The Brinkley argus., 1918-05-10


 DEVOTIONAL READING-Isaiah 42:1-
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR | TEACHERS-Ma 20:20-2S; Luke 9: B-2.
 PRIMARY ToPIC-Jesus and the blind beggar.
 LESSON MATERIAL-Mark 1o:4s-52
 PRIMARY AND JUNIOR MEMORY VERSE-Be of good cheer, rise; He cal leth thee.-Mark 10:49.
 JUNIOR AND INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-Jesus teaches how to be great.
 l. Jesus ForeteIIs His Passion and Resurrection (vv. 32-34).
 This is the third time he makes this prediction. The circumstances are most tragic.
 l. Jesus going to Jerusalem (v. 32).
 He was going with the full conscious ness of the awful tragedy of the cross before him-the treachery of Judas, the fiery prosecutions of the priests and scribes-the unjust judgment.
 2. The disciples following after (v. 32).
 They were in dread bewilderment. His utterances and demeanOr filled their minds with perplexity, and their hearts with awe. In this state of con- fusion, Jesus called them to him and patiently instructed them.
 8. "What needs should happen unto him" (vv. 33, 34).
 (D Delivered unto chief priests and scribes."
 CD They shall condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gen tiles"
 (3) 'They shall mock, scourge, spit upon, and kill him."
 (4) "The third day he shall rise again."
 II. The Ambitious Request of James and John (vv. 3545).
 1. The request (vv. 35-3O.
 It was for place of prominence in the Kingdom. According to Matthew, their mother was the intercessor. Many mothers have been used by chil- dren to carry out that which they were themselves ashamed to do. It is very desirable for mothers to get places for their children near to Jesus, but unfortunately many are seeking the pinnacles of the world and for getting the nearness to Christ.
 2. Jesus reply (vv. 3S-45).
 (1) To Peter and John (vv. 3S40).
 He speaks directly to tho men, de- claring that they know not what they ask. The Lord many times has to re- rIyn quests. He showed them that the way to this position of glory was through suffering. The cup which they were to drink was all that was embraced in the agony on the cross. He comedies that the positions which they craved were obtainable, but in a very differ ent way from what they apprehended. The way to places in glory in the Kingdom of Christ is through the path of lowly, self-forgetful service.
 (2) To the ten (vv. 41-45).
 The ten were displeased with Peter and John, but doubtless they were not free from the same selfish ambitions. Christ showed them that to give is greater than to receive; that to serve is greater than to be served. The standard of his kingdom is to forget self and serve others, even to give ones life. Christ is the supreme ex- ample to be initiated by all who would follow him.
 Iii. Jesus Cures Bartimaeus of Blindness (vv. 46-52).
 Though the weight of the cross was upon him, he had time for gracious deeds. Blind Bartimaeus receives his sight
 l. Bartimaeus' request (vv. 46, 47).
 He cried to Jesus for mercy. The fact that he addressed him as the Son of David, shows that he recognized his Messiahship. Though he was blind, his faith enabled him to take hold of Jesus. As soon as he heard that Jesus was passing by he cried to him for help. Jesus not only can hear our cries, but he can even tell when soul yearns after him. and will re- spond to that yearning.
 2. Rebuked by the multitude (v. 48).
 This rebuke provoked a more earn G6L cry lIOm OdItlMuCoo. hG UC- lieved that Jesus could and would help him, and knew that 1t was now or never with him. The fact that God has brought salvation within our reach should convince us that it is time for us to cry for help. Therefore. we should not allow the opposition of men to keep us from Christ.
 5. The blessing granted (vv. 49-52).
 Though Jesus knew his desire, he wished him to definitely commit him. self. God is pleased when we come to him with our definite needs.
 When his eyes were opened, he saw many interesting things, but the su- preme object was Christ, for he fol- lowed him. Note experience of Barti- maeus:
 CD A blind beggar (v. 46).
 (2) His cry for mercy (v. 47).
 (3) Persistence in his cry (v. 4S).
 (4) Responded to the call of Jesus