SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. LESSON III. SUFFERING AND SERVICE.-MARK 10: 32-45. Commit to memory Verses 44-45. to 32. And they were in the way going up Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them; and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him. 33. Saying, Behold we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: 34. And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him; and on the third day he shall rise again 35. And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldst do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37. They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. 38. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I have drank July 16, 1882. of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39. And they said unto him. We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: 40. But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. 41. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and these great ones exercise authority upon them. 43. But so shall it not be among you; but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44. And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be the servant of all. 45. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. 1. THE MASTER'S CUP OF SUFFERING, Vs. 32-34. 2. THE AMBITIOUS REQUEST, Vs. 35-40. 3. THE TRUE SERVICE, Vs. 41-45. GOLDEN TEXT. "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." vs. 45. INSTRUCTION. Verses 32-34. Going up to Jerusalem; to be crucified. Amazed,-because He was going to meet death. What things should happen? they are foretold in verses 33 and 34; and took place ten or twelve days after. 35-40. Whatsoever desire; an ambitious request. On Thy right hand-the place of honor. The cup-the baptism: the sufferings and trials of Christ. Ye shall-James was the first one of the twelve that was put to death (Acts 12: 2). For whom it is prepared-on the condition of their fidelity and labors. 41-45. Displeased; ambition causes ill-will, and is a troubler. Exercise lordship-domineer, tyrannize. Not so among you-earthly greatness and power is no pattern of true Christian greatness. Minister Servant-bondm -servant. CATECHISM. Ques. 29: Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is a Saviour? Ans. Because He saveth us, and delivereth us from our sins; and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can we find salvation in any other. LESSON III. July 16, 1882. Sixth Sunday after Trinity. I. THE MASTER'S CUP OF SUFFERING. Vs. 32-34. and 32. The time is at hand when the Master must go up to Jerusalem to of fer Himself as a ransom for many, He resolutely sets out on His journey. The people of Judea had often threatened His life before; now He would permit them to carry this threat into execution. At this the disciples were amazed and afraid. For the third time He now tells of His approaching sacrifice. 33-34. The Son of Man shall be delivered, etc. The Jews delivered Him out of malice, accused, persecuted and stigmatized Him; the Gentiles, out of ignorance, condemned and executed Him. Thus the whole race, in some sort, showed its hostility and impiety. Jesus foretold the manner of proceedings, going into minute particulars, and concluding with the assurance that on the third day He shall rise again. II. THE AMBITIOUS REQUEST. 35-40. Vs. beheaded with the sword. (Acts 12: 1.) John was a martyr in will, if not in act; for he was 66 on the isle of Patmos for the word of God." (See Revelation 1: 9), Jesus had foretold this: "Ye shall be haptized with my baptism. (V. 39). 40. It is not mine to give-not as a relationship. For whom it is prepared. personal favor, or because of earthly Exaltation on earth is often given as a mere caprice by one man to another; not is according to fitness, and earnest labor. so in the Spiritual Kingdom. Here all 41. The ten were displeased. Ambition is always a troubler. Self-seeking injures the Church. The spirit of rithe Kingdom of Christ. "Let the same valry is contrary to the best interests of mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." III. THE TRUE SERVICE. Vs. 4245. Jesus called His disciples to Himself, and laid down the rule of a true service, and of the rewards that should Those that are be given His servants. looked upon as great in this world are its rulers; in the next world, faithfül servants will be most highly exalted. Amongst the gentiles lordship, or tyranny, is exercised. Amongst Christians, loving help is the true badge of discipleship. In Matthew 20: 20 we learn that James and John made their request by the mouth of their mother, Salome. Being very closely related to their Virgin Mary, she may have felt that her sons should have the first claim to the honors of Christ's Kingdom. She was greatly mistaken as to the nature of His kingdom. Nearness to Christ then, meant danger and death; she thought of honor and advantage. A few weeks later she saw two other men on His right and left. Surely she could not wish or slave. James and John to occupy those positions on Calvary. To the honor of Salome be it said, she remained true to Jesus when He suffered on the cross. 