The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-01
Sunday School
Lesson
for
December J.
INTRODUCTION.

CONTEXT-Our last lesson in the gospels
U.ukc, Xvi:ll-1W, was on the ten lcpcrs. Be-
tween that and the present lesson the nara
tive covers four interesting recitas, the Com.
ing of the Kingdom, the Pharisees and the
Publican The Law Of Divorce, the Blessing Of
Little Children. Two of these are by Luke
only. two by Matthew and Mark. and one OF
them by all the Synoptics. \ little study will
show that these topics have no logical relation.
Christ engaged in miscellaneous and occa.
sonal instruction, adapting his words to those
who gathered about Him. There is however, a
slight connection between the story Of Christ
and the little children and the story before
U.s. One shows the religious condition and attt.
tudc Of those who are in the morning OF life.
while the other exhibits the change which takes
place in mature years. The contrast is very
striking between little child in the arms OF
the Saviour and a young man who hcsitates
because OF his wealth TO become a follower Of
Christ
SUBSTANCE.-The lesson is in two great parts
The first, verses l6 to %, covers the conversa.
ton between Jesus and the young man; the
second, verses % to &c, represents an interview
between Jesus and his disciples. The theme Of
the first part, "rhc great question:" was pre-
scnted by the young man who spoke twice.
Jesus responding both times. The theme OF the
by the consideration OF the first, was introduced
by Jesus, who made three statements, the Sec
ond and third being expansions and explanations
OF the first. The remarks OF the apostles con-
tained the expression OF their surprise at tn,
Masters words and revealed the state of their
minds and the extent OF their knowledge. As
usual, the central figure is Jesus, who stands
between His followers and an anxious yout
disclosing Himself to the former through the
question of the latter,
THE GREAT QUESTION.
The supreme topic of the day is up again
II was introduced formerly by lawyer (Luke
X:2jI, now it is raised by ruler UMke, xviii:ls),
probably one of the Sanledrin, the supreme court
OF the Jewish people, of which Nicodemus was
4 member (John, iii:D.
Approach--l. A notable eycnt--a rich young
man, running, knecling, seeking to know the
way to life! Confessed ignorance, worldly honor
immense wealth, becoming reverence, eager haste
all at the feet OF the Galilean! the sautation
was unique, "Good Master" an acknowledge.
ment of wisdom and character, not previously
given, but then specially valuable U.uke, SXiii:
u. 9 The young man seemed to be confident OF
his ability, "What must ] doS" What good
thing (sIatt., xix;lO? lie believed there was
a merit in good conduct, purchasing price
which he was willing to pay for the life 10
come His was a sincere seeking for personal
profit, moi an attempt TO annoy In the midst
Of haste and dupcity such an approach is an
occasion for rejoicing,
RESPONSE. Jesus gave attention first TO
the title II was no new thing for Him TO be
styled Master. He had been so addressed by
friends (Alark, iX:5) and foes Matt, xvii:2D,
aud had so spoken Of Himself (AIatt., xxiii:s).
But what good? lie did not quest ion hs-right
to be SO regarded, hut the reason prompting
the remark. Then hes added, what the ruler
knew q Sam, ii:2 Psalm, cxiy:Gsy, There
is none good but God" The inference was, il
Christ is good lie is divine, sand should be recog.
nized as such. g No response beng made To
this logic, Jesus said 0iatt., xx;l7-lS. "If
thou wilt be perfect keep the commandments"
precisely the advice given on a prior occasion
QLuke, N:2s). "WhichG' was the quick in.
quiry. Jesus quoted the second half Of the
decaogue but in different order (Matt., xix.
1s), covering mans duty to his felowman.
lie did not thereby intend, as many now at.
tempt, TO ignore duty to God, but to apply