Evening star., 1928-05-05

Both passages selected for our lesson
reveal the fact that the desire for posi-
ton, place and power had divided the
apostolic band. While the Master was
trying to close His ministry iii Galilee
the green-eyed monster OF jealousy had
appeared among the IL and filled them
with discord, disputes and divisions
because they did not possess the true
conception of the spiritual nature Of
His kingdom. Jesus did not condemn
taking a child. he used the little one
to impress upon them the fact that
greatness in His kingdom could only
be obtained by their possessing child
like spirit
Within almost a week Of His last
days In the flesh the IL we're torn
again by the old problem rs to who
would be the greatest. Matthew in
forms us that Salome, the mother OF
James and John, raised the question
In her ambition that they should have
the leading places IN the administra-
ton OF His kingdom, which they ex-
pected would soon be established. III
ever there was an hour when Jesus
needed 10 have the undivided support
OF the ~ 1t was when He was facing
the cross going up To Jerusalem. The
people noted the changed expression
| in His face. but the IL. impressed by
His heroic spirit, did not observe the
evidence OF the great trial that He was
| passing through as He set His lace
toward the nations capital. They were
| thinking Of spoils. their reward for
| being members of His college OF apos-
| ties. while He was thinking OF His
/ sacrificial service. He had Just told
| them OF His approaching crucinXion
and resurrection when the request was
| presented 10 Him To give the places OF
/ preference, position and power to James
/ and John 1T was no base ambition
which chose such a moment to declare
| lis unshaken ardor and Claim distinc-
| ton In the kingdom for which so much
must be endured" II must have been
! a source OF comfort 10 the Lord Jesus
/ TO hear such a request, even though II
| was selfish and based upon q miscon-
| cepti0n Of His kingdom, when they
/ asserted their determination 10 be
| loyal to Him and meet the test OF
greatness that called for them 10 suffer
| with Him.
Suffering Tests of Greatness.
James and John belonged 10 the inner
circle of three who were chosen by the
| Master To accompany Him whenever
! lie wished those who sYmpathizcd the
most with Him 10 join Him IN special
! hours of spiritual fellowship Peter had
been rebuked for seeking to turn Jesus
away from the trials that lie had told
/ them He was 10 face in Jerusalem
! Their request showed that they could
see the clear sky beyond the storm "
They could not get rid Of their idea
| that the kingdom which Christ would
set up would be "A temporal one
Although He had corrected their false
view OF the kingdom and taught them
| that ~ any one wishes To he first, lei
| him be the last, and servant attendant
upon ALL" they sought the leading
places In Ills kingdom
Jesus taught them that the pathway
0f suffering, sacrifice and service wal
the way 10 greatness The Standard
of the Christian are Numerically op
poaite 10 those af the world who seel
| after reputation rank and rule to
their persHMal beneht, Christ recognized
the desire for greatness 10 be I
| legitimate one when lie taught tina
those who wished real greatness eoult
obtain II by a life nf service for Tn
| benefit nj those who were In need
Jesus sought 10 establish Ills kingdom
among men by the Use af new f0rci
by requiring that all power should b.
ussd Tor Tho good OF others, II We seel