36. What would ye? Grant us to sit, etc. Truly they knew not what they asked. It was not their lot to sit in ease and honor, but to be cast out and persecuted for the Master's sake. Can ye drink of the Lord's cup? Can ye lay down your lives, if need be, for the truth? Can ye endure a baptism of blood? They answered honestly, we can. This was the language of assurance; and it was no idle boast. James early underwent the baptism of blood, when he was 43-44. Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister, that is, servant. The word minister here does not mean an office-bearer in the Church, as now. Let the chiefest, or foremost, be servant of all—that is, bond-servant, for Christians. Read Philippians 2: 5. 45. The example of Christ is the law Jesus declares, (1) that His coming was voluntary; (2) His death was intentional; (3) that His death ransomed many, or saved those who believe in Him. PRACTICAL LESSONS. 1. "The rewards of Christ's Kingdom are never bestowed upon those who seek them in a selfish spirit." 2. Self-sacrifice is the Christian ideal, not self-seeking. 3. This teaching and the example of Jesus ought to inspire every one of us to be unselfish, to labor for others, and thus to be worthy of being called followers of Christ. LESSON IV. SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. BLIND BARTIMEUS.-MARK 10: 46-52. Commit to memory verses 51-52. 46. And they came to Jericho: and as he went out | of Jericho with his disciples, and a great number of people, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47. And when he heard that it was Jesus of NazaTM July 23, 1882. be called: and they call the blind man, saying unto reth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son him, What wilt thou that I should do unto of David, have mercy on me. thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 48. And many charged him that he should hold his peace; but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 49. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to 52. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. GOLDEN TEXT : “The eyes of the blind shall be opened." Isaiah 35: 5. INSTRUCTION. Verse 46. Jericho, 15 miles north-east of Jerusalem. By the way side begging, as beggars often do in the east. 47. He heard, and faith came by hearing. Jesus of Nazareth, the name by which the people commonly called Him. Bartimeus gave Him this Messianic title, “Son of David;" thus he confessed Him as the Saviour. Have mercy, his earnest cry. 49. Called; Jesus answered the blind man's cry: "He calleth thee." 50. His garment, the loose, outer one. 51. What wilt thou? Jesus knew, but wanted the man to make his wishes known. An encouragement to pray. 52. Thy faith saved thee; because it led him to call on Jesus at the right time. Followed Jesus, out of gratitude. CATECHISM. Ques. 30. Do such, then, believe in Jesus the only Saviour, who seek their salvation and happiness of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else? Ans. They do not; for though they boast of Him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus, the only Deliverer and Saviour: for one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Saviour, or that they, who by a true faith receive this Saviour, must find in Him all things necessary to their salvation. QUESTIONS. Verse 46. Near what city was Bartimeus? What ailed him? What was he doing? 47. What did he hear? What was his cry? What title did he give Jesus? Did he believe that Jesus was the Messiah or Saviour? 48. What did the people charge him to do? Did he obey them? 50. Did he obey the Divine call? To whom did he hasten? 51. What did he say he wished? Did he believe Jesus could give it? Was that strong faith? How was it rewarded? 52. What saved him? Does faith lead 49. What did Jesus command? Does He men to pray? Is prayer answered? What call all the blind and poor? Of whom is did Bartimeus do? Why? Are you followBartimeus a type? Is the sinner blind? Is ing Him? he poor? Of whom does he beg in vain? LESSON HYMN: “Hark the glad sound, the Saviour comes,” LESSON IV. July 23, 1882. as to rise, and come to Jesus. This he did, hastily casting his outer garment from him, and running. He saw, not before he went, but after he had gone. Seventh Sunday after Trinity. I. THE CRY. Vs. 46-48. Jericho was situated in the valley of the Jordan, opposite the point where Joshua crossed the river when he entered the holy land. It was about 15 miles motive? What is He able to do? northeast of Jerusalem. 