dying, 21 ; believed that God answered prayer; that God could raise the dead, 22; believed in the resurrection, 24; believed that Jesus was the Resurrection and the Life, 27; believed that whosoever believed in Jesus, though he died, yet should he live, 25, 27; believed that whosoever lived and believed in Jesus should never die, 26; believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, He that should come, 27; knew that God would grant any- thing our Lord asked, 22; knew that her brother should rise again in the 2C8 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD resurrection at the last day, 24; called her sister Mary to the Mas- ter who had comforted her, 28; her faith momentarily wavered, she feared the Lord was making a mis- take, 39; her faith was reassured and she saw the glory of God, 40- 44; only dared hint at what she de- sired the Lord to do, 21, 22; got the request she feared to make, 23, 44. Mary. Overwhelmed with grief, 20-32; called by the Saviour to come unto Him, 28; arose quickly and went to Him, 29; saw Him, fell down at His feet. 32; wept, 33; received the tender sympathy of her Lord; 33-35; her brother raised to life again, 44. 4. Lazarus. (i) What he was: A long time dead, 17; corrupt, 39; bound — hand and foot and mouth, 44; fastened in a tomb, 38. (2) What was done for him: The stone was taken away, 41 ; our Lord bade him come forth, 43; the grave clothes were removed, 44. (3) Results: He received life, rose, came forth, received liberty, 44; many believed, 45- LESSON 93. The Conspiracy Formed Against the Life of Our Lord. John 11 :46-57. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The origin of the conspiracy, vv. 46- 52. What are the Jewish leaders represent- ed as doing in the opening verse of the lesson? Of what was this a fulfilment? (Ps. 2:2, 3; Acts 4:25, 28.) Was this the first time they had taken counsel against Christ? (Mark 3:6.) Was it the last time? (Matt. 26:3, 4; 27:1, 2.) How does the Lord regard all these conspiracies of men against Him and His annointed? (Ps. 2:4, 5-) Was it some evil that our Lord had done of which the Pharisees complained (v. 47) ? Was the fact that He did signs a sufficient reason for plotting His de- struction? Would it alone be a sufficient reason for accepting Him? (2 Thess. 2:9.) What lay at the bottom of the conspir- acy? (Matt. 27:28; 21:38.) What were they afraid would occur if they left Him' unhindered in His work? Would it have been any misfortune if all men had be- lieved on Him? (1:7.) In trying to pre- vent men from believing on Him whose work were they doing? (Luke 8:12.) What does Jesus say of those who thus shut men out of the kingdom of heaven? (Matt. 23:13.) What is the result of such a course of action? (i Thess. 2:16; Matt. 2i:2>2:) What further were they afraid would occur if all the people came to believe on Him? Were they right in that apprehen- sion? Did they save their city and na- tion by killing Christ? (Luke 19:41-44; Matt. 22:7.) Does it often happen that wicked men bring upon their own heads by their evil actions the very ruin they seek to avert? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 209 Who came to the front with a proposi- tion as to how to stop the growth of our Lord's popularity and to avert the dreaded overthrow by the Romans? What was it? Was he not right in saying: "It is ex- pedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not"? Did it follow from that that they ought to put our Lord to death. (Ro. 3:8.) Was it in reality the good of the nation that Caiaphas had at heart? What explanation does John give of these words of Caiaphas? Could such an unprincipled man as Caiaphas be used of God to pro- claim the truth? (Num. 24:2, 14:25; 2 Peter 2:15.) Will the mere gift of proph- ecy save or profit a man? (Matt. 7:22, 23; I Cor. 13:2.) Did Caiaphas realize the prophetic import of his own words? Was it true that Jesus would die for the na- tion? (Is. 53:8.) Was it only for the nation that Jesus died? For whom did He die? What would be the result of His death? (10:11, 16; Is. 56:8; Eph. 2:14- 16.) Who are these who are gathered into one by the death of Christ? What then is the bond of unity between all the children of God? What was the condition of God's children at that time? Is that their condi- tion still? Will they always be "scattered abroad"? When will they be "gathered together into one"? (Eph. 1:10; i Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 5:9.) What was the effect of the words of Cai- aphas? Was he any worse than the rest of them? Of what is this murderous ha- tred of Jesus Christ an illustration? (Jer. 17:9; Ro. 8:7.) What illustrates the same thing today? 2. Our Lord's departure into Ephraim, •vv. 54-57- What did He do after the conspiracy against Him had been formed? Until what time did He remain in seclusion? (12:1.) What did He do while in seclu- sion? At what time of the year was it (v. 55) ? What was the state of the coun- try at that time? For whom were those who went up to Jerusalem especially look- ing? What query was made on every hand? What made them think that He might not come up to the feast (v. 57) ? How strong had the conspiracy against Him become? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus Christ. (i) What He did: Many signs, 47; raised Lazarus from the dead, 12:9; died for the nation, 51 ; died for all men, by His death gathered together into one the chil- dren of God that were scattered abroad, 52. (2) How He was received: Common people attracted to Him, 12 -.g ; many believed on Him, 12:11; envied by the leaders of the people, 48; hated by the leaders, 47-53, 8-1 1; His death determined upon by the leaders, 53. 2. The chief priests and the Pharisees. Feared, envied our Lord, 47, 48, 37 ; ha- ted Him, 47-53, 8-1 1 ; confessed His supernatural powers, 47; could find no flaw in his character, 49; endeav- ored to hinder men from believing in Him, 46, 48; conspired against Him, 47-53; plotted His death, 53; plot- ted the death of Lazarus because he was a living witness of His divine power, 12:10, II; sought to over- throw the purposes of God by their hellish plots, 47, 53 ; brought upon themselves the very ruin they sought to avert by their wicked plot, 48. 210 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Coiaphas. Utterly unscrupulous, hated our Lord, advised his assassination, 49-53; sought to cover the infamy of his de- sign by specious, pious and patriotic pleading, 50; prophesied, 51; carried out his plan by perversion of the truth, 50. The children of God. Both Jews and Gentiles, scattered abroad, gathered together into one by the death of Jesus Christ, 52. LESSON 94. The Ten Lepers. Luke 17:11-19. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. "Master, have mercy on us," w. 11- 14. Whither was our Lord journeying? Was it important that He get there? With all His eagerness to get there what did He find time to do by the way? Where was He when the miracle was wrought? Who met Him? What sort of a spectacle did they present? Was He repelled by the spectacle? Of whom are the lepers a type? In what respects? How did there come to be so many of them together? How did a Samaritan leper come to be with Jew- ish lepers? Was the meeting accidental on their part? How did they come to go out to meet Him? Why was it well for them that they went to meet Him that day? (He never went that way again.) What position did they take? Of what is that a type? (Eph. 2:13.) Did any of them ever come nigh to Christ (v. 16) ? What brought him nigh? What brings the sinner nigh? Why did they stand afar off? (Lev. 13:4s, 46; and their own feel- ing.) Was there ever a leper who did not stand afar off? (5:12, 13.) As they stood afar off what did they do ? What was their cry? Did that cry fall on the ears of our Lord on any other occasion? (18:38, 39; Matt. 9:27; 15:22; Luke 18:13.) Was that cry ever unheeded? Will it ever be? (Ro. 10; 13.) What is all the poor leper has to do today to be saved? What did these lepers believe? What did they get? What will we get from Him? (Matt. 9:29.) What were the characteristics of their prayer? Had our Lord seen them up to this point (v. 14)? Did He touch them? Why not? (Compare 5:12, 13.) What did He do? What had they sought? What did they get? Do we ever seek blessings and get commandments? What was the pur- pose of that command? (Lev. 5:14, etc.; Matt. 8:4.) How did they show their faith? Was there any change in them when they start- ed? When was the change wrought? (2 Kings 5:14; John 4:50, 53; 9:7.) What is the surest way of getting Christ's bless- ings? (John 14:21, 23.) 2. "Where are the nine?" vv. 15-19. How many of them turned back to give thanks? What became of the others? What were the nine occupied with? (The gift.) What was the one occupied with? (The Giver.) Are we ever so occupied with the gift that we forget the Giver? Is there any command in God's Word that we give glory to Him? (Ps. 29:1, 2; 50:23; 107:20-22.) What is His purpose in conferring His blessings upon us? (Ps STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 211 30:11, 12.) What will be the result if men do not give glory to Him for the blessings conferred? (2 Chron. 32:24, 25.) How soon did the one turn back? Ought our giving thanks to be as specific as our prayers? Is it? Is our gratitude as hearty as it should be? Are men usually as hearty in their praise as in their prayers? Did the one do anything beside return thanks? Was it right for him to worship our Lord? (John 5:23.) Of what is the way in which He received this adoration a proof? (Acts 10:25, 26; Rev. 19:10; 22:8, 9.) What nationality was this one? Is there any lesson in that? Had the fact of his being a Samaritan anything to do with Luke's recording the incident? (10:33-35-) At what two things was our Lord as- tonished? Is He any less astonished at our ingratitude today? Who were the three who in our Lord's life received es- pecial praise for their faith? (Matt. 8:10; 15:24-28; text) If He v/ere here today who would receive His especial praise for their faith and appreciation — we in Chris- tian or those in heathen lands? Who will have the higher places hereafter? (Matt. 19:30-) Was our Lord grieved at this rank ingratitude? Is He at ours? Did He withdraw the healing from the un- grateful nine? What did He call the Samaritan? As an alien of whom is he a type? What did He say to him? Had he any larger blessing when he left our Lord this time than when he left Him first? When do we get the largest measure of blessing from Christ? Had he brought any joy to our Lord? (Heb. 13:15, 16.) What had saved him? How had he shown it? Was the salvation he got mere healing? CLASSFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Our Lord. His divinity, 16; humanity, power, compassion, 14; readiness to help, swiftness to hear, 11-14; severity, amazement, grief at ingratitude, joy at gratitude, 17, 18. Are you causing Him joy or grief? Is He amazed at your forgetfulness or love? 2. The Samaritan leper. (i) What he was: Defiled, outcast, helpless, perishing, a leper, 12. (2) What he did: Heard of our Lord, 12; came to meet Him, 12-19; obeyed Him, 14; re- turned to Him, 15; gave thanks to Him, worshiped Him, 16. (3) What he got: Cleansing, 14; joy, 15; salvation, 19; commendation, 18. J. The nine. Needed our Lord, sought Him, 12; were blessed by Him, 14, 17; forgot Him, grieved Him, 17, 18; missed the larger blessing from Him, 19; were rebuked by Him, 18. 4. An answered prayer. Humble, 12; earnest, believing, brief, specific, 13. 5. Faith. Leads to our Lord, 12; to prayer, 13; to obedience, 14; to thanksgiving, 15. An imperfect faith occupied with the gift; a perfect faith occupied with the giver. 6. Afar off and made nigh. Afar oflF by sin, 12; made nigh by redeeming love, 16. 212 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 95. Our Lord Teaching His Disciples to Pray Through. Luke 18:1-8. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. On what subject had our Lord been speaking in the verses immediately pre- ceding our lesson? (17:20-37.) What is it He sought to teach by the first parable in this chapter (v. i) ? What is it especially that we ought always to pray for as indicated by this lesson (v. 8) ? (Rev. 22:20.) Are we to understand that we are to keep on praying for the same thing if we do not get it for some time? Is there any other parable in which this same lesson is taught? (11:5-8.) Are there other passages in the Bible in which the same lesson is taught? (Eph. 6:18, 19; Col. 4:2, 12.) Why does not God give us at the first asking the things we seek of Him? What is it that this verse tells us we ought not to do? There are two things the Bible teaches us not to faint in, — what are they? (Compare Gal. 6:9 — Greek of "be weary" same as "faint" here.) Are we tempted to faint in these things? Why? What should hold us up from fainting in either? Who are the two characters of the les- son? What was the character of the judge? Do we ever find such judges nowa- days? Why do men have such bad judges? Does our Lord mean to teach that God is like this judge, and that by persistently badgering Him we can get what we want? What then is the point of the parable? Of whom is this widow a representation (v. 7)? In what respects? How did the widow gain her suit? How will the elect of God gain their suit from Him? If we desire anything from Him what should we do then? (Phil. 4:6.) Is this doctrine very popular nowadays? Why not? What is the conclusion that our Lord draws from the parable (vv. 7, 8) ? What is the point of the argument? If we are wronged and injured by adversaries, what is the best thing to do about it? If they keep on wronging us and we get no de- liverance in answer to prayer, what is the best thing to do about it? What about the character of prevailing prayer as in- dicated by the use of the word "cry"? What will the Lord do if we cry day and night to Him? Do you really believe it? Is there any need of going to law then? How will He avenge us? What question does our Lord ask in closing the parable? What faith does He mean? If the Lord should come today would He find much of this sort of faith? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. God. Long suffering, 7; hears prayer, 7, 8; avenges His elect, 8; His judgments — delayed, swift, sure, 7, 8. 2. The church in the present dispensation. A widow, oppressed, 3; crying to God, waiting for the Lord, 7; corrupted with unbelief, avenged at last, 8. S. Prevailing prayer. Unto God, by the elect, 7; persistent, untiring, i ; unceasing — day and night, earnest, 7. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 96. The Pharisee and the Publican. Luke 18 :9-14. 213 DrSCO\'ERY OF THE FACTS. 7. The Pharisee, vv. 9-12. To whom was this parable spoken. Have we any people of this class nowadays? Are they found in the churches or out of them? What other parable was aimed against this class? (15:29,30.) What sort of an opin- ion do men who despise others usually have of themselves? How do they get such a good opinion of themselves (vv. 11, 12) ? What sort of a man invariably is the man who despises everybody else? If a man has no confidence in any one else, in whom does he always have a great deal of confi- dence? Is he worthy of it? Who are the two characters of the par- able? How was the Pharisee regarded by the men of our Lord's time? How was the publican regarded? (Matt. 9:10, il.) What was the character of the Pharisee's prayer? Was God very much impressed with the virtues which he paraded before Him? Had he any real thought of God? With what two things was he chiefly occu- pied as he prayed? How many persons in his estimation were in the same class with himself? (v. 11, R. V.) Do we ever find men nowadays whose whole fund of ad- miration is exhausted upon themselves? Who else beside themselves admires such men? How does God regard them? (16: 15.) What was entirely lacking in the Pharisee's prayer? Was there any real thanksgiving? Do men in our day ever make prayer a pretext for parading their own virtues? Is such prayer likely to be answered? What was the Pharisee doing as he prayed? What evidence is there that he was looking around for some one to act as a dark background for his own shining virtues (v. 11)? Was he a moral man? A religious man? A large giver? Ortho- dox? A saved man? What is the prac- tical lesson then? 2. The publican, vv. 13, 14. What one thing occupied the publican's mind in his prayer? Why had he no time to think of other people's sins? How many men in his estimation were in the same class as himself? (v. 13, Greek, and R. V. margin.) Have we any instance in the Bible of a self-satisfied Pharisee who was brought to the place the publican took? (i Tim. 1:15.) What was his one petition? What did he rest upon as the ground upon which he was to receive mercy? (R. V. margin.) Had he been a good man? Was he saved? What is the practical lesson? Of the two men which would a Jew have thought would win God's favor? Which really won it? How did the pub- lican go down to his house? What does "justified" mean? How did the Pharisee go down to his house? Why was the pub- lican justified? But the Pharisee unjusti- fied? What is all any one needs to do to get pardon? What is the general principle Christ announces? Is it found elsewhere in the Bible? If we want then to get up, what must we first do? (Compare Phil. 2:9, etc.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. God. Hears prayer, justifies great sinners, pardons the penitent, damns the self- righteous, 13, 14. 214 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 2. Man. Self-n'ghteous, blind to his own faults, open-eyed to others' faults, ii; in need of pardon, 14. S- Prevailing prayer. (1) To whom to pray — God, 13. (2) How to pray — humbly, earnestly, definitely, personally, briefly, 13. (3) For what to pray — mercy, 13. (4) For whom to pray — yourself, 13. 4. Hoiv to be lost and hoiu to be saved. (i) The Pharisee highly esteemed by self and by others, moral, religious, orthodox, generous, but he refused to take the sinner's place and was lost, 11; the pubhcan despised by self and by others, sinful, 13 ; but he took the sinner's place, sought mercy, rested on the blood, and was saved, 14- (2) The Pharisee justified himself and God condemned him, 11, 12, 14; the publican condemned himself and God justified him, 13, 14. (3) The publican came to God and talked of his sins, and God forgave him, 13, 14; the Pharisee came to God and talked of his virtues, and God sent him away empty, 11, 12, 14. LESSON 97. Jesus' Teaching Concerning Marriage, Divorce and Children. 19:3-15; compare Mark 10:2-16; Luke 18:15-17. Matt. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The unnatiiralness and wickedness of divorce, vv. j-p. What class of persons do we see com- ing to Jesus in the first verse of the les- son? For what purpose did they come to Jesus? Did they often come to Him in this way? (Compare 16:1 ; 22:15-18, 35; Luke 11:53, 54-) What is the force of the word "tempting"? (See Am. R. V.) What was their object in thus "trying" or testing Jesus? (Compare John 8:6.) What question did they put to Jesus in order to try Him? Were they really seeking information? Had Jesus already given any instruction on this point? (Matt. 5:31. 32.) What makes this question a very important one in our own day? To what did Jesus refer them for an answer (v. 4) ? Was Jesus accustomed to refer men to the Old Testament Scriptures for an answer to their moral and religious ques- tions? (12:3; 21:16. 42; 22:31; Mark 2:25; Luke 10:26.) What was Jesus' own view of the Old Testament Scriptures as an authority on moral and spiritual sub- jects? (John 10:35; Luke 24:27, 44; Luke 16:29, 3I-) What passage from the Old Testament did Jesus cite in this instance? (Compare Gen. 1:26; 5:2; Mai. 2:14, 15; Gen. 2:21-24; Eph. 5:31.) How did the Old Testament citation answer their ques- tion? Who has the superior claim upon a man, father, mother or wife? (v. s; compare Eph. 5:31.) When a man for- sakes his wife, or when a woman forsakes her husband, for father or mother or any one else, who are they disobeying? What do husband and wife become ? How ought a husband to treat a wife? (Eph. 5 :25-28.>> How ought a wife to treat a husband? (Eph. 5:22, 23.) Who has joined husband and wife together? For how long has He STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 215 joined them together? (Ro. 7:2; i Cor. 7:10, 14.) What then ought no man dare to do? What difficulty did the apostles bring up at this point? Did it seem like a real difficulty? Where had Moses given commandment to give a bill of divorcement? (Deut. 24:1-4.) What answer did Jesus give to their difficulty (v. 8) ? What is the point of the answer? Was the law of Moses anything beside a moral code? Under a legislative enactment what must we regard besides the highest moral requirements in the case? For what reason did Moses per- mit divorce? Was this wise? Had divorce been a part of God's original plan? (Com- pare 2:24; T.T.') What awful indictment did Jesus bring against any man who put away his wife and married another (v. 9) ? Was there any exception? Does the word "fornication" refer only to an act of illicit intercourse committed by a person before marriage or is it the generic word applying to adultery as well? (Ezek. 16:8, 15, 29; I Cor. 5:1.) Is adultery a sufficient ground of divorce in God's sight? (Jer. 3:8.) What indictment does Jesus bring against the man who marries a divorced woman? Does Paul allow any exception? (Ro. 7:2, 3; I Cor. 7:39.) Why does not Paul state the exception in these passages? Has a man whose wife has been untrue a right to put her away and marry another? 2. Is it better to marry or not to marry?, vv. 10-12. What was the disciples' reply to Jesus' teaching about divorce (v. 10)? What did that reveal of their own hearts? Accord- ing to the teaching of the Bible is it a good thing to marry? (Gen. 2:18; Prov. 5:15-19; 18:22; 21:9, 19; I Tim. 4:3; S"-ii- 15; I Cor. 7:1, 2.) Do conditions ever exist in which it is better not to marry? (i Cor. 7:8, 26-28, 32-35, 40.) What was Jesus' answer to the statement of His disciples that it was not expedient to marry? What is the point of this answer? 3. Jesus and the children, vv. 13-15- Who were brought to Jesus just at this point? How old were these children? (Luke 18:15, R. v.; Mark 10:16.) For what purpose were these children brought to Jesus? (v. 13; compare Mark 10:13; Luke 18:15.) Were these parents wise to bring their babes to Jesus? Would His laying His hands on them and praying do them any good? What ought we to do with our babes today? How did the dis- ciples regard the bringing of the children to Jesus? Why did they think such action worthy of rebuke? While the disciples rebuked the mothers for bringing their children to Jesus, how did Jesus feel toward the disciples? (Mark 10:14.) How does Jesus feel today toward any one who tries to keep little children from Him? What did Jesus say? What did He mean by saying, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Compare 18:1-3; 11:25; i Cor. 14:20; I Peter 2:1, 2.) Is a child a member of the kingdom of heaven before it is born again? (John 3:3, 5.) Is a child peculiarly fitted to receive Jesus and thus be born again and to become a member of the kingdom of heaven? What did Jesus do with the chil- dren:^ (v. 15; compare Mark 10:16.) Was any actual blessing imparted to these babes by Jesus laying His hands on them? How old must a child be before the Spirit of God can work in his heart? (Luke 1:15.) What prophecy was being fulfilled in Jesus taking the children in His arms? (Is. 40:11.) Do children of believing parents stand in any different relation to God and 216 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD the kingdom from that in which children of unbelieving parents stand to Him? (l Cor. 7:14.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus Christ. His wisdom; able to answer at any- time any question put to Him, 3-9, 10-12; loyalty to the Old Testament Scriptures — to them He always ap- pealed as a conclusive authority to answer every question, 4, 5, 6, 8; ready knowledge of the Scriptures, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; high estimation of the marriage relation, 5-9; love for chil- dren, 13; power to bless children, 13-15. 2. The disciples. Their low standard of conduct, 10; contempt for children, 13; Jesus' dis- agreement and displeasure with them, 14; compare Mark 10:14. S. Marriage. Instituted by God, 6; its sacredness, 5-9; duration — as long as life lasts, 5-9; deep unity, 5, 6; may be inex- pedient under some circumstances, 12. 4. Divorce. Abominable in the sight of God, 6; not a part of God's original plan, 8; permitted temporarily only because of the kardness of men's hearts, 8; testimony against the hardness of the hearts of men, 8; permissible only on one ground, 9; if undertaken on any other ground a disgusting sin, 9. 5. Little children. The peculiar objects of Jesus' love, 13-15; should be brought to Jesus, 13, 14; can receive a divine bless- ing from Jesus, 14, 15; peculiarly fitted to receive the truth that will make them members of the king- dom of heaven, 14. LESSON 98. The Rich Young Ruler. Mark 10:17-27; compare Matt. 19:16-26; Luke 18:18-27. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Possessing many things, yet not sat- isfied, vv. 17-20. What did the young man who came to Jesus have? Did all these things save him? Will they save anyone? What ques- tion did he put to Jesus? What did that question imply? Can any man get eternal life by doing? (Gal. 2:16; Ro. 6:23.) Did Jesus in His reply "Why callest thou me good?" mean to imply that He was not good? (John 8:46; 14:30; 8:29.) What was the purpose of this reply? If Jesus was good, what more also must He have been? To what did Jesus point the young man? Why did He send him to the Law? (v. 17; Ro. 3:20.) Whom does Jesus send to the Law? Whom does He send to the Gospel? (i Tim. 1:15.) What does Matthew tell us Jesus added to His cita- tions from the Ten Commandments? (Matt. 19:18, 19.) What did the young ruler reply? Was that true?' Was he sincere? Was he satisfied? (Matt. 19:20.) 2. Lacking one thing and lost, vv. 21, 22. How did Jesus regard him? Was Jesus pleased with him? (Ro. 8:8.) Did Jesus STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 217 love him any more than He did the woman who was a sinner who came to Him? Had he any less need than the woman? What appealed most strongly to the Saviour's love? (Luke 15:4.) Why did He then love the young man? Did Jesus' love for the young man keep Him from dealing very plainly with him? What did He tell him? Is it very important to lack one thing? What was the one thing that he lacked? What was Jesus' purpose in telling him to sell all his goods and give to the poor? Does this command hold for all who would follow Jesus? (Luke 14:33.) Why did Jesus call upon him to give up his wealth? Does Jesus usually call upon those who would come after Him to give up something? What is it that Jesus always puts His finger upon, and says : "Will you give that up for me ?" What is the only thing that will make it easy to give up all for Jesus? (2 Cor. 5:14, 15.) How is the only way to get that love that makes it easy to give up all for Him? (i John 4:19.) Are we saved by loving, or is our loving the result of being saved? (Luke 7:47, 50.) What did Jesus tell the young man would be the result of selling all? Which is the best place to have treasure? (Matt. 6:19, 20.) Was "Go sell, and give to the poor" all that Jesus bade the young man do? Would the mere selling, etc., amount to much in itself? (i Cor, 13:3.) What was the effect of Christ's answer on the young man? Did he really love his neighbor as himself? Did he have great possessions or did they have him? What did he get by coming to Jesus? What did he miss by turning away from Jesus rather than give up his treasures? Did he keep those treasures very long? Can men today keep very long the things that they are not very willing to give up for Christ? (i John 2:17.) Did the young man want eternal life? What did he want more? Was that a wise choice? Is it a common one? 3. The dangers of wealth, vv. 23-27. What general lesson does Jesus draw from this incident? Is there any special peril in riches? (Prov. 30:8; Matt. 13:22; I Tim. 6:9, 10.) Is it only those who are rich who fall into a snare? Are there any persons nowadays who are willing to run the risk? What petition of the Lord's prayer would they do well to bear in mind? (Matt. 6:13.) Are there many rich men saved? (i Cor. 1:26; Jas. 2:5, 6.) What was the effect of Christ's words upon the disciples ? How does He explain them? (Mark 10:24.) Is a man who has riches likely to trust in them? Do any others trust in them? What strong figure does Jesus use to illustrate the impossibility of a rich man entering into the kingdom of God? How did the disciples express their amazement? Why did they ask this question? What is God's answer to their question? (Ro. 10:13.) How does Jesus meet their per- plexity? Is it possible for God to save a rich man? Can anything but the special grace of God save a rich man? What does a rich man, then, need to do if he would be saved? In face of all the in- surmountable barriers in the way to eter- nal life, what is the one all-comforting thought? (Gen. 18:14.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 7. Jesus. His divinity, 18; humanity, 21; recog- nized as a good man and authorita- tive teacher by one who did not recognize His divinity, 17, 18; will not accept the ascription of good- ness from one who does not recog- nize His divinity, 18; demands that men understand the real purport of 218 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD the titles they ascribe to Him, i8; demands that those who would be with Him hereafter follow Him here, 21 ; loves men who are lost and don't know it, 21 ; deals very plainly with those whom He loves, 21 ; sends the self-righteous to the Law that they may find that they are sinners, 19-22 ; exposes to men the imperfection of their professed ob- servance of the Law, 21 ; points out to men their unrecognized but fatal lack, 21 ; knows just what our idols are and demands their surrender, 21. 2. The rich young ruler. (i) What he had: Great possessions, 22; position, Luke 18:18; culture, Luke 18:18; exem- plary morality, 20; noteworthy amiability, 21 ; intense earnestness, 17; undoubted sincerity, 17, 21 ; great moral courage, 17; recognized piety, Luke 18:18; noble aspiration, 17; benevolence, Luke 18:18; was not satisfied. Matt. 19:20; lacked one thing and that lack of only one thing was a fatal lack, 21. (2) What he lacked: A supreme love for Jesus ; he was willing to do much at His bidding (17) but not anything and every- thing (21, 22) ; loved one thing more than Christ and was not willing to give it up at Christ's bidding, 21, 22. (3) What he did: Ran to meet Jesus, 17; kneeled to Jesus, 17; inquired the way of life from Jesus, 17; made his boast in the Law, 20. (4) What he was : Was mistaken in his professed observ- ance of the Law, Matt. 19:19; com- pare vv. 21, 22; loved by Jesus, 21; shown the way of life, 21. (5) What he was told to do: Sell all he had, 21 ; give all to the poor, 21 ; "Follow me," 21. (6) What he was promised : Treasure in heaven, 21. (7) The result: He went away sorrowful, 22. (8) The reason: He had great possessions or his great possessions had him, 22. . Riches. A source of great peril, 23, 25 ; must be held subject to Christ's will and surrendered at His bidding, 21; trusted in, they exclude from the kingdom of God, 24 ; expended at Christ's bidding, they bring heavenly treasure, 21 ; are oftentimes chosen at cost of eternal life and treasure in heaven, 21, 22. LESSON 99. How God Rewards His Servants. Matt. 19:27 to 20:16; compare Mark 10:28-31; Luke 18:28-30. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. The reivard of sacrifice for Christ, 19:27-30. What occasioned Peter's question? (yv. 21, 22, 23-26.) What did Peter say they had done? Was that true? (Luke 5:11, 27, 28.) Who must forsake all? (Luke 14:33-) What makes it very easy to for- sake all? (Phil. 3:8.) On the basis of having forsaken all, what did Peter wish to know? What did this question show? Are there any today anxious to know what STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 219 they are going to get for forsaking all for Christ? If one appreciates what Christ has done for him and really loves Him, will he ask such questions as this ? What did Jesus say they would have? Are thrones promised unto the twelve alone? (Rev. 3:21 ; I Cor. 6:2, 3.) What is the necessary condition of our reigning with Him? (2 Tim. 2:12.) When were they to have these thrones? What is meant by "in the regeneration"? (Is. 65 :i7 ; 66 -.22 ; Acts 3 :2i ; Rev. 21 :S ; 2 Peter 3:13.) What did Jesus say would be the reward of those who left anything for His name's sake? What was it they were to receive a hundredfold? (Mark 10:30.) Is that true? Does it pay, then, to make sacrifices for Christ? What were they to receive with the hundredfold? (Mark 10:30.) Is that persecution to be dreaded? (Matt. 5:10, 12; Acts 5:41.) When is this hundredfold to be received? (Mark 10:30; Luke 18:29, 30.) How many of those who have left anything for Christ's name's sake are thus to receive? To what was the expression "inherit eternal life," a reference? (Mark 10:17.) What warn- ing did Jesus utter lest any should mis- understand these words? What suggested the need of this warning (v. 27) ? ^. The call to scrz'icc, 20:1-/. By what parable did Jesus explain these words? What gave rise to the utterance of this parable (c. 19:27-30)? What is the connection between the parable and Peter's question? What is the central thought that it is the purpose of the parable to teach? (19:30; 20:16.) Why is it that many first shall be last and many last first (vv. 12, 13, 14) ? What is the greatest historic fulfilment of this truth? (c. 8:ir, 12; Luke 13:28-30; Ro. 9:30-33.) W^hat other fulfilment of it was there in that day? (Matt. 21:31, 32; Luke 18:13, 14.) Are these the only fulfilments? Is there likely to be a fulfilment in our day in America and the heathen nations (or in the favored and neglected classes) ? Who is representd by the householder in this parable? (13:27; 21:33.) What is repre- sented by the vineyard? (Is. 5:7 and c. 21:33, 43-) Who are represented by those first called into the vineyard? Whom did Jesus have in mind (c. 19:27)? What does the penny represent? How much does the penny equal of our money? Was it a fair day's wages? Anything taught by that? (Eph. 6:8; Heb. 6:10.) Where were they sent to work? From whom must the call come before we can work in the vineyard? Did any start to work before called? Does any one ever apply to God before God calls him? (John 15:16.) To what was the call? To what had Peter's own call been? (Mark 1:17.) Who are repre- sented by those called at the third hour? Did the householder make as definite a bargain with them? Did they demand it? Why not? Which was the higher type of service? Which did the larger amount of service? Which counts most with God, quantity or character of service? Which got the larger reward in proportion to the amount of service rendered? Is there any lesson in that? If a man works for the reward, how great a reward will he get? If he works in simple trust, leaving the question of amount of reward to God, how much will he get? (Eph. 3:20.) Did the householder keep his promise that he would give what is right? Can you give any illustration of one called at thg_ sixth or ninth hour? (Gen. 12:1-4; Josh. 24:2, 3.) What is the last hour he went out? How many hours were there in the work- ing day? What did he find? What were all the men that he found outside of the 220 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD vineyard at different hours doing? Ts there any lesson in that? What question does he put to them? What question does God put to every idler? J. The rewards of service, vv. S-i6. What was their answer? Was that a sufficient answer? Would any other answer have been sufficient? Can any of us give that answer? Is there any comfort in this parable to those who have had call after call and not responded? To what call had these laborers responded? What did he say? Have we any illustration in the Bible of one called at the eleventh hour? (Luke 23:40-43.) When was a reckoning made? What does that mean? (2 Tim. 4:8.) What was done at even? What does that represent? (2 Cor. 5:10.) What does the steward of the parable represent? (Heb. 3:6; John 5:27; Rev. 2:7, 10, 17, 28.) What was given those who began at the eleventh hour? Had they a right to expect that much? Why did they re- ceive more than they had a right to ex- pect? Is it only a believer's salvation, then, that is a matter of grace? In what case is a believer's reward a matter of abound- ing grace? What was their feeling when they got so much? What will our feeling be when rewards are distributed if we have served from love? What did those who began early in the day expect? Had they any right to expect that? What does this unfounded expectation represent? Will those who expect the largest reward get the largest reward? What did they get? If they had worked from the first hour and not bargained with the Lord but just trusted it all to Him, would they have received only a penny? Is this intended to teach that if one enters work at the eleventh hour he will get just as much as if he had entered at the first hour? Is it intended to teach that all God's servants get the same reward? (i Cor. 3:8; Luke 19:11-27.) Does it teach that those who bear the burden and heat of the day will get no more than those who work only one cool evening hour? (2 Tim. 2:12; 2 Cor. 4:17.) Does it teach that one hour's service in the spirit of humble trust, that leaves the reward as a matter of grace to God, will be at least as abundantly re- warded as twelve hours' legal service that tries to drive a close bargain with God and seeks a reward as a matter of debt? How did those who had worked the twelve hours receive their pay? Had they a right to murmur? Will there really be murmuring against God's distribution of reward? Against what is this a warn- ing? Against whom did they murmur? Was that a slight offense? Against whom is all murmuring in the last analysis? (Ex. 16:8.) What was the Lord's answer? What were the three points in the answer? (See Revised Version.) Was the answer sufficient? What thought is contained in the question, "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own"? (Ex. 33:19; Jer. 27:5; Ro. 9:15-21; Eph. i:ii.) Has any one a right to call God to ac- count? (Ro. 9:19, 20.) Do any ever attempt to do it? What is God's answer to all who would call Him to account (v. is) ? While God does as He will, what does He always will to do? Where did the householder show that real fault lay (v. 15) ? When men murmur at God's dealings is the difficulty with Him or their vision? How did the Lord close the para- ble? Why are the last ofttimes first and the first last? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. God. (i) His sovereignty: Calls whom He will, 1-8; calls when STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 221 He will, 1-8; rewards as He will, 9-15; has a right to do what He will with His own, 15 ; under no obligation to explain to any one why He does as He does, 15 ; does as He pleases, but always pleases to do right, 13, 15. (2) His truth: Never does less than He agrees, 13. (3) His grace: Often does better than He agrees, 9; men's complaints at His dealings rise from the blindness of their own envy, and not from the lack of His goodness. (4) He confounds all gainsayers, 13-15- 2. Service. (1) The call: The call of God is a call to service, I, 2, etc. ; He alone can call to serv- ice, I, 6, 7; some are called to longer, larger and heavier service than oth- ers, I, 2, 6, 12 ; the important ques- tion not when we are called, but how we treat the call when it comes, I-16; those called last entered the vine- yard at the first call (no encourage- ment in this parable to those who hear call after call and fail to re- spond), 6, 7; the first called may do most and the last called best, II, 12. (2) The reward of service: QuaHty of service counts more than quantity with God, 9-16; one who serves for hire will get just what he earns, 10, 13 ; one who serves for love and in loving trust leaves the question of reward to God's bounty will get exceeding abundantly above what he has earned or expected, 9; one hour's service in a spirit of humble trust that leaves the reward as a matter of grace to God, will be as abundantly rewarded as twelve hours of legal service that tries to drive a close bargain with God and seeks a reward as a matter of debt, 9-1S; compare 19:27; comparison of service and over-estimating our serv- ice leads to expectation of large re- ward, dissatisfaction with reward given and murmuring against God, II, 12; one who serves for love will get a penny plus satisfaction; one who serves for hire will get a penny minus satisfaction. S. Election: Election is primarily to service, i, 8; God elects many to get more than they earn, 9; He never elects any to get less than they earn, 13, 14; get a part in the election of grace, by a faith in God's goodness that asks no questions and tries to drive no bargains with God, 3-9. 4. Christ. The judge and dispenser of rewards, 8; sent by the Father, 8; summons the laborers to receive their reward, 8; following Him involves forsaking all (fellowship in His sufferings), 27; brings a throne (fellowship in His glory), 28; sacrifice for His name's sake brings a hundredfold now and eternal life hereafter, 29. 222 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD The Ambition of James 20:17-28 LESSON 100. and John. Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34. compare Matt. disco\t:ry of the facts. I. Christ foretells His crucifixion and resurrection, vr. 32-34. Whither was Jesus journeying at the beginning of this lesson? What was the state of mind of His disciples as they followed Him? At what were they amazed and fearful? What did Jesus do with the twelve at this time? What was His pur- pose in doing this? Did He reveal things to the twelve that He did not to others? (c. 4:34-) Why? (Matt. 13:11.) Had He ever told them before of His coming crucifixion and resurrection? (c. 8:31; 9:31; ^latt. 16:21; 17:22, 22,; 20:17-19; Luke 9:22.) Did He go any more into detail this time than on former occasions? What seven specific facts did He foretell to them? Were each of these prophesied facts fulfiled ? How did Jesus know beforehand the details concerning His death and resur- rection? Did they condemn Him? (c. 14:64; Matt. 26:66; Acts 13:27.) Did they deliver Him to the Gentiles? (c. 15:1; Matt. 27:2; Luke 23:1, 2, 21; John 18:28.) W^hy was it necessary that He should be delivered to the Gentiles if the Old Testa- ment prophesies regarding His crucifixion were to be fulfiled? Did they mock Him? (c. 14:6s; 15:17-20, 29-31; Matt. 27:27-44; Luke 22:63-65; 23:11, 35-39; John 19:2, 3.) Had it been prophesied that they would mock Him? (Is. 53:3) Did they actually spit upon Him? (c. 14:65; Matt. 26:67.) Had it been prophesied that they would spit upon Him? (Is. 50:6.) Did they actually kill Him? What did Jesus say would follow His death? Did He really rise again? Did He in any other place predict His resurrection on the third day? (John 2:19; Matt. 12:39, 40.) Had His resurrection on the third day been predicted in the Old Testament? (Ps. 16:10; Hos. 6:2.) 2. Man's desire for the chief place, vv. 35-41. With what request does the lesson open? W^hat made it a very singular request just at this time? What suggested it? (Matt. 19:28; vv. 32, 23.) What did they mean by asking that they might sit, the one on His right hand and the other on His left in His glory? Were James and John at this time much better than Peter with all his mistakes and failures? Did they speak their wish right out to start with? (Mark 10:35.) Is there any way we can get from Christ "Whatsoever we shall a.sk"? (John 15:7, R. V.) Were James and John fulfiling this condition at this time? Did John ever reach a position where he got whatever he asked? (i John 3:22.) Why didn't they get what they asked here? (James 4:3.) What is the great secret of unanswered prayer? Is the spirit of James and John ever found in the church today? What is its result? What did Jesus say in answer to this request? What did He mean by that? Is it ever true nowadays that men know not what they ask? How can we know how to pray? (Ro. 8:26.) What question does Jesus put to them? What is meant by "the cup that I drink of?" (Matt. 26:39, 42; John 18:11.) What is the connection between this question and their request? Where else in the New Testament is this lesson taught? (Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 2:12; Ro. 8:17.) Sup- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 223 pose we do not suffer, wliat then? What was their answer? Did they really under- stand what that answer involved? Of what were they most likely thinking? Were they really able? (Matt. 26:56.) Did they ever become able? What is Christ's answer to their profession of ability to drink of the cup He drank of? (Acts 12:2; Rev. I :q.) Did they drink as deeply of the cup as Jesus did? Who decides who shall sit upon Christ's right hand and left in His glory? To whom shall it be given? How will it be decided? (Rev. 22:12.) Are we to learn from this that there are gradations of glory in Heaven? What will the least who gets in receive? (l Cor. 3:11-15; Heb. 11:16; John 14:3; i Cor. 2:9; ]\Iatt. 25:34.) What was the effect of the request of James and John upon the remaining ten? What is the usual result in a church where some try to put themselves forward unduly? Why were the ten indignant? What is usually the cause when we wax indignant and elo- quent over the attempt of others to put themselves forward? Was this a very favorable time to have a quarrel in the apostolic company? When is the best time to have a quarrel among Christ's fol- lowers? If we wish to prevent such things, what is the first thing to see to? J. God's road to the chief place, vv. 42-45- How did Jesus still the rising tempest? What is the best way to still a storm among Christ's followers today? What did Jesus tell them was the radical differ- ence between methods of worldly king- doms and His own ? Are worldly methods ever adopted by professing Christian lead- ers? What is the road to real greatness? What if one aims at personal greatness? (Luke 14:7-11.) What is the Christian's method of using greatness? What is the difference in meaning between v. 43 and V. 44? (R. v., margin.) Whom does Jesus point to as the pre-eminent example of real greatness? How did Jesus serve? (John 13:4-14.) What was His crowning act of service? What is meant by a ransom? From what has Christ ransomed us? (Hos. 13:14; Gal. 3:13; Hcb. 9:15; I Peter 1:18; Tit. 2:14.) By what has Christ redeemed us? (Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7; Rev. 5:9; I Peter i :i8, 19.) For whom did He give His life a ransom? (i Tim. 2:1; i John 2:2.) Why does it say in one place for "many" and in another place for "all"? How did He give His life a ransom? (Gal. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; Is. 53:6; i Pet. 2:24; 3:18.) Was this coming and giving His life voluntary? (John 10:17, 18.) Is there any indication here of His pre-ex- istence? Did the disciples remember the lessons of this solemn occasion very long? (Luke 22:24.) Can we glory over them very much ? