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IN THE TIME OF CHRIST
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{ %»..A 

THE GREAT EVENTS IN THE
LIFE OF CHRIST

THE GREAT EVENTS
IN THE
LIFE OF CHRIST

IN TWENTY-FIVE STUDIES ARRANGED FOR
DAILY READING AND WEEKLY
CLASS WORK

JAMES McCONAUGHY
Head of Bible Departments, Mount Hermon School and
northf1eld seminary

Association Press
New York, 124 East 28th Street
London, 47 Paternoster Row, E. C
1913

Copyright, 1909, by the International Committee
of
Young Men's Christian Associations

1M-P7826-S-15

CONTENTS Pagb
Preface  vii
Hints to Students and Teachers . . ix
I. The Period of Preparation
Study 1. I. The Birth and Infancy ... 5
2. II. Boyhood and Youth .... 14
III. The Forerunner  16
3. IV. Baptism and Temptation ... 20
II. The Period of Introduction
4. I. The Enlistment of the First
Disciples  31
II. First Appearance in Social Life . 33
5. III. First Appearance at the Religious
Center  37
6. IV. The First Believers in Samaria . 43
V. Another Sign in Galilee ... 46
7. VI. The First Conflict with the Rulers 48
First General Review  50
III. The Period of Widening Influence
8. I. Busy Days in Galilee .... 58
9. II. The Choice of the Twelve
Apostles  63
III. The Ordination Sermon ... 63
10. IV. The First Triumph over Death . 69
V. The Sermon in Parables ... 7Q
11. VI. The Lord of Nature and of
Demons  7fl
VII. The Sending Out of the Twelve
Apostles  78
iii

CONTENTS
Study Page
12. VIII. The Miracle of Bounty and the
Truth It Signified .... 82
Second General Review  85
IV. The Period op Misunderstanding and
Opposition
13. I. Opposition in Galilee. Journeys
to Phoenicia and Decapolis . 93
II. At Caesarea Philippi and Mount
Hermon. The Transfiguration 95
14. III. At the Feast of Tabernacles. The
Living Water and the Light of
the World  99
V. The Approach to the Goal
15. I. In a New Field — Beyond Jordan 109
II. At the Feast of Dedication . . 112
III. In Peraea Again. The Three
fold Parable of Love for the
Lost  113
1 6. IV. The Journey to Bethany to Raise
Lazarus  116
V. The Last Journey to Jerusalem . 119
17. Third General Review  123
VI. The Passion Week
I. The King's Final Appearances in
His Capital  130
18. II. The Last Passover. The Lord's
Supper  134
19. III. Last Words with the Disciples . 141
20. IV. In Gethsemane. The Agony and
the Betrayal  14,6
iv

CONTENTS
Study Page
21. V. On Trial. Facing Jewish Hatred
and Roman Injustice . . . 149
22. VI. Crucified. The Death that
Brought Life  160
VII. From the Tomb to the Throne
23. I. The Burial and the Sealed Tomb 173
II. The Resurrection Morning . . 175
III. The Risen Lord's Appearances
on the Resurrection Day . . 176
24. IV. Other Appearances During the
Forty Days  181
V. The Ascension  187
25. Final Review ...... . . 189

Helpful Books, Maps and Pictures . 197
Index of Passages Treated .... 209

list of illustrations Artist
Head of Christ (from Christ
and the Rich Young Man). Hofmann.
The Temptation  Cornicelius,
The Purification of the
Temple  Hofmann.
Christ and the Fishermen. . Zimmermann.
Healing a Sick Child. . . Gabriel Max
The Transfiguration. . . Raphael. .
Christ in Gethsemane. . . Hqfmann.
Golgotha  Gerome. .
The First Easter Dawn. . Thomson.

Frontispiece

Facing Page

. . 22

. . 38

60

86

.

98

146

164
,
174
Map of Palestine in the Time of
Christ  Facing Half-title
Photo-relief Map of Palestine . Facing Page i
PREFACE
This course of study aims to present within reason
able compass and in clear outline the great events in
the life of the Master. A short and easy course on
such a theme is impossible, but an earnest effort has
been made to simplify the undertaking and yet fur
nish to the earnest student all needed help.
Special attention has been given to the outline, not
only of the ministry as a whole but for each of its
periods. The more one studies the life of Jesus the
more clearly it appears that that life was an orderly
progress toward its goal. While the chronology is
often uncertain, the order is logical, almost inevitable.
When this order is once fixed in the mind, each great
event fits into its own place and only there. In this
course the outlines preceding each period, the topical
arrangement of each subject and the reviews all serve
to emphasize this order which the casual reader of the
gospels so often misses.
No comparison of parallel passages has been at
tempted here and no harmony of the four gospels is
required. From the gospel which treats it most fully
the narrative of each event has been selected.
In the opening studies reference has been made to
several lives of Christ and other books which would
be readily accessible in public or private libraries, in
order to stimulate and guide students who have time
for supplemental reading. Thereafter these supple
mental readings have been confined to Stalker's Life
of Christ, briefest, least expensive and, so far as it
goes, most helpful of all such books. But the busy
man or woman, with little leisure to sit quietly down
at a study table surrounded by books, has been spe
cially in view, and each day's study has been planned
so that it can be done, if necessary, on the train or in

PREFACE
the shop, with no other helps than this study volume
and a pocket Bible or Testament.
In treating each subject the aim has been to make
plain the meaning of the Master's words and acts and
let them bring their own message to the heart. Such
information as the ordinary student is likely to need
has been given, but the development of the truth in
each passage is chiefly accomplished through sug
gestive questions. These are not riddles to be solved,
but guides for the student's own thinking.
Beyond all mastery of the facts, it has been my
heart's desire to make each one who follows this
course more intimately and lovingly acquainted with
the Lord. Of two plain men, dull to discern the
truth, of whom we shall study, it was said, "And it
came to pass, while they communed and questioned
together, that Jesus himself drew near and went with
them." May all who study here share that experience.
Mount Hermon, February 1, 1909.

hints to students and teachers
using these studies
I. To the Student
To aid the student who has not before approached
the Bible as a book to be thoroughly and earnestly
studied, the following suggestions are given. Their
very simplicity, it is hoped, will make them the more
practical. Keep three aims before you: the first and third
must be realized if the course is to be profitable; the
second will add much to its interest.
1. Make it speak to you
(1) Bring to it an open mind, free from thoughts
on other subjects. Try to read it as if you had
never seen it before. The use of the Revised Version
is strongly advised; constant reference to it will be
found throughout the studies. The American Stan
dard (with references) is the best edition. The
Twentieth Century New Testament gives the story in
modern phraseology.
(2) Read the passage for the day; aloud if you
are alone, repeatedly if necessary thus to fix it in the
mind. Then follow its treatment in this course, ex
amining the Scripture references and seeking satis
factory answers to the questions. Note down what
you tliink most important or most likely to be for
gotten.
2. Make it live before you
(1) Learn about the country, the times, the
scene, the actors, both from the narrative itself, from
a Bible dictionary and from works on Bible geogra
phy and customs. The helps in any good teacher's

HINTS TO STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
edition of the Bible will furnish much information on
these points.
(2) Study with a map before you, and trace upon
it, or upon an outline one made for the purpose, the
movements of Jesus and others about whom you are
studying. (3) Remember that the men and women of the
Bible were real human beings, of flesh and blood Like
ourselves, and study their motives in the light of
men's actions to-day.
(4) After the subject has been studied in class,
it is a good plan, for those who have time, to copy
the notes of private study, together with any taken
in the class, into a permanent notebook. Keep this
book neatly in ink, transferring to it the topics of the
outline and stating concisely under each heading such
facts and hints as seem to you most important to re
member. The Scripture passage may be cut from a
cheap edition of the New Testament and pasted in
the notebook, with the notes opposite to or following
it. Clippings or pictures may then be added to illus
trate it. Learn by practice to discriminate and con
dense, so that such a notebook may be a help and
not a burden to you.
3. Make it work in you and through you
This is the supreme aim of Bible study. It is what
the Bible is in the world to do. Dr. George F. Pente
cost once said to a lady, who complained to him that
she found no pleasure in studying the Bible: "Read
only until you come to a command; then shut your
book and go and obey it. Then come back and read
on to the next command, and so continue reading and
obeying." In two weeks she came to him again, her
face aglow, and declared that the Bible was already a
new book to her.

HINTS TO STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
On the fly-leaf ol John Wesley's Bible were writ
ten the words, "Live to-day." He made the Bible
live and work in him, and thus made his own life "a
living epistle" from God.
These three aims may each be summarized in one
word: 1. Understand; 2. Appropriate; 3. Practice.
To attain these there will be needed industry, obedi
ence, and faith. Such a student will realize the truth
of Gabriel's statement to Mary in Luke 1 : 37 (Re
vised Version) : "No word from God shall be void
of power." II. To the Teacher
1. Appreciate your privilege.
There are few higher ones than to lead others into
fuller acquaintance with Jesus.
A sense of unfitness may be in itself one qualifica
tion for usefulness.
2. Give the best of whatever God has given you
of experience, time, thought, prayer, sympathy to the
members of your class.
3. At the opening session, see that each member is
supplied with a copy of the course, a good Bible or
New Testament, in the Revised Version if possible,
and a notebook. Call attention to the hints to stu
dents given above, and emphasize any points you
think best. Take names and addresses, if not fully
known, and point out the importance of prompt and
unbroken attendance.
4. Examine such of the different helps suggested
on pages 197-207 as are accessible.
Arrange, if possible, so that the class may have
access to a number of the books of reference sug
gested, in a convenient library or otherwise. Some
generous friend, or the members of the class them-

HINTS TO STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
selves, may be enlisted in procuring for the class
room some or all of the photographs mentioned.
5. Take copies of the most important helps to the
first session of the class, and take orders for such
as the members of the class may decide to buy for
themselves. 6. Hang a copy of Kephart's chart and a good
map of Palestine in the classroom, and use them to
help fix the facts accurately in the mind.
7. Guard against overemphasis upon the use of
these or any helps. The aim of the class is to see the
face and hear the words of Jesus Himself, and these
are to be found in the gospels.
8. Show the members of your class how to study.
Go over the work of Study One with them in detail,
devoting two class sessions to it. Do the same with
the next and subsequent studies, if necessary, until
each member of the class can do the daily work alone
with some satisfaction. Then the class hour can be
devoted to the discussion and application of the lead
ing points in the study.
If the class prefers to proceed slowly, with ample
time for discussion, each study of the course may
readily be divided into two lessons.
9. Let all the work be inspired by earnest prayer.

To these hints one who has read the manuscript of
this little book desires to add the following: "I ad
vise every one who intends to follow this course of
study to first do as I have done, read it straight
through from beginning to end, without stopping to
look up any passages, just to let the purpose and
power of it get hold of you. Especially for one who
intends to teach it, such a preliminary reading should
be invaluable."

l'norn I'i.i.ii.i M \i
Palestine
George Armstrong

I'M l sum I XPLOHATfON H N

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the period of preparation

FACTS ABOUT THE PERIOD
Events Included
From the annunciation to Zacharias to the return
of Jesus from His Temptation.
Time From October, 6 B. C, to February, 27 A. D., over
thirty years.
The mistake of four years made in fixing the time
of the beginning of the Christian era, when in the
sixth century the Roman method of reckoning time was
changed to the Christian, gives us December, 5 B. C,
for Christ's birth instead of 1 B. C. Adding about
thirty years (Luke 3 2S) to this date brings the time
for the beginning of His public ministry to the early
part of 27 A. D.
Scriptures Matt. 1 1— - 4 "; Mark 1 1'1S; Luke 1 * — 4 13; John
j 1-34
Places Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth,
the Jordan and the Wilderness of Judaea.
Characteristics Around His birth a time of miraculous occurrences
and heavenly protection. Then long years of ob
scurity, study, perfect development, patience. Leav
ing home, self-dedication, fiery testing, victory. An
nouncement by His forerunner.

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD
I. The Birth and Infancy
1. The Annunciations. (1) To Zacharias. (2)
To Mary. (3) To Joseph.
2. The Lowly Birth. (1) The journey to Bethle
hem. (2) The birth in the stable cave.
3. The Visit of the Shepherds. (1) The first
worshipers. (2) The "good tidings." (3) Their
faith. 4. The Observance of Jewish Law. (1) Circum
cision. (2) Presentation and mother's purification.
(3) The welcome in the Temple.
5. Welcomed by Wise Men. (1) Their guide.
(2) Their search. (3) Their reward. (4) Their
gifts. 6. Flight into Egypt. (1) Man proposes. (2)
God disposes.
II. Boyhood and Youth
1. The Boyhood in the New Home. (1) The
place appointed by God. (2) The home. (3) His
development. 2. His Visit to Jerusalem. (1) The reason for
going. (2) In the Temple. (3) The return.
3. The Hidden Years.
III. The Forerunner
1. His Training. (1) His home. (2) His wilder
ness life.
2. His Appearance and Audience.

4 THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
3. The Message and the Man. (1) Fulfilling
prophecy. (2) His mission. (3) His character.
IV. Baptism and Temptation
1. Baptism. (1) Jesus seeks it. (2) The accom
panying testimony from heaven.
2. Temptation. (1) The place and form. (2)
The three suggestions. (3) The victory.
3. The Testimony of the Baptizer. (1) To the
deputation from Jerusalem. (2) To all who came to
hear.

STUDY ONE
1. The Birth and Infancy
STtrst lag
1. The Annunciations.
(1) To Zacharias. Luke 1 5"2B.
a. The time and place.
Herod, called the Great, ruled Judaea
under Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor, for
thirty-three years. Josephus, the Jewish historian,
describes his miserable death at Jericho in the spring
of the year 750 of Rome, which is equivalent to
4 B. C. of our era. His acts relating to Jesus were
therefore among the last of a shrewd and able but
sinful and bloody career.
Very unlike him was Zacharias, to
whom we are introduced in the same verse. Though
the Romans despised the Jews and Herod cared noth
ing for religion, the Jewish worship was permitted
and Zacharias was serving as a priest in the Temple
at Jerusalem. To explain the meaning of "the course
of Abijah" in v. 5 read I Chron. 24 10. During this
particular week of service, it fell to him by lot (see
vs. 8 and 9) to burn incense within the Holy Place,
the highest service an ordinary priest could render.
Why was it appropriate that the heavenly message
should come to him just at this time and in this place?
Compare Ps. 50 23-Notice also what is said of the char
acter of Zacharias, and of Elisabeth, his wife, vs. 6
and 13. To what sort of persons does God reveal His
plans and His will?

6 THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
b. The messenger and his message.
See his name ("might of God"),
v. 19, and read of his earlier appearances to Daniel,
Dan. 816; 9 21. How are his opening words a true
keynote for the gospel? Find them again in v. 30,
and the same message in 2 10. What glad news did he
bring? What did he say about John's greatness?
About his preparation? About his work? About his
relation to the Lord?
c. The response.
Why did Zacharias desire a sign?
Was the sign an encouragement or a rebuke? What
does unbelief always do?
For what were the people waiting?
See Num. 6 22"27. How did Gabriel's announcement
soon find fulfilment?
Readings. Edersheim's "Life and Times of Jesus the Mes
siah," book 2, chapter 3, pages 133-143, or
Geikie's "Life of Christ," chapter 7, pages 89-97.
g>mmi» lag
(2) To Mary. Luke 1 2e"38.
a. The circumstances.
In the sixth month after the an
nunciation to Zacharias, v. 26. It was early spring
in Palestine. The "holiness of beauty" was upon the
world around her; the "beauty of holiness" was upon
her. Neither the hour nor the precise spot
of this annunciation is given, but what more fitting
than that it should occur at her home and at the hour
of prayer? If at that time, it would probably be
upon the flat roof of the house — her one place of
retirement.

THE BIRTH AND INFANCY T
The same messenger. Notice the
words here and in Dan. 9 21' 23 that describe his com
ing: "caused to fly," "command came forth," "sent."
b. The announcement.
Angels' visits were not uncommon in
Jewish history. "Hail !" was an ordinary mode of
salutation. What in the salutation did perplex her
and why? Notice the names of the promised
One. What was to be the character and extent of His
Kingship ? c. The woman chosen.
"God always uses the one nearest
Him." — D. L. Moody.
Her character, revealed in vs. 28, 30.
See R. V. margin. See also vs. 38, 45, R. V. margin.
Her submission, obedience and faith prove that she
was fitted for this high service.
Why did he give her the unasked
sign of v. 36? How does v. 37, R. V., answer all
questioning and unbelief? The angel's announcement
to Abraham and Sarah was accompanied by similar
words. Gen. 18 "-
Reading. Elizabeth Stuart Phelps' "Story of Jesus Christ,"
pages 1-11.

©hiro lag d. The visit to Elisabeth. Luke 1 S9-5a
(a) The journey.
From Nazareth to an un
named city in the hill country of Judaea, a four or five
days' journey. Why should Mary take this long,
trying j ourney ? Why with haste ?
(b) The greeting.
We are left to imagine all it
meant to Mary to enter the home of one in whom she

8 THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
could confide because of her womanly sympathy, and
one fitted to believe because of her own experience.
What would the visit also mean to Elisabeth? How
would her welcome help Mary ? How did it reveal the
secret of Mary's blessedness? v. 45. See in vs. 43
and 44 the first homage to her Son.
The Magnificat. Compare with
Hannah's song, I Sam. 2 1"10- How does it show
Mary to be a true daughter of Abraham ? What filled
her heart most completely? What additional revela
tion here of her character? (c) The return.
The visit lasted three months,
and Mary would doubtless have extended it if possi
ble. Here she was shielded, trusted, understood.
With what would her heart be filled on her return
journey? What stone did she find already "rolled
away" by God's hand? Matt. 1 20. How did Mary's
experience through these days forecast the Son's ?
Readings. Edersheim, book 2, chapter 4, pages 150-155, or
Geikie, chapter 8, pages 101-105.
3Fourth Sag
(3) To Joseph. Matt. 1 18"25.
a. His resolve.
Betrothal meant "the making sa
cred," and was usually accompanied by a social and
festive ceremony. After this the bond was as strong
as marriage (which followed within the year), and
could not be broken except by legal divorce, either
private before witnesses or public. The brief narra
tive shows there must have been contending feelings,
and at last he determined to put her away, but ("be
ing a just man") privately, that she might not be
shamed. What the resolve meant to this quiet man
we are left to conjecture.

THE BIRTH AND INFANCY 9
b. The dream.
"Thou son of David," see also Luke
J 27 Why did God announce His purpose
to Joseph? What new revelation of the Messiah
comes to him ? Isa. 7 14- But what part of His mis
sion is emphasized? Why would it require real faith
on his part to believe this message?
c. The result.
To see the right was, with him, to do
it. An immediate marriage was the only thing that
could protect her and the child, so he arose and took
her to his home.
Mtfj lag
2. The Lowly Birth. Luke 2 1 7.
(1) The journey to Bethlehem.
In consequence of the decree of Augus
tus that "all the world" should be taxed — enrolment
for which taxation was to be made, according to
Jewish custom, at the family city of each person —
Joseph and Mary took their journey to Bethlehem.
Bethlehem means "house of bread." A
little city in the hill country of Judaea, five miles
south of Jerusalem; the birthplace and home of
David, therefore called the "city of David," I Sam.
16 1"4. The time was winter, and the journey
was a hard one. If not necessary for enrolment why
would Mary go? Back of all was the guiding hand
of God; how would she feel about separation from
Joseph at such a time?
(2) The birth in the stable cave.
Bethlehem at this time would be crowded
and, after vainly seeking accommodations in the inn,
they were forced to retire to the stable cave, a nat-

10 THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
ural hollow in the hillside, against which the house
had been built. Notice the simple pathos of vs. 6
and 7.
Readings. Edersheim, book 2, chapter 6, pages 182-186.
Geikie, chapter 9, pages 108-115, or
Stalker, chapter 1, paragraphs 1-5.
IHxJh lag
3. The Visit of the Shepherds. Luke 2 8-2°.
(1) The first worshipers. In strange con
trast with the indifference of earth to this lowly birth
in Bethlehem, was the demonstration of heaven. The
flocks pastured upon the hillsides were probably des
tined for the Temple sacrifices. If so how appro
priate that to these shepherds should come tidings of
the birth of Him to whom all the sacrifices of Jew
ish history had pointed !
(2) The "good tidings."
The same name, Jesus, "Saviour," is first
in this annunciation, as in those to Mary and to
Joseph. What was to be the sign? Would it be
sufficient ? What was in the "good tidings" for
heaven? What for earth?
If there is "joy in heaven over one sin
ner that repenteth" (Luke 15 10), no wonder heaven
could not contain its joy at the birth of the world's
Saviour, v. 13.
(3) Their responsive faith.
How did they show their faith?
Its reward. Follow them: they heard,
came, found, made known, returned to their work re
joicing and praising God.
Readings. Edersheim, book 2, chapter 6, pages 186-190, or
Stalker, chapter 1, paragraphs 6, 7.

THE BIRTH AND INFANCY 11
&prmtflf lag
4. The Observance of Jewish Law. Luke 2 21'38-
(1) Circumcision, v. 21.
A home rite. Named on the eighth day.
Circumcision a token of the "everlasting covenant."
See Gen. 17 1_12.
(2) Presentation and mother's purification.
vs. 22-24 After forty days. The first-born holy to
the Lord, Ex. 13 " 16. Price of redemption, Num.
18 ie. Law of circumcision and purification, Lev. 12.
What does v. 8 there reveal as to the circumstances of
these parents? "According to the law." See Gal. 4 *' B.
(3) The welcome in the Temple, vs. 25-38.
Whom did Simeon and Anna represent?
What did he see in the mission of the
Lord's Christ that others had not? Notice the in
spired order in v. 32 and again in v. 34.
Readings. Stalker, chapter 1, paragraph 8.
Edersheim, book 2, chapter 7, pages 198-201.
Review 1. To whom were the annunciations made? What
reason for each?
2. What was the nature and work of the Messiah
as revealed in them ? By what names has He thus far
been called ?
3. What have we learned of the character and
work of the forerunner ?
4. Locate on a map of Palestine the places men
tioned thus far.
5. How did it come about that Jesus was born in
Bethlehem? When?
6. How was the Jewish law carefully observed,
and why ?

STUDY TWO
I. The Birth and Infancy (Continued)
irTtrat lag
5. Welcomed by the Wise Men. Matt. 2 1~12-
The Scriptures give no information as to who
they were, except the name, "Wise men," or "Magi";
as to whence they came, except "the East" ; as to
their numbers, except the gifts; nor as to the exact
time of their visit. The fact that Mary offered the
offering of the poor confirms the view that they came
after the presentation in the Temple.
(1) Their guide.
They belonged to the more learned class
of magicians, who were students of astrology, and to
whom an unusual appearance in the heavens was a
sign of some great event. Perhaps they knew of
Balaam's prophecy. Num. 24 17.
Astronomers tell us that there appeared
an intermittent star about this time, that vanished
later, and has since reappeared at long intervals.
Why did God guide them by a star, in
stead of by angel voices and dreams, as we have seen
Him direct others? How does He guide men now?
How far did the star lead them?
(2) Their search.
Why did they go to Jerusalem, and to
Herod? Why did not God use the star alone?
What interest would their title for the
Messiah arouse? Notice who took part in the search.
They directed the Magi, but missed Him themselves.

THE BIRTH AND INFANCY 13
(3) Their reward.
What was it? Would what they found
have satisfied anything but faith? How were they
like the Old Testament men of faith? Heb. 11 13-
(4) Their gifts. See Isa. 60 6 ; Ps. 72 10' ".
Were their gifts kingly? What did they
signify? What greater gift than these did they
offer ? Whom did they represent ?
Readings. Stalker, chapter 1, paragraph 9.
Wallace's "Ben Hur," chapters 1-5 (on the com
ing of the Wise Men).
Edersheim, book 2, chapter 8, pages 202-214.

&*rmth lag
6. Flight into Egypt. Matt. 2 13"23.
(1) "Man proposes."
The beginning of hatred and jealousy.
Follow the development of Herod's hatred through
this chapter. How does it forecast the attitude of
the rulers up to the close of Jesus' life?
Rachel was the "patron saint" of Bethlehem. See
Gen. 35 162°. In the long list of Herod's cruelties,
this destruction of a score of children, more or less,
was not considered worth mentioning by historians of
the time. (2) "God disposes."
How was this an illustration of Ps. 76 10 ?
How were the designs of Herod twice
thwarted ? Notice throughout the nearness of heaven
to earth, revealed to the seeking and obedient, con
cealed from all others. See how the Heavenly Father
watched over His Son and how Joseph cooperated by
prompt obedience.

14 THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
What names and titles are applied to
Jesus in this chapter?
Readings. Stalker, paragraph 10.
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, pages 36, 37, or
Edersheim, book 2, pages 215-221.

II. Boyhood and Youth
flhlrh lag
1. The Boyhood in the New Home. Luke 2 39, 40.
(1) The place appointed by God. v. 39.
Read also Matt. 2 21~23. Reason for set
tling in Nazareth. Apparently Joseph's intention
was to settle permanently in Bethlehem, but, again
led by the divine messenger, he turns to Nazareth.
Why was Galilee chosen rather than
Judaea? "Galilee was to Judaism the Court of the
Gentiles." Judaea was filled with memories of the
past, Jewish aristocracy, study of the law which had
developed into fanaticism and formalism. Every
thing lacked life — the hills were barren, the cities
decaying, the religion empty. Galilee was a striking
contrast. Life everywhere — thriving, populous cities,
beautiful varied landscapes, birds and flowers, people
thrifty, impulsive and strong.
What sort of a place was Nazareth?
What do Nathanael's words in John 1 46 imply?
(2) The home.
What kind of a home was it? What was
He, doubtless, taught there? Deut. 6 6' 7; 11 19.
Were there other children ? Mark 6 3.
(3) His development, v. 40.
Notice the order. Was there anything
supernatural about it? See I Sam. 2 26.

BOYHOOD AND YOUTH 15
2. His Visit to Jerusalem. Luke 2 4I52.
(1) The reason for going.
Attendance at the feasts at Jerusalem
was required when a youth became of age at thir
teen years. It had grown to be expected a year or
two earlier. What would the j ourney mean to Him ?
Readings. Wallace's "Boyhood of Christ."
Geikie, chapter 12, pages 146-165, or
Stalker, paragraphs 11-18, 21.

Jfattrtli lag
(2) In the Temple.
Why would a boy like Jesus tarry here?
What did the scene reveal as to His pre
vious training? What would He learn of the nation's
hopes from these doctors? What had He already
learned, but not from them? How?
(3) The return.
Notice the mother's anxiety (v. 48), fail
ure to understand (vs. 49, 50), deep thought (v. 51.
See also v. 19). Many events in the years that fol
lowed must have recalled these early experiences.
How much did He yet understand of
Himself and His mission? v. 49.
3. The Hidden Years.
Two verses (51, 52) give the history of those
years. Why so little record of them? Yet much is
revealed here and later.
In His character there was perfect de
velopment, v. 52. How does this differ from v. 40?
In His home He was obedient. v. 51.
Would it be difficult after the Temple visit?

16 THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
He worked with Joseph in his carpenter
shop. Mark 6 3 How would this be of value to
Him in His mission? In His close association with
men He learned what was in man (John 2 25), and
won their approval, v. 52.
It was His "custom" to go to the syna
gogue. Luke 4 10- Would He take any part?
His outdoor life filled Him with a love
for all nature. How did He show this in His teach
ing? The outlook from the hill back of the town
would make real to Him the history of His people.
The mountains became His places of re
tirement and communion with His Father. Did they
always remain so ? Luke 6 12 ; 9 28, etc.
How at the age of thirty is He fitted for
His mission? Why such a long period for prepara
tion? What lessons may we learn from it?
Readings. Stalker, paragraphs 19, 20, 22-24.
G. Campbell Morgan's "The Hidden Years at
Nazareth. ' '

III. The Forerunner. Mark 1 1_8

JMtlj lag
1. His Training.
Name — John, shortened from Johanan ("Je
hovah is gracious").
(1) His home.
Of what tribe were his parents? What
was their character? Where was his home? How much older
was he than Jesus? Would their home life differ?
How were they related?

