The Carlisle independent., 1918-05-09
LESSON FOR MAY 12
JESUS FACES THE CROSS.

LESSON TEXT-Mark 1O:32-52.
 GOLDEN TEXT-He humbled Himself, and became obedent unto death, even the death of the Cross.-Philippians 2:S. DEVOTIONAL READING-Isaiah 42:1- ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR TEACHERS-Matthew 2O:2o-2S; Luke p: 5-27
 PRIMARY ToPIc-Jesus and the blind beggar
 LESSON MATERIAI-Mark 1o:46-52. 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
 !. Jesus ForeteIls His Passion and Resurrection (yv. 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 filed 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" (yv. 33. 34).
 aDalivarad upf0 chief DripSfC and scribes."
 @ 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 (yv. 35-45).
 l. The request tyv. 35-37).
 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.
 ?. Jesus reply (vy. 3S-45).
 (1) To Peter and John tvv. 3S-40).
 He speaks directly to the men, de- claring that they know -noi what they ask. The Lord many tiEfres has to re- prove and rebuke. us for our blind re- quests. He showed them that the way to this position of glory was through suffering. Tke 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 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 6artimaeus of Blindness (vy. 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, 4T).
 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 a soul yearns after him. and will re- spond to that yearning.
 2 Rebuked by the multitude tv. 4S).
 This rebuke provoked d more earn est cry from BartimaeuS. He be lieved that Jesus could and would help. him, and knew that it 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. 8. The blessing granted tvv. 49-521. 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. I 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- l maeus:
 Q) A blind beggar (v. 46).