The Dermott news., 1918-01-17
LESSON FOR JANUARY 20
JESUS AT WORK.

n-%4 Matt e:35-4s; II :2s-so: Luke s:l-3
 PRIMARY MEMORY VERSE-And he healed many that were sick.-Mark 1:A
 INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-The power and sympathy of Jesus.
 MEMORY VERSE-Gal 6;2.
 SENIOR AND ADULT ToPIC-Jesus meeting human needs.
 At the risk of repetition we will once more call attention to the new plan or Sunday-school lessons. It's character lst.cs are First, the uniform teaching. A general lesson title and the same general Scripture passages as the basis of study for all grades. One Golden text for all, although frequently de- votional Scripture lesson and particu- lar text which is intended for the opening worship of the school or for departments of the school, with addi- tonal scriptural material for the use of teachers of the various grades. Second, the grades and ages. The grades recognized are: Primary. pupils from six to eight inclusive; junior nine to eleven or twelve inclusive; inter- mediate boys and girls. twelve or thir-
 
 young people, eighteen to twenty-four: adults, twenty-five and upwards. Be ginners are not included in these les sons, as they have been provided for n the beginners lessons of the graded courses. Third. the graded teachers. Different lesson topics or titles as adapted to the different grades. Again, T Additional scriptural material intended especially for the graded lesson wri- .ers and teachers. Sometimes the les son text for certain grade is simply small portion of the uniform or gem eral Scripture passage for that day.
 The first six months of this year will be devoted to the Gospel of Mark. Every syllable will be covered during the course. Then there Is to he Il three months course of study in the Chris aan life on such vital topics aS: The Beginning of q Christian Life, Reading Gods Word. Praying to God. Oheying God, Growing Stronger. Speaking for Christ, ConQuering Evil. etc. appar- ently disconnected, but really vitally rel"ted course on topics dealing with Christian living.
 The Lesson for Today.
 l. The Man of the UncIesn Spirit (vv. 21-27. Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, and the results were far different from those in Capernaum or Nazareth. (See Luke :16-30) But as always evil Is present with good, and evil always recognizes true piety, hence those present recognized that Il God-sent man with God given mes- sage was speaking. Sunday-school teachers should also speak with au- thority, for we are as "the oracles of l God.- q Peter 4:11) Notice Christs power over spiritual evil. (vv. 23-27) Demonlacal possession, we are told, is quite common today in China and other heathen lands. The terror of this de mon at the words of Christ may sug- gest how evil men will feel when Christ shall come again. As always, evil desires to be let alone" but Christ would not let him alone. The demon did not want to come out, but
 
 Christ and had to come, and in coming hs made himself so felt that the people were "All amazed" Neither astonish. nsnt nor engagement, however, is con- v0rsion.
 n. Pstsr's Mother-ln-law (vv. 2S-34. la this next scene we have one of the homes wherein Jesus manifested his power over physical or bodily illness. Notice Christ was abiding with his own loved ones. Here is an example on the part of Christ of how to do per sonal work. Also an example and a testimony that service Is testimony of gratitude. The fact that this one was healed and that she began at once to serve, is also testimony to the fact of the cure. There was sickness In that home, not "error of mortal mind." and they did what was best brought the sick one to Jesus. Again In verse 90 Is this keyword of Marks Gospel. "straightway." Jesus could heal at a distance (John 4:50-53), but he liked to come straight up to the afflicted one. Notice he took her by the hand. This, too. is lesson for us The gospel of handclasp Is too often neglected. The 'taking-by-the-hand" religion Is much needed in our churches today. Notice he also raised her up." People need to be lifted to- day. It Is not enough to command them to rise; we must also help them to arise. Then it was that "the fever left her." Sickness. us we'll as de- mons, gave way before the Lord.
 The concluding scene of this da (vv. c2-35) Is remarkable and presents vivid and beautiful picture. At even when the sun did set" (v. 32) they brought unto him "all' that were dis eased. While all were gathered at the door, not all were healed. for the rec. ord says, many were healed" We read, many are called, but few cho- sen" All that city was gathered that eventide about Peters door (v. 23), but the sad part of 1t was that not all