THE FORERUNNER 17
(2) His wilderness life. Luke 1 80.
What is meant by "the deserts"? How
did his training differ from that of Jesus ? Why was
his better adapted for his mission?
What would John naturally have been?
Instead he became (Luke 1 15) a Nazirite. What
was their vow? See Num. 6. What Old Testament
men were, like John, Nazirites for life? Judges
13 B; I Sam. 1 "-
Readings. Geikie, pages 337-342.
Stalker's "The Two St. Johns," chapter 1.
Edersheim, book 2, pages 257-266.
&txtlj lag
2. His Appearance and Audience. Matt. 3 1'12.
(1) His appearance.
For four hundred years God had not
spoken to His people by a prophet. Why would
John's appearance attract the attention of the nation?
See Luke 2 38; 3 15-
How did he resemble Elijah? Luke 1 1T,
also II Kings 1 8. Why was the name "voice" an
appropriate one for him?
What was his relation to the old dis
pensation? Luke 16 16. What to the new? Luke
7 28. Contrast his life with the lives of those who
should have been preparing for the King they ex
pected and he heralded.
(2) His audience.
The year of his popularity was a Sab
batic year, October, A. D. 26, to October, A. D. 27.
See Lev. 25 17. Why was this favorable?
Who composed his audience? vs. 5-9.
See also Luke 3 10- 12' 14.
Readings. Stalker, paragraphs 30-35.
Stalker, "The Two St. Johns," chapter 2.

18 THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
&r>m?nth lag
3. The Message and the Man. Luke 3 1"18.
(1) Fulfilling prophecy.
How did the angel describe his work?
Luke 1 16'17. What were the Old Testament prophecies
concerning him? Isa. 40 3"5; Mai. 3 1.
What was his father's prophecy concern
ing him? Luke 1 76-79-
(2) His mission.
What was his mission, and how did he
fulfil it? vs. 3-5.
What was the chief theme of his preach
ing? How did he adapt his message to each class?
What views of the Messiah did he present? vs. 9,
16, 17. Did he see them fulfilled? What did he de
mand from all? v. 8.
(3) His character.
What opinions did the people have of
him? v. 15, also John 1 19"21. How did he show his
boldness ? His humility ? His knowledge of charac
ter ? How did he later show the same characteristics ?
Matt. 314; 14 ".
What was Jesus' testimony to him?
Matt. 11 711 Was his greatness (v. 11) in the man
himself or in his relation to Jesus? Why could not
John become a disciple of Jesus and thus enter into
"the kingdom of heaven" ?
Readings. Stalker, paragraph 45.
G. Campbell Morgan's "Crises of the Christ,"
pages 137-142.
Review 1. Who thus far have welcomed Jesus? What
classes did they represent?

THE FORERUNNER 19
2. Who have unconsciously aided in the fulfil
ment of the prophecy? From whom has the opposi
tion come? Why?
3. Which circumstances connected with Christ's
birth testify to His humanity, and which to His
divinity ?
4. How were John and Jesus each trained for his
mission ?
5. What was John's message? What indicated
his character?

The references to lives of Christ and other helpful books are from
this point limited to Stalker's Life of Christ. Any student who has
followed them thus far must have now learned how to find what will
help him in such reference books as are within his reach.

STUDY THREE
IV. Baptism and Temptation
Wvest lag
1. The Baptism. Matt. 3 13"17.
(1) Jesus seeks it.
What effect did the news of John's work
and its success have upon Jesus? With His knowl
edge of prophecy what would it suggest to Him?
On what ground did John object to bap
tizing Jesus? Without denying John's statement, on
what ground did Jesus press His request?
How did baptism, then, in the case of
Jesus differ from the baptism of others ? In the case
of others it involved cleansing for the past as well as
consecration for the future. Did it in His case?
(2) The accompanying testimony from
heaven. What did it mean to John? John 1 33.
To Jesus it included:
a. Divine approval both of Himself,
and of the step He was taking.
b. Official anointing on the threshold
of His mission, as priests and kings had been
anointed of old. c. Enduement with power from on high.
How was the visible sign of the invisible
gift peculiarly appropriate?
How does this scene introduce to us the
three persons of the Trinity and suggest the peculiar
function of each? vs. 16, 17.
Stalker, paragraphs 46-49.

BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION 21
^ftnito lag
2. The Temptation. Matt. 41"11; Mark 1 12,13;
Luke 4 1_13. Read again and again these three brief
accounts of this great experience.
(1) Its place and form.
Why should the Spirit's first influence
upon Jesus drive Him to the wilderness ? Why would
He want to get away from men, even from John?
What absorbed Him so that for forty days He was in
different to food? Is there any special significance
in the number "forty"? See Ex. 24 18; I Kings 19 8;
Jonah 3 4 ; Acts 1 3
How would "the wilderness" affect Him
differently from John? The Judaean desert, north
west of the Dead Sea, was so desolate that the Jews
called it "the horror."
Are we to understand that Satan ap
peared to Jesus in any visible form? Would such an
appearance make the temptation stronger or not?
Had Satan power to carry Jesus bodily to the Tem
ple ? Could he show to the bodily eye of Jesus all the
kingdoms of the world ? Would it not be quite as real
a temptation if the suggestions came to Him as they
do to us, appealing to the mind and to the imagina
tion?
GUrirfc lag (2) The three suggestions :
a. The first.
Its channel the healthy appetite of a
normal man, all the stronger for its long repression.
Was the appetite evil? Then why not satisfy it?
If He felt new powers stirring within Him, why not
put them to this use? For what purpose were these
new powers given? If He used them to sustain His

22 THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
own life, He would no longer be a true "Son of man,"
dependent upon His Father.
What is the principle underlying
Jesus' answer ? Where had He learned it ? See Deut.
8 3 and its context. Like Israel in the wilderness, His
part was but to obey and to trust.
How does this temptation now make
its appeal to others, usually in grosser forms? How
is it to be overcome?
JfaHrtb; lag b. The second.
Follow Matthew's order. The differ
ence in the order in the two accounts favors the con
clusion that the narrative gives a vivid picture of suc
cessive conflicts fought out in the mind of Jesus while
alone in the wilderness, rather than of actual visits to
Temple and mountain. Notice the word with which the sug
gestion again begins. To insinuate doubt of God's
truth is always one of Satan's methods. See Gen. 3 1.
To what limits does he go in this
case? What was wrong with his suggestion? To
what evil trait in man did it appeal? What was
wrong in his use of Scripture? Under what condi
tions only do such promises hold good?
Why did this suggestion awaken no
response in Jesus ? What did He seek from men that
was deeper than wonder and applause?
c. The third.
To what did Satan's third proposal
appeal ? Did Jesus desire what was offered?
To what end? Could Satan have "delivered the
goods"? Would they have been worth having if ob
tained in that way? What does "worshiping" Satan
really mean? How is it impossible for any true son

"Satan Saith Unto Him, 'All These Things Will I Give
Thee, if  . ' ' '

BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION 23
of God? How are many of them now tempted to
try it?

STtftif lag (3) The victory.
What made the assault such a severe one ?
How did all three suggestions offer alluring promise
of success in His mission?
Why did Satan not tempt Jesus to any
of the grosser forms of sin?
How do his three assaults really cover
the whole circle of temptation — the appeal to ap
petite, the appeal to pride, the appeal to ambition?
Notice the language of Luke 4 13.
What helped Jesus to win the victory?
What does this suggest to us ?
In what one particular was Jesus'
temptation unlike ours ? Heb. 4 1B, last clause.
What does His victory mean to us ? Heb.
2 17. is . 4 15, 16 Did His victory free Him from further
temptations ? See Luke 4 ls. Did it weaken the
strength of later assaults?
How did angelic ministry do for Him
what He had refused to do for Himself ?
How would the baptism and temptation
harden and fix as by fire the purpose and aim of
Jesus' life? Stalker, paragraphs 50-53.
S'txth lag
3. The Testimony of the Baptizer.
( 1 ) To the deputation from Jerusalem. John

24

THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION

a. Concerning himself.
What question had John's success
evidently aroused in men's minds? vs. 19, 20. What
mistaken impressions does he take pains to remove?
Why? In what sense was he not Elijah? No
tice "spirit asd power" in Luke 1 17. In what sense
was he? Matt. 11 14.
Who was "the prophet"? See Deut.
18 i5,i8. Matt. 21 ". What does John say of him
self? On whom does he thus fix their thought ? Ap
ply this. b. Concerning his Lord.
How did John's testimony "make
straight His way"? Whither had Jesus returned after the
temptation ? Why did He appear so quietly and
unobtrusively ? Why did John feel himself un
worthy to be even the humblest of slaves to Jesus?
"Bethany beyond Jordan" cannot be
positively located. It was probably near the great
ford south of the Sea of Galilee.
fbtvettibj lag
(2) To all who came to hear. John 1 29"34.
How does John now state not the su
premacy but the mission of his Lord? Where did he
get this new and clear conception? Isa. 53 6' T. How
did it differ from the thought of the Jewish rulers?
How was it closely connected with the substance of
John's own preaching? With his baptizing?
How had John come to know Him as the
Son of God? How was Christ's work for men to ex
ceed John's ? How had John learned this ?

BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION 25
Review 1. How did the baptism and temptation complete
the inward preparation of Jesus for His life work?
2. What share did the Father have in these ex
periences? The Spirit? Angels? Satan? John?
Jesus Himself?
8. What great lessons for us in Jesus' baptism?
In His temptation? In John's witnessing?
4. Having now completed the study of the Period
of Preparation, turn to page 2 and review the gen
eral statements there made concerning it.

II
THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION

FACTS ABOUT THE PERIOD

Events Included
From the enlisting of the first disciples to the first
conflict with the rulers at Jerusalem.

Time From February, 27 A. D., to April, 28 A. D. The
opening date is fixed by counting back from the
passover of John 2 23 and allowing sufficient time for
the preceding events. The closing date is based on
the presumption that the feast of John 5 1 was also
a passover, which is probable, though not at all cer
tain. Scriptures John 1 S5— 5 ".
Places Bethany beyond Jordan. Cana of Galilee. Jeru
salem. Judaea. yEnon. Jacob's well. Sychar.
Cana. Jerusalem.
Characteristics Introduction to individuals in all parts of the land.
Comparative obscurity while John is still actively at
work. "Signs" in Galilee, and manifestation of His
authority in Jerusalem.

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD
I. The Enlistment of the First Disciples
1. Andrew and John.
2. Simon Peter.
3. Philip.
4. Nathanael.
II. First Appearance in Social Life
1. At the Marriage in Cana.
2. The First Sign.
III. First Appearance at the Religious Center
1. In Jerusalem at the Passover. (1) The jour
ney. (2) The cleansing of the Temple. (3) The de
manded sign.
2. First Interview with a Jewish Ruler. (1)
Other signs and their effect. (2) The night visit.
(3) The seeker for light. (4) The Teacher and His
method. (5) The great truths taught. (6) The
writer's comment on these truths.
3. Baptizing in J udasa. (1) Jesus takes up John's
work. (2) John rejoices in Jesus' success.
IV. The First Believers in Samaria
1. The Journey.
2. The Well-side Meeting.
3. The Offer of the Living Water.
4. Seeking a True Worshiper for the Father.
5. The Spirit of the Worker.
6. The Effect of the Work.

30 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
V. Another Sign in Galilee
1. His Welcome.
2. His Preaching.
3. Healing the Nobleman's Son. (1) The peti
tion. (2) The response.
VI. The First Conflict with the Rulers
1. The Time and the Place.
2. The Helpless Case and the Perfect Cure.
8. The Charge of Sabbath-breaking.
4. The Answer. The Son's Authority.
5. The Witnesses to the Truth of His Claims.
The Father through (1) John the Baptist. (2)
Jesus' works. (3) The Scriptures.
6. Why Men Reject the Testimony.

STUDY FOUR

I. The Enlistment of the First Disciples
Jftrat lag
1. Andrew and John. John 1 3B"39.
How did John now follow up his announce
ment of the previous day? What does this suggest to
every witness for Jesus ?
How does Jesus encourage the slightest ap
proach to Him? How is His question a test of sin
cerity and earnestness? Bengel, one of the most
learned and devout of Christian scholars, placed this
question, "What seek ye?" over the entrance to his
oratory, as a message to his own soul each time he
came to pray.
What did their question in v. 38 indicate (1)
as to their idea of Jesus, (2) as to their desire to
know more of Him? Jesus' answer is His invitation
and promise (see R. V.) to all men in every age.
Christianity invites and rewards the most thorough
investigation by all sincere seekers after truth.
The unnamed disciple who accompanied Andrew
was John, the son of Zebedee, who records the inci
dent. See the indication of an eye-witness in v. 39-
Even to old age, when he wrote his gospel, he never
forgot the memorable hour when he first met his Lord.
From this verse and others in which he mentions time
we conclude that he used the Roman method of reck
oning the hours (which we have followed) instead of
the Jewish, which we find in Matthew, Mark and
Luke. That would make the visit to Jesus last from
ten in the morning until night.

32 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
&pcotui lag
2. Simon Peter. John 1 40"42.
Of Andrew, as a disciple of Christ, we have a
brief but very suggestive record. He "heard," "fol
lowed," "found the Messiah," and at once began to
find others. His very first act of service was probably
the most far-reaching of all his life.
What conclusion had he reached from his first
interview with Jesus? How clear and correct were
his ideas about the Messiah? Did that hinder him
from testifying to what he had learned? Why does
John think it necessary to interpret the word "Mes
siah"? For the corresponding word in English see
the R. V. margin.
How did Jesus unveil Simon's future? What
enabled Him to do it? Notice the tense, "shalt be."
When was Simon to receive the name Peter? What
does it suggest as to the character he was to develop ?
And the place he was to fill?
Shirh lag
3. Philip. John 1 43-46.
How does Jesus Himself now set the example
of enlisting men as His followers? What is implied
in His summons, "Follow me"?
The Bethsaida from which these first disciples
came was near Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. Its
name, "house of fish," suggests its chief industry, in
which these men had been engaged.
How does Philip at once follow Andrew's ex
ample? What does his fuller testimony to Nathanael
show? In what statement does it follow popular im
pression rather than exact fact? Compare John 6 42.
What served as a stumbling-block to Na
thanael? How did he know Nazareth? See John

FIRST APPEARANCE IN SOCIAL LIFE 33
21 2. How did Philip meet his objection? How do
men still stumble over the lowliness of Jesus ?

Juntrfir lag
4. Nathanael. John 1 4TB1.
How does Jesus remove Nathanael's doubt?
What does He testify regarding his character ? What
had He seen in Nathanael when He saw him under
the fig tree? What does Nathanael now see in Him?
How was this testimony an advance on Andrew's
and Philip's? What does He promise Nathanael? What in
cident in Israel's history seems to be in Jesus' mind in
vs. 47 and 51 ? Gen. 28 12"ir. What sort of man will
"see" in Jesus' ministry "heaven opened," and heaven
and earth brought together by the Son of man?
Stalker, paragraph 57.
II. First Appearance in Social Life
Jfifilf lag
1. At the Marriage in Cana. John 2 1_5.
Notice how carefully the writer indicates the
time of these earlier incidents. 2 1- Compare 1 29'
35, 43 Eyery detail had been indelibly impressed
upon his mind.
Locate Cana. Probably the modern Kefr
Kenna, a few miles northeast of Nazareth on the road
to the Sea of Galilee. Which of the newly enlisted
followers had his home here? See John 21 2- These
five disciples of the Baptist have now become disci
ples of Jesus, and are, with Him, invited to the mar
riage.

34 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
Why is the mother of Jesus so concerned about
the failure in the supply of wine? Why does she turn
to Jesus in her need? Had she any reason to expect
miraculous help through Him?
What was Jesus' answer (v. 4) intended to
show her? Was there any lack of tenderness in it?
Compare John 19 2G- What new relation to Him
must even His mother now enter if she is to benefit by
His mission? What effect did it have upon her?
See v. 5. How are her words to the servants a guide for
all who would serve Jesus?
£txtlf lag
2. The First Sign. John 2 6-"-
What was "the Jews' manner of purifying"?
See Mark 7 3' 4.
Notice the convincing character of the sign:
(1) It was wrought through the servants.
Jesus did not touch the water or the wine; He simply
spoke the word of power.
(2) Its abundance. The six stone water pots,
containing in all a hundred or more gallons, were filled
to the brim. (3) Its excellence. To this the appointed
ruler of the festivities gave public testimony.
John prefers the term "sign" rather than the
term "miracle" found in the other gospels. A miracle
is not merely a display of supernatural power, but an
indication of the worker's mission.
What does this first work of Jesus signify :
(1) As to His nature? v. 11. Compare 1 14.
This is beautifully expressed in the
famous epigram, written by Crashaw at Cambridge,

FIRST APPEARANCE IN SOCIAL LIFE 35
1634. "The conscious water saw its God and
blushed." (2) As to His mission ? The water of separa
tion changed into the wine of joyous and abundant
life. The godly life no longer to be lived by keeping
separate from a Gentile world but by appropriating
the new wine, which symbolized the life of Jesus
poured out for others.
This first sign, on the threshold of the ministry,
also shows: (1) That Jesus had come not to subtract
from, but to add to all the wholesome joys of life;
and (2) though Himself not to marry, He had come
to bless home and family Life.
As to the wine, it was either the unfermented
juice of the grape, or, at any rate, very different
from the intoxicating liquors of our day.
Stalker, paragraph 58.

&prmtflj lag
Review 1. Why did the ministry begin with the enlistment
of disciples, rather than with either sermon or mira
cle? See John 15 2T.
2. What qualifications did these men possess for
the high privilege to which they were admitted?
3. What may we learn here regarding the best
methods in enlisting followers for Jesus?
4. What must we believe in order to be truly
Jesus' disciples?
5. What does Jesus promise to those who would
follow Him?

36 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
6. Review John 1 10~51 to see how many different
names and titles are applied to Jesus in this section.
Make a list of them.
7. What are we to learn from Jesus' first sign?
What effect did it have upon His disciples ?

STUDY FIVE
III. First Appearance at the Religious Center
Jirst lag
1. In Jerusalem at the Passover. John 2 12~22.
(1) The journey. 12, 13.
This is the first mention of Capernaum,
the city by the Sea of Galilee which was afterwards
to become "His own city." And this is the only place
where we read of "His mother and His brethren"
journeying with Him. They had not yet learned the
lesson that they too must become His disciples. See
Matt. 124600. This journey to Passover was to be a
memorable one, as one during His boyhood had
already been (Luke 2 41- 42). Now the Lord of the
Temple goes to cleanse it from defilement.
(2) The cleansing of the Temple. 14-17.
In preparation for the Passover it was
the duty of the head of every Jewish home to see that
all leaven was removed. Ex. 12 15- What leaven did
Jesus find in His Father's house? How did He re
move it? What claim did He thus make for Himself?
Why was the presence of the money
changers permitted? See Matt. 17 24; Ex. 30 13.
Why the business of selling animals for sacrifice?
These "concessions" were so liberally paid for to the
chief priests that the stalls were known as "the
booths of the house of Annas." What was the effect
on worship and life? Do any such practices intrude
upon our own religious life?
What new trait of Jesus' character does
this scene reveal? What did His disciples learn from
it? v. 17.

38 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
Ufrmth lag
(3) The demanded sign. vs. 18-22.
The rulers now challenged Jesus as they
had already challenged John. 1 19. Jesus answered
them with the one sign, which, though yet in the fu
ture, was absolutely conclusive as to His Messiah-
ship and Deity. Why must He at this early date
necessarily state it in figurative terms ? They remem
bered it but misunderstood and perverted it. Matt.
2g ai. 274o_ The disciples also remembered, and when
the sign was accomplished, understood this early
reference to it. How did it do for them what was in
tended ? Why ? Why of no profit to those who asked
for it? Stalker, paragraph 59.
SIhiru lag
2. First Interview with a Jewish Ruler. John
2 23 — 3 si.
(1) Other signs and their effect. 2 23_2B.
Of these signs to which John refers we
have no description. We only know (John 20 30, 31)
that the signs he does describe were selected from
many because of their peculiar significance.
Why was the faith which they awakened
not likely to stand testing? Luther called it "milk
faith" because it needed to be kept fed by deeds of
power. (2) The night visit. 3 1"1B.
"The teacher of Israel" learning from
the "Teacher come from God."
What brought Nicodemus ? Did he speak
for others as well as for himself? v. 2.

H^-

"Make Not My Father's House a House of Merchandise."

AT THE RELIGIOUS CENTER 39
Why come at night? How does it agree
with the cautious conservatism, and yet real sincerity
and latent courage, which his later course indicates?
See 7 B0 and 19 88.
Was John present at the interview? He
at any rate is the only evangelist who seems ac
quainted with the facts about Nicodemus. No other
mentions him.
(3) The seeker for light.
Of what had Nicodemus been convinced?
What more did he want to know ?
What cast of mind is shown by his two
questions ?
Jffmirtlf lag
(4) The Teacher and His method.
Why does He meet Nicodemus' declara
tion, apparently so encouraging, with the abrupt an
nouncement of v. 3 ?
Notice how He emphasizes the truth (a)
by reiteration, (b) by illustration, and (c) by per
sonal testimony. (5) The great truths taught.
a. The necessity of regeneration.
Should any Old Testament teaching
have prepared Nicodemus for this truth? See Ps.
51 10; Ezek. 36 25"2T. John's baptism of repentance,
for cleansing from sin, and Jesus' baptism of the
Spirit, for the imparting of new life, both essential
for entrance into the Kingdom of God. Had Nico
demus received either? In what respects is the wind a most
fitting symbol of the Spirit ?
As Nicodemus in v. 2 associates
others with him in his statement, so Jesus in v. 11
associates His Father with Himself in His.

40 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
If Nicodemus cannot believe in the
change which the Holy Spirit works on earth in the
hearts of men, how can he believe the heavenly coun
sels that lead to it? No man has ever penetrated
into these heavenly counsels (v. 13. See Prov. 30 4).
The Son of man who is more than a "Teacher from
God," who has Himself descended from His abode in
heaven, He only can reveal the heart of heaven's
counsels, as He does in vs. 14, 15.
b. Eternal life by faith in the uplifted
Saviour. What are the points of similarity be
tween the uplifting of the serpent in the wilderness
and the uplifting of the Son of man? See Num. 21
7-9; John 12 B2'33. How did Jesus show in this inter
view that He already had the fullest consciousness of
His mission and of what it would accomplish ?
Stalker, paragraph 60.

Jffifth lag (6) The writer's comment on these truths.
3 18-21 That the account of the interview
closes with v. 1 5 seems clear (a) from the term "only
begotten son" in vs. 16 and 18, which John uses else
where (see 1 18; I John 4 9), but Jesus never does;
and (b) from the point of view in v. 19, which is that
of the time when the gospel was written, rather than
of the time when Jesus talked with Nicodemus. Other
similar comments of the writer are found in 3 31"36
and 12 86"43 We owe then to the beloved disciple
the form of statement of the great truth in 3 1S, al
though the truth itself came to him from Jesus.

AT THE RELIGIOUS CENTER 41
This paragraph tells us most clearly :
a. The origin of Christ's mission — in
God's heart of love.
b. The purpose of it — not to judge but
to save. c. The way to benefit by it — believe on
Him. d. The way to be condemned by it — ex
clude the light. e. The reason men exclude it — the love
of evil.
&txtlj lag
3. Baptizing in Judaa. John 3 22_36.
(1) Jesus takes up John's work. 22-26.
Only here (see also 4 *) during Jesus'
ministry do we read of baptizing either by Him or by
His disciples. V. 24 seems to be the reason. Until
John has completed the work of preparation, Jesus
quietly shares it. The crowds flock to Him more than
to John. (2) John rejoices in Jesus' success. 27-30.
The true secret of j oy in Christian service
is to be associated with Christ in advancing His in
terests. To recognize the truth of v. 30, and at the
same time rejoice in it, shows true nobility of soul.
This is "high-water mark" in the Baptist's career.
^piuurtlj lag
(3) The writer's comment. 31-36.
Suggested by John's testimony to Jesus'
supremacy. Jesus has the Spirit without measure and
His testimony is as much superior to any man's as

42 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
heaven is to earth. Every man to whom this testi
mony comes decides his own future by the way he
treats it. Stalker, paragraphs 61-64.

Review 1. What relation had the cleansing of the Temple
to the Passover ?
2. What does the third chapter of John tell us
concerning :
(1) The relation of God the Father to Jesus?
(2) The source of Jesus' teaching?
(3) Jesus' observation of nature and knowl
edge of the Old Testament?
(4) Eternal life?
3. How is Jesus' teaching here a great advance on
that of John the Baptist?

STUDY SIX
IV. The First Believers in Samaria. John 4 1_42
Steal lag
1. The Journey. 1-4.
Why did He leave Judaea? Did He fear the
Pharisees? Why did He not Himself baptize? Why
go to Galilee? The natural route through Samaria
was avoided by Jews because of the hostility between
them and the Samaritans. How had this arisen?
II Kings_17 24"29' 41 ; Ezra 4 1"3. Why was this no ob
stacle to Jesus? Was there any other than a geo
graphical reason for journeying through Samaria?
v. 4. What were these Samaritans to gain from it?
What were His disciples to learn from it?
2. The Well-side Meeting. 5-9.
The main road to Galilee to this day rounds the
eastern shoulder of Mount Gerizim as it enters the
valley lying between Gerizim and Ebal. Just there
lies the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to Joseph
(see Gen. 33 19; Josh. 24 32), in which Joseph's tomb
still stands, and within sight of it Jacob's well (v. 12"1
The mouth of that well is the one exact spot in all
Palestine where the modern traveler may now be sure
that he is sitting where Jesus sat.
How does John show us Jesus' real humanity
here? and also His unselfish interest in every indi
vidual, however casually met ? Was He thirsty ? Did
He get the water for which He asked? What desire
was deeper and stronger?
"In Eastern lands it has ever been held a sacred
duty to supply the thirsty traveler with water, what
ever his race or faith." Why does the woman then
answer this request as she does ?

44 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
&pwttb lag
3. The Offer of Living Water. 10-15.
How does the great Giver meet her lack of
hospitality? On what and on whom does He en
deavor to fix her thought? v. 10. To what avail?
vs. 11, 12. How does He meet her question? How
recommend His proffered gift? Notice her growing
respect. Compare v. 9 with vs. 11 and 15.
Her word for "well" in vs. 11, 12 is everywhere
else translated "pit." It indicated the depth of the
opening, now about 70 feet, from which she had to
draw the water. Jesus' word (v. 14) and also John's
(v. 6) is elsewhere "fountain," indicating the inward
source from which the water should overflow.
How does her request (v. 15) show that her
thought has not yet risen beyond the earth ?
Shtrh lag
4. Seeking a True Worshiper for the Father.
16-26. How is the probing of heart most delicately yet
convictingly done ? Can this knowledge of her life be
explained on merely human grounds? What effect
does it have upon her?
Why does she introduce the question which was
hotly contested between Jews and Samaritans? How
does Jesus answer it ? Notice "from the Jews." How
does He at once lift her mind above the question of
place to the question of spirit, from the where to the
how? How is this teaching still needed ? What great
truth does He teach her about God ? About Himself ?
Why does He talk to such a woman about spiritual
things with such depth and freedom? Why does He
make to her a clearer declaration of His Messiahship
than He has to others?

FIRST BELIEVERS IN SAMARIA 45
Jflnurth lag
5. The Spirit of the Worker. 27-88.
What awakened the surprise of the disciples?
Why did they hesitate to express it ?
How did the woman forget her errand in a
higher one? How did Jesus subordinate the needs of
His body to the passion of His soul ?
Verse 85 may indicate that the time of the jour
ney was four months before grain harvest, about
January, or may merely refer to the usual four
months' interval between sowing and harvesting. In
either case, what is its teaching for all who work with
Christ? How are sowing and reaping always going on
side by side in God's great harvest field? How were
Jesus' disciples favored in this respect?

