The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-02-17

knowledge OF the Greek langu-
age. and influence with a neglect
ed class. (c) He had the basis
for eminent moral achievement;
! he was self-denying enough to
sacrifice a lucrative position; he
was humble enough to write of
himself with the odious title of
publican; his clearness> of intel
:, lect is manifest in the distinct
and orderly arrangement of his
book; his knowledge of Scripture
is known in the apt and abundant
quotations which he made from
the Old Testament, thus surpass-
ing all the other New Testament
writer's.
(2) Fulfilling his ministry Mat
thew made a feast for Jesus.
While Jesus and his disciples
were the principal guests, there
were present also numerous pub
Ilicans, and sinners defenders of
the ceremonial law. Evidently
Matthew wished. to bring his old
associates and their friends under
the transforming power of the
new Master. He was not ashamed
of his Christian profession and
hope. On the other hand, Jesus
was not ashamed to associate
with sinners, nor did he refuse an
invitation to a feast. How diff
ferent were the Pharisees! Prid-
ing themselves on their strict OBJ
servance of the ceremonial law,
they carefully avoided all con-
.act, and intercourse with those
who neglected or disregarded the
excrescences which had grown
over the Mosaic regulations. The
Pharisees were, therefore, not
guests of Matthew on this occa-
sion. Custom, however, allowed
them to be onlookers during the
feast, so when they saw Jesus
eating with publicans and sin
ners they murmured among them
selves and complained to the dis
ciples, perhaps with view to
estranging them or because it
was easier to criticize indirectly
than directly. At least it was in
conceivable that he should be
considered the Messiah. When
the disciples informed Jesus of
this query of criticism, he made
a terse and unanswerable reply
to the Pharisees: First, he gave
an illustration to the effect that
when the sick need the physician
he goes among the sick curing
without catching their diseases.
Then he appeaie- to Scripture,
teaching that the spirit of mercy
is better than the formality of
! sacrifice. Finally. he asserted
that his conduct at the feast was
in absolute harmony with his mis-
sion; for not the righteous did he,
come to call; but conscious, needy,
penitent sinners.
JESUS MEETS HUMAN NEEDS
az Jesus Is Needed. "a man
sick of the palsy" The paralytic
was pitiable physical wreck. He
needed the hand of help. But his
spiritual condition was infinitely
worse. He needed the hand of
divine help and mercy. The world
without Christ is in deplorable
condition. Everybody, every
where, needs the Friend of sim
ners.
(2) Jesus Understands. "See-
ing their faith = knowing their
thoughts" The four bearers of
the paralytic believed in the pow
err of the Great Healer. He saw
, their faith and rewarded it. But
also he saw the critical attitude
/ of the Pharisees. So he reads
our hearts though our lips are 81
lent.
90 Jesus Forgives. "Son, thy
sins are forgiven" Sin is the
most awful fact in the universe,
1t corrupts and condemns, dead
ems, and destroys. Is there no
way to get rid of it? The Son
of Man is the great forgiven.
Through him our iniquity can be
blotted out.
(4) Jesus Empowers. "Arise,
and take up thy bed, and go un-
to thy house. And he arose, and
departed to his house." Jesus
spoke the word and supplied the
power, but the paralytic also had
his part to perform which in his
faith he was quick to do. How
triumphantly he went forth? And
how ioyously the people glorified
Jesus not only as teacher and
healer but also as forgiven Of
sins.
(5) Jesus Calls. GAS Jesus
passed by-he saw a man-and
he said unto him." He still walks
among the sons of men. There
is nothing that escapes his all
seeing eye. But he is particularly
alert for helpers. He NAV find
them in unlikely places. But when
he speaks something is said that
they ought to hear.
(6) Jesus Commands. "He saith
unto him, Follow me, And he
arose and followed him." Two
imperial words were sufficient for
the moment, but they spanned a
lifetime of labor and ended pos
sibly in martyrdom. We cannot
accept Christ as Saviour without
obeying him as Lord.
CD Jesus Abides. "He sat at
meat in the house" He never
refused an invitation to any
home. He was the most gracious
and helpful guest who ever &C.
cepted hospitality. He is ready to
enter and abide in our homes to-
day. Is he invited? Is he well
come?