Cleveland County herald., 1918-06-20
LESSON TEXT-Mary 1s;1-2O

II. The Angel in the Tomb (vy. 5-S).
 Jesus knew that these women would come to the sepulcher with unbeliev- ing hearts, so he had an angel waiting there to announce to them the fact of his resurrection. How many times we are helped out of doubts and difficult ties by an angel which the omniscient Lord knew would be needed at par ticuar time. With such companions and helpers no place need seem lone ly. and no condition need alright us. The angels message:
 1. "Be not affrighted" (v. @.
 What comforting words these must have been to these bewildered women. The open tomb is the cure for fear; 1t steadies our hearts when things look dark and we do not understand.
 2. "Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified (v. 6).
 This three-fold designation with marvellous clearness shows:
 Q.} His humanity-Jesus.
 (2.) Lowly residence-Nazareth.
 (3.) fgnominious death-crueified.
 8. file is risen; he is not here; be- hold the place where they laid him" (v. 6)
 These words throw light upon his birth, humility and shameful death. He who was born in lowly circum- stances. and suffered the shameful .. ...-.. .,-~s-~sp~s-~-----~~Ss--~~> 'xestS~ the sfoss. fs now the con quercr of death His resurrection gives meaning to his death. If Christ had not risen, then his death would have been meaningless. eff Christ be not risen, your faith is vain; ye are in your sins q Cor. 15:1D.
 4. "Go your way, tell his disciples and Peter" (v. ,.
 As soon as 1t was known that Christ had risen from the dead, they were to tell 1t to the disciples. Knowledge of Christs triumph involves the responsi- bility of witnessing concerning it. The disciples all needed this blessed news, but Peter especially since he had so denied him. Wonderful grace, this!
 g. "He goeth before you into Gali- lee: there shall ye see him. (v. D.
 0HTlSl ldU lOlNl Ilc OloNipASS tAitte IN would arise from the dead and meet them in Galilee, but their unbelief kept them from this blessed truth.
 III. The Appearances of the Risen Christ (vv. 9-14).
 These appearances had as their ob- feet the restoration of the disciples from their awful failure and diseeur- agement and the convincing them, without the peradventure of doubt, of Christ's resurrection. Since his resurrection was to be the central theme of apostolic preaching, it was necessary that they have certainty of knowledge as to this matter (ActS 1:3). Without the resurrection of Christ. his death would be meaning less. Out of the ten or more appear ances. Mark selects three.
 I. To Mary Magdalene (vv. 9-1D.
 Niary's heart responded to the Sa- viour's gracious deliverance of her from demons. Her sufferings were no doubt terrible. She is the first to the tomb. Her devotion is amply reward ed hv being the first to meet the risen Lord. Light will surely come to the heart that really loves the Lord, though the faith is weak. She went at once and told the sorrowing disciples. but they refused to believe.
 ?. To two disciples on the way to Emmaus (vv. 12, 13).
 Luke gives full particulars concern ing this appearance. Jesus had walked, talked, and eaten with them, convincing them that the Lord is risen indeed Quke 24:13-35). The testi- mony of srch is trustworthy.
 8. To the eleven disciples (v. 14).
 W. The Commission of the Risen Lord (vv 15-lS).
 After the disciples were convinced of the truth of his resurrection, Christ sent them forth to preach the Gospel to every creature"
 What glorious and supreme task Is this! "He that beieveth and is bap- tized shall be saved; but he that believ- eth not shall be damned (v. 16).
 V. The Activity of the Enthroned Christ (vv. 19-20).
 After giving the disciples their com. mission, he ascends on high, and from he unseen sphere directs their activi ties. Wherever they went he con. nrmed their word.