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus. His pre-existence, 34, 45 ; humanity, 34, 45 ; foreknowledge of future events, 32-34; sufferings and death, 33, 34; the fulfiler of prophecy, 33, 34; compare Is. 50:6; 53:3, 6; Ps. 16:10; Hos. 6:2; vicarious atone- ment, 45; coming glory, 37 (entered His glory through suffering, 38) ; self-sacrificing love — gave His life a ransom, 45; humility— came not to be served but to serve, 45 ; inex- haustible patience, 37-45 ; gentleness, 37-45 ; incarnation of the truth that Fie taught, 43-45 ; true great one, 45 ; wishes His disciples to tell their desires to Him, even though they are not what they should be, .36; called His quarreling disciples unto 224 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Himself, 42; stilled the rising tem- pest, 42; points out to His disciples the folly of their wrong ambitions and shows a better way, 42-45; teaches His disciples that fellowship with Him in glory must be won by fellowship with Him in suffering and service, 38, 43-45- 2. The disciples. (i) Their failures: Misled by selfish ambition, 37, 41 ; quarreled among themselves for the first place immediately after Tesus announced His suffering and death for them, 37-41; compare 32-34; prayed unintelligently, without un- derstanding what they asked for or the cost of getting it, 38; prayed selfishly, 37; overestimated their strength, 39; their request denied be- cause they asked amiss, 40. (2) Their duty: To take the lowliest place, 44; serve, 43; imitate their Master's example, 45- (3) Their privileges : To be called near to Jesus and be taught of Him, 42; have their mis- takes pointed out and put away by Jesus' patient admonitions, 4^-45; have fellowship in His sufferings, 39; imitate His service, 45. 3. Greatness: (i) How to attain it : By service; all service leads to great- ness ; the lowlier the service the more exalted the greatness, 43, 44, R. V. (2) How to manifest it : Worldly greatness manifests itself in lording it, true greatness manifests itself in service, 42-45- (3) Where to see it: In Jesus Christ, 45. LESSON 101. Jesus and Bartimeus. Luke 18:35-43; compare Matt. 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Blind, by the zvayside, begging, vv. 35-39- How do the three accounts of this mira- cle differ from one another? (Compare Matt. 20:29, 30; Mark 10:46.) Can these differences be reconciled? In what way is Bartimeus a type of the natural man? (Josh. 6:17, f. c, 26; 2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 3:17; Is. 64:6.) Where was Bartimeus sitting? Was that a pleasant place to be? Was that as good a place for Bartimeus to be as in some shady palm grove of Jericho? Why? Where is the best place for all of us to be? (Luke 10:39-42.) What good news did Bartimeus hear? Who would Bartimeus rather hear was passing by than any one else in the world? Why? How did he know Jesus was pass- ing? Are there any today who need to know Jesus is passing? How can we let them know? What did Bartimeus do when he knew Jesus was passing? Was that much to do? Was it enough? Is it usually enough? (Ro. 10:13.) When is the time to call upon Him? (Is. 55:6.) How did he address Jesus? What did that mode of address mean? (Jer. 23:5; Matt. 1:1; 12:23; 22:41, 42.) Had the people told Bartimeus that "the son of David" was passing by? How many times is it recorded that Jesus was so addressed? (Matt. 9:27; 15:21, 22; 21:9, 15.) For what did he cry? Were the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 225 people pleased to hear him calling for mercy? Why not? Were they right or wrong? Are people nowadays ever dis- pleased when they hear poor, sinful, afflicted people calling upon Jesus for mercy? Did the rebuke keep Bartimeus from crying out? (Compare Mark 10:48.) Was he right? Why was it well that Bartimeus improved that opportunity? Ought sneers and reproofs even of religious people to- day keep needy ones from calling upon Jesus for help? Why would not Barti- meus be put off? What promise of God's Word made it sure Bartimeus would be heard? (Jer. 20:13.) What about Barti- meus' prayer was worthy of imitation? 2. Receiving sight, foUoiving Jesus, glorifying God, vv. 40-43. Did Jesus rebuke him for praying? Will He us? (Phil. 4:6.) What did Jesus do? (Compare Mark 10:49.) Was Jesus on important business ? What is the lesson ? Did Jesus Himself call Bartimeus? Why not? Did they change their tone? (Mark 10:49.) What did they say to Bartimeus? (Mark 10:49. What is the most cheering thing that can be said to sorrowing souls? How many of them does He call? (Matt. 11:28.) Was Bartimeus ready to go? (Mark 10:50.) Did he stop to argue? Why not? By what act did he show his eager- ness to get to Jesus? (Mark 10:50.) What keeps many today from getting to Jesus and receiving His blessing? What must the sinner throw away when he comes to Christ? (Is. 64:6; 55:7; Heb. 12:2.) What made Bartimeus willing to throw away everything? What would make the sinner willing to give up everything to get to Jesus? How will the Christian re- gard everything that retards his progress to Christ? (Phil. 3 7, 8-) What question did Jesus put to him? Did not Jesus know what he wanted? (Matt. 6:8.) Had he not already told Jesus what he wanted? What kind of prayers does Jesus desire? What was the blind man's answer? Wliat reason had he for supposing that Jesus would open blind eyes? (Is. 35:5; 42:1, 7; Luke 4:17, 18.) What was Jesus' answer? What was this faith that Bartimeus had? What is saving faith? (Luke 7:50.) In what ways did Bartimeus show his faith? Where was the healing power? How, then, did his faith save him? Was Jesus' word effective? (Matt. 8:8.) Is it just as effec- tive today? Was it a beautiful world Bartimeus saw? What was the most beau- tiful object Bartimeus saw? How did Bartimeus show that Jesus was more beau- tiful than Jericho? When Jesus saves or heals us, what does He desire we should do? Could Bartimeus follow Jesui before he got his eyes open? Can we follow Him before He saves us? What did the people do? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus : He goes to Jericho (the cursed city) and seeks the lost, 35 ; passes the place where those who need Him are, 37 ; listens to the cry of dis- tress, 40; stands still — no matter how important and urgent His business — to help a poor, blind, beggar that asks His help, 40; commands that those who need Him be brought to Him, 40; desires definite and ex- plicit statement of what we wish, 40, 41 ; answers the prayer of ear- nest faith, 42; opens blind eyes, 42; saves, 42. 2. Bartimeus: ( I ) His condition : An inhabitant of Jericho, 35 ; compare Josh. 6:17, 26; blind, 35; compare 2 Cor. 4:4; a beggar, 35; compare 226 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Rev. 3:17; Is. 64:6; no help for him in man, 35. (2) Where he was : By the wayside :— a dusty, disagreeable place, but Jesus was going to pass that way, and better the dusty road- side where Jesus passes by than the loveliest retreat where He is not. (3) What happened : Jesus of Nazareth passed by, 36 (it was his last opportunity) ; he was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, Z7 \ believed the testi- mony, 38; realized his need, 38, 39; believed Jesus was the Christ, 38; believed Jesus could and would have mercy on him, 38, 39; cried for mercy, 38; was rebuked for crying, 39; cried all the more, 39; made himself heard, 40; was called to Jesus, 40; threw away everything that impeded his progress to Jesus (his best but ragged covering) (compare Mark 10:50); came to Jesus, 40; told Jesus just what he wanted, 41 ; got it, 42 ; was saved, 42 ; received his sight, 42 ; saw noth- ing so lovely as Jesus Himself, 43 ; left Jericho and its palm groves, and followed Jesus in the dusty, weary journey to the cross, 43; S. Salvation. How to get it : Feel your need, 38; hear of Jesus, 37; believe Jesus can and will save you, 38, 42 ; cry to Him, 38 ; be in earnest, 39; compare Mark 10:50. It is our part to tell the sinner of Jesus (37), it is the sinner's part to cry unto Him for mercy (38), it is Jesus' part to save (42). 4. Saving faith. What it is: Confidence that Jesus can and will save, 42. How it manifests itself: Crying unto Jesus, 38; overcoming ob- stacles, 39; throwing away every im- pediment, Mark 10:50; coming to Jesus, 40; telling Him just what we wish, 41 ; following Jesus, 43 ; glori- fying God, 43. Where it is found : In those who realize their need, 35-38. What it gets: Salvation, 42; sight, 42. 5. Prevailing prayer. Its characteristics : Short, 38, 41 ; definite, 41 ; personal, 38; earnest, 38, 39; importunate, 39; believing, 41. Its result : Gets what it asks, 42; gets more than it asks, 42. glorified God, 43. LESSON 102. Jesus and Zaccheus. Luke 19:1-10. in the journey and the execution of this absorbing purpose? For what purpose was DISCOV'ERY OF THE FACTS. /. Zaccheus seeking Jesus, vv. 1-4. Whither was Jesus journeying as He passed through Jericho? For what pur- pose was He going to Jerusalem? How much was He taken up with the object of that journey? (Mark 10:32; Luke 12:50.) For what purpose did He delay Jesus always ready to stop, no matter how engrossing was the object He was pursuing? What was the name of the sinner He stopped to save? What did his name mean? Did his character justify his name? What do we know about his STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 227 character (vv. 2, 3, 8) ? How was he regarded by his fellow citizens (v. 7) ? What did he possess that would naturally commend him to public favor? Why did not his wealth win him a place in public esteem? Did his wealth prevent his being saved? Wh}- not? Is it an easy thing to save a rich man? (Luke 18:24.) Why was it that the rich man of the i8th chap- ter was lost and the rich man of this chapter was saved? Which was the more amiable man of the two? More moral? More religious? Higher in social esteem? Apparently easier to save? How often is it the case that the more amiable, moral, religious, honored and apparently hopeful man is lost and the more immoral, irre- ligious, repulsive and hopeless one saved? Which, in reality, is it easier to reach with the Gospel — nice, moral, amiable people, or immoral, unattractive and disagreeable people? Why? What was the first step in Zaccheus' sal- vation? What is the best thing any lost sinner hke Zaccheus can do? Was any- one seeking Zaccheus? Why was Zaccheus seeking to see Jesus? Why had he not sought to see Him before? Had he heard anything about Jesus that drew him toward Him? How far would he have gone out of his way to have seen one of the ordinary rabbis of that time? What drew him? If we want to win men, how must we treat them? What obstacles did Zaccheus find in the way of getting to Jesus? How many of those who wish to get to Jesus find obstacles in the way? How many obstacles that can- not be overcome are there between men and Jesus? How many men were there in that crowd that had apparently a better chance of seeing Jesus that day and getting a blessing from Him than Zaccheus ? Why, then, did Zaccheus get the blessing and thev not? How did Zaccheus overcome the disadvantage of his small stature? What kind of a proceeding on the part of Zaccheus was climbing, etc.? How would his proceeding be treated by the crowd? Is there any lesson in this for us? 2. Jesus seeking Zaccheus, vv. 5-10. What did Jesus do when He came to the place? How did Jesus know Zaccheus was up there? (John 1:48; 10:3.) How did He know his name? Why did He call him by his name? (Is. 43:1; John 10:3.) What did He tell Zaccheus to do? Why make haste? How often is there any time for delay if one would find Jesus? (Is. 55:6.) What if Zaccheus had not made haste? Why is it many men never find Jesus and are lost forever? Why was it that Jesus must abide at the house of Zaccheus? (Compare John 4:4.) Why must He abide there that day? Had Zaccheus invited Jesus to His house ? Why not? Does Jesus ever go where He is not wanted? Does He ever come in in a way fuller than we dare ask? What was the most honored home in Jericho that day? Is Jesus willing to abide with us? (John 14:23; Rev. 3:20.) What was the feel- ing of Zaccheus when these words of Jesus fell upon his ear? What did he do? What was the character of Zaccheus' obedience? Was it strange that Zaccheus was so glad to receive Jesus into his home? What would have been strange? What strange thing do we see today? What is shown by this prompt and joyous reception of Jesus to have been lurking behind Zaccheus' curiosity to see Jesus? How often had Zaccheus been treated with the kindness and respect with which Jesus treated him? What was the effect of this kindness? Had severity and contempt humbled or converted him ? Who was glad besides Zaccheus? How did the people feel when they saw Jesus enter the house of Zaccheus? How ought they to have 228 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD felt? Did they murmur the same thing on any other occasion? (7:34. 39; ^5-2.) Are there any hke these murmurers today? Would Jesus consort with sinners if He was on earth today? Ought we to do so? For what purpose? With what sort of sinners is Jesus willing to abide? Was Zaccheus converted? Regenerated? How did he show the genuineness of his con- version? What will genuine conversion always effect? (A man's pocket-book.) What about conversion that does not effect a man's pocket-book? Ought a converted man to make restitution? Suppose he does not? Ought he to give half of his goods to the poor? (Luke 12:33; i Tim. 6:17, 18.) Which was the easier part that Zaccheus undertook to do — give half his goods to the poor, or to restore fourfold what he had taken by false accusation? Would it have been right for Zaccheus to give all the goods he had in his possession to the poor? What was it changed Zaccheus from a hard-fisted extortioner into an honest, large-hearted, self-forgetting saint? How many more wonderful illustrations of the power of the Gospel than this are there in the Bible? Did Zaccheus lose anything by parting with his earthly goods? (Mark 10:29, 30.) What did Jesus say at this point? In what way had salvation come to this house? What is the only way in which salvation comes to any house? Was it to Zaccheus alone that salvation had come? What is indicated as to the char- acter of salvation by the use of the word "today"? Why had salvation come to that house? In what sense was he a son of Abraham? (Gal. 3:7.) What kind of a son of Abraham was he as indicated by verse 10? What was Christ's purpose in uttering these words? For what pur- pose did Jesus say He had come? Who was it came? For whom did He come? For what did He come? If one is to be saved, what must he first be? In what sense is man lost? When will men out of Christ be lost? What two seekers does this lesson show us? Did Zaccheus seek Jesus first or Jesus Zaccheus? What was the effect when each found the other? (v. 6; 15:5.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Zaccheus. He was a sinner, 7; was despised, 7; had been absorbed in money-getting, 3 ; was dishonest, 8 ; was rich, 2 ; was dissatisfied, 3, 6; Jesus sought him, 5, 10; he sought Jesus, 3; was in earnest, (i) surmounted difficul- ties, (2) sacrificed dignity, (3) dis- regarded ridicule, 4; Jesus called him, 5; he responded to the call joy- fully, 6; he responded to the call without delay, 6 ; genuinely converted, made restitution, used his money for Christ, 8. Saved : By believing, 9; immediately, 9; with his house, 9. 2. Jesus and sinneis. Jesus loves sinners, 5 ; seeks sinners, 10; deals tenderly with sinners, 5; associated with sinners, 7; endured contempt for sinners, 7 ; saves sin- ners, 10; transforms sinners, 8; re- joices over saved sinners, 9. J. Salvation. (i) Its author: The Son of Man, 10. (2) Its objects: The lost, 10. (3) Its nature: Immediate, 9; transforming, 8; joyful, 6; for the whole household, 9. (4) How gained: By faith, 9. (5) How lost: By delay, 5. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 229 LESSON 103. The Parable of the Pounds. Luke 19:11-28. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The nobleman journeying into a far country, Z'V. 11-14. What is the object of today's lesson? What other parable is like this? In what points are they alike? In what points do they differ? What was Christ's purpose in speaking this parable? Are men today ever so taken up with thinking about the coming of the kingdom that they forget the necessity of preparing for it? Why did they suppose the kingdom was immediately to appear? What is meant by the kingdom appearing? Were they right in thinking the kingdom was to appear? In what were they wrong? Who is represented by the certain nobleman of the parable? What is represented by the departure into a far country? (Mark 16:19, 20; Acts 1:9-11.) What was the purpose of Christ's departure into heaven? Has He yet received the kingdom? (Matt. 28:18, R. V.; Eph. 1:19-23; I Peter 3:22.) What yet remains to be done? Why then does He not re- turn? (Rev. 19:7; Ro. 11:25; Acts 3:21.) Was there any allusion to current his- toric events in this parable of the pounds? What did the nobleman do before his de- parture? What is represented by these pounds? (Eph. 4-7, 8> ii> 12; i Peter 4:10, 11; Ro. 12:6-8; I Cor. 12:7-11.) Who are represented by the servants? Do they all represent regenerated men? Why is each servant represented as receiving the same amount to trade with? What is the mod- ern money value of the p^n.nd of this para- ble? Why is the amount given represented as so little? What were the servants to do with the amount received? What is meant by that? How long were they to trade with "it? What then is the proper business of the believer while our Lord de- lays His coming? And when He comes — what then? Who are represented by His citizens? (14; compare John i:ii; Acts 3:13-15.) What was the attitude of the Jews toward Jesus? Are they the only ones who have hated Him? (Acts 4:27, 28; John 15:18.) Why is it the world hates Jesus? (Ro. 8:7; John 15:23, 24; 7:7.) How, according to this parable, did His citizens show their hatred of Him? How do men show their hatred of Christ today? 2. The nobleman's return and reckoning -cvith his servants, vv. 15-28. What did the king do upon his return (v. 15) ? What is represented by this sum- moning of His servants? (Ro. 14:10, 12; 2 Cor. 5:10.) What was the account the first gave of his stewardship? Did He say, "I have made ten pounds" (v. 16) ? Will a true disciple ever talk of what he has done? What will he talk of? What was his king's reply? Why did he get this commendation? How is it that one pound gains ten? What was the reward he got? Why ten cities? What is our dominion in the coming age proportioned to? What was the account the second gave (v. 18) ? What did the Lord say to him (v. \g) ? Did He say, "Well done," etc.? Why not? What servant is represented by this? (Compare Matt. 25:22, 23.) How much did he get? Why five cities? Was it by a merely arbitrary decree of the Lord that the number of cities was proportionate to the amount gained? (In the next world we have just so much dominion as our faithfulness of service in this makes us capable of exercising, i Cor. 3:8; 12:5, 8; 2 Cor. 9:6; 2 John 8.) What was the 230 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD report the third brought of his steward- ship? Who is represented by this (v. 20) ? What was his excuse for his neglect and laziness? What is represented by this as laying at the bottom of neglect of service toward Christ ? If then we want men to serve Christ faithfully, what must we strive to do? Upon whom did this slothful servant try to cast the blame of his neglect? Where do the sinner's excuses always put the blame of this neglect? Did his excuse in any wise diminish his guilt? Does the sinner's ex- cuse ever in any wise diminish his guilt? What was the charge he lay at Christ's door? Do men today ever lay such charges at His door? What was the Lord's reply (vv. 22, 23) ? Who is it a sinner's excuses really condemn? How did this sinner's excuse condemn himself? What did the Lord call this servant? In what did his wickedness consist? What is represented by the bank in this parable? What was the Lord's decision in regard to the wicked servant (v. 24)? What is taught by this? How does this decision differ from that in Matthew 25:30? What is represented by the protest of those who stood by (v. 25) ? How does the Lord justify His de- cision? What is the meaning of this? What became of the other servants? Why are these three given? What judgment was visited upon his enemies? Does this refer to the destruction of Jerusalem under Titus? What is the lesson taught? (2 Thess. 1:7-9-) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus. (i) His nature: Human, 12; divine, 12, 15, 24-27. (2) His character: Cannot be deceived, 22 ; kindness toward faithful, 17. 24; severity toward unfaithful, 22, 2~; strict jus- tice toward all, 17, 18, 24. (3) His treatment: Hated by men, 14; honored by God, 15. (4) His office: A King, 12; His kingdom now hid- den, 11-14; to be revealed, 15-29; His death, resurrection and ascension steps to the throne, 12; is now an absent King, 12 ; will be a coming King, 15; God's chosen King, 12-27. (5) His return: Event certain, 12; time mistaken, 11; in power, 15-27. The purpose : To reckon with His servants, 15 ; re- ward His faithful servants, 16-19; judge His unfaithful servants, 24; confound and destroy His enemies, 27. 2. Service. (i) Its relation to Christ: Power for service must be received from Christ, 13; account of service must be rendered to Christ, 15; faithful service will be rewarded by Christ, 17, 18; should engage the disciple until Christ comes, 13. (2) Its reward: At Christ's coming, 15; according to faithfulness, 17, 18; abundant, 17; commendation, 17; power, 17, 18. (3) Its character: Humble, 16; faithful, 17. (4) Its neglect: Occasioned by wrong thoughts of Christ, 21 ; guilt is great, 22 ; pun- ishment by eternal loss, 24; excuse, none, 22, 23. J. Man. His proneness to error, 11; hatred of Christ, 14; distaste for service, 20- 25 ; desire to justify himself, 21 ; inability to justify himself, 22; will- ingness to condemn Christ, 21 ; con- fusion in the presence of Christ, 22. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 231 LESSON 104. The Anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany. Matt. 26:6-16; compare Mark 14:3-9; John 11:55 to 12:11. (Luke 10:39.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 7. Jesus anointed by Mary, the sister of Lazarus, 6-13. When did the scene recorded in this les- son occur? (John 12:1.) When does it seem to have occurred according to the account in Matt. 26:1, 2? Why does Mat- thew record it in this way? Where is Je- sus in this lesson? What light is thrown upon home life and the way Christ regards it? What thoughts filled the mind of Jesus at this time? In the midst of these grave and overwhelming thoughts, what did He find time to do? What was the purpose of these days of communion with these per- sonal friends? What great event had hap- pened at Bethany before this? What was the result of that event? (John ii:4S-) Did His present visit to Bethany have any- thing to do with the faith that had been engendered in the hearts of others by the raising of Lazarus? Was Jesus in the habit of going back to places where faith had been awakened, to quicken and nour- ish and strengthen that faith? (John 4:54-) Any lesson here for us? How does the real humanity of Jesus Christ come out in this lesson? In whose house was Jesus stopping in Bethany (v. 6)? Who was Simon the leper? Who brought the most joy to the aching heart of Jesus during this visit? Why did she bring more joy to Him than any one else? How did Mary show her love? How much did this box of very precious ointment cost? Had she just bought it or bought it before and kept it for this purpose? (John 12:7.) What had Mary understood that no one else had understood? Why had Mary understood Jesus better than any one else? How much time had Mary spent in calculating the cost of the oint- ment and whether she might not better save part of her money for future needs? What characteristic of true love does this illus- trate? What proved the safer guide, Mary's uncalculating love to Jesus, or the calculating prudence of Judas and the rest of the disciples? How was Mary's act looked upon by Judas and the rest of the disciples ? Who was the ringleader in the harsh criticism? (John 12:4-6.) Why could they not understand Mary's act? If we live out true love to Jesus Christ in daily life, what may we expect? What compensation was Mary to have for the criticism of the disciples? What did the disciples call this use of the oil? What does it reveal regarding their own love to Jesus Christ, that they regarded such a use of the ointment as a "waste"? Do we ever see the same spirit today? What other use for the money expended on the ointment did they suggest? Whose money was it that they wanted to give to the poor? Who are most willing to criti- cize others for not giving their money to the poor (10-13)? How did Jesus treat the act which others criticized? What did He tell the critics regarding the poor? (Mark 14:7.) What three words in Mark 14:7 have a gentle touch of irony in them? What praise did He bestow upon Mary's act? What is the very loftiest praise that can be bestowed upon anybody's life or acts? What is all that Christ asks of any one? (2 Cor. 8:12.) What was Mary looking for when she performed this act? What did she get? How great fame did she get? What remarkable prediction did STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Jesus make regarding this act? What made this prediction remarkable? When Jesus made this prediction, did it seem at all likely that it would come true? What tes- timony is there to Christ being a prophet of God in these words? With what was Martha taken up at this supper? With what was Lazarus taken up? With what was I\Iary taken up? Of the three which most satisfied the heart of the Lord? What were the characteristics of Mary's love? With what was the house filled? (John 12:3.) With what has the whole world since been filled? What had begotten this love to Jesus in Mary's heart? (v. 12, R. V.) 2. Judas Iscariof bargains -ci'ith the chief priests to betray Jcs'us, vv. 14-16. What effect had this gentle rebuke upon Judas? How did Judas show he was cut to the heart? How did he seek to get back part of the money he had lost by Mary not putting the three hundred pieces into the bag? What did he find the priests doing when he went to them? For how much did he sell his Lord? From that time on, to what did he devote his whole thought and effort? Has he any successors? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature : Divine, 10; human, 12. (2) How He was treated: Loved by Mary of Bethany, 6-13 ; be- trayed by Judas Iscariot, 14-16; not appreciated by the disciples, 8. (3) What He did: Read hearts and thoughts of men, 10; appreciated acts of love, 10-13; com- mended the one who "did what she could," 10-13; saw through and ex- posed pretended interest in the poor of the hypocrite, II. Mary of Bethany. Understood the Lord's words when no one else did, 12; loved the Lord Je- sus with all her heart, 7-12; brought her most precious possession and poured it all upon the Lord she loved, 7; misunderstood by the dis- ciples, 8; appreciated by the Lord Himself, 10-13; won praise for her- self throughout the world, 13. Judas Iscariot. Considered anything lavished on the Lord as a "waste," 8; compare John 12:4; moved with indignation that precious gifts should be lavished on the Lord and not put in his own purse, 8, 9; compare John 12:5, 6; his hypocrisy unmasked by the Lord, 10, 11; compare John 12:5-8; be- trayed His Lord for thirty pieces of silver, 15; sought opportunity to de- liver his Lord to His enemies, 16. LESSON 105. Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem. Luke 19:29-44; compare Matt. 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; John 12:12-19. sion enter in a way that seemed to court notoriety while on former occasions He did so much to avoid it? Where do we DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The obedient disciples, vv. 29-35. What city was Jesus approaching? Had Christ entered Jerusalem before? How does this entrance differ from other en- trances? Why did Christ on this occa- see Jesus in the opening verses of the lesson? What did Jesus do at just this point? How came the colt to be there STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 233 (v. 31)? If the Lord has need of an ass or colt will it ever be lacking? If He has work for any of us to do, will the means for carrying it out ever be lacking? How did Jesus know the colt was there? Have we other exhibitions of supernatural knowl- edge in the life of Jesus? (John 1:48; Mark 14:13-16.) Wherein was the pecu- liar fitness of this colt to bear Jesus? What charge did Jesus give the two dis- ciples in regard to the colt? Were they to ask any one's permission? What right had they to take some one else's property without asking leave? (Ps. 24:1; 50:10.) Was this commission to bring a colt, seem- ingly a very important one? Was it a real test of discipleship? Where can we best show the reality of our discipleship, by going to some foreign land, or doing the little duty right at our doors? Did Jesus anticipate any protest against their taking the colt? What were they to an- swer? What did this answer imply? Are we likely to meet with questions and opposition if we go in the way the Lord bids? Suppose the Lord has need of anything we consider ours, what should we do? Has the Lord need of anything that is ours? What did Jesus expect would be the result of this answer of His disciples? How did He know? Are men always ready as this to give to the Lord what He has need of? What was the object of getting the colt? (Matt. 21 -.4, 5.) Where is this prophecy found? (Is. 62:2; Zech. 9:9.) Why did Jesus desire to fulfil this prophecy? Did the disciples fully un- derstand at the time that this was a ful- fillment of prophecy? (John 12:14-16.) What was the idea of the coming king presented by this prophecy? Why was He to ride upon an ass rather than upon a horse? Upon what did the earlier rulers of the Jews ride? (Judges 5:10; 12:14; 2 Sam. 16:2; I Kings 1:33.) Who brought in the use of horses? (i Kings 10:26, 28.) Did he do wrong in so doing? (Deut. 17:15, 16.) How did the two disciples show that they were real disciples? How can one show he is a real friend of Jesus? (John 15:14.) If one is not a friend of Jesus, what is he? (Matt. 12:30.) How was the colt saddled? What was the meaning of their putting their garments under Him? (2 Kings 9:13.) 2. The exultant multitude, vv. 36-38. How was His way prepared before Him? What was the object of that? If you had been there'would you have thrown your clothes in the way? Is there any way in which nowadays we can throw our coats and shawls in the path of Jesus? What kind of branches did they strew in the way? (John 12:13.) Is there any way in which we can strew flowers in Jesus' path? (Matt. 25:45.) To what point does Luke next take us in his story? At just this point what burst upon the view of the multitude that thronged about Jesus? What was the effect upon the multitude of that sight? Was it not very much out of place for them to so forget their dig- nity and get so excited in Christ's service (vv. 39, 40) ? Why is it we so seldom burst forth into shouts of praise and ex- ultation? Was the enthusiasm of these people backed up by a very profound ap- preciation of who He was and sturdy de- votion to Him? Is noisy and transient enthusiasm a sufficient substitute for in- telligent appreciation of Him and whole hearted devotion to Him? For what was it especially that the people rejoiced and praised God? What mighty work was uppermost in their minds at the time? (John 12:17, 18.) Was there anything bet- 234 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD ter for them to praise God for than the mighty works they had seen? When are we most likely and most ready to praise God? When ought we to praise Him? (Eph. 5:20.) If we only have that kind of praise in our hearts that praises God when we see some mighty work, what are we likely to do when we do not see these mighty works? (Compare Ex. 15:1- 21 and 15:23, 24; also Luke 19:37 and Mark 15:8-14.) What was it the people cried? How do Matthew and Mark report the cry? (Matt. 21:9; Mark 11:9, 10.) How do you account for this difference? Where had they learned this cry? (Ps. 118:26.) What was the meaning of all this outcry? (John 12:13.) Was not this a strange procession for a king? What sort of a procession might He have had? (Rev. 19:14.) What was the meaning of the last part of their cry? (Col. 1:20; Eph. 3:10, R. V.) J. The indignant Pharisees, vv. 39, 40. Was the exultation very widespread? (v. 37, "whole multitude".) Were there any who did not share in it? Why not? How did their hatred toward Jesus show itself? Why is it then many people now- adays criticise the fervid demonstrations of some in their religious enthusiasm? In whose footsteps are those following who seek to repress fervor in devotion to Christ? Was Jesus displeased with these demonstrations of gladness? 4. The weeping Saviour, vv. 41-44. Amidst this universal joy who was sad? Was this grief silent? Is not crying a sign of weakness? What made Him weep? Who was responsible for the awful doom that awaited the city? From whom was that doom to come? (Matt. 22:7.) What two attributes of God are illustrated in this weeping of Jesus over judgments He Himself was to send? (Compare Is. 63:9.) Can Jesus save men if they will not be saved? (Matt. 23:37, 38; John 5:40.) If He could not save them, what could He and did He do? When Christ's efforts fail today and the sinner goes madly on to eternal self-ruin, what does He do? (Heb. 13:8.) Who else wept over the determined sinfulness and consequent ruin of His people? (Jer. 9:1; 13:27; Ro. 9:2, 3.) If we were more like Jesus what would we do as we see people around us going on madly in sin to eternal ruin? Why do we not weep over them? Does this weeping of Jesus reveal His divinity, or His humanity? What wish did He ex- press for the people? What is meart by "things which belong unto peace"? What were "the things which belong unto peace"? (Luke 1:78, 79; Acts 10:36; Ro. 5:1.) Why had they not known them? (Matt. 13:14, 15; Acts 28:25-27; 2 Cor. 4:3, 4; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; Ro. 11:7-11.) When was it they should have known the things that belonged unto their peace? What is taught by the insertion of this clause "In this thy day" in this wish expressed by Christ? When must God be sought? (Is. 55:6.) What would be the result of Jeru- salem's not knowing the things that be- longed unto her peace? Of what, then, was the destruction of Jerusalem the re- sult? What will be the result for us if "in this day" of our opportunity we do not know the things which belong unto our peace? (2 Thess. 1:7-9.) Was this prophecy of Christ fulfilled? How minute- ly? Of what have we a proof in this? Was this the first prophecy of this de- struction? (Deut. 28:49-58; Dan. 9:26; Mic. 3:12.) What was the cause of all this terrific ruin? What does that mean' Why are men lost now? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 235 CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus. 1. His person: Divine, 30, 44; human, 31, 41. 2. His offices: Prophet, 40-44; priest, 38, compare Col. 1:20; king, 30-37; Zech. 9:9, 10; character of His reign, peaceful, 30-35; Zech. 9:9, 10; extent of His sway, universal, Zech. 9:9, 10; Sav- iour — "having salvation", Zech. 9:9, 10; Lord — owns all things, 30, com- pare Ps. 26:1; 50:10. 3. His character: Meekness and humility, Zech. 9:9; righteousness, Zech. 9 19 ; compassion, 41 ; sternness, 42-44- 4. What to do with Him: To accept Him brings peace, 42; to reject Him brings doom, 43-44- 2. Man. Transientness of his religious fervor, 37-38; unreliability of his support, 38, compare Mark 15:11-15; blind- ness to opportunity, 42, 44 ; hatred of Jesus, 39 ; impending doom, 43, 44. The duty of disciples of Jesus Christ. 1. Toward God: To recognize Him in His works, 37; to praise Him heartily, jubilantly, demonstratively, continuously, 37, 38; to exult in Him, 38. 2. Toward Jesus Christ: To do exactly as He bids, 30-32, 35; perform the seemingly humble and insignificant duties He commands, 30-32; go on His errands, no mat- ter what opposition is likely to be met, 31 ; yield to His use what- ever He asks or needs, 31 ; use their very garments to glorify Him, 35, 2,6; ask no questions but believe that everything will turn out just as He says, 30-32. 3. Toward the impenitent: Pity them, 41 ; weep over them, 41 ; warn them, 42, 44. . Scripture. Its certainty, 35, compare Zech. 9:9, 10; exactness, 35, compare Zech. 9 R. V. and v. 32; power to give dis- cernment. 38; power to inspire praise, 38. LESSON 106. The Cursing of the Barren Fig Tree, and Second Cleansing of the Temple. Mark 11:12-26; compare Matt. 21:12-22; Luke 19:45-48; 21:37, 38. morning meal? How does this miracle differ from the other miracles of our Lord? Just after what was this miracle of judg- ment performed? (Mark 11:1-10.) Was its purpose simply to express Christ's dis- pleasure at the fig tree, or was there in it a lesson for those for whom that fig tree stood as a type? (Luke 13:6-9; Matt. 21: 33-43 ; note the connection of this parable with the miracle in vv. 19-21 ; Is. 5 :4-7-_) What right had Jesus to suppose that this DISCOX'ERY OF THE FACTS. I. Fruitlcssness punished, vv. 12-14. Where is the scene of this lesson laid? What was the time of day? (Matt. 21:17, 18.) Why was Jesus hungry? Were not the people of Bethany able and willing to give Him sufficient food? (John 12:1, 2; compare Mark i:35)- May it have been that Jesus was so eager to get to the work that called Him to Jerusalem that He would not wait for the preparation of the 236 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD particular fig tree had figs upon it, though the time for the general fig harvest had not yet come? What right had Christ to expect fruit from Israel though the season for the world's fruitage was yet remote? Is the lesson of the miracle then merely a warning against fruitlessness, or a warning against fruitlessness where there is an op- portunity for early fruitage and the out- ward promise and profession of it? If the lesson of it in that day was especially for Israel with their peculiar privileges as contrasted with the nations at large, for whom is the lesson especially today? Did Jesus really expect to find figs on that tree (the incident thus being an illus- tration of the perfect humanity of Christ and the self-limitation of His divine om- niscience), or does the 13th verse merely imply that Jesus went near to see if the tree bore out in fruit the promise of its profession in leaves, knowing from the first that it did not, and intending to teach the disciples the valuable lesson of this para- boHc miracle? When Jesus came to the tree what did He find? For what do leaves stand in a fig tree? Is it only in Israel that Christ finds "nothing but leaves" ? What did Jesus say? What will Jesus soon say of the professed Christian who has the outward show of fruitage but upon whom at His coming He finds "nothing but leaves"? (Matt. 3:10; 7:19; John 15:6; Heb. 6:7, 8.) Had Jesus any right to de- stroy some one's else property in this way? (Ps. 24:1; 50:10, 12.) 2. Greed and the defilement of God's temple rebuked, vv. 15-19. Where do we see Jesus next exercising His kingly authority? What did Jesus find in the temple that displeased Him? Why was Jesus displeased? Does He ever find anything in the churches today to awaken a similar displeasure? Were the Jewish authorities probably sensible that in bring- mg their selfish and oppressive traffic in cattle, doves and coin, with its din and dirt, into "the court of the Gentiles," they were guilty of any iniquity? What was it blind- ed them to that fact? Are "religious peo- ple" ever similarly blinded by self-interest today? How alone can we in our self- judgments escape the blinding influence of self-interest upon our consciences? (Ps. 139:23, 24; Jer. 17:9, 10.) What sort of things were they that these dealers were selling? (Compare John 2:14.) For what purposes were these things used? Was there more or less excuse for selling such things than the things often sold in the house of God today? How did Jesus manifest His displeasure? Had He the sympathy of the ecclesiastical authori- ties? Why then did not some one stop Him? In rebuking them of what did He make use? Of what expression did He make use? (Compare Luke 19:46; Matt 21:13.) Is this expression used often in the New Testament? Did Jesus and the apostles use it as if it were a conclusive argument? Ought it to settle a question for us when we can say: "It is written"? Does it with all professing Christians? What did Jesus say was written? Where was it written? (Is. 56:7.) From what place did the remainder of the rebuke come? (Jer. 7:11.) What are we to learn from the fact that the one public dis- play of Christ's kingly authority was to cleanse the temple? Had Jesus ever before this driven the money makers out of God's house? (John 2:13-16.) Why had the reformation proved so short-lived? Does the fact that a reformation is short-lived prove that it is not from God? What was Christ's purpose in driving the money makers out at the beginning and close of His ministry? In the first instance STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 237 when He drove them out what did He say they had made of His Father's house? (John 2:16.) In the second instance what did He say they had made of it? Why the stronger language in the second place? Whose house did He call it in the first in- stance? Whose house did He call it in the second instance? What is taught by that? What was the effect of Jesus' action upon the ecclesiastical authorities? Why were they so enraged? To what extent were they willing to go in their hatred? What held them back from their murderous de- signs? (Compare Luke 19:41. 48.) Did Christ's popularity with the people last? Is popular favor a safe thing to rely upon? Were all these people who were "aston- ished at His doctrine" and "were very at- tentive to hear Him" (Luke) saved? What did some of them afterwards become? How many of those who "were very attentive to hear Him" were saved? (John 5:24.) Was Jesus anything daunted by the fierce hatred of the scribes and chief priests? (Luke 19:47.) Why did Jesus leave the city each day at evening? (Mark 1:35; John 18:2.) 3. The pozver of faith, vv. 20-26. What was the effect of Christ's words upon the fig tree? What did the disciples think of that when they saw it? (Matt. 21 :20.) What was the first thing Jesus said in answer to their astonishment? Does it pay to "have faith in God"? (2 Chron. 20:20; Is. 7:9; John 14:1; Heb. 11.) How can we get faith in God? (Ro. 10:17.) What reason did Jesus give them in this connection for having faith in God? What did Jesus say faith could do? Has faith ever moved mountains? Is there anything better than a faith that can move moun- tains? (i Cor. 13:2.) How much is pos- sible to faith? (Mark 9:23.) Why has faith such power? (Matt. 19:26.) How firm must one's faith be to remove moun- tains (v. 22,) ? Why is it then that oftentimes we do not accomplish what we attempt? (Matt, 17:19, 20.) What must we do if we really desire to have the things we pray for? What change does the Revised Version make in the statement of this con- dition? How can we believe that we "have received" the things we pray for? (i John 5:14, 15.) How many things that we pray for in this way shall we get? How firm must our faith be? (James 1:5-7.) Why is it then we fail to get many of the things we ask for? What other conditions of prevailing prayer are mentioned elsewhere? (John 14:13; 15:7; I John 3:22; Luke 18:1-8; I John 5:14, 15.) Can these con- ditions be separated from one another or does each really involve the rest? Does it pay to have faith in God? What hindrance to prayer does Jesus expose in v. 25? Why will not our heavenly Father answer our prayers if we cherish any ill-will in our heart toward those who have trespassed against us? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus. His divinity: "My house," 17; humanity: seen in His hunger, 12; seen in the self-limita- tion of His omniscience, 13; consum- ing zeal for His work; hurried away without His needed breakfast at the call of work or prayer, 12; unrelent- ing sternness; toward those who pol- luted God's house with their greed, 15; toward fruitless profession, 13, 14; unvarnished plainness of speech, 17; unceasing prayerfulness, 19; compare John 18:2; irresistible au- thority, IS, 16; undaunted courage, 15-18; constant appeal to the written word, 17; tender regard for God's house, IS, 16; compare John 2:13-17- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 2. The Hg tree. It had leaves, 13; had "nothing but leaves," 13; Jesus saw, investigated and found empty its promise of fruit- fulness, 13 ; was cursed, 21 ; was doomed to perpetual fruitlessness, 14; withered away at the roots, 20. 3. Faith. The object of faith: God, 22. The reason of faith : Christ commands it, 22. The power of faith: Can accomplish anything it attempts, 23; can get whatever it asks, 24. The measure of faith: "Shall not doubt," 23. The time for faith : Now, 22. 4. Prayer. (i) To whom to pray: The Father, 24, 25. (2) Who can pray so as to get what they ask: Those who obey God, 24, 25 ; who have faith and do not doubt in their hearts, 23, 24; who forgive those who trespass against them, 25, 26; who bear fruit, 20, 23 ; compare John 15:16. (3) How to pray: In faith, believing that ye have received the things that ye ask, 24; with a forgiving spirit, 25, 26. 5. The Chief Priests and the Scribes. The transientness of their reformation, 15; compare John 2:15, 16; their in- creasing wickedness — first time they made God's house "a house of mer- chandise," John 2:16; second time they "made it a den of robbers," 17; their stinging rebuke from Jesus, 15-18; feared Jesus, 18; hated Jesus even unto death, 18. LESSON 107. The Parable of the Two Sons and the Unfaithful Husbandmen. Matt. 21:23-46. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. By zvhat authority docst tlioti these things, vv. 23-27. What two questions did the Jewish rulers put to Jesus? Did Jesus directly answer the questions? Why not? How did Jesus answer the questions? Why did Jesus ask these questions? Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? (John i :33-) By what authority did Jesus do the things He did? (John 12:49.) In what dilemma did the Jewish rulers find themselves? What answer did they give to Jesus' ques- tion? What did this answer show in re- gard to their right to ask the question that they had put to Jesus in v. 23? What did Jesus say to them (v. 27) ? Wherein lay the appropriateness of these words of Je- sus? 2. Disobedient professors and penitent sinners, vv. 28-32. What gave Jesus occasion to speak the two parables of this lesson (v. 23) ? To whom was the first of the two parables spoken (vv. 23, 31, 2i^) ? Who does the Father in the parable represent? Who are represented by the two sons? To what two classes in our day may the parable be legit- imately applied? What parable in Luke is in some respects closely akin to this ? Was STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 239 this parable, or that in Luke 15, intended to teach "the Universal Fatherhood" of God? (John 8:42, 44; i John 3:10; John 1:12; Eph. 2:3.) What was the Father's command? What comes before work? If then we would work what must we do? "Go" where F Where was the work to be done? When was it to be done? What did the first son answer? What did he do afterward? What do we see from this that repentance consists in? Who is rep- resented by this son? Will God accept the man who at first positively refuses to do His bidding and afterwards repents and obeys? (Acts 2:37, 38; Is. 55:7; Deut. 4:28-31; 2 Chron. 