The Carlisle independent., 1917-05-31

the younger classes, emphasis might be | placed upon the dramatic scene in the | garden of Gethsanane, and Peters de- nial at the fire. In some of the inter- mediate classes the scholars might be asked to write short, one-minute es- says, describing the scene as though they, themselves, were present. For the adult classes of course the central theme is the way that Christs follow CTS neglect him today even as the dis ciples slept in Gethsemane, and be trayed him like Judas or denied him like Peter.
 l. The Place of Retreat (vv. 1-3). In his emphasis upon the spiritual gran deur of the deity of Jesus, John does not dwell upon the agony in the gar den. He, however, gives us that noblest passage in the New Testament (chs 14-1O, the like of which cannot be found anywhere else in the worlds writings. Having spoken these words, Jesus and his disciples went over the Brook Kedron (v. D to the garden, there to bear the awful weight of I agony that was crushing him (Afatt. 26 :3S), while at the same time he must strengthen his disciples, and fortify them against the coming trials. That this place was place of frequent re- sort for Jesus, Judas was aware It was sanctuary in which Jesus met the Father, and those who knew him l knew it as a place of prayer, and the most likely place to find him at that time of night (v. B. Rebuffed at Mary's prodigality, Judas had consort- ed with the priests, and now covetous- ness is to reap its reward. Judas was not hardened in a day. His greed for money, while at the same time listen ing to the teachings of Jesus, had ] gradually hardened his heart
 II. Protecting and Protesting (vv AID. (See Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22). Jesus went forth in order to con- centrate the attention of the soldiers upon himself, and to prevent a general attack upon the disciples. In answer to his question, they said they were seeking Jesus, the Nazarene," a term | saying, q am he" John adds, "and | Judas also which betrayed him stood with them" Greed for money, grow. ing into theft and falseness of fife ended with the blackest crime the world has ever known. His salutation sent them backward (v. @. Perhaps among the officers were some who had failed to arrest him on a former occa. sion (ch. 7:46), and who were now overawed by his marvellous words and majestic bearing. Again he answered "Whom seek ye" (v. D, and they said, "Jesus of Nazareth" the same words as before, but probably in a changed tone, showing that they were prepared to listen with respect, though certainly not with reverence, to what he might have to offer. What dra matic picture-the braZenness of sin . Judas who stood among the enemy and the fearlessness of virtue. Jesus facing his accusers. Augustine, com menting on this verse, says, "What will he do when he comes as guest if he did this when giving himself up as a prisoner?" His act, however shielded his disciples, for not one of them was to be lost tv. g R. V.), and he knew they were not strong enough yet to stand the test of arrest and trial. At this point Peter attempts to defend Jesus (v. 10).
 III. Peter Denying (vv. 15-17). As Jesus was led away, his disciples for sock him. They all left him, and fled man followed Jesus. It is conjectured that this young man was Mark. With quickness of action we are now trans l ported to the judgment hall. There we see him bound, with his hands shackled behind his back, and led first to Annas (v. 13), which was an il legal transaction, "as though some l reformer should be tried at Tammany hall in New York; (Robert E. Speer). Annas was now very old. From him he was taken to Caiaphas, followed by Peter "afar off," now in different mood than when he smote the high | priests servants ear. With him was | tHdt OtucI OlsSipIc wa. O1 iC' ferring to himself). Now John was known to the high priest, and he went in with Jesus into the palace, but Peter was standing without at the door. Notice the steps of his failure i; First, he "slept" in the garden; sec ond, he followed "afar off, Guke % :54) ;. third, he ''stood' without 1; l fourth, he ''sat" in the midst.
 Then notice the denials, the last ac. companied by cursing. Attempts to compromise with the world meet with the same measure of failure today as when Peter was in the judgment hall. Bad company is good thing to keep I out of unless gone into to witness for Christ. Peter did not have that pur l pose. The Lord had only to Hook" at Peter Uuke g :61) and he "remem bered." We may deny Christ by our silence, by remaining outside of the church, by denying his existence, by profanity, by ridiculing his friends | ;e;n hx, lx-tx,