Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-25
INTRODUCTION.


CONNECTTON-There is but little
space either in time or gospel narrative be-
tween last lesson duke xviii lilo ana the
one now to be studied. Matthew and Mark
supply the Intervening material. It appears
that Jesus departed from Galilee and came
into the borders Of Judea, followed by mui-
titudes Of people, and according to his Gus
tom he engaged in teaching. It was at that
time that the Pharisees raised questions on
the subject Of divorce, desiring an interpre-
tation OF the law Of Moses. The answer by
our Lord awakened the interest of the dis
ciples. who questioned Him still further In
private. This was followed by the incident
in which Jesus blessed the little children.
SUBSTANCE+The lesson is in two
great parts. The first, verses 1I-22. covers
the conversation between Jesus and the
young man; the second, verses 1871, rep
resents an after interview between Jesus
and His disciples. The theme Of the first
part, ''The great question" was presented
by the young man who spoke twice, Jesus
responding both times. The theme OF. the
second part. THE great obstacle" suggest
ed by the consideration Of the first. was In
troduced by Jesus, who made three state
ments, the second and third being expan-
sions and explanations Of the first The re-
marks of the apostles contained the express
sion of their surprise at the Masters words
and revealed the state of their mind and
the extent of their knowledge. AS usual the
central figure is Jesus who stands between
His followers and an anxious youth. dis
closing himself to the former through the
question Of the latter.
THE GREAT QUEST1ON-The su-
preme topic of the day is up again.
It was introduced formerly by lawyer
duke x:25); now it is raised by a ruler
duke xviii:18), probably one Of the Sam
hedrin, the supreme court OF the Jewish
people, Of which Nicodemus was MEM
Der (John iii:D.
rich young man, running, kneeling, seeking
to know the way Of life. Confessed igno-
rance, worldly honor, immense wealth, pc
coming reverence, eager haste, al at the
unique, Good Master" an acknowledge
ment Of wisdom and character, not pre-
viously given, but then specially valuable.
ca The young man seemed to be confident
Of his ability. what must I do?" What
good thing? Matthew xix:16). He believed
there was merit in good conduct pur-
chasing price which he was willing to pay
for the life to come. His was sincere seek
ing for personal profit. not an attem ao,t 10
such an approach Is an occasion for re-
REsPoNsE-u) Jesus gave attention
first to the title. 1t was no new thing Tor
addressed by friends mark ix:5) and foes
Matthew xvii:24), and had SO spoken OF
himself (Matthew kills. But why gooo1
He did not question His right to be SO re-
garded, but the reason prompting the re-
mark. Then he added what the ruler
knew Il Samuel ii:2), There Is none good
but Cod" The inference was, II Christ Is
good He is divine and should be recognized
this logic, Jesus said Matthew xix:17-1S),
''If thou wilt be perfect keep the com
mandments," precisely the advice given on
a prior occasion duke x:2S). which,"
was the quick inquiry. Jesus quoted the
ferent order Matthew xix:1s), covering
mans duty to his fellowman. He did not
thereby intend, as many attempt TO ignore
duty to God, but to apply what In the Sc
quel would reveal the state OF the man 3
heart.
DEFENSE-The young man claimed
that he had observed all this from his
youth So far as the letter was concerned.
Jesus loved him, the only person mentioned
in that manner, except the members OF the
Bethany family John xi:5). and the apos-
ties John xv:g. There may have been.
something OF svsn 0G peyond
the truth. Paul had similar experiences
which he described after his conversion.
Acts xxvi:4-5. Philippians iii:6) At best
it was perfunctory performance OF out
itual measure Romans, ti:2O afterward
made known under the gospel (Romans
vii:3-4). Still the honest seeker after HE
answered the best he knew, and his words
were kindly received by the Great Teacher.
DEFECT. lone thing thou laokest,"
was the reply OF Jesus Remarkable A
young man like him would pass mus
ter in our day. ana 9 De re h rs.
tunately there is but one thing lacking.
What Is It? 2. Then the searchlight was
turned on. "Go sell what thou hast and
a curse or sin? Is poverty blessing or
virtue? Sometimes, but not always. Ill
gotten gain corrupts. degrades and ruins:
But industry and economy are en5oined
riches. Besides, the cody use of property
has the promise of the Divine blessing
proverbs. iii:9-10). Furthermore. property
may be an agent Of usefulness In many
ways Why, then. the saviors commando
riches? 8. The savior's follow me- will
solve the mystery. He desired the rulers
services. and had a right to prescribe the
mode and condition OF such service. De-
manding a full conservation Il Chronicles
XIX 81, and the surrender Of that which he
had, He nevertheless promised reward,
treasure in heaven" But what has this
to do with the "lack?" We shall presently
sORROw-The young man went away
grieved, refusing Christ's service and prom
Use OH Tim. iv:1O. 1t was painful hour.
Two emotions contended-a desire for life
and a desire for worldly honor and possess
sion. He would gladly have taken both.
And who would not? But the ultimatum re-
quired a choice CMatt. vi:24l. or else Jesus
could not employ him as he desired with his
property. Without stating the reason the
Master required the sacrifice duke xiv 83).
The sorrow proved the wisdom Of the re-
ouirement by exhibiting the state of the