33:10-13; Ez. 18:27, 28; Jonah 3:8-10; Luke 15:17, 18, 20.) How great a sinner is God willing to accept and pardon if he repents? (2 Peter 3:9; Is. 1:16-19; 55:7.) What did the second son say? What did he do? Who does that represent? (c. 23:23; Ez. 33:31; Ro. 2:17-25; Titus 1:16.) Have we any such persons nowadays? Who is it does the will of God and pleases Him— the one who promises to do and does not or the one who refuses and after- wards repents and obeys? What applica- tion did Jesus make of His parable? Will the despised and degraded of today in many instances "go into the kingdom of God before" the respectable religious pro- fessor? Why were the publicans and har- lots to "go into the kingdom of God be- fore" the chief priests and elders? Are the outcasts nowadays ever more ready to believe God's word as spoken by His messengers than the moral and religious? What was it then led the publicans and harlots to repentance and salvation? What effect might we naturally suppose the re- pentance of the publicans and harlots would have upon the chief priests and the elders? Did it have that effect? What was the consequence (v. 31)? J. God's long suffering goodness, vv. jj- 39- To whom was the second parable spoken? (Luke 20:9.) How did Jesus preface this parable? Why in this manner? What sug- gested the form of the parable? (Ps. 80:8-11; Is. 5:1, 2; Jer. 2:21.) How prin- cipally does the parable here differ from these Old Testament parables? (Compare Is. 5:7 and v. 43.) Who does the house- holder represent? What is meant by his digging a winepress, etc.? (Is. 5:4.) Are we to take each of these details as having some special significance in and of itself? (Eph. 2:14.) When God has fully equipped his vineyard what is He represented as doing? Who are the husbandmen (v. 43) ? What is meant by God's letting out His vineyard to them? To whom is it let out today? (i Peter 4:10.) Did these husband- men own the vineyard? Do we? What was the proprietor's next move? What is that meant to teach? What similar teach- ing have we in regard to Christ? (Matt. 25:14, 15; Mark 13:34; Luke 19:12.) Did the absence of the proprietor lessen his ownership of the vineyard in any way or the responsibility of the husbandmen? Does Christ's absence in any way lessen our responsibility to Him? What was the proprietor's next step? Was that reason- able? Who were these servants? (2 Chron. 36:15, 16; Jer. 25:4.) What were the fruits demanded? (2 Kings 17:13; Zech. 7:8-10.) Who are the servants God sends ro the present husbandmen? What are the fruits they demand? How were the servants used? Was this historically true of Israel's treatment of their prophets? (c. 5:12; 2 Chron. 36:16; 24:20, 21; 16:7, 10; Jer. 240 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 26:21-24; Acts 7:52; Neh. 9:26; I Kings 18:4, 13; 19:2, 10; 22:26, 27.) What light does this treatment of their prophets by Is- rael throw upon the theory that these prophets were not God-inspired men but simply the product of the Israelitish natural character and genius? What use of this singular treatment of their prophets by Is- rael did the early Christian teachers make? (Acts 7:51, 52.) Is it strange that such a people should reject their anointed King when He came? Does the world use godly men in the same way today? (2 Tim. 3:12.) Why? (John 15:19; I7:i4; y-.y; Ro. 8:7.) What was the last resource of the householder to secure his due? How did this messenger differ from all others? What does this teach us in regard to the difference between Jesus and the greatest of the prophets? In what book in the Bible is this distinc- tion especially emphasized? (Heb. i :i, 2, 5; 3:5, 6.) What does Mark add as to the character of this Son? (Mark 12:6.) What did he say about sending the Son? Are we to understand from this that God did not really know how the Son would be used? (Acts 2:22, 23.) What do these words mean? Do we find similar forms of expression elsewhere in the Bible? (Jer. 36:3; Zeph. 3:7.) What was -the actual reception which the Son received? Are we to understand from this that the Jews and their leaders clearly recognized in Christ the Messiah and deliberately planned to get His Kingdom from Him? (Luke 23:34; Acts 3:17; I Cor. 2:8.) Did they recog- nize in Jesus a superior being at all? (John 11:47.) What was their excuse then for putting Him out of the way?' (John 11 :48- 50.) What then was their object in killing Him? Did the secret conviction which they were unwilling to admit even to themselves make them any more kindly in their feel- ing toward Jesus? Who is the bitterest kind of an infidel ? Did they actually carry their plot into execution? Is there any way in which we can have a part in this appalhng treatment of God's Son? 4. God's relentless severity toward those zvho despise His goodness, vv. 40-46. With what searching question did Jesus just then turn upon His hearers? What other question in the Bible does this sug- gest? (Heb. 10:28, 29.) What did they answer? Whose doom did they thereby declare? Is this doom of Israel for the re- jection of Christ spoken of elsewhere? (22:6, 7; 23:35-38; 24:21, 22.) When was this doom executed? (Luke 19:41-44.) Is there a similar doom awaiting those who now reject Christ? (Heb. 12:25.) What is to be done with the kingdom when these husbandmen are destro3^ed? What nation is this' (Acts 15:15; I Peter 2:9; Rev. 5:9) How did Jesus confirm this teaching? Where is this Scripture found? (Ps. 118:22.) Who is the rejected stone? (Is. 28:16; iPeter2:6, 7; Acts 4 : 11 ; Eph. 2 :20; I Cor. 3:11.) Who were the bungling builders? Who made the rejected stone the head of the corner? Does it ever hap- pen now that the stone man rejects, God gives a place in His building? (i Cor. 1 :26, 27.) What is the application Christ makes of His own parables? What fate does He say will overtake those who fall on this stone? Those upon whom it falls? What two classes are here indicated? Had there been any prophecy of this in the Old Testament? (Ps. 2:12, 9; 110:5, 6; Dan. 2:34, 35, 44, 45; Is. 8:14. 15.) Did the Scribes and Pharisees know whom Jesus meant? What eft'ect had it upon them? What restrained them? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 241 CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God. Does everything for His kingdom necessary for its fruitfulness, 22i', compare Is. s :4 ; entrusts cultivation of His kingdom to men, 2>2>', expects those to whom He entrusts the king- dom to repay Him v^rith the fruits thereof, 34; sends His messengers to receive the fruits, 34. Bears long with the rebellious: sends servant after servant, 35, 36; at last sends His own Son, ^j; pardons the rebel- lious when they repent, 31 ; admits the rebellious, when they repent, into His kingdom, 31. Deals in relentless severity with those who persistently despise His good- ness, 40-44; takes the kingdom from them, 43; miserably destroys them, 35-41; compare Luke 20:15, 16. Gives the kingdom to others, 43. God's command to His sons: "Go," 28, 30; "Work," 28, 30; "Today," 28, 30; "In my vineyard," 28, 30. 2. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature: Divine — while all the prophets were merely bondservants (34 R. V. mar- gin) He was a Son, 37. (2) His characteristics: Obedience, 37, 38; subordination to the Father, 37; calmness, 25-46; hero- ism, 28-46; skill as a teacher, 40, 4i- (3) His inheritance: God's kingdom, 38. (4) His first mission: To Israel, 37. (5) His position: The head of the corner, 42. (6) How He was treated: Hated by the chief priests and Phari- sees, 45, 46 ; honored as a prophet by the multitudes, 46; rejected by the Jewish builders, 42 ; made the head of the corner by the Lord, 42; cast out and killed, 39. (7) His authority for His doctrine: God's Word, 42. (8) The consequences of rejecting Him: The rejection of Him the final and damning sin, 39-41 ; he that falleth on Him is broken to pieces, 44, R. V. ; the one on whom He falls scat- tered as dust, 44, R. V. ; He is the foundation stone upon which we may build to heaven or the stumbling stone over which we may stumble into hell, 42, 44. What will you do with Jesus? J. The kingdom of God. God has provided everything needful for its cultivation and fruitage, 33 ; its cultivation entrusted to men, 33; first entrusted to Israel, 43; taken from Israel because of their unfaith- fulness, 43 ; given to a nation bring- ing forth the fruits thereof, 43; en- trance secured by true repentance, 29-31 ; entered by repentant publicans and harlots rather than by Pharisees who profess but do not, 31, 32. 4. Israel. Highly and exceptionally favored of God, 33-37; entrusted with the care of His vineyard, 33; God's servants sent to them to receive His fruits, 34; His Son sent to them, 37; re- jected the stone which God made the head of the corner, 42; misused God's messengers, 35, 36; murdered God's Son, 39; the kingdom taken from them and given unto others, 43 ; destroyed for rejecting the Son of God, 41. 242 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 5. Repentance. (i) What it is: Such sorrow for sin as leads one to forsake it, 29 (see Greek). (2) What it comes from : Believing God's Word, 32. (3) How it manifests itself: In doing what God bids, 29. (4) How it is rewarded : By entrance into God's kingdom, 31. 6. The sinner's three steps into the king- dom. Believing, 32; repenting, 29; obeying, 29. LESSON 108. The Parable of the Marriage Feast of the King's Son. Matthew 22:1-14. joy in Christ? (John 5:40.) Why are there any today who do not find pardon, peace and life in Jesus? Do all men want to go to God's heaven? Have men usually been ready to accept God's invitation of mercy? (Prov. 1:24; Is. 65:2, 12; 66:4; Jer. 6:16; Ps. 81:10, 11; Ro. 10:21; Matt. 23:37-) Why is it men thus treat God's invitation? (Jer. 17:9; 2 Cor. 4:4.) Did the king stop at this first invitation? To what in the preceding parable does this repetition of the invitation correspond? (21:36.) Which sets forth the forbearance of God in the more wonderful light, that He repeats the neglected demand for His fruits, or that He repeats the neglected in- vitation to His feast? Which refusal in- volves the greater guilt, that of the de- mands of justice or that of the offers of mercj'? Is the sin of rejection since the cross and resurrection as great as that of His contemporaries before the cross and DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. God's invitation disregarded and de- spised, vv. 1-7. WTio is the speaker in this lesson? To whom was He speaking? What was their state of mind? (21 :46.) In what form does He put His teaching? Why did He choose this method of teaching at this time? How is this parable like the one which immedi- ately precedes? How does it differ? Why is it said "Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables" ? To what is the kingdom compared? What are the central truths about the kingdom wbich Jesus wishes to bring out by comparing it to a marriage feast? Is this idea of marriage as expressing Christ's relation to His peo- ple found elsewhere in the Bible? (2 Cor. II :2; Eph. 5:24-32; John 3:29, etc.) What is the king represented as doing in v. 3? Who were those who had been bidden? By whom had they been bidden? Who were the servants whom the king sent forth to call them? (c. 3:1, 2; 10:6, 7.) Was it customary to send a call to those already invited? What would naturally be expected when this call came? Are the people of the East as likely to accept a call of this kind as we are? Was the invitation ac- cepted in this case? Why were these people shut out of the feast? Why did not the Jews find life and resurrection? To whom was the invitation? Is it worth considering? (Rev. 19:9-) How was this second invitation received? Is the invitation ever so received now? Why did they make light of it? Why do men today leave the invitation unheeded? (c. 13:22.) How would such treatment of a royal invitation have been regarded by a king? How does God regard this treatment of His invitation? (Heb. 10:28, 29.) Did any go further than simply neglecting the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 24c invitation? Was this historically true of the Jewish treatment of God's servants who came to invite them to His feast? (Acts 4:1-3; 7 '54, 59- ) Is God's invitation ever received that way nowadays? Why this ex- traordinary treatment of an invitation of mercy? What were the king's feelings? What does that teach us about God? How did the king display his anger? Of what historical event is this a prediction? (Luke 19:42-44; 21:20-22.) What then was the cause of the destruction of Jerusalem? Had this been predicted in the Old Testament? (Dan. 9:26; Micah 3:12.) 2. God's invitation accepted, vv. 8-10. What was the next step on the part of the king? What was the king's judgment in regard to those first called? What makes one worthy? (Luke 18:14, 15; Rev. 22:14.) When one rejects the invitation what does he in effect do? (Acts 13:46.) Were the servants merely to bid those in the highways to come? What duty does this lay on the church ? How many were they to bid? To whom are we to give the gospel invitation? (]\Iark 16:15.) To whom is the Gospel invitation? (Rev. 22:17.) What did the servants do? How many were gathered together? Who are mentioned first? If the church in its work puts either good or bad first, which should it be? Have Christ's servants always been as true to their commission aS they are represented as being here? Is there room in the kingdom for those who have been very bad? (i Cor. 6:10, 11.) Shall God's marriage feast be unprovided with guests? Of whom will they be composed? (Rev. 7:13, 14. ) .?. The unprepared guests, vv. 11-14. When the guests had arrived what is the next step in the story? What does the Re- vised Version in v. 11 substitute for "see"? Why this change? What strange sight greeted his eyes ? Of what is the wedding garment a figure? (Is. 61 :io; Rev. 19:7, 8; Ps. 132:9; Eph. 4:24; Rom. 13:14.) Is it our own righteousness we are to appear in? (Is. 64:6; Zech. 3:3, 4; Phil. 3:9.) From whom does this robe come? (Luke 15:22.) How do we get it? (Ro. 3:22.) When have we it on? (Ro. 13:12-14; 2 Cor. 13:5-) How many is the king mentioned as seeing wathout a wedding garment? Why only one mentioned? Had this one in his heart really accepted the invitation to the wedding feast? If one really accepts God's invitation to heaven what will he do? What really was his neglect to make ready? If we out- wardly accept God's invitation and do not make ready what do we do? How was this foolish guest brought to his senses? How will all those who are unprepared for the marriage supper be brought to their senses? Had he any excuse to offer? Have we any excuse for going to God's feast with- out preparation? What became of this un- prepared guest? What lesson in that for us? On what ground was he cast out? Does this outer darkness stand for anything real? What is Jesus' summing up of the teaching of the whole parable? Does he really mean it ? Who are the called ? Who are the chosen? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. The kingdom of heaven. (i) Its character: A place of festal joy — a marriage feast, 2, R. v.; a full place— "filled with guests," 10, R. V. (2) The invitation: First to the Jew, 3-6; afterward the Gentile, 9; to bad and good, 10; to all, 9; disregarded by some, 3; treated with contempt by others, 5; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LO:iD hated by others, 6; accepted bj^ a multitude, lo. (3) The necessary preparation: Accepting the invitation, 4-6; putting on the wedding garment, 11-13. (4) Worthiness : Consists of a hearty acceptance of the invitation, 8, 11-13. (5) What is outside the kingdom: Darkness, 13; weeping, 13; gnashing of teeth, 13; bondage, 13. God. (i) His Grace: Makes a marriage feast for His Son, 2 ; bids guests, 3 ; calls those who were bidden, 3; will have a full table though many refuse, 9; extends His invitation to all, 9. (2) His long-suffering mercy: Repeats invitation of love even to those who refuse it, 4. (3) His watchfulness: Carefully observes guests who come, II. (4) His severity: Is wroth with those who despise His long-suffering and misuse His mes- sengers, 7; calls unprepared guest to account, 12; orders unprepared guest be cast into outer darkness, 13; destroys murderers of His messen- gers, 7. (S) His command to His servants: "Go ye therefore to the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast," 9, R. V. The man zclw had not on the zvedding garment. Was invited, 9; heard the invitation, 11; outwardly and seemingly accepted invitation, 11; neglected necessary preparation, 11-13; unpreparedness seen by God, 11, 12; was called to account, 12; was speechless, 12; was cast out "into the outer dark- ness," 13. Man. Refuses God's invitations, 4, 5; makes light of God's long-suffering grace, 6; misuses God's messengers, 6; will not come, 3; compare Jer. 17:9; 2 Cor. 4:4; Ro. 8:7. LESSON 109. Christ's Teaching Concerning Civil Government DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The Pharisees and Herodians conspir- ing against Christ, vv. i^-ij. Who were the Pharisees? Who were the Matthew 22:15-22. Herodians? Were they friends to one an- other? What had they in common? Was this the first occasion upon which these two parties conspired together against the ob- ject of their common hate? (Mark 3:6.) What does the fact of these two hostile parties plotting together show the character of their hatred to have been? What did they attempt to do? Is that ever attempted nowadays? Is there much chance of suc- ceeding in the attempt? Who were the ones who were "entangled" before this con- versation was over? If one attempts to- day to make a tangle out of the words of Christ who is most likely to get entangled? When Jesus Christ had controversies with men who always came out ahead? Will it always be so? Is it best then to have any controversies with Him? What is it best to do with Him and His words? Did Jesus escape the hatred and plots of men STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 245 and strife of tongues by His wisdom and goodness? Will any amount of goodness and wisdom on our part enable us to escape the hatred and plots of men? (John 15:18-20.) Was it an occasion of any grief to Jesus that He was obliged to suffer this contradiction of sinners against Himself? (Ps. 69:3, 4, 19, 20.) Of what was this "counsel" which they took against Jesus a partial fulfillment? (Ps. 2:2.) Which involves the greater guilt, the sin committed in haste and thoughtlessness, or that which, like this, is deliberate and planned? (Compare Micah 2:1.) What was the plan they hit upon to carry out their nefarious purposes? Was the plot skillfully laid? How did they open their conversation? What does this show them to have been? Are such tactics em- ployed nowadays? What shall we say of the one who employs them? (Ps. 5:9, 10.) Were they telling the truth in saying, "Thou art true" ? ( i John 5 :2o ; John 14 :6. ) Were they telling the truth in saying : "Thou teachest the way of God in truth"? Were they telling the truth in saying : "Thou re- gardest not the person of men"? (Gal. 2: 6; Jas. 2:1.) Should we regard the person of men or shape our teaching or words to please them? (Gal 1:10; i Thess. 2:4.) H all these statements about Jesus Christ were true what was there out of the way in their making them? Is it true that "the Devil never lies so foully as when he tells the truth"? While calling Him "Master" and lauding Him so abundantly, what were they trying to prove Him and do with Him ? Are there any today who speak in great praise of Jesus while in fact they are try- ing to prove Him an imposter and do away with His authority? What question did these plotters put to Jesus? If Jesus an- swered "No" to this question, whose enmity would He incur and so bring ruin upon His own head? (Luke 23:1, 2.) If He an- swered "Yes," whose enmity would He in- cur? Did it not seem as if these wily flat- terers had Jesus in a corner? Did He find any difficulty in escaping the horns of the dilemma on one of which they expected to impale Him? In whose discomfiture will every attempt to contend with Him result? Where might these Jews have found a di- rect answer to this question whether it was lawful to pay tribute to a king by whom they had been subjected? (Jer. 27:12, 13.) 2. The Pharisees and Hcrodians con- founded by Jesus, vv. 18-22. Did Jesus see the snare? Did Jesus see anything besides the snare? (Compare Rev. 2:23; John 2:25; Mark 2:8; Luke 9:47; 20:23; Mark 12:15.) Can tfie hypocrite put on any mask that Jesus cannot see through? What did He call them? Was that courteous? Of what recent statement of their own did He prove the truth by this utterance? What question did He put to them? Do all hypocrites tempt Christ? Is it serious business to tempt Him? (i Cor. 10:9.) How did He answer the main ques- tion? What was the point of this answer? By accepting and carrying the coinage of the Roman empire what else did they ac- cept? By accepting the Roman govern- ment what responsibility did they accept? They had asked if they should ''give trib- ute unto Caesar"; what verb did He use in answering them? What does "render" mean? (See Luke 4:20; 9:42, where same word is used in the Greek.) Paying trib- ute, then, was simply what? What did Jesus teach we are to pay back unto Caesar? What are the things that rightly belong to Caesar or the civil government? (Ro. 13: 1-7; I Peter 2:13-17.) 246 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD What limitation of the duty of obedience to civil rulers did Jesus state? (Compare Acts 4:19; 5:29; Dan. 3:16-18; 6:10.) What were they to render to God? Is it as important to "render unto God the things that are God's" as to render unto Caesar or any other man the things that are his? What are the things that are rightfully God's? (Matt. 22:37; 4:10; Mai. 1:6-8; 3: 8-10; John 14:1; Dan. 6:23.) By what had Jesus proved that the tribute money right- fully belonged to Caesar (v. 20) ? Whose image is upon us? (Gen. 1:27; 9:6; Jas. 3:9.) To whom then do we rightfully be- long? If then we do not pay ourselves back to God what are we doing? (Mai. 3: 8.) Are you rendering unto God the things which are God's? What was the effect of Jesus' answer upon His questioners? (Com- pare vv. 33, 46.) What did they do as they marveled? What would have been the proper sequel of marveling? Does marvel- ing at Jesus even nowadays always lead to following Jesus? Do you marvel at Him? Do you follow Him or leave Him? Are there many in whose eyes Christ is marvel- ous and yet not "precious"? Is it possible for us to discomfit our enemies as Jesus did His? (Luke 21:15; Acts 6:10.) Where is it said the Pharisees went? Whither did "their way" lead? (Prov. 14:12.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus. (i) What He was: True, 16; divine, 18; compare Rev. 2: 23 and 2 Chron. 6:30; an object of bitter hatred, 15-18; an object of man's cunning and unscrupulous plots, 15-18; marveled at even by His enemies, 22. (2) What He did: Taught the way of God in truth, 16; knew men's hearts, 18; penetrated men's plots, 18; exposed their wick- edness and hypocrisy, 18; rebuked their wickedness in plainest and most scathing language, 18; skillfully es- caped the most cunningly devised snare, 17-21 ; confounded His ene- mies, 17-21 ; forced His enemies to condemn themselves, 17-21. (3) What He did not : Care for any man's favor, 16; regard any man's person, 16 ; fall a prey to any man's cunning, 16-21. 2. The Pharisees. (i) Their hatred of Christ: Took counsel against Him, 15; tried to ensnare Him, 15; deliberately plotted His death, 15-17; conspired with their own enemies in order to destroy Him, 16. (2) Their cunning, 17. (3) Their hypocrisy : Praised Him with their lips while plot- ting His ruin in their hearts, 16; asked His advice while only desiring His destruction, 17. (4) Their discomfiture : Their hypocrisy unmasked, 18; their wickedness rebuked, 18 ; their plot up- set, 19-21 ; themselves convicted and confounded, 19-22. (5) Their folly: Marveled at Jesus but did not follow Him, 22. (6) Their ruin : They "went their way," 22, compare Prov. 14:12. J. Man's duty. Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, 21 ; render unto God the things which are God's, 21. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 247 LESSON 110. The Pharisees and Sadducees Questioning Christ and Christ Questioning the Pharisees. Matthew 22:23-46. Compare Mark 12:18-37; Luke 20:20-44. What was his purpose? (Compare Alark DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 1. The Sadducees' question, vv. 23-33- Who already on this day had been seek- ing to entrap Jesus (vv. 15, 16) ? Who now seek to entrap Him? Who were the Sadducees? (v. 23; compare Acts 23:8.) Were they a powerful party in the Jewish church in the time of Christ? (Acts 4:1, 2, 5, 17.) What question did they put to the Saviour? What was the object of the question? Did the question perplex Jesus at all? What did He tell them they were doing (v. 29) ? What did He say was the source of their error (v. 29) ? How much error comes from ignorance of, or unbelief in, tlie Scriptures? (Compare Luke 24:25- 27, 44-46; 2 Tim. 3:13-16.) How much error comes from ignorance of the power of God? By what statement about the res- urrection life did Jesus sweep away all their sophistry? What two things does v. 30 teach us about our life after the resur- rection? Of what particular scripture had the Sadducees been ignorant? (vv. 31, 32; compare Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37.) How did the passage cited prove the resurrec- tion ? What v.-as the effect of Jesus' answer upon the multitude? 2. The Pharisees' question, vv. 34-40. With whom had Jesus been discussing up to this point? What had been the result of the discussion between Jesus and the Sad- ducees ? What had been the purpose of both Pharisees and Herodians in asking Jesus questions? (Compare Luke 20:20.) What had been the purpose of the Sadducees? What had been the outcome in each case (35)? Who was the present questioner? 12:32-34.) Was he an honest seeker after light? How did he show his good sense in his quest after light. What was his ques- tion (36) ? Was this question a proper one ? Are some matters of the law weight- ier than others? (Matt. 23:23.) Will one who really loves God seek to know and do only the weightier duties? What will he seek to know and do? What kind of an answer did Jesus give to this man's ques- tion? Did Jesus treat all questions in this way? (Compare Luke 13:23, 24; John 21: 21, 22; Acts 1:6, 7.) What determined Jesus' treatment of a question? What was Jesus' answer? Which commandment did He say this was (38) ? Whose rights are the supreme rights? How do the rights of the whole human race put together compare with the rights of God? Why are the rights of God superior to those of the whole human race? Is this one of the Ten Commandments? What is its relation to the Ten Commandments? (Deut. 6 :4, 5.) If this is the first and great commandment, what is the first and great sin? How many of us have broken it? How then do we stand before God? L'fpon what kind of moralities alone do we differ one from another? What does it mean practically, to love God with all the heart, with all the soul and with all the mind? Is this commandment intended to save us? What is the purpose of this commandment? What is its relation to sal- vation? How is life obtained? (Ro. 6:23, R. V.) What is God's first and only com- mandment under the Gospel? (i John 3: 23.) How can we learn to thus love God? 248 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD (i John 4:19.) What is the second com- mandment? What does it mean to love one's neighbor as one's self? How many of us have kept this commandment? How long will we continue to break it? After we are born again, will we love our neigh- bors as ourselves? ( I John 3:16, 17; John 13:34; Phil. 2:;}.) While the law says: "This do and thou shalt hve," what does the Gospel say? In the Gospel, does obed- ience come before life, or life before obed- ience? What is the relation of these two commandments to man's whole duty? J. Christ's question, z'v. 41-46. What had these Pharisees been doing? (vv. 17, 35.) What had been the purpose of these questions? What had been the re- sult of the questions? What change in the program did Jesus introduce at this point? Did He take them separately and defeat them or put the whole company to confusion at once? Why was He able to route the whole company single-handed? (Is. 8:g, 10.) What was the question Jesus asked them? Is that question an important one? How much depends on our thinking the right thing about Christ? (i John 5:5; John 20:31; Heb. 10:28, 29.) How can we get right thoughts about Christ? (John 5: 39; John 16:13, 14; I Cor. 12:3; i John 5: I.) Did the question seem to the Pharisees a very hard one to answer? Was it as easy as they thought? What was their answer? Was that answer true? (c. i:i; 21:9; Is. 11:1-4; John 7:41, 42; Acts 13:22, 23.) Was it the whole truth (Ro. 1:3, 4; Matt. 16:16, 17; John 6:69; Matt. 14:33; John I :49.) As "the Son of David" what was Christ? As "the Son of God" what was He? (Ro. 9:5; Heb. 1:8.) What second question did Jesus pro- pound to the Pharisees? Was this as easy a question for them to answer as the first one had seemed? What was His purpose in asking it? From what portion of the Old Testament was the quotation taken upon which the question was founded? (Ps. no: I.) Of whom did Jesus say these words in Ps. no were spoken? Is it essential to the argument here used by Jesus that these words should have been spoken by David and of the Christ? An argument for what did Jesus build upon the Messianic applica- tion and Davidic authorship of these words? If then they were not written by David or do not refer to the Messiah, upon what did Jesus build an argument for His own Di- vinity? Of what then do these "higher critics" who deny the Davidic authorship of these words charge Jesus? Can anyone who is loyal to Jesus as the Christ and divine, believe that He either built an argu- ment for His divinity upon a mistake or else deliberately deceived His opponents by using a verse to prove His divinity which He knew did not apply to Himself or was not by the author to whom for the sake of His argument He had ascribed it? If we must choose on so vital a point as this be- tween the authority of Jesus or that of any modern scholar, no matter how devout a Christian he may be, which must we choose? Is this verse applied to Christ or ascribed to David anywhere else in the New Testament? (Acts 2:34, 35; compare Heb. 10:12, 13; I Cor. 15:25; Heb. 1:3, 13; 12: 2.) How did David call Christ "Lord"? (Compare i Cor. 12:3.) What is meant by the words "in spirit"? (See R. v., and compare 2 Sam. 23 :2 ; Mark 12:36; Acts 1:16; Heb. 2:7; 2 Peter 1:21.) When the Holy Ghost speaks through a man, whose words are those which are spoken? What is it that David called Christ? Is anyone else recorded as calling Him "my Lord"? (John 20:28; Phil. 3: STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 249 8.) Is it of any importance to call Him "Lord"? (Ro. 10:9 R. V.) What does the title "Lord" mean? To whom is the title usually applied in the Old Testament? To whom is it usually applied in the New Testament? What significant additions are sometimes made to the title when applied to Jesus in the New Testament? (Acts 10: 36; I Cor. 2:8; compare Ps. 24:8-10.) Who will eventually be compelled to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus? (Phil. 2:11.) What is the difference between simply calling Christ "Lord" and calling Him "my Lord" ? Do you call Him "my Lord" ? Is He really your Lord? What did Jehovah say to the Christ? What is indicated by His sitting at Jehovah's right hand? (Heb. 10:12-14; Eph. I :20-22.) Is it of any importance to us that He sits at Jehovah's right hand? Heb. 8:1; Ro. 8:34; I John 2:1; Rev. 3:31.) Has Jehovah ever conferred such honor on any other being? (Heb. 1:13.) Why was this honor conferred upon Jesus Christ? (Phil. 2:6-9.) Until what time is the Christ to occupy this place of rest, power and majesty? When this hour for complete victory shall come what will He do? (Is. 63:1-6; Rev. 19:11-21; Ps. 2:8, 9.) What shall become of His enemies in that hour? (Ps. 2:8, 9; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2:8.) Having brought forward this verse, what question did Jesus put to them? Could any of them answer the question? What is the answer to this question : How could the Christ be at one and the same time David's son and David's Lord? (Ro. 1:3, 4; i Tim. 3:16; Heb. 2:14; Phil. 2:6-8; Rev. 22:16.) What was the effect of this discomfiture of these Pharisees? (Compare Luke 13:17; 14:6.) Were these silenced Pharisees converted? If sinners will not allow Christ to be glori- fied in their conversion, how will He be glorified in them? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God. His power, 29 : The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, 32; the God of the living, 32; He spoke of Moses, 31 ; the supreme ob- ject of our love, 27- 2. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature: Divine: son of God, 43, 44; Lord, 43- 45. Human : son of David, 42. (2) His office: Lord, 43-45 ; King, 44. (3) His matchless skill: As a controversialist, 23-46 ; as a teach- er, 23-46. (4) His reliance upon Old Testament scriptures, 29, 31, 32, 37-39, 43-45. (5) His exaltation and glory, 44; com- pare Eph. I :20-23 ; Heb. i :i3. (6) His present rest in His finished work, 44; compare Heb. Jo:ii, 12. (7) His rule, 44. (8) His expectant waiting, 44. (9) His coming again, 44. (10) His victory, 44. (11) His enemies: They gathered to- gether to confuse and entangle Him, 23-24, 34, 35, 41 ; He turned the tables upon them, in turn questioning His questioners, 41-46; He used the Scrip- tures to convince, confuse, instruct and silence them, 43, 44; put the whole company to rout and confusion by a single question, 41-46; perman- ently silences them, 46; Christ was glorified in the confusion of those who would not glorify Him by their conversion, 46; they shall be com- pletely subjugated underneath His feet, 44. 260 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD The Holy Spirit. Inspired David in writing the Psalms, 43- 44. The Scriptures. Final authority in settling all questions, 31, 32, 36-39, 43-45; ignorance of the Scriptures a source of error, 29; ac- cepted and used by Jesus Christ as the Word of God and final source of authority, 29-32, 36-39, 43-45; its in- spiration, 43; compare 2 Sam. 23:2; Mark 12:36; Acts 1:16; Heb. 37; i Peter 2 :22 ; verbal accuracy ; an ar- gument can be legitimately built upon the use of a single word, 43, 44; power to silence enemies of Christ, 44-46. The resurrection of the body. Its certainty, 20-32. Its glory: (l) In the resurrection neither marry nor given in marriage, 3c. (2) Are as the angels in heaven, 30. Tzvo leading commandments. The first great commandment, "Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind," 37, 38; second com- mandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," 38; the two commandments the sum of the law and the prophets, 40. David. Author of iioth Psalm, 43, 44; a pro- phet, 43-45; spoke by inspiration, 43; ancestor of the Christ, 42 ; called Jesus Christ, my Lord, 44; foresaw the Christ, 43, 44; foresaw the future glory of the coming Christ, 44; the complete subjugation of all Christ's enemies, 44. The great question. What think ye of Christ? LESSON 111. Christ Exposing the Scribes and Pharisees. Matthew 23:1-36, DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. JVarning against seeking the praise of men, vv. 1-12. To whom were the words of the lesson spoken? Why not spoken to the Pharisees themselves? Why spoken to the multi- tudes? To His disciples? (i Tim. 5:20.) Why was it necessary to warn even His disciples against Pharisaic sins? Is warn- ing against them needed even by the dis- ciples of Christ today? What other class of offenders were rebuked so sternly by Christ as the Pharisees? Between what two things in the Pharisees did Jesus dis- tinguish (v. 3) ? What did Jesus bid His disciples do? If good laws are promulgated by bad law makers what is our duty in the matter? If truth is preached by ministers of the Gospel who do not practice it, what is our duty in the matter? Was the bread and meat that was brought to Elijah at Cherith any less from God or to be despised because the ravens brought it? (i Kings 17:4.) What is the limitation to obedience to the decrees of bad officials? (Acts 5 :29.) Were the scribes and Pharisees under any less ob- ligation to keep their own laws than others? Is one who preaches the truth under any less obligation to keep it than those to whom he preaches ? Will good preaching make up for bad practice? Can we escape condem- nation for our own sins by condemning the same sins in others? (Ro. 2:1-5.) What did the scribes and Pharisees require of others (v. 4) ? What did they themselves do with these requirements ? Are there any STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 251 like them today? What was their object in requiring such great things of others ? For what purpose did they do what they did do? Are there any today who do their works to be seen of men? What is the rcsuh of such doings? (c. 6:i.) How did men regard the Pharisees? How did God regard them? (Luke 16:15.) Is it so to- day with those who do their works to be seen of men? What were some of the things the scribes and Pharisees did to be seen of men? (Compare Deut. 6:8; Num. 15:38, 39-) Do men nowadays ever make a great parade of the Scriptures and their loyalty to them before men? Ought we then to go to the opposite extreme and be ashamed to be seen carrying a Bible or reading one? What did the scribes and Pharisees seek for themselves (vv. 6, 7) ? Are there any to- day who seek for themselves conspicuous places and titles? Is it Christian to do so? (v. 8; Luke 14:7-11; Ro. 12:10; 3 John 9.) What is the modern equivalent of "rabbi"? What are the two great reasons why we should not take that title to our- selves (v. 8) ? Who is the only one to whose authority in the matters of faith and doctrine the Christian should bow? (vv. 8, 10; compare c. 17:4, S; Job 32:21, 22.) If one is really great how should he show it (v. II)? Who has set us the example in this? (Matt. 20:28; John 13:14, 15; Phil. 2:5-8.) What kind of greatness is that which shows itself in lording it over others? (Matt. 20:25.) What will be done to those who refuse to listen to this teaching of Christ and exalt themselves? What will be done to those who humble themselves? (Compare Is. 57:15; Luke 18:14; i Peter 5:5.) 2. Outzvardly fair, inzvardly foul, vv. 13-36. With what word does v. 13 begin? Why did Christ use this word "woe" ? How many "woes" did He pronounce against them in all? To what other eight of this Gospel may we set these eight words in contrast? (Matt. 5:3-ro.) What did He call the Scribes and Pharisees in v. 13? What does "hypocrite" mean? What did He accuse them of doing (v. 13) ? Was that a serious offense? Are there any who are guilty of it today? How can it be done? (Acts 8:1; John 7:46-52; i Thess. 2:15-16; Luke 11:52; 2 Peter 2:2; Ro. 2:24.) How great is the guilt of those who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men? For what reason did Jesus pronounce the second woe upon the scribes and Phari- sees? (v. 14; see R. V. but compare Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47.) Are there any today who make a great pretense of piety while robbing the widow and oppressing the poor and outwitting the unwary in real estate deals and other ways? What shall such receive? Was the fault with these men that they made long prayers? (Luke 6:12.) For what reason did Jesus pronounce the third woe upon them? Is it a good thing to be diligent in making proselytes? (Gal. 4:18.) Did it do any one any good to be made a proselyte by the scribes and Pharisees? What did Jesus call them and their proselytes? Is not that rather strong language? (Compare John 8:44; Acts 13:10; Eph. 2 ■.2-) For what did Jesus pronounce the fourth woe upon these scribes and Pharisees? Are there any today who are guilty of such blind and foolish hair-splitting? What did Jesus call these casuists (vv. 16, 17, 19) ? Why was it they considered the gold of the temple more sacred than the temple, and the gift on the altar more sacred than the altar? Are there any today who are more con- cerned about the gold collected in the house of God than the honor of that house 252 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD itself, and the gifts "laid upon the altar" than the honor of that altar? For what reason did Jesus pronounce the fifth woe upon the scribes and Pharisees? Are there any today who are very punctilious in the Httle niceties of piety and omit the weight- ier matters? Was there anything in the Scriptures which the scribes and Pharisees themselves acknowledged to tell them that these were the weightier matters? (Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8; Prov. 2:1, 3.) Who for example? What did Jesus say were "the weightier matters"? What is meant by "judgment"? (Pi-ov. 21:3; Jer. 22:15, 16.) Do all professed Christians seem to regard these as the weightier matters? Did Jesus say they should omit the minor matters? To what did Jesus compare this scrupulous care about little things and indifference to weightier matters? (v. 24, R. V.; Matt. 27:6-8; John 18:28-40.) For what reason did Jesus pronounce the sixth woe upon the scribes and Pharisees? How was "the inside of the cup and the platter" to be cleansed? Are there any pious platters today that are full of extor- tion and excess? For what reason did Jesus pronounce the seventh woe upon the scribes and Pharisees? Are all hypocrites conscious hypocrites? (Jer. 17:9, 10; i Cor. 4:5; Heb. 4:13.) Is a hypocrite ever a zealous worker (v. 15) ? What is a hj-po- crite's doom? (Matt. 24:50, 51.) To what did Jesus compare the scribes and Phari- sees? Why were sepulchres white- washed? (Num. 19:16.) What is the point of the comparison? Are there any today who ap- pear fair without but are full of corrup- tion and worms within? Are there any worms and rottenness beneath your fair exterior? Where should one seek first for the hypocrite? (Matt. 7:1; John 8:7.) To whom was it the Pharisees appeared (Luke 16:15.) For what reason did Jesus pronounce the eighth woe upon the scribes and Pharisees? Was there anything wrong in building the tombs of the prophets? What is the point then of Christ's condemnation? (Ro. 2:1.) Which is better, to build the tombs of dead propliets or listen to the words of living prophets? Which is easier? Which are men in all ages more prone to do? What was their judgment of their own goodness as compared with that of their fathers ? How did they prove that this pro- fession was false and that if they had lived in their day they would have treated the prophets of those days just as their fathers did? Do men nowadays ever flatter them- selves that if they had lived in former days they would have done much better than the men of those days did ? How do they disprove their own claim? Which is better to exult over, not repeating the sins of our ancestors or to search out and put away our own sins? What did Jesus tell them to do (v. 32) ? Did He mean that He really desired tliem to do that? (v. Z7 \ compare Eccle. 11 :9.) What did Jesus finally call the scribes and Pharisees? What is meant by these startling titles? (Ps. 58:4; Gen. 3:1; Rev. 12:9.) Was this Christ's customary manner of speech? Is it always wise to speak to men in this way? Is it ever wise? What feeling had Christ in His heart toward the Jews when He used these ter- rific words? (v. 37.) Is there any lesson in that for us? What question did Jesus put to them? What similar question is put to all who neglect salvation? (Heb. 2:3.) What is God's answer to that ques- tion? (Heb. 12:25.) Were those men to be given up of God at once (v. 34) ? How would they deal with these ambassadors whom God in long-suffering mercy contin- ued to send? Was this prediction fulfilled? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 253 (Acts 7:59; 12:2; 14:19-22; 22:19, 20; 2 Cor. 11:24, 25; John 16:2.) What would be the outcome of this treatment of God's ambassadors? Was it just that the sins of their fathers as well as their own should be visited upon them? When was v. 35 his- torically fulfilled? Have we any historic in- stance outside of the Bible in which God has allowed the sins of a nation to ripen and visited them when fully ripe upon a single generation? Are there any judg- ments ripening now? How can any gen- eration avoid having the consequences of the sins of their fathers fall on them? (John 1:2 and 3:7-10.) Was God's pri- mary purpose in sending the prophets one of mercy or wrath? (Compare 2 Chron. 36:15.) Why then did it culminate in wrath? (2 Chron. 36:16.) In what does God's mercy always end, if it is despised? (Ro. 2:4, 5-) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. Jesus Christ. His divinity, 34; compassion. 34; hatred of shams, 13-36; fearlessness, 1-36; severity, 13-36. 2. Christ's disciples. (i) Their equality: "All ye are brethren," 8. (2) Their peril : Pharisaism, 1-36. (3) Their privileges: A divine Teacher, 8; a divine Master, 10; a divine Father, 9; exaltation, 12. (4) Their duties : To avoid errors of the scribes and Pharisees, 3 ; not to forget the greater matters of the law while observing the minor matters, 23 ; to accept the authority of no man, 10; to avoid titles of honor, 8; to humble them- selves, 12; to be servants of others, II. J. The Pharisees. ( 1 ) What they were : Hypocrites, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29; fools and blind, 17, ig; blind guides, 16; serpents, 33; offspring of vipers, 33; sons of those who slew the prophets, both naturally and spiritually, 30, 31, 34; sons of hell, 15 R. V. ; like whited sepulchres, fair without, rotten with- in, 27, 28 ; righteous in outward seem- ing, 28; full of hypocrisy and iniquity, 28. (2) What they did: Sat in Moses' seat — a place of honor, a place of authorit\% 2; taught with great authority what others should do, but did not themselves, 3 ; made heavy demands of others, but did not meet the slightest of these de- mands themselves, 4 ; did their works to be seen of men, 5 ; made a great parade of their devotion to the Word of God, 5 ; sought for themselves places and titles of honor, 6, 7; shut up the Kingdom of God against men, 13 ; entered not into the Kingdom themselves, 13 ; would not suffer them that were entering to go in, 13 ; de- voured widows' houses, 14; for a pretense made long prayers, 14; compassed sea and land to make one proselyte, 15; made them proselytes two-fold more the sons of hell than themselves, 15 ; thought more of the gold of the temple than the temple itself, 16; thought more of the gift upon the altar than the altar itself, 18; made hair-splitting and irration- al discriminations, 16-22; tithed mint and anise and cummin and omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, and mercy and faith, 23; strained at gnats and swallowed 254 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD camels, 24 R. V. ; very scrupulous about the outward cleanness of the cup and the platter from ceremonial defilement, but careless about its moral defilement by extortion and ex- cess, 25 ; built the tombs of dead prophets and killed the living proph- ets, 29-34; boasted themselves better than their ancestors while doing the same things, 30-34; persecuted, scourged and crucified the orophets, 35 ; filled up the measure of their fathers' sins, 32. (3) What they got: Greater condemnation than if they made no pretenses, 14; the accumu- lated wrath of many generations, 35; the damnation of hell, 23- LESSON 112. The Gentiles Seeking Jesus and the Jews Rejecting Jesus. John 12:20-50. