The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-01-15
Sunday School Lesson for january 10.
Beginning of the Ministry of Jesus.
Matt. Nv; lz-25.
BY j. e. GILBERT, ID. d., IL. D.,
Secretary of American Society of Religious Education

REPUTATION.-The great teacher and
miracle worker soon became famous. HIS
name was quickly carried from place TO
place. 1t even passed the national bounds,
and, entering Syria on the north, spread
far and wide throughout that vast coun-
try. This fact is highly significant, as
showing what in coming time would oc-
cur among the Gentiles Usa. xiii, g.. 1t
Is plain, however, that large part OF
the interest awakened in Him was due
to the displays of His power. Evidently
the people cared more for His deeds than
His words, for they brought to Him from
all directions those that were diseased
and tormented Werse 2D. Suffering hu-
manity in all distressing forms, those
that were possessed of devils, those that
were lunatic, those that had the palsy,
wera laid before Him. The oriental
world has always presented deplorable
pictures of degradation, most loathsome
to the western traveller. All this was
spread out before the eyes of Jesus, and
His great heart beheld with pity. What
might have been expected, the text says,
''He healed them" What is this but an
object lesson showing what the world
needs to do? Jesus is the great Physician.
His reputation has gone to the ends of
the earth.
FOLLOWING.-We are now to picture
to our minds a scene of unparalleled pop
ular enthusiasm. As Jesus continued on
His circuit, preaching and healing, a vast
concourse of people followed (verse 25).
They came from Galilee, the most north
ern portion of the land, from Decapolis
which lay on the east side of Lake Gem
nesaret, from Judea the southern section
of the Holy Land, from the region beyond
Jordan, and what was specially impor-
tant, from Jerusalem, the seat of the
Jewish scholars and hierarchy. We have
seen many thousands assembled to see
and hear some notable man who had
great cause to present but in this instance
the throng journeyed with Jesus, from
city to city, along the highways, and
crowded about Him wherever He passed
Many of these were doubtless anxious to
know who this wonderful Person was,
willing to espouse His cause, so soon as
they might understand Him. But by far
the greater part were curious, whose mo-
tives Jesus explains in another place
John vi, 2G). And among the crowd were
some of the priests, the bigoted, scowling,
mercenary agents of the Sanhedrin, who,
with jealous eyes, watched the wonderful
Christ, seeking how they might ensnare
Him.
SUMMARY.-Suchw was the beginning of
the ministry of Jesus in Galilee. Preceded
by retirement which made Him familiar
with the ordinary life of home, by an in
PRODUCTION which secured the support of
good men, by a struggle with Satan which
resulted in victory, by an inspection of
the country which revealed it's needs, He
selected the northern metropolis of Caper-
naum as the center and humble fisher
men as companions, thus breaking away
from all acknowledgements with Jerusalem
doctors and dignitaries. He went forth
to the common people and preached, not
philosophy, but the Gospel. With COM
passion for their suffering lie ministered
to their bodies. And in a short time lie
had gained the ears of thousands who
gathered about His way. Here is Divine
strategy. BY this method Jesus stood on
His own merit and rested His claim upon
the sober sense of the masses asking no
alliance with the rich or great, but receiv-
ing what was of incalculable value the
recognition of the poor and needy. The
method of Jesus should be adopted by all
who seek to win a place in the heart of
humanity. lie who has something to give
to man need not fear that men will re-
fuse him hearing or a support