Gilpin observer., 1919-08-21
LESSON FOR AUGUST "a
JESUS ANSWERING THE LAWYER.


LESSON TExT-Luke 10:25-37
GOLDEN TEXT-As we have therefore
opportunity. let us do good unto all men.
especially unto them who are of the
household of faith-Gal 6:10.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Gal. So. >.
10; James 2:14-l6.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Showinx kindness to
others
JUNIOR TOPIC-Helping the needy.
INTERMEDIATES TOPIC-Our responsi-
bilty for the welfare OF others.
SENIOR AND ADULT TOPIC-Ths
Christian ideal of brotherhood
The subject chosen by the lesson
committee for today, based upon this
text. is Social Responsibility" When
we consider the real meaning of the
text 1t Is hard to understand why the
committee chose such subject. How
ever, let us with open minds and
hearts study the text, for it is Of
great Importance. Christ's object was
to lead the lawyer Theological pro-
fessor) to understand the need of God
!. Eternal Life Through Obedience
to the Law wv. 25-2S).
1. The lawyers question ". 25). The
lawyer" was one who eXpounded the
Mosaic law. The nearest position cor
responding thereto in modern life is
the theological professor His ques-
tion was not an effort to ascertain the
truth, but to entrap Jesus. He not
only had wrong motive. but a defec-
tive theology. He thought that eter,
nal life could be secured by doing
obedience. He did not know that do
ing meant keeping the law in its mi
nutest parts, which is an utter impos-
sibility for fallen men; that failure to
measure up to the least demand of the
law exposed him to the curse OF God
(Gal. 3:1O).
2. The lawyer answering his own
question ". 2O. Christ's counter.
question sent him to the law, of which
he gave fine summary Supreme
love to God and love to ones neigh.
Dor as to ourselves is the whole Of
mans duty. 1t is true as Jesus said;
This do and thou shalt live" ". 2s).
But no one has ever kept the law.
There is none righteous, no not one"
Rom. 3:10). "All have snned and
come short of the glory of God" (Rom.
3:2O. by the deeds of the law there
shall no flesh be justified in his sight,
(ROm. 3 :2O). by the law Is the
knowledge of sim (Rom. 3 :2O).
u. Being Neighbor wv 29-37).
!. The lawyers question ". 29). He
evidently keenly felt y the force of
Christ's argument, for he sought to
justify himself by asking, "Who is my
neighbor?" This inquiry betrays his
lack of that love which is the fulfill
ment of the law (Rom. 13:1OO. Love
never inquiries as to whom to love- but
where is some one who needs my
loveW Christ convicted him on his
own grounds.
2. Jesus answer wv. 3O-3O. He an
swered by a parable in which u certain
man fell among thieves on his way to
Jericho and was severely wounded.
While in this helpless condition
priest passed by, not even coming
near; also a Levite, who was Interest,"
ed enough to look on him. but not
enough to help him. Finally Sa-
maritan came where the wounded man
him. bound up his wounds and brought
him on his own beast to the inn,
where he was cared for at the Samari.
tan's expense. In reply to Jesus
question the lawyer declared that the
Samaritan was neighbor to the unfOr-
tunate man; and Jesus commanded
him to go and do likewise ". 37). By
this Jesus showed him that the impOr.
tant question is not, "Who Is my
neighbour" but Whose neighbor am
II" Jesus came seeking those to
whom he could be neighbor. Those
who have his Spirit will be trying to
be neighbors instead of hunting neigh
bOrs.
Those who love God supremely will.
us they pass along the highways Of
life. minister to the broken and
wounded souls In the spirit OF neigh.
bor's love, regardless Of nationality, re-
ligion, character or color. May we
hear the voice of Jesus saying, Go
and do thou likewise"