The Brinkley argus., 1914-01-02

GOLDEN TExT-"Gird yourselves with | humility, to Dorve one another; for God | resistekh the proud but giveth grace to l the humble.~- Pet. 5b.
 We now return to the New Testa- ment, and during this year finish those studies on the life of Christ which were followed during the year 1912. Almost as though it were an answer to the question, "who are for him, and who are against him?" that was asked in the last lesson for that year, we have presented for our study today, the relations of Jesus with children. In his teachings about children, as about 90 many other things. Jesus stands unique among all religious teachers.
 The events of this lesson occurred during the summer of A. D. 29, dur ing the time of his Perean ministry. which extended from his final depart ure from Galilee until his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
 Lust for Power.
 |. A Wayslde Dispute, w. 30-37.-As
 though by way of contrast, the lesson
 committee has given us this side-light
 as to the effect. up to this time, upon
 the hearts of the disciples of those
 great truths Jesus had been teaching
 them. about the method whereby he
 was to establish his kingdom. Tie
 disciples lusted for power, wrangling
 which had not yet ceased. Jesus wait
 ed until they had arrived at Caper-
 naum, and ther heat had cooled some
 what before taking any notice of the
 dispute. In response to his question
 ing they held their peace, for. after
 reflection, they were ashamed of what
 had taken place, V. 34. Jesus then pre-
 scented to them a concrete example of
 who shall seek to enter into this new
 kingdom. That was more pertinent
 question than the one they had just
 been discussing. (Luke 18:15-1D tells
 us that these disciples desired to send
 the children away, hence the words, SufIer them to come" Ever after,
 when this mean, low. ambition to be
 the greatest" came up. there must
 have arisen before them, in memory, this picture. His appeal to children meets a we'll nigh universal response in the hearts of men. The fact that the child was 80 near at hand is sug- gestive of the attractiveness of Jesus. The disciples were seemingly afraid Of him (v. 32),, not so, however, the child. For us to receive one who per fectly trusts him Is to receive Jesus himself, and to receive Jesus is to re- ceive the Father, for he came as the representative of the Father. the full 1 revelation of God. Col. 2:9. To en- ter the kingdom is of course prelim- mary to any question of precedence in that kingdom. Jesus taught these disciples that as a little child IS teachable (Matt. 1S:3), so must all be who are to follow him.
 Thus Jesus contrasts the spirit of humility with that of pride which they had just shown The lower we put ourselves the higher God will exalt us, Phil. 2:611. Jesus rebuked his disci- ples and taught them that rather than seek the place of authority and leader ship. they ought to take the place Of a child, that they may be taught and be ruled.
 q. Authority Denied, w. 3841. The spirit manifested by these disciples (v. 38) is far from having been re- moved from the earth after all of these years. The ability t. cast out devils in the name of Jesus was evidence enough in his mind that such persons were for, and not against, him. w. 3e,
 70. It Is not. however. the ability to cast out the devils. but rather the fact that a service had been perform. cd fin his name." which bulked large in his mind. Such is the service that has it's reward. V. Al and Matt 12:30. Set Good Example.
 lll. Anoels In Dlsouise, 1o:13-16. This attitude of Jesus towards those children about him (9:36) led others to bring their children to him, and among these were the babies, Luke 18:16. Try and picture the scene as Jesus extended his hands in blessed benediction. What effect this blessing may have had upon baby's heart we gre not told. but we can imagine that sense of responsibility for Chris tian nurture must have remained with these parents. Eph. 6:4. Those in charge of these children have set us a good example in bringing them thus early to Jesus. To allow children to