The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-04-22
Sunday y-SchOOE Lesson for April g.
Jesus Comforting His Disciples.
JOHN xiv, 1-f4
BY j. e. GILBERT, D. D. L. D.,
Secretary of American Society of Religious Education

all His history, a declaration much need
ed at that particular time to strengthen
the faith and remove the fears OF Ills
followers.
CIIALLENGB.-It Is evident that Jesus
deemed this doctrine to be one OF the ut
most importance to His disciples. Not
content with its mere statement lie
sought to test them and encourage them
to embrace the doctrine. lie challenged
their faith in it by three methods. First,
they were to accept 1t upon His declara-
tion, resting upon that as final; second,
If that was not sufficient they might take
His works in proof (verse ~, referring
TO many miracles which lie had per-
formed during His ministry, which had
carried conviction 10 Jewish officials
John iii: y. as we'll as to the common
people (John tx: 33); thirdly, whosoever
should believe on Him as the Son of God
should also obtain power to do wondrous
things (verse 10, and should, In fact, do
greater things than He. This assertion
had been previously made Matt. xxi: ~,
and 1t was actually verified in the history
Of the apostles (Acts iii 81. And so the
word, the decd. and the promise of Jesus,
all three, were combined to lead the dis
ciples TO accept the doctrine set forth.
PRAYER-One other source Of comfort
new method of prayer. These men had
always sought Divine help and they had
been taught by Jesus form that indi-
Gated the scope and spirit, and possibly
the language in which they might
make petitions. To all that had
been previously said on the subject Of
prayer, Jesus now adds that it shall be
most effective If made in His name.
There had been up to that time no such
supplication John xvi: 2D. This form
had been reserved for the time when
Jesus should be absent, the propriety of
which must appear But what is a little
surprising Jesus Himself agrees to an
swer such prayers (verse 10, making
Himself the ground of tho request and
the surety of its fulfillment. This again
ascribes to Him Divine prerosatlve.
bringing glory to the Father. Becoming
much bolder and more emphatic He de-
clared that lie would do anything which
those disciples might ask in His name
| (verse 10. This startling offer may not
have been intended for any others.
SUMMARY.-This whole lesson may be
taken as Christ's testimony to Himself
under five heads. /. He was going away
| into the unseen to prepare mansions for
| His people; He was intending to return
| to receive them and conduct them home,
where they might abide with Him; lie
glory. 2. He was the way to the Father
and the Fathers house the truth con-
cerning both, and the life required to
| gain favor and entrance. 3. lie was the
image of the Father revealing Him, unit
ed with Him, dwelling in Him, filled by
Him, speaking and acting with Him 4.
His word was worthy OF confidence, yet
nttested by deeds, and 1t contained prom
| Use of power to those who believed. 5.
After His departure He will be the per-
I son In whose name prayer may be Of
| fered with the certainty Of receiving
| It is this Jesus who offers Himself to
| troubled souls. What more do they
| need? In Him may every want be sup
piled, every longing satisfied, every trial
borne, every care dispelled. every fear
dsarmed, every hope fulfilled. Child OF
sin and sorrow take the name of Jesus
with You wherever you go (Matt. XII
$3.50.