Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-17
Sunday School Lesson
BY
Rev. Hugh T. Stevenson.

and Sadoucees, the religious leaders of
his day, "a generation OF vipers." There
was irony in his question, who hath
warned you 10 flee from the wrath TO
conner" Malachi had pointed out that
this would be q characteristic Of the
Messianic reign. He required that they
prove a genuineness Of their faith, not
merely by baptism, but by a life of
righteousness. He condemned their
racial pride and the folly Of their plac-
ing confidence in their national security.
He warned them against depending upon
their descent from Abraham as a means
Of salvation. Upon all men John en-
joined the duty OF giving, but he in
sisted that certain classes should DEM
onstrate their new life by courtesy, honor
and contentment.
Although Luke does not use the
phrase 1.-The kingdom of heaven is at
hand" 1t is the one by which Matthew
characterized Johns preaching. No
other message would arouse the Jewish
people like this promise. During all
he dark hours of their history this hope
has kindled their patriotism and aroused
Their national zeal. We can see IL work
ing today in modern Zionism, that seeks
Palestine as national home for the
Hebrew people. When John assured the
nation that the promised Messiah was
at hand and that following the coming
of the King and kingdom would come
judgment, we can understand the star
ting power of the prophets message.
Johns Greatness.
Upon the death Of his parents, Johns
life came under the influence of the
Essences Despising wealth and scholas-
tic virtue the Essene brothers chose a
life of celibacy and communism. of de-
votion to extravagant laws of purity, ag-
riculture and meditation" These indus
trious, modesS, profoundly moral and
religious men lived in communities by
themselves in the solitudes of the Jor-
dan Valley. In some cases they dwelt
in monaSteries in the centers of popula-
ton. They helc high place in the esti-
nation Of the people, who respected all
who wore the white robes of the fra
ternity. Jesus during his public minis
try never once criticised the members
of the Essene brotherhood. Both He
and John sympathized with the prin-
ciples and practices of the Essences
In the solitude of the wilderness the
Baptist learned to understand Gods
revelations written in nature and the
Old Testament. Endued with the power
of the Holy Spirit, the forerunner came
forth to fulfill the prophecy OF 'prepar-
tAAS eAAC way Va tA4O AOAQ 11C ACtCuACb
his greatness when he waved aside the
applause of the people that came at the
zenith Of his popularity, and pointed
them to the coming Messiah. He die
not consider that he was worthy tc
unlace the thong of His sandals. He
prepared the nation for the coming OF
the Christ, yet he did not know that
Jesus was the promised Messiah wheE
the Master appeared upon the banks Of
the Jordan seeking baptism.
In the first and probably the last in
terview that our Lord had with Johr
the Baptist the great soul hesitatec
about baptizing the Nazarene, who coulo
not confess to having committed any
sin. In reply to the protests Of John
Jesus said to the Baptist, Thus it be.
cometh Us to fulfill all righteousness.
The prophet yielded to His request and
baptized Christ in the Jordan. It was
the eliminating act of his ministry
Jesus was revealed as the Messiah to the
Baptist by the Spirit descending upoT
Him in the form of dove and remain
| ing upon Him.
Like the Emperor Nerva, John in hi:
ministry was called to do two things
to inaugurate new regime and also tc
nominate successor who was fal
greater than himself. He was faithful
to his mission and loyal to his sue
cesSor. He introduced Jesus to his dis
ctples and urged them to follow the saw
Tor as the Lamb of God. Christ pub
Ideally recognized the greatness Of John
the Baptist.