Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-13

INTRODCCTION.-Th events fol-
lowing the resurrection show how Jesus
treated His disciples and sought to win
them to faith and prepare them for serv-
Ice That treatment was suited 10 the
peculiar temperament of each one. Mary
was granted the first interview. the other
women afterward. next tie two men on
the way to Emmaus. then the ten in t--e
All this was in or near Jerusalem. TIE
company of disciples then repaired 70
Galilee and evidently thought the Master
had abandoned them, as they proposed
to return to their old vocations John.
xxi:3). In this. Peter was the first to
make suggestions. n strong and impul-
sive character, he naturally led the
others. and all went on fishing excur-
sion. While SO engaged Jesus appeared.
At his word the miraculous draught OF
fishes was secured, and the whole party
sat down to dine, their Lord officiating
as host. After the repast Jesus address
ed Peter with the evident purpose OF St
he might be more serviceable in the apos-
tolic college. How the case was conduct
ed appears in our lesson.
FIRST QUESTION.-An appeal was
made to the heart of Pet ar by direct ques-
ton. Did this apostle love Jesus NOR.
than the others? The inquiry was called
forth by the strong protestations of ST.
perior affection mace at the supper
Matt, XVI That declaration of UNI
changing fidelity on the night of the va-
trayal was doubtless sincere. although at
the time Jesus gave solemn warning and
predicted what actually occurred Matt.
XXvi:34. 1t was highly proper, in view
of what had transpired in the meantime.
to begin at that point and secure re-
examination of interior conditions. The
reply was incomplete. TheBe was no as
sertion OF love greater than that of as
sociates. Such boasting would have b en-
unseemly. Instead Peter was content
to submit himself to the searching eX-
animation of his Master, to abide by tn /.
decision that might be. given, as that
sufficient knowledge. Thou knowesl
that 1 love Thee was his self-evasive
answer. and Jesus accepted it and COM
missioned him to feed His lambs.
SECOND QUESTION.-But the case
was not to be dismissed easily. A shorter
question came. with all comparison omit
ted, Lowest thou me-" The purpose
was to provoke determination to
change the apostles thought from an ap-
peal to his Lords knowledge and cause
knew of Peter, but what Peter knew O..
his own heart-this was the end sought.
1t was the same as to ask, DO you really
love me?" The emphasis should be laid
first upon the pronouns. and the true
meaning Of the word love must be put
into the sentence. 1t was a more per-
sonal and searching examination than
the first. Peters answer was the same
as the first given. He did presume to
place an Affirmative reply by itself, put
felt II wise and necessary to appeal still
to the Savior's knowledge of him. an
appeal designed to move tender heart
Upon this confession of the apostle came
the renewed commission. slightly changed,
however, Feed my sheep"
vet satisfied with the result of the inter-
view. There was good reason to think
that thus far the mans heart had not
been moved, and until then the end sought
was not gained. Once more came the
question this time the form and words
the same as in the second question. AND
now the stout fisherman was touched as
he had not been. He was grieved be-
cause of these repeated inquiries, as II
there was doubt concerning him. Ihat
grief softened the heart and prepared 1t
for the truth, as the soil Is made ready
for the seed by the plowshare. With
more emphasis he repeated the answer
twice given. adding only these words
Thou knowest all things John. xVi:3o)'
turning his very inner self to the inspec-
ton of the searcher Of hearts. 1t will be
that. Peter denied his Lord
thrice during the time of the arrest and
trial. and now he is made to confess his
love for Him thrice John. xiii:3s) This
last declaration was final and Jesus said
unto him. Feed my sheep"
FORCED GIRDING.-H should be
noticed that in these questions Jesus ad-
dressed his disciple by his old family
name. Simon. son of Jonas without refer
ence to his new name. given to designate
his apostolic Office Matt. xvi:1S). of
which. by his denial. he had been de-
prived 1t is also to be remarked that
the expressions. Feed my lambs and
Feed my sheep" restored the apostolic
There was included under
those directions the duty to supply spirit
ual food and to govern the flock. COM
posed of the young and tender and of
the old and more established. Thus ST.
mon became Peter again and was rein
vested with the honor and privilege lost
by his fall. This being accomplished,
Jesus further instructs His restored
apostle, making him know something of
the future of his ministerial career. In
all his early life he had followed his own
choices. going forth to that which was
most pleasing. rejoicing in his conscious
strength But In the work of the minis