The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-25

areth, His old home. He had been absent
since January of the previous year; prob
ably fourteen months had elapsed. He had
gone out alone, an obscure man. after
residence of more than quarter of a CEN
fury. He had been publicly introduced by
the great reformer and had received bap-
tism, both of water and the Spirit He
had conquered Satan. He had wrought
miracles. He had preached. He had con-
versed with mobiles. He had Travelled through
now, in the midst of His popularity, TO
serve His fellow-townsmen, for whom His
heart doubtless yearned. Qaom. X, II 1t
was highly proper that He should come. To
remain longer absent from the scenes or
childhood. of youth and of opening man
hood would indicate lack of these nobler
feelings that eXalt human nature. Besides,
~ was necessary that He should bear testi-
fnony under these confesSedly most trying
circumstances, ard that men should know
how He behaves among those who knew
Him first.
SYNAGoGUE.-Lhke does not crafty our
curiosity by detailing the circumstances of
that visit to Nazareth. When He entered
the village, where He lodged while there,
what associations He had, what converse
tons and greetings were permitted whether
His own relatives knew OF His coming and
prepared the way, giving notice 50 that He
was expected-an these, mataers are passed
by in the narrative. The inspired penman
appears to be concerned only with the fact
that on the Sabbath He entered the syna-
gogue, the place of public worship and in
struction, and moreover that this was His
own people John /, III, the Jews. and in
order TO reach them. He resorted to the
places where they were accustomed TO meet
The incident shows the liberty and value,
as well as the extent (Acts XIV. 2D OF the
synagogue system. which served the apps
ties also in their itinerant ministry. Acts
Kill I'D The lesson shows verse I'D that
when Jesus entered the synagogue at Naz-
areth certain courtesies were accorded to
Him as a teacher, that He was invited by
the minister. the elder in charge for the
day. to participate in the exercises.
PREDICTlON.-The reading of the Scrip
ture formed an important part of the syna-
gogue service. Stated lessons were ap-
pointed one from the law and one from the
prophets. Jesus stood in the usual place
which is more probable. selected one to
suit His purpose, as He would be allowed TO
90. The selection was from Isaiah Xxi, Is.
TINS was va understood to pc I'M Mess,anic' be-
XII, ]. p, which plainly referred TO the COM
ing prophet and king The reading. there
fore. Immediately attracted attention, be-
cause there had long centered in these
few words the brightest hopes OF an OPP
pressed people Every teacher of the syna-
OF assemblies throughout the land was anx-
ious to know of the one who would meet
the predictions of Isaiah-upon whom the
spirit OF God would rest: who should be
anointed to preach the gospel; who should
bind up the broken hearted: VINO should
open prison doors; who should give sight
TO blind eyes. The reading was not long
'"
minutes. Having finished. the book. or roll
rather, was returned to the minister, and
Jesus sat down, assuming the attitude OF a
teacher.
FULFILLED.-Every eye was fastentd
upon Christ as He took His seat. The
high expectation and the earnest desire Sc
cured the attention of every person in the
synagogue. What will He say upon this
supreme subject? They will be permitted
TO learn from the most famous teacher of
the time. what most concerns the nation
what every troubled heart is anxious to
know. II was great opportunity both for
Him and the audience. The sermon that fol-
lowed is not recorded. but Jesus endeayore1
10 show that He was the person of whom
Isaiah spoke The argument by which that
proposition supported. drawn as IL
must have been from Scripture (Acts X 49,
would be exceedingly interesting TO US had
ing point in His own history Previously
He hal been the herald of coming king
dom. Matt. Nv, I'D Now He publishes
himself for the first time the rightfu
head of that Kingdom: He would introduce
himself 10 old acouaintances in His true
ature and Office. He would start out from
the home and go to the nation as the pre-
dcted one, gathering to His rising cause
those who ought most TO symp-thize with
Him.
WONDER.-The sermon produced a
double establishment. There was peculiar
grace i'm His words. rendered more effective
by .ic excellence OF His spirit. irresistible
while He was speaking. The audience was
clearly under His power bearing witness
to His ability psalm xiv, p, drawn on
from point TO point with increasing inter
est. But the personal reference, so con-
trary to all former Interpretations. was per
human nature that when any good has been
long expected many are unprepared to re-
ceive IL when IL comes. But In this case
the early lie OF Jesus was IN insuperable