51. What wilt thou? Jesus catechizes him first. Why do men go to Jesus? What is their object, and what their They came to Jericho; it was our Lord's only visit to the place, and we read of but one who availed himself of the privilege of ca ling for help-the well-known Bartimeus, blind, poor, and a beggar. Mark says the miracle was wrought as they departed from Jericho; Luke, as they came near. Literally translated, when they were near, either coming or going. There was an old and a new Jericho; as they would leave one, they would approach the other. Matthew informs us that there was another blind man with Bartimeus, (20: 29). Misery loves company. The other was silent, and hence Mark does not mention him. He, however, was healed because he was with the right company. 47. When he heard that it was Jesus, he at once cried for help, thus improving the present opportunity. He was told of Jesus of Nazareth; his faith recognized the Messiah in the form of the humble Prophet, and he cried: Thou Son of David-the common Jewish appellation of the expected Messiah. His one plea is mercy. Show Thy mercy, and I shall obtain all that I need. Thus a beggar has taught us how to pray; and his petition has been embodied in the Litany of the Church. 48. Perseverance in prayer is taught us by this cry of Bartimeus. I. THE CALL. Vs. 49-50. When man cries, God hears. Jesus stood still, and listened to the cry of the humble. Then He called him to His presence; but made use of His followers in so doing. He has commanded His people to call the world to Christ. And the message of every ministering servant to the sick and sinful is: Be of good comfort, rise; Jesus calleth thee. 50. The blind man must also do something before he could receive sight: he must believe and obey to such an extent III. THE CURE. Vs. 51-52. Bartimeus answered: Lord, that I may receive my sight! Lord is the translation of Rabboni, that is, "my Master," as in John 20: 16. When a man makes that acknowledgment of Christ, he is no longer blind of heart, at least. If only the spiritually blind were as anxious to be cured, as those who are deprived of bodily sight! Had all Israel but known that there was a veil over hearts, preventing them from seeing any form or comeliness" in J sus! He would nave given them the light of truth. 52. Our Lord often attributed the healing power to faith: thy faith hath made thee whole. Faith makes man a willing recipient of salvation; unbelief repels God's gifts. Gratitude for his great deliverance made Bartimeus follow Jesus. And when "the eyes of our understanding are opened," we follow without a command. The soul finds delight in being with Christ. A QUEER SUPERINTENDENT. Rev. Mr. Roberts, the pastor of a church in a Western city, was greatly troubled by a Sunday-school Superintendent who made too many speeches. One Monday morning, he met a clerical friend, Dr. Summerfield, when the latter exclaimed: "Why, Brother Roberts, you look bluer than blue Monday! What is the matter?" "Why, brother," answered Roberts; I am in great perplexity about my Sunday-school. I wonder if you can help me! Could you recommend to me an intelligent Christian deaf-mute? I want him as a superintendent. " "No, I can't," replied the doctor. "If I could find such a one, I should want him for my own school." Harper. LESSON V. EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY. MARK 11: 1-11. Commit to memory verses 9 and 10. 1. And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto [ Bethphage, and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 2. And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. 3. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. 4. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without, in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. 5. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? 6. And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. July 30, 1882. 7. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast garments on him; and he sat upon him. 8. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strewed them in the way. 9. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna : Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. 10. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. 11. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the even tide was come, he went out unto Bethany, with the twelve. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy King cometh unto thee." Zech. 9: 9. INSTRUCTION. Verse 1. Came nigh, about two miles from Jerusalem. 2. An ass, a peaceful animal. Never man sat; animals which had never yet worked, were used for sacred purposes (see Num. 13: 23. Deut. 21: 3. Especially, 1 Sam. 6: 7-8). 7. Cast their garments, as was done only for Kings. 9. Went before** followed: a responsive chorus. Hosanna-save now, give salvation. He that cometh, etc., the Messiah, the King. 10. The Kingdom-it is welcomed, along with the King. In the highest-may our hosanna be ratified in heaven. 11. Into the temple; read Mal. 3: 1-3. Looked round, quietly inspected it. All this on the first day of Passion Week. |