Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1919-12-12

GOIDEN TEhT-FOr GOO so loved the
world. that he gave hig only Degotten Son,
that whosoever believeth In him should
not perish. but have everlasting iife.-
John 3:16
Since the lessons of the quarter center
IN the lives of Peter and John II will be
well to include in the days lesson the
Incidents in their lives from the trial of
Jesus to his resurrection. This will en-
able US to use the committees alternative
lesson, 'The Prince of Peace" for
Christmas lesson next Sunday.
I. Peter Denies the Lord (1S 1918,
25-27).
l. Before the servant maid (vv. 10
1S). Peters first blunder was to at
tempt to follow Jesus at this time.
Christ had told him that he could not
follow now (13:36). Presumptuous
bodness oftentimes places one in an
embarrassing position. In such cases
compromise or cowardly denial usu-
ally follows. Wisdom as to our weak
nesses should move one to avoid un-
necessary trials. John. seeing Peter
standing at the door. introduced him
to the house of the high priest. Here
under the taunt of Jewish maid he
openly denied his Lord.
2. Before the servant and officers
". 25). Peter had not only ventured
where 1t was not necessary. but was
warming himself at the enemies fire.
Having quailed before the sarcastic
impudence Of servant maid he open
iy denied his relationship with the
Lord when questioned by the officers
and servants at whose fire he was
warming himself. To have clear and
Independent testimony, one should be
separate from sinners I'll Cor. 6:14-1s).
8. Before the kinsman of Malchus
wv. 26, 27). This man had seen Peter
with Jesus In Gethsemane when Peter
In his rashness smote off the ear OF
Malchus (see verse 10). Hearing Pet
ers denial, this servant of the high
priest put the question, did not see
thee in the garden with him" When
Peter uttered the third denial the cock
crew, bringing to his attention the
warning words of Jesus mark 14:72).
This Is an example Of what a disciple
Of Jesus may do in the hour Of great
temptation.
II. Jesus Commits His Mother to
John (19 :25-2O.
Though suffering the indescribable
anguish of the cross he tenderly re-
membered his grief-strlcken mother
and charged John to care for her. Mary
had other sons who should have cared
for her, but they were unbelievers till
after Jesus resurrection. He knew that
his mother would have better care at
the hands of the beloved disciples than
at the hands of her own children who
did not believe in and love Jesus. Love
to Jesus is stronger than human affec-
tion.
III. Peter and John at Jesus Tomb
(20:1-1O).
When Mary came in breathless haste.
announcing the fact of the empty tomb.
Peter and John ran to investigate.
When John came to the tomb he gazed
into it, but when Peter came he went
In. John with holy reverence hesitated
to enter but Peter through his impul-
siveness entered at once. The difference
does not lie in the fact that one loves
more than the other, but in their differ
ent temperaments. One should not
expect the same behavior from all.
This investigation was convincing ".
g..
~. Peters Restoration, and Com.
mission (21 ;15-19).
Peter had thrice denied the Lord,
so before he again entered the service
he had thrice to confess his love for
Jesus. In this commission to Peter
is set forth the motive and nature Of
service which is incumbent upon all
Christian ministers and teachers.
l. His motIve-love for Christ. Love
is the supreme qualification for service
for Christ; it is the very spring from
which all activity flows. 1t Is not
learning and eloquence. but love that
makes a pastor ~ Feed my lambs" "
The word for "feed" as well as ''lambs." !"
signifies that the work here is that Of
nurturing the babes In Christ. (2)
"Feed my sheep" The word here
means to feed. guide. correct. and lead
the maturer class of Christians. II
carries with It not only the responM-
bility of feeding. but correction and
discipline. II this be attempted with
out love. failure will Inevitably ensue.
(3) 'Feed my Sheep" This relates
to the care Of the aged Christians.
The word feed" returns somewhat to
the meaning In the nrst instance where
he says. "feed my lambs" 80 thnt the
ministers responsibility to care for
the aged n equivalent 70 that Of the