The Jasper news., 1912-10-10
LESSON FOR OCTOBER 10.
CLEAN AND UNcLsAN.

I
Ghost"-Rom. H:i7 r. v.
This lesson deals with the last OF
those four events that marked the
crisis In the life OF Jesus at Caperna-
um. 1t occurred just before the third
period of his Galilean ministry and his
final departure for Jerusalem
Lessons II. and VII. of the second
quarter of this year showed us Jesus
attitude towards the law. Here We
see his attitude towards rabbinical ira
dtion. "a They are the traditions OF
men, and not the law Of God t2) They
were made a pretext whereby men
evaded the commands of the law.
We see before US three general divi-
sions, 1.-The accusation. v. is; H.
The answer v. 6.13, and lll.-The ap-
plication, v. 1923.
Ceremonial Neglected.
The growing hatred of the Phari-
sees led them to make the long Jour
ney from Jerusalem that they might
observe him and find wherein to &C
cuse him. While they were studying
him they at the same time revealed
their ideal OF the kingdom OF God.
They took special notice that the dis
ciples OF Jesus ate without the careful
observance OF the ceremonial cleans
ing of their hands. We must not un-
derstand this to mean so much the
removal of actual uncleanness, but
rather that the disciples had neglect
ed the ceremonial oservahce OF the
washing of hands OF which the Phari-
sees we're so punctillous. Mark ".
and ~ adds illumination by calling
especial attention to these traditions
to which the Jews adhered SO tena-
ciously. Thus we can see that their
ideal Of mans relation to God was
largely matter OF external ceremony.
Purity to them was an outward mat
ter, something largely governed by the
traditions of men and which they had
received TO hold" v. 5. The answer
OF Jesus reveals a very opposite ideal.
He begins by calling the Pharisees
hypocrites. A hypocrite Is play
actor, one who hides behind mask.
Then applying the prophecy Of Isaiah.
Jesus tells the Pharisees that they
are hiding their true character behind
7
Such play acting is but a poor imi-
tation of the real heart condition de-
manded by God FPS. 51:10). Their
hearts were far from God even though
with their lips they professed to
serve him, "and many like things
ye do" The service which is pleas.
ing to God is the doing OF his will. 1t
consists not in the fulfilling Of rit-
ual. but in the fulhllment Of life, g. g.,
a growing character.
Disciples Perplexed.
Jesus takes advantage OF this dis
cussion and turning to the multitude
upon whom the Pharisees would bind
such a grievous burden OF cermonial-
ism and falsehood Matt. 23:4) warns
them that It is not 80 much that which
/ enters into a man that deiiles him, but
rather that which proceeds out OF q
man, v. Is. II seems quite natural that
! the disciples should be perplexed ant
T should ask Jesus what was meant BY
3 such a statement. Jesus answer v
1928, shows us very clearly tha
these things coming forth. reveal the
corruption within, Read Matthew
J. 1894, 35, Gen. Go and James 3:1O-l2
l. Real purity is purity Of heart, II thu
: heart be not cleansed, what will 1
y avail II we wash the hands? What
then, is the application for this pres
ent day? Clearly we are taught tn
d danger OF lip service without a chang
A of heart. The danger of substituting
the good for the best. Forms an,
ceremonies are good and have thel
g place. They are significant. The
Df are important teaching factors. bu
they must not be substituted for
pure heart. We must beware lest W
- hide behind such a mask.
n There is here also the plain teacl
ID ing as to Jesus estimate OF the PEI
I'd tateuch and inferentially OF the propi
ecy OF Isaiah. He specifically calls
the Word OF God" Surely we ca
In accept his estimate as contraste
le with the traditions OF the elders c
oy the consensus OF modern thought"
m There is here also a great opportl
nifty TO emphasize flial duty. Thi
is a day and a time that needs emphI
Ia sis upon the fifth commandment Coz
at sideration of parents sacrifice, COO
all Grafton with them In the bearing (
os- burdens. comfort for them in sorro
and adversely, and cheer for them 4
they journey down life's pathway. II
il ial disrespect and an iconoclastic
d. reverence OF things holy are tv
TO things that are eursing the rising ge
r. Grafton.
And lastly, there is here lessC
TO emphasize as to what constitute
nd real cleansing. The believer
ed cleAnsed "once for all" Heb. lO-l-i
he but needs frequent daily confessiC
that he may abide in unbroken Il
lowshlp. The blood OF Christ n
lu- only eleanses from the guilt but Il
20 deflement also.-Eph 5:25-27 and
me John $50
Less talk and more walk,
Less wishing and more doing.
out "Ieas preaching and more pract