JUfthlag 6. The Effect of the Work. 39-42.
Human testimony makes a welcome for the
Lord. The Lord's teaching awakens faith in willing
hearts. Faith leads to knowledge. This is ever the
order and the process.
What did the Samaritans come to know? How
is their title for Jesus specially appropriate on their
lips? Jesus never again during His ministry made
Samaria a field of work. Why not? Matt. 15 24.
Why then did He do so now? What were His disci
ples to learn from this incident? When did two of
them return to this region and for what purpose?
Acts 8 14'17.

46 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
V. Another Sign in Galilee. John 4 43"B4
1. His Welcome. 43-45.
What had Jesus thus far accomplished in
Judaea? How would Judaea fittingly be called "His
own country" as Nazareth also was later (Matt.
13 B7) ? Why had He no honor there? Why had the
Galileans been more influenced than the Judaeans by
the things which He did in Jerusalem ?
2. His Preaching. Mark 1 14> 1B ; Luke 4 14> 1B.
What made it powerful ?
What had happened to John the Baptist ? How
did Jesus' message agree with his? How was it an
advance upon it?
^ixllf lag
3. Healing the Nobleman's Son. 46-54.
(1) The petition.
The man was no doubt a Galilean Jew,
probably an official under Herod Antipas. What led
him to resort to Jesus ? Why did Jesus meet him with
the statement of v. 48 ? Notice the pronoun. What
was it the nobleman so earnestly desired — to see a
sign? (2) The response.
How is Jesus' answer — better than, but
other than the man besought — a test of his faith?
How does the sign really accomplish the purpose of
all signs? Compare vs. 50 and 53.
Show how this sign was a notable one in
that it was (a) immediate; (b) perfect; (c) per
formed at a distance. What share did the father have
in it? See how John emphasizes the fact that it
marks the arrival of Jesus in a region of greater
faith, vs. 45, 46, 47, 54.

ANOTHER SIGN IN GALILEE 47
See also how the faith of the head of the
household influences all within it. v. 53. Compare
Acts 11 14; 16 34, etc.
&ptn*nlh lag
Review Study Jesus' methods as a worker in this chapter.
1. Point out how with the woman it was (1) nat
ural, (2) interesting, (8) convicting, (4) informing,
(5) encouraging.
2. Trace the change in her from hostility to con
fidence. What caused it?
3. What was His aim with the nobleman and how
did He accomplish it?

STUDY SEVEN
VI. The First Conflict with the Rulers.
John 5 14T
3'vcst lag
1. The Time and the Place. 1, 2.
"After these things" in John's gospel usually
indicates a considerable interval. In 7 S for example,
it refers to a six months' interval between chapters
6 and 7. Here we cannot tell how long, because John
does not state which feast this was. On the whole it
seems probable that it was Passover. In that case
John refers to four Passovers (2 13; 5 1; 6 4 and 12 1)
which makes Jesus' public ministry a little more than
three years long.
Bethesda means "House of Mercy." A pool
recently discovered far below the present surface of
Jerusalem, in the grounds of the Greek convent of
St. Anne in the northeastern section of the city, is
generally accepted as the spot. It is near the prob
able location of the "sheep gate." Neh. 3 *' 32.
2. The Helpless Case and the Perfect Cure. 3-9.
In all the crowded city (v. 13) what spot at
tracted Jesus ? In the pitiful company what case did
He single out ? What made this man's condition par
ticularly hopeless?
Notice that v. 4 is omitted in the Revised Ver
sion. It is not found in the oldest manuscripts and
was probably first added by some copyist in the mar
gin as an explanatory note and later copied into the
text.

FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE RULERS 49
In this work of Jesus notice (1) His compas
sionate eye; (2) the arousing of interest and hope;
(3) the word of power.
How did the cure differ from that which the
water was supposed to effect?
£prnnn lag
3. The Charge of Sabbath-breaking. 9-18.
What was the only thing these bigoted Jews
could see in such a deed of mercy? What one lesson
had the healed man learned? v. 11. What other les
son did his Healer seek to teach him? Compare
Mark 2 5. What connection has sin with human
misery ?
Why did Jesus work this cure on the Sabbath?
What claim did He make as to the authority by which
He had done it? If He were not equal with God,
then what must we say of His words here?
4. The Answer. The Son's Authority. 19-29-
What greater works than He had yet done did
Jesus here claim as His to do?
In which verse have we the strongest assurance
of the believer's personal deliverance from judgment?
What reason does Jesus give for His selection
to execute judgment?
On what basis is the final separation to be
made? vs. 28, 29. See Matt. 7 21.
Sfrtrfc lag
5. The Witnesses to the Truth of His Claims.
30-39. He does not expect faith without presenting
abundant grounds for it. Compare 8 14. His great
witness is ihe Father, v. 32, who has spoken through

50 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
(1) John the Baptist. v. 33. Compare
j 7, 26, 27 What does Jesus call him? Why had
they failed to follow John's light? Notice the verb.
What had been done to "the lamp"?
(2) The works Jesus had wrought, v. 36.
What did they testify? How?
(3) The Scriptures. 37-39-
To those prepared to hear His voice, the
Father spoke directly. Matt. 3 1T. To all He spoke
through the Scriptures, v. 39. What may make the
most diligent searching of the Scriptures only a means
of condemnation?
6. Why Men Reject the Testimony. 40-47.
What may withstand the most conclu~ive evi
dence? v. 40. What warps the will so that it op
poses the Father and His representative? v. 44.
What makes such a course the more inexcusable?
vs. 45-47. Stalker, paragraphs 65, 119-123.

itnurth, lag
FIRST GENERAL REVIEW
1. Mention the two periods thus far studied.
About how long was each ? In which gospels do we
find the fullest accounts of the first period? In which
gospel the only account of the second ?
2. Mention in their order the great events of the
first period. Which prepared Jesus for His ministry ?
Which prepared the nation?
3. What was the object of each of the three an
nunciations ? What was the substance of each ? The
effect of each?

FIRST GENERAL REVIEW 51
4. By whom, in addition to His parents, was the
infant Saviour welcomed? What three classes of peo
ple do these welcomers represent ? Who opposed and
why? 5. How was prophecy fulfilled in connection with
Jesus' birth?

STtftij lag
6. What traits of character in Jesus are related to
His boyhood training ? What in Him cannot possibly
be credited to parentage or environment?
7. How was John's training adapted to his life-
work as Jesus' training was to His?
8. What was accomplished by John's work?
9. What relation did Jesus' baptism have to His
career ?
10. How did Jesus unmask and baffle Satan at all
possible points of attack?
&txth lag
11. Trace Jesus' movements through the first year
of His ministry, mentioning in their order the places
He visited and what occurred at each.
12. Who became His first disciples and how were
they enlisted?
13. Why was His first sign particularly fitting at
its point in His ministry? How was this also true of
the cleansing of the Temple ?
14. What great truths did He announce to Nico
demus ? What to the Samaritan woman ?
15. Contrast His method of dealing with each
and show how each was best adapted to the case.

52 THE PERIOD OF INTRODUCTION
Uropnth lag
16. How did Jesus show His approval of John's
work? How did John show that he realized his true
relationship to Jesus?
17. How did Jesus in this early ministry show a
more than human knowledge (1) of men and women?
(2) of His own future?
18. What second sign did He work at Cana?
What did it accomplish ?
19. What sign did He work at Bethesda? What
controversy did it occasion? What claims did He
make for Himself in this controversy ?
20. In what different parts of the land has Jesus
now introduced Himself? To what different classes
of people ?

Ill
THE PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE

FACTS ABOUT THE PERIOD
Events Included
From the imprisonment of John the Baptist until
after his death. From Jesus' first preaching at
Nazareth to the feeding of the five thousand.
Time From April, 28 A. D., to March, 29 A. D.
The opening date is uncertain, being dependent, as
before, upon the fixing of the feast mentioned in
John 5 1. The closing date is fixed by John 6 4.
Scriptures Matt. 4 13— 14 36; Mark 1 14— 6 B6; Luke 4 14— 9 17;
John 6.
Places Nazareth, Capernaum, through Galilee, the moun
tain, Nain, the seashore, on the Sea, the Gerasene
country, through Galilee again, across the Sea again,
Capernaum again.
Characteristics Great activity. Touring. Many miracles, increas
ing in power and scope. Thronging crowds, drawn
chiefly by the desire to see and profit by His mighty
works. Much teaching, at first in plain terms, then,
as opposition arose and men showed hardness of
heart, in parables and symbols. Open air life. Pri
vate prayer.

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD
I. Busy Days in Galilee
1. Rejected by His own Townspeople. (1) The
preaching place. (2) The preaching. (3) The re
jected preacher.
2. A New Base of Operations.
3. A Sign and a Summons. (1) The new pulpit.
(2) The sign of the filled nets. (3) The call to the
new work.
4. A Great Sabbath in Capernaum. (1) The un
clean spirit cast out. (2) The guest who banished
sickness. (3) The great physician's busy evening.
(4) The "morning watch." (5) The plan of cam
paign. 5. A Leper Made Clean. (1) An object of com
passion. (2) Cleansed but disobedient.
II. The Choice of the Twelve Apostles
1. The Place.
2. The Choice.
3. The Chosen Ones.
III. The Ordination Sermon
1. The Audience.
2. The Theme.
3. The Teaching. (1) The blessed citizens of the
Kingdom. (2) Influencing the world. (3) The laws
of the Kingdom. They fulfil God's earlier laws.
Examples: Murder, adultery, oaths, retaliation, love.
(4) The righteousness of the Kingdom. Secret giv
ing, prayer, fasting.

56 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
IV. The First Triumph over Death
1. The Two Processions.
2. The Word of Comfort and of Power.
3. The Effect.
V. The Sermon in Parables
1. By the Seaside. (1) The sower and the soil.
(2) Reason for using parables. (3) The teaching of
the sower parable. (4) The darnel. (5) The mus
tard seed and the leaven.
2. In the House. (1) The teaching of the darnel.
(2) Three parables for disciples. The found treasure
and the precious pearl. The dragnet. (3) The disci
ples' responsibility.
VI. The Lord of Nature and of Demons
1. The Weary Worker.
2. The Commander of Wind and Wave.
3. The Fiercer Human Tempest also Calmed.
(1) The place. (2) The man with the legion. (3)
The One whom demons obey. (4) The effects of the
miracle. VII. The Sending Out of the Twelve Apostles
1. The Needy Fields.
2. The Appointed Workers.
3. The Commission. (1) Their field and work.
(2) "Forewarned, forearmed." (3) The secret of
courage. (4) The Leader's claim. (5) The disci
ples' reception.
4. The Effect of their Labors. (1) In general.
(2) Upon Herod Antipas.

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD 57
VIII. The Miracle of Bounty and the Truth it Sig
nified
1. The Trip for Rest.
2. Abundant Food for Hungry Men. (1) The
need. (2) The disciples' plan. (3) The Master's
plan. (4) The effect.
3. Deliverance for Men in Peril.
4. The Discussion in the Capernaum Synagogue.
(1) Three questions and one request. (2) Teaching
that caused murmuring and strife.
5. The Sifting of Disciples.

STUDY EIGHT
I. Busy Days in Galilee
3ftrat lag
1. Rejected by His own Townspeople. Luke

4

16-30

(1) The preaching place, v. 16.
How did the worship in a Jewish syna
gogue resemble and how differ from our church ser
vices of to-day ?
What made this synagogue a place full of
interesting associations for Jesus ? Was this probably
the first time He had been the reader in its services?
Why was it natural that He should make
use of synagogues as His preaching places? See
John 18 20.
(2) The preaching. 17-22.
The portions of Scripture were assigned
for each Sabbath, as now, for example, in the Epis
copal service. A Divine providence brought passage
and preacher together on this particular Sabbath.
Why did He stop the reading, even leaving the sen
tence uncompleted? Compare Isa. 61 2. How was the
statement of v. 21 virtually the same announcement
that He made to the Samaritan woman? What must
He do in order to support it? Why could not this
Scripture be fulfilled in their experience as well as in
their ears ? They thought they knew His father ; did
they? What was the spirit back of the question?
&wnnn lag
(3) The rejected preacher. 23-30.
What changed their attitude toward Him ?

BUSY DAYS IN GALILEE 59
What had He done in Capernaum? Why could He
not do the same in Nazareth ?
Why did He make the statement of v. 24
and the references to Elijah and Elisha? Why did
they so violently resent them ?
How did their action show the truth of
what Jesus had said? How could men who had the
privilege of intercourse with Jesus treat Him in this
way? His hour had not yet come and so He escaped
their wrath. How is the whole incident a prophecy of
the way He was to be treated by the nation ?
2.. A New Base of Operations. Matt. 4 13~18.
How did the very opposition of His towns
people bring about the fulfilment of Scripture ?
Describe His new home. See Bible Dictionary.
Why was it well located to be the center of His
activity ?
His plan of operations now includes city work
with frequent country tours.
Stalker, paragraphs 70, 71.

Shiru lag
8. A Sign and a Summons. Luke 5 l_u.
(1) The new pulpit. 1-3.
Where and when had Jesus first met these
fishermen? Was it right for them after that meeting
to continue at their old business ? Would it have been
right after the call of Jesus in this interview?
How can a man's business be made to ad
vance the Kingdom of God ?
(2) The sign of the filled nets. 4-7.
Which knew more about fishing, Jesus or
Simon ?

60 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
Why did Simon follow Jesus' instruc
tions ? With what amazing results ? Of what was the
sign a promise and a prophecy? What does it teach
us? (3) The call to the new work. 8-11.
What other effect than amazement did the
miracle have upon Simon? Explain his petition in
v. 8. Compare Isa. 6 5.
How did Jesus answer him? What new
work were they now to undertake, for which disciple-
ship was a preparation? How did their response to
the summons give promise of usefulness in it?

Sfaurlh lag
4. A Great Sabbath in Capernaum. Mark 1 21"39.
(1) The unclean spirit cast out. 21-28.
a. The astonishing teaching.
What was the characteristic of Jesus'
teaching? For the contrast between Him and the
scribes see Stalker, paragraph 91.
b. The startling interruption.
Why should a man, possessed as this
man was, be in the synagogue? Why did Jesus'
teaching arouse him ? For whom does he speak ? No
tice "we" and "us." How does he know more of Jesus
than others do? Is this demon possession then evi
dently something different from a disease, either of
body or of mind? For evidence of the existence of
something quite like it in heathen lands to-day see a
book called "Demon Possession and Allied Themes"
(Revell), by Dr. John L. Nevius, a Presbyterian mis
sionary in China. In Christian lands to-day a man may
be just as thoroughly under Satan's control, but it is
usually evidenced in other ways..

"Come Ye After Me and I Will Make You Fishers of Men.

BUSY DAYS IN GALILEE 61
c. The word of power.
Why did Jesus silence this man's
testimony ? How was His control over the un
clean spirit a stronger testimony than any words
could be both as to His authority and His holiness ?
Why did it have so great an effect?
fftfllflag (2) The guest who banished sickness. 29-31.
What did the man who had "left all"
straightway begin to receive ?
Whose faith led to this cure?
Notice (a) the tenderness of the method,
(b) the completeness of the restoration, (c) the evi
dence of strength and gratitude
(3) The great physician's busy evening.
82-34. Why did so great a crowd gather?
How did His works testify to the truth
He would not. permit the demon to speak. See Luke
4 41 and Matt. 8 17.

&ixth lag (4) The "morning watch." 35-37.
How did He get quiet communion with
His Father? Here we have revealed to us the hiding
of His power. For what did the hour of prayer prepare
Him? (5) The plan of campaign. 38, 39.
Why go away from a seeking crowd?
How is the Kingdom always to be extended?
What methods must be used by those
who would follow Christ in service?

62 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
&e rmttlj lag
5. A Leper Made Clean. Mark 1 4°-45.
(1) An object of tender compassion.
How did this leper show his earnestness ?
How his faith? Notice Jesus' answer. How did He
show His approval even of the form of the leper's
plea ? How did He show the extent of His com
passion? Could He have healed the leper without
touching him? Why did He command the leper to obey
the law? See last clause of v. 44 and Lev. 14 1_9.
Why did the healed man disobey Him?
Were his intentions good? Is that enough?
What effect did the news of this cure
have upon Jesus' work? Did it help or hinder His
plans? Compare v. 39.
Stalker, paragraphs 72-76.
Review 1. In what different pulpits did Jesus preach dur
ing these first busy days in Galilee?
2. Why did He heal so many sick? How did He
show that this healing was only incidental to His
main object?
3. How was the relation of His first disciples now
to be closer than before ? Why ?

STUDY NINE
II. The Choice of the Twelve Apostles.
Mark 3 13-18
Start lag
1. The Place.
Some secluded spot in the range west of the
Sea of Galilee, probably a knoll rising from a plateau
now known as "the horns of Hattin" just back of the
plain of Gennesaret.
2. The Choice.
What guided it? v. 13. Why twelve? For
what were they chosen ? Notice carefully the order in
vs. 14 and 15.
What new title belongs with the new responsi
bilities ? See Luke 6 1S.
3. The Chosen Ones.
How many of them have already been men
tioned in our studies? (Bartholomew is thought to
be another name for Nathanael.) Why is Andrew
named fourth, rather than first?
Why did John and James receive their special
surname? Which others in the list have designations
to distinguish them, one from his parentage, one from
his past (compare Luke 6 16) and another from his
miserable future?
Stalker, paragraphs 105-108.
III. The Ordination Sermon. Matt. 5, 6 and 7
3>t tanh lag
1. The Audience. Matt. 5 1; 7 28-
Who are in the inner circle? Who also are

64 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
within hearing? Jesus leaves the multitudes only
that He may train men to win the multitudes.
2. The Theme.
No text, as in the Nazareth synagogue, but a
great subject. See it referred to in 5 3- 10' 19' 20; 6 33;
7 21. He has already announced it as "at hand."
Now he tells how to enter it and how to live in it.
3. The Teaching.
(1) The blessed citizens of the Kingdom.
5 3"12. Study the order of these "beatitudes."
Why does the consciousness of spiritual need stand
first? How do they then alternate, one referring to
one's attitude toward God, the next to one's attitude
toward his fellow men? After seven, which picture
the true disciple as he is, the final one prophesies his
treatment by the world. Notice that this is the only
one that is repeated and personally applied to the
disciples. Blessedness is still possible when every
thing seems against us.
How is the promised reward in each case
particularly adapted to the quality or experience
which leads to it ?
SThirti lag (2) The citizens of the Kingdom influencing
the world. 5 13"16.
a. What is their value as suggested by
the first figure? What is meant by "losing savor"?
What must be the consequence to the earth? To the
salt itself? b. What further service does the
second figure suggest? What is emphasized in regard
to the light? How did the allusion to a city impress
this? The city of Safed, 3500 feet above the Sea of

THE ORDINATION SERMON 65
Galilee, is in view from "the horns of Hattin." No
tice the word "let" in v. 16 and also the statement of
the purpose of the shining in the latter part of the
verse. (3) The laws of the Kingdom. 5 17"48.
a. They fulfil, not destroy, God's earlier
laws. 17-20. God's purposes and principles are eternal,
though the form of His requirements changes with
the progress of His revelation, v. 18. Hence new
commandments never lead to the breaking of old ones,
but to the fulfilling of them by enlarging their mean
ing and perpetuating their spirit, v. 19- Above all
heart obedience, not the outward and formal observ
ances of the scribes and Pharisees, is essential, v. 20.
How was this last statement a necessary one for Jesus
to make and yet one requiring fearless courage ?
Compare the scene at the giving of the law, Ex.
19 18"25, with this scene. Are the new requirements
less or more searching than the old ?
b. An illustration from the sixth com
mandment. 21-26. How does He quietly assume the
place of a lawgiver? How does He fill the old com
mandment with a far deeper meaning? What are the
dangers accompanying a bitter heart and cutting
words ? What is necessary before any man's gift can
be acceptable to God? How is a citizen of the King
dom to act in case of disputes with his fellow men ?
iffmorllflag c. An illustration from the seventh com
mandment. 27-32. Verse 27 is a law of the state, neces
sary for the welfare of society; v. 28 is God's law for
the individual, necessary for the preservation of his
own heart purity. Vs. 29 and 30 outline the heroic
course a man must follow with his tastes and powers,

66 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
given to him to be the servants of his will, if they
have come to the point of control instead of obedience.
Vs. 31 and 32 show that marriage is a spiritual and
not merely a physical union; not to be broken at will
by those who have entered it, in order to contract
another. d. An illustration from the law of oaths.
33-37. What was the law? See Num. 30 2-
What is Jesus' new principle regarding truthful
speech? Why are all oaths harmful and why should
they be needless ?
Sftftt? lag e. An illustration from the law of re
taliation. 38-42. Again we find in v. 38 a law of gov
ernment and in v. 39 a new principle of individual
conduct. That it is a principle, and not a law, is clear
from John 18 22' 23, where Jesus does not follow it.
The same must be true of vs. 40-42, which show the
spirit of unselfishness essential in any effective ser
vice on behalf of others.
f. The law of love. 43-48.
How does this underlie all that has
preceded? How is it an advance on the tenth com
mandment? Why does God expect it of us? In the
light of v. 45, "perfect" in v. 48 must mean not sin
less but "all-loving."
&txtlf lag (4) The righteousness of the Kingdom.
6 1"18- a. The principle.
The word "righteousness" here evi
dently refers to religious acts connected with the wor-

THE ORDINATION SERMON 67
ship of God. Here then the first table of the law is
in view, as in chapter 5 the second has been.
What subtle temptation is always to
be resisted here? How does the principle stated here
agree with that stated to the Samaritan woman?
John 4 23- 24. b. The principle applied to giving. 2-4.
Why should this come first? No
tice its connection with the last paragraph in chap
ter 5. What sort of giving, and what sort
only, is pleasing to God? Why?
c. The principle applied to prayer.
5-15. What two dangers are always con
nected with prayer? vs. 5 and 7. How is the first
to be obviated ? How the second ?
What promises are here given to en
courage those who pray as Christ directs ?
What have we in vs. 9-13, a form of
words to be used in praying, or a model on which to
frame our own prayers ?
How many petitions does it contain?
Which relate to the Father? Which to ourselves?
Which come first and why?
Which petition is limited? Why did
Jesus comment on it, and on it only?
d. The principle applied to fasting.
16-18. Explain the reason for Jesus' direc
tion on this point.
&eve ntif lag
4. The Application. 7 24"27.
Omitting the rest of the sermon, because of the

68 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
limited time afforded in our course of study, we come
to its closing paragraph.
What responsibility did Jesus place upon every
one who hears these words of His ?
The figure He here uses is a particularly strik
ing one in Palestine where the brook-beds gather
sand, furnishing during much of the year attractive
ground for easy house-building, until the spring tor
rent sweeps away everything in its path. How was
this intended as a warning against impulsive and
shallow discipleship ?
5. The Impression. 7 28' 29-
How was Jesus' teaching in startling contrast
with that of the preachers of His day ?
Stalker, paragraphs 90-102.

Review 1. How does the choice of the Twelve mark the
entrance upon a new stage in the ministry?
2. How does the preaching of the Sermon on the
Mount emphasize this ?
3. Why did Jesus apply this teaching regarding
the Kingdom first of all to the disciples ?
4. What did He teach concerning (a) the charac
ter and conduct of those who belong to the Kingdom ?
(b) Concerning their influence on the world? (c)
Concerning their observance of the Mosaic law ? (d)
Concerning their worship of God?
5. How did these teachings agree with the teach
ings generally held in His day? Are they rules or
principles ? Can they be followed to-day ?
6. What illustrations are effectively used in this

sermon r

STUDY TEN
IV. The First Triumph over Death. Luke 7 "'"
Jffiraf lag
1. The Two Processions. 11,12.
Nain ("pleasant") is located on the north
slope of Little Hermon, looking across the plain of
Esdraelon toward Nazareth. In place of the walled
city of Jesus' day now stands a poor modern village,
outside of which lies an ancient graveyard.
Contrast the two processions that met near the
city gate. A young man the center of each, but how
different !
2. The Word of Comfort and the Word of Power.
13, 14. A sorrow that drew out such a funeral pro
cession could not fail to touch a heart so tender as
the Saviour's. Such a situation as this seemed the
extreme of sorrow. See Amos 8 10.
What could the Lord (notice Luke's title here)
do besides having compassion? How had the words
of v. 13 a far different meaning on His lips than on
the lips of others?
It was the Jewish custom to carry the dead to
burial on an open bier, not in a closed coffin as we
do. Why did He touch it?
Had others raised the dead? How does His
manner of doing it differ from theirs ?
3. The Effect. 15-17.
How was the completeness of the miracle
shown? Who could testify to it? What deed of
tender thoughtfulness concluded it?

70 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
Why did it make men fear? What conclusion
did they reach from it? Was it correct? Was it
sufficient ? Stalker, paragraphs 76-83.
V. The Sermon in Parables. Matt. 13 1~B2
&r-rnni> lag
1. By the Seaside. 1-85. ,
(1) The parable of the sower and the four
kinds of soil. 1-9-
From what new pulpit does He now
preach? What made it necessary? Unfettered by
any conventionalities, He seized His opportunity
everywhere. If, as is probable, He took His illustra
tions from the season, perhaps from a sower in full
view, then we have reached the autumn, the time for
grain sowing in Galilee.
Notice how simply, yet graphically the
picture is drawn. In Palestine the sower always
"goes forth" to sow, for his home is in a village, often
quite distant from the fields ; there are no fenced
roads, but only trodden paths, used by men, donkeys
and camels, passing through the fields ; the limestone
rock is often near the surface, making patches of very
thin soil; thorns grow everywhere when the ground
is not carefully cultivated; and even on good ground
the harvest varies according to the soil and other
conditions. Notice also the warning of v. 9- In the
East this is the concluding sentence of the herald
who announces in public places the new decree of any
ruler. What is its appropriateness here?
(2) The reason for speaking in parables.
10-17.

THE SERMON IN PARABLES 71
Was this form of teaching original with
Jesus? See II Sam. 12 1"6; Isa. 5 1"9. He used it
with supreme skill and effect. What is a parable?
It is an enlargement of Jesus' method of teaching by
illustration, already seen, for example, in the Sermon
on the Mount. That its use now is a new departure is
evident from the question of v. 10.
"The mysteries of the Kingdom of
heaven" are truths which can only be known by those
who belong to the Kingdom. Compare I Cor. 4 J ;
18 2; 15 B1, and other New Testament passages in
which the word occurs.
What reason does Jesus give for speak
ing to the multitudes in parables ? Explain it. Had
they now had sufficient teaching to enable them to
follow the King if they would? Why did they not?
v. 15. What is the high privilege of all who be
come disciples? vs. 16, 17.

©htrti lag (3) The teaching of the parable of the sower.
18-23. What is the seed? Compare Matt. 4 23.
Who is ever watching to snatch it away ? Where does
he have readiest success ?
How is the wayside a good representation
of the thoughtless and indifferent hearer ? The rocky
soil of the impulsive but shallow hearer ? The thorny
soil of the worldly minded hearer? The good ground
of the sincere and obedient hearer?
Can unproductive soil be made pro
ductive? Can men change their reception of the
truth and thus change its results in them? Was this
why Jesus told the parable to the multitudes ?

