The Brinkley argus., 1910-05-13
Growing Hatred
 To Jesus
Sunday School Lessen for May IS, 1910
Specially Arranged for This Paper

D. 2S
 PLAcE.-some where in Galilee yer. likely in Capernaum.
 Suggestion and Practical Thought.
 A Wicked Charge Against Jesus Vs. 22-24. What gave rise to this charge against Jesus?" The healing of "one possessed with devil, blind and dumb" In the similar event re corded in Matt. 9;32-34 the demoniac was dumb only. This case, though de scribed so briefly, was "a striking miracle; in truth, three miracles In one."-Rev. David Smith.
 Dumb Devils.-Many. even of Chris tians, are troubled with dumb devils without realizing it. Our speech is a Godlike faculty, given us to be used for God, in prayer to him-private prayer, family prayer, public prayer in telling others about his goodness, In kindly praise of what is worthy and in bold condemnation of all that is evil
 What was the result of the miracle? As always in such cases. it was a
 
 life. On the one hand, "all the peo- pie" (the common folks that saw 1t done, or afterward saw the happy man seeing or heard him speakingl were amazed" as we'll they might be, and said, is not this the son of David?"
 But, on the other hand. the Phari- sees had an unfavorable interpreta- tion. In their hatred of Christ they had come all the way from Jerusalem (Mark) to get material for some charge against him. "He hath Beelze- bub," they asserted shamelessly tMark).
 Why did the Pharisees make this abominable charge? They were jealous of Christ, and envious of his power over human hearts and lives.
 The Crushing Reply.-Vs. 25-So "The way in which Jesus dealt with these men is among one of the most wonderful features of the Gospel. It sheds light upon many things, but it sheds q peculiar light upon him. and upon the spirit that was in him" Horton
 What was Christ's first argument? The argument of the divided house. Every kingdom" said Christ. "di- yided against itself" in civil war lis brought to desolation;" and every city or house (household) divided against itself" by quarreling factions and family strife, shall not stand"
 What was Christs second argu- ment? The argumentum ad hominem. "IfI by ,Beelzebub cast out devils, urged Christ @by whom do your chil- dren.' the Jewish exorcists. east them out?"
 What is Christ's third argument? Tle argument of the castle, or palace Now how" Christ asks. could l en- ter the castle unless I were stronger than Satan? And how could regain the spoil that Satan has stolen. the rich spoil of health and character and happiness. without proving myself the enemy of Satan?"
 What was Christ's fourth argument? The argument of the two sides: He that is not with me is against me"
 An Awful Warning 31-37 The foregoing was a terrible warning. but Christ did not deem 1t severe enough.
 What was Christ's warning for such men? That there is an unpardonable sin; blasphemy against the Holy Ghost
 W.at. then, is this blasphemy against the spirS? Tt is no sudden, angry blasphemy. Whoever fears that he has committed it and prays for pardon is worlds away from it."-W Robertson Nlcoll, IL. D.
 How did Christ himself illustrate these truths? By three condensed parables tvs. 3s-37). The parable Of the trar and it's fruit. the parable Of the viper. and the parable of the treas ure
 Christs Sufficient Attestation -vs. 3S-45. The scrlbes and Pharisees an swered Christ's declaration that he was of God and they, in their wicked opposition, from the devil, by demand ing a sign, that is, some miracle that would confirm these tremendous claims
 Why was this, as Christ called 1t. Il wicked demand? Because Christ had given them signs in great plenty.
 What was the sign of the prophet Jonas that Christ offered? Christ s resurrection. As Jonas was three days and three nights in the body of the sen monster ffor the word translated "whale" meai.s "sea monster" in gen crab SO Christ would be three days md three nights in the grave and then would rise from the dead.
 Why was this a sufficient sign? II was the greatest miracle possible greater than to raise others from the grave. It was the crowning evidence that our Lord was the divine fountain pf life
 How Men Reject Christ They dc rot reject him Immediately and con sciously. They draw away from hin by degrees and without realizing what is happening in their lives. Like tho pharisces. they gradually form tho habit of pride and selfishness. Like Judas. they cone insensbly to lovt money mere than-God and right. Like Pilate. they grow away from the love of truth and become devotees of popu larity and power Like Herod, they lose their purity and manliness day by day. and sink inch by inch into thu pit of sensuality. Like the demoniat