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LESSON II.

records must be studied together, in order that we may get a complete view I. PREPARING THE PASSOVER. Vs. of what occurred. MATT. 26:17-25.

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.

12-16.

LUKE 22:1-18. JOHN 13:1-30. Gathering all together the following facts appear:

1. Our Saviour's deep feeling and emotion. "With desire, I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer."

2. There was a struggle among them be greatest." Who should sit nearest in regard to precedence-" who should.

Him at the table? Who should be the chief Apostle?

and thus taught that in humble service 3. Jesus washed the disciples' feet, there was exaltation and honor.

Saviour deeper sorrow, and He foretold: 4. The traitor's presence caused our "One of you shall betray Me." Judas had already agreed to do this very thing; and Jesus knew his conduct.

5. The disciples were affrighted and troubled by our Lord's declaration, and said, Is it I? The reply was indefiui'e: One of you. Judas then asked, Is it I? "He said unto him, Thou hast said" (Matt. 26: 25). "And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto Him, That thou doest, do quickly." Judas then "went out: and it was night."

* *

6. Jesus uttered an awful woe: "it were better for that man, &c."

Oct. 8, 1882.

We have seen in the last lesson that Judas had his interview with the foes of Jesus on Tuesday evening. Wednesday our Lord spent in retirement. Nothing whatever is told us of the day. No doubt it was passed in Bethany in silent preparation for the last great conflict.

On Thursday His disciples desired to make ready the passover; and Jesus sent Peter and John into Jerusalem to prepare for the feast. They must first find a suitable place. The Master gives them instructions how to proceed, and they found all things just as He had foretold. They thus learned to trust more and more in His knowledge of all things.

They next went to the temple, purchased a lamb and had it slain by a priest; then bought bitter herbs, unleavened bread and wine, and took them to the guest-chamber.

II. CELEBRATING THE PASSOVER. VS 17-18.

The passover was of Divine appointment, and kept in remembrance of the deliverance of the Jews when destruction was visited upon the firstborn of the Egyptians. It was the birthday feast of a nation-a religious and patriotic Independence Day, which was kept in a religious manner.

Our Saviour kept the Jewish feasts, never ignoring religious ceremonies, and has thus set us an example that we should follow in His steps. "The disciple is not above his Master; but every one that will be perfect, shall be as his Master." Jesus fulfilled all righteous

ness.

III. THE BETRAYAL OF CHRIST FORE-
TOLD. Vs. 18-21.

The accounts of the four Gospels nished.

"Judas was not a traitor because God foresaw it; but God foresaw it because Judas would be so." (Chrysostom). "The fulfilment of God's purpose does for it is will and motive for which we ar not interfere with human responsibility responsible, not results."

Practical Lessons: 1. We ought to have the same desire Christ had to eat the Passover, Christ is our Passover." (See 1 Corinthians 5: 7).

2. We must examine ourselves, lest we betray our Lord, as Judas did. "Lord is it I," is a question for selfexamination.

3. Let us always see that the guestchamber of our hearts is rightly fur

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Ques. 42. Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die?

Ans. Our death is not a satisfaction for

27. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

GOLDEN TEXT: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the
Lord's death till He come." 1 Cor. 11: 26.

28. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

INSTRUCTION.

Verse 22. Did eat, the passover. Took bread, "the staff of life." Brake it, as a type of His body broken on the cross. Blessed, as was the custom. From this act, the Lord's Supper is also called the Eucharist (gave thanks). 23. All drank; but Romanists withhold the cup from the laity! 24. Testament, covenant of salvation. 25. Drink it new, showing that the Sacrament has something to do with our future state. 26. Sung a hymn, the concluding part of Psalms 115-118. 27. Offended, your faith shall be staggered. The Shepherd-Christ. The sheep-the disciples. 28. Risen, a declaration of the Resurrection. Into Galilee, their old home, and the scene of their early labors. 29. Yet will not 1: Peter's self-confidence. 30. Cock crow, first at midnight, then again at 2 or 3 o'clock. Deny me thrice; Christ knows all hearts. Peter did as was predicted. 31. If I should die ** so said they all; they were earnest, but not yet strong enough. Afterwards they all kept this promise.

Read parallel passages: MATT. 26: 26-35. LUKE 22: 10-20. JOHN 13: 31-38. 1 COR. 11: 23-25. Notice the following particulars: 1. The Lord s Supper took the place of the Passover. "Christ our Passover is slain for us" 2. The Lord's Supper commemorates Christ's death (calls to memory). It is a memorial. "This do in remembrance of Me," 3. It is a Eucharist, thanksgiving. 4. It is symbolical of Christ's atoning death for us. 5. It nourishes our souls, as bread and wine do our bodies. 6. Taking part in the Holy Communion is necessary, as our food must be eaten, &c. 7. The Lord's Supper is a covenant or testament. Hence it is called a Sacrament, i. e. oath.

CATECHISM.

Verse 22. Where were Jesus and the disciples at this time? In what were they engaged? What time of day was it? What kind of bread did Jesus take? What did the breaking signify? What name of the sacrament comes from the blessing? What did he command to do with the bread? What did he call it ?

29. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

30. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice

31. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

23. What was in the cup? What did it signify? How many drank of it? What Church refuses the wine to the members?

October 15, 1882.

24-25. What did Jesus call the wine? When will He drink it new with us? Does this imply eternal life, and a resurrection from the dead? Of what institution does the Lord's Supper take the place? What deliverance did the passover keep in memory? What deliverance does the Eucharist commemorate? Which is the greater? What is Christ called in 1

QUESTIONS.

our sins, but only an abolishing of sin, and a
passage into eternal life.

Cor. 5: 7, last clause? What are the bread
and wine called in 1 Cor. 10: 16?

How long is the Communion to be celebrated?
(See Golden Text). Is it celebrated at the
present time? By whom? Are you a com-
municant? Do you wish to become one?

26. What Psalms did they sing? Where did they then go?

27. What did He foretell? Was this fulfilled?

28. Did He tell them what should follow His death? In what place would He go to meet them?

29-31. Was Peter sincere and earnest? Was he as strong and brave as he thought? Did he deny Christ? Did he ever fail after Christ's resurrection? Did the Apostles all make good their words later in life?

LESSON HYMN.—“ Not all the blood of beasts,"

113 15

LESSON III.

Oct. 15, 1882

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. I. THE LAST SUPPER. Vs. 22-25. The Passover was the great feast of the Jews. (1). It signifies their deliverance from death, when the destroying angel passed over their houses. It also commemorated their departure from the house of bondage.

2. It was a bond of union between all the Israelites, and between them and their invisible King.

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3. It was a prophecy and pledge of better deliverance, by the Lamb of God, from the bondage of sin, death, and Satan.

The Lord's Supper was instituted during the celebration of the Passover, and took its place in the New Covenant.

"Christ our Passover is slain for us." It became the common bond between all believers, binding them together as one society-the New Israel. In all ages and in all countries it is the mark by which believers are recognized. It is "the memorial of Christ's precious death; the seal of His perpetual presence in the Church by the Holy Ghost; *** and the bond of His living union and fellowship with us to the end of time." It is celebrated every Lord's day of the year, and will continue to be "the inmost sanctuary of the whole Christian worship," to the end of time.

It is also a type and pledge of the joys of heaven. Jesus said He "would drink it new with us in the kingdom of heaven." "Blessed are they who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!"

But before this marriage supper can be partaken of by Christ's guests, there must be a resurrection from the dead. Hence we see the force of Jesus' words iu John 6. "He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." The followers of Christ are never to discontinue this holy Communion. "Do

"As

***

this in remembrance of Me."
often as ye eat,
ye do show the
Lord's death, till He come."

It is a pledge of "the remission of sins," and it is a nourishment of our souls unto everlasting life. Every time we commune we also renew our vows, or oaths, to the Lord. It is our Sacrament, (oath).

The celebration of the Lord's supper is a solemn act, requiring careful preparation; because it recals the atoning death of Christ. It is a joyful act, because we sinners are admitted into such communion with the spotless Son of God, the Saviour of men. Hence Communion days are great events in the life of the Christian-"times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." II. THE LAST WARNING. Vs. 26-31.

singing a hymn before going to GethJesus united with the disciples in

semane.

He also told what was about to befall Him. He, the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, was to be smitten, They would be offended, or made to and the disciples would be scattered. stumble, on His account, so fierce would be the fiery trial.

But He assures them once more of

His resurrection, His victory over all would again go before them, and that, opposition. Like a true Shepherd He too, in their beloved Galilee. Thus promise and hope illuminate the gloom of sadness.

The discourses in John, chapters 14, 15, and 16, were uttered on this evening, and the High priestly prayer in

John 17.

Peter and the rest thought they would remain true to Christ during His sufferings. They were true and sincere, but their faith was not yet so strong as they supposed. They heard His warnings again-His last warning. Afterwards they redeemed their assertions, and laid down their lives for His sake.

Practical Lessons: 1. The friends of Jesus are admitted into wonderful intimacy with Him at His table.

2. They must heed His warnings, lest they come unprepared, and betray Him:

3. Worthy communicants shall eat and drink anew in heaven with Christ, at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

LESSON IV.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN.-MARK 14: 32–42.
Commit to memory verses 33-36.

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1. THE SORROWING SAVIOUR.
2. THE WEARY WATCHERS.

GOLDEN TEXT:

"Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows." Isaiah 53: 4.

INSTRUCTION.

Ques. 43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?

