The Indianapolis journal., 1896-06-06
SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK
ELUCIDATION AND REVIEW OF IN
TERNATIONAL LESSON, JUNE Z.
warning to the Disciples, as Related
I'm Luke xii, 24-27-InstructiOn
I'm the School Of Christ.
By Rev. JAMES e. GILBERT,

Secretary of the American Society OF Re-
ligious Education.
cONTExT.-It is generally believed that
after His address concerning the destruction
of Jerusalem, as in last lesson CLuke xxi. 20
36) Jesus spoke TO His disciples on what is
termed final things" Matt, xxv.) While
He was thus engaged on the Mount of Olives
the chief priests and scribes in Jerusalem
were conspirlng to put Him to death. Giark
xiv. IL They were assisted by Judas, one or
the twelve, who. for thirty pieces Of silver.
bargained TO deliver the Master into their
hands, The first day of unleavened bread APP
preached, and the disciples inquired where
| they should make ready TO eat the Passover,
| showing that ii was customary for Jesus 10
observe this great national feast. Peter and
| John duke xxii s. were sent into the city
with directions There they found one who
provided an upper room, as guest chamber
Mark xiv. 15). which afterward became ga
cred as the rendezvous of the apostles (Acts
l. 13), the scene, doubtless, of the pentecostal
blessing. 1t was on what we should call
Thursday evening, but what the Jews desig-
mated the beginning of the sixth day of the
week, April IA. that Jesus and the apostles.
the traitor being in the company. assembled
in that upper room (AIatt. XVI, 20, less than
| DISPUTE.-While seated at table for the
paschal supper a strife arose among the dis
ciples. who sought TO determine which should
be greatest-frst. second, ETC.. in rank.
| (Verse 2i.) 1t was the old controversy re-
newed. (AIatt xviii, u Three times the sub
| ject had been discussed, and Jesus had en-
deavored to deliver them from such ambi-
tions. CAIatt. xxiii, 2) 1t was very strange
that they could not understand Him; that
they were never satisfied with any position
which He might assign. 1t is distressing 10
find them, after His repeated references to
His death and departure. engaged in such ri
valries. Some have suggested that they were
provoked to the discussion by something that
occurred while taking their seats. john was
very near to Jesus John xxi. 2O), and the
others may have struggled for positions OF
supposed honor, claiming them as rights
| (Luke XII, 49, The best explanation is that
they had not yet been imbued with the prin-
ciples OF the gospel Games iv, 1W, which had
been taught TO them Guke xiv. 1l) 1t is
eventually cured OF this self-seeking For
the record OF their names, made by four Diff
fsrent y. writer's years after Matt X, "a; Mark
Ill. l6-l9; Luke VI 14-16; Acts l. 49, gives a
variable order Peter alone occupying in each
list the same place.
opportunity TO teach the apostles. How
strange that He should have borne with
their folly, expecting 10 make them the
founders of His church. (Eph. H. 20) How
marvellous that, with sucn a company. He
should institute the memorial of Ills death
IL Cor. XII. 2S), company which in the mod
ern church would be deemed unworthy of
the sacrament. As on former occasions, He
went 10 the very heart of the subject and
inoculated fundamental truth. He made
them know that their spirit was that of the
gentle kings, who, while seeking honor
hypocriticaiiy professed to be benefactors.
an .unseemly attitude for them who had
been called to be His ministers. He urged
that the only way TO achieve greatness was
| by service q Pet v. - To enforce this
servant among them. Matt Xxx, sS) He
| had demanded no position or honor at their
| hands, but in all His intercourse He had
labored solely for their good. Verse 27)
| Thereby He set His precept and example
| against the maxim and practices of the out
side world. doing what. all through the life
| OF believers. must be done If higher IDEAS
| are TO enter the mind and the loftiest con-
duct charaeterize the life. Rom. xii, %
fNGDOM.-Aspirations for unlawful
| things must be treated gently. To oppose
| them absolutely and violently might wound
| and ALLEVIATE the person. 1t is Z strong and
ardent nature that desires something not
possessed. (Acts tx, p The desire must not
be. destroyed. but fixed upon some other
place that which Is unworthy the man viii
be thankful and his energy Will flow into
the new channel. TO his great profit. Jesus.
| the matchless teacher, acted on this prin-
ciple in this instance. Having shown the
apostles that they. must be servants like
illic, not pldce-secnSiS iihc neatnen lords,
| He reveals the outcome OF this better life.
| Matt. xix. 29.) Attentive to their welfare
| lie had appointed 10 each or them a king
| dom. There was no need OF strife for all
would be exalted together. faring alike
| That kingdom would be linked with His. so
| that they would be guests at His table. eat
| ing and drinking. sharing His hospitality
| and confidence. Moreover. the reign would
| be in the new Israel. which would take the
| Place of the old Israel. TO eSehl of them a
| tribe and a throne. (Rev. ..i<zl.I OF course.
| al this was highly fguratise. arepresenta-
| tion or that spiritual body. afterward 10
| be formed OF which Jesrs should be tn.
| head Il Cor. xii. u. 2s). the apostles 10 be
| next TO Him in place and honor II was a
| bcid and adro.t appeal, calculated TO win
| these immature minds 50 nohier thoughts
| DANGER. Thus far the remarks of Jesus
had been general. addressed to the whole
| company OF disciples. A little time may
| have passed in silence some other theme
| not recorded may have intervened. Qu.e
| abruptly Jesus directed His remarks to one
| Of the band. TO him who has been called