The Tupelo journal., 1910-06-03
Jesus Walks
On the Sea

GOLDEN TEXT.-Then they that
we're in the ship came and worshiped him..
saying, 'Of a ruth thou art the Son OF
God."-Matt. 1883.
.TIME.-In the spring OF A. D. 20. fmme
1iately after the last lesson
PLACE.-The northern part Of the Sea
Of Galilee.
Suggestion and Practical Thought.
The Source of Christ's Power.-vs.
20, 90. What was the effect upon the
multitude Of the multiplication of the
loaves and fishes? THE feeding of
the i've thousand was the Quietest and
least imposing of Christ's miracles. It
Is safe to say that only a few of the
people were aware Of what was being
done until 1t was over."-David James
Burrell. D. D., LII. d.
The Imperiled Disciples and Christ's
Good Cheer.-Vs. 24-27. Why did
Christ, If his disciples were to be In
so great danger, thrust them forth
into 1t without himself? The danger
was not apparent at first. 1T was an
easy crossing, and 1t was quite calm,
and 1t was not far; they could see the
other side. He separated himself
from them with a purpose. He had
many a lesson for them to learn. The
night became unruly. and no small
tempest lay upon them; their bearings
were lost, and neither sail nor oar
could serve them. Their thoughts
must have pressed all and only In n
direction-to the mountain-top where
Jesus was!"-Rev. Armstrong Black.
When did Jesus come to them n
their distress? "In the fourth watch
Of the night" between three and six
o'clock in the morning. Why did he
wait so long before coming? I'VE
may learn from this the delays Of his
love. Because he loved Mary and
Martha and Lazarus. he stayed still,
in strange inaction, for two days. after
their message. Because he loved
Peter and the praying band, he let
him lie in prison till the last hour OF
the last watch of the last night before
his intended execution, and then de-
livered him with a leisureliness (ma-
king him put on article after article
of dress) which tells Of conscious
omnipotence. Heavens clock goes at
a different rate from u little time
Observation-Disclosures Maclaren.
Why did Christ come to them walk
ing on the waves? He must go to
them In that way, or not at all. Be-
sides, he doubtless had a desire to lift
the disciples thought of him to a high
er plane, and prepare them for the
full recognition of his divinity. THE
miracle of the feeding Of the multi
tude had been a picture Of the last
supper, a prophecy of his death; and
this miracle Is a prophecy of his
resurrection."-Rev. David Smith.
How did the apparition affect the
disciples? They cried out in great
terror, thinking 1t a ghost. All at
once, in the track that lay behind
them, a figure appeared. AS 1t passed
onward over the water. seemingly up
borne by the waves as they rose. not
disappearing as they fell, but carried
on as they rolled, the silvery moon
laid upon the trembling waters the
shadows of that form as 1t moved,
long and dark, On their track. St.
John Uses an expression which shows
us. in the pale light, those In the
boat intently. fixedly. fearfully. gazing
at the apparition as 1t moved still
closer and closer."-Edersheim.
Why did Christ Mark make as If
going straight by the disciples? He
would wish his disciples to recognize
him. He would wish them to under
stand distinctly what he was doing,
and what he had done, and what 1t
was in his power to do. He would
wish to pass onward by their side,
and in their view, till it should be the
very best moment to turn and give
them relief."-Morison.
How did Christ reassure them when
they cried out in fear? It must have
been with a radiant smile that he
said, BE of good cheers; it is /; be
not afraid"
The Half-Hearted Disciple and
Christ's Rebuke.-Vs. 1888. What dis
ciple was first to answer Christ?
Enthusiastically. Peter. And the
combination of doubt (if 1t be thou')
with presumption (sbid me come on
the water') is peculiarly Characters
tic of eter."-Edersheim.
What should this experience have
done for Peter? 1T should have made
him more cautious afterward in his
avowals, his too self-conf1dent boast
ings, of what he would do and dare
for his master."-John Foster.
How did Christ rebuke Peter as he
saved him? 1t was a gentle rebuke,
20 thou Of little faith, wherefore didst
thou doubt?"
What was the effect OF this miracle
upon the disciples? They were
amazed beyond measure. not only at
the walking on the water, but at the
immediate cessation of the storm as
soon as they had taken Jesus on
board.
Human Misery and Christ's Healing.
VS.. 1896. Where did the boat land?
With what seemed miraculous sudden
ness john the disciples made the
rest Of their journey across to the
northwestern side of the lake, and
came into the land Of Gennesaret.
What happened Immediately on
Christ's arrival? See how Jesus
Christ goes to work again."-Joseph
Parker. He was at once recognized
as the marvellous healer. and the
whole region @as aroused to bring
their sick within reach Of his wonder.