panorama, the details of the awful Buf- fering which awaited Him—the be- trayal, the condemnation, the mockery, the scourging, the cruel cross and death and the coming forth from the grave. Mark says that the disciples were amazed and afraid (Mark 10:32-34). Luke says that they did not under- stand these things (Luke 18:31-34). The saying was hidden; it was too much for them to comprehend, and they were stupefied and dazed at the thought of such a sorrow. The Lord Jesus had set His face as a flint, and went for- ward with unfaltering steps (Matt. 26:53; John 10:17-18) unmoved and im- movable in His purpose. " I was not rebellious, neither turned away, b a c k " (Isa. 1:5-6). His heart was set on finishing the work for which He came into the world. (2) THE PLEA FOE PREFERMENT. "One on the right and one on the l e f t ." The strong contrast with the surren- dered will of the Lord Jesus, is the self- seeking of the Zebedee family. Mat- thew says the mother came with the request. Mark says Peter and John came (Mark 10:35). Probably the mother voiced the plea. He had told them that they should sit upon the twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes (Matt. 19:28), and they imagine that the time is near at hand, and in their vain ambition they seek the fa- vored places. These two men, together with James, had been honored in the house of Jairus (Luke 8:51), and at the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2) and they think themselves more worthy than the others. How sharp is the re- buke, and how well merited: " Y e know not what ye ask.'.' How much of our praying is void of understand- ing. We ask for things without thought of the consequences; we seek His bless- ing upon plans that have not been given us by Himself. How the natural heart longs for place and privilege. How little they apprehended the way of the Cross. It was easy to promise to drink the cup and be baptized with the baptism, but it would be another thing to do it. It is easy to make promises and pledges and profession, but it is another thing to make them good. How few are ready to pay the price of the best place. How few have the merit of Christ (Phil. 2:5-8). I t is one +hing to sirg and testify, and quite another to take up the cross and follow Christ. It is one thing to volunteer for
(Luke 19:13; Matt. 25:15). Third, it teaches the sovereignty of the Lord, and that the test in service is oppor- tunity. There is a difference in priv- ilege, and God's estimate of the be- liever's work will be based upon their faithfulness to the opportunities given them. The time element is not the only one; the character of service is to be taken into account. Only those mur- mured who had bargained for wages. Tney wanted more than was promised them; they worked for wages, not for the Master. The others made no bar- gain, but trusted to the grace and good- ness of the Householder. The Jews thought that by reason of their cov- enant relations, they were entitled to the best seats in the synagogue; but when the Master came in, He took the place at the other end of the table, and they were in the lowest place. God is Sovereign: He is faithful and just: He deals graciously. He will fulfill every promise, but He will do even more than that. He is not unfaithful to remember the works of love. Ser- vice should be rendered from the high- est motive, and every opportunity should be improved to glorify His name. When God reaches a settlement there will be some great surprises. Many who are first now will be found to be last then. 2. The Plea for Preferment (20-23). 3. The Place of the Disciple (24-28). 4. The Prayer for Sight (29-34). On His way from Perea to the Holy City Jesus passes Jericho. The Moun- tains of Jerusalem are in sight, and He takes His diseiples apart by themselves to warn them concerning the coming conflict and suffering. (1) PREDICTING- HIS DEATH. "To crucify. . . and the third day He shall be raised up." At the Transfiguration the suffering and death of Christ was fully set forth; twice since that occasion had He told them of His coming crucifixion; now for the third time He tells them that He must be delivered to death. To Christ it is all perfectly clear. His cision is undimned; it was for this He h i d come and for this He devoted His life. Before Him stretched, as in a LESSON VIII. Aug. 21, 1910. Jesus nearing Jerusalem. Matt. 20:17-34 OUTLINE. 1. The Predictiofl of Death and Res- urrection (17-19).
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