72 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
Jfaurth lag
(4) The parable of the darnel. 24-30.
After the interpretation in private of His
first parable He tells three others to the multitudes.
See v. 34. The tares in the wheat are really darnel,
a species of grass, the only one that has harmful
properties. Bread made from wheat mixed with dar
nel produces nausea and often paralysis. The struc
ture, mode and conditions of growth are so much like
those of wheat that the difference cannot be certainly
told until the wheat begins to head. Then the growth
is so far advanced that to weed out the darnel would
destroy some of the wheat also.
Notice "in his field." This world be
longs to God; Satan is an interloper. His work is
certain to come to light and to judgment, v. 30.
(5) The parables of the mustard seed and
the leaven. 31-35.In interpreting these two and the re
maining parables we are without the aid of Jesus'
explanation. We must therefore apply His method,
and seek the central teaching of each.
In the parable of the mustard seed the
emphasis seems clearly to lie upon the great outcome
from the tiny seed. In spite of unproductive soils
and Satan's malignity and wiles, the gospel of the
Kingdom has power to produce great results from
minute beginnings. Leaven was never to be found in any
thing offered to God upon the altar, Lev. 2 ", but
was to be used in the peace offerings, Lev. 7 13, and
in the oblation of first fruits, Lev. 2 12; 23 17, where
thanksgiving was prominent and not atonement.
While elsewhere in the New Testament it is used as
a symbol of corruption, here, in connection with the

THE SERMON IN PARABLES 73
fruits of the Kingdom, it may be taken to symbolize
the transforming influence of the truth, wherever
it is introduced and given a chance to work. Leaven
makes sweet and wholesome bread. Three measures
of meal would be about a bushel. See Gen. 18°.
This promises large results, but not the transforma
tion of the whole world in this age.
In this parable preaching, Matthew tells
us, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Ps. 78 * and de
clared truths long known in the counsels of God but
hitherto unrevealed to men.
Jtflljlag 2. In the House. 36-52.
(1) The teaching of the parable of the dar
nel. 36-43. What work of the great enemy of souls
is here unmasked? Why is it ever his policy to
counterfeit good ? Compare II Cor. 1 1 13' ". How
is good always to be distinguished from evil ? When ?
What becomes of counterfeits? Why is the warning
of v. 9 repeated here?
Sixtlj lag (2) Three parables for disciples. 44-50.
a. The found treasure and the precious
pearl. 44-46. Here it is not the development of
the Kingdom truth, but its value and its personal
appropriation which are emphasized. To realize its
value makes the discoverer determined to possess it
at any cost. Salvation is a gift, as we have seen in
John 4, but no man gets it who will not gladly for it
part with all things else. Compare Mark 10 28-30;
Luke 14 33.

74 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
The other interpretation, which
makes the church the treasure and the pearl, and God
the one who buys it by giving His own treasure, His
Son, to secure it, contains another great truth, but
one which does not have as much fitness to the con
nection or as close application to the hearers.
b. The dragnet. 47-50.
This closing parable in the series re
sembles- the second, but lays the emphasis on the
separation, while that emphasized Satan's method of
imitation. As the series of seven have reference to
the Kingdom of heaven in this age, so this last one
fitly pictures "the consummation of the age." (See
R. V. margin.) The one glimpse into what lies be
yond (v. 50) emphasizes the warning of vs. 9 and 43.

g'puf nth lag
(3) The disciples' responsibility. 51, 52.
Why did they not ask the interpretation
of all the parables? Did they really understand
them as well as they claimed to ?
The scribes were the copyists and ex
pounders of the Old Testament. What was needful
for them if they were now to teach truth? What is
needful for all who would teach others? Compare
I Cor. 2 14-16. Stalker, paragraph 89.

Review 1. Recall the miracles of this period and notice
how they increase in power.
2. Why did Jesus now begin to teach in parables ?
Why not before this ?

THE SERMON IN PARABLES 75
3. Give the central truth in each of these seven
parables. Show how there is a progress in their
teaching. Group the last six in pairs. Why does the
seventh, which mates with the second, come last?
4. Which were spoken to the multitudes? Which
to the disciples? Which were interpreted? Which
were not?

STUDY ELEVEN
VI. The Lord of Nature and of Demons.
Mark 4 3B— 5 20
Jfarat lag
1. The Weary Worker. 35-38.
What shows how tired He was? What caused
it ? Was He subj ect to the laws that control physical
and mental exertion?
2. The Commander of Wind and Wave. 39-41.
Why is the Sea of Galilee peculiarly subject
to sudden storms? A study of the physical features
of its surroundings will make this clear.
What interests were at stake, dependent on the
safety of this boat? Could it sink, and its occupants
perish? What did the fishermen themselves think on
this point? With Christ in one's life is there ever
need to fear, even though storms rage about it?
They called Him Teacher; what more did they
find Him to be? Hitherto, except at Cana, His
mighty works have been wrought upon the bodies
and minds of men and women; now He rules the
blind, involuntary forces of nature. Why did His
disciples fear? What conclusion did they draw?
What must we? How does the scene show, in im
pressive contrast, the two sides of Jesus' nature?
ftmrno lag
3. The Fiercer Human Tempest also Calmed.
5 1"13. (1) The place.
Midway on the eastern shore of the Sea
of Galilee are ruins which Dr. Wm. M. Thomson,

THE LORD OF NATURE AND OF DEMONS 77
author of "The Land and the Book," has identified
as Gersa. All the conditions fit the narrative. There
is good pasture on a mountain slope, from which a
steep bank leads to a narrow beach, which drops at
once into deep water.
(2) The man with the legion. 1-5.
Here we see demon possession at its
worst. When Satan has free rein in a man's life
he makes him an untamable beast, lost to decency, a
terror to society, destroying his own body and soul,
and dwelling already with the dead he is to join.
How is this military term "legion" par
ticularly appropriate?
(3) The One whom even demons obey. 6-13.
What convictions do these demons have in
regard to Him? In regard to His relation to them?
In regard to His authority over them?
How does their request to enter the swine
agree with their nature? Why Jesus permitted it
will be clearer when we learn something about the
swine owners.
®htru lag (4) The effects of the miracle. 14-20.
How complete is the transformation of
the demoniac? Why did Jesus not take him with
Him? How did he become Jesus' representative and
witness in the very district that excluded Jesus Him
self? What strange effect did the cure have on
the people? v. 15. Which statement of v. 16 made
most impression upon them?
Was the destruction of the swine a judg
ment or a warning? What must be done to arouse
men who care more for swine than they do for One

78 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
who can overthrow Satan and free men from his
terrible slavery?

VII. The Sending Out of the Twelve Apostles.
Matt. 9 s5— 10 42
JottTth lag
1. The Needy Fields. 9 35"38.
What double picture did the people present to
the eyes of Jesus? What was needed? How was
the need to be supplied? To attempt to meet it in
any other way is now, as then, useless because fruit
less. 2. The Appointed Workers. 10 1_4.
How did they really answer their own prayers ?
How had they been prepared for this new re
sponsibility? What authority was given them? Is
this authority still given to workers appointed by the
Master ?
How were the apostles sent out? Notice the
grouping of the names and compare Mark 6 7. What
was the advantage in this method?
ffiftif lag
3. The Commission. 10 6"42.
(1) Their field and work. 5-15.
Why to the house of Israel only? Was
there any likelihood of their going to Gentiles ?
Was their message a new one ? What did
it include? Why not more?
What were they to do for the people?
In what spirit ? How were their needs to be supplied ?
What principle underlies vs. 9 and 10? Was this

SENDING OUT OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES 79
rule to be literally obeyed always and everywhere?
Compare Luke 22 85' S6.
How was their entrance into every place
to serve as a test for it?
(2) "Forewarned, forearmed." 16-23.
Does this paragraph refer to the present
or the future experiences of the apostles ? Their first
tour, then, was only a beginning of life-long service.
How was persecution to be regarded as
an opportunity? What help was promised? This is
Jesus' third mention of the Holy Spirit. Recall the
first ; and find the second in Mark 3 29-
Why did Jesus, at the very time when His
movements were followed by thronging multitudes,
anticipate such experiences for His followers? How
were they to be met? How were they to end?
v. 23. Compare Matt. 16 27' 28. Why merely men
tion now this great event?
i'txlij lag (3) The secret of courage. 24-33.
Did Jesus say "go" or "follow"? To
what did He refer in v. 25? See Matt. 12 24, which,
although it follows in Matthew's narrative, had in
fact preceded. This we know from Mark and Luke,
who follow the order of time, as Matthew does not.
This explains also why we have studied
Matt. 13 before Matt. 10.
Who are not to be feared? Why not?
Whom only should we fear? v. 28. Compare Heb.
10 31 and II Cor. 5 ". And when we know Him as
Father, what supplants fear? 29-31.
How must every true follower show his
courage? 32,33.
(4) The Leader's claim. 34-39.
What ties must give way before it ? Were

80 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
such separations what Jesus desired? What made
them inevitable? What new and strange word first appears
in v. 88 ? What is meant by "finding" and "losing"
in v. 39? Compare Matt. 16 2B.
(5) The disciples' reception. 40-42.
Were they to go alone? Whom did they
represent? Whose blessing rested on those who wel
comed them ?
&eve ntlf lag
4. The Effect of Their Labors. Mark 6 12"30.
(1) In general. 12-15.
Did they accomplish all they had
authority to do ? Compare Matt. 10 s. Did they
later? Why did they use remedies (oil) when Jesus
did not? Compare Luke 10 34-
Explain the popular opinion regarding
their work. v. 15. Compare John l21-25; Deut.
18 1B'18. (2) Upon Herod Antipas. 16-29.
The incident described here, which had
recently occurred, explains Herod's guilty conscience
and superstitious fears. What does it show as to his
character? How was this tragic end, though cruel
and unrighteous, a fitting one for John?
Stalker, paragraphs 105, 106.
Review 1. Over what and over whom have we here seen
Jesus exercising authority?
2. Why did the disciples fear the storm? Why
fear the Ruler of it?

SENDING OUT OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES 81
Why did the Gerasenes fear the demoniac?
Why fear his Deliverer ?
What did Jesus teach the apostles regarding
fear? 3. How did Jesus show that He was not blinded
by His present popularity?
4. Which of Jesus' instructions to the Twelve had
special application to them? Which apply to all
whom He commissions to serve Him?

STUDY TWELVE
VIII. The Miracle of Bounty and the Truth it
Signified. Mark 6 3°-34 ; John 6 1"71
Jfirat lag
1. The Trip for Rest. Mark 6 30'34-
What are the Twelve here fittingly called?
Why? What do they do? Notice the order of
"done" and "taught." Which had evidently been
most prominent? Why did Jesus take them apart? What had
Jesus Himself done after a busy day? Mark 1 3B.
Could they escape the crowds? Look at the
map of the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and
see how the people could follow on land, with their
eyes on the boat.
How was the day of rest turned into another
day of service?
2. Abundant Food for Hungry Men. John 6 1"15.
(1) The need. 1-6.
What was the season? v. 4. See also
v. 10. How was it always observed? Ex. 12
3, », 18 Why was Jesus in Galilee and not in
Jerusalem at this season? See John 7 1.
Was there any obligation of hospitality
to these uninvited guests? Why would He not send
them away hungry? See v. 37.
(2) The disciples' plan. 7~9-
What was all Philip could suggest?
What did Andrew see? How are many modern disci
ples like them? What lesson, which God taught
Moses, had they not learned? Num. 11 21"23.

THE MIRACLE OF BOUNTY 83
(3) The Master's plan. 10-13.
How was it unlike the disciples' sugges
tion? What may we learn from: (a) The orderly
arrangement? (b) The giving of thanks? (c) The
distribution? (d) The abundance? (e) The gather
ing up of the "broken pieces" ? The Greek word
used for "basket" here refers to the large pannier
baskets used on donkeys.
(4) The effect. 14, 15.
What prophet did they mean? See
again Deut. 18 16> 18.
Why then would they wish to make Him
King?
g>frmtb lag
3. Deliverance for Men in Peril. 16-21.
How did this situation differ from the one we
have already studied ? Mark 4 3B"41.
The man who had pulled an oar in the boat
that night well remembered every detail of wind and
wave and distance and fear. vs. 18, 19-
What words of the Lord quieted fear? What
followed His admission to the boat? What is the
lesson of it all ?
4. The Discussion in the Capernaum Synagogue.
22-59. (1) Three questions and one request. 22-40.1
a. The questioners. What drew them?
b. The questions. 25, 28, 30 and 81.
(a) What caused the first one?
What did they really want to know?
How does Jesus' answer lay
bare their motive? What higher aim does it set be
fore all? Compare with Isa. 55 2 and Matt. 6 33.
(b) What word used by Jesus sug
gested their second question? What was the first

84 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
work to be done by them and by all? Why? Com
pare Jas. 2 22' 23. (c) Was the third question reason
able? Why not? What did their reference to the
manna suggest ? Which did they want, the gift or the
giver ? c. The request. 34.
Was it sincere? Was it intelligently
made ? Was it granted? What was neces
sary in order that it should be?
How could Jesus call Himself
"bread"? Why "bread of life"}

©htrti lag (2) Teaching that caused murmuring and
strife. 41-59. What caused them to stumble over Jesus'
words? v. 42. What was the real reason for their un
belief? v. 45. How was the manna only an imperfect
illustration of the true bread from heaven ?
Compare their difficulty in v. 52 with that
of Nicodemus. John 3 * and 9. Show how Jesus
meets it here, as there, by reaffirming the fact, which
must be believed even though one cannot explain the
process. How can we understand it better, since
Jesus' death, than those could to whom this was
spoken ?
5. The Sifting of Disciples. 60-71.
What fact was to illuminate this "hard say
ing" ? v. 62.
How can His followers live with and by reason

SECOND GENERAL REVIEW 85
of their ascended Lord ? v. 63. Matt. 28 2* ; John
15 4- 6. What held the Twelve when others deserted ?
How was even the chosen band to hold a worse-
than-deserter ?
Which parable in Matt. 18 does this fact illus
trate ? What does Jesus' calm foreknowledge of how
men would act under such teaching as this show re
garding Himself? Stalker, paragraphs 132-135.
SECOND GENERAL REVIEW
Staurth lag
1. Recall the three periods studied thus far.
Show how the title given to each is appropriate.
2. What was announced regarding John before
his birth? How have we seen these announcements
fulfilled in his career ?
3. Above the line drawn below place where they
belong the following events in John's career: Bap
tizing Jesus; "Behold the Lamb of God"; "He must
increase" ; Imprisonment ; Death.
Underneath the line locate these events in
Jesus' career: Baptism; Enlistment of First Disci
ples; Cleansing of Temple; Baptizing in Judaea; Re
jection at Nazareth; Sending Out of the Twelve;
Feeding the Multitude.

JOHN
Period of Introduction

Period of Widening Influence

A. D. 27 Feb. April A. D. 28
Passover

April A. D. 29 March
Passover Passover

JESUS [Reproduce this on a sheet of paper large enough to avoid crowding.]

86 PERIOD OF WIDENING INFLUENCE
The facts thus tabulated will show clearly how
John's life work was connected with that of Jesus.

Jtfth lag
4. Was John's life a success? Why? How is
"the least in the Kingdom of heaven" greater than
he? 5. What songs are connected with the birth of
Jesus? What shadows were mingled with the joy
even at His birth?
6. Why was the period of preparation so much
longer than the active ministry? Why was the first
year of the ministry so much quieter than the second?
7. Mention in order the principal miracles of
which we have studied. How do they show a con
stant increase in Jesus' power? How do they set
forth in object lesson what He came to do?

^txtb lag
8. What did Jesus declare about Himself: (1) To
Nicodemus? (2) To the woman at Jacob's well?
(3) To the rulers when first charged with Sabbath-
breaking? (4) To His own townspeople? (5) To
those who "ate of the loaves and were filled"?
9. Where did Jesus first meet His leading disci
ples? When and how did He call them from their
business? When and how did He choose the Twelve?
What instructions did He give them when He first
sent them out? What miracle did He work for them?
What miracle did He work through them?
10. What are the principal teachings of Jesus
about the Kingdom of heaven in the Sermon on the
Mount? In the Sermon in Parables?

'And He Laid His Hands on Every One of Them and
Healed Them."

SECOND GENERAL REVIEW 87
#?m?tttlj lag
11. How has Jesus thus far shown: (1) His
courage? (2) His tenderness? (3) His dependence
upon the Father? (4) His knowledge regarding the
future? (5) His authority to make laws, command
nature, demons and men ?
12. What has He taught about: (1) His own
death? (2) Worshiping God? (3) Persecution?
(4) The Holy Spirit?

IV

THE PERIOD OF MISUNDERSTANDING
AND OPPOSITION

FACTS ABOUT THE PERIOD
Events Included
From the first opposition in Galilee to the first at
tempt to stone Him in the Temple.
Time From April to October, 29 A. D. From Passover
to Tabernacles.
Scriptures Matt. 15—18; Mark 7—9; Luke 918-B0; John 7
1— 10 21.
Places Capernaum, borders of Tyre and Sidon, borders of
Decapolis, parts of Caesarea Philippi, Jerusalem.
Characteristics Growing opposition, met by plainer and more
searching teaching. Retirement from Galilee to Gen
tile regions, where a miracle here and another there
serve to show who He is and what He does. Fuller
instruction of disciples regarding Himself and His
death. A glimpse of His Divine glory. Appearance
as teacher in the Temple, declaring the truth about
Himself and His opposers.

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD

I. Opposition in Galilee; Journeys to Phoenicia and
Decapolis
1. The Commandment of God and the Tradition
of Men. (1) The spies from Jerusalem and their
charge. (2) Plain speech for false men. (3) The
real source of defilement.
2. In the borders of Tyre and Sidon. (1) The
secret journey. (2) A Gentile woman's triumphant
faith. 3. Through Decapolis. (1) The healing of the
deaf and dumb. (2) The injunction to silence dis
obeyed.II. At Caesarea Philippi and Mount Hermon. The
Transfiguration
1. The Great Confession.
2. The Stinging Rebuke.
3. The Transfiguration of Jesus. (1) The wit
nesses. (2) The heavenly radiance. (3) The
heavenly visitors. (4) The heavenly testimony. (5)
The true Elijah.
III. At the Feast of Tabernacles. The Living Water
and the Light of the World
1. The Secret Journey to the Feast.
2. First Appearance as Teacher in the Temple.
3. Proclaiming the Truth in the Teeth of His
Foes. 4. The Great Invitation on the Last Day of the
Feast.

92 MISUNDERSTANDING AND OPPOSITION
5. Another Teaching! Jesus the Light of the
World. 6. Christ's Freemen and Satan's Bondmen.
7. The Climax of the Teaching and its Outcome.

STUDY THIRTEEN
I. Opposition in Galilee. Journeys to Phoe
nicia and Decapolis. Mark 7 1_37
fffurirt lag
1. The Commandment of God and the Tradition
of Men. 1-23.
(1) The spies from Jerusalem and their
charge. 1-5. When Jesus did not go up to Passover,
who came to Galilee to watch Him ?
Tradition (literally "handed down")
was the term for the oral law, said to have been given
to Moses, and handed down from one generation of
rabbis to the next. The Talmud ("doctrine") was
founded upon it. The object of this particular pre
cept about washing was to prevent contamination
from any possible contact with Gentiles. It was not
a rule of cleanliness but of formal religion.
(2) Plain speech for false men. 6-13.
Hypocrites (literally "mask-wearers") ;
how does the passage from Isaiah describe them?
What makes worship from such men a hollow mock
ery? When had Jesus first used the word? Matt.
6 2. Now to their very faces He calls these men by it.
What price must He pay for such courage? For
whose sake did He do it?
When their "tradition" and the command
ment of God conflicted, which did they follow? How
did they evade the support of parents ?
(3) The real source of defilement. 14-23.
Again a parable for the multitudes; ex
planation of it for the disciples. Should they have
needed it?

94 MISUNDERSTANDING AND OPPOSITION
Notice the last clause of v. 19, R- V.
How did Jesus by this teaching cancel the law of
clean and unclean food? Lev. II46'47. Why was
that law, which separated Jew from Gentile, no
longer to be observed?
What new teaching now took its place?
vs. 20-22. How is this similar to His use of Old
Testament commands in Matt. 5 21_48?

&erottd lag
2. In the borders of Tyre and Sidon. 24-30.
(1) The secret journey.
Locate these two great seaport cities.
As He went from Judaea to Samaria and found faith
(John 4), so now, when even Galilee is no longer
friendly, He turns to the Gentiles and finds it.
Why try to hide Himself? Why was it
impossible ?
(2) A Gentile woman's triumphant faith.
What led her to seek Him out?
Why did Jesus apparently rebuff her?
Notice the "first." Recall Matt. 10 ".
Her answer shows a woman's ready wit
— and what more? What did it secure for her?
What should the disciples have learned from the
incident ?
SUfirb lag
3. Through Decapolis. 31-37.
This was another Gentile region southeast of
the Sea of Galilee, including ten cities first settled by
Greek soldiers from the armies of Alexander the
Great. (1) The healing of the deaf and dumb.
32-35.

THE TRANSFIGURATION 95
How was each step in the cure calculated
to fix the man's interest and awaken his faith?
Why did Jesus sigh? His sighing is
never referred to except here and in Mark 8 12. Later
in John 11 3S we have the stronger word "groan."
Why should His spirit now be sad ?
If this man was a Gentile, as seems prob
able, how was his condition typical of the Gentile
world? What does Jesus' method teach us as to how
its deafness to God and dumbness in His praise must
be healed? (2) The injunction to silence disobeyed.
86, 37. Why did Jesus not wish to be crowded
again by sick people seeking healing ?
How was their testimony a true one?
What would have been better? See I Sam. 15 22.

II. At CcBsarea Philippi and Mount Hermon.
The Transfiguration. Matt. 16 13 — 17 13
Jnurlh lag
1. The Great Confession. 16 13"20-
Again in Gentile territory. Caesarea Philippi,
named after the emperor and Herod Philip, its ruler
and builder, was beautifully located on one of the
three sources of the Jordan, at the foot of Mount
Hermon. He does not enter it, but in its neighbor
hood devotes Himself to further teaching of the
Twelve. What did men think of Jesus by this time?
How may we account for these different impressions ?
Whose opinion regarding Him concerned Jesus
most ? Why ?
How was Peter's confession far in advance of
what others had declared? How had he reached it?

96 MISUNDERSTANDING AND OPPOSITION
What was now possible for him? See the
R. V. margin for the play upon words in v. 18. Here
Jesus first mentions His church. Built upon the Son
of God and composed of those who, like Peter, be
lieve in His Messiahship and Divinity, no counsels
("gates") of the under-world can ever overthrow it.
To Peter himself Jesus promised the place of
steward ("the keys") in His Kingdom. Compare
Luke 12 41> 42. In the only other mention Jesus
makes of "the church" (Matt. 18 17"20) He promises
to the other apostles what He here in v. 19 promises
to Peter, that their deeds on earth shall be supported
by power from heaven.
The time to proclaim Him as the Messiah has
not yet come (v. 20) while the people hold such views
as were shown in John 6 1B.
UTtfil; lag
2. The Stinging Rebuke. 16 21"28.
Now that His apostles have at last come to be
lieve in Him as the Messiah and the Son of God, they
must learn the other truth, that He must be "lifted
up" for men.
The approval has evidently turned Peter's
head. What does he now dare to do? Was it well
meant? What was wrong about it? Why does Jesus
rebuke him so sharply? What has "the stone" now
become ?
If Jesus is to die for others, what is necessary
on the part of His followers ? When had He first
taught them this? Recall Matt. 10 38' 39. Why is it
a hard lesson to learn? How does v. 26 throw light
upon it? What for Jesus follows death? What for His
followers? v. 27. What may even precede death?
v. 28. Stalker, paragraphs 137, 138.

THE TRANSFIGURATION 97
$txthlag 3. The Transfiguration of Jesus. 17 1_13-
(1) The witnesses. 1.
Once before (Mark 5 37) these three
were specially privileged. Notice that Peter is not
excluded, even though he has been rebuked.
When were they to tell of this scene?
v. 9. Not until then could it be understood.
If the "high mountain apart" was in the
region of Caesarea Philippi, it must have been one of
the spurs of Mount Hermon.
(2) The heavenly radiance. 2.
Once and for a little time the bodily
tabernacle (John 1 14, R. V. margin) failed to veil
the glory that dwelt within.
(3) The heavenly visitors. 3, 4.
Representatives of the law and prophecy
which He fulfilled. Their presence here is proof of the con
scious, intelligent and useful life of believers after
death. One rebuke had not stopped Peter from
saying impulsive and foolish things. What was
wrong with his suggestion here ?
(4) The heavenly testimony. 5-8.
What made it needless for Jesus to an
swer Peter? Whose presence was indicated by the
bright cloud? Of whom did the voice speak? To
whom ? Compare this with the first voice from heaven
concerning the Son.
After the glimpse of heavenly glory what
remained? Was anything more necessary?
(5) The true Elijah. 9-13.
What inquiry did the sight of Elijah sug
gest to the three disciples ? How did the death of

98 MISUNDERSTANDING AND OPPOSITION
John the Baptist indicate what must happen to
Jesus ? Stalker, paragraphs 139-141.

£$twttjl| lag
Review 1. What indications in this study of the disciples'
misunderstanding? Of the leaders' opposition?
2. What miracles did He work in Gentile re
gions and why?
3. How do these scenes show Jesus' courage ? His
sadness? His knowledge of the future? His glory?
4. What does He here teach His disciples about:
(1) The law of food? (2) The true view of life?
(3) His church? (4) John the Baptist?

"And He Was Transfigured Before Them."

STUDY FOURTEEN
III. At the Feast of Tabernacles. The Living
Water and the Light of the World.
John 7 1—8 59
Itrat lag
1. The Secret Journey to the Feast. 7 1_13.
From the parts of Caesarea Philippi Jesus re
turns to Capernaum and there (Matt. 18 J), as in
distant parts, devotes Himself to His disciples. His
brethren, not yet ready to confess themselves as His
disciples, and yet evidently believing in His powers,
advise a different course, vs. 3, 4. Was the advice
sensible? Why was it unacceptable? Kindred who
would not risk life to follow Him could neither inter
fere with His work (Matt. 12 46) nor give Him
counsel. Tabernacles was a feast of rejoicing, of "har
vest home," a memorial of the Divine guidance dur
ing the wilderness journey.
Why could not Jesus now go to worship at such
a feast? Passover with Him must come first. Taber
nacles will have its realization in "the marriage sup
per of the Lamb."
What was the state of the popular mind con
cerning Him? How long since He had been in
Jerusalem?
§>enmn lag
2. First Appearance as Teacher in the Temple.
H 14-24 What had He done on His two previous appear
ances in Jerusalem since His ministry began? The
reformer and healer now appears as teacher.

100 MISUNDERSTANDING AND OPPOSITION
What did He offer as the one convincing test
of His teaching? v. 17.
To what previous work of His does He now
(v. 23) refer? John 5 1". How does His reference
to Moses answer their criticism of it in John 5 10 ?
What did He read in the faces of the leaders? vs.
19 and 23. The word "wroth" in v. 23 might be
literally translated "bitter as gall." How did the
multitude show themselves influenced by the leaders?
v. 20. See Mark 3 22 What warped their judgment?
v. 24. Compare Lev. 19 15.
TJhtro lag
3. Proclaiming the Truth in the Teeth of His
Foes. 720"36.
What puzzled some of His Jerusalem hearers?
vs. 25-27. What further light did Jesus give them?
vs. 28, 29. What influenced the more open-minded?
v. 31. For the first time, in v. 32, we have "chief
priests and Pharisees" moving together to silence
Him. In v. 30 John tells us why they could not now
succeed. To the truth of His Divine commission (vs.
28, 29) Jesus now adds the truth of His approaching
departure and separation from them. Why could
they not go where He was to go ?
Who were later to go in His name to "teach
the Greeks"? See Acts 18 4"6; Rom. 1 18, etc.
3Fourth lag
4. The Great Invitation on the Last Day of the
Feast. 737"62-
As a memorial of the flow of water from the
rock in the wilderness, the high priest, on the last day
of the Feast of Tabernacles, poured water, brought

AT THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES 101
from the Pool of Siloam in a golden pitcher, into a
funnel attached for the purpose to one corner of the
great altar of sacrifice. For a full account see Eder-
sheim's "Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah,"
Book IV., Chap. VII.
It was just after this ceremony, we may con
clude, while the temple courts were thronged with
worshipers, that Jesus cried, in the hearing of all,
the invitation of v. 37 and the promise of v. 88. How
was the message appropriate to the hour? How did
it show marvelous courage? What must He be who
could make such an offer and such a promise? What
had to occur before it could be fulfilled? v. 39-
Notice now the effect of such teaching upon
different hearers:
(1) Upon the multitude, vs. 40-44.
How did ignorance about Jesus prove a
stumbling-block to them ?
(2) Upon the officers, vs. 45-49-
What made their testimony peculiarly
convincing? What had the Pharisees to urge against
it? Is this still a reason with many for rejecting
Jesus ? On whom does it really reflect ?
(3) Upon Nicodemus. vs. 50-52.
For what did he plead ? What taunt was
all he got in reply? And their half-truth was after
all a falsehood. See II Kings 14 25. Jonah was from
a village in Galilee near Jesus' own home. But Jesus
Himself was not really of Galilee as they thought He
was.
STtftlj lag
5. Another Teaching. Jesus the Light of ihe
World. 8 12-30.
The incident in 8 1_11, although doubtless a true
narrative of a real occurrence, is not found in the
earliest manuscripts of John's Gospel. The teaching

102 MISUNDERSTANDING AND OPPOSITION
which follows it probably took place on what was
known as "the Octave," the eighth day of the Feast
of Tabernacles. Lev. 23 30. That Jesus, after the
occurrences of the preceding day, should again enter
the Temple to teach shows how determined He was
that none should remain in darkness for lack of light.
The figure of v. 12 was doubtless suggested by the
two great candelabra, 75 feet high, which stood in
the Treasury, the women's court, on which great
lamps burned each night of the feast to commemorate
the pillar of fire in the wilderness.
How did the Pharisees answer this announce
ment? Why did they argue with Him rather than
seize Him? Compare v. 14 with John 5 S1. How are
both true? Why does He lay such stress on whence
He came and whither He went? How did these
prove who He was?
How did the Pharisees show their ignorance of
His Father? How did He now still more plainly de
clare the difference between them and Him? vs.
23, 24. What was necessary in order that all men
should really know Jesus ? v. 28. What words of His
led many to believe on Him? Should they not have
the same effect to-day?
&txtb; lag
6. Christ's Freemen and Satan's Bondmen.
8 31-47. See how Jesus, even in the hour of His own
danger, takes pains to strengthen feeble faith, v. 31.
In view of their national history, how could
Jews make such a boast as that of v. 33 ?
How sweeping and yet how true is the state
ment of v. 34! For the meaning of v. 35 compare
Gal. 4 80.