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The Gentiles seeking Jesus, vv. 20-36. With what request did certain Greeks come to Philip? Was that a laudable de- sire? How much depends on truly seeing Him? (John 6:40; 3:14, 15; 20:20; 2 Cor, 3:18.) How can we see the Lord? (John 5:39; 16:14; I Cor. 11:26.) Do all men wish to see Jesus? Why not? (John 3:19.) Why did the Greeks come to Philip? What did this request suggest to Jesus? How was the Son of man to be glorified? (v. 24; John 17:10; 13:31-32; 17:5.) Was there any manifestation of Christ's glory in the cross itself? (i John 4:7; 4:9; 3:16; John 1:14.) What did Jesus see to be the only road to glory? Was that true of Him only, or for us also? If we wish to bear fruit what must we do? If we die what will be the result? Suppose one is not willing to die that he may bear fruit? In what sense will he lose it? What if one sacrifices his life for Christ? (John 12:25.) What does "hate" here mean? (Gen. 29:30, 31.) Who did Jesus say must tread the path of sacrifice and death besides Himself? If we would serve Christ, then where must we be ready to go? (Matt. 16:24.) Where did He go? (Luke 22:39-44; 23:33.) Does it pay, then, to serve Christ? If we follow Him to Gethsemane and Cal- vary now, where shall we follow Him hereafter? (John 17:24; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 3:21.) Is it worth living for and dying for, to be with Him? (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil, i :23.) Will any one who serves and follows Jesus have any other reward than being with Jesus? How will the Father honor him? (John 14:21-23; 17:22, 23.) Up to this point what view of His death was it that had occupied the mind of Jesus? What view of it for a moment now took posses- sion of His mind? What was the efifect of that view? Did Jesus recoil from the cross? How much did Jesus' soul dread the cross and all that went with it? (Matt. 27:38; Luke 22:44.) Did the recoil of Jesus' soul from the horror of the cross cause Him to waver for one moment from His purpose to endure the cross? When, out of the horror, came the suggestion to ask the Father to spare Him that hour, what was the sturdy response of Jesus' spirit? What was Jesus' prayer? What did the Father's glorifying His name in- volve for Jesus? Was that prayer heard? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 255 On each of the three recorded occasions on which God spoke audibly, in connection with what feature of Christ's ministry was it? (Humiliation, Matt. 3:i3-i7; decease, Luke 9:31 ; death, John 12:27, 28.) What did God say on • this occasion? How had He already glorified it? (John II :4-4o; i :i4.) How was He yet to glorify it? (13:37.) For whose sake was this voice? Why was it not for Jesus Himself? Did the people all understand the voice? Was the trouble with the voice? Does every man hear the voice of God in the utterances in the Bible? Who does? (John 8:47.) When God speaks what does it test? Is it God's voice or our ears that are on trial? How could a voice be sent for the benefit of those who do not under- stand it (v. 31)? What does Jesus see as the result of His death? Why does He say "now"? How was His death the judgment of the world and casting out of its Prince? (i John 3:8; Heb. 2:14; Col. 2:15.) What does the "lifting up" mean? (Compare John 3:14.) Why is the crucifixion called a lifting up? What did Jesus say would be the result? What is the mightiest magnet in the world? Are all men drawn? Do all men. come? What difficulty did Jesus' words about lifting up suggest to the minds of His hearers? Were they not right in their interpretation of the Old Testament? (2 Sam. 7:13; Ps. 110:4; Is. 97; Dan. 7:14, 27.) What alone could explain this seem- ingly inexplicable contradiction ? What will explain all the seemingly inexplicable con- tradictions of prophecy? What was the real difficulty they had in the matter? (i Cor. 1 :23.) Did Jesus unravel their diffi- culty for them? What did He tell them to do? Which is better, bothering our heads with critical problems we cannot solve and try- ing thus to display our critical acumen or to let the light shine into us and allow time and events to solve the riddles? How long did Jesus tell them they were to have the light? How long did they have it (v. 36) ? How long will we have it? What did Jesus say would be the result if they did not im- prove the light while they had it? (See R. V.) Did the darkness overtake this people? What would be the result of be- lieving in the light? When must they be- lieve? Having uttered these words, what did Jesus do? Why? Did He ever come back to them? If we will not heed His warnings and promises, what will He do? 2. The Jews rejecting Jesus, vv. 37-50. What reason had these people for be- lieving? (37; compare 14:7.) Why did they beheve? (John 5:44; 3:18-20; 7:i7-) Are we to understand from vv. 38 to 40 that the prophecies of Isaiah made it im- possible to believe even though they wished to, or that God foresaw and foretold in these prophecies the wilful blinding of their minds, and so it could not be that they would believe because God who never makes mistakes had foretold that they would not? Had they any excuse for their blindness and unbelief? (John 15:22, 24.) Did Jesus wish them to believe? (Matt. 23:37.) Whose fault then was their un- belief and consequent ruin? (John 5:40.) How long before had this blindness and hardening of their hearts been predicted? In what way did their very unbelief glorify God? (Compare 13:27-29.) Is the world in general much more ready to believe God's word than these Jews were? By what name is Christ designated in v. 38? What is the meaning of that name? (i Cor. 1:24.) Is He universally recognized as the power of God? - By whom is He so 256 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD recognized? (i Cor. 1:24, 18.) How is He revealed to those who recognize Him as the power of God? (Matt. 16:17; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:17-19.) By whom is He not recognized? (2 Cor. 4:3.) Why is He not recognized? (2 Cor. 4:4.) Are those whom "the God of this world" blinds at all responsible themselves? (John 3:19; 2 Thess. 2:10, II.) Are we to under- stand from V. 40 that God blinds the eyes of those who would see and hardens the hearts of those who would believe and obey? (2 Peter 3:9; I Tim. 2:3,4.) Whom is it then that God blinds and hardens? (2 Thess. 2:10, II.) If men wish truth what does God give them? (John 'jwi-') If men wish falsehood what does God let them have to the full? What will be the final consequence of the choice of error? (2 Thess. 2: 12.) Are there any today who wish to believe error? What is the result of seeing the truth with the eyes and per- ceiving it with the heart (v. 40) ? Which is better, then, to try to see the truth or to try not to see it? What is all the Lord asks as a condition of healing us? (Hos. 14:1, 2, 4; Jer. 3:12, 13, 22.) Whose glory are we told in the prophecy of Isaiah the prophet had just seen when he uttered these words? (Is. 6:1-5, 9, 10.) Whose glory are we told by John that he had seen when he uttered these words (v. 41)? What is • the necessary inference? Were there none of the rulers who believed on Jesus? Why did they not come out openly then and con- fess Him? Are there any like them today? Were they saved? (Matt. 10:30, Z}>\ Ro- 10:10; Mark 8:38.) Was it a wise choice they made in concealing their faith in order to retain the praise of men? (Mark 8:36.) What did they fear would be the result of an open confession of Christ? Had they any ground for that fear? (c. 9:22, 34.) Would it be any real loss to be persecuted for Christ's sake? (Luke 6:22; i Peter 4:12-16; Acts 5:41.) What lay at the bot- tom of their refusal to confess Christ lest they be cast out of the synagogue? Are there any today who love the praise of men more than the praise of God? Are they wise? If one believes on Jesus on whom does he really belive? Who sent Jesus? Why is believing on Jesus a proof of really believing on Him whom He hath sent? (John 14:9.) If we really gaze at Jesus whom do we see? (v. 45; compare John 14:9.) As what had Jesus come into the world? (v. 46; compare c. 8:12.) How can any one come out of darkness into light (46) ? If we reject the word of Jesus, what will that word do? When will the rejected word of Jesus judge us? Where did Jesus get His teaching? Whose words are the words of Jesus? (v. 49; compare c. 14:10, 24.) What is God's command- ment (v. so) ? What is meant by saying that His commandment is eternal life? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. J. God, the Father: His dwelling place, heaven, 28; an- swered prayer, 28 ; spoke from heaven, 28; spoke for the benefit of man, 30; blinded the eyes and hard- ened the hearts of those men who would not see nor believe so that they could not see nor believe, nor turn nor be healed, 40, compare 2 Thess. 2:10-12; heals those who hear and turn, 40; honors those who serve Jesus Christ, 26 ; sent Jesus Christ, 44, 49; spoke through Jesus Christ, 49, 50; His commandment, life eternal, 50. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 257 2. Jesus Christ. (i) Nature: Divine: He that hath seen Him hath seen the Father, 45- Divine words spoken of Jehovah in the Old Testament are applied to Jesus in the New Testament, i. e., Jesus Christ occupies the same place in New Testament thought as Je- hovah in Old Testament thought, 40, 41; compare Is. 6:1-3, 9. lO- Human— Son of Man, 23, 34. (2) What He is: "The Desire of all nations," 21; "The light of the world," 35. 46 ; those who refuse to walk in that light will be overtaken by darkness, 35 R- V.; through belief in Him the Light, we become sons of light, 35 ; the Arm of the Lord, 38, compare i Cor. 1:24; subordinate to the Father, 44, 49, 50; sent by the Father, 44, 49, 50 ; those who rejected Him will be judged by His word in the last day, 47, 48. (3) His word: The very word of God, 49, 50. (4) How He was received by men: He did many signs before men, yet they beHeved not on Him, 37; they rejected God's testimony concerning Him, 38; they failed to recognize Him as "the Arm of the Lord," 38. (5) His death: The necessity of it— "The Son of man must be lifted up," 341 the manner of it— crucifixion, 32, 33; the glory of it, 23, 24; the agony and horror of it, 27. The results were much fruit, 24; the world judged, 31 ; the prince of this world cast out, 31 ; all men drawn to Him, 32, 33; His own attitude toward it: Shrank from it in heart-breaking horror, 27 ; compare Matt. 26:58; Luke 22:44; marched unflinchingly toward it, 27, 28. (6) His love to the Father: Desired His glory alone though that involved the shame and agony of the cross for Himself, 38. (7) His prayer: Not "Father, save me from this hour," 27; but "Father, glorify Thy name," 28; heard and answered, 28. (8) His eternity: Abideth forever, 34. (9) His treatment of those who re- jected Him: "Departed, and hid Himself from them," 36. The Greeks said, "We would see Jesus"; would you see Him?, 21. 3. Serving Christ. The condition: "Follow Me," 26; hate your life, 25. The reward: Become sons of light, 36; life eternal, 25; be where Christ is, 26; honor from the Father, 26. 4. The Jeivish multitude. (i) Their privileges: A voice from heaven spoke in their ears for their sakes, 28, 30; saw the signs which Christ wrought, 2>7; heard the words of Christ, 35, 36. (2) Their folly: Closed their eyes to the revelation of God's power in Christ, 38; believed not, 37; stumbled at the cross, 34; 258 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD puzzled at the Scripture they could not understand instead of believing the word the)'^ could, 34. (3) Their punishment: Jesus . departed and hid Himself from them, 36; darkness overtook them, 35 R. v.; their eyes blinded, 40; their hearts hardened, 40; they ful- filled the prophecies of God in re- jecting His Son, 38-40. LESSON 113. Jesus' Prophecies Concerning the Destruction of Jerusalem, compare Matt. 24:1-28; Mark 13:1-23. Luke 21:5-24; DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Perils to come, vv. 5-11. When were the opening words of this lesson spoken? (Mark 13:1.) As the disciples looked upon the temple, of what did they think (v. 5) ? As Jesus looked upon it of what did He think (v. 6) ? As men look upon the magnificent structures of the present day of what do they think? If they had more of the mind of Christ of what might they think? Why was this temple to be completely destroyed? (Com- pare I Kings 97-9; Jer. 7:11-14.) Was this the first prediction of its destruction? (Dan. 9:26, 27.) Were the Jews willing to listen to predictions like this? (Acts 6:12-14.) Are people today willing to listen to predictions of the overthrow of the magnificent structures and systems they are rearing? Is that any reason for not de- claring what God says? Were the seventh and following verses spoken at the same time as the fifth and sixth? (Matt. 24:3; Mark 13:3, 4-) To what questions did the words that Jesus spoke as they left the temple prompt the disciples when they reached the Mount of Ohves? Did they ask any further questions than those which Luke records? (Matt. 24:3.) What two events were evidently indissolubly con- nected in the minds of the disciples? Is there any intimate connection between the two events? Do the verses of our lesson relate to both events or simply to the fall of Jerusalem? Where does the answer to the other question, about Christ's coming and the end of the age, begin? (See v. 25; Matt. 24:23-29; Mark 13:21-23, 24.) What did Jesus tell them would be the sign of the overthrow of Jerusalem (v. 20) ? Of what coming peril connected with these events did Jesus warn His dis- ciples (v. 8) ? Would the peril from this cause be great? (Matt. 24:11, 24.) Is there any peril of this kind today? (i John 4:1; I Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1, 13.) How will these false teachers sometimes ap- pear? (2 Cor. 11:13-15. ) What must the disciples of Christ do if they are to escape their wiles? (v. 8; 2 Tim. 3:13-15.) Who are they who do fall a prey to these de- ceivers? (2 Thess. 2:10, II.) What is the final outcome of being thus led astray? (2 Thess. 2:12.) Have these prophecies of false Christs been fulfilled to any ex- tent? What other coming perils did Jesus predict (v. 9) ? With what state of mind should the disciples of Jesus regard these wars and tumults? When ought one who trusts God to be terrified? (Ps. 27:1-3; 47:1, 2; Prov. 3:25, 26; Is. 51:12, 13.) What will keep such an one from being terrified? (Ps. 112:7.) How great were to be the disturbances preceding the fall of Jerusalem? Were these predictions ful- filled? Are such disturbances in nature or STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 259 among men ever to be expected again? (vv. 25-27; Heb. 12:26, 27.) Should we dread that day? 2. Persecutions to come, vv. 12-ig. What did Jesus forewarn His disciples that they had to expect before these com- motions took place? Had He ever fore- warned His disciples of this before? Must the faithful disciples of Christ in the present day expect persecution? (2 Tim. 3:1, 2.) Why are Christ's faithful dis- ciples objects of hatred and persecution on the part of the world? (John 7:7; 15:19; 17:14.) Were these predictions of com- ing persecutions literally fulfilled? (Acts 4:3-7; 5:17-19, 40; 6:12-15; 7:57-60; 8:3; 9:4; 12:1-4; 16:22-26; 21:30, 31; 22:30; 24:1; 25:1, 2, II, 12, 22-25; 26:2.) Need the Christian dread this persecution? (Rev. 2:10; I Peter 4:13-14; Matt. 5:11; Luke 6:22, 23; 2 Cor, 12:10; Acts 5:41.) For what were they to suffer all this? Is there any comfort in knowing we are suffering for His name's sake? What two thoughts did Jesus give His disciples to comfort them amid these coming trials? (vv. 13, 14, 15.) When shall persecution endured for Christ's name's sake turn to us for a testimony? (i Thess. 1:5-7; Rev. 2:10.) What preparations were they to make be- forehand to meet these great emergencies? Why not? What were they to speak? (Mark 13:11.) Who was this who could say, "I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to with- stand or gainsay"? Who would be the real speaker? (Matt. 10:20.) Have we today a right to depend upon His help in the emergencies which we shall meet? Does that imply that we are never to think over beforehand what we shall say to people? (i Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 2:15.) Is it definitely stated when it is that we are not to pre- pare? (Matt. 10:19.) Is this promise in- tended to encourage laziness or to dispel anxiety? What sort of words and wis- dom did Jesus promise for such occasions? Have we any illustrations of the fulfil- ment of this promise? (Acts 2:3, 2)7 \ 4:8-14; 6:10; 24:25.) Have we any simi- lar promises elsewhere? (Ex. 4:11, 12; Jer. 1:9.) Who can have such wisdom from God? (James i :5-7-) What would be the most painful aspect of this coming persecution (v. 16) ? Should one falter in his fidelity to Christ when persecu- tion comes even from those who are near- est and dearest to us? (Matt. 10:37.) To what lengths would this persecution go? (Compare Acts 7:59; 12:2; 26:10; Rev. 2:13.) How widespread would be the hatred of Christ's disciples? Would they suffer any real harm? How could they be killed and yet not a hair of their head perish? (John 12:25.) How should they win their souls or lives (v. 19 R. V.) ? How would they win their lives by patience? (Mark 13:13.) 3. Judgment to come, vv. 20-24. Having warned His disciples of the perils and persecutions that awaited them, what did Jesus proceed to foretell next? To what question did vv. 20, 21 form a direct answer (v. 7) ? Was there any practical reason why they should know what sign should precede the fall of Jeru- salem? What were they to do when they saw this sign? Did the Christians who were at Jerusalem when this sign occurred obey Christ's injunction? Had there been any other time in the history of Jerusalem when her doom was announced and all who were in her advised to flee out and escape being involved in her ruin? (Jer. 21:9.) Why were men advised to flee 260 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD from Jerusalem in both instances? What is it that is doomed today? (Compare Gen. 19:16, 17; Rev. 18:4; 2 Cor. 6:17.) What was the cause for this awful ruin that was coming upon Jerusalem (v. 22) ? For what sins were these "days of ven- geance" brought upon them? (c. 19:27-44; Matt. 23:34, 35; compare 2 Chron. 36:15- 17.) What was fulfilled in this awful desolation of Israel? (v. 22; compare Lev. 26:14-33; Deut. 28:15-68; 29:19-28; Dan. 9:26, 27.) How long before had this been predicted? What should become of the people (v. 24) ? What should become of Jerusalem? Has all this been fulfilled? How long is the tribulation for Israel and treading down by the Gentiles to last? Then what will come to pass? (Ro. 11:25, 26-29; Ez. 36:19, 24-36; 37:21-28; Jer. 31:31, 33; 50:19, 20; Amos 9:14, 15; Zech. 8:23.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jcstis Christ: His divinity, IS; compare Ex. 4:11, 12; Jer. 1:9-19. His warning: Forewarned His disciples of the coming destruction of the temples, 6 ; of the coming wars, tumults, earthquakes, famines, etc., 9, 10, ii; of the coming persecution, 12; to flee from Jerusalem when the armies encompassed her, 20, 21. His promises : Glory through suffering, 13; help and consequent victory in the hour of peril, 15; protection from all loss, though hated by men, 17, 18; eternal life through patient continuance in face of bitterest opposition, 19 R. V. His predictions: Siege and desolation of Jerusalem, 20, 22, 23; scattering of the Jews among all nations, 24; the times of the Gen- tiles, 24; the restoration of the Jews, 24. His endorsement of Old Testament prophecy and declaration of the ab- solute infallibility of the Word: "All things which are written" to have literal and exact fulfilment, 22. 2. Christ's disciples. Their mistake : Blinded by the material adornment of the temple to its spiritual defile- ment, 5. Their wisdom: Sought from Jesus Himself further instruction concerning the things of which He spoke, 7. Forewarned : Of the destruction of the temple, 6; the rise of false Christs, 8; compare Matt. 24:11; coming wars, tumults and calamities, 9, 10, 11; coming persecutions, 12; coming fall of Jerusalem, 20-24. Their trials : Persecutions, 12: hated and delivered up by nearest relatives and friends, 16; some put to death, 16; hated of all men for Christ's name's sake, 17. Their security: Jesus Christ Himself will give wisdom and strength in every emergency, 15 ; no adversary will be able to with- stand or gainsay, 15 R. V.; due warning is given in order to escape being involved in Jerusalem's ruin, 20, 21 ; not a hair of their heads shall perish, 18. Their instructions: Beware of false Christs, 8; "Be not terrified," even in the midst of appall- ing commotion, 9; be free from STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 261 anxiety even in the midst of great emergencies, 12-15; do not meditate beforehand how to meet these emer- gencies but look to Jesus, 14, 15. Their reward : Their sufferings shall turn to them for a testimony, 13; compare 2 Thess. I -.4-7 ; by their patient endurance to the end shall win their souls, 19 R. V. LESSON 114. Jesus' Prophecies Concerning His Own Coming Again. Matt. 24:29-51. Compare Mark 13:24-37; Luke 21:25-36. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS, /. The events accompanying the second coming of Christ, vv. 29-35. What other tribulation did the tribula- tion connected with the siege of Jerusalem suggest and typify? Immediately after the great tribulation typified in the tribulation at the destruction of Jerusalem, what ap- palling events will occur? Will the true church be on earth at this time? (i Thess. 4:16, 17.) To whom will He appear in this way at this time? (Rev. 1:7; Zech. 12:10-14; 13:1; 14:1-5-) What signs shall appear in the heavens? What will be the effect upon the tribes then living upon the earth (v. 30) ? What wonderful sights will they see? How will the Son of Man come? Who usually is spoken of as com- ing in the clouds? (Ex. 19:9; 34:5; Ps. 97:1, 2; Matt. 17:5; Ps. 104:3; Luke 21 :27.) What then is taught about Christ by saying that He is coming in the clouds? What shall He do when He comes (31)? Does this refer to the gathering of the church or to the gathering of Israel? Does any man today know where the major part of Israel is? Does God know? Shall any one of them be overlooked? (Amos 9:9.) What will Israel then be like (v. 32) ? How long a winter has Israel had? After the signs given in vv. 29, 30 how fast will things ripen (v. 34) ? Does "this generation" in v. 34 refer to the generation living upon the earth at the time Jesus spoke these words, or the generation living at the time that these signs appear, as the early buds on the fig tree portend the near approach of summer? (Note context carefully.) What remark- able statement does Jesus make in v. 35? Did it seem at all probable that heaven and earth should pass away but the words of an obscure Jew, such as Jesus seemed to be when He spoke these words, would stand? Has His astounding and apparently preposterous utterance proved true? What does that fact prove? 2. The time of Christ's second coming, w. 3(>-5i- When is Jesus coming again (v. ^d) ? Who alone knows when He is coming again? Why does not man know? (Acts 1:7.) Did Jesus Himself as a man know the hour of His coming again (v. 36) ? If Jesus as a man voluntarily renounced the knowledge of the exact time of the second coming, what is it on our part to try to find out? As far as we know, when may Jesus come for the church to receive it unto Himself? What will men be doing when Jesus comes again (vv. 37-39) ? Will they be standing upon the hilltops looking for Him? As what will Christ come? (v. 43; compare i Thess. 5:2.) STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD What is our proper attitude toward His commg (42, 44) ? Is there any special blessing awaiting those servants whom the Lord finds watching when He comes? (Compare Luke 12:37.) If He came today, would you have part in that blessing? If we are ready when He comes, what priv- ilege will be ours? (Matt. 25:10, R. V.) If we are not ready, what doom will be ours? (Matt. 25:10-12.) What constitutes readiness? (Compare Matt. 25:4, 10, 16; Luke 12:35; 21 :34-36; i John 2:28.) What important practical question does Jesus ask in V. 45? What is a steward's business (v. 45) ? Do all those whom Christ has appointed to this office, do this? Whom do some He has called to be stewards feed? (Ezek. 34:2, 3.) With what does the wise and faithful steward feed the household? (i Peter 4:10, 11; 2:2.) Do all stewards give the household this food? With what do they sometimes try to feed the household? When should the steward give the house- hold their portion of food? What word is used to describe the experience of the wise and faithful steward at the coming of his Lord? In what will his blessedness consist (v. 47) ? Wherein lies the appro- priateness of this reward? Who is placed in contrast with this faithful and wise servant? What lies at the bottom of his evil doing (v. 48) ? What is the practical efifect upon the church and individual be- lievers of regarding the coming of their Lord as a far-away and unreal event? What is the effect of thinking of it as a most real and possible, imminent event? (c. 25:6, 7.) What is one great cause ac- cording to vv. 48, 49 of the worldliness and laxness in evangelical enterprises, and the oppression and self-indulgence among the many professed stewards of Jesus Christ? What was the great cry of the early church as it pushed the evangelization of the world? (Phil. 4:5; James 5 7, 8; i Cor. 16:22.) Where was it the unfaithful steward said, "My Lord delayeth His com- ing" (v. 48) ? Can we have a head faith and a heart unbeHef in the coming of the Lord? How can we show we have a heart faith in it? Is there any step beyond saying, "My Lord delayeth His coming"? (2 Peter 3:3, 4.) Are there any of these mockers m the church saying this today? How, first of all, did loss of faith in the near approach of the Lord show itself in the unfaithful steward (v. 49) ? For what is that a figure? Is there a warning against this anywhere else in the New Testament? (i Peter 5:3.) How, in the second place, did loss of faith in the near approach of the Lord show itself in the unfaithful servant? Have these faults in the actual history of God's people been seen in those whom God has set over His own house- hold? (i Sam. 2:13-16; Ezek. 34:3; Matt. 7:15; Acts 22:29; Titus 2:10, 11; 3 John 9, 10.) How are these unfaithful servants to be brought to their senses (v. 50) ? Will the day of Christ's coming be a joyful day for all who have been in authority in His church? What will be done to the unfaith- ful servant? With whom will his lot be eternally cast (v. 51)? Why? (Acts 1 :25.) What will be the occupation of that place to which he goes (v. 51)? To whom may this solemn and terrific warning be justly applied? (i Peter 4:10.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ: (i) His nature: Divine, 30; human, 30, 36, 39. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 263 (2) His words: Inerrant, 35 ; shall never pass away, 35. (3) His coming again: (i) Its certainty, 30-35. (2) The manner: With power and great glory, 30; as a Divine One (in the clouds), 30. • (3) The purpose : To gather His elect, 31 ; reward His faithful servants, 45-47; punish His unfaithful servants, 48-51. (4) The time of His coming: No man knows the exact time, nor the angels, not even the Son, 36; a time when men are going about their usual avoca- tions, 37-39; a time when He is not expected, 42-44; may be any time, 42-44; very soon after the appearing of the signs, 29-34. (5) Our attitude toward His com- ing: Watching, 42; ready, 44; longing for, 48. 2. Christ's servants. (l) Should always be: Watching for His coming, 42; ready for His coming, 44; engaged in the work which He has appointed them, 45, 46. (2) Should never : Say "My Lord delayeth His coming," 48; exercise oppression over those under their authority, 49 ; practice self-indulgence, 49. (3) Their opportunity and responsibil- ity: Over Christ's household, 45 ; the wel- fare of Christ's family under their keeping, 45. (4) Their duty: To watch, 42; to give the household their food in due season, 45. (5) Their blessedness, 46. (6) Their reward : Dominion over all the Lord hath, 47. S. The unfaithful servant. (i) His theology: "My Lord delayeth His coming," 48. (2) His practice: Tyranny, 49; self-indulgence, feeds himself instead of the household, 49, compare 45 ; neglects to give the household their meat, 45, 49. (3) His destiny: Surprised by Christ's unexpected com- ing, 50; driven into the outer dark- ness, 51 ; weeping and gnashing of teeth, 51. LESSON 115. The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Matthew 25:1-13. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. While the bridegroom tarried, 1-5. To what time in the world's history does this parable refer? Upon what oriental custom is it founded? What is the central lesson that Jesus aimed to teach (v. 13) ? Whom does the bridegroom represent? (John 3:28, 29; Eph. 5:25; 2 Cor. 11:2; Matt. 9:15; Rev. 21:9.) Who is represent- ed as the bridegroom in the Old Testament ? (Is. 54:5; 62:4, 5.) Is there any signifi- cance about that? Who is the bride? (Eph. 5:25.) What thought about Christ is set forth under this figure of a bride- 264 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD groom? (Eph. 5:25, 28, 30, 31.) Is the story of this bridegroom a romantic one? Who rejoices over the marriage? (Rev. 19:6, 7.) Is the bride as faithful as the bridegroom? Whom do the virgins repre- sent? What was the attitude of the vir- gins toward the bridegroom's coming? What ought to be our attitude? (Titus 2:13; 2 Tim. 4:8; 2 Peter 3:12, 13 R. V.) What do the lamps represent? (c. S:i6; Luke 12:3s; 2 Tim. 3-5-) Were all these virgins saved? What les- son is there in that? Into what two classes were the virgins divided? In what re- spect did the wise differ from the foolish? Could any one see the difference? Of what is oil a symbol? (Acts 10:38; i John 2:20, 27; Ps. 45:7.) Had the five foolish vir- gins no oil at all (vv. 3. 4 and v. 8, R. V.) ? What is the lesson? Does this parable teach that one can have really been born again and yet after all be shut out and Christ say unto them, "I know you not"? (i John 2:19; John 10:28; 2 Tim. 1:12; 4:18.) Can one have had some measure of the Holy Spirit and be lost? (Heb. 6:4-6.) What is it said in v. 5 that the bridegroom did? Of what did Jesus mean to give a hint? Why did the servant in c. 24:48 fail? Why did the virgins here fail? Why does the bridegroom tarry? Does Jesus wish us to believe that He will come soon or that He will not come soon? (Mark 13:35-) While the bridegroom tarried what did the virgins do? Was it wise for the foolish virgins to go to sleep? Was it for the otkers? Did they fall fast asleep at once? 2. "BeJiold the Bridegroom cometh," vv. 6-13. How were they awakened ? How will the sleeping church be aroused? (John 5:28, 29; I Thess. 4:16.) Why does the parable represent the cry being made at midnight? (24:44.) Will it be literally in the night? (Mark 13:35.) What other call in the Bible does this "Go ye out to meet Him" suggest? (Amos 4:12.) When does God say that? What did the virgins do then? What does that symbolize? In what pre- dicament did the foolish find themselves? Why? What leson does that teaeh? Were the wise in any way to blame? What did the foolish do in their trouble? What does that represent? Did they find any help from the wise? Why not? Can the wis- dom of one make up for the folly of another? (Ro. 14:12; Ps. 49 7-9; Jer. 15:1; Ezek. 14:14-16, 20; I Peter 4:18.) What did the wise tell them to do? Where is the oil to be bought? (Rev. 3:17, 18.) How much does it cost? (Is. 55:1.) Where was the difficulty with their going to buy? Did they follow the advice? Did it help them any? Why not? Where is the folly in putting off the preparation too long? Who went into the marriage feast? How can we be made ready? (Col. 1:12.) How shall we be ready? (i John 2:28; Rev. 19:7, 8; Heb. 12:14.) Was that mar- riage worth going to? (Rev. 19:9.) Of how earnest preparation is the marriage feast worthy? What happened when they had entered? Why was the door shut? What other instances have we of shut doors in the Bible? (Gen. 7:16; Num. 14:28-34; Heb. 12:16, 17.) Who is the door? (John 10:7.) To whom is it now open? (John 10:9.) Will it always be open? Can anyone get in after it is once shut? (Luke 13:25-28.) What is the next scene in the parable? Did those virgins really wish to get in? Why did not they then? What answer did they get? Whom does God know? (John 10:27; i Cor. 8:3; 2 Tim. 2:19.) What is Christ's practical summing up of the teaching of the parable? Watch what or for what? Does this ad- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD monition apply to Christians? Did the wise and foolish virgins appear alike out- wardly? Will hypocrites ever awaken to the difference between themselves and true professors ? When ? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jcstis Christ. His divinity: Occupies the same place in New Testa- ment thought that God occupies in Old Testament thought, i ; compare Is. 54:5; 62:4, 5. The Bridegroom : His wondrous, tender love for the church, I ; compare Eph. 5 :25 ; His intimate union with the church, i ; compare Eph. 5 :28-32. He tarries : Does not come as soon as expected, 5, but He is surely coming: At mid- night, 6; suddenly, 6; unexpectedly, 6; while even those who went out to meet Him nodded and slept, 6; takes those who are ready at His coming with Him into the marriage supper, 10 ; shuts the door on those not ready, 10; will not open to the most urgent cry of those who come too late, 12. 2. The zvisc z'irfiins. Took their lamps, i ; went forth to meet the bridegroom, i ; took oil in their vessels with their lamps, 4; nodded and slept while the bride- groom tarried, 5 ; suddenly awakened by the midnight cry, 6; called forth to meet the bridegroom, 6 ; arose and trimmed their lamps, 7; had only oil enough for themselves, 9; advised the foolish to go to them that sold to buy for themselves. 9; were ready, 10; went in with the bridegroom to the marriage, 10; were shut in, ro. The foolish virgins. Took their lamps, i ; went forth to meet the bridegroom, i ; took no oil in their vessels with their lamps, 3; nod- ded and slept while the bridegroom tarried, 5; suddenly awakened by the midnight cry, 6 ; called forth to meet the bridegroom, 6; arose and trimmed their lamps, 7 ; expected to enter with the bridegroom unto the feast, 7; found their lamps were going out. 8 R. V. ; asked the wise to supply them with needed oil, 8; un- able to get oil from the wise virgins, 9; went to buy for themselves after the coming of the bridegroom was announced, 10; bridegroom came while they were getting oil, 10; were shut out, 10. LESSON 116. The Parable of the Talents. Matthew 25:14-30. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. What the serz'onfs did during their Lord's absence, vv. 14-1S. To whom was this parable spoken? Where? When? What is the chief point of likeness between this and the preceding parable? Chief point of difference? What other parable of Christ bears a striking re- semblance to this? (Luke 19:12-27.) What is the principal difference between the two? To what is the kingdom compared in this parable? Who is represented by the man taking a journey into a far country? What STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD did Jesus mean to teach by that? What did Jesus say this man did before going? Who are represented by the bond servants? What is meant by delivering his goods unto his servants? (i Peter 4:10.) What do the talents represent? (Ro. 12:6-8; i Cor. 12:4, 8, II, 28; Eph. 4:8, II.) Did he give to each the same gift? Upon v^rhat princi- ple did he vary the gifts? Who is it de- cides just what gifts each Christian shall have? (i Cor. 12:11.) Did he leave any servant without any gift? How much is the least sum mentioned? How much is that? Was that enough to do something with? What is involved in receiving a larger gift? (Luke 12:48.) For what purpose were the talents given? (i Cor. 14:12; 2 Cor. 1:4.) Suppose we use the gifts for our own private ad- vantage, of what are we guilty? After distributing the gifts what did the man do? What does that represent? (Eph. 4:8.) What did the man who received the five talents do? What is meant by saying that he traded with the same? What was the result? How can we trade with our tal- ents? (i Cor. 15:10; I Tim. 6:17, 18; 2 Peter 1:5-10; i Cor. 14:12.) What did the man with the two talents do? Did he suc- ceed as well as the one with the five tal- ents? Can you give any Bible illustration of faithful two-talent people? (2 Sam. 19:32; I Kings 18:3, 4; 2 Kings 4:8-10; Mark 14:3-8; Acts 9:36-39; 11:29, 30.) What did the man who had received the one talent do? What does that represent? Is that common? Is it only one-talent men who do this? What warning does Paul give Timothy against this very error? (i Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6.) Is that warning needed today? 2. What their Lord did upon His return, vv. 19-30. What is the next scene in the parable? What does that represent? (i Cor. 4:5; 2 Cor. 5:10.) How many of us shall have a part in that reckoning? (Ro. 14:12.) Of whom shall we have to give account? If we are true believers shall we be judged as regards the question whether we shall be saved or not? (John 5:24, R. V.) For what, then, is the judgment of the believer? (i Cor. 3:14, 15.) When is the Lord rep- resented as coming? What was Christ's purpose in saying that? (Luke 19:11.) Who first presented himself to his master? Was he afraid to come? Why not? How may we be saved from fear in the day of judgment? (i John 4:16, 17.) What is the true Christian's hope "in the presence of Christ at His coming"? (i Thess. 2:19.) Who did the servant say had gained the five talents? In the parable of the pounds what did the servant say had gained the five pounds? (Luke 19:16, 17.) Which is the true representation? (i Cor. 15:10; John 15:5; I Cor. 3:9; Gal. 2:20.) What was the Lord's answer? Is it worth anything to have Jesus Christ say to you, "Well done"? (2 Cor. 10:18.) What was it the Lord praised? What was to be his re- ward? Is the first part of this promise found elsewhere? (Luke 12:44; 22:29; Rev. 2:26; 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:12.) What does "joy of the Lord" mean? What are some of its elements? (John 12:26; 14:3; Ps. i6:to, II ; John 17:24.) Does the Christian have any joy before Christ comes? (i Peter 1:8.) Is it as full as he is to have? (Phil. 1:23, R. V.) By what expressive figure is the abundance of this joy mentioned in Ps. 36:8? Who pre- sented himself to his Lord next? What was his report? Was that as good report as that of the former? What reply did his Lord make to him? How did this differ from the reply made to the five-talent man? What is the lesson taught in that? (2 Cor. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 267 8:l2.) What two persons won Christ's very especial commendation when He was here for what they did? (Mark 12:41-44; 14:8, 9.) How much must one do for Christ to get a reward? (Matt. 10:42.) Who came last? Why did he hold back so long? Why did he come at last? How did he look as he came? By what title did he address his Master? What would have been a better way of showing Him that he regarded Him as Lord? (Luke 6:46.) Will the merely calling of Christ "Lord" satisfy? (c. 7:21.) What did he report having done with his Lord's money? Do any do that today? Do any do worse than that? (Luke 16:1.) Why did he say that he did that? Is the Christian spirit a spirit of fear? (Ro. 8:is; 2 Tim. 1:7.) Why was he afraid? Did he really know his Master? Have any this conception of Christ as a Master today? On whom did he try to shift the blame of his poor success? On- to whom do men generally endeavor to shift the guilt of their unfaithfulness? Did it lessen his guilt any to slander his Mas- ter? Does it ours? What is an all-suf- ficient answer to all complaints against God? (Ro. 9:20.) How much did he say he brought back? Was that true? What was his Master's answer? What then, was the real trouble? What is the real trouble always when men neglect their duty? What is a lazy man's excuse? (Prov. 26:13.) How did his Lord show him his excuse was no excuse? By whose words was he then condemned ? What did his Master say that he should have done? Is there any les- son in that? What is the next step in the parable? Have we any Bible illustration of gifts and opportunities being taken from these who neglect them and being given to others? (Gen. 25:34; Ex. 4:14; Acts 1:25, 26; Ro. ii:ii.) What reason did Jesus give for this? What is the meaning of this principle? In connection with what other parable is it also found? (c. 13:12.) Was this loss all that happened to the sloth- ful servant? What, then, is all that is necessary in order to go to the outer dark- ness? (v. 30; compare c. 3:10.) What four classes of persons does Christ represent in His teachings as going to the outer dark- ness? (c. 24:48-51; Luke 13:27, 28; c. 22:12, 13.) What is the fourth class (v. 30)? By what one word did Christ express the whole difficulty with this man (v. 30) ? Are you "profitable," of any use, to God? Whose fault was it that he was "useless"? Whose fault is it if any man is useless? What is the penalty of uselessness (vv. 28, 30) ? Why did Christ choose the one-tal- ent man as the unfaithful servant? CL.^SSIFIC.\TION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus Christ: He has gone into a far country, 14 ; He has entrusted His goods to His serv- ants to use, 14; gives to each servant "according to his several ability," 15 ; He is coming back again, 19; He will make a reckoning with each of His servants, 19; all His servants, must appear before Him and give account of the use made of the gifts bestowed upon them, 20-24 ; He will commend the fi- delity of those who have used well the gifts bestowed whether the gifts were many or few, 21, 2^; will set over many things those who have been faithful over a few things, 21, 23 ; wnll welcome the good and faith- ful into participation in His own joy, 21, 23 ; will penetrate and expose the shallow excuses of those who tr\^ to shift the responsibility of their lazy infidelity off upon His imagined se- verity, 26; will condemn the unfaith- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD ful out of their own mouths, 26, 27; will cause the neglected gift to be taken from the wicked servant, 28; will give more to the one who has used well what he had, but will take from the one who has not used what he had, even that which he had, 29; will reward the faithful use of op- portunities and gifts here with greater gifts and larger opportuni- ties hereafter, 21, 23, 29; will com- mand the useless servant to be cast into the outer darkness, 30. The hvo faithful servants: Their talents were a trust from their Master, 15; doubled the talents given by faithful use, 16-20 ; promptly, fear- lessly, and gladly presented them- selves to their Master upon His re- turn, 20, , 22 ; brought the increased talents to their Master, 20, 22; praised by their Lord as good and faithful servants, 20, 21 ; made rulers over many things because they had been faithful over a few things, 21, 23 ; ushered into participation in their Lord's own joy, 21, 22,', one had five talents and the other but two but they were equally faithful and similarly rewarded, 20-23. The unprofitable useless servant. He had one talent entrusted to him, 15 ; that talent was as sacred a trust as that of the others, 15, 27; it was just the right amount for him, 15; a faithful use of that one talent would have brought the same reward that the five talent man received for the faithful use of his five talents, 23; compare 21; he had a false con- ception of his master, 24; that false conception was the outgrowth of his own wicked and lazy heart, 26; he was afraid, 25; compare Prov. 26:13; he hid his talent instead of using it, 18, 25; endeavored to shift the re- sponsibility of his own laziness ofif upon his Master, 24, 25 ; his wicked- ness and laziness penetrated and ex- posed, 26; condemned out of his own mouth, 26, 27; his talent taken away, 28; cast into the outer darkness be- cause he zcas iiseless, 30; compare c. 3:10. LESSON 117. The Judgment of the Nations. Matt. 25:31-46. here laid down apply? How many shall appear at some time before Christ's judg- ment seat? (2 Cor. 5:10; Ro. 14:10.) When is the destiny of the believer de- cided? (John 5:24.) To whom first of all should we apply the principles of judg- ment given here? Is there to be another judgment beside that represented here? (Rev. 20:12, 13.) In what way is Christ represented as coming? Who are to come as His companions? Are there similar representations of Christ's coming else- DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The great gathering and the final separation, vv. 31-33. Where were these words spoken? When? What contrast is there between Christ as He speaks here and the Christ as He appears in the prophecy which He spoke? Of what have we a picture in this lesson? Is the judgment represented here of the nations living at Christ's coming or of all men who had ever lived (w. 35-40) ? To whom do the principles of judgment STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 269 where? (16:27; 19:28; 26:64; Zech. 14:3. 4; Mark 8:38; i Thess. 4:16; 2 Thess. 1 :7, 10; Jude 14; Rev. 1:7.) Does Christ's coming at death, at the destruction of Jerusalem, or at the descent of the Holy Spirit, fulfil the requirements of these passages? When is He so com- ing? (Matt. 24:42, 44-) What will He do when He so comes? (Rev. 3:21.) What will occur after He has thus taken His throne? How many nations and how many angels? What will He do with the nations? Into how many classes will He separate them? Is the scene here repre- sented that of a trial or verdict? When does the trial take place? Into what two classes are men already divided? (John 3:18.) Under what figure is the separa- tion represented? Do such separations actually occur in the East? Why is it necessary to separate sheep from goats? Why is it necessary to separate the wicked from the righteous? (Rev. 21:7.) Is the truth of final separation found elsewhere in the Bible? (c. 3:12; 13:42, 43-49; Mai. 3:18.) What does He do with sheep and goats respectively? Why sheep on right hand? (Gen. 48:13-17; Ps. 45:9; Heb. 1:3-13; Ps. 110:1; Acts 2:34-35.) 2. The Blessed of the Father; their deeds and their destiny, vv. 34-40. By what title is Christ spoken of in V. 34? Is He so spoken of elsewhere? Does He use this title of Himself else- where? To whom does the King first ad- dress Himself? How does He address them? What does "blessed" mean? Is it the same word as is used in the beatitudes? Does the Christian have to wait for the blessing of God? (Eph. 1:3.) What does He say to "the blessed"? Who do we learn from other passages of Scriptures shall not inherit this kingdom? (Gal. 5 :i9- 21; Eph. 5:5; I Cor. 6:9, 10.) Who shall? (2 Tim. 2:12; 4:8; James 2:5; Rev. 21:7.) Is this inheritance something we earn or is it a gift? (Luke 12:32.) How long has this kingdom been prepared? For whom prepared? What other things are we told are "from the foundation of the world"? (Acts 15:18; Eph. 1:4; i Peter 1:19, 20; Rev. 18:8.) What other things are spoken of as prepared for God's peo- ple? (Heb. 11:16; John 14:2, 3; c. 20:23; I Cor. 2:9.) What reason does Christ give for inviting them to an inheritance in this kingdom? How does this coincide with the common Bible doctrine that the whole destiny of man hangs on the point of faith? What does Paul tell us is the one thing that avails? (Gal. 5:6.) What is the nature of a faith that does not show itself in such acts? (Jas. 2:17.) What, then, is the proof of faith which God demands? (James 2:18.) Why ought we to give the thirsty Christ to drink? (John 4:14; 6:55.) The hungry Christ to eat? (John 6:32, 35.) Receive Him when a stranger? (Eph. 2:13, 18, 19.) Clothe Him when naked? (Is. 64:6; Ro. 13:14; Phil. 3:9.) Visit Him when sick? (Luke 1:68, 78.) When in prison? (Luke 4:18.) What do the righteous answer? What are we to infer from this answer? (c. 6:3; Prov. 15:33; I Peter 5:5, 6.) What is the King's answer to them? Does He say that "inasmuch as ye did it unto" any man? Who are His "brethren"? (c. 12:49, so; 28:10; Heb. 2:11.) If then we wish to feed Christ, what should we do? If we wish to visit Him? What is the real test whether or not we love Christ and God? (i John 3:14; 4:20.) What is the real test whether we love our brethren? (i John 3-'^7-) What shows whether or not we have received Christ? (c. 18:5; 270 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 10:40.) With which of His brethren does Christ identify Himself? For whose sake should these things be done to Christ's brethren? (Mark 9:41-) Where is a kindred thought to that of this verse found in Proverbs? (Prov. 19:17; 14:31-) Does God much esteem almsgiving, etc.? (Acts 10:31; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 6:17-19; Heb. 13:16; 6:10.) Is it worth striving for to be called out before the assembled uni- verse, "all nations" and "all angels" and thanked by Christ for services done Him? How can we gain that honor? 