Middletown transcript., 1914-01-03
Lust for Power.

j. WaySIoe dispute, W. 3U-3Is-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. The
disciples lusted for power, a 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. 81. Jesus then pre-
sented to them concrete example Of
what is to be required Of all of those
who shall seek to enter into this new
kingdom. That was a more pertinent
question than the one they had just
been discussing. (Luke 18:15-17) tells
us that these disciples desired to send
the children away, hence the words,
Suffer 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 well nigh universal response
in the hearts of men. The fact that
the child was so near at hand is sug-
gestive Of the attractiveness Of Jesus.
The disciples were seemingly afraid
Of him ". 32), not so, however, the
child. For us to receive one who per-
feetly 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
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
teaehabIe Matt. 1879, so must all be
who are to follow him. A child's
readiness to believe that which is told
him is another trait Jesus must also
have had in mind. A child's obedience
to authority and readiness to serve are
traits of character necessary to those
who desire to enter his kingdom.
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. 2:6-11. Jesus rebuked his disci-
pies 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
u. Authority Denied, w. 39-41. The
spirit manifested by these disciples
". 38) is far from having been re-
moved from the earth after all Of these
years. The ability to cast out devils
in the name of Jesus was evidence
enough in his mind that such persons
were for, and not against, him, w. 80,
40. 1t is not, however, the ability to
cast out the devils, but rather the
fact that a service had been perform.
edN"in his name," which bulked large
in his mind. Such is the service that
has it's reward, v. Al and Matt. 1890.
It is impossible for one to do a mighty
work in the name of Jesus, and then
quickly to speak evil Of him. Who are
we to judge any man or to clay aught
against Gods elect, it is God that JUS
tifieth," Rom. S:3S. If any cast out
demons in the name of Christ, giving
Christ the glory, let US beware Of say
ing aught against them, though they
belong not to our party, least we our
selves stand condemned.