The Green Forest tribune., 1914-12-11
INTERNATIONAL, SUNlAYSQlO0L
 LESSON (By B. o. SELLERS, Acting Director of
 Sunday School Course.)
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 13
THE GREAT COMMISSION.

LESSON TEXT-Matt. 2S:16-2O; Luke "A: s6-49.
 GOLDEN TEXT-Lo I zen with you al- ways, even unto the end of the world.- Matt. 2S:20.
 This lesson consists of two para graphs which constitute what might be termed two commissions or two parts of the Great Commission. There are four distinct accounts of the final com mands of our Lord to his disciples, each presenting a different phase of the work he committed to his follow CTS. In this lesson we have for our consideration two of these aspects which ought not to be confused.
 l. The Appearance in Jerusalem, Thomas Being Absent. Luke 24:36-49.
 CD The Resurrected Lord, w. 36-43, The Emmaus disciples reported to the disciples, and those gathered with them in Jerusalem, the things they had experienced, especially in the breaking of bread. This occurred late in the evening (see Luke 24:29, 33). While they, and the others, were re- hearsing the many things that had ta- ken place on that first eventful day, Jesus himself suddenly appears in their midst without the opening of a door and asks them of their thoughts. Once before he had thus searched them Iuke 9;46, 4O, but now the oc- casion is quite different Fear of the Jews had crowded them into this room but no closed door except that of the human heart can keep out the risen Lord. Simon's report (ch. 24:34 and that of the Emmaus disciples were not sufficient to allay their fear. Fear at this visible evidence of the supernat- ural is true of us all, but when Jesus truly is present there is peace no matter what may be the turmoil with out, or the fear within.
 Man of Flesh and Bone.
 This appearance was a demonstra- tion that it was he himself, and to add proof upon proof he first showed them his pierced hands and feet, and then called for fish and ate it before, and doubtless with, them. Jesus is today man of flesh and bone as much as when he walked Galilee's hills. His blood he poured out upon Calvary. The evidence of the literal, physical resurrection of Christ is sc everwhelm- ing that the unbeliever does violence to his reason not to accept it.
 (2) The Ascended Lord, w. 44-4e. This coming of Jesus and his message of peace and assurance brought also a commission that this great fact be told to others. The event recorded in these verses did not occur in Jeru- salem but upon Mount Olivet and con- stitutes the final appearance of Jesus. As he had done often before, so now he sets his seal upon the Old Testa- ment, expressly speaking of it's books under their accepted three-fold divi- sion (v. 44). In these there are be- tween three and four hundred direct,, not to speak of the indirect, prophe- cies concerning him. What we need is to have the Holy Spirit that we may understand" (v. 45), the purpose of his life and death. Jesus taught his disciples what that purpose is (v. 47), viz, the remission of sins," based on the sure ground of his finished work. This, and this alone, is the gospel and it is to be preached in his name unto all nations-a missionary suggestion but beginning at home, in Jerusalem. Verse 49 tells us of that other needed preparation to make us effective wit nesses, the enduement of the Holy Spirit.
 Some Disciples Doubted.
 II. The Appearance to the Eleven in Galilee, Matt. 29: 1920. This event took place much later than that men, toned in the first part of the previous section. As we carefully read this section it suggests that Jesus was somewhat removed from the dis ciples, yet their vision was so clear that they worshiped him, though some doubted. Drawing near to the dis ciples he first of all emphasizes his supreme authority, "all power is given unto me-" and on that authority he commissioned them to their work of discipling "all nations" Marks ren. lering of this commission 16:15, 16) Is more inclusive, "to the whole crea- :ion," including all of mans welfare. social as we'll as spiritual. For Jesus thus to claim authority and to send forth his ambassadors and still not be the very God of the very God" is to stamp him either as an impostor or e lunatic. Because all power is his, therefore the obligation and the ac- companying Holy Spirit who will en- able us to teach the things he has com handed. There is back of the com mission "all power" and accompany ing it blessed fellowship, "Lo, am with you all the days"
 The sad thing is that after nearly two thousand years we have carried out so poorly the great commission.
 And lastly the disciple is not to go in his own strength or wisdom. His paEables describe fully the age upon which the disciples were entering. AS