Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-15

INTRODUCTION.-ln the time of
Christ the Holy Land formed part OF the
Roman empire. The territory lying west
OF the Jordan was divided into three dis
tricts or provinces-Judea on the south,
Galilee on the north and Samaria in the
middle. The Jews adhered most firmly to
the institutions Of Moses. as interpreted
by the priestly party at Jerusalem. and
esteemed themselves as superior to their
neighbors. The Galileans were greatly in
fuenced by the commercial spirit. while
the Samaritans were depressed through
tia mixture Of races and the lack of high
incentives. Our Lord found it to His adj
vantage to pass repeatedly through all
these sections. extending to all classes
alike the benefits Of His wisdom and
power. avoiding in this way complications
and MISUNDERSTANDING which might have
arisen had He confined Himself to one sec
ton only. Our lesson today pertains to
an incident connected with one OF those
journeys.
DEPARTING.-After the woman had
prepared the way. as shown last week.
Jesus remained two days in Sychar.
preaching to the people. many Of whom
believed in Him oversees 39-42). He then
resumed His travels northward Verse 49,.
accompanied by His disciples. His old
home, Nazareth duke. ii:5D. lay directly
in His pathway. and there He might ordi-
narily find things Of interest. especially
as He had been absent for nearly year
But turning aside. He passed on into the
heart Of Galilee. 1t appears that the pro-
priety of visiting the scenes OF His boy
hood and early manhood was considered.
afterward displayed duke. iv.29). and did
Is made in the narrative. He knew the
nf fnwnQne0nla
afterward displayed duke iv:29). and did
not care at that time to encounter the
opposition which was certain to arise. and
He explained by saying to His disciples
that a prophet had no honor in his own
country (verse AZ. Hereby He exhibited
prudence in selecting His field of labor.
RECEIVING.-As Jesus moved on
further north in Galilee He found the
people ready and anxious for Him (verse
45). Many of them had been at the feast
at Jerusalem John. ii:29, in obeeience to
the law as given by Moses Oeut. xvi:16).
showing that they were loyal to the in
stitutes of their religion. There they
had seen the miracles which He had
wroughtS<John iii:2), and they had been
so impressed that they had come home to
report to their neighbors and friends. In
this way a public sentiment had been
awakened In His behalf and His coming
among them was q signal for general
popular movement to do Him honor.
knowing the thoughts of mems minds
and the dispositions of their hearts John,
ii:25), II Is not surprising, therefore, that
He turned away from Nazareth. where
the people were ready to take His life.
and entered into other towns. where
welcome awaited Him. This was His
present policy. The day will come when
He will go to those who will reject Him
John, i:1D. Now He is operating to
win the support of those who are worthy.
who will appreciate His word and help
His cause.
BESEECHING-After entering other
villages, Jesus came to Cana. where He
wrought His first miracle Uohn. HID. This
second visit would be rendered more
agreeable by the events that attended the
first. It would not be surprising II He
received a cordial welcome at the house
where the water was made wine. and II
many present on that occasion came for
ward to do Him honor (verse 49,. His
presence was soon noised about and
known even in other towns. A nobleman
residing in Capernaum. who had sick
son, hearing that Jesus was in Cana.
fastened to Him. involving journey OF
twenty miles. Hitherto none but the
jewellers Of the land had sought Christ
or come In contact with Him. but now a
ruler, an officer Of the Roman govern
ment. has come. This is high mark OF
our Lords popularity. The nobleman.
who heard of .Christs miracles, believed
that He might be secured for his son. who,
at the point Of death (verse 40, was be-
yond the help of other physicians. but
he deemed 1t necessary for Jesus to go to
Capernaum.
REBUKING.-The opportunity was
thus afforded. and Jesus embraced 1t to
expose a national characteristic. About
Him were gathered the people Of Cana,
who had witnessed His deeds on other
occasions. some in their own city, some
at the national feast. They were all
lovers Of the marvellous. living under the
dominion Of sense Il Cor, i:20. Even
the apostles were a long time bound
displayed 1t after the resurrection
John. xx:25.) Turning. therefore, to the
company, Jesus rebuked them. saying
that they would not believe His power in
the case because they would not be pres
ent to see what He actually did (verse 49,.
These words did not disturb the noble
man. He already believed. and as a
further proof Of his faith. he urged that
Jesus go with him to Capernaum to save
his son. still adhering to the thought that
the Master must visit the sick boy. There
was no defect in his faith. as We shall
soon see, but there was mistake In his
judgment concerning the essential condi-
tons of power (verse 49).
HEALING.-That was enough. The
private remark Of Jesus to the Jews
standing near had served good purposes.
1t showed them that their faith In Him
had not vet risen to its proper Level
that 1t was depending on the testimony
Of the senses. 1t gave the noDieman an