AT THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES 103
How does every man show whose seed is in
him? v. 39- What are the marks of the devil's
sons? v. 44.
Think of the matchless courage of the Teacher
who uttered such words to men whose hatred must
have been written on every face. Why did He do it?
What challenge did He issue to them and to
all men ? v. 46.
&ptmtflj lag
7. The Climax of the Teaching and its Outcome.
o 43-59 Why did they make such charges as those of
v. 48 ? How did Jesus answer them ?
How did He promise to save men from the
wages of sin as well as from its bondage? v. 51.
They were unwilling to regard Him as greater
than Abraham and the prophets. Yet Jesus declared
what concerning Abraham? v. 56. How could this
be true ? Compare Heb. 1 1 13.
And then Jesus reached the climax of the day's
teaching by the declaration of v. 58. The verbs are
different as well as the tenses. Abraham was born,
but Jesus applies to Himself the verb that belongs to
the infinite Jehovah. Regarding it as blasphemy,
they would have stoned Him on the spot, without
even a hearing, but again as before He went free, for
"His hour was not yet come." v. 20.
Review 1. How does Jesus, throughout this appearance
at Tabernacles, endeavor to save the Jews from de
stroying themselves by rejecting Him?
2. If these men had desired above all else to do
the will of God, could they have misunderstood and
rejected Jesus? Why not?

104 MISUNDERSTANDING AND OPPOSITION
3. How do their objections to Jesus compare with
those that keep men from Him to-day?
4. What great declarations regarding Himself
does Jesus make in these two chapters ?

V
THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL

FACTS ABOUT THE PERIOD
Events Included
From His final departure from Galilee to His last
arrival at Bethany.
Time From November, 29 A. D., to March 31, 30 A. D.
The latter date is fixed from the dates of the Jewish
Passover in that year.
Scriptures Matt. 19, 20; Mark 10; Luke 9 51— 1928; John
10 22— 12 1-
Places Peraea, with one journey to Jerusalem, another to
Bethany and once more and finally to Jerusalem.
Characteristics Widespread activity in a new region, with the co
operation of an enlarged force of heralds. Teaching
rather than miracles, yet at Bethany the greatest and
most convincing of all His "signs." Emphasizes to
His disciples His death and His coming again, to His
opposers His oneness with the Father. Teaches and
illustrates the love of God for the lost.

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD
I. In a New Field — Beyond Jordan
1. Farewell to Galilee.
2. The Seventy Heralds. (1) Their commission.
(2) Their report.
3. The Life that Now Is and That which is to
Come. (1) The selfish interrupter and his lesson.
(2) The antidote for worry.
4. The Lord's Return. (1) Ready for the bride
groom. (2) The steward's duty in his Lord's absence.
5. The Lord's Baptism of Fire. (1) Fiery test
ings and separations. (2) The application to the
multitudes.II. At the Feast of Dedication
1. A Plain Declaration of His Oneness with the
Father. 2. The Charge of Blasphemy Answered.
8. The Return to the Place of Early Faith.
III. In Peraea Again. The Threefold Parable of Love
for the Lost
1. The Occasion for it. The Charge of the
Critics. 2. Seeking and Welcoming the Lost. (1) The
shepherd seeking his lost sheep. (2) The woman
finding her lost coin. (3) The father welcoming his
lost son.
IV. The Journey to Bethany to Raise Lazarus
1. Sorrow in the Home that Jesus Loved. (1)
The simple, trusting message. (2) The trying delay.

108 THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL
2. The True Messenger of Comfort. (1) The
interviews with Martha and with Mary. (2) The
sympathetic and powerful Friend. (3) The voice
that rules the spirit world.
3. The Effects of the Miracle. (1) Upon the on
lookers. (2) Upon the rulers. (3) Upon Jesus'
movements. V. The Last Journey to Jerusalem
1. The Blessing of the Children.
2. The Testing of the Young Ruler. (1) The
question and its answer. (2) The one thing lacking.
(3) The handicap of riches.
3. The King's Blessing for Beggar and Publican.
(1) The prophecy of the King's reception at His
capital. (2) The reward of Bartimaeus' faith. (8)
The salvation of Zacchaeus.

STUDY FIFTEEN
I. In a New Field — Beyond Jordan. Luke 10
1-20 . j g 13-59
iffirsl lag
1. Farewell to Galilee. Matt. 19 1; Luke 9 B1.
Luke indicates the goal; Matthew the region
through which He is now to make His way toward the
goal. 2. The Seventy Heralds. Luke 10 1-20.
(1) Their commission. 1-16.
Their appointment shows that, in spite
of the rulers' opposition, Jesus has many followers
ready to do His will. What does the sending out of
so many suggest as to His own labors at this period?
Is the number significant ? See Num 1 1 24' 2B ; Matt.
18 22. The product of two numbers which signified
completeness (seven days, weeks, lamps, etc.; ten
commandments, talents, virgins, etc.), it stood for the
heralding of the king to all men. What does the
method indicate as to the way of advancing His King
dom in all lands and in every age? Think especially
of the last clause in v. 1.
Compare the instructions Jesus here
gives with those already given to the Twelve. See
Study Eleven; Matt. 10. What point is emphasized
and enlarged? vs. 11, 12. His Galilean ministry
being now ended, He sounds the doom of the cities
that have wasted their opportunity, vs. 13-15. What
great truth about responsibility underlies this note of
warning ? What is the basis of confidence for every
messenger of Christ? v. 16.

110 THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL
(2) Their report. 17-20.
Their success Jesus takes as prophetic of
Satan's overthrow- — that he shall be cast out of earth
as he has already been cast out of heaven.
To another promise of protection, v. 19,
He adds a warning against the peculiar peril of suc
cess, v. 20. The deepest and purest spring of joy is
not what we do for the Lord but what He does for
us. Why ? So even Jesus finds His joy in what the
Father does. See v. 21.
Stalker, paragraph 142.

^ptnnh lag
3. The Life that Now Is and That which is to
Come. Luke 12 13"34.
(1) The selfish interrupter and his lesson.
13-21. The work of the Seventy showed its
effects in the myriads who thronged Jesus during His
progress through Peraea. See 12 1. What must we
think of a man who would interrupt such an open-air
sermon as Jesus was preaching with such a request as
that of v. 13? With what warning did Jesus answer
it? With what masterly character sketch? How did
this rich man show that he deserved the title of
"fool"? (2) The antidote for worry. 22-34.
What lessons may a disciple learn from
the birds and the fields about him? What will anx
iety certainly not do? v. 25, R. V. When had Jesus
before taught the great truth of v. 31? What
heavenly treasure may we all have ?

IN A NEW FIELD— BEYOND JORDAN 111
4. The Lord's Return. Luke 12 3B-48.
(1) Ready for the bridegroom. 35-40.
This paragraph refers to several Oriental
customs. For the meaning of girding the loins see
I Kings 18 4S and I Peter 1 13. The bridegroom's re
turn is later more fully described in Matt. 25 1_18.
The supper of v. 37 is elsewhere called the "marriage
supper of the Lamb," Rev. 19 9- The watches of
v. 38 are those in which men would naturally sleep
most soundly. The "digged through" of v. 39
(R. V. margin) is the fitting word for houses made
of earth or of rough stones and mortar. The lesson
of it all is the need of constant readiness and watch
fulness.
Srirtrtu lag (2) The steward's duty in his Lord's absence.
41-48. Notice the expressive adjectives of v. 42.
Both qualities are essential in one who represents
Christ. What are the special temptations connected
with "a little brief authority"? v. 45. What para
ble of Matt. 25 develops the thought of vs. 43 and 44?
What is the measure of every servant's
responsibility? v. 48.
5. The Lord's Baptism of Fire and its Effects.
Luke 12 49"59-
(1) Fiery testings and separations. 49-53.
Again Jesus' mind turns to the cross.
Why does He speak of it as a baptism? See Mark
10 38. What is His own feeling regarding it? v. 50.
Why was it certain to cause divisions ? Where before
had Jesus taught the disciples the same truths we here
find in vs. 51-53?
(2) The application to the multitudes.
54-59.

112 THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL
What signs of coming change did He
wish the multitudes to discern in His teaching and His
movements? The weather signs of vs. 54 and 55
are those of Palestine, where showers come from the
Mediterranean and heat from the desert.
To be ready for His second coming in
judgment one must not fail to meet Him at the cross.
For vs. 58, 59 compare Matt. 5

25, 26

II. At the Feast of Dedication. John 10 22"42
3flnurtlj lag
1. A Plain Declaration of His Oneness with the
Father. 22-30.
In spite of the attempt to stone Him on His
last visit (John 8 59) we find Jesus once again at
Jerusalem. The Feast of Dedication was instituted by
Judas Maccabaeus in 164 B. C, when the temple and
the altar, which had been desecrated by Antiochus
Epiphanes, were cleansed and rededicated. It lasted
for eight days and its manner of observance closely
resembled that of the Feast of Tabernacles. What
hopes would it naturally stir in the minds of the Jews ?
What bearing may these hopes have had on their
question in v. 24?
How had Jesus already declared His Messiah-
ship ? See John 8 58' B8 What should have convinced
them of it? v. 25. Why had they not believed?
What was true of His followers? vs. 27-29. Why?
v. 30.
2. The Charge of Blasphemy Answered. 31-39.
How did the reference to Ps. 82 silence them?
If judges, who represented Jehovah, might be spoken
of as gods, how much more should He be called the
Son of God, whose works proved that the Father was
in Him.

IN PERMA AGAIN 113
Again, as at Nazareth (Luke 4 39) and at the
Feast of Tabernacles (John 8 59), He escapes pre
mature death at the hands of foes.
3. The Return to the Place of Early Faith.
40-42. What happy memories would be here recalled?
And what new exhibition of faith must have greatly
refreshed His spirit?
III. In Perjea Again. The Threefold Parable
of Love for the Lost. Luke 1 5 1"32
Jtfilf lag
1. The Occasion for it. The Charge of the
Critics, vs. 1, 2.
As in Galilee, Luke 5 29' 30, so here also we find
the murmurers. And as there the murmurings led
Jesus to one of the clearest declarations of His mis
sion, Luke 5 81> 32, so here it draws out what Farrar
truly calls "a divine epitome of the wandering of man
and the love of God such as no literature has ever
equalled." 2. Seeking and Welcoming the Lost. 3-32.
(1) The shepherd seeking his lost sheep.
3-7. The figure of the shepherd is not new;
see Matt. 93e; John 10 ". The new thought is the
emphasis on the care he is willing to devote to a sin
gle lost sheep. The one lost from the fold needs him
more than the ninety and nine within it.
(2) The woman finding her lost coin. 8-10.
As the story of the shepherd would ap
peal to men so this would interest women. The
former emphasizes the helplessness of the wanderer,
and the pity and self- forgetful love of the Saviour;

114 THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL
this, by the lamp and broom, the thoroughness of the
search for what might seem of small value but is the
owner's peculiar treasure. As the woman is else
where in the New Testament used as the figure of the
church, so the double picture here may well suggest
our responsibility to follow Christ in seeking out the
lost ones.

Sixth lag (3) The father welcoming his lost son.
11-32. Back of all searching for the lost, and
inspiring it, is the Father's heart of love; see John
3 16. Here we have:
a. Separation. 11-13. The demand
for independence of God. V. 12 is a demand, not a
request, as illegal as unfilial. Why was it then
granted ? b. Sin's wages. 14-16. The word
"prodigal" is not in the parable, but the idea of sin's
wastefulness is plainly here. And what more? What
only did "the far country" do for him? Of what
else was there a- famine as well as of food?
c. Repentance. 17-20. Sin had crazed
him. He comes to himself — to sound sense— when
he realizes his condition, recognizes his sin, resolves
on return to his father, acts on his resolve and with
out excuse confesses his wrongdoing and unworthi-
ness. Resolved to ask only the place of hired servant,
his father's welcome makes that plea needless and
impossible. d. The father's welcome. 20-24. This
is the heart of the story, for it reveals to us the heart
of God. On the watch for the wanderer, with no
feeling but compassion, he hastens to give him a
father's greeting and a son's place, as the robe and

IN PERA^A AGAIN 115
ring and shoes signify. How complete the contrast
between the "far country" and the father's house !
The joy, which the shepherd and the
woman shared with friends and neighbors, here finds
expression in a feast of rejoicing.
$t vs ntl| lag But the critics need a warning, so
here we have also
e. The note of discord. The anger of
the elder son. 25-32. How can we account for the differ
ence of spirit beween him and his father?
As in v. 7 Jesus takes the Pharisees
at their own estimate of themselves, so here He puts
into the mouth of the elder son all that they might
claim, whether truly or not, and yet shows how un
like God they really are. Notice how Jesus shows
there is still hope for them if they, too, will but
"come to themselves." The father is as patient and
loving with the proud and self-righteous as he is
forgiving and joyous over the return of the way
ward. In each of the three stories of the
parable we have loss, restoration, joy. In the first
and second, the salvation of the lost seems to depend
wholly upon those who seek them, but in the third
human responsibility is emphasized also. The way
of salvation by atonement is not pictured here. That
was to be taught later and otherwise.
Review 1. What indications are there of the strenuous-
ness of these last months in Peraea?
2. What did He teach here about: (1) Riches?
(2) Worry? (3) Stewardship? (4) His relation to
the Father? (5) The Father's heart?

STUDY SIXTEEN
IV. The Journey to Bethany to Raise Lazarus.
John 11 1-67
Jftrfli lag
1. Sorrow in the Home that Jesus Loved. 1-16.
(1) The simple, trusting message. 1-5.
This village is known through all the
ages because of two women who lived in it. v. 1.
And one of them is known from all other Marys by
her memorable deed of loving service (v. 2), referred
to here though not described until the next chapter.
They knew Jesus as Lord (v. 3), they
kept in touch with His movements so that they knew
where to find Him, and they naturally turned to Him
in their hour of need.
Notice the form of the message. On
what do they rest their hope of help? Notice also
what is lacking in it. Why do they make no request?
How does Jesus' answer show that He
instantly recognized the opportunity which this ill
ness in the home of believing friends offered to Him?
(2) The trying delay. 6-16.
What alone made it possible for Jesus to
delay, when He knew the sorrow His absence was
causing? What comfort does this suggest when an
swers to our own prayers are long delayed?
Of what did Jesus think when He pro
posed going to Judaea again? Of what did the dis
ciples ? How far may it be true of any man that
he "is immortal until his work is done"? What is
the light which will prevent his falling? See 9 4' 5-
Is the word which Jesus here uses for
death (vs. 11-14) a new one? See Concordance for

THE JOURNEY TO BETHANY 117
Old Testament passages. Jesus' use of it here makes
it forever a favorite term with the Christian. Why?
What were the disciples to gain from the
journey? Who, in spite of his dogged devotion,
evidently needed it?
forond lag
2. The True Messenger of Comfort. 17-44.
(1) The interviews with Martha and with
Mary. 17-32. How did He secure privacy for them?
v. 30. Contrast the quiet conversation with the "con
solation" of the visiting Jews. Only truth about
Jesus and the resurrection can help those in similar
sorrow now. How do both sisters show what has been
the burden of their thoughts in their sorrow? What
did Martha know which made His coming stir new
hope in her breast? How much did she already
know about the resurrection of the dead? What
great new truth did Jesus add to this knowledge?
How was it an advance on such previous teaching as
John 6 39> 40 and 8 51? What enabled Martha to ac
cept its comfort? Mary is content to find herself in the
one place dearest on earth to her. v. 32. Compare
Luke 10 39> 42.
<Jhirh lag (2) The sympathetic and powerful Friend.
33-37. Notice the difference in the words for
"weeping" in vs. 33 and 35. Mary, as well as the
Jews, "wailed"; Jesus "let the tears flow." But
Jesus also "groaned," vs. 33 and 38. Sympathy with
the sufferers is mingled with indignation at the

118 THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL
hypocrisy and unbelief which can bring them no
comfort. These Jerusalem people naturally refer
to Jesus' last miracle there, John 9, rather than to
the raising of Jairus' daughter or the widow's son,
performed earlier in Galilee.
(3) The voice that rules the spirit world.
38-44. Human footsteps guided Him to the tomb
and human hands, at His command, removed its cov
ering stone, as human hands also removed the grave-
clothes. How was each suggestive of the share we
are permitted to have in imparting new spiritual life
to the dead souls of men? But from Jesus alone can
the new life come.
Why would Martha naturally shrink
from having the tomb opened? Of what did Jesus
need to remind her? See vs. 4,23,25. Why did
Jesus pray ? Why cry with a loud voice ?
How does every detail in connection with
the miracle show its reality and its greatness ?
Sfnurth lag
3. The Effects of the Miracle. 45-57.
( 1 ) Upon the onlookers. 45, 46.
Why should such a work of power have
such differing effects?
(2) Upon the rulers. 47-53.
To what did even His enemies testify?
Unwilling themselves to believe and ac
cept Him, what seemed the only course open to them?
How would the unjust death of this one man really
destroy instead of save the nation ? And yet how was
His rejection by the nation to accomplish His mis
sion to the world? Notice how John twice speaks
of Caiaphas as high priest that year, showing how
the nation had already fallen when the place of

LAST JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM 119
spiritual leadership, that should have been held for
life under God's favor, had become subject to the
caprice of heathen rulers.
(3) Upon Jesus' movements. 54-57.
Retirement to Ephraim, the Old Testa
ment Ophrah, northeast of Jerusalem. Here He
awaits the hour when Lazarus' death and resurrec
tion are to be followed by the still more convincing
evidence of His own.
Stalker, paragraph 143.
3fltfiij lag
V. The Last Journey to Jerusalem. Luke 18
15-43. in 1-10
Luke tells us of the route (17 11) and of
numerous incidents and teachings on the way. From
these we select:
1. The Blessing of the Children. 18 1B"17.
Why was the mothers' instinct truer than that
of the disciples ?
How has the teaching of v. 16 influenced the
attitude of their elders toward little children wher
ever this teaching has gone? How must one resem
ble a little child in order to enter the Kingdom of
God? 2. The Testing of the Young Ruler. 18-30.
(1) The question and its answer. 18-21.
On the greatest of all quests, and hav
ing found the right teacher, what did he yet need to
learn about Jesus? about himself? and about life?
Jesus does not deny that the title "good"
belongs to Him, but it must be intelligently given.
From the commandments He shows not the way to
life, but the way to live after life is obtained.

120 THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL
(2) The one thing lacking. 22, 23.
Jesus' example here shows that it is
better not to antagonize or argue, but to set a higher
standard. Why did following Jesus, for this man at
least, necessitate parting with his property? What is
the one thing needful for every one who would follow
the Master? (3) The handicap of riches. 24-30.
The danger of riches has been illustrated
in the ruler's case. Now Jesus applies the lesson.
To love them and trust in them (see Mark 10 2B) in
evitably shuts one out of the Kingdom. No figure
for the impossible could well be stronger than that of
v. 25, yet the love of God can displace the love of
money wherever it has opportunity, v. 27.
None of the Twelve could ever be called
a rich man according to the world's estimate, but each
had done what the young ruler shrank from doing.
Peter's declaration of this fact is met by the rich
promise of vs. 29 and 30. Notice that Jesus uses a
different word from the young ruler's. Eternal life
is received, rather than inherited.
Sixth lag
3. The King's Blessing for Beggar and Publican.
18 31— 19 10.
(1) The prophecy of the King's reception at
His carjital. 31-34.
Notice the increasing definiteness and
particularity of His statements, vs. 32, 33. What
hid the truth from the disciples' minds ?
(2) The reward of Bartimaeus' faith. 35-43.
How does this miracle differ from the
one in John 9? Lacking sight, how does he make
eager and persistent use of hearing and speech?
How does his title for Jesus, as well as his petition
show his faith? Notice how his petition changes

LAST JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM 121
from general to specific, a good lesson for all who
pray. Notice also what follows his reception of his
sight, a good lesson for all who receive any of the
King's blessings.
&* tiwrJlf lag
4. The Salvation of Zacchceus. 19 1"10.
Like the young ruler he has riches, but he has
paid a higher price for his. A "chief publican" and
rich, yet regarded by his fellow townsmen as "a sin
ner," v. 7, and by Jesus as "lost," v. 10. His very
name (Zacchaeus=Just) seems a bit of irony when
connected with his business.
His approach to Jesus lacks the eagerness of
the ruler and the persistent appeal of the beggar.
He needs encouragement and Jesus gives it. What
more is included in the call of v. 5 ?
Why is this rich man's response to Jesus' com
mands so different from the young ruler's? How
does he voluntarily offer to do what the ruler would
not? The proposal to make restoration was in ac
cordance with the Mosaic law. See Ex. 22 1 ; II Sam.
12 6- To set right what has been wrong in a man's
dealings with his fellow men is one of the best evi
dences of a real change in the man himself.
How did Zacchaeus show himself a true "son of
Abraham" ? See Rom. 4 16.
How does the incident finely illustrate the
truth of v. 10 with which it closes? How does it
show not only that a rich man can "enter into the
Kingdom of God" but also how he must do it?
Review 1. Contrast the two journeys, the secrecy of the
one, the publicity of the other, explained by the dif
ferent purpose in view in each.

132 THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL
2. Notice how the incidents of the last journey
show Jesus in contact with all ages and with different
classes of people. How does He vary and adapt His
method of dealing with each?
3. Jericho was the scene of Joshua's great victory
as he led Israel from pilgrimage to conquest. How do
these incidents, the only ones recorded in Jesus' min
istry as occurring at Jericho, illustrate the power of
the same faith by which "the walls of Jericho fell
down"?

STUDY SEVENTEEN
THIRD GENERAL REVIEW
Start lag
1. Mention the five periods in Jesus' life and
ministry thus far studied.
2. Give the principal facts connected with His
preparation for His life-work: (1) At Nazareth;
(2) in connection with John the Baptist; (8) in the
wilderness. 8. How did He first enlist disciples ? What mira
cle did He first work and what did it signify as to
His mission? What deed and what interview marked
His first visit with His disciples to Jerusalem ? What
interview showed that He was no narrow-minded
Jew? What miracle proved that His powers were
not restricted to His immediate surroundings ? What
miracle introduced His claim to be Lord of the Sab
bath?
Seronh lag
4. What city became the headquarters of His
Galilean ministry and why? What miracles showed
successively His authority: (1) Over unclean spirits?
(2) Over fever? (3) Over incurable disease? (4)
Over death? (5) Over nature's tumults? (6) Over
man's ruin at its worst? (7) Over hunger and need?
5. In His great Sermon on the Mount what atti
tude did He take toward the law of Moses? What
did He emphasize regarding worship? What re
garding the testing of men's lives ?
6. What did His great sermon in parables show
regarding the progress of the Kingdom ?

124 THE APPROACH TO THE GOAL
7. What deed of Jesus in the Temple first aroused
the opposition of the Jewish rulers? What cure
which He wrought in Jerusalem led to open conflict
with them? What teaching of His in the Sermon on
the Mount must have further inflamed them? What
criticism did spies from Jerusalem make against His
disciples in Capernaum and how did He answer it?
®hirh lag
8. What marked the crest of the wave of popular
favor in Galilee? What teaching were the people
unwilling to accept ?
9- What three journeys did Jesus make to the
north and east of Galilee? What miracles did He
work on the first and second of these journeys?
What was each intended to teach? What great con
fession, great rebuke and great event marked the
third of these journeys? How are confession, re
buke, and heavenly revelation all closely connected?
10. For what purpose, after long absence, did
Jesus again go to Jerusalem? How were His teach
ings on this visit connected with the observance of the
Feast of Tabernacles?
iffmtrtlf lag
11. In what new region did Jesus spend the last
months of His ministry? How did He prepare His
way ? On what subj ects did He here teach the crowds
that followed Him? With what great parable did
He answer the criticism about the company He kept?
12. What three journeys did He make to Jerusa
lem or its neighborhood during this period? What
did He declare in the Temple on the first of these
journeys? What great miracle did He work on the
second ? What incidents took place along the way on
the third and final j ourney ?

VI
THE PASSION WEEK

FACTS ABOUT THE PERIOD

Events Included
From His last arrival at Bethany to His death on
the cross.

Time From April 1 to 7, 30 A. D.
Scriptures Matt. 21 — 27 56; Mark 11 — 15 41; Luke 1929— 23
49 ; John 12— 1937.
Places Bethany, the Temple, the upper room, Gethsemane,
the palace of Caiaphas, the Roman Praetorium, Gol
gotha.Characteristics To His disciples makes the most intimate revelation
of Himself and prepares them to represent Him. To
the nation presents Himself as King, is rejected, un
justly condemned and crucified for the world's re
demption.

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD
1. The King's Final Appearances in His Capital
1. His Royal Entry. (1) The King's beast. (2)
The homage of praise. (3) Inspection.
2. He Condemns Fruitlessness and Casts out Evil.
(1) Nothing but leaves. (2) The Temple cleansed
again. 3. Lessons in Faith and Forgiveness.
4. The Authorities dumb before AUTHORITY.
II. The Last Passover. The Lord's Supper
1. Preparation. (1) The plot of the betrayer.
(2) The Master's guest-chamber.
2. The Passover Meal. Contention at the Table.
(1) The Master's spirit. (2) The disciples' dispute.
3. The Object Lesson of Lowly, Loving Service.
(1) Removing the earth-stains. (2) Applying the
lesson. 4. The Traitor Indicated and Separated.
5. The Lord's Supper. (1) The new ordinance.
(2) The new commandment.
6. Warnings of Testings Ahead. (1) For their
leader. (2) For all the disciples.
III. Last Words with the Disciples
1. Comfort for Troubled Hearts. (1) He goes
to prepare heavenly abodes. (2) He reveals the
Father to us.
2. Wonderful Promises for Those Left Behind.
(1) The works of Jesus and even greater. (2) An
swered prayer. (8) Another and an abiding Com
forter. (4) The indwelling Christ.

