Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-15

1NTRODUCT1ON.-Th main incidents
connected with the crucifixion are related
by all the four evangelists: But Immediate
ly afterward these narrators pursue differ
ent courses In their recitals, as best suited
to their several purposes. They do not con-
tradict one another, but each omlts some
thing of what another records. Whoever
would have the whole story in an orderly
form must weave the accounts together,
and that must be done with much care so
that nothing may be misplaced or lost.
These comments are specially important In
studying the passage before us. Without
doubt there should be a break after the
eighth verse to admit the first eighteen
verses Of the twentieth chapter of John,
and after the fifteenth verse to admit Luke,
xxiv:13-49, and John, xx:24-31. After the
seventh verse should be inserted John xxi:
1-26. If, before considering our lesson,
these omitted parts be read in the con-
nection indicated, the student will be better
prepared for the following exposition. Let
us remember that we are to study detached
fragments in the poSt-reSurrection history
of Jesus.
VISITED.-The Jewish Sabbath was
our Saturday. Jesus was crucifed on Fri
day and laid in the tomb Of Joseph, which
was sealed by order of Plate at the sug-
gestion of the Jews. (Matt., xxvii65.) Very
early in the morning of Sunday, our first
day or the week, certain WOmeH Cduc "
see the sepulcher. The two Marys are
mentioned here, one of them the mother of
Zebedee's children Matt. xxvi:3D, and
Salome mark, XVIII, and probably other
women were in the party. duke, xxiv:1O)
They had delayed out of respect to Jewish
law which required the careful observance
of the Sabbath. They came now bearing
spices which they had prepared on Friday
IDENTIFY they were ignorant of the Roman
guard, and did not expect any resurrec-
ton. They were prompted by love.
WITNESSED.-Before the women ar
rived a marvellous scene had been wit
messed by two classes of persons. The cru
Gifted one had broken the bands OF death
and gone forth. The event was attended
by phenomena that attested its super
natural character. There was first of all an
earthquake, a CONFUSION Of nature. as at
the crucifNon. (Matt., xxvii:b1) Nature
acknowledged her Lord. Then an angel.
descending from heaven, rolled back the
stone which had been placed at the mouth
of the sepulcher. mark. xv:16) And there
he sat down, in magnificent triumph over
the purposes Of men VINO nad hopeo 70
thwart the counsels of God. That angel,
because of his countenance and raiment,
indicating his heavenly origin. struck terror
into Tie hearts Of the soldiers, who fell ike
dead men to the earth. The victory was
complete. Jewish intrigue, Roman power
and natures fortress were all overcome.
ADDRESSED.-Such was the con-
dition when the women arrived. The tomb
was empty. Jesus udA NSpoA tCo' l iAC WI
stood open, the great stone rolled aside.
The soldiers. having recovered from their
first shock, had departed. The gray dawn
revealed the situation In plain outline to
those who sought their beloved Master.
BY this time the angel witness was standing
In the sepulcher, being joined by another,
both of whom had the appearance OF men:
duke, xxiv:4) To calm the affrighted
women, who had noted the absence of the
body, the angels informed them Of the
resurrection, which was according TO the
plan and declaration Of Jesus. and declared
that he would meet the disciples at an APP
| pointed place In Galilee. Amusement and
gladness were awakened In the hearts Of
the women who went forth hastily on re-
ceiving this information.
GREETED.-Mary Magdalene. having
found the tomb empty, fastened away and
notified Peter and John that the body, OF
Jesus had been stolen. John. xx:2) While
she was absent the other women remained
and learned from an angel that Jesus had
risen. Oversees and - Half terrified by
the scenes of that early morning hour. yet
Joyful because Of this intelligence, the
women fed from the place. Verse 81 1t
is the actual prompting Of every natural
heart to publish good news-hence they