The Brinkley argus., 1914-01-23


 The first section of our lesson text has no connection with the other two It Is taken from time several months previous to the time of the Perean ministry and was undoubtedly chosen as an indication of the company who travelled with Jesus and his disciples, and who provided for his needs. We must remember that Jesus was not supported by board, church, nor by some philanthropically inclined follow citizen. It is to the second two sec tions therefore that we devote our chief attention.
 Different Glasses.
 l. Those who would follow Jesus, s:57-62. Read carefully Matt. 8:19-22. Three different classes are here repre- sented: CD The impulsive follower (v. 57, 58). This is the man who is moved by sudden desire to accom- pany this marvellous Teacher, but like the man ill the parable, does not sit down and count the cost ere he starts 1 emphasized when we read tMatt. S:19) that this man was scribe, one who would not be expected to make such a resolve. He must have been deeply stirred by what he had seen and heard in the life of Jesus. Such resolve. promised well, but it is soon revealed to him that he did not realize what was involved in his promise (y. 58). Jesus showed the man that to go "whithersoever" with him means to share his experiences, his fare, his quarters, and to receive the same treatment he received, 2 Tim. 3:12. It is a mistake to tell folk that the road of righteousness is a primrose path. The road of disobedience is rough one, as the man who went to Jericho found, still the road of righteousness is a narrow one, Matt. 7:13, IA. Every follower of Jesus must be willing to take what he took, and to receive. what he received, John 15:203 I Pet. 2:21.
 This sentence (v. 5S) has done more to give us a comprehension of the earthly surroundings of cur Lord than any other in the gospels, 2 Cor. 8:9. (2) The proerastinating follower fy. 5o) Jesus did not forbid the first man, he simply showed him what was involved, This man. however, Jesus Invited to a place as disciple-learner That he was willing to accept IS evl- dent, only he was not yet Gctsasl%e ready, q will, but" It is not at all Dfosa- ble that this mans father was await ing burial; had his father but just died, and awaiting burial, Jesus would not have prevented. Rather he was indicating a father about to die and that he would follow after his fathers death. Hence the sharp words of the Master, Let the dead bury the dead A proper duty, a sacred duty, but not so proper nor so sacred as to have pre- cedence over the claims of Jesus, Matt. 6:33; 10:37
 Ever Ready to Serve.
 II. Those who did follow Jesus, 10:38-42 We now turn to consider this little company who were ever ready to serve our Master. From V. 5S we know that not every home was open to receive Jesus as was this one in Bethany, John 11:1. Though this was Marthas home 10:98), and there fore she felt the burden of hospitality, yet she did not hear the word as did her sister Mary, Mark 4:19. Martha was occupied with duty and Mary, with Jesus Martha was occupied with many things, Mary was occupied with the "one thing needful." The result was that Martha was distracted (R. V.), while Mary was at rest. Jesus wants his disciples, his followers, to sit at his feet and to learn of him. He knows all about duty's dull demand, but the one thing needful is, first of all, to learn of him. Marthas love prompted the service, but there was doubtless much pride that aecompa- nied it. Jesus, as we have seen, was not cumbered with much comfort, and 1t is doubtful that he was desirous of a big dinner Jesus does, however, commend communion with himself as being, that good part" Afterwards, when death invaded that circle, it was Martha that had the most intimate dealing with our Lord, see John, chap ter Il, hence. Me .cencfude that -grfre- learned on this day the lesson Jesus sought to teach, viz, that in the life of quiet communion (Isa 30: :15) we shall receive that strength that is ab solutely essential, if we are to serve him acceptably We must not allow the daily, legitimate demands of duty to interfere with life of full, free, fel- lowship with the Master.
 Summary--It has never >been re- corded that Jesus ever complained of the hardships of life, yet he had his intimates who were glad to minister to his needs. The call to companionship with Christ, the call. follow me" is the most stupendous program yet pre- sented to man The perfect disciple, as well as the ideal woman. is the one who is blend of the divergent char acters of Martha and Mary It is at the feet of Jesus we are to receive that equipment which # necessary for ef- fective service. Making excuses takes much time that had better be put into smaking good.'"