Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1914-09-24

The lessons of the first quarter or
this years cycle chiefly present Jesus
as the great teacher. Those of the
second quarter principally concern the
aspect of his saviorhood, whereas dur
ing this present quarter We see him
mainly as the great judge. These les
sons have dealt with matters which
occurred during the last months, we
may almost say the last weeks, of his
life. During that year of opposition
he is met with the most determined
hostility and persecution. Neverthe-
less he proceeds against it all with
calm assurance, in strict justice and
without a shadow of faltering.
This reading lesson contains the
most celebrated and familiar verse in
the bible. In it We see:
A mighty God-"For God"
A mighty motive-''So loved"
A mighty scope-''The world"
A mighty sacrihce-'So gave His only be-
gotten Son"
A mighty escape-"Not perish
"a iiiibhNy I iA~i an
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 sery-
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-sae-
rificing Savior, is intended to teach
that there is but n path to true and
lasting greatness. and that is the path
of sacrifice and service.
The story of Bartimaeus, lesson
three, is a beautiful and touching e.
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-
,,al ,,rn ,J JntanI, t,npn ~ oots and
attitudes in the life that now is.
Lesson five presents Jesus as the
Messiah prophesied of in the Old TIES.
lament. 1t deals with the story of his
coming into Jerusalem, Entering thus
in such a manner demands our atten-
tion for 1t 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, Tho
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.
Lesson eight presents the parable of
the marriage feast in which Jesus I'M
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.
In lesson eleven, the parable Of the
virgins, we are taught that the Lord
Jesus ID 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 willfully
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.
The chief value of these lessons dur
ing this quarter is In the revelation
which they give US of the fact that
when our Lord made that last journey
to Jerusalem 1t was not to the death
of a victim, n who was mastered by
circumstances, who could not escape;
but as a king. AS he marched along
that pathway setting his face stead
lastly" he perfectly understood, and
resolutely faced a passion by mean
of which he was accomplishing the
purposes Of God and beyond the dark.
ness OF which he saw the brightness Of
ultimate victory and glory for man