The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-16
SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK
CALCULATION AND REVIEW OF IN
TERNATIONAL LESSON, MAY II.
The Parable Of the Pounds, as Related
I'm Luke xix, Verses 11-27-ImpOr-
lance of Faithfulness.
BY Rev. JAMES z. GILBERT,
Secretary of the American Society of RI
ligious Education.


CONTEXT.-After blessing the little chill
dren, as related In last lesson duke xviii,
Gid. Jesus was approached by a young rul-
err. who desired to learn the mode of at
tanning eternal life. Mark X, 17-31) At the
conclusion of that interview He spoke TO the
disciples on the subject of riches After
ward He delivered the parable of the La
borers in the Vineyard" answering Peters
question. Matt. xix, I'D While on the way,
going up to Jerusalem, Jesus again predict
ed His death and resurrection Matt. Xxx,
.17-19) but the disciples did not understand
Him. They were SO fully convinced of the
temporal character of His kingdom that all
references to His sufferings were unintelli-
BILE. About that time the mother of James
and John came to Jesus, asking stations of
great honor Mark X, 35-45), one on His right
hand and the other on His left hand This
surprising request was significant. 1t show
ed that after all the instruction the follow
ers of Jesus knew but little of Him. Ap-
preaching Jericho. multitude of people
following, Jesus healed two blind men, one
of them named Baytimeus, who, on receiv-
ing sight, Joined the crowd and helped to
increase the excitement by shouting the
praises Of Jesus and clarifying God. Having
entered the city He called Zaccheus from
the tree top and went with him to dine.
OcCASION.-When Jesus entered the
house of the wealthy publican at Jericho the
enthusiasm Of the people was at a fever
heat. There was G general opinion that the
long-promised kingdom OF God dan. II. i4
would shortly appear. Verse - Several
circumstances combined to awaken such ex-
pectation. 1t was the dominant thought of
the disciples. Believing that Jesus was the
Messiah Matt. xvi, 49,, they supposed that
He was on q journey to the national capital
to assert His authority and to ascend the
throne of David. They had expressed their
convictions on several occasions, and the
people along the way received the state
ments with favor There was no subject 10
which at that time the Jewish nation more
quickly responded than the overthrow os
the Roman power and the re-establishment
Of Israel The recent miracle. the cure of
the blind. had increased the fame OF Jesus,
as one worthy to be trusted. His visit to
the tax-gatherer. an officer OF the govern
ment, may have been regarded as signih-
can't Such was the condtion--Jesus going
to the cross. the people thinking He was on
the way to the throne. To correct the false
notions concerning the immediate estab-
purpose of the parable which we are now
TO study.
KINGDoM.-It is seldom wise to openly
men defend themselves. 1t is better &c
state the truth and leave IL TO win its owl
way. III Cor. Kill, 81 Jesus adopted thi.
method on this occasion. By parable He
gave the true idea OF His Kingdom. As the
groundwork of that parable He adopted the
custom of making kings in the Roman EN-
pire, with which the people were familiar
Nos man might ascend a throne without
journey TO Rome, TO appear personally be-
fore Caesar. who alone had authority Il
give regal power. Hence, Jesus began Hi,
parable by saying that a nobleman, one o.
honorable station. went into a far country
to receive q kingdom. In this He referred L
Himself as about TO leave the world as II,
had many times predicted, TO appear befor.
the Supreme Majesty in heaven, there to b,
| time He had been a prophet. In His dealt
| He became q priest. Afterward He wouls
be a king. clothed with all power. Cfaft
was sufficient 10 show that He did not ex
pect to make any sudden characterization oil
reaching Jerusalem. that zdis kingdom va