The Carlisle independent., 1918-01-17
LESSON FOR JANUARY 20
JESUS AT WORK.

GOLDEN TEXT-We must work ths works of him that sent me while 1t is day.-John 9:4.
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR TEACHERS Matt. 4.23-25: Luke 4:16-22, 8-44+ Matt 9:35-4S; II :25=30: Luke 8:1-3.
 PRIMARY MEMORY VERSE-And he healed many that were sick.-AIark 1:34.
 INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-The power and sympathy of Jesus.
 MEMORY VERsE-Ga1. 60.
 SENIOR AND ADULT TOPIC-Jesus meeting human needs.
 At the risk of repetition we will once more call attention to the new plan of Sunday-schOol lessons. Its 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 a de- yotional Scripture lesson and particu- lar text which Is intended for the opening worship of the school or for departments of the school, with addi- tional 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- teen to seventeen inclusive; senior or 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, memory verses for the various grades. Additional scriptural material intended especially for the graded lesson wri- .ers and teachers. Sometimes the les son text for a certain grade is simply small portion of the uniform or gen. 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 be a three months course of study in the Chris tian life on such vital topics as: The Beginning of a Christian Life, Reading 1 Gods Word, Praying to God, Obeying 1 God. Growing Stronger. Speaking for 1 Christ, Conquering Evil, etc, appar- antly disconnected, but really a vitally related course on topics dealing with Christian living.
 The Lesson for Today.
 I. The Man of the unclean Spirit i (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 God-sent man with a God-given mes sage was speaking. Sunday-school teachers should also speak with au- thority, for we are as "the oracles of God" q Peter :11) Notice Christ's power over spiritual evil. (vv. 23-27) Demoniacal possession, we are told, is quite common today in China and other heather 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 he was helpless before the power of Christ and had to come, and in coming he made himself so felt that the people were "au amazed" Neither astonish. ment nor amazement, however, is con- version.
 II. Peters Mother-in-Law (vv. 2S-34. In this next scene we have one of the homes wherein Jesus manifested his Isower 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 testimony that service is testimony of gratitude. The fact that this one was healed and that she began at once to serve, is also a testimony to the fact of the cure. There was sickness in that home, not terror of mortal mind" and they did what was best brought the sick one to Jesus. Again in verse 80 is this keyword of Marks Gospel, "straightway." Jesus could heal at a distance (John :50-53), but he liked to come straight up to the afflicted one. Notice he took her by the hand. This too, is q lesson for us. The gospel of a handelasp is too often neglected. The ng-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 10 arise. Then it was that ''the fever left her." Sickness, as well as de- mons, gave way before the Lord.
 The concluding scene of this da tvv. 32-35) is remarkable and presents a 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