2. The Cursed: The cause and charac- ter of their curse, vv. 41-46. What change now comes over the scene? What is it He says to those on the left? If we do not listen to the "Come" of Jesus now, what will we have to listen to hereafter? Where else do we find this word "Depart"? (7:22, 23; Luke 13:25, 27.) How does He address them? What words does He add to "ye blessed" that he does not add to "ye cursed"? By whom are the cursed cursed? (John 5:40.) How many are cursed? (Gal. 3:10.) Whither were they to depart? Is the punishment of the lost elsewhere represented as fire? (c. 13:40-42, 50; 7:19; Mark 9:44, 46, 48; Luke 16:24; John 15:6; Heb. 6:8; Rev. 20:15; 14:11; 21:8.) What does that representation mean? Was this fire prepared for them? Why do they go there then? What reason does the King give for this awful doom? Was it some evil they had done or some good they had neglected to do that brought this doom upon them? What shall we judge then to be the doom of those who have not only neglected but positively rejected Christ's brethren? Were they aware that they had so neglected Christ? Are there any today who neglect Christ who are not aware of it? Are the wicked generally fully conscious of their wickedness? (i Sam. 15:13-15, 20, 21; Jer. 2:23, 35; Mai. i :6; 2:17; 3:13.) Why not? (Jer. 17:9.) What prayer should this fact lead us all to offer? (Ps. 139:23, 34; 19:12.) What was Christ's answer? How, then, can we neglect Christ? How can we persecute Him? (Acts 9:4, 5.) What was the final decision? What is meant by "everlasting"? Which will endure the longer, the punishment or the life? What does the whole question of whether it is eternal punishment or eternal life turn upon accordmg to this lesson? What is the condition of eternal life most commonly mentioned in the New Testa- ment? (John 3:15, 16, 36; I John 5:11, 12.) Is there any contradiction? What is Paul's definition of a true faith? (GaL 5:6.) What words of Daniel are suggested by this verse? (Dan. 12:2.) What other words of Christ recorded in John? (John 5 :29.) According to this lesson who is cursed? (Compare i Cor. 16:22.) What is the proof of our love or lack of love to Christ? What is the proof of our faith? Do we learn to love Christ first and afterwards to trust Him as a Saviour or vice versa? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. (i) What He is: The Son of Man, 31; the King, 34; the Judge of men, 31-46. (2) What He does: Regards either kindness or neglect shown to His brethren as shown to Himself, 40, 45; sets a higher esti- mate upon the service of the right- eous than they themselves do, 37, 38; attaches a greater degree of guilt to the sins of the wicked than they themselves do, 44. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 271 (3) What He shall do: He shall come in His glory, 31 ; with all the angels, 31. He shall sit on the throne of His glory, 31 ; cause all the nations to be gathered before Him, 32; sepa- rate them into two classes, the sheep and the goats, 32; set the sheep on His right hand, 33; set the goats on His left hand, 33; say to those on His right hand, "Come", 34; say to those on His left hand, "Depart", 41. Man's final destiny of eternal life or eternal punishment will be decided by the attitude he has taken toward Jesus Christ as revealed in his treat- ment of those who belong to Him, 34-46. The righteous. By what they are symbolized : Sheep, 33. Because of . what they are rewarded : Love to Christ revealed in kindly min- istries to those who belong to Christ, 35-40. The character of their goodness : Unconscious, 37-39. The nature of their reward: Separated from the wicked, 32; set at Christ's right hand at His coming, 33; blessed of the Father, 34; a kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world, 34; they shall inherit the kingdom when Jesus comes, 34; they shall hear Jesus say, "Come," 54; shall go away into eter- nal life, 46. The ivicked. By what they are symbolized : Goats, 33. Because of what they are cursed : Absence of love to Christ revealed in the neglect of those who belong to Christ, 42-45; compare i Cor. 16:22. The character of their wickedness : Unconscious, 44. The nature of their reward: Separated from the righteous, 32; set at Christ's left hand at His coming, 33; "cursed," 34; shall share the fiery torment prepared for the devil and his angels, 41 ; shall hear Jesus say, "Depart from Me," 41 ; shall go away into eternal punishment, 46. LESSON 118. The Institution of the Lord's Supper. Luke 22:7-20. (Compare Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The preparation for the passover, 7-13- Where did Luke get his account of the Lord's supper? (i Cor. 11:23-26.) From whom did Paul get it? (i Cor. 11:23.) Upon what day did the scenes of this les- son occur? (Lev. 23:5, 6; Ex. 12:18.) Did Jesus eat the passover with the disciples on the regular passover evening? (John 13:1; 18:28; 19:14; Mark 14:15; Matt. 26:20.) To whom did Jesus give the commission to prepare the passover (v. 8)? Which Gospel is it tells us this? Why was the commission given to them? Was it a privilege to prepare for Him? 272 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Can we have this privilege of preparing for Him? (Rev. 3:^0.) What question did the disciples put to Him? When Jesus gives us a commission to whom should we look for directions as to where and how to execute this commission? How often might we ask the question which the disciples asked? What directions did Jesus give to Peter and John? What was His purpose in giving directions in this singular way? Who was the man whom they were to meet? Was it a mere chance that they were to meet this man with the pitcher? How much of our life is a mat- ter of chance? How did Jesus know they were to meet him in this way? (Matt. 26:18.) How would they know which of the men carrying pitchers of water they were to follow? Did the man who was carrying that pitcher of water realize that by that humble act he was performing a part in God's wondrous plan of redemp- tion? Is there any lesson in this? How much of what they would meet upon their way did Jesus know beforehand? How much of what we shall meet does He know beforehand? How should we feel then about the unknown things that shall come to us in life's journey? What were they to say to the owner of the house? Was he a disciple? (Matt. 26:18; John 7:30; 12:23; 13:1; 17:1; Mark 12:15.) Had Jesus made previous arrange- ments with him? (Mark 14:15; Matt. 26:18.) What words in the disciples' mes- sage to the man settled the question of duty beyond a doubt? Was it a great honor to have Jesus take His last supper with the disciples at his house? How did the man get this honor (v. 12) ? Was the man eager to have Jesus come to his home? (Mark 14:15 R- V.) For what purpose had the room been made ready? How did the disciples show the genuineness of their discipleship? Did the directions they had received seem altogether reason- able? Has the disciple anything to do with the seeming reasonableness or unreason- ableness of Christ's directions? What is the disciple's sole business? (John I5:i4-) How did the disciples find everything when they got into the city? Had there seemed to be anything improbable in what Jesus had foretold? How shall we find every- thing that Jesus foretells no matter how improbable it seems? What is the wise thing for us to say in the face of whatever Jesus says no matter how improbable it seems? (Acts 27:25, last half; Mark 13:31-) 2. The institution of the Lord's sxipper, vv. 14-20. Had Jesus been anticipating this occasion (v. 15)? Why did Jesus so earnestly de- sire to eat that passover with them? When was He to eat it again? What is meant by its being "fulfilled in the kingdom of God"? (Matt. 26:29; Rev. 19:9.) Are we to understand that there is to be actual wine drinking in God's kingdom? (v. 30; Acts 10:41.) What is meant by "the kingdom of God shall come"? (Dan. 2:44; Luke 21:31.) What Christian cus- tom did Jesus institute at this time (v. 19)? What was its primary purpose? (i Cor. 11:24, 25.) What is the connec- tion between this Christian institution and the Jewish passover? (i Cor. 5:7, 8.) Is there any evidence of the divinity of our ' Lord in His thus instituting a memorial of Himself in this ancient ceremonial? What did He say of the bread? What does the verb "is" signify here? (Ezek. 37:11; Rev. 1:20; Gal. 4:25.) What truth is symbolized by our eating of the bread and drinking of the wine? (John 6:51, 53, 54.) When we eat the bread of com- munion do we actually feed upon Christ? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 273 What do we eat and drink if we do not "discern the Lord's body"? (i Cor. 11:29 R. V.) What did Jesus say of the cup (v. 20) ? What became of the old cove- nant? Was the old covenant sealed with blood? (Ex. 24:7, 8.) Why must all cov- enants between God and man be on the basis of blood shed? (Heb. 9:22.) What is the significance of the blood? (Lev. 17:11.) What further did Jesus say about the blood? (Matt. 26:28 R. V.) What does "unto remission, etc." mean? Does the blood play a very important part in the Bible plan of salvation? (Ro. 3:25; 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14, 20; Eph. 2:13; I John 1:7, 9; Heb. 13:12; Rev. 12:11; 1:5; 7:9, 14; compare i Cor. 5:7 and Ex. 12:13; Heb. 9:22.) What shall we say of a gospel that leaves the blood out? What shall we say of those who speak contemptuously of the blood? (Heb. 10:28, 29.) How do we know that Jesus wished us never to forget or get beyond the truth that we are saved by blood? Why did Christ institute the Lord's sup- per? (v. 19; I Cor. 11:26; 10:16, 17.) Why did He want to be remembered? Why do men need something to remember Him by? How long did Jesus wish this ceremony to be kept up? (i Cor. 11:26.) To what ceremony of the law did it cor- respond? (Ex. 12:14.) What would we say of an ancient Israelite who neglected to keep this memorial of God's wondrous re- deeming mercy as He commanded? What shall we say of a Christian who neglects to keep this memorial? What is the meaning of the Lord's supper? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. (i) His Nature: Divine, 19 ; Human, 20. (2) His love: For His disciples : Seen in His desire to eat this passover with them, 15; Seen in His wish to be remembered by them, 19. For sinners : Seen in his atoning death, 20; His joy in human com- panionship, IS; His longing for hu- man love and sympathy, 15. (3) His knowledge: Of man, 19; of the future, even in minute and accidental things, 15 ; of what was occurring at a distance, 10; of human plots, 10, 11; of what awaits His disciples, 10, 11. (4) His word: Its absolute certainty, 13. (5) His guidance: Explicit, 10, 11; for those who wish it, 9-1 1 ; can be had for the asking, 9; never makes mistakes, 13; a step at a time, 10, 11. (6) His death: Central fact of His life, 19, 20; the one thing "to shew forth," 15, 20; the one thing to remember, 19, 20; i Cor. II :26. (7) His blood: Shed unto remission of sins, 20; com- pare Matt. 26:28; the only basis of communion between God and man, 19, 20; must be appropriated and drank, 20; compare i Cor. 11:25, 26. 2. The Lord's supper: A memorial of Christ, 19; i Cor. ii; a proclamation of His death, i Cor. II :26; a symbol of the impartation of His life to us, 19, 20; i Cor. 11:29; compare Lev. 17:11; a vehicle of the impartation of Himself, 19, 20; com- 274 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD pare i Cor. 11:29; a prophecy of His return and the marriage supper, i Cor. 11:26; Luke 22:16, 18; duty of celebrating it, 19; i Cor. 11:24-26; base ingratitude of not celebrating it, 19, 20; I Cor. 11:25, 26; a testi- mony against the forgetfulness of man, 19; i Cor. 11:24; testimony for the tender love of Christ, 19, 20; i Cor. II :24. So base is man's ingrati- tude that he readily forgets the re- deeming love of Christ; so tender is Christ's love that He wishes us to hold Him in everlasting remem- brance. 3. Man : His need of atonement, 20; forgetful- ness of God's love, 19; i Cor. 11:25, 26; made partaker of Christ by faith, 19, 20; compare i Cor. 11, 24. 4. The true disciple: Looks to Christ for directions, 7, 8; compare Matt. 26:17; believes whzt he is told, 10; asks no doubting questions, 10-13; does just what he is commanded, 13; is satisfied with "thus saith the Lord," 10-13; never forgets his Lord, 19, 20. 5. The kingdom of God: It is coming, 18; will be a place of feasting and gladness, 16; the fulfil- ment of all types, promises and prophecies, 16. LESSON 119. Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet. John 13:1-17. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The true humility of the Master, vv. 1-5. What was the place of this lesson? The time? What was Jesus about to do? From whom was He to depart? To whom was He to depart? Had the world appre- ciated Him? Had the disciples? What might very naturally be His feeling at the prospect of leaving these dull, unbelieving disciples to go to realms of glory? Was that His feeling? With what thoughts might He very naturally be occupied at that time? With what thought was He su- premely occupied ? What expression in V. I explains all this? What sort of love was His? Why did He love His disciples? Why were they "His own"? (John 17:12; 2 Peter 2:1.) Are the angels in heaven "His own" in any such sense as we re- deemed sinners are? What does the fact that we are "His own" make sure? (17:12.) What view of death does this verse set forth? Ought we then to dread death? (John 14:28, 29.) What is mentioned as a black background for the brightness of the Saviour's unfailing love? Why is the per- fidy of Judas mentioned at this point? Where did Judas get his awful purpose to betray the Son of God? Was that the first thing that Satan had ever put into his heart? If Satan had put this purpose into Judas' heart, was he responsible for it? (James 4:7.) Was it Judas' actions that Satan attacked first? Did the devil ever work in any one besides Judas? (Acts 5:3; Eph. 2:2.) Of what three wondrous facts was Jesus clearly conscious at this moment? (Compare 3:35; Matt. 11:27.) What are some of the "all things" that the Father "had given into His hands"? (c. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 275 5:22; 17:2; Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:21, 22; Heb. 1:2; 2:8, 9; I Cor. 15:27.) As a prelude to what is the divine glory that the Father had bestowed upon the Son mentioned? In full consciousness of what did Jesus humble Himself to wash the disciples' feet? When we have a little dignity and authority bestowed upon us are we ready still to descend to perform the humblest services for those put under us? Why not? When the consciousness of su- periority of rank or ability tempts us to shirk the lowliest offices for the humblest of God's children, what should we remem- ber? Was this not a great lowering of Christ's glory? What seven things is Jesus here recorded to have done? Is there anything remarkable in any of those seven things taken in itself? Is there anything remarkable in those seven things as Jesus did them? Did Jesus ever do anything more amazing? How can the most com- monplace actions be made amazingly glori- ous? How would you have felt to have been there and had Jesus wash your feet? Does Jesus wash our feet? Is there any filth viler and more repulsive to Him than that of the soiled feet that Jesus humbles Himself to wash for us? How do these acts of Jesus symbolize His whole work? (Phil. 2:6.) 2. The spurious humility of the disciple, vv. 6-1 1. Did all the disciples submit to the feet washing? What was it prompted Peter to protest? Was it a true humility? How does a true humility manifest itself? Do we ever see a spurious humility today that refuses the abounding mercies of Christ on the plea that it is not worthy of them? Is that true humility? With what answer did Jesus meet Peter's first protest (v. 6) ? Does God ever do things that we cannot understand? Upon what thought should we rest at such times? When would Peter understand the meaning of Christ's act? (vv. 14-17; John 14:26; I Peter 5:5.) Was Peter satisfied with Jesus' answer (v. 8) ? Did he display much humility in this? Was this the first time Peter had thought that he knew better than Jesus? (Matt. 16:22). Is there any reference in Peter's "never" to Jesus' "hereafter"? Do we ever meet nowadays this pride that thinks it knows better than Jesus what He ought to do for us and consequently refuses to accept what He offers? What was Jesus' answer to this emphatic refusal of Peter? Why would Peter have no part with Jesus if he refused the feet washing? What was the alternative to being washed by Christ? What does that involve (9)? What did Peter answer? Did this an- swer spring from a due weighing of the profound words Jesus had spoken? Do we duly weigh the words of the Master in our responses to Him? How do we feel when our profoundest utterances are treat- ed lightly? Was Jesus impatient or dis- couraged (v. 10) ? What was Jesus' an- swer? What is the meaning of the an- swer? In what sense is the believer "bathed" already? (i John i :7; John 15:3; Titus 3:5.) In what sense does he need daily cleansing? How does Jesus cleanse him from the daily defilement? (John 15:3; Eph. 5:26.) What did Jesus say the disciples were? Were they perfect? In what sense were they clean? (Titus 3:5; 2 Cor. 5:17, 21.) Were the entire twelve clean? Who was the unclean one? Was the one who was to deny Him three times and those who were to forsake Him clean ? What, then, is every true believer in spite of faults and falls? How long had Jesus known who would betray Him? (2:25; 6:70, 71.) 276 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD J. The laiv of Christian liiing — Do as I have done, vv. 12-17. What question did Jesus put to them when He had completed the feet washing (v. 12) ? Do we always know what the Lord has done to us? What had He done (v. 15)? Wherein lay the necessity of that example? (Luke 22:24.) What is the rule of Christian living? (John 2:6; I Peter 2:21; Eph. 5:2.) What does this example of the feet washing mean for us? By what titles did the disciples call Christ (v. 13)? What does Lord mean? What does Master mean? Did these titles right- ly belong to Christ? What argument does Jesus found upon these titles (v. 14) ? Is that a good argument? What is the one who calls Jesus Lord and Master and does not seek to stoop as low as He? Is there any reference in Peter's writings to this incident? (i Peter 5:5.) What did Jesus say of the relation of servant and Lord? Does not every one know that? Why then introduce it with such solemn emphasis? How many Christians carry this thought out in their lives? How many Christians would be satisfied with an earthly lot like His? Ought we to be content with it? Why? Do we ever see professed servants of Christ assuming a greatness and a dig- nity He discarded? Is it the knowledge of these truths that brings blessedness? Do we ever try to substitute knowledge of truth for practice of truth? Will knowl- edge of truth bring blessedness? What does knowledge of truth where there is no practice bring? (Luke 12:47, 48; Jas. 4: 17.) What truths were they which Jesus had especially in mind when He said: "Blessed are ye if ye do them"? What then is the road to blessedness? Do many follow that road to blessedness? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jesus: His divinity, 3; humanity, 4, S, 11; titles: Master (Teacher), 13, Lord, 13 ; wondrous patience with man's dullness and failure to ponder and appreciate His words, 9, 10; depart- ure from the world shameful and painful as it was, was a departure to the Father, i ; loved His own to the end — thoughts of them occupied His mind in His closing hour rather than thoughts of His own glory that was drawing so near, i ; took upon Him the form of a servant and per- formed the most menial services, 4. S ; performed these lowly services in full consciousness of His own trans- cendant glory, 3-5 ; gave us an ex- ample of how to act toward others, 15; made the most commonplace acts glorious as an amazing revela- tion of humility and love, 4, S; He knew : that His hour was come, i ; that He came from God, 3 ; that He went to God, 3; that the Father had given all things into His hands, 3; who should betray Him, 11; the con- dition of having a part with Him — being washed by Him, 8; things typi- fied, 4, 5, 12: riseth from supper — risen from His rightful place in glory, compare v. 3; layeth aside His gar- ments — laying aside garments of di- vine majesty, compare Phil. 2:6, 7; took a towel and girded Himself — • took upon Him the form of a serv- ant, Phil. 2 :7 ; poureth water into a basin — provides the cleansing Word, compare John 15 :3 ; washes the dis- ciples' feet — applies the cleansing wa- ter, compare Eph. 5:26; takes His STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 277 garments — reassumes His glory, com- pare John 17:5; sat down again — reassumes His place as Lord, com- pare Heb. 10:12. 2. Believers: Belong to Christ— "His own," i ; loved by Christ, i; the chief object of His thought and care even on the eve of His coming glory, i ; bathed, clean, need daily cleansing from daily defilement, 10 ; call Jesus Master and Lord, 13 ; should walk as He walked, 14; should do to one another as He has done to us, 15; should "wash one another's feet" with the Word; perform most menial services; are no greater than their Lord ; should desire nothing higher than He had, assume no dignity He discarded and be above no services He performed; will find their blessedness not in knowing but in doing, 17, and in lowly service. J. Peter. His imagined humility but real pride, 6, 8; failure to understand the mean- ing of Jesus' acts, 7; failure to pon- der the meaning of Jesus' words, 9; talking when he ought to have been thinking, 8, 9; promise of future understanding, 7; prompt repentance, 9- 4. Judas Iscariot: Unclean, 10, II ; opened his heart to the devil's suggestions, 2; betrayed his Master and Lord, 2, 11; the ob- ject of Christ's lowly and loving of- fices, 5, ID. LESSON 120. Jesus Predicts That One of the Twelve Should Betray Him and Another Deny Him. John 13:18-38. (Compare Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23.) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. "Verily, verily, I say unto yon, one of you shall betray Me," vv. 18-30. What was one of the bitterest drops in the cup of agony that Jesus had to drink (v. 18) ? Where had this betrayal by one of the innermost circle of His chosen friends been predicted? (Ps. 41:9; 55:12-14.) What was Jesus' purpose in foretelling this betrayal to His disciples (v. 19; compare 14:29)? What was it that Jesus desired that the disciples should believe about Him (v. 19) ? What is meant by the words, "That I am He"? (Is. 43:10; Mai. 3:1; Matt. 11:3; compare c. 1:15; 8:24; Rev. 1:17, 18.) Is it important that we should believe that Jesus is He? (John 8:24.) Who in the Old Testament says, "I am He"? (Is. 43:10 A.R.V.) Whom then does Jesus claim to be by saying, "I am He"? When we receive one whom Jesus sends, whom do we really receive (v. 20) ? When we receive Jesus, whom do we receive (v. 20; compare 12:49)? What effect upon Jesus had the contemplation of His coming betrayal by Judas, His friend (v. 21) ? Did Jesus love Judas? How does His love for Judas come out in v. 21 ? With what emo- tion did Jesus utter the words recorded in V. 21? Is Jesus ever betrayed today by those whom He loves ? With what feelings 278 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD did the disciples hear the words of Jesus (v. 22) ? Had there been anything in Judas' outward actions that gave the disciples to know at once that Judas would be the be- trayer? Is it possible for us to tell who of the present professed disciples of Jesus in com- ing years will betray their Lord? What did each one of the disciples ask regarding the betrayer? (Matt. 26:22.) What does this question reveal? Is it possible for us to- day to discern in ourselves the possibility of betraying the Lord? Was there any difference in the way in which Judas asked "Is it I," from the way in which the others asked it? (Matt. 26:22, 25.) What did Judas display by asking the question? Who had the seat of honor at the table (v. 23) ? Is the name given in this gospel? Why not? If many modern Christians had been writ- ing this book, would they have omitted their name in this way? While omitting his own name, whose name does John mention (v. 24) ? Is it any proof of the genuineness of this Gospel that the name of John, the apostle, is not mentioned in it? How does John speak of himself in this passage (v. 23) ? Is that a title of much honor? Did Jesus love John in a way in which He did not love the other disciples? What question did John ask of Jesus (v. 25) ? What was Jesus' answer? By this answer did Jesus point out to the other disciples who the be- trayer was (vv. 28, 29) ? What is the point of the answer in v. 26? What was Jesus' purpose in giving that sop at that time to Judas? Had Jesus made any other at- tempts to recall Judas from his awful pur- pose? Did this last attempt succeed? What happened at that moment (v. 27) ? Why did Satan enter into the heart of Judas? If our hearts are closed to Jesus, to whom are they always open? If we do not re- spond to Jesus' kindness what will Satan do? When this last attempt failed, what did Jesus say to Judas? What did Judas do immediately after taking that which the lov- ing hand of Jesus reached out to him? With what significant words does v. 30 end? 2. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow until thou hast denied Me thrice," vv. 31-38. With the going forth of Judas to get his band to arrest Jesus, what does Jesus Him- self see approaching (v. 31)? Was the death of Jesus a "lifting up" in any other sense than merely the lifting up on the cross? (c. 12:31, 32; Phil. 2:8-11.) Through what did the glory of the Son of man come (vv. 31, 32) ? Through what must our glory come (Ro. 8:17)? In Jesus being thus glorified, who was glorified in Him (v. 31) ? As Jesus now feels that His stay with His disciples is fast drawing to a close, what does He leave them (v. 34) ? What was the new commandment that He left them? Was the law of love a new law (Matt. 22 :37-4o) ? How did Jesus' law of love differ from Moses' law of love? (v. 34; compare Matt. 22:3-9.) What should be the measure of our love to one another (v. 34 R. v.; compare i John 3:14, 16-18)? By what test shall men know the true disciples of Jesus Christ (v. 35) ? What question did Simon Peter ask of Jesus (v. 36) ? Why did Peter wish to know whither the Lord was going? What was the Lord's answer (v. 36) ? What did Simon Peter reveal at this time (vv. 2)7, 38) ? Who today is equal- ly ignorant of his own heart? What did Peter say that he was ready to do ? Did the time ever come when Peter was ready to lay down his life for Jesus' sake? What does Jesus tenderly reveal to Simon Peter? Must Jesus ever thus expose our well-mean- ing but shallow professions of consecration and love? STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 279 CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. God the Father: He sent Jesus Christ, 20; glorified Jesus Christ in Himself, z^; was glorified in Jesus Christ, 31, 32. ?. Jcsiis Christ: (i.) What He is: Divine, 19; compare Is. 43:10; human, 31, 36; subordinate of the Father, 21, 31, 32. (2.) His character: Loving, 21, 34; gentle, 21, 38; persistent, 26; sensitive, 21. (3.) How He was treated: Betrayed by one of the twelve, 21 ; denied by another, 38 ; glorified by the Father, 31, 32. (4.) .How to treat Him: Do not betray Him, 21 ; do not deny Him, 38; believe that He is He, 19; receive Him, 20. (5.) His law for His disciples: Love one another even as I have loved you, 34, 35. 3. The Scriptures: Their inspiration and certainty, 18. 4. Simon Peter: Was anxious to know who should be- tray the Lord, 24; utterly ignorant of the weakness of his own heart, 36, 37; boasted of his own loyalty to Christ, Z7; utterly failed in the hour of trial, 35; denied his Lord thrice, 38. 5. Judas Iscariot: Had the privilege of the closest intimacy with Jesus Christ, 18; was loved by Jesus Christ, 21 ; Jesus would not give him up until the last moment, 26, 27; resisted all Jesus' attempts to save him, 26, 27; Satan entered into him, 27; knowing that he had already made arrangements for the betrayal of the Lord, still with brazen effront- ery asked, "Is it I, Rabbi?" Matt. 26 125. LESSON 12L Thoughts for the Comfort of Jesus' Disciples During the Absence of Their Lord. John 14:1-15. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Peace by believing in Jesus, vv. 1-6. With what words does this chapter begin? With what words does it close? (v. 27.) What then, is the general purpose of the chapter? Why did Jesus say to His disci- ples, "Let not your heart be troubled"? Had they any seemingly good excuse for being troubled? Does Jesus wish His disciples ever to be troubled? (Mark 18:7; Phil. 4:6; I Peter 3:14.) Is there any promise in the Word of God to meet every possible emergency that may arise in the life of a child of God? (Phil. 4:19; Ro. 8:28, 32.) What does Jesus propose in v. i as a cure for troubled hearts? How does the Ameri- can Standard Revised Version render that? Will belief in God and in Jesus Christ drive out all anxiety? (Is. 26:3.) What does it prove then when we are anxious? Does Jesus wish us to believe in Him? How does He feel when we do not? Does He wish us to believe in Him with the same absolute faith we do in God? Is there any proof in this that Jesus was divine? (Com- 280 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD pare Jer. 17:5, 7.) What thought troubled the disciples most? What thought did Jesus give them to comfort them concern- ing this separation? Whither was He go- ing? (c. 13:3.) For what purpose was He going? What is Jesus doing now? Is He only preparing heaven for us? (Eph. 5:22- 27.) How does Jesus prepare the place for us? (Heb. 9:21-26.) Is there much room in heaven? For whom is there room? Is heaven a state or a place? By what expression in v. 2 does Christ's wondrous care for His disciples come out (v. 2) ? What third comforting thought did Jesus give them? Did Jesus say He would send for them? To what coming of the Lord does this promise refer? (Com- pare carefully the three parts of the promise in V. 3 with the three parts of the promise in I Thess. 4:16, 17). Is the thought of that return of our Lord, which may be very remote as men reckon time, a comforting thought for His people? (i Thess. 4:17; Titus 2:13; Is. 40:1, 9, 10.) What is the one thought constantly advanced in the Bible for the comfort of God's people? (i Thess. 4:17; Titus 2:13; Rev. 22:20; Is. 40:1, 9, 10 etc. etc.) Is that the one thought empha- sized in modern teaching and preaching for the comfort of God's children? What did Jesus say He was coming for? Did He say to receive them unto heaven? Why does He wish to receive us "unto Himself" f Do we wish to be where He is? What is the believer's brightest thought of heaven? (Phil. 1 :23 R. v.; 2 Cor. 5:8.) Does Jesus wish us to be where He is? (John 17:24.) Do we most wish to be there or He to have us there? How long are we to be with Him? (i Thess. 4:i7-) Was there enough in these three opening verses to drive the anxiety out of the hearts of Jesus' troubled disciples if they had really taken it in? Is there enough in them if we really take it in to drive the anxiety out of the hearts no matter what arises? What fourth com- forting thought did Jesus give them (v. 4 R. V.)? What was the way? The way whither (v. 4; compare 13:3; 15:28)? If, then, we wish to get to God, what way must we take? How many can take that way? (John 10:9; ^-S?-) How many men can get to God by some other way? How is Jesus the way (i — Eph. 2:13, 18; Heb. 10; 19, 20; 2— Matt. 11:27; John 17:3; 3 — Heb. 1:1-3; 4 — the remainder of the verse)? What is He besides the way? What did He mean by saying, "I am the truth"? If we wish then to know the truth, whom must we know? (Compare Col. 2:3.) What else is He? Did He merely say, "I give the life"? If we wish, then, to see what life is, at whom must we look? (i John Ij2.) If we wish to get life, whom must we get? (i John 5:11, 12.) Outside of Him what is there ? 2. Knowledge of God by believing in Jesus, vv. 7-11. If we know Jesus, whom do we know? Why do we know the Father when we know Him? (Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3; Col. 2:9.) Is there any way to fully know God without knowing Jesus Christ? (Matt. 11 127.) Had the disciples up to this time truly known Jesus? Are there any today who are wise and scholarly and who even study the Bible and yet do not know Jesus? If they do not know Him, whom else do they not know? How alone can we truly know Jesus ? (John 15:26; 16:14; Matt. 16:17.) What appeal did Philip make to Jesus at this point in the conversation? What was Jesus' answer? Is that view of God which we get in Jesus as full as that which Moses and the seventy elders had (Ex. 24:10), and that which STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 281 Isaiah had? (Isa. 6.) How did Jesus ex- press His astonishment at Philip's blind- ness? Was it not strange that they could have been with Him all these years and not know Him? Is our blindness to the Father as revealed in Jesus any less astonishing? Do men today ever long for a vision of Him in Jesus? If the words, "he that hath seen me, hath seen the Father," are not the words of a divine being, of what sort of a being are they the words? If we wish to see God, what is all that we have to do? By what words does Jesus express the dis- tinction of personality and unity of being between Himself and the Father (v. lo) ? To what two proofs did Jesus appeal to show that He was in the Father and the Father in Him? Whose words were Jesus' words? Whose works were Jesus' works? What do the works and words of Jesus prove Him to be (v. ii) ? What did Jesus next appeal to His disciples to do? Is it important that we believe that? (i John 5: i-S; John 20:31.) Upon what ground first did He demand that His disciples should believe this? If they will not believe His bare testimony, to what does He appeal? Which is better, to accept it on the simple testimony of Jesus, or upon the testimony of the seen works? (John 20:27.) What if one refuses to believe on either ground? (John 8:24; 3:18, 19.) 3. Power by believing on Jesus, vv. 12- 15- Having urged His disciples to faith in Himself, what did Jesus say would be the result of that faith? What works of His does Jesus refer to when He says : "He that believeth on Me the works that I do shall he do also"? (See vv. 10, 11.) Who will do these works? Why is it that faith in Jesus Christ enables us to do His works ? (Phil. 4:13 R. V.) Did those who believed on Him actually do His works? (Acts 2-^- 8; 8:7; 4:9-12, 16, Z2>\ 9:34-40; 16:18; 6:8.) Why is it in many instances that we fail to do His works? (Matt. 17:19, 20.) What better promise is there in the v. 12 than that we shall do His works? What are these "greater works"? (Acts 2:9-11, 41; 4:4.) Why was it that greater works were to be done? (Compare John 7:39; 17:7; Acts 2:3^.) What further promise did Jesus make His disciples? Is there any connec- tion between the power in prayer promised in V. 13 and the power for service promised in V. 12? How much can we get by ask- ing? How must we ask? What is it to ask in His name? (v. 6; Eph. 2:13, 18; Heb. 10:19-22.) How much will we get if we ask in our own name? Is this promise made to every one? Who are the "Ye's" to whom the promise is made? (v. 15; c. 15:7; I John 3:22.) What did Jesus say He would do in answer to this prayer in His name? (Compare i John 5:15.) What is the purpose for which the thing asked is done? When, then, we offer to God a prayer in Jesus' name, that He can grant, what do we give the Father an opportunity to do? What ought to be our first object in asking the thing (14) ? In what different form did Jesus repeat this promise? Why did He make this promise in this two-fold form? Having told what He would do for those who believe in Him what did Jesus next tell (v. 15) ? Which is more impor- tant, that we know what Jesus will do for those who believe in Him, or that we know what those who love Him will do for Him? What change does the Revised Version make in v. 15? What is the one proof of love to Jesus? How many of His com- mandments will we keep if we love Him? Does "keeping" His commandments mean any more than "doing" His command- 282 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD ments? If there is any one of Jesus' com- mandments which we are not guarding as a precious treasure, what does it show? Is it important to have Jesus? (i Cor. 16:24.) Is there any connection be- tween the wonderful promises of vv. 12-14 and V. 15? Can the faith that gets what it asks be separated from the love that obeys what Jesus commands? (Compare i John 3 :22.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. The Father: Has a large house into which to wel- come all His children, 2; can be ap- proached only through Jesus, 6; can be known and seen in Jesus 7-9; He is in Jesus and Jesus in Him, 10, 11; speaks in Jesus, 10; works in Jesus, 10; abides in Jesus, 10; is glorified in Jesus, 13. 2. Jesus: (I.) What He is: Divine, i, 7, 9, 10; human, 10, 12; the way, 6; the truth, 6; the life, 6. (2.) Jesus and the Father: Distinction of persons, unity of being, 10, 11; Jesus in the Father and the Father in Him, 10, 11; Jesus is the perfect revelation of the Father, 7, 9; Jesus went to the Father, 12. (3.) Jesus and His disciples: Not understood by His disciples until Pentecost, 5, 7, 8, 9; amazed at His disciples' blindness, 9 ; is unwilling that His disciples be troubled in heart, i ; comforts His disciples, i- 14; hides nothing from His disciples which they ought to know, 2; He went away from His disciples, 2; He went away for the sake of His dis- ciples — "to prepare a place," etc., 2; He is coming again to receive His disciples unto Himself, 3; wishes His disciples to be with Him, 3; answers His disciples" prayers, 13, 14; does for them anything they ask in His name when they love and obey, 13, 14, com- pare 15; I John 3:22. 3. Believers: (l.) Their comfort: There is a place for them in the Fath- er's house, 2; Jesus is preparing the place for their reception, 2; Jesus is coming after them, 3; Jesus will re- ceive them unto Himself, 3; they will be where He is, 3. (2.) Their privilege : To be free from all anxiety, i ; to know and see the Father, 7-9; to do Jesus' works, 12; to do greater works than He did, 12; to get whatsoever they ask in His name, 13, 14. (3.) What they ought to do: Believe in God, i ; believe in Jesus, i ; believe Jesus, 11 ; love Jesus, 15; keep Jesus' commandments, 15; dismiss all anxiety, i. 4. Faith: (i.) In whom to believe: God, I ; Jesus, i, 11. (2.) What to believe : What Jesus says, 11; that Jesus is in the Father and the Father in Him, 11. (3.) Why believe: Because Jesus commands it, i, 11; for the Word's sake, 10; for the work's sake, II. (4.) The effect of faith: Anxiety banished, i ; God known, 9, 10; power received, 12. 5. Prayer: (i.) Who has a right to pray, "Ye," 13, 14; compare 15; i John 3:22. (2.) To whom to pray: STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 283 The Father, 13 ; Jesus, 14 R. V. (3.) The result of praying aright : We receive "whatsoever" and "any- thing" we ask, 13, 14; the Father is glorified in the Son, 14. Heaven: A place, 2; a roomy place, 2; where Jesus is, 3; Jesus is preparing it, 2, compare Heb. 9:21-24; He will take us there, 3. LESSON 122. Further Thoughts for the Comfort of Jesus' Disciples During the Absence of Their Lord. John 14:15-27. was this new Comforter to abide with them? Why did Jesus mention that? What was the name of this new Friend? (15:26; 16:13; I John 4:6.) Why is He so named? (John 16:13; I Cor. 2:11, 14.) What atti- tude toward this divine Friend does the world take? (Compare John 1:10, 11.) Why does not the world receive Him? Where had the world had a chance to be- hold the Spirit? If we want the Spirit in ourselves, where must we first behold Him? (2 Cor. 3:18.) Who does know the Spirit? Why does the true believer know Him? In whom had He abode zvith them? What was He going to do? (Compare Ro. 8:9.) What did it look as if the disciples would be, if Jesus left them (v. 18) ? With what promise does He meet that dreary prospect? (See margin and compare 13:33.) Was it merely the coming of the Spirit that was to prevent their being orphans? To what com- ing does this refer (vv. 17, 21, 23) ? How is the coming of the Spirit a coming of Christ? (John 16:14; Gal. 4:19.) What further privilege were the disciples to have which the world was not? To what be- holding does this refer (vv. 20, 21) ? What goes along with the beholding of Christ? What makes it sure the believer will live? (Compare 11 :25, 26.) What blessed knowl- edge were the disciples to have in that day (v. 20) ? How do we know that ? ( i John 3:24; 4:13.) Were they merely to guess so, or think so, or believe so? DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. "// ye love Me, ye will keep My com- mandments," vv. 15-24. What change does the R. V. make in v. 15? What is the one proof of love to Jesus? How many of His commandments will we keep if we love Him? If we know some commandment of His which we are not keeping, what does it prove? Is it im- portant to love Jesus? (i Cor. 16:22.) Does it say, "If, etc. j^e will obey my com- mandment"? What does "keep" mean? Is there any connection between the promises of vv. 12-14 and v. 15? (Compare i John 3 :22, the enjoyment of God's promises goes hand in hand with obedience to His commandments.) Can the faith that re- ceives all God has be separated from the love that obeys all God says? What did Jesus say He would do if they really loved Him and showed their love by keeping His commandments? Upon what is receiving the Spirit conditioned? (Compare Acts 5:32.) What does "Comforter" mean? How doe's He help? (John 16:13; 14:26; Ro. 8:26; Acts 8:29; 11:11, 12; 16:6, 7; Matt. 10:18-20; Acts 4:8; 6:10.) Why does He say "another" helper? In answer to what was the Spirit to come? Who was to send Him? (John 15:26.) Is there any proof of the divinity of Christ in the use of "another"? How long 284 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD \VTiat is the result of our loving Christ (v. 2i)? Does this mean that love begins with us and God does not love us until we love His Son? (i John 3 :i6; 4:19.) How much does the Father love those who love His Son? (John 17:23.) How will Christ show His love? Did the disciples under- stand yet how Jesus was to manifest Him- self to them and not to the world? Why not? What had Jesus given the disciples besides the promise? What ought they to have busied themselves about, performing the duty or asking "how" about the prom- ised reward? Is it characteristic of men, when God gives a promise, to go asking "how" instead of fulfilling the condition? Did Jesus tell Judas "how" (v. 23) He would manifest Himself? What did He tell him practically? What change is there in the mode of expressing the way in which love reveals itself in v. 23? Why use the word "word" (R. V.) instead of com- mandment? Why "word", not "words"? What advance is there in the promise? Who will make their abode with us? Who is it makes the Father and Son to dwell in us? Who are the "we"? Is there any proof here of the deity of Jesus in the way which Jesus couples Himself with the Father? (Compare Rev. 7-'i^5-'^7; 22:3.) What is the proof that men do not love God ? Sup- pose we are not conscious of any great in- tensity of feeling in our attitude toward Jesus but we obey Him, what does that prove? How does Jesus bring out the ser- iousness of rejecting His word? 2. "Peace I leave with you" vv. 25-27. How were they to be enabled to keep His sayings? What new name is given to the Comforter here? Why Holy Ghost? Who was to send this Comforter? In whose name are we to ask Him? In whose name does God send Him? What would He do when He came? Had Christ taught them all things? (16:12.) Who was He to teach? Did the Apostles receive "all the truth"? Is there anything to be added then to their teaching? Was it only the twelve Apostles who were given to have the teaching of the Holy Spirit? (i John 2 :20, 27.) What else was the Holy Ghost to do ? Have we in the Gospels the mere human recollection of the Apostles of what Jesus said? How accurate is it then? What final thought for their comfort did Jesus give them (v. 27) ? What was Christ's legacy to His disciples? What peace did He give? What does "My peace" mean? How is this to be gotten? Did it mean they would have no conflict or tribu- lation? (16:33; 2 Tim. 3:12.) Whose giv- ing does Christ contrast with His own? How does His giving differ from the world's ? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. The Father. Sent the Son, 24; sent the Spirit in the Son's name, 26; gives the Spirit in answer to the Son's prayer, 16; gives the Spirit to those who love the Son, IS, 16; loves those who love His Son, 21, 23; comes to those who love His Son, 23; makes His abode with those who love His Son, 23. 2. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature: Divine, 16, 23; human, 16. (2) Jesus and the Father: Subordinate to, 16; Jesus is in the Father, 20 ; Jesus prays to the Father, 16; Jesus is heard by the Father, 16; Jesus speaks the words of the Father, 24- (3) Jesus and His disciples : Is unwilling that His disciples be troubled in heart, 27; comforts His disciples, 15-27; He is coming again to His disciples in the Spirit's com- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 285 ing to be with them, i8 ; will not leave His disciples orphans, i8; is seen by His disciples even during His bodily absence, 19; is in His disciples, 20; His disciples are in Him, 20; He lives and His disciples live by Him, 19; leaves His own peace as His parting legacy to His disciples, (4) Jesus and the Spirit : Prays for the Spirit, 16; the Spirit sent in His name, 26; manifested by the Spirit, 21 ; comes through the Spirit, 18. (5) Jesus and those who love Him: He prays for them, 16; loves them.. 21; manifests Himself to them, 21 ; comes unto them, 23 ; makes His abode with them, 23. (6) Jesus and the world • Not recognized by the world, 19; not like the world, 27. S. The Spirit. (i) His names : The Spirit of Truth, 17; the Holy Spirit, 26. (2) The Spirit and the Father: Is given by the Father, 16; is sent by the Father, 26. (3) The Spirit and the Son: Is given in answer to the prayer of the Son, 16; is sent in the Son's name, 26; is given to those who love and obey the Son, 15, 16, 26; compare 21- 24; brings the words of the Son to remembrance, 26. (4) The Spirit of the believer: The Spirit does for the believer what Jesus did while with them in the flesh, 16; abides with the believer forever, 16, 17; is in believers, 17; is known by believers, 17. (5) The Spirit and the world: The world does not behold Him, 17; does not know Him, 17; cannot re- ceive Him, 17. (6) His offices: A present helper, 16; a perfect teacher of all truth, 26; a perfect remem- brancer of all Christ's sayings, 26. 