128 THE PASSION WEEK
3. The Gift of Peace.
4. New Relationships. (1) The true vine and its
branches. (2) No longer servants but friends.
5. The Lord's Intercessory Prayer. (1) His one
petition for Himself. (2) His requests for His dis
ciples. (3) His requests for all future believers.
(4) His summary of His mission.
IV. In Gethsemane. The Agony and the Betrayal
1. The Hour of Agony. (1) The place. (2) The
depth of the Saviour's suffering. (3) The prayer
and its answer. (4) The disciples' failure and
warning. 2. The Hour of Treachery. (1) The betrayer.
(2) The Betrayed.
V. On Trial. Facing Jewish Hatred and Roman In
justice
1. Before the Jewish Rulers. (1) The inquisi
tion before Annas. (2) Before the council at night.
(3) Peter's denials. (4) The trial at daybreak. (5)
The remorse of Judas.
2. Before Pilate, the Roman Governor. (1) The
accusation. (2) The private examination. (3) First
declaration of innocence. The prisoner sent to Herod.
(4) Second declaration of innocence. The choice of
Barabbas. (5) The cruel mockery of the Roman
soldiers. (6) Pilate's last vain efforts to free his
prisoner. VI. Crucified. The Death that Brought Life
1. On the Way to Golgotha. (1) The cross-
bearer. (2) The daughters of Jerusalem.
2. On the Cross. (1) The inscription and the
executioners. (2) The scoffing onlookers and the

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD 129
penitent robber. (3) The friends of Jesus and the
sacred trust. (4) The hours of darkness and the de
parture. (5) The accompanying signs and their
effect. (6) The certainty of death and the fulfil
ment of prophecy.

STUDY SEVENTEEN (Concluded)
The King's Final Appearances in His Capital.
Mark 11 1"33

Sffiftlt lag
1. His Royal Entry. 1-11.
John tells us (12 *) that on this last visit to
Jerusalem Jesus, as we might expect, made the home
in Bethany His stopping place. See also Matt. 21 17
and Mark 1 1 "• 12- 19- Here He spent His last Sab
bath on earth, and Mary performed the deed of un-
calculating love which will forever keep her memory
fragrant. John 12 3 ; Mark 14 9.
On the day after the Sabbath, now observed by
us as Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem.
(1) The King's beast. 1-6.
Never before have we read of His riding,
but now He must be mounted as a king. See I Kings
1 33 and the prophecy in Zech. 9 9. The owner of the
colt, probably a disciple, gladly recognized the Lord's
claim to his property. The message of v. 3 should be,
to every follower of Jesus, the Lord's title-claim to
anything of his which is needed for the Lord's work.
Think what an honor and privilege this man enjoyed
in his partnership in the Lord's triumph!
(2) The homage of praise. 7-10.
The two disciples gladly give their gar
ments to saddle the colt, while others carpet the way
with theirs. They have caught the spirit of Mary of
Bethany and of the owner of the ass's colt.
The crowds join in the welcome of the
expected Messiah in the words of Ps. 118 28, not real-

THE KING'S FINAL APPEARANCES 131
izing that the 22d verse of that psalm must have its
fulfilment before the 26th. See Mark 12 10- ".

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die:
Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, Thy power and reign.

Why does Jesus now permit the homage
which a year before in Galilee (John 6 15) He had
refused ?
(3) Inspection, v. 11.
How much must have been revealed to
that searching look that could not satisfy His pure
eyes ! Yet He gives one more opportunity to set
things right before returning next day in judgment.
For us also to-day is a day of grace, with its warn
ing and its purpose. See Titus 2 11'li.
Stalker, paragraphs 144-149.
Sixth lag
2. He Condemns Fruitlessness and Casts out Evil.
12-19. (1) Nothing but leaves. 12-14.
The condemnation of the fig tree was not
because it had leaves out of season, but because it had
not the fruit of which the leaves gave promise. It
was a faithful picture of the Jewish nation, full of
profession, but disappointing Him who sought from
it fruits of righteousness. What lesson were His dis
ciples to learn from the scene? What teaching does
it convey to all ?
(2) The Temple cleansed again. 15-19-
Why did this require still greater cour
age than the first cleansing on the threshold of His

132 THE PASSION WEEK
ministry ? Why repeat it when the first cleansing had
evidently made no permanent impression?
This time He goes further than before.
Worship may be defiled by secularity (v. 16) as well
as by hypocrisy and greed. How do the prophecies
from Isaiah and Jeremiah (v. 17) show that the na
tion is ripe for judgment again as in Jeremiah's day?
How did this deed tighten the lines of
conflict between Him and the rulers?
&rm>ntlt lag
3. Lessons in Faith and Forgiveness. 20-25.
The Jewish nation was not to wither away
without bitterly opposing the disciples as well as their
Lord. Hence Jesus teaches them from the fig tree a
lesson of encouragement as well as one of warning.
Though the opposition block their way like the Mount
of Olives, on which the fig-tree stood, yet it shall
vanish before unquestioning faith.
To the wonderful promise of v. 24 there can
be but one qualification — that the things asked for
shall be related to the triumph of the Kingdom and
in line with the will of the King. And the disciple
must be like the Lord in meeting persecution and
opposition in a forgiving spirit, v. 25.
Of what teachings in the Sermon on the Mount
are vs. 24,25 a repetition?
4. The Authorities dumb before AUTHORITY.
27-33. Once more and for the last time the Lord of
the Temple enters its courts. On Sunday He had en
tered to inspect, on Monday to cleanse, now on Tues
day He comes to deliver His final condemnation of
rulers and nation.
As they had met His first cleansing of the
Temple with the demand for a sign (John 2 18) so

THE KING'S FINAL APPEARANCES 133
now they question His authority. How was the ques
tion with which He responded a real and conclusive
answer to theirs? If John was heaven-sent, then how
about Jesus? Besides silencing them, how did it
show their insincerity? Notice the difference in the
two statements of v. S3.
Stalker, paragraph 150.
Review 1. See the repeated indications here of Jesus'
authority. 2. What called forth condemnation from Him?

STUDY EIGHTEEN
II. The Last Passover. The Lord's Supper
IfivcBt lag
1. Preparation. Luke 22 1_13.
(1) The plot of the betrayer. 1-6.
The "feast of unleavened bread" signi
fied the putting away of everything evil. How did
these religious leaders prepare to observe it? God
was "behind the shadows" overruling their deed of
hate to bring about the sacrifice of the true Passover
Lamb for perfect cleansing from sin.
What made the proposal of Judas an ac
ceptable one? Notice the language of v. 3. Satan
never "enters" except where he has already gained
controL Judas was not really a disciple, but "of the
number of the twelve." Chosen because of the possi
bilities of usefulness in him, his resistance to the good,
with which he had daily contact, made him a devil.
John 6 70 The evil in his heart finds here its oppor
tunity for expression in the deed of greedy, calculat
ing treachery which has made him forever infamous.
He is a sign-warning of the teaching of Jesus in
Luke 12 1B. Stalker, paragraphs 151, 152.
(2) The Master's guest chamber. 7-13.
Wednesday had been spent, we conclude,
in quiet, while the traitor made his bargain. Thurs
day evening was the time for the Passover meal, in
troducing the "feast of unleavened bread" which lasted
seven days. With Jerusalem thronged, every avail
able spot in which a family and its friends — not less
than ten, nor more than twenty, according to Jewish
custom — could gather for the great meal of the year

THE LAST PASSOVER 135
must have been in demand. How was Jesus then to
find a suitable place for Himself and the chosen
Twelve, His "family," for this gathering?
Notice first the messengers. Their asso
ciation in this manual service knits them as partners
thereafter. See John 21 20- 21 ; Acts 3 1, etc.
The sign by which they were guided to
the house was simple yet sufficient. Women, not men,
were usually the water carriers.
How are we to explain the ready consent
of the house-owner? Notice the pronouh in Mark
14 14. See in all the arrangements Jesus' wis
dom as well as His foreknowledge. Why does He
keep from the disciples, even from the two messen
gers, all knowledge concerning the precise place until
they arrive there? Which of the Twelve especially
was not to know? Jesus carefully planned so that
His last hours with His own might be uninterrupted.
Srrntiu lag
2. The Passover Meal. Contention at the Table.
Luke 22 14"18' 24-30-
(1) The Master's spirit. 14-18.
His mind and heart were both absorbed
in the fulfilment of what the Passover signified, the
pouring out of His life for the deliverance of His
own from sin and its bondage. That fulfilment would
bring in "the Kingdom of God." The cup, the sign
of His poured-out life, His disciples were to divide
among themselves, but for Him there could be no
feast until the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Stalker, paragraph 160.
(2) The disciples' dispute. 24-30.
How it must have hurt Him to have such
jarring at such a time ! They probably thought that

136 THE PASSION WEEK
their places at this great memorial meal might have
connection with their rank in the new Kingdom.
But this new Kingdom was not to be like
those of which they knew. v. 25. Not rank, but ser
vice was to be its controlling principle. They had
been dull disciples not to see this illustrated in the
King Himself, v. 27-
Yet loyalty, even when marred by selfish
ness and misconception, shall certainly have its re
ward. 28-30. And the greatest of all rewards is
to have fellowship with the King and share in His
service and authority.
Shirt) lag
3. The Object Lesson of Lowly, Loving Service.
John 13 1"20.
(1) Removing the earth-stains. 1-11.
In v. 1 John speaks of the feast, in v. 2
of the meal. He constantly applies the word "pass-
over" to the feast. 2 23, etc. The other evangelists
apply it to the supper which introduced the feast.
Notice how in vs. 1-3 John sketches in
with words a background for the picture he is to
paint. It is the Lord, who knows that the hour is at
hand for His departure to the Father, from whom He
came and from whom He has all authority, who takes
the place of the lowest slave ; and the traitor, with his
black purpose of betrayal in his heart, is one of those
whose feet the Lord washes.
Luke and John here supplement and con
firm each other. Luke tells of the dispute, John of
the deed to which it gave rise.
Preparations had evidently been made by
Peter and John (vs. 4, 5) for the feet washing, so
needful for the comfort of sandal wearers before re
clining on the couches surrounding the table. Why
did neither they nor any other disciple offer to use

THE LAST PASSOVER 137
the towel and basin? Why did Jesus do it? What
needed to be removed from these disciples besides the
soil of dusty roads ?
What does Peter's objection show? What
his request ? How does v. 1 0 show the real significance
of Jesus' act? and its ineffectiveness where the heart
was not in His keeping, as well as the foot in His
hand?
3fnurth lag
(2) Applying the lesson. 12-20.
What double relation did He hold to
these men? vs. 13, 14. What necessarily followed
therefrom? vs. 14,15.
What double relation did they hold to
Him? v. 16, R. V. margin. What is more blessed
than knowing? Who missed this blessing? v. 18.
What was he to do with the foot that had been washed
by the hand of His Lord? Why did Jesus tell of it
in advance? v. 19.
What great promise may be realized by
every one whom Jesus cleanses and sends forth for
Him? v. 20.
4. The Traitor Indicated and Separated. John
Jg 21-30 Jesus now plainly declares the bitter truth
"that one of you shall betray me."
Peter, by his eagerness, and John, by his near
ness, learn who it is. The sign by which Jesus indi
cated him only re-emphasized the prophecy to be ful
filled, v. 18; Ps. 41 9- It emphasized also the bitter
ingratitude and faithlessness of the deed, for to share
food was to bind those who ate together in a cove
nant of loyal friendship.
What was the only effect upon Judas of the

138 THE PASSION WEEK
knowledge that the Master read his soul? Why were
the disciples so slow to grasp the fact?
In the remaining scenes and teachings of the
upper room Judas had no part, so he is now excluded.
Notice the closing words of v. 30. They were true in
more senses than one. Compare Luke 22 B3.
STiftb; lag
5. The Lord's Supper.
(1) The new ordinance. Luke 22 19' 20.
a. Its connection with the old. The
Passover supper began with the "cup of thanksgiving''
and closed with the "cup of blessing." The cup of
Luke 22 17 is the former, of Luke 22 20 the latter.
What the Passover symbolized under
the old covenant — deliverance from bondage, safety
behind the blood, fellowship around the lamb — the
Lord's supper more simply, yet more perfectly, sym
bolizes under the new.
What words of His make it an or
dinance, appointed by Him, not by the church, and
a memorial, ever showing forth His death "till He
come" ? b. Its significance.
(a) From the host presiding. It is
the Lord's table. Unless He serves it, those who par
take share only in an empty form.
(b) From the food provided. How
does it show forth the fact, the manner and the pur
pose of His death? (c) From the guests partaking.
Believers in Him, who share its benefits in communion.
See I Cor. 10 16.
(2) The new commandment. John 13 31"35.
What thoughts does Judas' departure
arouse in Jesus' mind? vs. 31,32. How was His
death to "glorify" both Him and His Father?

THE LAST PASSOVER 139
What loving term does He now apply to
the disciples ? v. S3.
What new commandment does He give
them? Who learned it best and writes of it most?
What is the best proof of Christian dis-
cipleship ?
$ixtlilag 6. Warnings of Testings ahead.
(1) For their leader. John IS38"33; Luke
22 31"34- Eager, inquiring, devoted, but not know
ing himself as well as his Lord knew him. In him
much pure wheat, but also chaff that needed win
nowing. Why could not Satan take possession of
him as of Judas? Why did Jesus permit Satan to
beset him? How did He assure the outcome? What
sad defection did the words "turned again" suggest?
Yet what was to be the final good effect of the ex
perience? How does Peter's answer to the warning
show how much he needed it? What helpful lessons
are here for us all in reference to our own tempta
tions ?
gropnlh lag
(2) For all the disciples. Luke 22 36-38.
When had He sent them forth without
supplies? Recall Study Eleven; Matt. 10.
Different instructions now suggest the
different reception they may expect. Against what
was He fortifying them? What did He mean by "a
sword"? Why did He not explain further? Ex
perience was to teach them, as no words could. If
we also are puzzled, let His example interpret His
words.

140 THE PASSION WEEK
Review 1. Throughout these scenes contrast the disciples'
spirit with their Lord's.
2. How do they show the Lord's (l) foreknowl
edge? (2) Love to the uttermost?
3. What must have been the places at the table
of Judas ? John ? Peter ? Why was Judas permitted
to share in the Passover meal and the feet washing,
but not, as seems probable, in the Lord's Supper?

STUDY NINETEEN
III. Last Words with the Disciples. John 14;
• 151-10; 17
3tatfSag
1. Comfort for Troubled Hearts. 14 1"11-
What caused their sadness? What words of
Jesus ought to have prepared them to expect His de
parture ?
Should any follower of Jesus have a troubled
heart? What is the cure for it? v. 1.
(1) He goes to prepare heavenly abodes.
2-6. How does His departure prepare these
for His followers ?
What else is just as certain as His de
parture ? On what do all our knowledge and certainty
regarding heaven rest?
How does Thomas show his character in
his question? Compare John 11 16. What glorious
teaching was given in response to his doubting query ?
Was it new? See John 10 9; 8 al> 32; 11 26- Here we
have it in its most impressive and memorable form.
(2) He reveals the Father to us. 7-11.
What did Philip desire? Some appear
ance such as Moses or Elijah had? What had he
that was better ? Why ?
Notice how Jesus reiterates the truth of
His oneness- with the Father. He must have regarded
it as of great importance. Compare John 1 1S.

142 THE PASSION WEEK
fbttavib lag
2. Wonderful Promises for Those Left Behind.
14 12"24- (1) The works of Jesus and even greater. 12.
How would His departure make this pos
sible ? How was the promise realized ?
(2) Answered prayer. 13-15. Now for the
first time He speaks of asking "in My name." Why?
What did He mean? What is the one condition?
v. 15. (3) Another and an abiding Comforter.
16, 17. See v. 16, R. V. margin. No one word is
sufficient to express all that the Holy Spirit does
for us. (4) The indwelling Christ. 18-24.
See R. V. margin. His departure was
not to leave them desolate and orphaned. He would
still manifest Himself to them, not to the world.
How was this literally fulfilled after His resurrec
tion? How is it still experienced by His followers?
On what one condition? v. 21.
Notice in Judas' question the sense of
some impending disaster, only dimly realized.
©hirti lag
3. The Gift of Peace. 14 25'31.
What other great and needed service was the
Comforter to render? How has this promise been
fulfilled? How is the bequest of Him who had no earthly
goods to leave of infinitely greater value than the
legacy of any millionaire? How could they possibly
rejoice at His departure? v. 28.
How does He in v. 30 foreshadow the later ex
periences of the same night? What was His one
great sustaining purpose as He faced these experi
ences? v. 31.

LAST WORDS WITH THE DISCIPLES 143
4. New Relationships. 15 1"16.
Throughout chapter 14 His departure has been
the underlying note. At its close (see v. 31) they
rise and, facing their new responsibilities, He declares
His new relationships to them. From 18 1 we con
clude that chapters 15 and 16 and also the prayer of
chapter 17 were uttered while still in the upper room,
but after they had risen from the table.

IFmtrthlag (1) The true vine and its branches. 1-8.
As the vine bears fruit through its
branches and only so, henceforth Jesus is to work in
the world through His followers who have His life in
them. What two conditions of fruit-bearing does
He mention ? To which has He already given His at
tention? Which does He now impress upon them?
Notice how many times in these verses He repeats the
words "abide in Me." The figure necessarily falls
short of the reality here. The living disciple has a
personal responsibility in connection with abiding in
Christ, beyond that of the branch in the vine.
Notice also the growth in fruit-bearing —
fruit, more fruit, much fruit. This is the supreme evi
dence of true discipleship.
(2) No longer servants but friends. 9-1 6.
What leads to fulness of joy?
What is the only measure for our love to
one another? How has Christ given convincing proof
of His love for us ?
Into what new intimacy does He admit
those who belong to Him ? For what great .ends has
He chosen them?

144 THE PASSION WEEK
3Fiftlj lag
5. The Lord's Intercessory Prayer. 17 1"26.
(1) His one petition for Himself. 1-5.
His eye is still fixed unwaveringly on the
goal, the accomplishment of His mission. Compare
John 4 34. What does He mean by "glorify"? See
John 7 39 and 13 31.
What is His glorification to do for the
Father? How? What is it to accomplish for those who
belong to Him? How? v. 3.
What can He say as He reviews His mis
sion? How far ought every follower to be able to
say the same?
(2) His requests for His disciples. 6-19.
What has He already done for them ?
Why does He ever pray for them as not
for the world? What does He do for the world?
How may His followers glorify Him?
Notice His petitions for them:
a. Kept. See the contrast between the
one on whom He relies, the "Holy Father," v. 11,
and the one from whom He would deliver them, "the
evil one," v. 15, R. V. What name alone has saving
and keeping power? Even that name cannot save or
keep a man against his will. v. 12.
What is the true relationship of every
follower of Jesus to the world?
b. Sanctified. To be kept from evil is
never enough. There must be constant service of
Christ in the world and growth in likeness to Him.
What is the great instrument for accomplishing this?
v. 17. And whose the great example? v. 19-

LAST WORDS WITH THE DISCIPLES 145
Sixth lag (3) His requests for all future believers.

20-24.
v. 20.

How are these believers ever to be won?

For them His great desires are:
a. United. With one another as with
Himself and the Father. Real Christian unity is
eVer in direct proportion to closeness to God. And
such unity is ever the most effective testimony to the
world of the truth of Christ's gospel.
b. Gathered to Christ. Where He is.
To behold His glory.
(4) His summary of His mission. 25, 26.
Sent to make known the Father and to
communicate His love to us.
$mnth lag
Review 1. Notice how the interruptions of the three disci
ples in chapter 14 only serve to bring forth richer
teaching from their Lord.
2. Notice the expression "even as" or "even so"
throughout chapter 17. Christ desires His followers
to share all the blessings of His own union with the
Father and fulfil all the responsibilities of His own
mission to the world.
8. First instruction, then prayer. That is Christ's
order. And this prayer but introduced that work of
intercession which He ever continues. Heb. 7 2B-
4. The best way to study such chapters as these
is to lovingly read and reread and meditate upon the
words as Jesus' messages to our own hearts. The
Bible that is not well worn at these pages can hardly
belong to a Christian who lives near to the heart of
God.

STUDY TWENTY
IV. In Gethsemane. The Agony and the
Betrayal
Start lag
1. The Hour of Agony. Matt. 26 36"46.
(1) The place. Matthew and Mark speak
of it as "a place," literally "an enclosed piece of
ground." John (18 *) calls it a garden, and Luke
(22 39) says that it was on the Mount of Olives.
Gethsemane means "oil-press." It was then an en
closed olive orchard, containing an oil-press. John
(18 2) tells us it was a familiar resort of Jesus, a
place of retirement, rest and prayer. Here He could
find the privacy which could not be found in the
crowded city. See also Luke 21 37 ; 22 39.
(2) The depth of the Saviour's suffering.
Notice His desire to be alone and yet His
longing for fellowship. Having finished the prepara
tion of His disciples for His departure, He must now
face alone all that it involves of rejection, shame and
suffering for the world's sin. Here as in the tempta
tion His true humanity is fully evident and He craves,
but in vain, the watchful sympathy of those from
whom He had most reason to expect it. Even John
fails. A wave of sorrow surges over His soul
"even unto death" (v. 38) and threatens to crush out
His physical life before He has accomplished His
mission by the sacrifice of the cross. He had had a
foretaste of it on Tuesday in the Temple, when the
request of the Greeks showed Him that His hour had
come. See John 12 23' 27. Luke, with his physician's
knowledge, tells us of the bloody sweat (22 44) which.

'Father, if Thou be Willing, Remove this Cup from Me.

IN GETHSEMANE 147
in cases of extreme mental anguish, has been the im
mediate precursor of death. He also tells us of the
angelic ministry (22 43) directed, as in the temptation
(Matt. 4 n), to His bodily needs.
Mark (14 3B) tells us that He prayed
that "the hour might pass away from Him." The
writer to the Hebrews (5 7) tells us that He was
heard by "Him that was able to save Him out of
death." So we cannot believe that Jesus here shrank
from the death of the cross, which He had all along
so steadily faced, but rather that He feared death
in the garden under the overwhelming pressure of His
mental anguish; which would have made Him a mar
tyr indeed but not an atoning Saviour.
foamd lag
(3) The prayer and its answer.
The Great Hallel, always sung by the
Jews at the Passover supper, included Psalm 116.
Jesus and His disciples had sung it, we conclude from
Matt. 26 80, before leaving the upper room for the
Mount of Olives. See how its opening verses fit
tingly describe Jesus' experience here.
Notice the intense earnestness, the sim
ple directness, above all the complete submission, of
His prayer. Often we read of His calling God
Father, but only here, in His hour of greatest need,
"My Father." Three times He prays, as He was
three times tempted. Compare the second prayer
with the first. Which element increases? Petition
indeed becomes lost in submission.
The prayer is really answered in the
granting of strength to go forward to the draining
of "the cup." Watch the majestic calmness and self-
control with which He takes each new draught as the
cup of suffering is pressed to His lips during the
hours that follow-

148 THE PASSION WEEK
(4) The disciples' failure and warning.
Why was their flesh so weak ? Had they
turned to the same source of strength that Jesus
sought? How had Peter and the rest miscalculated
their own strength ? Compare v. 38 with v. 40. What
must weak flesh ever do? Is the latter clause of v. 41
an excuse for their conduct, or a warning to prevent
its repetition? How may we explain the opposite
directions of vs. 45, 46?
Stalker, paragraphs 161, 162.
©hirh lag
2. The Hour of Treachery. John 18 1"11.
( 1 ) The betrayer.
Who compose the band he leads? Why
such overwhelming numbers to arrest one man? Why
is a Roman cohort here? Could it have been granted
without Pilate's approval or knowledge?
What brought "one of the twelve" to such
a deed as this? See John 12 4~6; Luke 22 3. Chosen
doubtless for the possibilities that lay in him, he as
sociated for two years with Jesus, even wrought mira
cles in His name, but never loved Him and was only
hardened by the influences that helped others. Dis
appointed in Jesus' course, he came to hate the pure
and unselfish One who could read his sordid soul.
See Mark 14 21; John 6 71 So he shipwrecked his
own soul and sold His Master for a slave's valuation.
Ex. 21 32.
Iffmutlj lag
(2) The Betrayed.
See now the majestic composure and self-
control of Jesus. He questions; they reply. He
comes forward; they fall back. Note His repeated
declaration "I am," the Greek equivalent of the

ON TRIAL 149
Hebrew "Jehovah." How can we account for its
effect upon the soldiers ?
Why does He protect His disciples?
Their experience of prison and death was to come
later. When had He made the statement quoted by
John in v. 9? Which follower shows his bravery?
What else does he show? What rebuke does he re
ceive from his Master ? How does this incident throw
light on Luke 22 3B"38 ? What indignity which Jesus
suffered may have been due to this act of Peter's?
John 1 8 12. What was the last deed of His hands be
fore they were bound? Luke 22 61.
How does the last clause of John 18 "
repeat and impress the great lesson of Gethsemane?
Stalker, paragraph 163.
V. On Trial. Facing Jewish Hatred and Roman
Injustice

Jfifth lag
1. Before the Jewish Rulers.
(1) The inquisition before Annas. John
18 12"2*. Why first taken before him? v. 13.
Though no longer high priest, he was the brains of
the priestly party and probably the leader in the plot
to destroy Jesus. See the irony in the words "that
year." The high-priesthood, in God's plan a life
office, had become the reward of intrigue and the gift
of Roman favor. See also the reference to Caiaphas'
prejudgment of this case which rendered him unfit to
act upon it with justice. When had he given this
counsel?

150 THE PASSION WEEK
The scene before Annas has a sad back
ground. Simon Peter cannot even face the taunt of a
maid-servant. Compare his words in v. 17 with his
Master's in John 18° and Mark 14 62. What had
prepared him for such shameful weakness?
On what points does the high priest — a
term which here seems to be loosely applied to Annas,
though he no longer filled the office—question the
prisoner? Why does Jesus ignore the first? What
answer does He make to the second ?
How does Jesus treat the unjust blow?
What light do His words here throw on Matt. 5 39 ?
How much satisfaction did Annas get
from this interview ? Why no more ?
Note. — The Syriac version, which was made in the
second century and is therefore somewhat earlier than
our earliest Greek manuscripts, the Vatican, Sinaitic,
etc., places the statement of v. 24 immediately after
that of v. 14. Should this order be accepted, then we
have no record of what transpired before Annas;
vs. 15 to 23 describe a private examination before
Caiaphas, and the term "high priest" is used in its
exact rather than a loose sense. This meets some
difficulties, has much in its favor, and further investi
gation and discovery of early manuscripts may estab
lish its correctness.
#ixtlf lag (2) Before the council at night. Matt.
26 B7-68- The council, known as the Sanhedrin,
from the Greek word for "assembly," consisted of the
chief priests — the heads of the twenty-four courses —
and scribes and elders to the number in all of seventy-
one, with the high priest as its presiding officer. Its
regular place of meeting was the Council Hall, but
this irregular meeting, hurriedly gathered by night,

ON TRIAL 151
was held in the high priest's palace. What does v. 59
indicate as to the spirit with which these judges en
tered upon their task? What evidence did they ob
tain? Compare v. 6l with John 2 19 to show how
the witnesses perverted Jesus' words. Why did Jesus
not answer and correct their statements?
Unable to sustain by evidence the charge
of blasphemy, the high priest demands of Jesus on
oath a statement as to His Messianic claims. Why
does He now turn silence into open and most em
phatic declaration? What startling contrast does He
now declare between the seen and the unseen, the
present and the future ? How should this have helped
them to see in Him the fulfilment of both sides of
Messianic prophecy? What was its only effect?
The first unjust blow (v. 22) is now fol
lowed by shameful treatment at the hands of His
guards. See Luke 22 63 The Roman cohort seems to
have returned to its quarters after the prisoner was
placed in the custody of the Jewish rulers. These
guards are Jewish temple police and their mockery
takes the form of ridicule of Jesus' prophetic authority
as shown in v. 64.
&ermdh lag
(3) Peter's denials. John 18 25"27.
John has already told us of Peter's first
fatal weakness, vs. 15-18. Unable to face a maid
servant's taunt, he has denied his discipleship and put
himself in the company of his Master's foes. Mat
thew (26 B8) tells us of his following with laggard
step in bad company "to see the end." Here his rash
deed in the garden rises like a ghost to weaken him
still further (v. 26) and he completes the threefold
denial and hears the fatal signal, reminding him of
the fulfilment of the warning and prophecy he had
refused to heed.

152 THE PASSION WEEK
And so the Lord's desertion by His lead
ing follower adds to the bitterness of this hour of His
ignominy and humiliation !
"Jesus, and shall it ever be,
A mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,
Whose glories shine through endless days?
Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend
On whom my hopes of heaven depend !
No, when I blush, be this my shame,
That I no morelrevere His name."
Stalker, paragraphs 163-173.

