LESSON VII. Growing Hatred to Jesus.
the key to this lesson. "Freely ye have received, freely give." When disciples are called they are also com- missioned. The purpose of our salvation is that we may be saviours. He gives graciously, that we may bestow bounti- fully. He fills the vessel in order that the overflow may minister to others. "Give and it shall be given unto you," is God's order. The church has received freely but has given sparingly. The mission of the church is to minister to the masses. The gifts to the church are generous, and include all that is es- sential for the evangelization of the world. 1 Cor. 12:4-11. GO and GIVE. LESSON III. The Question of John the Baptist. The sum of all questions of the hu- man heart is this: " A r t Thou He that cometh ? " All prophecy centers in the COMING ONE. The best answer to the question as to whether Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the promised Deliverer is to be found in His Words and Works. The marks of His Messiahship are as evident as the prints of the nails. His words were wisdom and His works won- derful, and He that went about doing good was GOD. All doubts are dissi- pated when we do His will. Jno. 7:17. Are you satisfied? LESSON IV. Warning and Invitation. Like the sun bursting through the storm clouds is the sentence in the 28th verse, "Come unto Me ." This is the simplest, sweetest, strongest, most sol- emn invitation ever issued in all the world; so plain that anybody can under-, stand it, and yet so profound -that no one can measure its full meaning. It is the Call of Christ to the Children of Men; the Call from the Cross. Go to Him for cleansing and comfort; go to Him for rest and refreshment. GO NOW. LESSON V. Two Sabbath Incidents. The answer of the Lord Jesus to all quibbling questions concerning the Sab- bath, is found in these words: " I t is lawful to do good." Perfunctory per- lormances are of little value to God. Get the habit of going about and do- ing good, and you can keep it up seven days in the week to the glory of God. It is lawful to love your neighbor as yourself; to learn his needs and lend a hand; to leave God's Word with him and to lead him to Christ. It is not only lawful but delightful. Try it.
You will find the heart of this lesson in the last sentence, "Behold a greater than Solomon is here." The Pharisees were possessed with hellish hatred for the Lord. They sought a sign and the Son Himself was the Sign. Had they but been honest they would have seen in Himself, Solomon's son and their Saviour. Cold, calculating, cynical, they closed their eyes to the revelation given them, while the Publicans pressed into His presence and beheld in Him " The Beauty of the Lord." Truly He is "Altogether lovely." LESSON VIII. The Death of John the Baptist. For the murderous Herodias there is a short-lived victory, but a fearful look- ing forward to judgment from which there is no escape. Our lesson is to be found in the words, "They went and told Jesus.'' In times of deepest need the heart of the believer turns intui- tively to the sympathizing Saviour. His heart responds to the cry of the sorrowful. " H e carried our sorrows." Go and tell Jesus; He knows; He un- derstands; He sympathizes; He com- forts. "Casting all your care upon Him for He is concerned for you." LESSON IX. The Multitude Fed. The Golden Text has the heart of this Lesson. " I am the Bread of L i f e ." The source of supply for every human need is in Jesus Christ. How little is made of Him, who came down from heaven to give life to the world. The world is full of hunger, yet the fullness of satisfaction is in Him. When will we cease ministering that which satisfieth not to hungry men? The command of the Lord is: "Give ye them to e a t ." The supply is abund- ant ;the need is great; the command is simple. Why not obey? LESSON X. Jesus Walks on the Sea. From the midst of stormy winds and boisterous waves, comes the voice of the Master, " Be of good cheer." We are like little children in the dark, cry- ing out in fear, and the welcome words come to us none too soon. How strong He is; how mighty. He presses all be- neath His feet; His eyes are upon us. He has the ' ' All power.'' Waves crouch at His feet; winds obey His command. He comes in the midst of the storm. Look out. Look up! He
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