The Brinkley argus., 1914-07-24
INTERNATIONAL. SU@kS0l0OL
 LESSON

(By E. O 9EIIIERS. Director of Evening
 Department. The Moody Bible Institute.
 Chicago)
 ~~~-~~~~~.~~~~,~~~.
 LESSON FOR JULY 26
 THE POUNDS AND THE TALENTS
 LESSON TExr-Lnke 1s:ll-27. of. Matt. 26:1l-SQ
 GOLDEN TExT-"well done. good and fatthfui servant: thou hast bean faithful over few th1ngB. will set thee over many things; enter into the joy of thy lord Matt. 1:21 R V.
 We are told plainly why Jesus spoke the first parable (v. ID. We must be- ware of confusing these two parables though they are one in their essential teachings.
 The parable of the pounds was ut tered before the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem while that of the talents was spoken subsequently. This association does not mean iden- tity for each has separate lesson. Both have to do with an absent lord whose return was imminent. The Jews looked for temporal visible Kingdom and many were associating the earthly life of our Lord with that expected manifestation. Hence this parable as recorded by Luke.
 lssue 10 Fidelity.
 1. "occupy Till Come" w. 1f-f4. Both of these parables have to do with the return of an absent lord who will then establish his Kingdom. In view of this return and consummation. his servants are to give their undivided attention to their immediate responsi- bilities. They are to trade. to do busi- ness with that that has been in- trusted to them They are to actively discharge their duty. Ere the visible kingdom Is established, Jesus told these Jews, there must be g period of preparation. Jesus. himself. Is the "nobleman" whose ascension into heaven where he is to receive a king dom fulfils the "departure into a far country" He will return to set up that kingdom. Acts 1911, with "all authority" Matt. 28:1S R. ". Eph. 1: 1923; I Pet. 3:22. He may return at any time. In neither parable is there full description of the Kingdom as 1t is to be established, for both have to do with the servants. The issue Is that of fidelity in each case.
 The "citizens'' (v. 14) include his proper subjects the Jews, John Ill; Acts 4:27-28, and in this connection we recall their cry. Away with him, cruelty" !" Luke 23:S; John 19 :15. These "citizens,'' also include all of his pro- fessed followers but not necessarily regenerated men, Matt. 7:22-S3. The king gives to each servant (v. 13) . pound (about $18.00). His deposit is equal in each case. In the parable of the talents there Is difference in the amounts bestowed. This last empha- sizes the fact that each is to be held responsible according to the measure of his own personal ability. Putting these two together we see that all the servants of the king are responsible for the one pound which Is symbol of the common fact of the kingdom power. At the same time the servant is also responsible for that common power according to the measure in which 1t Is entrusted to him. in which he is able to deal with 1t. The small amount of one pound indicates our re- sponsibility for the smallest gifts. Parable Of Pounds.
 q. sWhen he Wae Returned" w. f5-so. The parable of the pounds was spoken to those who thought he must at once establish he kingdom of God. That of the talents was given in an- swer to the disciples inquiry as to when certain things which he had fore told would take place. Upon his re- turn all these servants will be sum- moned before him, Matt 26:1S. Rom. 14:10-12, II Cor. 6:10. Al Jesus stood there, he, likewise of that as of all other ages, saw ahead of him Jeru- salem with its scourging, suffering and death. He also saw beyond that his resurrection and departure to re- ceive kingdom (v. 12). . period 1 therefore in this world during which his servants shall be responsible for lt the care of his interests, time dur ing which they shall occupy, do busi- l ness with what he has entrusted them of the kingdom authority and power. All of this will culminate in his re- turn when he will deal with those to whom this responsibility has been given, and then establish finally his 1 Kingdom. In the parable Jesus deals with each servant separately. and em- l phasixes the fact of stewardship. The pound belonged to the king. For hia faithfulness the first servant received,
 v. IT, (a) the kings commendation and (b) authority over ten cities
 Later, (v. 24) he also received another pound. The second did not give quito 70 good report. and his reward lacked the appreciation of the king. though he is placed over "nve cittes. " His reward was in proportion to his faithfuIness.
 The third report was bad. It TO I veals neglect. laziness, and a wrons
 conception regarding the king He
 sought to excuse his sloth by blaming l another. The excuses of the sinner
 always condemn himself. not God. and !, augment the sinners guilt. The < "wtcked servant" lost what he would