Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1918-04-25
LESSON FOR APRIL 20
JESUS REeukEs sELFlsHNEss

be first, the same shall be last of all, and
servant of all--Mark s:35-
DEVOTIONAL READINGI Corin-
thians b.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR
ACHERs-Matthew s:4-42' ao'2o-2s:
PRIMARY AND JUNIOR LESSON
MATERIAL-Mark e:9o-37-
PRIMARY MEMORY VERSEBe kind
one to another--Ephesians 4:32-
JUNIOR MEMORY verse; John 4;
I. The Stupidity of Selfishness- wv
3O-32)- Jesus with his disciples is on
his way TO Capernaum for the last
time He is soon to leave for Jerusa-
lem, where he is to, die on the cruel
cross for the worlds sins. He still
seeks the way of retirement in order
TO be alone with his disciples, his OBJ
ject being to lead them into the appre-
hension of the meaning of the cross
The teaching which was interrupted at
Caeserea by Peters rebuke is now re-
sumed, and with definiteness he de-
clares the future event as already
present
l. 1.-The Son of Man is delivered into
the hands of men"
2. They shall kill him.
3. He shall rise the third day"
While pressing upon them continu-
ous:y the fact and necessity of the
cross. he never failed to show them
the bright side-hiS triumphant vic
tory over death in the resurrection
The hearts of the disciples were so
STEPPED in selfishnesS that they failed
to understand his teachings. If the
disciples had more definitely attended
to his teaching concerning the cross,
they would have been better prepared
for the hour of temptation which was
so soon to overtake them.
u. The WrangIing of SeIfishness-
wv. 33-31)
/. The searching question ". 33)-
The omniscient Christ knew the Sc
crets of their hearts. The fact that
the disciples were wranging about Of
fetal position willie the Lord was fac
ing humiliation and death for them
and the whole world, shows how COM
| pIetely the Lord was alone in his sor-
row.
> The silent disciples ". 80.
They were ashamed in his presence,
| because the selfishneSs of their hearts
| was revealed. To realize the presence
of the Lord would sharue US of much of
our -selfishness.
3. The stinging 'rebuke wv. $500.
IF any man desire to be first, the
same shall be last of all, and servant
| OF ALL The greatest among men are
| those who are willing TO take the low
est place and serve others This truth
| he enforced in a concrete way by plac-
| ing child in their midst. This child
was an illustration of dependence and
| ignorance. BY example and word be
| shows that true greatness is expressed
| by willingness to aid the weak. to in
| struct the ignorant and to serve those
in need All such render service not
| merely to those in need, but unto
Christ and God. True greatness, there
fore, consists not in selfseeking. but
rendering cheerful service to the
needy in the name of Christ.
m. The Intolerance of SeIfishnes.
| wv. 3S-4D.
L. Johns guilty conscience ". 3S).
In the light of the teaching of Jesus
John was little disturbed over having
| forbid worker for Christ who die
not follow after him. Doubtless this
Intolerance was in part due to Jealousy
for Christ. but also a selfish ambition
Many times Christians mistake bigotry
for zeal for Christ
3 Whom to tolerate wv. 39-41).
% Those who are casting out devili
". 39). We should really satisfy our
selves that supernatural works are be
ing done. Are demons being cast out
However, this is not final, as there is
supernatural work not of God.
CO Those who are not doing thi.
work in Christ's name ". 40. An,
worker going forth in the name O.
Christ, and for the glory of Christ
should be given Godspeed. If he i.
doing a good work. even though not il
your way, or if not member of you
church or school. Forbid him not"
~. The Awful Issue of SeIfishness
wv. 42-50).
SelfishneSS results in ruin to other
". 42), and also to the individual Wv
43, As and AID. In either case the is
sue is eternal torment in hell. Selfish
ness is opposed to God, and that which
is opposed to God must be eternal.
separated from him Self-renuncia
ton should be so complete that w
should be willing to abandon the mos
necessary and lawful things in life
hands, feet and eyes-when they be
| come occasions for stumbling either L