The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-10-31

Inc l0teTIatlOudl SunOdy OCuooi ASS,
son for Nov. / is The Arrest anu
Trial Of Jesus."-Matt. 26:47-6S.
BY WILLIAM T. ELLIS.
A gloomy appropriateness envelops
this momentous lesson at the present
hour when all the earth resounds to the
clamor of military strife. For the ar
rest of Jesus, and his death. was the
apotheosis OF force. Then, as now.
clear teachings of truth were silenced
beneath the blows of armed might:
principles gave way to sheer material
strength. Yet by the apparent defeat
Of Jesus such power was added to JUS
tice and righteousness that now all the
world perceives the inevitable doom Of
the rule Of force. For 1t was in this
dark hour Of the apparent victory OF
mere physical might, that Jesus uttered
the words. SO widely quoted now, "All
they that take the sword shall perish
with the sword
We are summoned to the turning
point Of time by this lesson: to the
apex of history. 1t is the consumma-
ton of the drama of the ages. Toward
it all previous centuries looked; from it
all time since has been dated. In all
history and in all literature there is
nothing else so worthy of study as the
passion Of the worlds Redeemer.
A simple aim for every one who, in
the Sunday school or out of it, takes
up this theme is to master the facts in
their order. Before any intelligent de-
auctions can be made, the simple facts
themselves should be clearly in mind.
Resolve not to let this occasion pass
without mastering the sequence of the
events of this last day of the earthly
life of Jesus.
The Soldiers and the Sufferer.
Into the Garden Of Submission. be-
meath the gray olive trees, where the
moonlight cast strange shadows,
noisy crowd of soldiers and temple po-
lice had come, with a rabble at their
heels. Judas led them, and gave the
false kiss of betrayal. In that place
where. a few moments before, Jesus
had wrestled in agony, until the bloody
sweat streamed from his brow, he now
stood serene and undiSturbed. The
Gethsemane prayer had been answered.
He had been strengthened for his or
deal. Alone with God he had been in
anguish; now. amid men. he was at
peace.
Motley as the multitude that in
vaded this solitude on the slope of the
Mount of Olives. The scribes and the
Pharisees were there. to see that their
plot did not miscarry. Their own min
ions, the temple police, were present to
do the bidding of the schemers. So
were soldiers OF the Roman legion. On
the outskirts lurked friends Of Jesus.
one of whom, probably, escaped only
by leaving his cloak in the hands of
the enemy.
The dignity of Jesus cried out
against the affront offered him by this
armed multitude:' Are We come out,
as against a robber, with swords and
slaves? When l was daily with you
in the temple we stretched not forth
your hands against me: but this is
your hour. and the power of dark
ing of his captors should have
touched these ceremonious leaders of
the people in a sensitive spot: they
had failed in seemliness, as well as
in justice. Better far the way of a
British soldier who was asked. What
would you do If you should cap
a king" instantly answered Tommy"
The Chivalrous Prisoner.
Three knightly deeds marked the
first moments Of the capture of
Christ. goodly gentleman was He,
and the truest pattern Of chivalry.
First of all he stepped forward fear
accept full responsibility. No shirk-
ing. covering or cringing about Him.
Whom seek We? 1 am he"
Gentle as she who nursed Thee at breast
yet what a lash OF lightnings once Thy
To scourge the hypocrite and PhariseeD-
Nerve Thou mine arm. O meek. o mighty
Champion Of all who fail, fly to Theer"
Fearless for self. yet how solici ?
tous for His friends. Jesus did not
seek a way out for Himself. but His
first thought was. eff We seek me, let
these go their way" The act was
like a mother bird defying an enemy
while her flock scurry to cover. The
most Christlike OF all virtues is to
think first of others. That is the core
of social service. 1t is essential
Christlikeness. Jesus had done His
work: He was about to die; but these
men who were to be the nucleus of
His Church were to live; and His
work would go on.
In that great hour, when the be-
holding angels must have held their
breath at the majesty and magnitude
heal a hostile wounded soldiers ear.
One more coup Of cold water" I'm
petuous Peter, in obedience to the old
mistaken notion that even moral and
spiritual issues may be settled by
force of arms, had drawn his sword
and severed the ear Of Malchus. Je-
sus healed the wound with fine chiv-
airy which no battlefield has equaled.
The Unused Reserves.
Reserves determine battles, as each
days dispatches remind u.s. Although
He fought His great battle single
handed, the Christ-prisoner gives us
a glimpse of His possible allies. He
refused Peters sword. and also dis
dained the more than twelve legions
OF angels" which could be summoned
from the Father. What sublime and
solitary strength! Jesus stood alone
in His great hour. that no other suf-
ferer thenceforth might have to stand
alone. Whoever goes down into the
blacklist valley of loneliness and suf-
fering finds the Christ already there.
a comprehending Comrade.
Nevertheless. 1t must have comforteo
the Masters soul to know the FORCES
that were on his side. They assured
him of ultimate victory. beyond the