4. Believers. (i) Their comfort: They have another Comforter and Friend during Christ's absence, 16; this Friend is with them always, 16; is in them, 17; Jesus is with them, 18; the Father and the Son come to dwell with them as a preparation for their going to dwell with the Father and the Son, 2t, ; they are loved by the Father and the Son, 21; Christ's life is a guarantee of theirs, 19. (2) Their privileges : To have Christ's own peace, 27; know the Holy Spirit, 17; have the Spirit, 16; have the Spirit abiding with them, 16; have the Spirit abiding in them, 17; see Christ, 19; be in Christ, 20; have Christ in them, 20; have the Father and the Son abiding with them, 23 ; live because Christ lives, 19. (3) What they know: They know the Holy Spirit, 17; that Jesus is in the Father, 20; that they are in Christ Jesus, 20; that Christ Jesus is in them, 20. (4) What they ought to do : Love Jesus, 15, 21, 22,; keep His com- mandments, 15; hold His command- ments, 21 ; keep His word, 23 ; never be troubled, 27. 5. Three stages of love and three degrees of promise. (r) Keep My commandments: The Spirit of truth given, 15, 16. STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD (2) Hath My commandments and keep- eth: Loved of My Father, I will love Him, I vi^ill manifest Myself unto Him, 21. (3) Keep My word: Father will love Him, we will come un- to Him, we will make our abode with Him, 21. LESSON 123. I Am the True Vine, and My Father Is the Husbandman." John 15:1-17. husbandman? Is this cleansing process al- ways agreeable? When we shrink from it, with what thought ought we to strengthen and comfort ourselves? How then ought we to regard it? How is this cleansing prin- cipally effected (vv. 2, 3, R. V.) ? If, then, we desire the largest measure of fruitfulness, with what should we bring our lives in constant contact ? Has God DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Abundance of fruit by abiding in Christ, vv. J-8. Under what figure did Jesus set forth His relation to His disciples ? What is the cen- tral thought of this figure? What is the re- lation of the Father to the vine and its branches? How, then, do we come under the Father's especial care and training? What kind of care will such an husbandman bestow upon the vine and its branches? Why did Jesus say He was the "true" Vine? (Ps. 80:8.) Is it by being united with the Church that we have life? How is the life and nature and power of the vine manifested to the world? How is the life and nature and power of Christ manifested to the world? What is the distinguishing charac- teristic of a true branch? What is the dis- tinguishing characteristic of a true disciple of Christ (v. 8)? What is the fruit? (Gal. 5:22; Phil. i:ii; i John 2:6; Ro. I :i3; Col. i :io and vv. 8, 16.) Who is the final judge as to whether we bear fruit or not? (Ro. 14:4.) Ought we to judge our- selves? (i Cor. II :3i.) What is done with the branch that bears no fruit (vv. 2, 6) ? Does this branch that bears no fruit and is taken away represent a real disciple or one who has merely an outward and no vital connection with Christ? (v. 8; Matt. 7:20.) If we bear fruit, what then? For what purpose does He cleanse us? What, then, may we expect in regard to our fruitfulness as we remain under the care of the wise any other way of cleansing the branch in order to increase its fruitfulness than by the Word? (Heb. 12:6, 11.) Why does God sometimes resort to this severe mode of purging the branch? What did Jesus mean by saying "already ye are clean" (R. V.)? Was there no cleansing still to be done? (Compare c. 13:10, ir.) What is the one essential condition of fruitfulness (vv. 4, 5) ? What does the word "abide" mean (v. 16; compare Authorized and Re- vised Version) ? What does "abide in Me" mean? Is this merely a privilege? Can we do it? What is absolutely necessary, if we are to bear fruit? Does the branch receive its life from the vine and then go away and bear fruit by itself? Can we? How much fruit shall we bear apart from Christ? Why is it so many of us are unfruitful? To what extent shall we bear fruit? What will result to the extent we try to live independently of Him (think our own thoughts and carry out our own purposes') ? How is this abid- ing, vital union with Christ maintained? (vv. 7. 10; I John 2:24, R. V.; 3:24, R, V.) STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 287 When we abide in Him, what does He do (v. 5) ? What is the inevitable result if we abide in Him and He in us? What, then, is the sole condition of fruitfulness? Are not education and natural gifts also neces- sary for "much fruitfulness"? Which will bring forth the most fruit for God, the un- educated, untalented man who abides in Christ, or the educated, talented man who does not abide in Christ? How much fruit will every one who abides in Him bring forth? How much apart from him? What, then, is the all-important question for each of us to put to himself? Does God expect "much fruit" from each of us? How much? (John 14:12, 13.) Is there any other doom besides that of unfruitfulness awaiting the one who does not abide in Christ? Is this thought of the necessity of continuance found elsewhere in the New Testament? (Matt. 24:13; Acts 13:43; 14:22; Ro. 2:7; 11:22; Col. 1:23; I Tim. 2:15; 4:16; 2 Tim. 3:14; Heb. 3:14; 8:9; James 1:25.) Will the doom indicated in v. 6 overtake anyone who ever really was in Christ? (i John 2:19.) What is the proof that we really are in Him? Are there any tendencies at work to draw us away from Him? How are they overcome? (Luke 24:40, 46; Ps. 119:11.) What else results from abiding in Christ (v. 7) ? What can we ask? What will be the result? Suppose our prayer is not accord- ing to God's will? Is there any connection between this power in prayer resulting from abiding in Christ mentioned in v. 7 and the fruitfulness resulting from abiding in Christ mentioned in v. 5? (Compare c. 14: 12, 13, 14.) What is the one great condi- tion of prevailing prayer? (Compare i John 3:22, 24.") What will be the result as re- gards God of our abiding in Christ and consequently bearing much fruit? Is that much of an inducement to fruitfulness? (i Cor. 6:20; Matt. 5:16; Phil. i:ii; i Peter 2:12.) Why is God glorified by our fruit- fulness (v. i)? What will be the result as regards ourselves? (Compare John 8:31.) What does "disciple" mean? Why will a true disciple of Christ seek to glorify God? (John 17:4-) 2. Fulness of joy by keeping Christ's commandments, vv. 9-16. What did Jesus tell those who were abid- ing in Him that His feeling toward them was? (v. 9, R. v.; compare Matt. 3:17; John 17:23.) Does Christ love His disciples only? Is the peculiar love He bears toward His disciples worth having? How are we to show our appreciation of it? (v. 9; com- pare Jude 21.) If we are truly His, will we not abide in it? Wherein, then, is the need of bidding us to abide in it? How can we continue in that love (v. 10) ? Of what is our keeping His commandments a proof? (c. 14:21, 23, 24.) If we wish to continue in His love what must we do? What does disobedience do? Is there as much blessing in obeying the command- ments as in appropriating the promises? What was Christ's purpose in saying all this? What joy did He wish them to have? What does "My joy" mean? (Compare c. 14:27.) Is that as good as the world's joy? What was His joy? (c. 4:34.) What would be the result of their having His joy? Where, then, can we get fulness of joy? Can we get it anywhere else? What is Christ's commandment which we must keep if we would abide in Him and have fulness of joy (v. 12) ? What is the measure of the love He requires of us? (v. 12, R. V.; com- pare John 10:18.) What does He mean by saying "this is My commandment"? (com- pare I John 3:23.) What was the supreme proof of Christ's love (v. 13) ? Are we 288 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD to show ours in the same way? (i John 3: 16.) Suppose there is no call for that mani- festation of our love, how, then, shall we show it? (i John 3:17.) Is it not greater love to lay down our life for our enemies? Is it a privilege to be a friend of Jesus? (compare James 2:23.) What is necessary in order to become His friend (v. 14) ? Do zvhatF (Matt. 12:50.) Why did He call them friends (v. 15) ? If we wish to enjoy the same confidence of Christ, what must we do? (Compare v. 14 and Ps. 25:14.) What would Jesus no longer call them? What is the difiference between a servant and a friend? (v. 15; compare Gen. 18:17; Jas. 2:23.) Did the disciples no longer call themselves servants? (James 1:1; 2 Peter i :i ; Jude i ; Rev. i :i.) Is it not an honor to be His servants? What higher honor is ours? With which of the two parties did this intimate relation between Christ and H^is disciples begin? (v. 16; com- pare I John 4:19.) What sort of persons are we when He chooses us? Were they chosen, or "elected," merely to salvation (v. 16) ? Is there any "election" to salvation set forth in the Scriptures, separate from election to holiness and service? (i Peter 1:12; Ro. 8:29.) What is the proof that a man is "one of the elect"? (2 Peter i :io; see context.) How many of His disciples had He appointed to bear fruit? What was the character of the fruit they were to bear (v. 16, R. V.)? How abide? (Compare c. 4:36.) What word precedes the "and bear fruit"? Why is it, then, that many do not bear fruit? What would be the result of going and bearing fruit f How often is this promise found in Christ's last discourse? (c. 14:13, 14; 16:23.) Why did Jesus re- peat it so often? Do men believe it even yet? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God. (i) Titles: The Father, i, 8, 10, 15; My Father, 9, 16; the Husbandmen, i. (2) What He does: Takes away fruitless branches, 2; cleanses fruitless branches, 2, R. V. ; cleanses fruitful branches through Christ's word, 3; loves the Son, 9; continues to love the Son because the Son keeps His commandments, 10. (3) His glory: The aim of all true disciples, 8; mani- fested in the fruitfuiness of Christ's disciples, 8. 2. Jesus Christ. (i) Title: The true Vine, i. (2) What He enjoys: His Father's unchanging love, 9, 10 ; ful- ness of joy, II. (3) What He does: Keeps His Father's commandments, 10; abides in His father's love, 10; loves His disciples even as the Father hath loved Him, 9; chooses His disciples before they choose Him, 16; abides in those who abide in Him, 4, 5; abides in those who let His word abide in them, 7; produces all the fruit in those who abide in Him, 5 ; cleanses by His word those who abide in Him, 3; desires His joy to be in His disciples, 11; desires His disciples to have fulness of joy, 11; calls His disciples not servants but friends, 15; makes confidants of His disciples (tells them all the Father has told Him), 15; lays down His life for His friends, 13. (4) His relation to His disciples the same as His Father's relation to Him: STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Loves them even as the Father hath loved Him, g, R. V. ; they are to obey Him even as He obeys the Father, lo, R. v.; they are to abide in His love even as He abides in the Father's love, 10, R. v.; they are to love one another even as He had loved them, 12, R. V. (5) The things that belong to Christ : "My Father," i, 8, 10, 15; "My disci- ples," 8; "My friends," 14; "My name," 16; "My commandments," 10, 12; "My words," 7; "My love," 9; "My joy," II. 3. Abiding in Christ. (i) The solemn duty: It is' commanded, 4. (2) The imperative necessity: Unless we do, no fruit, 4 ; unless we do, we shall be cast forth, 6; unless we do, we shall wither, 6; unless we do, we shall be burned, 6. (3) The blessed results: He will abide with us, 4 ; we shall bring forth much fruit, 5; we shall prevail in prayer, 7 ; we shall abide in Christ's love, 9, 10; we shall have Christ's joy in us, II; we shall have fulness of joy, II. (4) The simple method : Let His words abide in you, 7 (com- pare I John 2 124) ; keep His com- mandments, 10 (compare i John 3 124, R. v.). 4. True disciples of Christ. (i) Titles: Branches, 5 ; friends, 14, 15. (2) What is done for them: Christ abides in them, 4; the Father cleanses them that they may bring forth more fruit, 2; Christ cleanses them by His word, 3; their prayers are answered, 7. (3) What they must do: Abide in Christ, 4; continue in Christ's love, 9; love one another as Christ loved them, 12; do whatsoever Christ commands them, 14; "Go," 16; bring forth fruit, 16; ask of the Father in Christ's name, 16; glorify God, 8. (4) What they have : Christ's abiding love, 9, 10 ; Christ's abounding joy, 11; Christ's perfect knowledge, 15; power in prayer, 7, 16; Christ's implicit confidence, 15. 5. Fruit-bearing. (i) What it is: The proof of discipleship, 8; the con- dition of escaping destruction, 2, 6; the basis of prevailing prayer, 7, 16; the demand of God upon Christ's disciples, 2 ; the way to glorify God, 8. (2) Conditions of increased fruitfulness : Cleansing especially through the Word, 2,3- 6. Obedience. (i) The true kind: Entire, 14. (2) Its requirements : "Love one another, even as I have loved you," 12. (3) Its results: Makes us friends of Jesus, 14; brings us full disclosures of what He has learned of His Father, 14, 15; brings Christ's joy to us, 11; brings fulness of joy to us, II ; brings the abiding enjoyment of His love, 10. 7. Prayer. (i) Condition of prevailing prayer: To the Father, 16; in Jesus' name, 16; abiding in Christ, 7; Christ's word abiding in us, 7; "Go" where He sends, 16; bear fruit, 16. (2) What it gets: Whatsoever we ask, 16, or will, 7. 290 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD LESSON 124. The Hatred of the World Toward the DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The world's hatred for Jesus and His disciples, vv. i8-2y. Of what had Jesus been speaking in the verses immediately preceding? (vv. 12-17.) Of what does He now begin to speak (v. 18) ? What does He say will be the atti- tude of the world toward those that be- lieve on Him (v. 18) ? Is this the attitude of the world in all ages toward those who believe on Jesus? What abundant consola- tion may we take to our hearts in face of the world's hate (v. 18) ? Why does the world hate the believer (v. 19) ? Who sepa- rates the believer from the world (v. 19) ? Does it pay to be thus separated? How did the world show its hatred of believers in the early days of the Church? In what ways does the world today show its hatred of disciples of Jesus? Does the real atti- tude of the world toward believers ever :hange? Is there any way to have the world love us (v. 19) ? Is the world's love worth the price? Why ought the believer never to complain at the persecution he receives (v. 20) ? When the believer in Christ grumbles at the persecution that comes to him, what is he making himself (v. 20) ? Ought we to have any desire to be greater than our Lord? If the world does not receive our teach- ng, with what thought may we comfort our- selves (v. 20) ? Since the world persecuted Jesus, of what may we be perfectly sure? (Compare 2 Tim. 3:12.) For whose sake do all these persecutions come upon us (v. 21)? Is there any comfort in that? Why does the world persecute us for Christ's name's sake (v. 21) ? Does the world think that it knows God? Does it know God? Disciples of Jesus. John 15:18-16:6. What took away all the world's excuse for its ignorance of God and for its sin (vv. 22, 24) ? Has the world any excuse today for its ignorance of God and for its sin? What did Jesus' words and works prove? In the light of Jesus' words and works, when anyone rejects Him what does that rejection reveal (vv. 22-24) ? Can anyone who rejects Jesus love the Father? If one hates the Son, whom does it prove that He also hates (v. 23) ? What cause has the world for its hatred of Jesus (v. 25) ? What cause has it to love Jesus ? Who had antici- pated the world's inexcusable hatred of the Messiah? (v. 25; compare Ps. 69:4; 7:4; 35:19; 109:3.) What does Jesus set over against the hatred of the world (v. 26) ? What two names are given to the Holy Spirit in v. 26? What is the literal meaning of the word translated "Comforter"? (See R. v., margin.) What thought does it give us about the Holy Spirit? How does He help? (John 16:13; 14:26; Ro. 8:26; Acts 8:29; ii:ii, 12; 16:6, 7; Matt. 10:18-20; Acts 4:8; 6:10.) Why is the Holy Spirit called "the Spirit of Truth"? From whom does the Holy Spirit come (v. 26) ? Who sends Him from the Father? (Compare c. 14:16; Acts 2:33.) How does it appear in v. 26 that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three entirely dis- tinct persons? What would be the work of this Spirit whom Jesus promises to send? How does the Spirit bear witness to Jesus? (2 Peter 1:21; i Cor. 12:3; John 16:14; Matt. 16:17.) Can anyone truly know Jesus without the direct personal testimony of the Holy Spirit to him? What is the force of the "but" with which v. 26 begins? (Com- pare vv. 24, 25.) Though the world is STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 291 against Christ today what mighty witness for Him have we on our side? What would be the result in their own lives of the Holy Spirit bearing witness for Christ (v. 27) ? What is it necessary that we have if we are to bear efficient witness for Christ? (Luke 24 :48, 49 ; Acts i :8 ; 4 ••3i, 33-) What quali- fication did the disciples possess for bearing reliable testimony regarding Christ (v. 27) ? 2. The world's persecution of the disci- ples of Jesus, 1-6. What was Jesus' purpose in telling the disciples beforehand how they would be hated and persecuted? What ought to keep us from stumbling (v. i, R. V.) in face of the persecutions that we shall meet? (2 Tim. 3:12.) To what extent did Jesus say they would carry their hatred of His disci- ples (v. 2) ? Did this prove true histori- cally? Will the time ever come again when Christians will be persecuted to this ex- tent? Need we have any fears on that account? How ought we to regard suffer- ing for and with Jesus? (Compare Matt. 5:10-12.) What did Jesus say lay at the root of all this hatred and persecution of believers (v. 3) ? What did Jesus say was His purpose in telling these things to His disciples (v. 4) ? When persecutions come upon us, of what may we see a proof in them? Why had Jesus not told these things to His disciples at the beginning? To Whom was Jesus now going? What ques- tion had the disciples failed to ask Him (v. 5) ? Why had they not asked Him this question (v. 6) ? Ought the disciples to have had only sorrow over the departure of Jesus? (v. 7; c. 14:28.) CLASSIFIC.A.TION OF TEACHINGS. I. God the Father. Hated by the world, 23, 24; not known to the world, 21, 3; the Holy Spirit proceeds from Him, 26. 2. Jesus Christ. (i) His nature: Divine, 23, 24, 26, 3 ; human, 20, 24, 5. (2) His subordination to the Father, 21, 5- (3) His work: Chooses His disciples out of the world, 19; does such works as none other ever did, 24; sends the Holy Spirit from the Father, 26. (4) How treated : Not understood by the world, 3; hated by the world, 18, 23, 24, 25; hated without a cause, 25 ; persecuted by the world, 19; witnessed to by the Holy Spirit, 26; by His disciples, 27. S. The Holy Spirit. (i) His personality, 26. (2) His names : The Paraclete (One called to stand by our side, an ever-present Friend and Helper), 26; the Spirit of truth, 26. (3) The Spirit of the Father: Spirit proceeds from the Father, 26. (4) The Spirit and Jesus Christ: Spirit is sent by Jesus, 26; testifies of Jesus, 26. (5) The Spirit and the believer: Spirit does for the believer what Jesus did while on earth, 26; compare c. 14:16; 16:7; abides with the believer as an ever-present Friend, 26; com- pare 14:16, 17; bears witness con- cerning Jesus to the believer, 26; fits the believer to bear witness to Jesus, 26, 27. (6) His offices: An ever-present Helper, 26; teacher, 26; compare 14:26; 16:13; witness, 26; revealer of the truth, 26. 4. The disciples of Christ. Not of the world, 19; chosen by Jesus Himself out of the world, 19; there- fore hated by the world, 18, 19, i-3; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD persecuted by the world, 20, 1-3; have fellowship with Jesus in the world's hatred and persecution, 18; have the privilege of suffering for Jesus' name's sake, 21 ; have an ever- present Comforter and Helper, 26. Their work : To witness for Jesus, 27 ; forewarned and forearmed, 1-4. 5. The world. Knows not Jesus Christ, 3; knows not the Father, 21, 3; hates Jesus Christ, 18, 23, 24, 25 ; hates Christ absolutely without a cause, 25 ; has no excuse for its rejection of Christ, 24; no excuse for its sin, 22. LESSON 125. Jesus' Last Words to His Disciples Before His Arrest, Trial and Crucifix- ion. John 16:7-33. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. "If I do not go away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send Him unto you," vv. 7-15. What was the feeling of Jesus' disci- ples over His departure from them? (John 16:6.) Did it not seem like a misfortune (v. 7) ? In what ways was it for their good? (c. 11:50, 52; c. 14:3; c. 14:12.) What especial way in which His departure was expedient for them is mentioned in v. 7? Upon what was the sending of the Holy Spirit conditioned ? (John 7 139 ; Acts 2 -.2,2, ; Eph. 4:8.) What would the Spirit do when He came? His activity in relation to what class is set forth in vv. 8-1 1? His activity in relation to what class is set forth in vv. 13, 14 and c. 14 :26 and 15 :26? What is His first work in relation to the world? In re- spect of what particular sin would the Holy Spirit convict the world? What is the one sin that brings doom? (John 3:18-20; Heb. 10:28, 29.) Is it our business to convict men in respect of sin? What is our part in the matter? Have we any illustration in the Bible of the Spirit convicting men in respect of the sin of unbelief? (Acts 2:37.) Of its error on what second point would the Spirit convict the world (v. 10) ? What had the world thought of Christ? What would the Spirit show them respecting Him? By what fact would the Spirit convict the world of its mistake and show that He whom they had condemned as a malefactor was the righteous One? (v. 10; compare Acts 3:14, 15.) On what third point would the Spirit convict the world of its mistake? As whose judgment did the world regard the cruci- fixion of Jesus? Whose judgment would the Spirit show them the crucifixion had been? (v. 11; c. 12:31.) Who was it that was really judged and destroyed at the cross? (Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14.) Where, in all the world's history, did Satan seem most completely victor? When, in fact, was he most completely over- thrown? What name is given to Satan in this verse? (Compare 2 Cor. 4:4.) Why is he so called? Why would it be necessary for the Spirit to come and supplement the teaching of Jesus (v. 12) ? Is it enough, then, to take the teachings of Jesus alone and construct our theology out of them? In which, according to Jesus Christ's own testimony, have we the more complete reve- lation, the teachings of Jesus or the teach- ings of the Apostles (vv. 12, 13) ? Into how much truth would the Spirit guide them? If we wish to know the whole of God's truth, who must be our teacher? (Compare STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 293 I Cor. 2 :ii-i4 ; i John 2 :27.) Where can we find the truth into which the Spirit guided the apostles? To whose teaching does Jesus, by v. 13, set the seal of His approval? What would the Spirit show them? Is it possible then to know "things to come"? Is all opinion about the future mere specu- lation? What would be the chief business of this coming Spirit? (v. 14; compare vv. 9, 10; Acts 2:32, 36; 4:8, 10-12; I Cor. 12:3.) Whom had Jesus Himself glorified? (c. 17:4.) How would the Holy Spirit glorify Jesus (v. 14, R. V.) ? If we would see the glory of Jesus, what must the Spirit do for us (v. 14) ? Is He willing to do that? Has He ever done it for you? What is taught by the frequent use of the pronoun "He" in connection with the Holy Spirit? 2. "A little while, and ye sliall behold Me no more; and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me," vv. 16-22. To what does the first "little while" in v. 16 refer? To what does the second "little while" in v. 16 refer? What efifect did the words of Jesus produce upon His disciples? (vv. 17, 18.) How did Jesus know their perplexity (v. 19) ? What would be the efifect upon the disciples of Jesus' death and their consequent losing sight of Him (v. 20) ? How would the world feel regarding His death (v. 20) ? By what would the disciples sorrow be followed? By what is the true believer's sorrow always followed? What was the darkest day the disciples ever saw ? What was the brightest day that ever came to them? Is the time ever coming when we shall see Him again and our sor- row be transformed into triumphant joy? (Acts i:ii; John 14:3; i Thess. 4:16, 17.) What would be the character of the joy that the disciples should receive when they saw Jesus again (v. 22) ? 3. "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, God will give it you," vv. 23-33. What is the meaning of the first sentence in v. 23? (Compare A. R. V.) Ought the believer ever to pray to Jesus, or only to the Father? (Acts 7:59; 2 Cor. 12:8, 9; i Cor. 1 :2.) What is the normal order of Chris- tian prayer? (Eph. 2:18.) To whom does Jesus teach us to pray in v. 23? What is His own relation to prevailing prayer (vv. 23, 24) ? What wonderful promise does He make regarding prayer to the Father in His name? (v. 23; compare John 14:13, 14.) To whom is this promise made? (v. 26, 27; compare John 14:12, 15.) What is the re- sult of praying in the name of Jesus (v. 24, R.V.) ? Why does the average believer have no little fulness of joy? Why does praying in the name of Jesus bring fulness of joy? How had Jesus been teaching His disciples up to this time (v. 25) ? When the Holy Spirit came, what diflference would there be in His teaching (v. 25) ? Does Jesus mean by saying: "I say unto you I will pray the Father for you" that He will no longer intercede for us after the coming of the Holy Spirit? (Compare Heb. 7:25; Ro. 8:34; I John 2:1.) What does He mean (v. 27) ? Why does the Father love believers? Who, then, does the Father love in this peculiar way? What does Jesus wish us to behave about Himself (v. 27) ? From Whom did Jesus come forth? To Whom was He now going? What new pro- fession of their faith did the disciples make in V. 30? What was Jesus' answer (v. 31) ? What was the force of this question? What does it show that Jesus longs for? Does Jesus receive much real faith in Himself? What does Jesus tell them about their faith (v. Z2) ? Wlio was the loneliest man that ever walked this earth? Was He really alone (v. 32) ? If any of us have to walk 294 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD a lonely life here upon earth what thought may we take to ourselves that will banish all our loneliness? What did Jesus desire for His disciples (v. 33) ? For what purpose had he spoken all the wonderful words in chapters 14, 15, and 16? What will the believer have in the world? Why may he have peace, even though he has tribulation in the world (v. 33) ? If Jesus overcame the world, what may we also do? (i John 5:4, 5.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God, the Father. His dwelling place: Heaven, 10. 17, 28; compare Acts 1:9-11; prayer should be offered to Him, 23, 24; He loves those who love Jesus and believe that Jesus came forth from God, 27; He stood with Jesus when all the world forsook Him, 32. 2. lesiis Christ (i) His nature: Divine 7, 10, 15, 23; human, 28, 32, 33. (2) Jesus and the Father : Jesus is subordinate to the Father, 16, 26, 30, 32; prays to the Father, 26; came from the Father, 27, 28, 30; went to the Father, 10, 16, 17, 28. (3) Jesus and the Holy Spirit: Jesus sent the Spirit, 7 ; Jesus glorified by the Spirit, 14; the Spirit takes of the things of Jesus and shows them unto us, 14. 3. The Holy Spirit. (i) His personality, 7, 8, 13, 14. (2) His names: Paraclete (One called to stand by our side, an ever-present Friend), 7; Spirit of truth, 13. (3) The Spirit and the Father: Spirit speaks what He hears from the Father, 13. (4) The Spirit and Jesus Christ: Spirit is sent by Jesus, 7; glorifies Jesus, 14; takes the things of Jesus and shows them unto us, 14. (5) The Spirit and the believer : The Spirit does for the believer what Jesus did while with them on earth, 7; compare c. 14:16; comes to the believer and through the believer con- victs the world of sin and of right- eousness and of judgment 7-11; guides into all truth, 13, R. V. ; shows the believer things to come, 13; takes of the things of Jesus and declares them unto the believer, 14. (6) The Spirit and the world: He convicts the world of sin because they believe not on Jesus, 8, 9, R. V. ; of righteousness because Jesus goes to the Father, 8, 10, R. V. ; of judg- ment because the prince of this world hath been judged. 8, 11, R. V. (7) His offices: An ever-present Helper, 7; Teacher, 13; Convictnr. 8-11 ; Guide, 13 ; Revealer of the things of Jesus Christ and of things to come, 13; a glorifier of Jesus Clirist, 14. 4. Bclicrevs. Only avenue through which the Spirit can get at the world, 7-11 ; guided by Spirit into all the truth, 13; taught things of God, 13; shown the things of Christ, 14; have transient but bit- ter sorrow, 20; have overwhelming and abiding joy, 20-23; no man can take their joy from them, 22; have tribulation in the world, 33; can be of good cheer in midst of all their tribulations, 33; can have peace in midst of their tribulations, 33 ; what- soever thev ask of the Father in the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 295 name of Jesus will receive, 23; have fulness of joy by praying much in the name of Jesus, 24; Jesus reveals the truth plainly to them, 25; are loved by the Father because they love Jesus and believe that He came forth from God, 27; have direct access to the Father, 26, 27. 5. The world. Lying in sin because they believe not on Jesus, 9 ; convicted in respect of sin and of righteousness and of judg- ment by the Holy Spirit, 9-11; hates Jesus, 20; rejoices over the crucifix- ion of Jesus, 20; persecutes believers, ZZ'i cannot rob the believer of this joy, 22. Prayer. To Whom to pray: the Father, 23, 24, 26, 27. How to pray : in Jesus' name, 23, 24. Who can pray so as to get what they ask? Those who love Jesus and be- lieve that He came forth from God, 23-27. LESSON 126. Our Lord's Prayer for DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Christ's prayer for Himself, vv. 1-5. With what words did Jesus close His parting discourse to His disciples? Having finished speaking to them, what did He do? Is there any connection between the dis- course, especially the closing words, and the prayer. What is the meaning of the ex- pression "the hour is come"? (c. 7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27, 28; 13:1; Mark 14:41.) Did He draw back from that hour? He saw that hour to be the portal to what? (Compare Heb. 12:2.) What was His first petition? Why did He wish the Father to glorify Him? Had He not al- ready glorified the Father during His earthly life? (v. 4; c. 1:14, 18.) Why, then, was it necessary that He be glorified in order to glorify the Father? What was the glorifying for which Jesus here prays? (c. 7:39; Acts 3:13; Phil. 2:9-11; I Peter I :2i.) What reason did Jesus first urge why God should glorify Him (v. 2) ? How is that a reason? What did Jesus say the Father had bestowed upon Him? How great was this "authority over all flesh" (R. V.)? (3:35; 5:21-23, 27; Matt. 11:27; Heb. His People. John 17. 2:8.) What two opposite sides of truth about the relation of Jesus to the Father does this statement bring out? What was God's purpose in giving Jesus power over all flesh? What do we learn about eternal life from this? (Compare Ro. 6:23.) To whom was He to give eternal life? Who were they whom the Father had given Him? (c. 6:37.) What else do we know about those whom the Father has given to the Son? (c. 6:39, 45; 10:28, 29; 17:6, 9, II, 12, 14, 24; 18:9.) What is eternal life (v. 3) ? What does Jesus mean by saying: "This is life eternal, that they should know Thee the only true God, and Him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ" (R. V.) ? Suppose one does not know God, what then ? (2 Thess. i :8, 9.) What, then, is the one all-important thing to know? How can we know God? (i John 5:20; John 1:18; 2 Cor. 4:6; John 14:9.) Is there any proof of the divinity of Christ in v. 3? Of His subordination to the Father? Who is the only true God? Suppose we worship some other god than the God who reveals Himself in Jesus Christ, what are we doing? What second 296 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD reason does Jesus urge why the Father should glorify Him? If we wish God to glorify us in heaven what must we do? How had Jesus glorified the Father on earth? How are we to glorify God on earth? What was the work Jesus had done? What does "finished" mean? Is it a good thing to be able to say at the close of life : "I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do"? Has any one beside Jesus been able to say it? (2 Tim. 4:7.) When was Jesus' work fin- ished? (c. 19:30.) Having finished the earthly work, what was all that was now left to do? When alone has a man a right to pray to be glorified? Where was the glory that Jesus desired? Did He desire any glory apart from God? Was this a new glory that Jesus desired? Why had He laid it down? (2 Cor. 8:9.) Why did He now take it up again (v. 4) ? 2. Christ's prayer for His immediate foUoi^'crs, TV. 6-ig. For whom did Jesus next pray? What four things did He ask for them? (11, 17, 21, 24.) Why did He pray for His own glory before praying for their keeping, sanctifying, unifying and glorifying? Be- fore asking Him to do for them, what did Jesus tell the Father? Would it be a good thing when we ask God to do for men, if we could tell what we ourselves have already done for them? What was the first thing Jesus had done for them? What does the name stand for? (Ex. 3:13-15; 34:5-7-) What does "manifested thy name" mean? Why is this the first fact mentioned as the basis for His peti- tions for His disciples? To whom had He manifested the Father's name? What difference is there between the expression describing Christ's disciples in v. 2 and that in V. 6? Whose were they before they were given to Christ? Are not all men God's? What had they done on their part? What does "kept" mean? Who, then, are those who belong peculiarly to the Father and whom He bestows as a peculiar possession to the Son? (Compare c. 8:31, 32; 16:21-24; Ps. 119:11; Prov. 2:1-5; 3:1- 4; 2 Tim. 1:13; Rev. 3:8, 10, 11; Luke 8:15.) What further statement did Jesus make concerning the disciples (v. 7) ? Is there any connection between this state- ment and that which precedes it? Was this fact that they knew "that all things what- soever Thou hast given Me are of Thee" any good reason for blessing them? (John 16:27.) What further did Jesus say He had done for them (v. 8) ? What ought we to do with the words God gives us? What are the only words we should give others? Why does v. 8 begin with the word "for"? What had the disciples done with these words? What is the best thing to do with Christ's words? What will they do when received? (Jas. 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:15; Ps. 119:130.) How had they received them? (v. 7; compare I Thess. 2:13.) What was the result of their receiving them? If we desire to know surely that Christ came out from the Father, what should we do? Now, as to the result of all that Jesus had done for His disciples and what they had done, what did Jesus proceed to do? Did He pray for anyone else? (Compare Heb. 7:25; 9:24.) If we would have Jesus include us in His intercession what must we have done for us and what must we do? What does His intercession make certain? (Ro. ^'■2,3, 34; Heb. 7:25.) Does the Father hear His prayer? (John 11:42; Luke 22:32.) For whom is it Jesus says He prays? Why did He pray for them? (w. 9, 10.) What thought ought to en- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 297 courage us in praying for believers? (Compare Ex. 32:11.) How did Jesus speak of the mutual relation between the Father and Himself? What was His re- lation to His disciples? (Compare c. 13:31, 32.) How is Jesus Christ glorified in His disciples? (Gal. 1:23, 24; Phil. 1:20.) What further reason did Jesus give for praying for His disciples? What is His prayer for them in their dangerous position unsheltered by His presence? Is that a sufficient safeguard for the believer in the midst of the dangers and perils of the world? (Compare John 10:29; i Peter i :5 ; Jude 24; r Cor. 10:13.) How was the Father to keep them? What does that mean? Is that safe keeping? (Prov. 18:10.) Who were to be so kept? Is the fact that the Father had given them the promise of the keeping any guarantee that they will be kept? Who are those whom the Father has given? (John 6:37, 45.) What was the purpose of the keeping? (Compare vv. 21, 22.) How then is the only way in which believers can be one? What kind of a unity did Jesus pray for? What kind of a unity exists between the Father and the Son? (Compare Eph. 4:3-6; i Cor. 12:12, 13, 17.) How did Jesus address the Father in this prayer? Why did He call Him holy here? What had Jesus Himself done for His disciples during His stay with them (v. 12)? How had He kept them? How many had been lost (v. 12, R. V.) ? Will any of His ever be lost? (c. 10:28, 29; Heb. 7:25.) Had not someone been lost? Who (v. 12)? If one is lost what does it prove? (i John 2:t9.) Whom was it He kept? According to what was the loss of this one? (Compare Ps. 109:8; 41:9.) What important change in the translation of the verb in v. 12 is made in the Revised Version? What is the significance of that change? (First verb means "to take care of" or "attend carefully to" ; the second verb, "to protect with a military guard or garrison." Jesus had done both.) Why did Jesus now ask the Father to do what, up to this time, He had done Himself (v. 13) ? For what purpose had Jesus said those things? If we desire His joy made full in us what must we know and think much about (vv. 6-12) ? Was Jesus very desirous that His dis- ciples have His joy? (John 15:11; 16:22- 24; 3Z) With whom is the fault if we do not have it? What had Jesus done for the disciples (v. 14) ? What was the re- sult of Jesus' giving them God's Word? What will always be the result, if God's Word is given to any one and kept by them? (2 Tim. 3:12; John 15:19.) Why did the world hate them? If the world loves us, of what may we be sure? (John 15:18; I John 4:5, 6.) What comforting thought have we in this not being of the world and hated by it? Did Jesus wish His own to be taken out of the world? Why not? What did He pray (v. 15, R. V.) ? Why was it very necessary that they be kept from "the evil one" while in the world? (2 Cor. 4:4.) While in the world, were they of it? What had separated them from it? (v. 9; c. 15:19; vv. 14, 8.) What prayer did Jesus make for His dis- ciples in V. 17? What does sanctify mean? How would the Father sanctify them? W'hat is truth? Through what does God sanctify men? (Compare Ps. 119:9, 11, 104; 2 Thess. 2:13.) What was Christ's sending of them forth like? (v. 18; com- pare 2 Cor. 5:20.) For what purpose did He set Himself apart for His work? (v. 19; compare 2 Cor. 8:9.) 3. Christ's prayer for all believers, vv. 20-26. Did Jesus confine His prayer to His im- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD mediate disciples (v. 20) ? Who else did it include? How were these others to be- lieve? What was His prayer for them? How were they to be one? Is any real unity possible except by being in the Father and in the Son? What was the purpose of this unity? What wondrous gift had Jesus bestowed upon them (v. 22) ? For what purpose was this gift bestowed? How were they to be perfected into one (v. 23, R. V.) ? What would be the re- sult of this unity perfected through Christ in us? How much does the Father love those in whom Christ is? What was Christ's will regarding those whom the Father had given Him? Does the believer wish to be with Christ? (Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:8.) Does Christ wish His own to be with Him? Does He wish us to be with Him as much as we wish to be with Him? (c. 14:3.) Will this wish of Christ's be gratified? (i Thess. 4 ■^7-) For what purpose would Jesus have His disciples with Him? Why did Jesus wish His disciples to see His glory? (2 Cor. 3:18; I John 3:2.) Where did Jesus get His glory? Why did the Father give it to Him? What was the relation of the world to the Father (v. 25) ? Who did know Him? (Compare Matt. II :27.) What had He done for His disciples (v. 26) ? What would be the result of Jesus making known the Father's name to His disciples? What will be the result if we "know not God"? (2 Thess. 1 :8, 9-) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. God the Father. Holy. 1 1 ; righteous, 25 ; only true God, 3 ; loved the Son before the foundation of the world. 24; sent Jesus Christ, 3, 8; gave Jesus Christ a work to do, 4; gave Jesus Christ His words to speak, 8 ; gave His Son authority over all flesh, 2; gave His Son a body of believers out of the world, 2, 6, 10; gave Jesus Christ His glory, 24; dwells in Son, 23; known by Son, 25 ; His name made known by Son, 26, R. V. ; the world knew Him not, 25. 2. Jesus Christ. (i) His relation to the Father: His Son, 17. Equal with the Father, 2, 3, 10; bad authority over all flesh ; gives eternal life; eternal life is knowing Him; all the Fathers are His and z'ice versa: is one with the Father. 11; eternal, 5, 24. Subordination to the Father: His au- thority and glory the Father's gift, 2, 24 ; sent by the Father, 3 ; received His words from the Father, 8 ; dwells in the Father, 23; loved by the Father before the foundation of the world, 24; glorified the Father on earth, 4; finished the work the Father gave Him to do, 4; knew the Father, 25 ; made known the Father's name, 26; manifested the Father's name unto, etc.. 6; left world and went unto the Father, 11, 13. (2) His relation to His own: Sanctified Himself for their sake, 17; gave unto them the words which the Father gave unto Him, 8 ; gives eter- nal life unto them, 2; kept (took care of) them, 12; guarded (protected as by a garrison) them, 12; lost not one, 12; wishes them to have His glory fulfilled in themselves, 13; gave to them the glory which the Father gave unto Him, 22; wishes them to be with Him that they may behold His glory, 24; sends them into the world as the STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Father sent Him, i8; is glorified in them, lo; His divine mission known to the world through their unity, 23. (3) His relation to the world: Not of the world, 14; prays not for the world, 9. (4) His prayer: For Himself to be glorified that He might glorify the Father, 1 ; to be glorified zvith the Father, etc., 5. For His own to keep them in thy name, II ; that they may be one, 11, 21 ; not that they be taken out of the world, 15; that they be kept from the evil one, 15; sanctified in the truth, 17; that they might be with Him, etc., 24. S. Jesus Christ's own: (i) Who they are: Those who believe, 20. (2) Whose they were: The Father's, 6; compare 9. (3) How they became Jesus Christ's: The Father gave them unto Him out of the world, 6. (4) What they do : Receive the Father's words, 8; keep the Father's word, 6; know of a truth that Jesus Christ came forth from the Father, 8; believe that the Father sent Jesus Christ, 8; know that all things the Father gave Jesus Christ are of the Father, 7. (5) Their privileges: Jesus Christ gives them the Father's words, 8, 14; the Father's name is manifested unto them, 6; receive eternal life from Jesus Christ, 2; kept in the Father's name and guarded by Jesus Christ, 12; not one perished, 12; Jesus Christ intercedes for them, 9; have Christ's joy ful- filled in themselves, 13 ; sanctified in the truth, 17, 19; Christ dwells in them, 2S; not of the world even as Christ is not of the world, 14, 16; sent by Christ into the world even as the Father sent Him into world, 18; loved by the Father even as Jesus Christ is, 23 ; are to be one even as Christ and the Father are one, 22; have the same glory as Jesus Christ, 22. (6) Their relation to the world : In it. 15; not of it, 14, 16; hated by it, 14. 4. Eternal life. What it is: "That they know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent," 3. How it is to be had: Christ's gift, 2. Who receive it: As many as the Father gives the Son, 2; compare 20. 5. The Word. (i) What it is: Certain of fulfilment, 12; truth, 17. (2) What it does: Sanctifies, 17; separates from the world, 14; brings knowledge of Christ, 8; brings fullness of joy, 13. 300 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Jesus in Gethsemane. LESSON 127. Matthew 26:36-46; compare Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Jcstis praying — the disciples sleeping, vv. 36-41- Who entered the garden with Jesus? What direction did He give to His dis- ciples? Why did He wish them to sit there? What did He tell them He was going to do? Did He tell them to pray also? (Luke 22:40.) Whom did He take with Him? For what purpose did He take them (v. 38) ? On what other occasions had He taken them with Him? (Mark 5:37; Matt. 17:1.) If Christ takes us with Him into the Mount of Transfiguration where else may we expect him to take us? Which is the more needful experience, the mount of vision or the garden of agony? Why did He take them and not the others also? Did the sequel show them to be very well fitted for that to which He called them? In what state of mind was Jesus? What words does Mark use in describing His mental condition? (Mark 14:33.) What was the cause of this awful storm of bewilderment and agony that swept over the Saviour's soul? Had He ever before been troubled at the thought of the ap- proaching trial? (John 12:27.) How did Jesus Himself describe to His disciples His state of feehng? What did He mean by the expression "even unto death"? What detail added by Luke shows that He was actually at the very point of death? (Luke 22:44.) Why did Jesus suffer thus? (2 Cor. 5:21; I Peter 3:18.) For whose sake did He suffer this awful agony? (Is. 53:4.) What did He tell the three to do? Why did He want them to watch with Him? What did He Himself then do? Why did He go a little forward? How far did He go? (Luke 22:41.) What attitude did He take before God? (Compare Gen. 17:3; Ezek. 1:28; Num. 16:20-22.) Why? Have we any occasion to take that attitude before God? What did Jesus do as He lay upon His face before God? In what three different ways is Jesus' prayer re- corded? (Compare Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42.) How are these three accounts to be reconciled? In what do the three ac- counts agree? What reason have we for supposing the cup which Jesus wished re- moved was the crucifixion? (Alatt. 