The Nevada County picayune., 1910-05-13
Growing Hatred
 To Jesus Sunday School Lesson for May IS, 1910 Specially Arranged for This Paper

ne Is against me; and he that gathereth lot with scattereth abroad. Marx l2:30
 TIME.-Probably in the autumn of A. D. 2S
 PLACE.-Some where in Galilee; very 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 a 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 Deyils-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, 1t was a sayor of death to death and of life to life. On the one hand, "all the peo- pie" (the common folks that saw it done, or afterward saw the happy man seeing or heard him speaking) were amazed" as well they might be, and said, Is not this the son of David?"
 But, on the other hand, the Pharf- sees had an unfavorable interpreta- ton. 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 (Mark).
 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. 25-30. "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 1t sheds a 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- vided against itself' in civil war "is brought to desolation;" and every city or house (household) divided against itself by quarreling factions and family strife, shall not stand"
 What was Christ's second argu- nent? The argumentum ad hominem. If I by Beelzebub cast out devils," urged Christ, 'by whom do your chil- iren." the Jewish exorcists. cast them out?"
 What is Christ's third argument? The argument of the castle. or palace. Now how" Christ asks, "could 1 en- ter the castle unless I were stronger than Satan? And how could l 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
 What, then. is this blasphemy against the spirit? Tt Is no sudden. angry blasphemy. Whoever fears that he has committed it and prays for pardon Is worlds away from it."-W. Robertson Nicoll, IL. D.
 How did Christ himself illustrate these truths? By three condensed parables (vs. 33-37). The parable of the tree and its fruit; the parable of the viper. and the parable of the treas ure.
 Christ's Sufficient Attestation.-vs. 38-t5. The scribes 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. a 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 sea monster (for the word translated whale" means sea monster" in gen. crab SC Christ would be three days and three nights" In the grave and then would rise from the dead.
 Why was this sufficient sign? It 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 of life
 How Men Reject Christ.-They do not reject him immediately and con
 a;a,,-Iy Thav draw away from him