Ans. That by virtue thereof our old man is

October 22, 1882,

37. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and said unto Peter, Simon sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Verse 32. Gethsemane means oil-press; the garden was a field of Olive trees, in which was a press to separate the oil from the berries. In this place Jesus was bruised, that we might receive the oil of His grace. 33. Taketh with Him, Peter, James, and John, the same who witnessed His transfiguration. Sore amazed-a mysterious agony. The weight of the world's sin was somehow pressing upon Him. 34. His soul, the human soul in Him. Unto death, ready to depart from the body. Luke informs us, (22; 43, 44) that " an angel appeared unto Him, strengthening Him," and that " His sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling upon the ground." 35. The hour, the night of horror. If it were possible, i. e. to save men in any other way. 36. This cup-containing all the bitter woes of suffering and death. What Thou wilt-perfect submission to God. 37-41. Thrice He prayed alone; thrice the watchers slept. He chided Peter especially, who had boasted. Sleep on now; They were unfaithful in the great crisis; now their sympathy was not needed by Him. Their enemies would soon be on hand to keep them awake. 42. Let us go, towards our foes and to death. He that betrayeth―Judas.

38. Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

40. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

41. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough,. the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

CATECHISM.

LESSON HYMNS: {

34. What did Jesus say? Was any outward force used against Him? What was He bearing at the time? Was He afraid to die? Was He truly human? Was He making atonement for our sins in Gethsemane ?

35-36. Was He alone when He prayed? What was His prayer? What did he mean

crucified, dead and buried with Him; that so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may no more reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves unto Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving. QUESTIONS.

32. At the foot of what mount was Geth- | by cup? By hour? To whose will did He subsemane? Had Jesus been there before? (John mit? How do we say in the Lord's Prayer? 18: 1-2). What does Gethsemane mean? Who was pressed there for us? How many were commanded to sit at the gate?

37. What were the watchers doing? Whom did he chide? What had Peter said?

38. What command did He give? Is it addressed to us also? What is meant by spirit? What by flesh?

33. How many entered into the garden? Who were they? Why these? What had they witnessed before? What feeling came upon Jesus?

39-41. How often did He pray? ? Were His prayers answered? (See Luke 22: 43). Who strengthened Him? (See Hebrews 5: 7, 8). Were His prayers answered in the way man would wish?

42. Did Jesus flee from danger? Who was coming? Was our salvation wrought out in Gethsemane as well as on Calvary?

1. ""Tis midnight and on Olive's brow."
2. "Many woes had Christ endured,”

LESSON IV.

Oct. 22, 1882. all these things pressed upon His tender heart.

4. But something more was borne by our Substitute-" the wrath of God against the sins of mankind.” · The High priest was there making atonement for us, by bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrow.

5. At first sight it might seem that Jesus' prayers were not answered. Thrice He offered up the same petition. It was short, and pleading, and full of submission-" with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared." (Heb. 5 : 7). The angel strengthened Him; and lo! He went calmly forth to meet His murderers. He gained a complete triumph. II. THE WEARY WATCHERS.

go to
hence
The

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
I. THE SORROWING SAVIOUR.
Our Lord was accustomed to
Gethsemane with His disciples;
Judas knew where to find Him.
place was a spot consecrated by many
prayers of Jesus. In this garden were
olive trees, which are still standing, and
underneath which Jesus suffered. The
herries were used for making the finest
oil, which was pressed out of them.
Now our Saviour, "the goodly olive,"
was bruised and pressed in spirit, that
"fresh oil might flow to all believers

from Him."

1. Judas was no longer with the disciples, when the little company set out for Gethsemane. At the entrance Jesus commanded eight of them to sit and watch. The three who constituted an inner circle, went with Him into the deep shade of the olive trees. They had seen His greatest glory, and should now witness his deepest sorrow. They were to be near Him for comfort and sympathy. Alas! they slept.

2. The greatest mystery is connected with the agony in the garden. Jesus was not afraid to die, nor unwilling. No one could have put Him to death. Yet He had come to redeem us by the shedding of His blood. His death could have no merit unless it were voluntary. Hence He prayed that, if it were possible, the cup of suffering and death might pass from him. It was not possible to give us the cup of salvation, unless He would drink the cup of death.

3. No hand laid affliction on Jesus in Gethsemane; and yet His agony was so great as almost to destroy His life. Who can explain it? It was caused by abhorrence of death, which is contrary to our nature-the last enemy. Then His rejection by the Jews, His betrayal by Judas, and the guilt of a lost race

The three watchers failed to give sympathy and comfort. Peter had declared His willingness to die for Jesus; and James could not even watch one hour. and John had said they could drink of Jesus' cup, and be baptized with His baptism. They, too, failed. We must not be over-confident. There is but one safety watch and pray, lest ye fall into temptation.

"Sleep on now." You have failed in the trying hour, which is now passed. The enemy is at hand, and will arouse you soon enough. Let us go. ready and willing He is now to face

How

death!

What a picture is here presented in this lesson! "A nature bowed down by the pressure of agony, yearning for sympathy and companionship, pouring out its soul in prayer, longing for a mo

ment to break the chain of its selfchosen destiny-yet fully submitting and surrendering itself to the divine will; shrinking from the cup of humiliation

yet at the end pressing it to its lips; and, then, victorious by faith, going forth to bear the cross; this is what we see under the shadow of the olive trees!"

"Thy bloody sweat, O Christ, Thy woes,
Thine anguish, and Thine agony,
Give y sad heart its best repose,
When praying in Gethsemane."

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