The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-18
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR TOMORROW
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o<<<<<<<<*<<<<<<G <G < JESUS AsCENDS ' INTO HEAVEN. < < Luke xiv: 44-53.) I H< 4 4 < 4 < t 4 < 4 Introduction.
 Context.-We have no certain record of what transpired after the appear ance of Jesus to the eleven in a noun tain of Galuee. Having there renewed their commission the Saviour may'havt purposely withdrawn from the Apos. ties that they might have time and opportunity to adjust their thoughts te their world -wides mission. It is prdb' able. however. that He came to then occasionally. although the evangelism make no mention os such visits. II is believed that during those days He was seen of 500 brethren, al mentioned by Paul. q Cor, xv 6.) The whole band certainly returned to Jerusalem, perhaps by ap- pointment with the Master. q Cor, xv, 7) Without doubt the appearance to James occurred after the arrival in the sacred city.
 Division. passage set for our present study may be divided into two ohS1s PNA AAC AA0b PohS VS' to 49. inclusive, relates the instructions delivered by Jesus to the Apostles in Jefusalem. His last words to them, de- serving on that account most careful consideration. In the second part, Oversees 50 to 53), we have an account of His ascension. For all this we are indebted to Luke. Mark makes only slight reference, (Ch., xvi, 19, 20), ha- ble to be misunderstood. Matthew closes his Gospel with the commission and John with the scene at lGalilee. But the beloved physician, the com panion of Paul, lets the world know how and where Jesus terminated His earthly labors. giving In his records of the Apostles, (Acts. i. 4, 12), much in formation not contained in his Gospel.
 The Ascending Jesus.
 Scripture. Being assembled once more in the city of Jerusalem. probably in the upper room, where they had often met. (Mark. xiv, 14), Jesus pro- ceeded to deliver His final words to the Apostles. Forty days had passed since the resurrection, and before an- other day dawns His bodily presence will be removed forever from their sight. He first recalled His statements, made before the crucifixion, (Matt., XVI, 2D, that the predictions concern
 
 Himself. He desired them to know that what had transpired, afflictive as 1t seemed to be, was necessary to sup port His claims. In doing this He honored all the sacred writings, men, tioning them under three heads-Moses Prophets, Psalms. Thereby He laid the basis of the new dispensation. Chris tianity must be Biblical, not a reform, not a new beginning, but an expansion and a fulffllment. In after years the Apostles went to their countrymen with this teaching, (Acts, xvii, 3.)
 Insight.-Having appealed to Scrip ture. Jesus sought to prepare the apes. ties to study Scripture aright. He knew how they. as we'll as the whole Jewish nation. had stumbled over cer- tain parts. (Matt. xxii:29) He there fore opened the understandings of the apostles, applying the direct energy o1 the Holy Spirit. (Psalms cxix:1s), as afterward Lydia received help. (Aots xvi:14.) This spiritual quiokening granted, q Cor. ii!1D. He explained certain passages that referred to the suffering. death and resurrection showing that these events were fore told of the Christ From that He ad. vanced to unfold the alternate purpose of Messiah. as religious and not polit.
 
 stand that they were called to be wit nesses. that they were to preach among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, that the themes of their preaching should be repentance and remission O. sins in His name. This constituted { very concise statement of the apostol ic function and of the spirit and scop' of the gospel. Qsa. xlix:6; Hos ii:23
 Power.-This last instruction wal doubtless received with misgiving How could these apostles begin sucl a work in Jerusalem and continue to distant cities and lands? @ Cor ii:60 Jesus did not long leave then 1 in doubt. '"Tarry ye in Jerusalem un | til ye be endued with power from ol high" Verse 4e.) He intended that they should go, not in their own nam | and strength, but by that help whicl comes from above. @ Cor. iv:O. Ha' | they been attentive to His forme words. they might have known tha Jesus would build Ills own church (Matt. xvi: i:1e). Had they duly consid cred the lessons of other days, the would have known that feeble tnstru ments in Gods hands become mighty Gudges vii:O a truth which afterwar was learned and applied with muc force. q Cor. i:27)
 
 impression the foregoing made upo the minds of the apostles. But on matter, dear to their hearts, and the hearts of all their people, the Mas ter had omitted, and the reference power may have brought it up. An SO they inquired. Wilt thou at thi time restore the Kingdom of Israel? (Acts i:6.) Shall the Roman yoke b broken and the people of God deliver ed? Shall this be a preliminary that preaching? Shall the promise power be used for governmental pun poses? How strange the question seem to us! But the people had not learne to separate between church and stat The long training of centuries had fiS ed the throne as the foremost ob1e' of interest in their minds. Jesus wa very gentle with His dull pupils. -! is not for you to know the times. H said. Then quickly He returned their work of preaching. Let polltlC alone Wait on your ministry. (Ror
 The Ascending Jesus.
 Oliyet.-Some think that all the for going was in Jerusalem; others that
 whole or part it occurred as the con pany walked forth from the citX I that as it may, Jesus led the apostl tverse 50) out through the eastern gat the same through which He had pass' to Gethsemane, across the little vale up the western slope of the. Mount l N,,lN1 n1A