STUDY TWENTY-ONE
V. On Trial
1. Before the Jewish Rulers. (Continued.)
Jtart lag (4) The trial at daybreak. Luke 22 66-71.
No time is wasted now in the effort to
convict by testimony. What surer and shorter way
have they found? How does Jesus first show their
insincerity? How had He already proved the state
ment of v. 68? See Matt. 21 27.
How is v. 69 a last warning to them to
act righteously? Why is it not sufficiently definite to
satisfy them? To their repeated question (compare
its form with Matt. 26 63) Jesus again returns the
most positive affirmation. Thus their purpose has
been accomplished; now it only remains to secure the
assent of Pilate to their death sentence. Matt. 27 *' 2.
(5) The remorse of Judas. Matt. 27 3'10.
This incident is evidently introduced
here by Matthew to bring out still more strongly the
perfidy of the Jewish leaders. From what surprising
source do they now get true testimony regarding
Jesus? What sort of men are these who talk piously
of "lawful" deeds ? v. 6.
Their use of the money is connected by
Matthew with an incident in Zechariah (11 12' 13) with
which it has striking points of resemblance. No such
prophecy by Jeremiah is known, though all the
earliest manuscripts contain his name in v. 9 rather
than Zechariah's. A somewhat similar incident is re
corded in Jer. 32 6"10 and possibly the two may have
become confused in the writer's mind.

154 THE PASSION WEEK
The word translated "repented himself"
in v. 3 is not the regular New Testament word for re
pent but a weaker one, equivalent to "changed his
course." It is found elsewhere only in Matt. 21 29' 32;
II Cor. 7 8; and Heb. 7 21- Genuine repentance does
not lead to suicide; remorse often does.
&?omi> lag
2. Before Pilate, the Roman Governor.
(1) The accusation. Outside the Praetorium.
John 18 28"32; Luke 23 *¦• 2.
The Praetorium was the term applied by
the Romans to the official residence of a provincial
governor. In this case it was probably the palace
built by Herod the Great on the western hill of
Jerusalem. As a Gentile building, from which leav
ened bread had not been removed in preparation for
the Passover, the Jewish rulers would not enter it.
Thus again they illustrate Jesus' words in Matt.
23 23> 24. Pilate regards their scruples, but de
mands a formal charge against the prisoner. Know
ing well that the charge on which they have con
demned Him will not hold before a Roman judge,
they give first an indefinite and insolent answer
(v. 30) and then (Luke 23 2) charge Him with sedi
tion. How do they deliberately falsify His state
ment about tribute? How does their course really
bring about the fulfilment of Jesus' word in regard to
the manner of His death ? See Matt. 20 19-
©hiro lag (2) The private examination. Within the
Praetorium. John 18 83_38.
Notice Pilate's questions. Three seek
information — v. 33, v. 35 last clause, v. 37. The

ON TRIAL 155
other two await no answer — v. 85 first clause, v. 38.
What light do they throw on Pilate's character?
Jesus' question, v. 34, is aimed to awaken Pilate's own
sense of responsibility, and the teaching of vs. 36
and 37 is to give him light enough to perform that
responsibility intelligently. Jesus will say nothing to
save His own life, but He will say enough to save
Pilate from going blindly to the doom and the infamy
which must follow his unrighteous decision.
The pronoun "my" in v. 36 is very em
phatic. The words of v. 37 declare His mission to
all mankind, Roman as well as Jew. How were they
a real test of Pilate's moral earnestness and sin
cerity? How is this still true of every man who is
brought face to face with Jesus? What does the
great apostle to the Gentiles call these declarations
of Jesus? I Tim. 6 13.
Stalker, paragraphs 174-179.

Inurtlf lag
(3) First declaration of innocence. Outside
the Praetorium. The prisoner sent to Herod. Luke
23 4"12. Although Pilate's question about truth
suggests the cynic rather than the truth seeker, yet
he told the truth about Jesus, once and again. His
weakness lay in failing to mate righteousness with
truth. In vain he tried to play the politician — to
satisfy both the Jews and his own conscience. The
word "Galilee" opened to him a loophole and he tried
a double stroke of diplomacy, seeking both to placate
Herod and relieve himself of responsibility. In which
did he succeed? Why not in the other?
Why will Jesus do nothing to satisfy
Herod's curiosity? What opportunity has he already
worse than wasted?

156 THE PASSION WEEK
The second mocking, at the hands of
Herod's soldiers, is aimed at Jesus' kingly claims, as
the first was at His prophetic work.
Stalker, paragraphs 180, 181.

3Wtl; lag (4) Second declaration of innocence. Out
side the Praetorium. The choice of Barabbas. Luke
23 13-16. Matt_ 2715-26_
See in Luke's account the feeble and un
just conclusion of Pilate's declaration. The attempt
to compromise shows fatal weakness, of which the
Jewish leaders are quick to take advantage.
Strengthened in his purpose by his wife's
dream and message, he makes another attempt to win
Jewish approval of Jesus' release. Barabbas ("Son
of the father," perhaps an assumed name suggesting
Messianic claims), a robber (John), a leader of in
surrection and a murderer (Luke), was "a notable
prisoner" indeed. Pilate, realizing that it was the
envious leaders who were back of the movement
against Jesus, and not the people generally, hoped,
in offering a choice between the two, that Jesus would
be chosen. But the leaders defeat his purpose by cir
culating amongst the crowds (v. 20) and influencing
their decision. Thus left with Jesus still upon his hands,
he leaves the judgment regarding Him to the voice of
the crowds (v. 22), weakly expostulates (v. 23), and
then vainly tries to wash his hands of responsibility,
while once more he declares the prisoner innocent and
righteous (compare his wife's words).
The people (notice "all" in v. 25) seize
the opportunity thus given them. Their death sen
tence upon Jesus, "Let Him be crucified," is followed
by the sentence of their own doom. v. 25. How

ON TRIAL 157
literally the latter was fulfilled Josephus tells in his
account of the destruction of Jerusalem.
The scourging which Jesus suffered was
an ignominious and brutal torture. The Roman
scourge was made of leather thongs, armed at the
ends with bits of iron and sharpened bone. It was
applied upon the bare bent back. The effects of it
upon Jesus are seen later when the weight of the
cross has to be transferred to Simon.

£ixlh lag (5) The cruel mockery of the Roman sol
diers. Within the Praetorium. Matt. 27 27"30-
In the great open court of the palace He
is left for a time in the hands of the Prastorian cohort.
The mock robe, the mock crown, the mock
scepter, and the mock homage all add to His suffer
ings. How truly symbolic they are of the outcome of
these sufferings; the scarlet robe befits a Redeemer
King, the crown promises the removal of creation's
curse, the reed is the fit scepter for the Prince of
Peace before whom every knee shall bow. Phil. 2 10.
Stalker, paragraphs 182-184.
(6) Pilate's last vain efforts to free his pris
oner. John 19 4"ia.
a. Outside the Praetorium. "Behold
the man !" For the fourth time the judge de
clares the prisoner innocent. Again the Roman j udge
appeals to the Jewish priests but finds only "man's
inhumanity to man." How is Pilate's exclamation,
"Behold the man!" in effect an appeal to all races
and all ages to reverse the unjust decision of that
hour?

158 THE PASSION WEEK
Why do the Jews shift their ground
and introduce the new charge? What effect does it
have upon Pilate ?
b. Within the Praetorium. "Whence art
thou?" How does this last private interview
between prisoner and judge differ from the first?
What is the question now? Why no answer? How
does Pilate's question in v. 10 fix upon him the re
sponsibility he has vainly tried to shift? How does
Jesus' answer show to whom in the last analysis
Pilate is responsible and at the same time the
greater responsibility of the Jewish leaders through
their high priest ?
^rtmtth; lag c. Outside the Praetorium. "Behold
your King!" Strange situation indeed when Jews,
who hated Rome, force a Roman to do their will by
charging him with disloyalty to Rome! Rejecting
their Messiah, they reach the climax of national apos
tasy in the hypocritical cry, "We have no king but
Caesar." The last scene in this great drama of
human hate and injustice sees the man with authority
seated on the Pavement, which symbolized justice,
taunting the Jews by references to their King, refus
ing even then to declare Him guilty, but yielding in
the end to their pressure and delivering Him up to
be crucified. John, who was an eye-witness, fixes
the day and the hour of this crisis in human history.
"The preparation of the passover" was Friday, "the
day before the Sabbath" (Mark 15 42), and the hour,
according to John's way of stating time, 6 a.m.
Stalker, paragraphs 185-189.

ON TRIAL 159
Review 1. Close your eyes and recall in succession the
dark scenes of this darkest of all nights from the ar
rest to the final sentence.
2. Through what steps had the Jewish leaders
passed to this climax of inhumanity ? Beware of envy
(Mark 15 10), of the love of praise (John 12 43;
Matt. 23 B"7), of hypocrisy (Matt. 23 27> 28).
3. What great lesson is to be learned from Pilate?
He desired to be fair, openly declared Jesus' inno
cence (how often?), was evidently impressed both by
Him and by His words, yet his one day of testing has
made him forever infamous. Wherein lay his fatal
weakness ?
4. Think especially of the great central figure in
all these scenes. Stripped of everything except His
own true kingliness, "behold the man" ! See His in
terest in others while He will make no endeavor to
save Himself. Arrange in order ( 1 ) His testimonies ;
(2) His silences. Explain each. Recall His indig
nities and sufferings, and His patience through it all.
Study I Peter 2 21"23- How is Pilate's question in
Matt. 27 22 the real test question of every life ?

STUDY TWENTY-TWO
VI. Crucified. The Death that Brought Life
Start lag
1. On the way to Golgotha. Mark 15 20' 21; Luke
23 27"32- (1) The cross-bearer. John (19 1T) tells us
Jesus bore the cross for Himself, and Mark's state
ment really agrees with this. Simon was "coming
from the country," which would be apparent if he met
the procession outside the city but not if he met it
inside. Jesus then bore His own cross at least to the
city gate and it was when He could carry it no fur
ther that Simon was "impressed." A foreigner from
Africa, perhaps a traveling merchant, this forced
service evidently brings to him and his sons the bless
ing of faith in Christ. For Rufus compare Rom. 16 13.
(2) The "daughters of Jerusalem." Why
did their wailing bring no comfort to Jesus?
Explain His prophecy. Why was child-
bearing, the greatest pride and happiness of Jewish
women, to become a curse instead of a blessing? For
v. 30 see Hosea 10 8. For v. 31 recall the withering
of the fig tree. Notice "they do" and "be done."
2. On the Cross.
(1) The inscription and the executioners.
Luke 23 s3-34; John 19 17"24.
a. The place. In Hebrew Golgotha, in
Latin Calvary, in English The Skull. The singular
favors the view that the name was derived from the
appearance of the knoll rather than from its use as a
place of execution or burial. It was "nigh to the

THE DEATH THAT BROUGHT LIFE 161
city," v. 20; near a public road (Matt. 27 38) ; visible
from afar (Matt. 27 5B) ; and contained a garden
(John 19 41). The place cannot now be certainly lo
cated — perhaps God has willed it so lest the spot,
rather than the Lord, be worshiped — but all the re
quirements seem to be better met by the knoll just
north of the present Damascus gate of Jerusalem than
by the traditional spot on which the Church of the
Holy Sepulcher was built in the time of Constantine.
9?om& lag b. The title.
John gives it in its fullest form.
Supposed to state the accusation on which He was
condemned it stands as a testimony to all the ages of
the truth regarding Him. Pilate had already yielded
all too much. On this point he was obstinate, and
took a grim satisfaction in refusing the request of the
chief priests to have it changed.
The three languages represented the
three great races that prepared the world for Christ's
coming. The Jew contributed the knowledge of God
and the truth of the Old Testament ; the Roman con
tributed law and a central government; the Greek a
universal language. The Hebrew of this title is the last
use of that language in the revelation of God's truth
and appropriately it tells the very truth toward which
all the Old Testament pointed. The Greek and Latin
suggest the universal scope of the gospel that cen
tered in the cross. These pagan tongues henceforth
became the handmaids of Christianity in its onward
progress. c. The prayer for His crucifiers.
This certainly applied to the Roman
soldiers, but that it included all His enemies, espe-

162 THE PASSION WEEK
cially the Jews, seems clear from Acts 3 17 and I Cor.
2 8 Jesus here sets the example of His own precept
in Matt. 5 44. d. The division of His garments.
Head-dress, robe, girdle and sandals,
one to each of the four soldiers. There remained the
tunic, a close-fitting undergarment. This was seam
less, perhaps the skillful work of some loving hand.
For it they cast lots. This cold-blooded deed took
place under the very eyes of the crucified, as though
He were already dead. Thus they add to the bitter
ness of the hour. But thus also the heathen soldiery,
without suggestion or interference from either friend
or foe of Christ, fulfil to the letter the Old Testa
ment prophecy. See Ps. 22 18.
©hiro lag (2) The scoffing onlookers and the penitent
robber. Matt. 27 39"44; Luke 23 S9"43-
To mock any dying man shows a hard
ened heart. What must be said of those who could
mock such a dying man as hung here ? Their railings,
though spoken in irony, testified to the truth. In what
sense was it true that He could not save Himself?
In impressive contrast with this brutal
ribaldry are the words of the penitent robber who was
"in the same condemnation." His silence, while his
comrade railed, may have led to Matthew's state
ment in v. 44. If he at first joined in the terrible
chorus he soon came to his better self. He (a) re
bukes his fellow robber, (b) confesses the righteous
ness of their punishment, and (c) in that supreme
hour, when no other voice is raised on Jesus' behalf,
testifies to His innocence and appeals in faith to His
love and power.

THE DEATH THAT BROUGHT LIFE 163
"Save thyself," cried the mockers; "Re
member me," prayed the penitent. Instantly came the
abundant answer in the promise of Paradise. The
word, used by Jesus only here, would well convey to
this representative of the common people, with whom
it was a familiar term, the idea of bliss, in place of
torture, after death. Not faith at the eleventh hour,
so much as faith in spite of all odds and all appear
ances, here finds its rich reward. In the morning
condemned on earth; before the evening accepted in
heaven.

Jffnurth lag
(8) The friends of Jesus and the sacred trust.
John 19 25"27. Near enough to be seen by Jesus and to
hear His words stood a little group of loyal ones, four
women and one man. By comparing v. 25 with Matt.
27 6f>, we conclude that Jesus' "mother's sister" was
the "mother of the sons of Zebedee." To the care
then of one near of kin, but nearer still in heart,
Jesus commits His mother. To her sword-pierced
soul (Luke 2 3B) it must have been balm indeed to
remember that the last word of her Son addressed
earthward from the cross expressed His tender
thoughtfulness for her. The general and respectful
title "woman," rather than "mother," is appropriate
here, as it was at the first miracle, and may well sug
gest His tender regard for all the bereaved and suf
fering of her sex.
Thus the first three utterances of Jesus
from the cross, all uttered before the darkness, be
gin with those farthest from Him in heart and end
with those nearest to Him. They include (a) inter
cession for His foes, (b) pardon for the penitent,
and (c) tender regard for the bereaved.

164 THE PASSION WEEK
Jfifth lag (4) The hours of darkness and the departure.
Matt. 27 4B-B0; John 19 28"30; Luke 23 4B.
Heaven hid its face from such a deed as
this. The supernatural character of the darkness is
more evident from its time, the very hours when the
eastern sun is most intense in brightness. A solar
eclipse cannot possibly explain it, for Passover always
occurred at full moon.
Into the mystery of what passed under
the shadow of that great darkness we can never fully
penetrate. Reverently and tenderly must we approach
it even in thought. Jesus does not break its silence
until the ninth hour, 3 p.m., the Jewish hour of even
ing prayer. Then the climax of His mental suffering
finds expression in the opening cry of the 22d Psalm.
His sense of separation from God, while bearing the
burden of human sin, fills the cup of sorrow to its
overflow. The intense physical suffering which He
was at the same time undergoing is indicated in the
words, "I thirst." The offer of the sponge* full of
vinegar- — the one touch of human compassion in this
scene — was accepted; though the anodyne offered
earlier (Matt. 27 34) had been refused. With physi
cal strength thus renewed, He cried with a loud voice
— as though to all mankind — "It is finished" ; then
bowed His head, commended His spirit to His Father
(Luke 23 46. Compare Ps. 31 B) and voluntarily
yielded it up. The last four "words" from the cross
were spoken, as we have thus seen, at the close of the
darkness, and fall into two groups. Two give ex
pression to the depths of His mental anguish and
physical suffering; two testify to the triumphant
completion of His mission. One of these looks back-

1 It is Finished."

THE DEATH THAT BROUGHT LIFE 165
ward to declare it perfected in every detail, the other
forward to express His perfect trust in the Father to
whom He is now to return.

fctxtljlag (5) The accompanying signs and their effect.
Matt. 27 B1"B6; Luke 23 47-49.
The darkness ended in earthquake, ac
companied by the rending of the temple veil and the
opening of tombs. The latter would be a natural re
sult of earthquake, but the temple veil was "of great
thickness, a palm or hand breadth, wrought of gold
and purple, and proportionately strong." The very
expression, "from the top to the bottom," indicates
supernatural agency. What did this rending signify ?
See Heb. 10 "• 20. What the opened tombs and the
risen dead? Notice that their appearance was not
until after the resurrection of Jesus. I Cor. 15 20-
They were no doubt Old Testament saints, perhaps
prophets, whose temporary appearance at this time
was to make more certain the significance of the
opened tombs and of the resurrection of Jesus.
Notice Luke's statement of the effect
of the scene upon (a) the centurion (v. 47) ; (b) the
multitudes (v. 48) ; (c) the friends of Jesus (v. 49).
The centurion, unprejudiced and open-minded, sees
in Jesus not only a righteous man but "the Son of
God." Jesus' utterances to His Father, at the be
ginning and end of the crucifixion, may explain the
form of this striking testimony from a heathen. The
multitudes, viewing it as a "sight," return from it in
awe and fear. The women, whose presence in such a
scene is specially mentioned because extraordinary,
show their devotion, which leads later to faith and
joy-

166 THE PASSION WEEK
&prir>nih lag
(6) The certainty of death and the fulfil
ment of prophecy. John 19 31~37-
That Jesus was not in a trance during
the time spent in the tomb is proved by His foes as
well as by His friends. The Jews made it certain
that He was dead by their request for the removal of
the bodies, which led the soldiers to ascertain and
testify to the fact. v. 33. See also Mark 15 44- 45.
The spear thrust in His case took the place of the
breaking of the legs. The physical cause of death
may have been rupture of the heart, as some doctors
have argued, but the blood and water, to which John
bears testimony, are rather the signs of new life issu
ing out of death. "Blood ever stands for atone
ment and remission, water for regeneration and puri
fication. The two must always go together as to
gether they came from the Redeemer's side." So says
Matthew Henry. At the cross was the fountain
opened for sin and for uncleanness. See I John 5 °"8.
Notice the emphatic declaration of v. 35.
We have no hearsay evidence here. John himself saw
all this and has borne true witness that we may be
lieve. Stalker, paragraphs 190-198.
Review With John we also must see at the cross the full
and minute fulfilment of prophecy. Since history and
revelation center here, it could not be otherwise.
Point out how this was true in:
1. His silence and self-restraint in the face of
calumny and mockery.
2. His death as a criminal and yet His burial in
a rich man's tomb.

THE DEATH THAT BROUGHT LIFE 167
8. His thirst and His cry of anguish.
4. "No bone broken," the pierced side, the cast
ing of lots over His garments.
The references from the gospel passages in which
these various facts are mentioned will indicate the
Old Testament passages in which they were prophe
sied. 5. The sufferings peculiar to crucifixion. See Ps.
22 1B- 16. Above all let us not fail to see in the cruci
fixion the value and purpose of our Saviour's suffer
ing for us, as Isaiah foretold them in 53 4"6' 10~12.

VII
FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE

FACTS ABOUT THE PERIOD
Events Included
From the burial in Joseph's tomb to the ascension
to God's right hand.
Time From April 7 to May 18, 30 A. D.
Luke is our authority for the length of this period.
Acts 1 3.
Scriptures Matt. 27 5T — 28; Mark 15 42 — 16; Luke 23 50— 24;
John 19 38— 21; Acts 1 1"11.
Places Joseph's tomb and garden, the road to Emmaus,
the upper room, the seashore and mountain in Galilee,
the Mount of Olives.
Characteristics Repeated appearances, convincing unbelieving fol
lowers of the resurrection they had not anticipated,
and commissioning them for the testimony and ser
vice to be rendered after His ascension.

OUTLINE OF THE PERIOD
I. The Burial and the Sealed Tomb
1. The Body Laid in Joseph's Tomb.
2. The Tomb Sealed and Guarded.
II. The Resurrection Morning
1. "He is risen." The Angelic Message.
2. The Examination of the Empty Tomb.
3. The Lame Explanation of His Enemies.
III. The Risen Lord's Appearances on the Resurrec
tion Day
1. To Mary and then to the Other Women. Near
the Tomb.
2. To Two Disciples Journeying to Emmaus. On
the Road. (1) Talking about Jesus. (2) Commun
ing with Jesus. (3) Witnessing for Jesus.
3. To the Eleven (except Thomas) and Other
Believers. In the Upper Room.
IV. Other Appearances during the Forty Days
1. To the Disciples including Thomas. In the
Upper Room.
2. To Seven Disciples, after a Night of Fishing.
By the Sea of Galilee. (1) The full net and the hot
breakfast. (2) The lesson for the leader.
3. To the Eleven and Other Believers. On the
Mountain in Galilee. (1) The company. (2) The
commission. 4. The Parting Interview. In the Upper Room.

172 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
V. The Ascension
1. The Place.
2. The Parting.
3. The Certainty of His Return.

STUDY TWENTY-THREE
I. The Burial and the Sealed Tomb. Matt.
an 57-60
Start lag
1. The Body Laid in Joseph's Tomb. 57-61.
To learn more regarding this new disciple com
pare with vs. 57 and 58 the parallel accounts in Mark,
Luke and John. Why was it important that the
precious body of the Saviour should not be cast into
the common pit where the unclaimed bodies of crim
inals found burial? When neither His mother nor
His disciples dared ask for it, and probably could not
have obtained it if they had, there suddenly appeared
a rich and influential member of the very Jewish
council that had condemned Him to death and boldly
(Mark) asked of Pilate the body. Another (see
John) joined in the preparation of the body for
burial, coming now by day instead of as before "by
night" and bringing, as though in atonement for his
long hesitation to become an open disciple, a bounte
ous provision of the anointing mixture of spices in
which the body was wrapped. What do these deeds
of faith and love, from such a source at such an hour,
suggest as to the effect of the cross on earnest and
open-minded men? How do they show also the hand
of God behind all these scenes ?
Why was it desirable that the body of Jesus —
notice this word, so carefully used here by all of the
evangelists — should be laid in a tomb never yet occu
pied by a dead body? See Acts 13 37. Not only
was there to be no possible question regarding
identity, but His body was neither to experience nor
to come into contact with corruption.

174 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
Notice that the witnesses to the burial (v. 61)
are the same who later testified to the fact that the
tomb was empty.
2. The Tomb Sealed and Guarded. 62-66.
In their determination to leave no stone un
turned in stamping out the influence of the "deceiver,"
the Jewish leaders do not hesitate to profane their
Sabbath (compare v. 62 with Mark 15 42) by their
visit to the palace of the Roman governor. Their
memory is better than that of the disciples, v. 63.
Again Pilate will not do what they request, that is,
himself see to guarding the tomb, but he permits their
use of a guard, perhaps the same quaternion — group
of four soldiers — that had been on duty at the cross.
Are his added words another taunt? another indica
tion, at least, of the impression Jesus has made upon
him? How does this action on the part of Jesus'
foes only serve to strengthen the evidence of the fact
which they vainly call an "error" ? They seal the
tomb, only thus to seal the truth that the tomb could
not hold the body placed therein. What was stronger
than unslumbering hatred and imperial power?
Notice v. 63, "after three days," and v. 64,
"until the third day." "The Jews reckoned the night
and day together as constituting one period and any
part of this period was counted by them as a whole."
— Broadus. Jesus was buried on Friday and after
His burial there was still time on that day before sun
set for the women to "prepare spices and ointments."
Luke 23 B6. He was in the grave therefore part of
Friday, "Preparation," all of Saturday, the Jewish
Sabbath, and part of Sunday, the first day of the
week, which began, according to Jewish reckoning, at
sunset. The resurrection took place between sunset
of Saturday and dawn of Sunday.

'An Angel of the Lord

. Came and Rolled Away the Stone.

