The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1924-08-02
Lesson for August 3
THE FIRST DISCIPLES OF JESUS

LESSON TExT-John I:35-5I
GOLDEN TExT-"Jesus saith unto
him. Follow me.'-John I43
PRIMARY TOPIC-Jesus Calls -Four
Helpers.
JUNIOR ToPIc-Jesus First Fol-
lowers.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP.
Ic-What It Means to Follow Jesus.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Winning Others to Christ.
Through the testimony of John the
Baptist. his disciples were pointed to
Jesus. This same testimony he gave
the previous day. but he was not
ashamed to repeat his sermon. His
theme. was the Lamb of God. the sin.
bearer of the world.
/. Two Of Johns Disciples Follow
Jesus wv. 35-37).
As a result of the Baptist's testI.
mony two of his disciples left him and
followed Jesus. One of these disciples
was Andrew ". 40). and presumably
the other was John. When the Baptist
pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God.
the long-expected Messiah, these dis
ciples sought further acquaintance
with Jesus. In view of Johns euuest
they looked upon the Lord. This look
was sufficient to induce them to follow
Jesus. They believed.
u. The Two Disciples ABIDING With
Jesus wv. SO, 39).
l. Jesus Question ". 3S). When
Jesus saw the disciples following He
most kindly inquired as to their object.
2. The Disciples Reply ". 3o).
They answered his question by inquir-
ing as to His dwelling place. Their
reply SHOWED their desire to go apart
privately where they could disclose
their hearts to Him. Knowing their
hearts. He invited them to His place
of abode.
NJ. The Disciples Bringing Others
to Jesus wv. 40).
The very genius of Christianity is
self-propagation. Tie usual method is
to begin with those nearest us-home
folks and relatives-and pass. out to
overwhelming circles. The disciples
who were with Jesus in blessed fellow
ship go at once to tell others Of the
priceless treasure they have found.
l. Andrew Brings Peter wv. 4O-42).
This Is a beautiful sight of brotherly
affection expressing itself in bringing
another to Christ. The best place to
begin our testimony for Christ is
among III kinsfolk (Luke $500. This
was a great piece of work for Andrew.
for Peter became one of the pillars of
the church of God.
2. Philip Bringing Nathaniel (vv.
1916. Christ found Philip the follow
ring nay as he would so forth into CALI
lee. Philip followed Him in response
to a personal Invitation. Al soon as
Christ found Philip, Philip found Ma
thaniel and witnessed to him concern
ing the messiahship Of Jesus. He said
unto him, I'VE have found Him. OF
whom Moses in the law, and the
prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth"
". 45). Nathaniel was somewhat
skeptical. but he was honest. Philip
had the wisdom not to argue with him.
but brought him to Jesus. The one
who is honest when brought into the
presence of Jesus will soon have all
doubts removed John 7:17).
w. Nathaniel, Seeing and Hearing
Jesus, Testifes to His Divinity wv.
47-51).
As soon as Nathaniel saw and heard
Jesus all his doubts rolled away. He
who acts upon the light given shall see
greater things wv. 90, 51). Angels
ascending and descending upon the
Son of Man with the pen heavens,
shows that Jesus Christ Is the means
of communication between earth and
heaven (Heb. 1919. 20: Eph. 2:15;
Gen. % :12).
This narrative concerning the expe-
riences of the first disciples exhibits
the following stages of Christian exp
riences:
L. Hearing About Jesus ". 36).
How important it Is that the minister
and teacher have a proper conception
of Jesus as the sacriicial Lamb, the
sin-bearer of the world.
2. Looking Upon Jesus ". 36). 1t is
necessary that the sinner definitely fix
his attention upon Jesus.
3. Following Jesus ". Sd. Ii Is not
enough to merely look upon Him.
There must be definite efforts to follow
after, to inquire of Him.
A. Abiding With Jesus ". 39). Those
who earnestly look upon Jesus and in
quire after Him He welcomes into
blessed fellowship.
8. Witnessing for Jesus (vv. Al. 45).
The first thing the one does who has
come to Jesus is to begin Il witness
for Him.
6. Bringing Others to Jesus. The
chief delight of the one who has come