Middletown transcript., 1914-09-26

"A mighty eScape-"ROC per1Sn
mighty g1ft-"Eternal Hfe.''
We here see Jesus set forth In grace
and while it does not declare that he
came to judge, yet in the passage are
set forth those principles upon which
he is constantly the Judge, and where
by he will eventually act in the last
and final judgment.
Gods Right.
In the first lesson, that of the labor
ers, Jesus taught his disciples the SOW
ereignty of God. God has a right to
do as seemeth best to himself. In this
parable we see the true motive in serv-
ice, viz, fidelity and not for hope of
reward. Jesus thus prepared the way
for his denunciation and judgment, of
the rulers.
Lesson two, which deals with the
self-seeking disciples and the self-sac-
rificing Savior, is intended to teach
that there is but one path to true and
lasting greatness, and that is the path
of sacrifice and service. In it the dis
ciple has presented the question of
association with himself in power, and
the method and value Of service.
The story of Bartimaeus, lesson
! three, is a beautiful and touching ex-
hibition of his activity Of mercy even
in the midst of the approaching judg-
ment.
In the fourth lesson is presented the
parable of the pounds and the talents.
Both are spoken to the disciples and
both deal with their responsibilities to
himself in the coming days. Our eter-
nal reward depends upon our acts and
attitudes in the life that now is. We
are rewarded not according to what
the Lord has bestowed upon US but
rather as we use that which is be-
slowed upon US. These parallels pre-
eminently deal with our responsible
ties to himself in the days to come.
Thus far the lessons were spoken as
he approached the city. The hour was
approaching. therein, in which he
would declare the verdict and pass
sentence upon the chosen people.
Lesson five presents Jesus as the
Messiah prophesied of in the Old Tes-
lament. It deals with the story of his
coming into Jerusalem. Entering thus
in such a manner demands our atten-
tion for it foreshadows the time of his
judicial activity with reference to the
people and the nation.
The next five lessons may be said
to deal with this ministry of judgment.
In lesson six we see some of the
preparatory signs and teaching. The
blasting of the fig tree and his cleans
ing of the house Of God are both SYM
bolical.
Lesson seven teaches US that if we
fail to be faithful in the kingdom
which has been entrusted to us it will
certainly be taken from us. Jesus com
pels the rulers to define their own fail
ure and to pass sentence upon that
failure. He then most solemnly warns
them that in the economy of God, his
people Israel had been set aside from
service.
Lesson eight presents the parable Of
the marriage feast in which Jesus un-
folds the plan of Gods invitation and
its human rejection in three stages.
Gods KInship.
The ninth lesson is a political in |
quiry which our Lord answered by |
setting forth all Of the important state
relationships according to the funda-
mental fact of the kingship of God.
Render unto Caesar the things that
are Caesars, and unto God the things
that be Gods" No other answer of |
his better reveals the infinite wisdom,
skill and tact of our Lord. Mans su.
preme duty towards God is the chief
content of lesson ten. The last of
these lessons are in the realm of con-
troverscy In which we hear him as he
deals with the fundamental question of
law and sets over against it the master
principle Of love. Man is to put God
first in everything.
From the Olivet prophecy we get the
last two lessons.
In lesson eleven, the parable of the
virgins, we are taught that the Lord
Jesus is coming again and we must
watch and be ready against that immi-
nent event. This lesson also suggests
the responsibilities of his people dur
ing his absence.
The twelfth lesson is a prediction of
the Judgment Of the nations and re-
veals the way by which he is to begin
the administration which will ensue
when that kingdom is established.
There is a kingdom prepared from the
foundation Of the world for the right
eous and a punishment prepared for
the devil and those who willfuIIy
choose to do his will Those who cast
their lot with his must go with him
to spend eternity. They themselves
sit In Judgment upon themselves, Judge
themselves not worthy.