Great Falls tribune., 1922-03-13

"When the Passover was FINISHED
and the Lords supper instituted, Jesus
and the eleven disciples left Jerusalem
for the Garden of Gethsemane. Three
Of them. James, John, and Peter, wit:
nesses of the transfiguration, entered
with the Savior. while the rest re-
mained outside. His great agony nov.
began. He trembled and red drops OF
blood trickled down upon the earth
He was drinking the bitter dregs which
His Father had prepared for Him
Meanwhile the three disciples had
fallen asleep. Repeatedly Jesus came
to them only to return to His prayer.
Finally He aroused them with the cry,
Rise and let us be going. Behold, he
is at hand that does betray me- He
then went toward the entrance to meet
the enemy. He surprised His, captors
bv calmly facing them and asking the
question, Whom seek We?
Aware Of Their Object
considering this question without
tho connection in the text, the thought
NAV present itself that Jesus did not
know whom they were looking for, thus
DENYING His omniscience. Our text
however. drives away all doubts by
saving, Jesus therefore. knowing all
things that should come upon Him,
went forth 1t was not from Ignorance
as to their designs, that He ask Whom
seek ye?' He was well aware OF the
obiect of their presence. This question
was TO give them all a fair warning
that nothing shall be done in secret
All should know who was on the side
of the Savior and who against Him.
This pointed question should divide the
followers of the Lamb of God and
the goddess rabble. The whole world
should know what happened and how
it happened Christ shall not be done
away with or crncified in secret. NO.
It shall be an open book. so all are
without excuse.
.'What was the answer to this Gues-
tion? Our text says. They answered
Him. Jesus of Nazareth It seemed to
be well planned affair. All are well
Informed whom to look for and what
they shall call Him. Jews and Roman
soldiers. two bitterly opposed iactloIs.
lock arms to put Him to death. VINO
came to save them. But il is SO at all
times. Whenever Christ and His church
are the target of some assault. prevl-
ouslv bitter enemies will lock hands
and work in harmony to do Christ
and His cause harm. The hatred Of the
world over against Christ makes com
mon opponents the best OF friends.
They Knew Him
Was it that this bond Of warriors
vas not sufficiently acquainted with
Jesus TO take Him captive at once!
Had be not been in their very midst
for three long years. daily teaching and
eypounding Gods word? Was it not
He who caused frequent commotlon
within the borders of their cities! Did
they not see Him feed the multitude
with few loaves of bread and some
fish? Surely they were well ac-
uuainted with the man they we're seek
ing. Besides the night was not dark.
since the Passover was eaten in the full
moon. And were they not supplied with
lighted torches: Indeed. no excuse on
their part for not answering. Thou
ART the man we seek" But Christ
came to suffer. Jesus of Nazareth is
.he person for whom they are look
ing. Scripture. He was despised and
eiected of man. had to be fulfilled.
They mean to say, can anything good
.ome out of Nazareth 2 We are not
seeking the miracle eworker but the
person. who claimed much for himself
but is only an humble Nazarene. BY
This very answer they make confession
that they did not believe that Jesus
was the Son of the living God yea.
God Himself They viewed Him as
many in our days, as a man of reform.
but not Gods Son. They Knocked Him
by answering thus: How small you are
now. who once was supposed to be
great. You are now in our hands and
we shall deal with you as we see fit.
Your great might and power have now
come to an end, and we shall judge you
Opportunity to Repent
"Take a view at this naughty band
when Jesus answers, 4 am he They
fell backward upon the ground The
yaunted boastfulness suddenly turned
into defeat. Jesus wished to drive
home the lesson that he was more than
hey thought He was. He was still the
Lord of all and king of kings, and un
ess His father in heaven permitted, |
not a hair shall fall from His head. |
neither shall they be able to touch |
Him. 1t was another opportunity to !
'epent of their evil ways. forsake error
md seek truth. He stood before them
IS a king and Lord. He proved that
He was willing to suffer for the sins
# the world. If not, He could have de- |
parted while they lay PROSTATE upon
he earth. But that was His mission,
o save sinners. even those who now
sought to destroy Him. But as the
Inhabitants of Jerusalem would not
isten to His words, as the people of
<oah's time refused warning, so also
hese boosters. They would not be
avnd