20:22; John 18:11.) What reasons have we for supposing it was not? (v. 38; Mark 14:35; Heb. 5:7; John 11:41-42; i John 5:15.) Supposing that it was the cross from which He asked to be delivered, did Jesus really expect or desire to be delivered from the cross? (c. 20:22; John 12:27; 10:17, 18.) Is there, even in that case, any ground in this incident for the inference that is so often drawn from it that God may not give, even to His most trusting and obedient child, the things he actually desires and ex- pects? Is there any warrant in the Bible for saying that God will always give to His child that is abiding in Him what He desires and asks for? (i John 3:22; John 15:7.) If Christ's prayer was that He might be spared from the death that threat- .ened Him in the garden, how was it an- swered? (Luke 22:43.) Ought we to in- sert, "If it be Thy will," into all our pray- ers ? While Jesus was praying what were the disciples doing? Had they fallen asleep at once? What was the cause of their sleeping? (Luke 22:45.) Sorrow STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 301 about what? Was their sleeping excus- able? Of what prophecy about Christ was it a fulfillment? (Ps. 69:20.) What will best help us to understand this startling insensibility to Christ's agony on the part of His disciples? What did Jesus say to them? What was the inten- tion of those words? Does this rebuke ever apply to us ? To whom particularly was the rebuke addressed? Why (v. 35)? What warning did He take occasion to give them? What does "watch" mean? What was to be the purpose of their watching? What does "that ye enter not into tempta- tion" mean? How much of the time does one need to be watching? Why? (i Peter 5:8; Matt. 24:42.) What should always go with and be the outcome of watching? (i Peter 4:7.) Why is it that so many Christians feel so little the need of earnest prayer? (Eph. 6:18.) Why has the watchful Christian no need to fear the out- come of the temptations that do come? (i Cor. 10:12, 13; 2 Peter 2:9.) Has the careless Christian any right to rest upon those promises ? What special reason did Jesus give for watching and prayer? Where in the Bible is the opposition be- tween flesh and Spirit most full}^ devel- oped? (Ro. 7:18-25.) Where are we told to conquer the weakness of the flesh? (Gal. 5:16.) What has the Christian done with the flesh? (Gal. 5:24.) What illus- tration had Peter just given of the willing- ness of the Spirit? (Compare v. 35.) 2. Jesus praying the second time, and the third time — tlie disciples still sleeping, ire'. 42-46. After this warning what did Jesus do? What did the disciples do this time while He prayed? What especial reason that they be praying at that time? What was the result of their sleeping when they ought to have been praying? (vv. 56, 72.) Had they any excuse to offer? (Mark 14:40.) Suppose we should be called to account by Jesus for our sleepiness, what excuse would we have to offer? What did Jesus then do? How does this tally with c. 6:7? What did He say to the disciples then? What did He mean by "Sleep on now"? What happened just at that mo- ment? What did Jesus then say? Did He want to run away? (Luke 9:51.) In what two different ways did Christ and His disciples meet sorrow? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus. (i) His nature, human, 38, 39, 42, 44, 45- (2) His relation to our temptations : Tempted in all points like as we are, 38-44; compare Heb. 4:15; 2:18. Conquered temptations in the same way we may, by prayer, 39 cf. 41. (3) What He suffered: Betra3'ed by Judas, 45, 46: sorrow even unto death, 38. (4) How He prepared for the coming trial and met present agony, by prayer, 36-42. (5) His longing for human sympathy: "Sit ye here," 36; "Took with Him Peter," etc., 2)7', "Watch with Me," 38; "Cometh unto His disciples," 40; "Could ye not watch with Me," 40; "Came again," 43, R. V. (6) His desire to be alone with God: He went forward a little, 39. R. V. (7) His bitter disappointment: He looked for sympathizers and found none, 36-38, 40 ; compare Ps. 69 :20. (8) His prayer: Where He prayed; in solitude, z^, 39; in the garden on the mountain side, 302 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 30, 36; in the accustomed place, 36; compare Luke 22:39; John 18:2. When He prayed : In His great ex- tremity, 38. For what He prayed : The cup or hour to pass along^ 39; compare Mark 14:35; Heb. 5 7; i John 5:15. How He prayed: On His face, 39; With great earnestness, 39-44 ; com- pare Luke 22:44; Heb. 5:7; with filial trust, 39; in submission to the Father's will; 39; importunately, 39- 44- Peter. (i) His privileges : Taken to the scene of Christ's tempta- tion and victory, 37; the beginnings of failure pointed out by the Saviour, 40; instructed by the Saviour to meet and conquer temptation by watching and prayer, 41. (2) His mistakes : Slept when he should have prayed, 40^ 41- (3) His failures : Could not watch with Christ one hour while he had boasted he could die with Him, 35, 40; fell asleep again and again after the Saviour had plead for his wakeful sympathy, 40-45- The disciples. (i) Their likeness to one another: All highly favored, 36. (2) Slept: When they should have watched and prayed, 40, 41 ; while Jesus agonized, 38-40; after being rebuked for sleep- ing, 43 ; while Jesus prayed, 40 ; failed while Jesus triumphed, 31. (3) The cause of failure: "The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak," 41 ; neglect of God's way of victory over the weakness of the flesh — prayer, 41-44. LESSON 128. The Arrest of Jesus and Peter's Denial. Mark 14:43-54, 66-72; compare Matthew 26:47-56, 69-75; Luke 22:47-62; John 18:1-27. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Jesus betrayed, tv. 43-49. Who came to arrest Jesus? Who led the way? (Luke 22:47.) Had Judas ever been there before? (John 18:2.) What had Judas seen and heard there in times past? Did the sacred memory of these things hold Judas back from his awful sin? Why not? (John 18:27, f. h.) What kind of a company was it that came to arrest Jesus? (Compare John 18:3, R- V.) What preparations had they made for His capture? (Compare John 18:3, R. V., mar- gin.) Why had they made these prepara- tions? Were they necessary (vv. 48, 49)? Would they have been of any use if Jesus had seen fit to resist arrest? (Matt. 26:53.) What two bands were to meet in that garden? Who was at the head of the one? Who at the head of the other? From whom did this mob come? Why does Mark mention this fact? Did they need to search much for Jesus? (John 18:4.) What sign had Judas appointed by which they might distinguish Jesus? What must have been the state of Judas' heart that he could appoint such a means of betrayal as that? Do people nowadays ever betray Jesus by professions of loyalty and love? What had Judas told them to do with the one he kissed? Why was Ju- das so anxious that Jesus should by no STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 303 possibility escape? Who is always the bit- terest and most determined hater of the Saviour? What lay at the bottom of Judas' hatred of Jesus? Was Judas al- lowed to kiss Jesus without a protest on His part? (Luke 22:47, 48.) What was the purpose of that protest? Did that pro- test deter Judas from kissing Him? What will deter one from his purposed sin when his heart is fully set within him to do evil? Did the opportunity and grace that Judas spurned make his fall any the less deep? Did Judas kiss Jesus only once? What is the significance of this repeated kissing? Was Jesus ever kissed again on earth? As soon as Judas had kissed Him what was done? (Compare John 18:12.) Did the disciples make any resistance? Was it a very wise act on Peter's part? Did it re- veal any lack of faith? (Matt. 26:53.) What does it always reveal when we come to the help of Christ's cause with car- nal weapons ? How did the rest show a wisdom superior to Peter's? (Luke 22:49.) Was Peter's blow very well directed? Why not? What prompted it? What was the trouble with the love? Which is bet- ter, rash love or the calculating selfishness that criticises because it lacks the courage to imitate? What is better than either? Were the disciples cowards? What did they have the courage to do? What did they lack the courage to do? Which is the higher kind of courage? To which kind of courage is it that God calls us now? (i Peter 2:20, 21.) Did Peter's courage last? Does the courage that manifests it- self in acts of rash daring usually last? What was Peter trying to prove? (Luke 22 ■.3;^.) Did this act get Peter into any trouble (v. 26) ? Did Peter get any praise for his daring act? (John 18:11; Matt. 26:52.) When alone will a daring act win the Master's praise? Did Jesus protest against the manner of His arrest? With what thought did He comfort Himself in view of all the ignominy of it? What Scripture was fulfilled by this coming out after Him as after a robber and the de- sertion by His disciples? (Is. 43:12, 27, last half; compare Zech. 13:7.) To whom did the disciples owe their opportunity to escape? (John 18:8.) 2. Jesus forsaken, vv. 50-53. When the disciples found they were not to be allowed to fight, did their courage last? Would we have done any better? Were they as much to blame for deserting Jesus in the hour of peril as we would be today? Did the time ever come when they would not forsake Him? (Acts 4:19, 20; 5:28-32.) Is there anything better for us to depend upon to keep us from deserting Him than our love to Him ? Who might we have expected from former professions to have stayed by Jesus in this hour of peril? (John 13:3?; c. 10:38, 39.) Ought the disciple who closely follows Jesus ex- pect that there may be times when he, too, will be deserted by trusted friends and left alone? (Matt. 10:24; John 15:20; 2 Tim. 4:16.) Was Jesus entirely alone? (John 16:32.) When all men desert us are we alone? (Matt. 28:20; 2 Tim. 4:16, 17.) Is .that enough? Was there any human sym- pathizer left when the eleven had fled? Who was this young man? (Compare Acts 12:12; 15:38.) Did Mark stay long? What were all those who now surrounded Jesus? Where did they lead Him? What had they alreadv determined upon? (c. 14: I.) [Note.— The preliminary trial of Jesus before Annas previous to His bein3\ I John 2:2; Is. 53:10; John 12:24; Heb. 9:26; Gal. 3:13; Eph. 2: 14-16; Gal. 4:3-5; Eph. 2:11-13; Ro. 5:9, 10; Eph. 1:7; Ro. 8:34; 2 Cor. 5:21; i John 1:7; Acts 20:28; Heb. 10:10, 14, 18- 20; 9:15; Rev. 22:14, R. V. ; I Thess. 5: 10; Rev. 7:14, 15; John 12:31; Heb. 2:14, R. v.; Col. 2:14, 15; Col. 1:19, 20.) What two things have their fullest exhibition in the cross of Christ? (i John 3:6; Acts 2:22, 23.) Of what is the death of Christ a guarantee? (Ro. 8:32.) What example does Christ's choice of death afford us? (Phil. 2:5-8.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. /. Jcsns. (i) What He is: A man, Matt. 27:46; the Son of God, Matt. 27:54; the Saviour, Luke 23: 42, R. V. ; a King, Luke 23 -.42, R. V. ; an atoning sacrifice. Matt. 2"] :46 ; the light of the world, Matt. 27 :45 ; Luke 23:44; the Lord of nature, Matt. 2^x 44. SI, 52. (2) His character: Wondrous love, pardoned the vile criminal who had railed upon Him, Luke 23:39; compare IMatt. 27:44; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 319 bore the sins of men in their stead, Matt. 27:46; compare Gal. 3:13; perfect sinlessness, Luke 23 :4i ; triumphant faith, Luke 2^ 146. (3) What He suffered : Hatred from man, Luke 23 139 ; railed at by a vile criminal, Luke 23 139 ; great spiritual amazement and be- wilderment, Matt. 27:46; forsaken of God, Matt. 27:46; He bore all this for me, Is. 53:4-6; 2 Cor. 5:21. (4) What He enjoyed: Testimony from the centurion. Matt. 27:54; testimony from the robber, Luke 23 :4i ; recognition as King, Luke 23 :42 ; recognition as the Son of God, Matt. 27:54; faith of the dying robber, Luke 23 142. (5) What He did: Fulfilled prophecy. Matt. 27:46, 50; compare Is. 53:10; Ps. 22:1; Dan. 9:26; held fast to God in the hour of sore bewilderment. Matt. 27:46; laid down His life voluntarily. Matt. 27:50; pardoned and saved a vile but repentant sinner at the last hour, Luke 2^ :43 ; rewarded faith, Luke 2^ -.4.2, 43 ; entered Paradise, Luke 23 :43 ; took the penitent robber into Paradise with Him, Luke 23 :43 ; opened the way into the holiest of all, Luke 23 :45 ; Matt. 27 :5i ; com- pare Heb. 10:19, 20. (6) What He will do: Come again, Luke 23:42, R. V.; re- ceive us unto Himself to be with Him, Luke 22, :43. . Man. (i) His natural condition: Heartless cruelty. Matt. 27:49; desper- ate wickedness, Luke 23:39; com- pare Jer. 17:9; hatred of God's Son, Luke 23:39; Matt. 27:50; compare Ro. 8:7. (2) The way in which his salvation has been purchased : By a substitute. Matt. 27 :46 ; compare I John 2 :2. (3) The way in which he must appro- priate salvation : Confession, Luke 22, :4i ; faith, Luke 23 :4i, 42. . The penitent robber. A desperate sinner, Luke 23 :S3, 41 ; eternal doom nearly sealed, Luke 23 : 33 ; he heard the Word, Luke 23 : 34, 42; saw and heard Jesus, Luke 23 '-33, 34, 43; recognized his own sinfulness, Luke 23 :4]; ; confessed his own sinfulness, Luke 23 :4i ; be- lieved in Jesus as Saviour and King, Luke 23:42, R. v., 43; called upon Jesus, Luke 23:42; confessed Christ openly before His enemies, Luke 23 : 41 ; was heard by Christ, Luke 23 : 43 ; was saved by Christ, Luke 23 : 43 ; preached Christ, Luke 23 :4i ; entered Paradise side by side with the Son of God, Luke 23 :43. The Burial of Jesus. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. The death of Jesus made sure, vv. 21-37- What final request did the Jews make of LESSON 134. John 19:31-42; Matthew 27:61-66; compare Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56. Pilate? What was the purpose of this re- quest? Why were the Jews unwilling that the bodies should remain on the crosses over that Sabbath? (Deut. 21:22, 23.) 320 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Was there any especial reason why they were more unwilling that that Sabbath should be defiled than any other? Had they themselves done anything that would defile their land more than the mere leav- ing of the crucified bodies on the cross possibly could? Are men today ever scrup- ulous about ceremonial defilement who are quite blind to moral defilement? Was "the Sabbath Day" which was to follow "the preparation," the weekly Sabbath day or "the first day" of "the feast of unleavened bread"? (Lev. 23:6, 7; John 19:14, 42; 18:28; Matt. 27:62; Mark 15:42; Matt. 17: 21, 23; 20:19; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22.) In case it was the latter what occurred at the temple at the very moment Jesus died with- out the camp? (Ex. 12:6; Lev. 23:5; com- pare I Cor. 5:7.) What precaution was taken to make sure of the death of the two robbers? Why did they not break the legs of Jesus also? Why did Jesus die so much sooner than the others? (2 Cor. 5: 21; Matt. 26:46; Ps. 69:20; compare John 19:34.) May it not have been that Jesus was not really dead but only in a swoon, and that the supposed resurrection was only a case of temporarily suspended, and afterwards restored, animation? What precaution did one of the soldiers take to make sure that He was really dead? What was the result of that spear thrust? What was the physiological significance of the coming forth of "blood and water"? Who bears witness to this fact? Did he know the physiological significance of it? Is there in this little detail, the full mean- ing of which the narrator himself could not have known, any proof of the genuine- ness of the story? Had the coming forth of the "blood and water" any moral or spiritual significance? (Zech. 13:1; Titus 2:14.) For what purpose did John record this seemingly insignificant little detail (v. 35)? Did John have this purpose in view in much that he wrote? (John 20:31; 11: IS, 42; 14:29; compare i John 5:13-) In the testimony that we give to the world concerning Jesus what should be our pur- pose? Have we any occasion to be grate- ful that the Roman soldier thrust his spear into the Saviour's side? Of what truth is this an illustration? (Ps. 76:10.) What tv;o prophecies were fulfilled in the treat- ment of Jesus after death (vv. 36, 37) "^ Where is the scripture "A bone of Him shall not be broken" found? (Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12; Ps. 34:20.) Where is the other scripture quoted in v. 2>7 found? (Zech. 12:10.) Were these men conscious that they were fulfilling Scriptures? Did the fact that these things had been prophe- sied in any wise interfere with the freedom of their action? Through what sort of ac- tion then does God carry out His eternal purposes and fulfill His "sure word of prophecy"? 2. The burial of Jesus, vv. 38-42; Matt. 27:61. Who buried Jesus? What do we know about this man? (Matt. 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-53.) What sort of a disciple had Joseph been up to this time? Were there many secret disciples? (John 12:42.) What lies at the bottom of secret discipleship? (John 12:43.) Is it accept- able to Christ? (Matt. 10:32, 33; Mark 8:38.) Are secret disciples saved? (Ro. 10:9, 10.) Of what proverb of Solomon was the secret discipleship of Joseph of Arimathea an illustration? (Prov. 29; 25.) What brought Joseph out as an open dis- ciple and delivered him from the snare into which the fear of man had brought him? Did Joseph display any courage at the end? Is one who holds back for fear of man STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 321 likely, when he does come out, to display as much courage and devotion in the service of his crucified Lord as those who come out more promptly? What did Pilate do before delivering the body to Joseph? (]\Iark 15:44, 45- ) At every step in the execution of Jesus, what was care taken to see to? Is any room left to doubt the reality and certainty of His death? Is it in any way a good thing for us that such care was taken? Who came with Joseph? How had he come first to Jesus? Had he ever up to this time lifted his voice openly for Jesus? (John 7*50, 51.) Had he ever come out so openly for Jesus as at this time? What brought him out? Had Joseph's new de- cision any influence over him? Had Jesus repulsed the first timid manifestations of the faith of Nicodemus? (See John 3:1- 14; compare Matt. 12:20.) Is there any suggestion in this as to how to deal with timid, hesitating souls? Was the patience and tenderness of Jesus in dealing with Nicodemus rewarded at the end? How did Nicodemus show his love to the crucified One? Where did they lay the body of Jesus? Why did they lay it there (v. 42) ? What prophecy was fulfilled in this? (Is. 53:9.) J. Precautions against a fraudulent claim that Jesus had risen. Matt. 27:62-66. Of what were the enemies of Jesus afraid? Why were they afraid of this (v. 63) ? What evidence have we that some of the words of Jesus had made a deeper impression upon the minds of the enemies of Jesus than upon the minds of His di- sciples? Why was this? What did the en- emies of Jesus call Him? If Jesus was so called by His enemies, what may we expect if we live like Him? (Matt. 10:25.) What precaution was taken against a false claim that Jesus had arisen as He had an- nounced He would? Have we any occa- sion to regret these steps that the enemies of Jesus had taken? What good resulted from it? Did Pilate accede to their re- quest? What did he bid them do? Did they make it as sure as they could? Did they succeed in keeping Jesus in the sep- ulchre? With what kind of a Christ did they imagine they had to do? With what kind of a Christ did they discover, before many days, they had to do? What became of all their cunning plans to stop the spread of faith in Jesus? Why? (Prov. 21:30.) How did all these things that are recorded as done against Jesus turn out finally? How will all the steps taken against Jesus by His enemies finally result? (Ps. 76:10.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God. ]\Iakes the free acts of men carry out His eternal purposes and fulfills His prophecies, John 19:33-37; makes trivial and seemingly accid.ental cir- cumstances carry out His eternal purposes and fulfill his prophecies, John 19:41-42; compare Is. 53^9; uses the hostile acts of the enemies of Christ to authenticate His claims, John 19:31-37; Matt. 27:63-66. 2. Jesus. Called a deceiver, Matt. 27:63; com- pare c. 10 :25 ; Had a real human body, John 19:34; Died as a pascal lamb, John 19:30; compare Ex. 12:46; Sooner than His two companions. Why? (John 19:33; compare Matt. 26:46; 2 Cor. 5:21; Ps. 69:20; John 19:34.) Died of a broken heart, John 19:34. What broke His heart? Died to cleanse us from sin and un- cleanliness. Blood and water flowed STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD from the pierced side, John 19:34; compare Zech. 13:1; died beyond a question, not merely apparently but really, John 19:34, 35; was buried, John 19:42; was laid away in a rich man's sepulchre, John 19:42; sealed in the sepulchre, Matt. 27:66; a guard set over the sepulchre, Matt. 27:66; His resurrection was unquestionable and genuine. Matt. 27:63-66; fulfilled prophecy, John 19:36, 37; compare Ex. 12:46; Zech. 12:10; testified to by a truthful eye witness, John 19: 35- 3. The Word of God. Its certainty, John 19:36; compare Ex. 12:46; John 19:37; compare Zech. 12:10; John 19:35; its minute ac- curacy, John 19:42; compare Is. 53: 9; its purpose, "that ye might believe" John 19:35; its divine origin (see references under certainty and accur- acy.) 4. The enemies of Christ. Very sensitive regarding the ceremonial defilement of the laml, though ut- terly insensible to its moral defile- ment by their enormous sin, John 19:31; compare Deut. 21:22-23; made sure of Christ's death, John 19:31-34; made as sure as they could that He should remain in the sepul- chre. Matt. 27:63-66; remembered the words of Jesus, Matt. 27:63; dreaded their defilement, Matt. 27: 63, 64; called Jesus a deceiver, Matt. 27:63; imagined they had to do with a dead Christ, Matt. 27:63-66; by all their prudent and cunning attempts to put Jesus out of the way, suc- ceeded only in establishing the real- ity of His death and certainty of His resurrection, John 19:31-36; Matt. 27:63-66. 5. Joseph of Arimathea. A secret disciple, John 19:38; en- snared by the fear of man, 38; brought out by the death of Christ, 38; came out at last boldly (more boldly and fearlessly than those who had come out before him) 38; took the body of Jesus — whom the world had rejected and crucified — and bur- ied it in his own new tomb, 38-42; compare Matt. 27:60; performed most disagreeable duties and those that involved ceremonial defilement and exclusion from the passover, John 19:38, 39; influenced Nico- demus by his bold attitude (?) John 19 :38, 39- 6. Nicodemus. Came to Jesus at first by night, John 19:39; came out boldly with Joseph when others had deserted, 39; brought a costly offering at the last to the crucified One, 39; performed laborious and defiling service for the crucified One, 40. LESSON 135. The Resurrection of Jesus. Mark 16:1-1 John 20:1-18; compare Matthew 28:1-15; Luke 23:56-24:12. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. J. Mary Magdalene and the other women go to the tomb to embalm Jesus, Mark 16: 1-4; John 20:1. At what time of day does this lesson open? (Mark 16:1.) What did they do that evening? (Matt. 28:1, R. V.) Did the body of Jesus need embalming? Was this STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 323 mistaken service acceptable to Jesus? Ought they to have known that the body of Jesus was not lying in the sepulchre? (Matt. 16:21; 20:19.) Why didn't they know it? Why are there so many things about Jesus which we ought to know that we do not know? How did their act re- veal the depth, earnestness and unselfish- ness of their love? How was that love to be rewarded? In what way was the eager- ness of their love shown? (John 20:1; Mark 16:2.) Are people nowadays much in the habit of getting up early to perform services for Christ? In what way did they display their courage? What time of day was it when they reached the tomb? When does John seem to say it was? (John 20: I.) How can these seeming discrepancies as to the time be reconciled? Was it dark in more senses than one when they started for the sepulchre? How dark was it? But what was just at hand? What diffi- culty occurred to their minds as standing in the way of their enterprises? (Mark 16: 3, R. V.) Ought they not to have thought of that before? Which is better, the practical common sense, that, foreseeing all the difficulties, sits down and does nothing, or the un- calculating love that follows its own im- pulse and risks the difficulties? Was the difficulty great in this case? (Mark 16:4; Matt. 28:60.) Who removed it? (Matt. 28:2.) If we march right up to the diffi- culties that lie in the path of loving devo- tion to Christ, what will become of them? Would these women have missed anything if they had been disheartened by the diffi- culties and gone back? How is it that we miss many of the blessings God has for us? (Rev. 2:10.) Who had tried to make the entrance of the disciples into the sepul- chre impossible? (Matt. 27:62-66.) Had their precautions seemed sufficient? Why did they amount to nothing after all? Why do all the obstacles which the enemies of Christ put in the way of the disciples of Christ amount to nothing? (R6. 8:31; Prov. 21:30.) Was the stone rolled away to let Jesus out or to let the disciples in? 2. Mary goes in search of Peter and John, John 20:2. What did Mary at once conclude when she saw the stone rolled back from the door of the sepulchre? How did Mary feel about it? (John 20:13.) Was there any real cause for mourning? If her eyes could have followed the body of her Lord to where it really was would she have mourned? If the eyes of many mourners, who stand beside the empty cradle or chair could follow the missing person to where he really is would they mourn? What did Mary do? What did she still call Jesus? Was her faith all gone ? If she had had the faith she ought to have had what would have been her explanation of the empty sepulchre? What then lay at the bottom of Mary's deep and bitter sorrow? 3. The other women enter the sepulchre, Mark 16:3-8. Did they find what they expected in the sepulchre? What did they see? What was the effect upon them? (Compare Luke 24:5.) Why were they frightened? What ought to have been their feelings ? Why were they not prepared for such an ex- perience? With what glad tidings did the angel seek to reassure them? What is the most re-assuring of all Christian truths? What sort of a Saviour had they sought? What sort of a Savior had they found? What part has the crucified Saviour in our salvation? (Ro. 5:10, first half.) What part has the risen Saviour in our salvation? (Ro. 5:10, last half; Heb. 7:25; i John STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 2:1; Ro. 4:25; Acts 2:32, 33; Col. 2:12, 13.) What is the believer's reply to all who would condemn? (Ro. 8:34-) Ought the announcement of the angel to have surprised the disciples? How had it all turned out? (c. 9:31.) How will every- thing turn out? Are we ever surprised when things turn out just as Jesus says they will? Why is that? Were the women allowed to linger at the tomb ? How were they to go? (Matt. 28:7.) Is there any lesson in that for us? Who were the first divinely commissioned preachers of the Gos- pel of the resurrection? Ought not those women to have kept silence in the church? Who was especially mentioned to whom they should tell the good news? Why. "and Peter"? Where were the disciples told to go? What for? Did they not see Him before they reached Galilee? (John 20: 19.) Is there any inconsistency in these two accounts? What were their feelings as they left the sepulchre? (Compare Matt. 28:8.) Why were they afraid? 4. Peter and John af the sepulchre, John 20:3-10. What was the effect upon Peter and John of the information Mary brought? How did they go? Why did they run? Which got there first? Why? What did he do? Why did he not go in? What did he see? What did Peter do? Why did he enter in? What did he see? Was there anything significant in the linen clothes lying and the napkin "rolled up in a place by itself"? What did John do after Peter had entered? What was the result of his entering? What did he see? What did he believe (v. 9) ? Why did he believe upon merely seeing the linen clothes lying and the napkin "rolled up in a place by itself" f Had they believed up to that time? Had they any grounds for belief? (Matt. 16: 21 ; Mark 9:9, 10.) Is it credible that with all the previous announcements of the res- urrection they should not believe? Why had they not understood? (Mark 9:31, 32.) What reason does John give for their not believing until then? (Compare Ps. 16:10; 22:16, 22; Is. 26:19; 53:10.) Were they to blame for not understanding all this, and believing? (Luke 24:25, 26.) What did they do next? 5. Mary Magdalene comes the second time to the sepulchre and the risen Christ makes His first appearance, John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9-11. Who had come back to the sepulchre while Peter and John were there? When they left what did she do? (John 20:11.) Why did she not go home? What was she doing there? As she wept what did she do? What did she see? Why had not the disciples seen them? When does God make His especial revelations? Was she particularly impressed by the angels? Why not? What did the angels say? Why did they ask that (v. 15) ? Are Jesus and the angels interested in our sorrows today? What was her sorrow founded upon? How many of our sorrows are founded upon a mistake? How did she speak of Jesus here? (Compare 2.) Would you weep if some one should take away your Lord and you did not know where to find Him? What kind of Lord was she about to find? What did she do as she said that? Why did she turn herself? Whom did she see? Did she recognize Him? Does Jesus ever stand beside us and we do not recognize Him? Why did she not recognize Him? (John 21:4; Mark 16:12; Luke 24:16, 32.) What held her eyes? What question did Jesus put to her? Why did He put that question to her? How did His question STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 325 differ from that of the angels? What was Mary's answer? Could she "take Him away"? Why then did she say she would? What happened just then? When Mary heard that, what did she know? What was Mary's feehng? Will there ever come such a wondrous moment in our lives? What did she say? How do you explain the "turned herself"? (Compare v. 14.) What did Mary do? What is the meaning of the "Touch Me not"? (The primary meaning of the Greek word used is "to fasten one's self to," "to cling to"). Note the contrasted duty "but go, etc.," and compare Matt. 28:7, 9, 10.) Instead of clinging to Him, what was Mary to do? Are there ever times now when, instead of clinging to the Lord who has mani- fested Himself to us, we should speed away and tell to sorrowing hearts the good news ? To whom did Jesus commit the first preaching of the Gospel of a risen Christ? Had this woman to whom Jesus first ap- peared after His resurrection and to whom He committed the first preaching of the Gospel of a risen Christ, ever been very low down? (Mark 16:9.) Does the fact that one is very low down in Satan's power prove that God will never exalt him to a place of special honor? What was the message she was to bear? How did He speak of the disciples? (Matt. 28:10.) Is He then our brother still? Why did He not say "Our Father"? Is there any in- dication here that the disciples were at this time regenerate men? How do we be- come sons of God? (Gal. 3:26; John 1:12, 13.) How further does Jesus speak of the One to whom He went? What is indi- cated by the use of the expression "my God"? By the coupling of these two titles, what do we see that the one who is our God at the same time is? (See also Is. 41:10; Jer. 31:33; Rev. 21:3.) What did Mary do? What would it have been if she had refused or delayed to go with this glad message to these sorrowing hearts? Has He given us any commission like ]\Iary's (Mark 16:15.) What if we re- fuse or delay to go with the glad mes- sage? What did Mary find the disciples doing? (Mark 16:10.) Why were they weeping? Why was that weeping out of place? Do Christians ever go mourning and weeping as if they had a dead Christ? What is the best news to take them ? How was Mary's testimony received? (Mark 16:11.) Why ought it to have been be- lieved? (Luke 24:25; Matt. 26:31, 32.) Is it credible that after all the plain an- nouncements of the resurrection, the dis- ciples should be so entirely unprepared for it? What will help us to understand that? Were the disciples in a state of mind to imagine a resurrection which did not really take place? What interval marks of gen- uineness does the storv bear? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus. His divinity, John 20:17; His human- ity, John 20:12, 17; Mark 16:6; His subordination to the Father, John 20:17; His superiority to the angels, John 20:12; His crucifixion, Mark 16:6; His burial, John 20:12; His resurrection, John 20:1-8; Mark 16: i-ii; His ascension, John 20:17; His sublime calmness, John 20:7; His wondrous tenderness — "Mary," John 20:15; His matchless forbearance — "And Peter," ]\Iark 16:7; His untir- ing sympathy evidenced by a deep in- terest in human sorrow (John 20:15) and His standing beside His disciples in their grief (John 20:14) ; unweary- STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD ing patience evidenced in revealing Himself to loving and sorrowing hearts even when in culpable ignor- ance and unbelief, John 20:14-17; Mark 16:9-11; His infinite condescen- sion evidenced by His revealing Himself to those who seek Him ignorantly and blindly (John 20:15, 16) and by appearing first to one who had been possessed of seven dem- ons and commissioning her as the first preacher of the Gospel of a risen Christ, Mark 16:9; His amazing magnanimity shown even after His glorious resurrection in calling the crushed and cowering dis- ciples, "my brethren," John 20:17; His loving command, to go tell sor- rowing hearts the glad tidings of a risen Christ, John 20:17. 2. Mary. (i) Her condition when she first met Jesus: Possessed by seven demons, Mark 16: 9- (2) What Jesus had done for her: Cast the demons out, Mark 16:9. (3) Her love to Jesus: Bought spices to anoint Him, Mark 16:1; came to the tomb very early, while it was yet dark, Mark 16:1; John 20:1; could not leave the tomb where her loved One had lain even after she had found it empty, John 20:11 (the first and last at the Sav- iour's tomb) ; clung to the titles, "Lord" and "my Lord" even when faith was broken and almost dying, John 20 :2, 13 ; had no eyes even for angels now her Lord was gone, and desired no heavenly visitors but Jesus Himself, John 20:12-14; for- got her weakness, in her love and of- fered to do the impossible for Kim she loved, John 20:15; reached out her hands to cling to the risen Lord the moment she heard his voice, John 20:17; obeyed the voice of the be- loved even when He bade her leave Him — leaving the place of raptur- ous vision of Himself for the place of kindly service to others, John 20: 18. (4) What was done for her : The stone was rolled away by angel hands that she might get access to the empty tomb, John 20:1; a vision of two angels granted to her, John 20:12; a vision of Jesus Himself granted to her, John 20:14; the voice of Jesus heard in tender self-revela- tion, "Mary", John 20:16. (5) Her mistakes: She imagined her Lord was stolen when He was in fact risen, John 20: 2, 13 ; she wept over a stolen Lord when she should have rejoiced over a risen Lord, John 20:11; in her grief mistook angels for men, John 20:12-14; in her grief mistook Jesus Himself for the gardener, John 20: 14, 15- (6) Her quick recognition of her risen Lord in the one familiar call, "Mary," John 20:16. (7) Her commission: Leave the place of ecstatic communion and speed away to comfort sorrow- ing hearts with the glad tidings of a risen and ascending Lord, John 20:17. 3. The other women. Their love to Jesus, Mark 16:1, 2; per- plexity, Mark 16:3; deliverance from their perplexity, Mark 16 :4 ; privilege, Mark 16:5, 6; commission, Mark 16: STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 327 7 ; disobedience through foolish fear : "They said nothing to any one," etc., Mark i6:8, R. V. •4. John. Loved of Jesus, John 20:2; forgetful of his Lord's oft repeated words, John 20 :9 ; compare Matt. 16 :2i, 22 ; Ignorant of the Scripture, John 20: 9; ran to the empty tomb, John 20: 4; outran Peter, John 20:4; stopped reverently without, John 20 :5 ; looked in with eager, anxious gaze, John 20:5; saw the linen cloths lying, John 20:5; followed Peter's example and entered, John 20 :8 ; saw the nap- kin "rolled in a place by itself" and believed in a risen Christ, John 20: 7,8. 5. Peter. Tenderly loved by Christ even after his denial, Mark 16:7, see 4:2, 3, 4; rushed impetuously and unhesitat- ingly into the tomb, John 20 :6 ; saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin rolled up in a place by itself, John 20:6, 7; failed to see their meaning, John 20:8. 6. The disciples. Their mistaken grief : Mourned a dead Christ when He was really risen, Mark 16:10. Their undeserved privilege : Mary was sent to them with the glad tidings of a risen Christ, John 20:17. Their great glory: "My brethren," John 20:17. Their persistent unbelief: Mark 16: 11. 7. Angels. Lingered about the scene of Jesus' victory over death, John 20:12; Mark 16:5-7; ministering spirits, Mark 16:5-7; take an interest in hu- man sorrow, John 20:13; are especi- ally near Christ's most sorrowing ones, John 20:12; compare 5-7; first announced the resurrection, Mark 16 :6. LESSON 136. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples on the Way to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-35. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The tzvo disciples opening their hearts to the risen Christ, vv. 13-34. Who were the two who were going to Emmaus? Was either of them an apostle (v. 2)3) ? Were either of them very notable personages? Is there anything significant in that? Why were they going to Em- maus? Why does it appear very strange that they left Jerusalem just at that time (vv. 21-24) ? Why did Jesus choose these two as the men to whom He should es- pecially manifest Himself? Did He spend much time with them (vv. 15, 27, 29, 30) ? What shall we say of Jesus' going seven miles out of His way and spending several hours in one of the most eventful days of His life in comforting and recalling and instructing two ignorant, stupid, insignifi- cant disciples? Would you be willing to do the same? What were they talking about? Was that a natural topic of con- versation under the circumstances? What is the most natural topic of conversation for Christians? Is that the topic you most readily fall to talking about? What hap- pened as they talked of Him? Does He always draw near as we talk of Him? (>.Tatt. 18:20; V. 36.) Is He near now? What sort of hearts did these men have as Jesus drew near? Is He always near loving and troubled hearts, though they are ignorant and unbelieving? Did these two STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD altogether agree in their views? Why did not these men recognize Jesus at once? (Mark 16:12.) By what were their eyes holden (v. 25) ? Why did He not make Himself fully known to them at once and settle their doubts that way? (vv. 25-27; John 4:48; 20:29.) Does Jesus ever ap- pear to us in a way that we do not at once recognize Him? (Matt. 25 :44, 45.) What question did He put to them? Did He not know? What then was the purpose in ask- ing the question? Would you always be ready to have Jesus come alongside as you walk and talk with a friend and ask what communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk? What was the ef- fect of Jesus' question upon these two men? Why did it make them sad? Had those men any need to be sad that morn- ing? Why were they sad (v. 25) ? Whence does all our sadness arise? (Phil. 4:6; Ro. 8:32, etc.) What does their answer to Jesus' first question imply? To a real Christian, what seems to be the question that men must always be talking about? How does Jesus further draw them out? Had these men any faith in Jesus of Naz- areth still remaining? Did they have any courage left? What hope had they enter- tained regarding Jesus? What had become of that hope? Had the hope been well grounded? Was there any sufficient reason for giving it up? Why had they given it up (vv. 25-27) ? Was His crucifixion any proof that He was not "He which should redeem Israel" (v. 26) ? Why is it today that men often give up well grounded hopes? If we wish to keep our hopes from being wrested from us what should we do? (Acts 20:29, 30, 2,2 ; 2 Tim. 3:13-17-) How must we study the Scriptures? (Ps. 119:18; compare v. 25.) From what did they suppose He was to redeem Israel? What better redemption did He bring? (Ps. 130:8; Rev. 5:9; I Peter 1:18, 19.) What was their reason for mentioning the fact that this was "the third day"? (Mark 9:31.) What further did these men tell Jesus? Did they believe the testimony of these women? Why not (v. 25)? What especial reason had one of them for be- lieving the testimony of these women? (v. 18; compare John 19:25.) Are there ever nowadays men so determined in their un- belief that they will not receive the testi- mony of their own wives to what they have seen? What was the sole effect according to their own testimony of the women's say- ing upon those men? What ought it to have been? Had the testimony of the women been tested? With what result? What was the one point at which the men stuck? Who were they like? (John 20: 24, 25.) Were these the kind of men to have an hallucination that they had seen Jesus when they had not? If it was a hallucination, how long must it have lasted? Is that likely? What is evident from all they had to say as to where those two disciples ought to have been? 2. The risen Christ opening the Scrip- tures to the two disciples, vv. 25-32. Why did Jesus not meet and settle their unbelief by an immediate disclosure of His own identity? What did He do? With what sin did He charge them? Why did He so strongly rebuke their sins and folly? In what did their folly consist? Do you believe "all that the prophets have spoken"? What are you then (v. 25) ? Where does Jesus put the man down that disbelieves anything the prophets have written? Are there any "fools" of that kind nowadays? Did Jesus say the whole trouble was with their heads? Where is the greatest trouble usually with skeptics? (John 7 '■'^7', S'AA\ 8:47.) True wisdom consists, according to this verse, in believing what? What did STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD He say that the Christ must do? Why must He suffer? (Mark 14:49; compare Ps. 22:6-9; Is. 53; John 3:14; Heb. 9:22.) What was the outcome of these sufferings? (i Peter i :2.) Who else besides the Christ must suffer? (2 Tim. 3:12; Acts 14:22.) What will be the outcome of these suffer- ings? (Ro. 8:17.) What did Jesus next do? Who had inspired these prophecies? Who was the subject of them? Would you liked to have heard Him expound them? Will He expound them for us? Where did He begin? How much of the Scripture did He take up? What did He show to be the one subject of Scripture? (John 5: 39, 45-47-) How many *of the prophets spoke of Him? (Acts 3:24.) What is the testimony of the prophets concerning Him? (Acts 10:43.) How do you account for the prophets writing concerning Him? (2 Peter i :2i.) Can you think of any passage He referred to in Moses? (Gen. 3:15; 22:18; 49:10; Deut. 18:15; Ex. 12, etc.) In the prophets? (Is. 7:14, 53; Mic. 5:2-4; Zech. 12:10, etc.) Did Jesus really desire to go further? Was it not deception on the part of Jesus to make as though He would have gone further? (Compare Mark 6:48.) Why did He not go further? Is there any lesson in all this for us? Was it much of a privilege to have Jesus abide in that home? Can we have Jesus abide in our homes? (Rev. 3:20; John 14:23.) Would all pro- fessed Christians find it convenient to have Jesus abide with them and be present at their meals? Is this prayer, "Abide with us," one a true Christian is likely to offer? What is the one thing recorded as oc- curring during Jesus' stay at that home? If Jesus sits at our table what may we expect Him to do? Is there any way in which Jesus can sit at our table? (Matt. 25:35, 37, 40.) What happened as He broke their bread? How were their eyes opened just at that point? What was the result of their eyes being opened? What must happen if we are to "know Him"? How are our eyes to be opened? (John 7:17, 27, 32; I Cor. 2:14, 11; Acts 16:14; I John 6:20.) What happened as soon as they recognized Him? Why did Jesus vanish as soon as they knew Him? (John 20:17; 2 Cor. 5:16.) What was the first thought of these disciples as Jesus disap- peared? What was it made the hearts of these disciples burn? If you want to make a Christian's heart glow, what should you give him? (Jer. 20 :9; 23 :29.) What kind of a fire was it that the opened Word kindled in the hearts of these disciples? What had been the condition of their hearts before Jesus made them burn, while He talked with them by the way and opened to them the Scriptures? Did Jesus ever speak to you by the way and open to you the Scripture in such a way that your heart burned? J. The tzvo disciples opening to the others zvhat the risen Christ had opened to them, vv. 33-35- What did they do with the glad truth that had at last burst upon them? Did it take any courage on their part? Why did they not wait until morning? Is there any lesson here for us? Whom did they find in Jerusalem ? Where was the twelfth ? What had brought the eleven together? Were the entire eleven there? (John 20: 24.) What were the first words with which they were greeted as they entered the room? How do you reconcile this with Mark 16:12, 13? (See vv. 37, 38, 4i-) (Note the artlessness and truthfulness in every line of the picture.) Why was it the Lord had appeared especially to Simon? (c. 22:54-62; Mark 16:7.) To. 330 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD whom were all the appearances of Jesus to individuals made? (Note the especial ap- pearance of the Lord : To Mary in her broken-heartedness ; the women in their fear (Matt. 28:8, 9) ; the two as they were slipping away; Thomas in his unbelief; James in his rejection; Peter in his peni- tence and dejection; Paul in his enmity.) What was the reply of the two to the cry of the eleven that "The Lord is risen in- deed"? Of what have we an illustration in this mutual relating of what they had learned? (Ro. i:ii, 12.) Why was it that Jesus was known in the breaking of bread? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. J. Jesus. The central topic of all Scripture, 27; a prophet, mighty in deed and word, 19 ; the risen Son of God, 20, 25 ; an atoning Saviour, 26; despised, re- jected and crucified by man, 20; seeks out those who most need Him, 15 ; goes out of His way and spends many hours of a most momentous day to reclaim two very unworthy, unspiritual, and insignificant back- sliders, 13-15; draws near men as they talk of Him, 15; draws near hearts that are troubled, 15-17; ap- pears in an imrecognized form, 16; notes what we talk about, 17; wishes us to unburden our hearts to Him, 17-19; rebukes our folly and unbelief, 25; instructs our ignorance, 26, 27; first inspires, then fulfills, then inter- prets prophecy, 27; enters glory through suffering, 26; compare Phil. 2:6, 10; desires to abide with us, but will not go further unless invited, 28, 29; blesses the bread when He sits at meat, 30; could be distinguished from every one else from the way He approached God in prayer, 35; spake as never man spake, 32 ; prayed as never man prayed, 35 ; recognized by the eyes He Himself opened, and by those alone, 31 ; opens the Word and makes the heart to glow with faith and hope and joy, 32; stands in the midst when we talk of Him, 36; his tender compassion appears to those who especially need Him, 34; Jesus when known so fills the heart that men cannot but hasten to tell the good news to others, 33. 2. The Word. Its Great Interpreter : Jesus, 2>2. Its absolute certainty: Its most incredible statements fulfilled to the letter, 34. Its matchless power : To open bUnd eyes, 31 ; compare 27, 45; to make sad hearts glow with faith and hope and joy, 32; ignor- ance of the Word brings sadness, where knowledge of the Word brings gladness, 17; neglect of the Word opens the way for us to be robbed of hope, 21 ; doubt of the Word makes us fools, 25 ; doubt of the Word reveals an evil heart, 25. What to do with the Word: Read it all from the beginning, 27; be- lieve it all from the beginning, 25 ; seek Christ in it all from the begin- ning, 27; get Christ to interpret it all from the beginning, 27. S. The tzvo disciples. Obscure, 13, 18; ignorant, 25; inspirit- ual, 22, 23, 25 ; unbelieving, 25 ; hope- less, 21; foolish, 25; backsliding, 13; Jesus loved them, 15-27 ; sought them, 15; taught them, 27; abode with them, 29 ; broke bread with them, 30 ; STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 331 revealed Himself to them, 31; their singular journey, 13; their wisely chosen topic of conversation, 14; their deep sorrow, 17; their shattered hope, 21 ; their inexcusable ignor- ance, 25 ; their strange incredulity, 22-25 ; their commendable courage, 20; their partial faith, 19; their severe rebuke, 25 ; their gracious de- liverance, 25-27; their opened eyes, 31; their burning hearts, 32; their eager desire to impart to others what Jesus Himself had imparted to them. 33; their full recital of their blessed experience, 35. Faith and unbelief. The hard fought battle between faith and unbelief in the heart even of disciples, 34-43 ; faith is begotten through the Word and confirmed by holy experience, 32, 31 ; unbelief is begotten through human reasoning and discredits one's own experience, 38; faith opens the eyes, unbelief blinds them, 31 ; faith begets peace, unbelief begets terror, 36-38. LESSON 137. Jesus' Two Appearances and Conversations with His Apostles. 