The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-07-14
Sunday School Lesson for July Is
The GENTLE WOm1am's Faith.
MARK VII, $780,
BY REV. J. e. GILBERT, D. D. LID,
Secretary of American Society of Religious Education

CONTEXT.-Our last lesson pertained to the
interview which Jesus had with the people IN
Capernaum After that lie had most inter-
esting conversation with Pharisecs and scrbes,
who came up from Jerusalem and who raised
questions OF ceremonial purity. In that discus
sion the spiritual nature of Christ's teaching was
disclosed in a very remarkable manner, in strik-
ing contrast with the doctrines of Jewish teach
ers which were based on tradition Toward the
close of the interview He uttered parable
which afterward was explained to the disciples
in private During all these later weeks Jesus
had been looking steadily forward to the closing
scenes Of His life Surrounded by exasperated
and powerful enemies, obnoxious TO the cour.
tiers OF the king, dogged by the secret cOnspira-
ces OF spies, knowing that the people did not
understand Him, and knowing that His death
had already been determined lie resolved to
retire to private life.
RETREAT, AT,-JouTneying in a northwesterly d-
rection Jesus turned His back upon His native
land and entered into the borders (the coasts)
of Tyre and Sdon Matt. XIV: 2D. These an.
cent cities were renowned as the most impor-
tant seaports of the Mediterranean Tyre was
the capital of King Hiram Il Kings tx: l2),
whose skilled woTkmen prepared timber for the
temple at Jerusalem in the time OF David For
many centuries it was famous for commerce, and
bore the title, "Queen of the Sea-" Sidon,
written also Zidon Gosh. Xi: s., was a metro.
polls Of a district which seems to have embraced
several states The people were noted for their
luxurious living, for their manufactures and arts
ezra iii: y. Homer speaks Of the Zidonian
bowl bestowed by Achilles as a prize, and Of a
beautiful robe to Minerva, the handiwork of
Zidonian women Plny and others mention the
merchants Of Zidon, and describe their wealth.
| 1t was in that region that Jesus sought repose,
Removed from the Jealousy and hatred the hy.
| pocrisy and bigotry of the Jews, lie would enjoy
| among heather strangers communion with disci-
| pies and gain refreshment for future service,
! SUPPLIANT.- He could not be concealed.
! His fame had gone abroad, beyond the confines
of His own country, even into other lands Matt.
| iv: 20, His mighty deeds had awakened hope
| in the hearts of the suffering and sorrowing ev'
erywhcTe, and they waited only for Oppor,
! tunty to seek His aid. While the little band,
| the Master and the twelve, were passing along
| the way, a passionate cry was heard. II was tile
voice Of a woman, a resident in those parts
| "Iiave mercy on me-" she pleaded, knowing
| that she could expect no favor except as 0
| gratuity (Matt. XIV: 22). She had been well
instructed, for she added, 80 Lord, thou Son
| Of David" a form of address appropriate only
| to the Messiah. "My daughter is vexed with a
devil" she continued During our Lords min
istry demons took possession OF people and con
trolled their action in a distressing way duke
viii; p, as II to dispute His authority and test
| His power, presenting phenomena never witnessed
| before nor since. These words uttered by
distressed mother, were enough to move the
hardest heart,
! REJECTION.-Jcsus paid no attention to the
| pleader, but moved along the highway in s
! lenee. In like marner, but with different mo