August 1931
378 3. Discuss the question of delayed an swers to prayer as suggested in verses 4, 6, 15, 21, 25, 32, 40 and 45. Why did Christ not go immediately when told of the illness of His friend? List and dis cuss some reasons why God delays an swers to prayer. 4. Study the fearlessness of Christ and the reason for it. The Jews wanted to kill Him, and the disciples feared (vs. 7, 8). What is the meaning of Christ’s an swer in verses 9 and 10? Is He not ex pressing the supreme confidence that, if He is walking in the light of God’s will, no enemy or accident can shorten the al- loted span of His ministry? The only danger lies in walking in darkness. Dis cuss how the same principle applies to Christians at all times and everywhere. Some may call this fatalism. But do we not have to choose whether we will walk in the light or in the darkness? 5. Discuss the subject of the resurrec tion in the light of verses 25 and 26. What gives us comfort when loved ones fall asleep? Is it not the fact that Christ is life, not in the future alone, but here and now? For our loved ones who die in the Lord, death is but an incident in the course of an endless life. The fact remains that we will see and know them again. 6. Some one has suggested that the cause of Jesus’ weeping was not so much sympathy for Mary and Martha (for they were soon to have their brother restored) as sorrow because they were not willing to trust Him completely. Discuss this thought. 7. Discuss the effect of the miracle upon the rulers (vs. 45-57). Why did men hate Jesus? Why do they hate Him today? Which side do you think you would have been on if you had lived in the time of Christ? Which side are you on today? “He that is not with me is against me.” SEPTEMBER 20, 1931 The Tragedy of Unbelief 1 J ohn 12 miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.” Some one will say: “But what of the beautiful act of Mary in anointing Christ, or the adoration of the multitudes upon His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, or the seeking Greeks?” These incidents all have their lessons, but the striking fact that stands out above all others is the rejection of Christ on the part of the Jews as a whole. How any one could have resisted Him in all His power and perfection seems incredible; and yet men still reject Him. What utter tragedy is an eternity apart from God, because “they believed not on him.” P rep aratio n The secret of a good Christian Endea vor talk can be summed up in two words —adequate preparation. Only by diligent study and patient work can results be expected. Read the twelfth chapter of John faithfully each day this week with one of the following points in mind. MONDAY: There are four distinct divisions in the chapter. Find them, name them, and outline each. h e s t r ik in g feature of this chapter is found in verse 37, where we read: “But though he had done so many
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5. The chief priests consulted against Him (v. 10). 6. Many of the Jews believed on Him (v. 11). . . y 7. The multitude acclaimed Him (vs. 12, 13). 8. The Pharisees took counsel against Him (v. 19). 9. The Greeks desired Him (vs. 20, 21 ). 10. The Father glorified Him (v. 28). 11. The questioning people believed not on Him (vs. 34, 37). 12. Many among the chief rulers fear ed to confess Him (vs. 42, 43). II. J esus and T he G reeks J ohn 12:20-36 A. The Request of the Greeks. “We would see Jesus” (v. 21). B. The Report of the Disciples. “Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus” (v. 22). The minuteness of these details both adds to the graphic force of the narrative and prepares the way for the important pronouncement which is to follow. C. The Reply of the Son of Man. 1. The time of His glory was at hand (v. 23). 2. The necessity for His death was explained (vs. 24, 25). 3. The method of His service was presented (v. 26). 4. The reason for His steadfastness was given (v. 27). 5. The testimony of His Father was expressed (v. 28). 6. The certainty of His judgment was announced (v. 31). 7. The appeal of His cross was pro claimed (vs. 32, 33). D. The Refusal to Satisfy Curiosity. _ “Jesus . . . departed, and did hide himself from them” (v. 36). Christ’s work on the cross was not yet completed. Only as He died on Calvary could He give life (v. 24). Salvation could come not by His spotless life, but by faith in Him as crucified in our stead. During His life, He offered Himself as the King of Israel, but not to the Gen tiles. It was only after His death that He was to draw all men unto Him (vs. 32, M en -P leasers “Nevertheless among the chief, rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God’’ (John 12:42, 43). This is a sad comment upon the cow ardice of the chief rulers. They were afraid to confess Christ, loving the praise of men more than the praise of God. Yet how similar to the attitude of many to day, afraid to confess Christ lest they will lose their worldly friends, that they will not be considered intellectual, that they can not keep things which they hold dear. Discussion 1. In the story of the anointing of Jesus, we have two conflicting views pre sented concerning giving. The first is that of Mary in her enthusiastic devotion, as expressed in her magnificent gift _ to Christ. The second is that of hypocritical
Given to Jesus “Thine they were, and thou gavest them me’’ (John 17:6). Given to Jesus! What a precious thought! A people chosen, called, and Spirit-taught; Can it be so, that from His glorious throne Jesus the Saviour claims us as His own ? \ Given to Jesus! Earth’s most vaunted bliss Is emptiness istelf compared with this. Lord, we are sinners — change able and weak; Was it for sinners Thou didst come to seek? Given to Jesus! What a lovely thought! Chosen and given, ransomed, sought and bought; Called, changed, made willing in the day of grace, To love His precepts and to seek His face. Given to Jesus! Oh, what happiness! What though our lives be full of strain and stress! Evil may tempt us, time may sorrows bring, But this sweet message sweetens everything 1 —R u fu s .
TUESDAY: Underline th e outstanding verses. Memorize two or more with references. WEDNESDAY. Study verses 1 to 11. Write a brief character analysis of Mary and Martha. THURSDAY: List the individuals and groups of peo ple mentioned in the chapter, and com ment upon the attitude of each toward Christ. FRIDAY: Much of this chapter is given to record ing the statements of Christ. Under line all His words, noting the number of times He spoke. SATURDAY: Study the subjects upon which Jesus touches in His discourse in this chapter. Outline His sayings. SUNDAY: Select some passage or portion of the chapter and build upon it a brief testi mony or devotional talk. Expression I. W hat W ill Y ou Do W ith H im ? Study the attitude toward Jesus mani fested by those listed below. Select three to be used as the basis of a short talk, bringing out a personal application. 1. Martha served Him (v. 2). 2. Lazarus sat at the table with Him (v. 2)- . 3. Mary anointed Him with precious ointment (v. 3). 4. Judas protested a g a i n s t H i s anointing (vs. 4-6).
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