The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-02-04
The Sunday Sehun1.
1nessn1r Series tnr 1883.
FIRST QUARTER.
STUDIES In THE NEW TESTAMENT.
February IL, 1883.
LESSON VII.-JESUS AND THE LIT
TIE ONES.
BY REV. ROBERT T. POLK.
Tessnm Series for 1883.
FIRST QUARTER.
GREATNESS OF HUMILITY.
Matthew xvii. 1-14.]


ELF-sEEKING.- Soon after the transfg>
uration scene, JESUS and his apostles return
ed to Capernaum, making the journey
through Galilee, es we are told by Mark (ix.
3O) 1t is intimated by the text of the Oldest
manuscripts indicated in the margin of the
Revision (22) that they journeyed separately,
that the presence of the Master might not be
recognized, and that they met [gathered
themselves together at some appointed
place in Galilee, where JESUS again told them
of his approaching violent death and resurrec-
ton. They were not able to comprehend his
meaning, but we're more and more convinced
that he was the true Messiah, and that in
some wonderful manner he was about to in
augurate his kingdom, which they under
stood to be the restoration of the kingdom to
Israel, the establishment of the ancient
national glory of David and Solomon, and
perhaps it's expanded and universal sway.
JESUS had already declared that they should
be employed in its foundation xvi. Is, 10;
see Study January 29). What offices they
should hold in its administration was ques-
ton of interest to them. OF this they con-
versed as they journeyed toward Capernaum,
and disputed one with another, who was
the greatsst;" and when they arrived, proba-
bly, at Peters house (xxvii. 25), they came
to JESUS with their question: "Who then is
greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" From
Mark and Luke we learn that JESUS had OBJ
served their ambitious, and may be envious,
dispute, and inquired, "What were you dis
cussing on the road?" The records appear
to differ because they are fragmentary and
all that transpired is not reported by any, or
even all, of the Evangelists.l Their question
was really, "Who shall be Prime Minister in
the restored kingdom of Israeli" which was
their only idea of the kingdom of COP to be
established by the Messiah. Recent circum-
stances may have suggested the pre-eminence
of Peter (25-27, xvi. 19); and Peter, James
and John may have been personally elated
by the distinguished favor shown them by
their Master. Later we find James and John
actually requesting, through their mother,
that they may have the two highest places in
the kingdom, and the other ten greatly dis
pleased about it Xxx. 20). They had appa-
rently forgotten, or did not understand, the
Masters frequent declarations to the effect
that high privileges and distinguished honors
in the kingdom of heaven were to be gained
only by self-renunciation, and misled entire
ly by self-seeking In the kingdom of souls
the humble are exalted, and disinterested
service wins the highest rewards.
AN OBJECT LEsSON.-To reinforce and
illustrate this TRUTH JESUS called little
child, probably Peters little boy, in whose
home they we're, and said, Unless you turn
If ornhi-
ton and self seeking, and become as little
children in lowliness of mind and willing
ness to serve, you cannot even enter into the
privileges of the kingdom of heaven" The
true kingdom of Cop is the administration
of the Divine family government among
men, and the little child is employed as
type of those who become conscious of their
Divine relationship in the family of COB on
earth and in heaven. In response to the dis
ciples' question, JESUS said, "Whosoever
shall humble himself as this little child shall
be the greatest in the heavenly kingdom; for
he that is least among you all, the same is
great" (Luke tx. 48). Unlike the political
kingdoms of the world, the measure of ele-
walton in the kingdom of heaven Is the alb
negation, and not the exaltation of self. Not
he that exercises authority over others, but
he that is the servant of all, is greatest. JESUS
is exalted among men, and has obtained the
title Lord of ALL" because he apparently
renowned his Divine relationship, and hum
bled himself to become the servant of hu-
mainly philippians ii. 1-11. To be like
minded is to advance in the kingdom of our
Lord. In all great souls there is an obvious
humility and the seeking of the good of 9th
ers through self-forgetfulness. By vanity
and self-seeking the soul reveals its diminu-
tiveness, aud is really debased.