20:19-31. John DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. /. Jesus appears unto the disciples, Thomas being absent, vv. 19-25. To whom did Jesus finally appear upon the day of His resurrection? How soon af- ter the return of the two disciples from Em- maus and their relation of Jesus' appear- ance to them was it? (Luke 24:35, 36.) In what state of mind were the disciples? Does Jesus often appear unto His disciples when they are afraid? (Matt. 14:25.) What word did He speak to banish their fear? Where was He standing as He said this? What does Jesus always bring when He stands in the midst? When does He stand in the midst? (Matt. 18:20.) Of what promise was His coming and standing in their midst, turning their fear into peace and their sorrow into joy, a fulfillment? (John 16:22.) When will He banish all fear and sorrow forever? (Is. 25:9; i Thess. 4:16, 17.) What fact is mentioned in connection with His appearing that shows that the nature of the body in which He appeared was different from that of the body in which He was manifested before His death and resurrection (v. 19) ? What was the first effect upon the disciples of the appearance and words of Jesus? (Luke 24:37.) What would be the first effect upon you if Jesus should appear today? Why were they terrified and affrighted? (Luke 24: 37; compare Matt. 14:25, 26.) Why did they not recognize Jesus at once as their risen Lord? (Luke 24:25.) Were these the sort of men to imagine Jesus had risen again when He really had not, and out of their fancy weave a legend of His resur- rection? How did Jesus treat their deter- mined unbelief and hardness of heart? (Mark 16:14.) Were they any more deter- mined in their unbelief and slow of heart than we are? How does He regard our unbelief? What reason had they for be- lieving Jesus really had risen and that it was He who now stood in their midst? (Mark 16:13; Matt. 16:21; 17:9: 20:19; Luke 24:44-46.) Have we as good reason for believing Jesus has risen from the dead STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD as they had at this time? Is our unbelief any more excusable than theirs? What is the root of it all? (Luke 24:25; Mark 16: 14; Heb. 3:12.) Is unbelief, then, merely a misfortune to be pitied or a sin to be rebuked and repented of? What did Jesus do in order to overcome their persistent unbelief and convince them that beyond a question it vi^as really Himself? (v. 20; compare Luke 24:38-40, 41-43-) What sort of an act on Jesus' part was this? Were the disciples convinced at last? What were the feelings of their hearts when at last unbelief gave way to faith? Would you be "glad" if you should see the Lord? Now that they were really con- vinced that it was He, what did Jesus say (v. 21)? Why did Jesus repeat these words? Does He need to repeat His mes- sages of comfort to us before we really grasp their significance? Was this a com- mon form of salutation in those days? Did Jesus put any new and uncommon meaning into this old and common form of salutation? Had Jesus ever said anything to them about peace before this? (c. 14: 27; 16:33.) Did Jesus merely say, "Peace be unto i'ou" or did He actually impart peace as well? Having given them peace, what did He next give them (v. 21) ? Why did He give them peace before He gave them their commission? What must we first have in our own hearts before Jesus sends us forth? How did Jesus send them? (Compare c. 17:18.) How had the Father sent Him? (Is. 61:1-3; com- pare Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:18-20.) What preparation was necessary before they could fulfill the commission .which He gave them? (v. 22 ; compare Luke 24 -.49 ; Acts i :4, 5. 8; 10:38.) When Jesus breathed upon them, did they actually receive the Holy Spirit at that moment or was it symbolical of the fitting He was afterwards to impart for the fulfillment of their commission just given? (Acts 1:5; 2:4; John 7:39; 16:7; Acts 2:23.) By breathing upon them, and thus assuming to be the One who imparts the Holy Spirit, whom did Jesus assume to be? (Gen. 2:7; Job 33:4; Ps. 33:6; com- pare Ro. 8:9.) By reason of this Holy Spirit whom Jesus was to impart as a prep- aration for service what were they to have power to discern (v. 23) ? Was it by vir- tue of any office which was to descend upon a line of successors or was it by virtue of the Holy Spirit which they were to receive that they were to be able to forgive and retain sins? (See context; compare Acts 13:9, 10; 8:20-23; I Cor. 5:4, 5; 2 Cor. 2:6-10.) Whose sins do these apostles de- clare forgiven? (Acts 10:43; 13:38. 39-) Was the whole apostolic company present at this appearance of Jesus? Why was Thomas not there? Is it usually an indication that one is drifting away from Christ when he is ab- sent from the gathering together of the disciples of Christ on the first day of the week? Ought Thomas to have been there? (Heb. 10:25.) Did he miss anything by not being there? What did he miss? What does one always miss who neglects the gathering together of Christ's disciples in His name? (Matt. 18:20.) What did the other disciples say to Thomas as soon as they saw him? If "we have seen the Lord," what duty have we in the matter? (Compare v. 18; c. 1:41, 45; Luke 24:33- 35.) Are you telling those who have not yet seen Christ how you have seen Him? What would you think of these disciples if they had not told Thomas? Did Thomas believe the testimony of the other disciples? Why not? Ought he to have believed? What reason had Thomas for believing? (Matt. 16:21; John 20:18; Luke 24:34; 24: '^3-33j context.) What reasons had he for STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 333 not believing? Are there anj^ today who set up their own notions against the testi- mony of apostles, prophets, Je'sus Christ Himself and the Word of God? What lies at the bottom of all this? How does God regard this stubborn unbelief? (Ps. 78:21, 22, 31, 32; 106:23, 24.) What indication have we in the words of Thomas himself of an element of willfulness in his unbe- lief? What did Thomas demand as a con- dition of believing that what Jesus said would occur and what the disciples de- clared had occurred really had occurred? Is it a good sign when one demands of God certain self-chosen proofs as a condi- tion of believing His Word? Who else did this same thing? (Matt. 27:42; 16 :r- 4.) Are such demands ever made today? Does God usually regard such demands? (Matt. 16:4.) Was it in keeping with the character of Thomas as revealed on other occasions to make this demand? (c. 11: 16; 14:5.) Was Thomas the sort of man to believe on ihsufificient evidence in a res- urrection that had not really taken place? What does the fact that such a man as he was at last convinced prove? 2. Jcsns appears unto Thomas, vv. 26- 29. How long was Thomas left to grope in the darkness of his imbelief ? Wh}- did not Jesus appear to Thomas sooner? Where had Jesus bidden the disciples go? (]Matt. 28:10.) Why did they remain in Jerusalem another week when Jesus had bidden them to go into Galilee ? What evidence have we that their testimony had made some ''m- pression upon Thomas even if he had not accepted it? Was there any readiness upon his part to believe? Is there on the part of the average unbeliever any readiness to be- lieve? Would you be willing to accept the Bible and take your stand upon its truths, if it could be shown you with reasonable probability that it was God's Word? What occurred as they were all together there? How came Thomas to be there? What did Jesus say? What is His constant message when He comes and stands in the midst? (Compare vv. 19, 21.) What did He say to Thomas? What elements of Christ's character are revealed in this treatment of Thomas? (Compare Ps. 78:38; 103:13, 14; I Tim. 1:14-16.) What had Thomas been, up to this time? What did Jesus wish him to become? What does Jesus wish every Christian man to become? Is it very important that he should? (Heb. 3:18, 19; 4:1, 2; 10:38, 39; Mark 16:16.) What was the effect upon Thomas of what he saw? Was Thomas right in addressing the risen Christ as, "My Lord and my God"? (c. 5:23; Ps. 45:6, 11; Is. 9:6; 25: 9; 40:9-11; Heb. 1:6, 8, 10-12.) Did Jesus accept the titles that Thomas gave Him? If, then, He is not our Lord and our God, what is He? If He is rightly our Lord and our God, of what sin are we guilty if we do not accept Him as such? Have you accepted Him as your Lord and your God? Had any of the other disciples up to this time attained to such a height of faith as Thomas here reached? Does it often happen that those who are most stubborn in their unbelief when they are at last convinced show a depth and strength of faith that those who believe more readily have not reached as yet? What did Jesus reply to the cry of Thomas ? How can one rationally believe without seeing? (Ro. 10:17.) Have we any instances in the Bible of those who be- lieved on the bare word of God without seeing? (Luke 1:38, 45; Heb. 11:8, 17-19. 30.) What is faith? (Heb. 11 :i, R. V.) What does Jesus say of those who believed on the bare Word of God w'ithout seeing? 334 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Do you know this blessedness of believing without seeing? Is Jesus pleased with those who will not believe without see- ing? (c. 4:48.) Has one who will not be- lieve the truth unless he is fairly compelled to a real love for the truth? 3. Why John wrote his Gospel, vv. 30, 21- Does the Gospel of John contain a record of all the miracles wrought by Jesus? Why did John write those signs which he did? What were the two things about Jesus that John desired men to believe? What will be the result of a heart faith that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God"? Can one who does not believe this have life? (Mark 16:16; I John 5:10-12; John 3:16, 18, 36.) What is the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? (i John 2:22.) In what is it that we get the life that comes to the one who believes? (31, R- V.; compare Luke 24:47; Acts 10:43; 13:38, 39-) If this Book was written that men might "be- lieve that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing" they might "have life in His name," what is the best Book to put in the hands of those we wish to have believe and receive life? For what purpose did John write his first epistle? (i John 5:13.) CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jestis. (i) What He is: The Christ, 31; the Son of God, 31; my Lord and my God, 28; divine, 22; compare Gen. 2:7; Job 33:4; Ps. 33: 6; human, 20, 27. (2) His relation to the Father: Sent by the Father (subordination), 21. (3) His resurrection body: The same body that was crucified, 25; changed body — closed doors no hind- rance, 19, 26. (4) His great activity and power: Did many signs which are not recorded, 30; compare 21 :25. (5) Jesus and His disciples: Appeared to His doubting and fright- ened disciples, 19 ; compare Luke 24 : 36-43; Mark 16:14; stood in their midst, 19; appeared to them again, 26; always appeared on the first day of the week, 19, 26 ; his constant mes- sage to them : "Peace be unto you," 19, 21, 26; showed unto them His hands and His side, 20; He gave them peace, 19-21 ; a commission to others the same that He Himself re- ceived from the Father, 21 ; the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the commission, 22. (6) Jesus and Thomas : Pardons his neglect and wandering and unbelief and appears to him after eight days, 26; shows to him the proof demanded, the print of the nails and the pierced side, 25, 27 (wondrous patience, long-suflfering, compassion and condescension) ; in- vites Thomas to put his finger into the nail print, his hand into the side, 27; bids Thomas to be not faithless but believing, 27; gently rebukes the reluctance of Thomas' faith and holds up to him the blessedness of a faith that rests upon the bare word and does not ask to see, 29. (7) Jesus and Life: Life is in His name, 31, R. V. ; faith in Him as the Christ, the Son of God, the condition upon which the life is to be had, 31, STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 335 . The disciples. Afraid of their enemies, 19; gathered together by a common fear, a com- mon hope and a common love, 19; gathered together on the first day of the week, 19, 26. What happened to them: Jesus stood in their midst, 19 ; compare Matt. 18:20. How they received their Lord : At first doubted and were terrified and affrighted, 20; compare Luke 24:37; then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord, 20. What they received from Christ : A sight of Himself, 19, 20, 26; peace, 19, 21, 26; the same commission which He had received from the Father, 21 ; power of the Holy Spirit, 22; discernment to remit and retain sins, 23; gladness, 20; life, 31. What they did about it: Told to Thomas of the blessing which they had themselves received, 25. Thomas. Faithless, 27; not with the other dis- ciples at the first appearance of Jesus to them (Why not?), and misses the blessing, 24; hears the testimony of the other disciples, 25; rejects the testimony of the other disciples (Why?), 25; demands to see -in Jesus' hands the print of the nails and to put even his finger into the print of the nails, and to put his hand into His side before he will be- lieve the fulfillment of the word of Jesus or the testimony of the apos- tles, 25 ; compare Matt. 27 :^2 ; is with the disciples at the second appearing of Jesus (Why?), 26; sees the Lord, 26, 29; sees the print of the nails and the hole in Jesus' side, 27; be- lieves, 28; worships — cries "my Lord and my God," 28, (from the deepest depths of stubborn unbelief vaults to the highest height of faith) ; be- lieved because he saw, 29. Faith. (i) Why believe? Jesus commands it, 27. (2) What to believe: Jesus is the Christ, 31 ; Jesus is the Son of God, 31. (3) The ground of faith: Not sight, 29; the written Word, 31. (4) The result of believing: Life in His name, 31; joy, 20; blessed- ness, 29. LESSON 138. Jesus' Appearance to Seven Disciples by the Sea of Galilee. John 21:1-24. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. The third appearance of Jesus to the disciples after His resurrection, vv. 1-14. What is the relation of c. 21 to the rest of the book? (See 20:30, 31.) By whom was it written? What are the "these things" mentioned in v. i? How did the disciples come to be in Galilee? (Matt. 26:32; 28:7; Mark 16:7.) How many dis- ciples were present at this appearance of our Lord? Who were they? Where had all but one of them been mentioned to- gether first? (John 1:40-51.) Why had they Thomas with them now? Why are Peter and Thomas mentioned first? How often has Nathaniel been mentioned since the first chapter? Does it follow that he STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD was not of much account? How is John mentioned? Why is he not mentioned by name? Who was the leader in the com- pany? What proposition did he make? What was Peter's reason for going fishing? (Acts 18:3; 20:34.) Was this a return to his old trade because he despaired of the high hopes for which he had left it ? What is the best way to await great events ? Was it pleasing to Christ for him and the rest to go fishing? Are there other instances in which God granted special revelations to those who were at the post of secular duty? (Luke 2:8; Matt. 4:18-20, 21.) What luck did they have? Did that remind them of any- thing in the past? (Luke 5 :S.) Who came to their help? When did He come? When we have toiled long and wearily and fruit- lessly, of what may we be sure? Where was Jesus standing? Where were the dis- ciples? Of what may we see a picture or type in Jesus standing on the shore, waiting for His weary disciples out on the sea to bring their fish ashore? Did the disciples recognize Jesus? Why not? (v. 12; John 20:14; Mark 16:12; Luke 24:15, 16, 31.) If some one had been making up a story of the appearance of Jesus after His resurrec- tion, would he have made it up that way? Does it ever happen today that the dis- ciples of Jesus do not recognize Him when He comes to give them needed help? Be- fore Jesus helped His disciples, what did He draw out of them? Is this His usual method of dealing with us? Why is it, then, that He does not help some of us? How did He address them? What was His question? Is He interested today in the question whether our temporal needs are supplied? Is He interested in our success at our trade or in our business? What were the disciples obliged to answer? What were their prospects for a breakfast? Did they have enough for breakfast when the time came? Why? Will He do so to- day? (Heb. 13:8; Phil. 4:19; Heb. 13:5-) What did He bid them do? Will He tell us where and how to carry on our daily toil? Could Jesus have secured the fish for them without the trouble of casting their nets and pulling the fish ashore? Why did not He? What did He say would be the re- sult of doing as He bade them? What may we be confident will be the result of fish- ing the way He bids us? Do we always get the immediate results they did? Of what may we be sure? (Gal. 6:9.) How did they show their wisdom ? What is the wisest thing any one can do when he has any command from the Lord? What was the result? Why did they get such a haul? Why is it we oftentimes fail to get such a haul? Of what was this haul of fishes a prophecy? (Acts 2:41; 4:4.) Have we a right to symbolize these things in this way? (Luke 5:10.) Why did they get such a haul at Pentecost? (Luke 24: 49; Acts 1:4, II.) What did one of the disciples at once recognize ? Which disciple was it? Why was he the first to recognize that it was the Lord? Did he keep the glad discovery to himself? What did he have to do before Peter recognized this fact? What did Peter do? Why did he do that? (Song of Sol. 8:7 first half.) What two forms of love have we illustrated here? Why was Peter drawn to Christ with such warmth of love? (Luke 7:47-) Did he get to the Lord much quicker by jumping over- board ? Was it a very prudent act ? Which is the more acceptable to Christ, the cool, calculating prudence that never does any foolish things because it is too cold to make any mistakes, or warm, uncalculating love that sometimes gets into the water in its eagerness to get to Him? What other STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 337 scene in Peter's life does this suggest? (Matt. 14:28, 29.) When Peter the first time recognized the glory of the Lord in a miracle, what was his feeling? (Luke 5:8.) Which sense of sin is more wholesome, that which makes us cry, "Depart from me," or that which draws us to Him? Where is the safest place for a forgiven sinner like Peter? Would it have done for all the disciples to have jumped overheard and swam ashore? How did Peter make up for leaving the rest to drag the net to shore (v. 11)? What did they find when they reached shore? Of what may we take that as a foreglimpse? (Heb. 4:9; Luke 12:37.) For whom had the fire and refreshment been prepared? By whom? Does Jesus even now prepare refreshment for His weary disciples? What did He bid the dis- ciples do? Could not He provide enough for their breakfast without their help? Why did He ask their aid? How many fishes were there in the net? What re- markable fact is mentioned in connection with this? When will nets stand a great strain? Have we reason to fear that the implements we have at our disposal will not stand the strain of any blessing He is disposed to give? What did Jesus invite them to do? Who waited on the table? Is there any such invitation awaiting us? (Luke 12:37.) Were the fish they had caught any sweeter received from His hand? Did the scene make any lasting im- pression on Peter's mind? (Acts 10:41.) 2. The risen Jesus and the penitent Petcr^ vv. 15-19. To whom did Jesus especially address Himself when breakfast was over? Why? By which name does He address Him? Why not "Peter"? What question did He put to him? What is meant by "more than these"? (Matt. 26:33, 35-) What is Christ's first demand of all His disciples? Who is to be the supreme object of their love? (Matt. 10:37.) Has Christ a right to make such a demand? Has any other teacher? What was Peter's answer? Did Peter use the same word for "love" as Christ used? (See R. V., margin.) Why not? Did He say that he loved Him more than the rest did? Why does he say, "Thou knowest that I love Thee"? Does Jesus know we love Him? Which is the more important, that we should know we love Christ, or that Jesus should know it? How is love to Christ to be shown? (John 14:21, 22i.) How did Jesus show that He accepted this profession of love? How was the forgiveness and compassion of Jesus shown in this commission? What is the meaning of this commission? What second question did Jesus put? How did it differ from the first? What second com- mission did He give Him? How did it differ from the first? What third question did Jesus put? How did it differ from the other two? (R. V., margin.) What was the purpose of Jesus in this repeated ques- tioning? What was the effect upon Peter? Why? What did the threefold questioning suggest? What was Peter's reply? What was Christ's final commission to Peter? What future fact did Jesus reveal to Peter? Would such intelligence be gratifying, or otherwise? How was it fulfilled? How could God be glorified by death? Can He be glorified in any other way? (John 17: 4.) What final charge did He give Peter? What does "follow me" mean? Is that charge to Peter alone? (Matt. 16:24.) Will the pathway be smooth if we follow Christ? (2 Tim. 3:12.) What will be the final result? (John 12:26.) What indica- tions have we of the deep impression which this conversation made on Peter's mind? (i Peter 5:2-4; 2 Peter 1:14.) STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 3. "Lord, and what shall this man do"? vv. 20-24. Who does Peter notice just at this point (v. 20) ? How did he come to see John following? Why did he turn about? What question did Peter put to the Lord? What was his purpose in asking that question? (Compare v. 18.) What was Jesus' an- swer? What was the point of this an- swer? Did Jesus ever answer questions of mere speculative curiosity? (Compare Luke 13:23-27.) To what coming did Jesus refer in the words, "Till I come" (v. 22) ? How does this verse prove conclusively that Christ's coming does not refer to the death of the individual believer? What re- port went out among the brethren regard- ing John? Had Jesus said that he would not die? Who wrote this Gospel (v. 24)? Is the name given ? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. I. Jesus Christ. Comes to His disciples when they are faithfully laboring at their every day work, 3, 4; comes to His disciples in the hour of their failure and dis- couragement, 3, 4; takes a deep in- terest in His disciples' need, 5 ; takes a deep interest in the success or fail- ure of His disciples in their every day work, 5: draws out of His dis- ciples a confession of the failure of their own unaided efforts before He ^■ offers His help, 5 ; teaches His dis- ciples where and how to fish, 6; in- structs His disciples how to perform their daily toil, 6; promises success to those who obey His instructions, 6; He points out the fish, but re- quires His disciples to catch them, 6: transforms utter failure into mar- velous success, s, 6; gives the net strength to hold the blessing He Himself gives, 11; waits with re- freshment on the shore for His dis- ciples, as they toil wearily on the sea, 4, 9 ; compare Luke 12 -.^y \ provides for the physical needs of His dis- ciples, and shows them a way to pro- vide for their own, 5-13; spreads a feast for His disciples when their toil is over and they reach the land bringing their fish with them, 9; Himself waits upon the disciples, 13; compare Luke 12:37; demands the supreme love of His disciples, 15-17; compare Matt. 10 :7,y ; tests the reality of the professed love of His disciples, 15-17; gives the disciple who has most lamentably failed to demon- strate his professed love an oppor- tunity to reaffirm that love, 15-17; accepts the humble reaffirmation of love on the part of the one who failed, and gives him opportunity to demonstrate it by service, following and death, 15-19; never answers questions of merely speculative curi- osity but bids us see to it that we obey Him, 22 ; Christ's first and great question of His disciples : "Lovest thou Me?", 15-17; His commission to those who love Him : Feed my lambs, 15; tend my sheep. 16, R. V.; feed my sheep, 17; follow Me, 19. The disciples. Go to the place Jesus has appointed to meet them, 21; compare Matt. 28:7; wait for the expected meeting with the Lord by faithful attendance upon ordinary duties, 3; toil long and wearily and catch nothing. 3; see Jesus on the shore come to their help, 4; do not recognize that it is Jesus, STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 4; do just as Jesus bids them, 6; catch a great multitude of fishes, 6; hasten to Jesus, but do not leave their commonplace duty to get to Him, but carry their fish along, 8; find a feast after toil, 9; what they them- selves have caught ministers to the feast, 10; are served by Jesus Him- self, 13. 2. Peter. Leaves everything to hasten through the waters to the Lord, 7; obeys the bid- ding of his Lord, 10, 11; atones for leaving the others to pull the net to shore by pulling it to land alone, 11; is given an opportunity after his thrice repeated denial of his Lord to make a thrice repeated profession of his love, 15-17; professes his love in humble terms, 15-17, R. V., see mar- gin; compare Matt. 26:33, 35; turns his thought from his own duty to ask questions about another, 20, 21. The genuineness of his love : Christ knew it, 15-17; demonstrated by death, 18, 19. Jolin. The object of Jesus' peculiar love, 7; keeps himself in the background, 2; puts the two greatest offenders in the foreground, 2; first to recognize the Lord, 7 ; at once communicates his glad discovery to another, 7. LESSON 139. Jesus' Appearance to the Eleven on the Mountain in GaHlee. Matthew 28:16-20; compare Mark 16:15-18. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. I. Worshipping and doubting, vv. 16, //. Where is the scene of this lesson laid? Why had the disciples gone into Galilee? (v. 16; compare v. 7; Mark 16:7.) What mountain in Galilee was this? Had He appeared to them immediately upon their going into Galilee? (John 21 :i-24.) What did the disciples do as soon as they saw Jesus? Did they do right in zvorshipping Him? (Compare c. 4:10; Ps. 2:12; 45:11; John 5:23; Heb. 1:6.) Did Jesus refuse their worship? By thus accepting their worship, what claim did Jesus make? (Compare John 20:28, 29.) Did all wor- ship Him? What did some do? Were there any present at this meeting beside the eleven Apostles? (Compare i Cor. 15:6.) Were those who still doubted any of the eleven, or some of these others that were present? ^. The authority of the King, vv. 18-20. How great authority had been bestowed upon Jesus? (Matt. 28:18, R. V.) By whom was this authority bestowed? (Matt. 11:27; John 3:35; i Cor. 15:27.) Over whom is this authority? (John 17: 2; Eph. 1:21, 22; Acts 10:36; I Peter 3:22; Phil. 2:10.) Why did the Father bestow this authority upon Him? (John 3:35; 17:2; Phil. 2:9-19; John 5:22, 22,.) When was this authority bestowed upon Him? (i Peter 2, ■22; Eph. i :20-22.) Had he ever had this authority before? (John 17:5; Col. 1:16.) How had He lost this author- ity that was now restored to Him? (Phil. 2:6-8; 2 Cor. 8:9.) What was Jesus' pur- 340 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD pose in mentioning to His disciples this au- thority that had been bestowed upon Him (v. 19) ? Why was the fact of this author- ity having been bestowed upon Him a rea- son for their going and making disciples ? What is the first thing Jesus bade them do? What is Jesus' word to sinners? Matt. 11: 28.) What is Jesus' word to disciples? Whither were they to "go"? (Mark 16: 15.) Have the disciples of Jesus been very faithful to this commission? How far is each individual to go? (Luke 24:47; Mark 16:15.) How can any one of us go into all the world? (Eph. 6:18.) What was the next thing they were to do? Tb'-ough what were men to be made disciples? (Ro. I :i6.) As soon as men were made dis- ciples what was to be done? Was this mode of outward profession of discipleship universal in the early church? (Acts 2:38, 39, 41; 8:12-16, 36-38; 9:18; 10:47. 48; 16: 15. .33; 19:3-5; JMark 16:16.) Who com- mrr.ded it? Can we improve upon it? Hew v\-ere they to be baptized (R. V.) ? What is signified by being baptized "into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost"? (Gal. S-^?-) Was this intended as a baptismal formula? (Acts 2:38, 39.) Would it be possible to couple the name of any finite being with that of the Deity in the way in which that of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is coupled with that of the Father in this passage? Are these three separate personalities? (c. 3:16, 17; John 14:16; Eph. 2:18.) What would be the re- sult where one became a disciple and was baptized? (Mark 16:16.) What would be the result where one refused to become a disciple? (Mark 16:16.) What did Jesus bid His ambassadors do after they had made disciples of men and baptized them (v. 20) ? Which comes first in God's order, discipling men or teaching them? Do Christian workers ever make the mistake of trying to teach men before they have become disciples? Is there any use in try- ing to teach men the truths of the king- dom before they have entered Christ's school as disciples by the door of repent- ance and faith? (i Cor. 2:14.) What were they to teach those who had become disciples? Were they merely to teach them to understand and believe the things that Jesus had commanded them? (Com- pare James i :22.) Does mere hearing of the words of Jesus do any good? (Matt. 7:24-27.) What is the supreme test of a real knowledge of Jesus? (i John 2:3, 4.) What is the supreme test of love to Jesus? (John 14:21, 23.) How much were they to teach these new disciples to observe? (Compare Deut. 12:32.) How much, then, of what Jesus had commanded the apostles is binding upon us? Is the command given in these verses to "Go, and make disciples of all the na- tions," binding upon us? Is the command to go and teach others to observe "all things whatsoever" Jesus Himself has bid- den us to observe? How large a commis- sion was it that Jesus gave these men? How much influence did these men have? Were they competent in themselves to carry out this great commission? How did Jesus encourage them for this task that was so far beyond their strength? Was that en- couragement enough? Who can have it? Would they have had any warrant to take this exceedingly precious promise to them- selves if they had not obeyed the command- ment that went with it and was a condi- tion of its fulfillment? When only have we any right to appropriate this promise? Is this promise ever divorced from its connection? How long did Jesus promise to be vnth His faithful servants? (See R. V. margin.) Will He not be with us STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 341 after the end of the age? (John 14:3; I Thess. 4:16, 17.) How much of the time did Jesus promise to be with His disciples? (R. V. margin.) What will be the result of Jesus being with us? (Gen. 39:2, 3, 21; Josh. 1:5; Is. 41:10; Acts 18:9, 10; 2 Tim. 4:17; Mark 16:20.) Who is it who in the Old Testament promises to be with His people? (Is. 41:10, 13, 14.) Who is it in the New Testament promises to be with His people? How does the place which Jesus occupies in the New Testament thought correspond with that which Jeho- vah occupies in Old Testament thought? Who, then, is Jesus? If Jesus is with all His disciples who carry out His commis- sion, where must He be ? What, then must He be? With what word does v. 28 close in the Authorized version? Was that a part of the original Gospel? Who added it? Why did this transcriber add it? Can you help adding "Amen" when you read this wondrous promise? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. Jesus Christ. (i) His names and titles: Jesus, 5, 18; the Son, 19. (2) His nature: Divine; a Divine name ascribed to Him, 19; occupies the same place in New Testament thought that Jehovah occupies in Old Testament thought, 20; compare Is. 41:10, 13, 14; His name coupled with that of the Father in a way in which it would be im- possible to couple that of any finite being with that of the Deity, 19; a divine attribute, omnipresence, ascribed to Him, 20; divine worship rendered to Him, 17. Human : A human name given to Him, 16, 17. (3) His subordination to the Father, 18, R. V. (4) His authority: An authority in heaven and on earth, 18 R. V. (5) His commission to His ambassadors : Go, 19 ; make disciples of all the na- tions, 19, R. V. ; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, 19, R. V.; teach them to observe all things whatsoever I command you, 20, R. V. (6) His promise to His obedient serv- ants : "I am with you all the days, unto the end of the age," 20. LESSON 140. Jesus' Last Appearance to His Disciples in Jerusalem, and His Ascension from Bethany. Luke 24:44-53; compare Mark 16:19, 20; Acts 1:1-14. DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS. 7. Jesus' last conversation zvith His dis- ciples in Jerusalem, vv. 44-49- Of what two things did Jesus say the events which had occurred were a fulfill- ment? Why did He say, "While I was yet with you"? Was He not "with them" still? Will He ever be with us again in the sense He had been with the eleven? (John 14:3; I Thess. 4:17.) What was it He had said while He was yet with them? Hoiv much must be fulfilled? Why must they all be fulfilled? (John 10:35; Titus 1:2.) Have all things which are written in the Law, etc., concerning Jesus been ful- 342 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD filled? (e. g. Zech. 12:10; 14:3, 4-) Where in the Old Testament did Jesus say there were prophecies concerning Himself? To the inspiration of what portions of the Old Testament did He then testify? To whose authorship did He attribute the Law? By how many of the prophets had God borne testimony concerning Christ? (Acts 3:18, 24; 10:43.) Where in the Law of Moses is there anything written concerning Him? (Gen. 3:15; 22:18; Ex. 12:3, 5, 6, 7, 13; Deut. 18:15-19.) Where is there anything written in the prophets concerning Him? [Is. 7:14; 9:6; 11:1-4, 10; 53:1-12; 61:1-3; Jer. 23:5; Ezek. 34:23; Dan. 9:24, 26; Hos. 3:5; Joel 2:28-31; Amos 9:11 (Ob. 17); Mic. 5:2; Nah. 1:15; Hab. 2:2-4; 3:2-16; Zeph. 3:8, 9, 17, 20; Hag. 2:7; Zech. 6:12; 9:9; Mai. 3:1-3.] Where in the Psalms is there anything written con- cerning Him? (Ps. 16:10; 118:22, etc.) What are the main facts about Jesus to which the Old Testament Scriptures bear witness? (Acts 17:2, 3; i Peter i:ii; divinity, death, resurrection, coming again.) What is the spirit of all prophecy? (Rev. 19:10.) What is Jesus recorded in the 45th verse as doing for His disciples? Before ■we can understand Scripture what must be done for us? Does learning and digging into the text enable a man to understand the Scriptures? (i Cor. 2:14.) How did Jesus open the minds of His disciples to understand the Scripture? Can Jesus open the eyes of men today as well as when He was on earth? (John 16:7.) How does Jesus nowadays open the minds of men to understand the Scriptures? (John 14:26; 16:13, 14; I Cor. 2:10, II.) What can we do that will make it sure that Christ will by His Spirit open our minds to under- stand the Scriptures? (John 7:17; Matt. 11:25; James i:5-7; Ps. 119:18.) Have we anything to do with opening the eyes of men to see the truth? (Acts 26:16, 18.) Why do men need to have their eyes opened? (2 Cor. 4:3, 4, 6.) In the study of any passage of Scripture what is the first help we should seek? What are the points of Christ's summary of what had been written of Him (vv. 46, 47) ? Where had it been written that He should rise again? (Ps. 16:10; compare Acts 2 :25-3i ; Is. 53:10.) Where had it been written that He should rise the third day? (Compare Ps. r6:io; compare John 11:39; Acts 2:27: Hos. 6:2; also I Cor. 15:4; Jonah 1:17.) What should be preached? What is re- pentance? (Luke 11:32; compare Jonah 3:5, 10; 2 Cor. 7:10; Matt. 21:29.) Ought we to preach repentance? (Acts 2:38; 20:20, 21; 26:20.) What else was to be preached? What does remission mean? (Ps. 103:12.) Should remission of sins be preached before or after repentance? (Com- pare Acts 16:29-31.) What is the first thing to show the sinner? The second? How should remission be preached? What is meant by "in His name"? (Eph. 1:7.) Who can have remission in His name? (Acts 10:43.) How widely should remis- sion be preached? Has the church been faithful to this part of its commission? Who is to blame? Is there any hint in the Old Testament of this universal reach of the Gospel? (Ps. 22 :27; 67 :2-4; Is. 2:1-3; ii:io; 49:6, etc.) Where should a begin- ning be made? Why at Jerusalem? (Acts 13:46.) Is there any practical lesson for us in that they were to begin at Jerusalem? Were they to stop at Jerusalem? What was the office of the disciples to be? What is a witness's business? (Acts 22:15; i John 1 :3.) To what especially were the apostles to bear testimony? (Acts 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 13:31) What is the Gospel primarily, facts or theories? (i Cor. 15:1, 3, 4.) How are facts to be STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 343 proven by argument or testimony? To what facts principally is it the duty of the Christian today to testify? Is the saving power of Christ to be proven by argument or testimony? What is the first qualifica- tion of a good witness ? What qualification for witnessing had the disciples at this time? What other qualification was it necessary they should have? From whom were they to get it? In what was Christ to give it? (Acts i :8.) How necessary was it that they should have this qualifica- tion? What does the word translated "tarry" mean literally? Was it not wast- ing time to "sit still"? When is sitting still not wasting time? What would be the result of the coming of the Holy Spirit? (Acts 1 :8.) Would they have had power if they had gone before the Holy Spirit came? Why is it so many of us have so little power in our testimony? What does "endued" mean? Can we be endued with this power? (Acts 2:38, 39.) What did the Apostles have to base their faith upon that they would receive this power? What have we to base our faith upon? How can we get this "power from on high"? (Acts 2 :38, 39 ; Gal. 3 :2 ; Is. 44 :3 ; Acts 5:32; Luke 11:13; James 1:6, 7.) 2. The ascension, vv. 50-53. WTiere was the final scene of Christ's meeting with His disciples? What hap- pened at Bethany? What was He doing as He parted from them? What did Christ enter heaven for? (Heb. 9:24; John 14:2.) Has the ascension of Jesus anything to do with the believer's security? (Ro. 8:34.) What are the four facts upon which the believer's security rests? (Ro. 8:34; Acts i:ii; Heb. 9:28.) Did Jesus Christ go back to heaven just as He came from heaven? In Christ what is now seated on the throne with God? Of what is His presence upon the throne a guarantee? (John 12:26; Rev. 3:21.) What five things are the disciples represented as do- ing? (vv. 52, S3; worshipping, obeying, rejoicing, abiding in the temple, praising God.) Why did the disciples worship Jesus just at this point? Were they right in supposing His ascension demonstrated His divinity? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS. 1. God. (i) The Father: Promises the Holy Spirit, 49; receives the praises of His children, 53. (2) The Son : The One to whom Moses, the prophets and psalmists point forward, 44 ; cru- cified, 46; risen, 46; ascended, 51; purchases remission of sin, 47 ; opens the mind to understand the Scrip- tures, 45; gives the Holy Spirit, 49; is worshipped as divine, 52. (3) The Holy Spirit: Endues men with power, 49. 2. Scripture. Its certainty: Not one jot or tittle can fail, 44. Its absolute authority: Christ guarantees it, 44. Its only infalHble interpreter : Jesus, 45. Its central subject: Jesus Christ, 44. 3. The believer. What he has done: Repented, 47. What he has received : Remission, 47. What he should seek: Mind opened, 45. dii STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD Whom he will worship: Jesus Christ, 52. Whom he will bless: God, 53. What he is to be: A witness, 48. What he is to believe. A crucified Christ, 46; a risen Christ, 46; an ascended Christ, 51; the whole Bible, 44. What he is to preach: Repentance, 47 ; remission in His name, 47; Christ, 48. What he has to rely upon : Power from on high, 49. What he has to do : Sit still until endued with power, etc., 49; rejoice greatly, 52. What he can base his assurance upon : Death, resurrection, ascension and com- ing again of Christ. TEXTUAL INDEX. The references indicated by asterisks (*) are passages to be compared with those upon which the lessons themselves are based. MATTHEW LESSON page lesson page *20:29-34 101 224 9:14-29 60 132 LESSON PAGE *21:1-11 105 232 * 9:30-35 61 135 2:1-18 2 9 *21 :12-22 106 235 *10 :1 69 152 * 2:23 5 14 21:23-46 107 238 *10 :2-16 97 214 ♦3:1-12 6 16 22:1-14 lOS 242 10:17-27 98 216 * 3:13-17 7 18 22:15-22 109 244 *10:28-31 99 218 4 :1-11 8 19 22 :23-46 110 247 10 :32-45 100 222 * 4 :18-20 18 41 23 :l-36 Ill 250 *10 :46-52 101 224 * 4 :23 20 45 *24 :l-28 113 258 *11 :1-11 105 232 5 :1-16 27 60 24 :29-51 114 261 11 :12-26 106 235 5 :17-48 28 62 *24 :43-51 80 177 *12 :18-37 110 24T 6:1-18 29 64 25:1-13 115 263 »13 :l-23 113 258 6:19-34 30 67 25:14-30 116 205 *13 :24-37 114 261 7:1-12 31 68 25:31-46 117 268 14:3-0 104 231 * 7 :7-12 77 171 26:6-10 104 231 *14 :12-26 118 271 7 :13-29 32 70 *26 :17-30 118 271 *14 :1S-21 120 277 * 8:1-4 20 45 *2G :21-25 120 277 *14 :32-42 127 300 * 8 :1-13 33 72 20 :36-46 127 300 14 :43-54 128 302 * 8 :14-17 19 43 *2ii :47-56 128 302 14 :55-65 129 306 * 8 :lS-27 . 42 91 *26 :57-67 129 306 14 :66-72 128 302 * 8 :19-22 69 152 *20 :60-75 128 302 *15 :l-20 130 301 * 8 :28-34 43 93 *27 :2 130 309 *15 :16-19 131 312 *9:1 45 98 *27 :11-31 130 309 *15 :21-32 132 315 * 9 :l-8 21 46 *27 :25-30 131 312 *15 :33-41 133 317 * 9 :9-17 22 49 *27 :32-44 ... 1.32 315 *15 :42-47 1.34 319 * 9 :18-19 45 98 27 :45-56 133 317 *16 :1-11 135 322 * 9:20-22 44 96 27:61-66 134 319 •16:15-18 139 339 ♦9:23-26 45 98 *28 :1-15 135 322 ♦16:19, 20 140 341 9 :27-34 46 100 28 :16-i:o . 139 339 9:35-10:10 .... 47 102 LUKE •10:2-4 26 58 MARK ♦11:2-19 35 76 ^yii^i^i^ 2:1-20 3 11 11 :25-30 71 157 ♦I :l-8 6 1 ; 2 :21-39 4 12 ♦12:1-14 25 56 1:9-11 7 18 2:40-52 5 14 ♦12:1.5-21 26 58 ^1:12, 13 S 19 3:1-18 6 16 ♦12 :22-50 37 80 ♦I :16-20 18 41 ♦ 3 :21-23 7 18 13 :l-23 38 82 1 :21-35 IC^ 43 ♦ 4 :1-13 8 19 ♦13 :16-17 71 157 1 :36-45 20 45 4 :16-32 17 39 13 :24-30 39 85 2 :1-12 21 46 ♦ 4 :31-41 19 43 13 :31-33 40 87 ♦ 2 :13-22 22 49 ♦ 4 :42-44 20 45 13:36-43 39 85 2:23—3:6 25 56 5:1-11 18 41 13 :44-52 41 88 3 :7-19 26 58 ♦ 5 :17-26 21 46 •13 :54-58 46 100 3 :20-35 37 80 5 :27-39 22 49 ♦14:1-12 48 104 ♦ 4:1-20 38 82 ♦ 6:1-11 25 56 ♦14 :13-21 49 107 4 :26-29 40 87 ♦ 6 :12-19 26 58 14 :22-36 50 109 4 :35-41 42 91 7 :1-10 33 72 ♦15:1-20 53 117 5:1-20 43 93 7:11-17 34 74 15:21-28 54 119 5:21-23 45 98 7:18-35 35 76 15 :29-31 55 121 5 :24-34 44 96 7 :36-50 36 78 ♦15 :32-.39 55 121 5 :35-43 45 98 ♦ 8 :4-15 38 82 16:1-12 56 123 6:1-6 46 100 ♦ 8:22-25 42 91 16 :1.3-20 57 126 6 :14-29 48 104 ♦ 8 :26-39 43 93 16 :21-28 58 128 6 :30-44 49 107 ♦ 8 :40-42 45 98 17 :1-13 59 1.30 ♦ 6 :45-56 50 109 ♦ 8 :4.3-48 44 96 •17 :14-20 60 132 7 :l-23 53 117 ♦ 8 :49-56 45 98 17:22—18:14 ... 61 135 ♦ 7:24-30 54 119 * 9:7-9 48 104 18 :15-35 62 137 7 :31— 8 :10 55 121 ♦ 9 :10-17 49 107 ♦19:1-2 69 152 ♦ 8:10-21 56 123 ♦ 9:18-21 57 126 19 :.3-15 97 214 8 :22-26 56 123 ♦ 9 :22-27 58 128 ♦19:16-26 98 216 ♦8:27-30 57 126 ♦ 9 :28-.36 59 1.30 19 :27— 20 :16 ... 99 218 ♦ 8 :31— 9 :1 58 128 ♦ 9 :37-43 60 132 ♦20 :17-28 100 222 ♦ 9 :2-13 59 130 ♦ 9 :43-50 61 135 346 STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD 347 LESSON PAGE LESSON PAGE LHSSON PAGE 9 :51-62 0!» 152 * 21 :37-38 106 235 7 :25-36 . . . 64 142 10:1-16 70 155 22:7-20 . 118 271 7 :37-53 . . . .... 65 144 10 :17-24 71 157 * 22:21-23 120 27'» 8 :12-24 . . . 66 146 10 :25-37 72 159 * 22 :39-45 127 300 8 :25-47 . . . 67 148 10 :38-42 73 161 * 22 :47-62 128 302 8:48-59 ... 68 151 11:1-13 77 171 * 22 :54-56 129 306 9 :1-41 74 163 *ll:14-36 37 80 22 :63-65 129 306 10 :1-21 75 166 12:13-21 78 173 23 '1-25 130 309 10 :22-43 . . . 76 168 12 :22-34 7!t 175 23 : 20-38 132 315 11:1-16 91 202 12 :3.j-48 SO 177 23 :39-45 133 317 11 :17-45 . . . 92 205 13:1-17 81 180 * 23 :47-49 133 317 11 :46-57 . . . 93 208 13 :22-35 82 182 * 23 :50-56 134 319 *11:55— 12:11 ...104 2S1 14 :l-6 83 185 * 23 :56— 24 :12 .. .135 322 *12 :12-19 . . . 105 232 14:7-14 84 187 24 : 13-35 136 327 12 :20-50 . . . 112 254 14 :15-24 85 189 24 :44-53 140 341 13:1-17 119 274 14 :2ri-35 86 192 13 :18-.38 . . . 120 277 15:1-10 87 193 JOHN 14:1-15 121 279 15:11-24 88 195 14:15-27 ... 122 283 16:1-18 89 197 1 :1-1S . 1 7 15 :1-17 123 286 16 :19-31 90 200 * 1 : 19-34 9 21 15:18—16:6 124 290 17:11-19 94 210 1 :35-51 10 23 16 :7-33 125 292 18:1-8 95 212 2:1-12 . 11 26 17:1-26 126 295 18 :9-14 96 213 2 : 13-25 12 28 *18:l-27 128 302 *18:15-17 97 214 3 :1-21 . 13 30 * 18:28-39 ... 130 309 *18:lS-27 98 216 4:1-30 . 14 32 19:1-16 131 312 * 18:28-30 99 218 4 :31-42 15 35 *19:16-23 ... 132 315 *18 :31-34 100 222 4 :43-54 16 37 *19 :25-30 . . . 133 317 18 :;:.-,-43 101 224 5:1-16 . 23 51 19 :31-42 . . . 134 319 10:1-10 102 226 5 :17-47 24 53 20:1-18 .... 135 322 19:11-28 103 229 * 6:1-13 . 49 107 20 :19-31 . . . 137 331 19 :2!)-44 105 232 6 :14-21 50 109 21 :l-24 138 335 *19:45-48 106 235 6 :22-51 51 111 *20 :20-44 110 247 6 :52-71 52 114 ACT'5 21 :5-24 113 258 * 6 :67-69 57 126 ♦21:25-36 .114 261 7 :l-24 . 63 l-±0 * 1:1 14 ....140 341 Books of Dr. R. A. Torrey Dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles How to Work for Christ The result of the experience of years in pastoral, evangelistic, missionary and open air work. Cloth, $2.50 Revival Addresses The most effective sermons that Dr. Torrey delivered in his around-the-world evangelistic campaign. Paper, 50c; cloth, $1.00 The Bible and Its Christ Dr. Torrey's addresses to business, profes- sional and university men. Paper, 25c; cloth, 75c The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit A thorough study of all that the Bible has to teach about the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as tested by personal experience. Cloth, $1.00 What the Bible Teaches The only book of its kind. All that the Bible gives on each of the great doctrines is brought together and the teaching summarized. 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This question is answered from the Bible. Paper, 2c; 12 for 15c God's Sure Promise Very useful for young converts. Inquirers* card perforated so that it can be easily torn off, is attached. Paper, 12 for 5c How Dr. Torrey Became an Evangelist This was written by himself at the request of the publishers for circulation in connection with the great Los Angeles tabernacle campaign conducted by him in 1908. 12 for 10c ROOM, Los Angeles, California. Date Due Wi'-^ux i 1/ 05 \ f) PRINTED IN U. S. A