THE RESURRECTION MORNING 175
II. The Resurrection Morning
grroni lag
1. "He is risen." The Angelic Message. Luke
23 Be — 24 12.
Sadder day than that Sabbath, during which
our Lord's body lay in Joseph's sealed tomb, His fol
lowers never experienced. Even the privilege of min
istering to His body was forbidden them on that day
of rest. Well was it then for any who had learned
how to pray in the hour of need. Before the dawn
of the Easter morning the devoted women were
already at the tomb. How did their errand show love
but not faith? What better service were they per
mitted to render than that which brought them there?
v. 9- What mistake were they making? v. 5. No
tice the new titles for Jesus in vs. 3 and 5. Why
specially appropriate now and hereafter?
What had they, and others also, forgotten?
See Matt. 17 22' 23.
As angels had announced the birth of Jesus,
so appropriately they here filled the empty tomb with
the dazzling light of heaven. And they shall also
accompany Him when He returns to reign. Matt.
25 31. Why does the story of the women awake no
joy and faith in the apostles' hearts? How does this
very slowness to believe make their testimony to the
fact, when once they are convinced, all the more con
clusive ?
3htrH lag
2. The Examination of the Empty Tomb. John
20 1"10. John, from his personal knowledge (vs. 2, 3,
4, 5, 8) enlarges the brief statement of Luke 24 ]2 to

176 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
this detailed account. He shows (v. 2) how Mary
was first with the news and therefore also first to re
turn to the tomb (v. 11), though apparently Peter
and John had left it before her return. Notice the
characteristic actions of the two disciples. Why
would Peter's feet be slower than John's? Yet why
would he enter when John hesitated?
What did they see? To what did the quiet
order of the sight testify? How did it agree with
what Mary feared, vs. 2 and 13? or with what His
enemies charged, Matt. 28 13?
What effect did it have on one who saw it?
v. 8.3. The Lame Explanation of His Enemies. Matt.
28 11"15- From whom did the chief priests first hear of
the opened tomb? What did the guard report to
them? See Matt. 28 2"4- How did their treatment
of the news only prove the truth of Jesus' words in
Luke 16 31? What was powerful enough to change
the truth on the soldiers' lips into a tale as improbable
as untrue? What could keep such a story as this in
circulation ?
Stalker, paragraphs 199-203.
III. The Risen Lord's Appearances on the
Resurrection Day

Jfaurtlr lag
1. To Mary and then to the Other Women. Near
the Tomb. John 20 "-18; Matt. 28 9- 10.
Mary's devotion won for her the first inter
view with the Risen Lord. Mark 16 9. He appears
to her to turn her love (v. 13) into faith (v. 18), her
tears into joy. Tears are out of place, a jarring note,

ON THE RESURRECTION DAY 177
at the open tomb. See vs. 13 and 15. How did they
at first blind her eyes to the truth?
What was to her more convincing than sight?
As Jesus turns from the general (v. 15) to the per
sonal (v. 16) address, she responds in the language,
and by the title, of their former intimate fellowship.
Her desire to grasp and detain Him, lest again He
vanish as from the tomb, Jesus answers by the words
of v. 17- The Greek word translated "touch" is dif
ferent from the words in Matt. 28 9 and Luke 24 39.
What is to happen which will substitute new spiritual
relationships for those which Mary vainly desires to
renew? v. 17. What great news is entrusted to her
to tell ? What new and tender term does He here use
for His disciples?
In Matthew's brief account of the interview
with the other women see how the greeting of the
Risen Lord brings joy (literally "joy to ye") and
banishes fear. He accepts their worship and gives
them the same commission as to Mary. What is
added, however? Compare Mark 16 7 and 14 28.
Jffiltlag 2. To Two Disciples Journeying to Emmaus.
On the Road. Luke 24 13"3B.
(1) Talking about Jesus.
These two belonged to "the rest" of v. 9-
That neither was an apostle is clear from v. 33. The
name of one is given, v. 18, but whether he is the
same who is mentioned in John 19 25 is uncertain.
That both were men is clear from v. 25. Why they
should leave Jerusalem on "that very day," of all
days, we are not told, but that their hearts remained
there is evident from their conversation.
(2) Communing with Jesus.
To those who walk life's ways with puz
zled minds and "holden" eyes Jesus loves to manifest

178 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
Himself. But He desires to be discerned and invited,
so He appears in forms not immediately recognizable.
See Mark 16 12 and compare John 21 4.
How much did these men already know
regarding Jesus and His resurrection? Notice the
past tense in vs. 19 and 21. Why do they refer to
"the third day"? Evidently they had heard nothing
as yet of the appearances to Mary and to the other
women. Why does Jesus plainly though tenderly
rebuke them? What else does He do that is more
effective? What are some of the teachings of Moses
and of the prophets to which He doubtless referred?
See marginal references for v. 27. Those in R. V.
are specially good. What hints are here for the
Bible teacher and the Bible student ?
Sixti? lag Why did Jesus make "as though He
would go further" ? Compare Mark 6 48. Why could
He do no otherwise if He were to maintain the char
acter of fellow traveler which He had assumed?
What did He desire? What does He still desire?
Although He entered as a guest, what place did He
take at the supper table? Having journeyed with
them on the way, and given to them the truth, He
now adds to it the bread, which indicates His own
imparted life. The sign, reminding them not of the
Lord's Supper, for only apostles were present there,
but of the miracle of the loaves, or perhaps of other
meals at which Jesus had broken bread with them,
was enough to open their dull eyes.
The purpose of the interview accom
plished, the Lord vanished. That He, who was now
ready for ascension to the Father, should walk and
talk and eat with them was more a wonder than that
He should mysteriously leave thee*-

ON THE RESURRECTION DAY 179
(3) Witnessing for Jesus.
Slow hearts (v. 25) had turned to burn
ing hearts (v. 82) and they must share with others
the great glad truth which had caused the change.
How different the return journey to
Jerusalem ! The "day was far spent" ere they
started, but they still found "the eleven and them that
were with them" gathered together. What glad news
greeted them before they could tell their own?
Of this appearance to Simon we have
further record in 1 Cor. 15 B, but no particulars. It
was doubtless personal and intended for the back
slider only. Their own story strengthens the evi
dence. On what do they lay the stress and why?
&puptilh lag
3. To the Eleven (except Thomas) and Other Be
lievers. In the Upper Room. Luke 24 36"4S ; John
20 19"23- Even after such testimony, how did they greet
His personal appearance to them all? vs. 37 and 41.
What convincing evidence did He give that they were
not witnessing a mere apparition? What was the
effect upon some at least ? John 20 20.
Of what would His repeated greeting remind
them? John 14 27. And His commission? John
17 18. What did they need in order to fulfil it? Here
and now they received the earnest of the gift which
came in fuller measure on Pentecost. Guided by that
Spirit, they — not the apostles only, but all who re
ceived the gift — were to declare the freeing from sin
of the penitent, the continuance in its bonds of the
unbelieving. The Risen Lord still enters through the closed
doors where His followers gather, and bestows the

180 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
same gifts: "Peace be unto you," "receive ye (lit
erally take ye) the Holy Spirit."
Review 1. Notice that Jesus found it necessary to chal
lenge and rebuke the tears of Mary (John 20 1B), the
foolish minds and slow hearts of puzzled disciples
(Luke 24 2B), and the unbelief and hardness of heart
of those who refused to believe the witnesses to His
resurrection (Mark 16 14). His message to us, and
to all, as to Thomas (John 20 27), is "Be not faith
less, but believing."
2. What amply sufficient reasons have we for be
lieving that Jesus rose from the dead? What does
His resurrection accomplish for us ? Rom. 4 24' 2B.
What does it make sure for us ? I Peter 1 3"B.

STUDY TWENTY-FOUR
IV. Other Appearances during the Forty Days
Start lag
1. To the Disciples, including Thomas. In the
Upper Room. John 20 24~29.
What have we already learned about Thomas?
Recall from John 11 and 14. His absence from the
gathering on the evening of Resurrection Day, what
ever occasioned it, caused him great loss. Did he de
mand greater evidence than others had received?
Compare v. 20. What attitude of mind, however,
does the form of his declaration indicate? How
must he have regarded the appearances of which
others bore witness?
Why do the disciples defer their departure for
Galilee? "After eight days," reckoned inclusive of
first and last according to Jewish custom, brings us
again to "the first day of the week." v. 19- If
Thomas was unwilling to believe the testimony of his
fellow disciples, what does his presence with them yet
testify? When Jesus appeared and spoke to him,
did Thomas really require the evidence he had de
manded? What was more convincing to him than
touch ? Once convinced that Jesus had risen, what con
clusion did Thomas instantly reach? How is his con
fession the very highest on record in the gospels?
What encouragement does he afford to the sincere
doubter? and what warning?
How is the beatitude of v. 29 peculiarly the
beatitude of the later church, to which we belong?

182 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
&nanb lag
2. To Seven Disciples, after a Night of Fishing.
By the Sea of Galilee. John 21 1'2i.
(1) The full net and the hot breakfast. 1-14.
In the old haunts and at the old business.
Why? Was it any sign of unbelief? Was there any
longer a common purse? Were they ready yet to
preach ? Who is the leader? Who is mentioned
next to him? Is this significant? Absence from the
company of the disciples shall not again deprive him
of an interview with his Lord.
What hour did Jesus choose for His ap
pearance to them? Why? What was the situation
to which His question called attention? What did
the new term by which He addressed them suggest?
Compare John 14 18, R. V. margin.
How did the miracle recall the past?
How did it differ from the earlier one beside the same
shore? John's mention of the number of the fish
naturally suggests that it had some significance. Of
many interpretations the best seems to be that it
represented the total of the squares of 3 and 12,
the numbers which in the Bible stand for the God
head and the church. 12 X 12 = 144
SX 3= 9
153
Thus the product represents God and man working
together in fullest measure.
How does the whole scene show that the
Risen Lord is still associated with His followers:
(a) In the success of their work? (b) In the supply
of their needs?

OTHER APPEARANCES 183
How do John and Peter again show char
acteristic traits in this scene?
Which other manifestations did John no
doubt have in mind when he called this the third?
Notice "to the disciples."
JTJhiru lag (2) The lesson for the leader. 15-24.
Peter, besides the three occasions on
which he has seen the Risen Lord with other disciples,
has had his own private interview with Him. What
more intimate dealing is still necessary. Why ? Why
three questions? What trait of weakness in Simon is
recalled by the form of the first question? Compare
Matt. 26 33- How does he show that he has learned
a lesson from his bitter failure ?
Notice how the three questions work
deeper and deeper into Peter's heart. The Twen
tieth Century New Testament translates them thus:
(a) "Simon, son of John, are you more devoted to
me than the others are?" (b) "Simon, son of John,
are you devoted to me?" (c) "Simon, son of John,
do you love me?" The repetition, each time in full,
of his name emphasized the personality of the prob
ing. The dropping of comparison with others, and
then the change from His own more exalted to Peter's
more intimate and homely word for "love" stripped
the question to its very essence. Why was Peter
grieved? On what did he finally rest?
Is there an order in the three commis
sions? What do they indicate as to Peter's work?
What high honor was finally to crown his life of
loving service? What summons is once more issued to
him? How is it fuller now of meaning than before?
What final lesson does he have to learn about obedi
ence without regard to others ?

184 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
Why was John left, as we are, without
the clear indication of his end which was given to
Peter? Is it better so?
What is the principal lesson for me from
this daybreak scene on the shore of life's sea?

STmtrilf lag
3. To the Eleven and Other Believers. On the
Mountain in Galilee. Matt. 28 16~20.
(1) The company.
Paul in I Cor. 15 e says, "Then he ap
peared to above five hundred brethren at once, of
whom the greater part remain until now [about
twenty-seven years later], but some are fallen asleep."
That he was referring to the appearance here de
scribed by Matthew is probable (a) because the mes
sage to meet Him in Galilee was sent to "the disci
ples," His "brethren," which included more than the
Eleven; (b) "some doubted," which can hardly now
apply to the Eleven; (c) if the appearance is to the
Eleven, accompanied by the whole body of believers
gathered from throughout Galilee, then we have a
scene exactly similar to that earlier mountain scene
when, in the hearing of the multitudes, he taught the
Twelve the great truths of Matt. 5, 6 and 7.
"To clothe that closing scene, depicted
by Matthew, with such an environment, is to invest it
with a new grandeur. Not to a few apostles alone,
in some secluded chamber, but to a multitude num
bering upwards of five hundred. His pulpit a moun
tain summit; His audience chamber bounded only by
the horizon and roofed in only by the canopy of
heaven ! How fitting that the world's Redeemer,
stretching out His pierced hands as though to touch
the farthest limits of the globe from sunrise to sun
set, where no narrow walls could confine His voice,

OTHER APPEARANCES 185
should say to all His disciples, 'Go ye into all the
world and preach the gospel to every creature.' "
How Matthew's frank statement that,
even on such an occasion as this, "some doubted,"
shows these evangelists to be plain-spoken men, con
scious of their own integrity, certain of the reality of
their story, not shrinking from the simple telling of
even unpleasant truth !
(2) The commission.
This appearance is not so much to give
assurance as to His resurrection — that has already
been amply established- — as to issue marching orders
for the great campaign of conquering the world by
the truth. Jesus speaks as their great Commander.
What is the force of the "therefore" in v. 19? What
is the greatest of all reasons for carrying the gos
pel to all nations? Notice the order of vs. 19 and 20,
"discipling," "baptizing," "teaching." Notice the
formula of baptism. Why "into" rather than "in"?
Why "name" rather than "names"? Taking the
name involves entering the family and sharing the
nature. What are converts to be taught? What
inspiring promise belongs to those who are enlisted
in this great enterprise?
Sfifil; lag
4. The Parting Interview. In the Upper Room.
Luke 24 44"49.
Luke's last chapter, taken alone, gives the im
pression that all the appearances it records occurred
on the day of Christ's resurrection. But in Acts (1 3)
he tells us there were many appearances during a
period of forty days. In the gospel he condenses
and combines the facts without mention of time, em
phasizing the fulfilment of Scripture in the resurrec-

186 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
tion. The point of view is evening, the culmination
of Christ's ministry. In the Acts the time is stated
and the emphasis is placed on the promise of the
Spirit and the world-wide campaign of testimony.
The point of view is dawn, the beginning of the work
of the Risen Lord through His church.
In this last interview see how He does for all
present what He has already done for two on the
road to Emmaus.
What necessarily follows the suffering and
resurrection of the Saviour? v. 47- Which is man's
part? Which God's part? and what is the disciples'
part ? and how were they to be qualified for it ? Why
called "the promise of my Father"? See Isa. 44 3;
Joel 2 28. On what condition were they to receive
the fulfilment of the promise? v. 49. On what
condition may we ? Acts 5 82.

The hints that have been given us concerning
Jesus' manner of life during the interval between the
resurrection and the ascension suggest an interme
diate state, linked both with His life of humiliation
here and His life of exaltation above.
He had a real body, with the signs in it of what
He had undergone. John 20 20' 27. He walked along
a country road, broke bread in a village home and
gave bread and fish from a sea-beach fire to hungry
men. Special emphasis is laid upon His own eating.
Luke 24 41"43; Acts 10>41-
Yet there was some new aspect to His familiar
form. Mark 16 12; John 21 4. He no longer lived
with His followers. He merely appeared at intervals,
in different places, through closed doors (John 20
19' 28), until He finally was "taken up" from their
midst into heaven.

THE ASCENSION 187
His own mission was completed when He died
and rose again. But He tarried for a little near to
His disciples, until, convinced and commissioned, they
could enter upon their mission.
Stalker, paragraphs 204, 205.
gixtlj lag
V. The Ascension. Luke 24 B°-53 ; Acts 1 1_11
1. The Place, v. 50. Acts 1 12.
From the neighborhood of the one spot on earth
which had been His most congenial place of abode He
went away to all the glories of heaven and to "the
right hand of God" (Mark 16 1B). The Mount which
had witnessed the depth of His humiliation and suf
fering in the agony of the garden saw also His tri
umphant departure in the clouds.
The scenes of His appearances during the forty
days were usually sacred familiar spots — the garden of
the tomb, the beaten road, the upper room, the Galilean
sea-beach and mountain-top, and now the Mount of
Olives, where He had so often resorted with His dis
ciples. These spots were ever to suggest to His fol
lowers not only His teaching and miracles in the
flesh, but His appearances and commissions after the
triumph over death.
2. The Parting, vs. 50, 51. Acts 1 6"9.
What mistaken impression did His last words
correct? vs. 6-8. What futile curiosity, both theirs
and ours, did they rebuke? What promise of power
did they renew and affirm? Compare John 15 26' 27;
Luke 24 48' 49. What plan of campaign did they out
line? Of what would the outstretched hands remind
them? What would they symbolize regarding His
future relation to all His followers ?

188 FROM THE TOMB TO THE THRONE
$r-Tipntl; lag
3. The Certainty of His Return. Acts 1 10' ".
Ignorance of the time (v. 7) must not obscure
the certainty of the fact. Heavenly witnesses gave
assurance of it, as they had of His resurrection.
Compare with v. 10 Luke 24 *. But we are no more
to stand gazing after the Departed One than to seek
the Living One among the dead. How is His return
to be like His departure ? Compare Matt. 24 80 ;
25 31. Meanwhile what is to be the spirit of those
who await His coming ? Luke 24 B2' B3. And what
their service? Mark 16 20.

Christ has come in the flesh. We have traced
His footsteps as our Saviour, our Master and our
Example. Christ is with us in spirit. The Christ of personal
experience, possible for all of us, is better still than
the Christ of history.
Christ shall come again, and we, by testimony and
service, may hasten His appearing.

This closing study has been written on the last
day of the year in the glory of a winter country land
scape, sparkling in sunshine after a sleet storm in the
night. "The glory of the celestial is one, the glory
of the terrestrial is another." Come, Lord Jesus,
and make our daily living as pure and glorious as
Thine unstained handiwork in nature !

STUDY TWENTY-FIVE

FINAL REVIEW

Outline of the Great Events in the Life of Christ

Time

Events

Places

I. Period of Preparation

B. C.

Annunciations

6.

1. To Zacharias

Temple

5.

2. To Mary 3. To Joseph

Nazareth

December

Birth 

Bethlehem

Circumcision ....
Bethlehem
Presentation ....
Temple
Adoration of the Wise Men
Bethlehem
Flight from Herod .
Egypt
Return to Galilee
Boyhood and Youth .
Nazareth
A.D.
8.
Visit to Jerusalem .
Temple
(Passover)
26.
The Forerunner
Preaching
Wilderness of
Judaea
Baptizing ....
By the Jor-
27.
Baptism ...
Jordan
Temptation ...
Wilderness
190

Time

FINAL REVIEW
Events

Places

II. Period of Introduction

A. D.
27.

First Disciples

Bethany be
yond Jor
dan

First Miracle . . . •

Cana

(Passover)

April
Cleansing the Temple .
Interview with Nicodemus
Jerusalem
Jesus' Disciples also Baptize
Judaea
Interview with the Samaritan
Woman 
Samaria (Ja
cob's Well)
Healing the )bleman's Son
Cana, Caper
28.
naum
Healing the Impotent Man
Jer u s alem
(Passover?)
First Conflict with the Rulers
(Bethesda)
April
Time
Events
Places
III. Period of Widening
Influence
Rejected by His Own Towns
people ....
Nazareth
A New Base of Operations
Capernaum
The Filled Nets. The Un
clean Spirit Cast Out
Many Healed
Touring in Galilee
Leper Cleansed
Spring
Choice of the Twelve .
Horns of
The Ordination Sermon
Hattin?
Another Tour Through Galilee
Raising the Widow's Son
Nain
Autumn
The Parables of the Kingdom
By the Sea
of Galilee
The Calming of the Storm
On the Sea
The Casting Out of the Legion
Across the
Sea
29.
The Sending Out of the
Twelve . . .
Throughout Galilee
(Passover)
March
The Feeding of the Five
Thousand ...
Near Beth-
saida
FINAL REVIEW

191

Time

Events

Places

IV. Period of Misunder

standing and Opposition

The Spies from Jerusalem .
Capernaum
Journey to Borders of Tyre
and Sidon ....
Phoenicia
Syrophoenician Woman's
Daughter Healed
Journey Through Decapolis
Decapolis
Deaf and Dumb Man
Healed
Peter's Confession and Re-
Caesarea Phil
ippi
The Transfiguration .
Mount Her
mon
(Tabernacles)
October
Teaching in the Temple. The
Water and the Light
Jerusalem
Time
Events
Places
V. The Approach to the
Goal
Farewell to Galilee. The
Seventy Sent Out .
Through Peraea
Teaching in a New Region .
Covetousness. The Lord's
Return. The Baptism of
Fire
(Dedication)
December
Declares His Oneness with
the Father . . . .
Jerusalem
Further Teaching in Peraea
30.
Seeking and Welcoming
Peraea
The Raising of Lazarus .
Bethany
In Retirement for a. Time
Ephraim
Final Journey to Jerusalem
Blessing Children. Testing
the Young Ruler .
Jordan Val
ley
Jericho
Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus
192

FINAL REVIEW

Time

Events

Places

VI. The Passion Week

(Passover)

April
Sabbath at Bethany. Anoint-
Bethany
Sunday
Royal Entry 
Jerusalem
Monday
The Fig Tree Withered. The
Temple Cleansed Again
Thursday
The Last Passover. The
Lord's Supper ....
The Upper
Room
The Object Lesson of Ser
vice. Warnings
Words of Comfort. Inter
cessory Prayer
The Agony. The Betrayal .
Gethsemane
Friday
On Trial. Before the San-
Palace of
Caiaphas
Peter's Denials. Judas'
Remorse
Before Pilate. Sent to
Herod. Barabbas Chos
en. Vain Efforts to Shift
Responsibility
The Praetori-
Scourged and Sentenced
Crucifixion. The Inscription.
The Seven "Words" from
the Cross. The Signs .
Golgotha
Time
Events
Places
FridaySunday May
VII. From the Tomb to the
Throne
Burial. The Seal and Guard
Resurrection. Angels at the
Empty Tomb
The Appearances on Res
urrection Day
During the Forty Days
Ascension
Jerusalem GalileeOlivet
"At the right hand of God."
"Lo, I am with you always."
FINAL REVIEW 193
Start lag
ana
$mmu lag
1. The Events. Review this tabulation of all
we have studied until
(1) You can mention in their order the seven
periods and the great events in each. If you can give
these in your own words, rather than in those of the
outline, it will be quite as well.
(2) You can tell for any event the period in
which it occurred and the related events that pre
ceded and followed it.
Shiru lag
2. The Feasts. Mention the different Feasts as
they are connected with Jesus' ministry and tell what
He did at each. The underlying idea of each feast —
what it celebrated — will help to recall what Jesus
then did, for in each case there is a connection.
Why was Passover more prominent in His
career than the other Feasts? Show the progress in
the revelation of Himself and His mission at the four
Passovers. 3. The Regions. Notice how in the Period of
Introduction we have Jesus introducing Himself in
each of the principal regions in which He is after
wards to work. In the Period of Widening Influ
ence He devotes Himself to Galilee, the most favor
able field for labor. Then, when opposition forces
Him out of Galilee, He devotes Himself to His disci
ples in outlying regions. Finally He approaches His
goal through Peraea, "the Beyond" country and
reaches the climax of His career in Jerusalem.
4. The Time. Regarding His ministry as a little
more than three years long, how much of it is covered

194 FINAL REVIEW
by the Period of Introduction? Of Widening In
fluence ? Of Misunderstanding and Opposition ? The
Approach to the Goal? Passion Week? From the
Tomb to the Throne? The importance of these last
two periods is realized when we see as many great
events crowded into a few days or weeks as earlier
occurred in a year.
STmtrth lag
5. Miracles. What miracles of healing in Gali
lee and Jerusalem marked the first year? What mul
tiplied works of healing signalized the beginning of
the great year in Galilee? What mightier miracles
over tempest, demons and human need marked its
close? What miracles were wrought in distant parts
even when He sought retirement?
To whom did He first communicate the power
to do similar works? To what larger body later?
What most conclusive of all His "signs" did
He work at Bethany? How is His own resurrection
the most convincing of all miracles? What does it
prove ?
6. Teaching. What fundamental truths did He
teach to individuals in private interviews during the
first year? What did He teach in Galilean syna
gogues? On the Mount? By the seashore? In the
Temple at Tabernacles? At Dedication? To the
Peraean crowds? To His disciples in the upper room?
To the high priest ? To Pilate ? From the cross ?
3fiftb; lag
7. The Opposition. What act of His at the first
Passover of His ministry first aroused it? What
miracle and what claims based upon that miracle in
tensified it ? What statement of His, about the right
eousness of the religious leaders, in the Sermon on the

FINAL REVIEW 195
Mount, widened the breach? What terms did He
apply to them when they came from Jerusalem to
spy upon Him ?
What teachings of His at Tabernacles and at
Dedication made them attempt to stone Him? What
criticism did He answer by the parable of the lost
sheep, the lost coin and the lost son? What acts of
His in the face of such bitter hostility showed His
unflinching courage? Why was it inevitable that this
contest should be fought "to the death"? Who won?
*ixth lag
8. The Apostles. Who were first enlisted and
how? When were the Twelve selected? How set
apart? What works of His were they permitted to
witness? What works were they empowered to do?
What were they taught when first sent out? What
private lessons did Jesus give them concerning Him
self and His mission ?
What special privileges did the three leaders
enjoy? How did all of them show their human
frailty? What changed them into courageous wit
nesses ?
&r-nrntlT lag
9. The Lord Himself. How did He show
(1) His steadfast purpose — at His baptism,
in His interview with Nicodemus, in His teaching in
Peraea, in His conduct at His trial, etc. ?
(2) His compassion for human need — at
Bethesda, in Capernaum, at Nain, on the hillside near
Bethsaida, etc.?
(3) His fellowship with human joys — at
Cana? (4) His love of children? Of moral ear
nestness? Of loyal friends?

196 FINAL REVIEW
(5) His tender sympathy with human sorrow
— at Bethany, etc.?
(6) His breadth of human interest — at
Jacob's well, in Syrophcenicia, etc. ?
(7) His knowledge of the future — in the
parables by the seaside, the instructions to the Twelve,
the institution of the Lord's Supper, etc.?
(8) His unflinching courage — in the Nazareth
synagogue, in the Temple at the first Passover and at
the last, etc.?
(9) His authority over nature, demons and
Satan himself? (10) His right to homage and to obedience
from all?

"Certainly this was a righteous man."
"Truly this was the Son of God."

LISTS OF HELPFUL BOOKS, MAPS AND PIC
TURES FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH
THIS COURSE OF STUDY
In preparing these lists the aim has been to recom
mend the most practical helps at the least cost.
I. Books
1. The ordinary helps which every Bible student
should possess — such as (1) a good edition of the
Bible itself, with references, maps and other helps ;
(2) a Concordance; (3) a Bible Dictionary — need
merely be mentioned here. Information about them,
as well as regarding all the helps here described, may
be obtained from the publishers of this course — the
Young Men's Christian Association Press, 124 East
28th Street, New York City — who will furnish any of
the books, maps and charts at the prices indicated.
2. A Harmony of the Gospels. This course has
been so planned that it can be followed without the
use of any Harmony, but whenever one desires to
compare the parallel accounts of any event a Har
mony is of service. Stevens and Burton's "Harmony
of the Gospels" ($1) is most satisfactory, though
there are very good ones by Broadus, Robinson, and
others. 8. Lives of Christ. Here there is wide room for
choice. (1) Stalker's "Life of Jesus Christ" (50
cents) has been referred to throughout this course. It
is reverent, concise, suggestive, stimulating. It treats
salient features, omitting details, so that many of the
events are not mentioned in it.
(2) Farrar's "Life of Christ" ($1.30) is pic
turesque, vivid, readable. Its order of events, and its

198 BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES
interpretation of them also, cannot always be safely
followed. (3) Geikie's "Life and Words of Christ"
(1 vol. ed., $1) is longer than either of the others
already named, including full reference to the history
of the times and the geography and customs of the
land. (4) Edersheim's "Life and Times of Jesus
the Messiah" ($2) is larger still. It shows profound
knowledge of Jewish laws and customs, which is of
great value to the advanced student; but such chap
ters the ordinary reader may prefer to omit. Its
great excellence lies in its spiritual insight, which
makes the thoughtful reading of it a real intro
duction to the presence of the Master Himself.
(5) Andrews' "Life of our Lord" ($2.10) is
unequalled in its judicial treatment of all critical
questions connected with the harmony, chronology
and accuracy of the gospel narratives. It does not
attempt interpretation or application, but in its own
field it is authoritative.
(6) Elizabeth Stuart Phelps' "Story of
Jesus Christ" ($1.10) is of special value in such
scenes as those connected with the Saviour's birth,
where woman's insight is better than man's logic.
Her literary gifts are evident, but her disposition to
minimize the supernatural element is apparent in her
treatment of the miracles.
(7) Davis' "Story of the Nazarene" ($1.50)
is newer than the others named, but not likely to out
last them. It reflects careful study, and shows the
mind of the teacher. Its maps are valuable but its
other illustrations are not.
(8) Watson's (Ian Maclaren) "Life of the
Master," published serially in McClure's for 1900,
is popular in its character and is abundantly illus
trated.

BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES 199
4. Other Books.
G. Campbell Morgan's "Crises of the Christ"
($1.50) is a most able and reverent treatment of the
greatest events in Christ's career from the preacher's
standpoint. Alexander Whyte's "Walk, Conversation and
Character of Jesus Christ our Lord" ($1.50) is an
equally valuable series of discourses, full of insight
and suggestive application.
Hughes' "Manliness of Christ" (85 cents) ;
Speer's "The Man Christ Jesus" (65 cents) ; Broadus'
"Jesus of Nazareth" (65 cents) may be mentioned
from the large lists of books which portray Christ's
character rather than describe His life.
Lew Wallace's "Boyhood of Christ" ($2.80)
is a thoughtful treatment of that subject cast in read
able short-story form. His better known "Ben Hur"
($1.30) introduces the scenes connected with the birth
and crucifixion of Jesus into an absorbing story which
reflects the life of the times into which He came.
Mrs. Kingsley's "Titus" (25 cents) is an
other popular tale laid in the scenes which form the
gospel background.
Such stories, of course, should be read with
discrimination, for they necessarily interweave with
historical facts much imaginative detail.
II. Maps and Charts
1. A good Map of Palestine should be hung in
the classroom. Most accurate of all is the photo-
relief map published by the Palestine Exploration
Fund (42 Quincy Street, Cambridge, Mass.). It can
be had unmounted, in two parts, 30 x 52 inches, for
$1.75, or, mounted on cloth and roller for hanging,
at $2.75; a smaller size, 25 x 13 inches, at 60 cents.
The raised map itself, from which the above are
photographed, made of fibrous plaster and carefully

200 BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES
colored, costs about $33 in the smaller size (3 ft
6 in. x 2 ft. 6 in.), or about $73 in the larger (7 ft.
6 in. x4 ft.); to subscribers to the Fund about one
third less. A cheaper, but most satisfactory relief
map, edited by Prof. Ernest D. Burton, is published
by the Atlas School Supply Company, Chicago, and
sold regularly at $17; to Sunday schools and reli
gious institutions at $12.
The "Students' Map of Palestine," by Rev.
Andrew P. Stout, published by the Meigs Publishing
Co. , Indianapolis (on bond paper, 50 cents ; mounted
on rollers, $1.00), is excellent either for the class room
or the study. It shows the journeys of Jesus, and
indicates the most important event connected with
each locality.
2. The order of events in Christ's life is helpfully
presented to the eye in various charts which have
been prepared for the purpose.
One of the best of these is Kephart's Chart
of the Public Life of Christ" (folded in covers, 65
cents; on rollers, descriptive matter separate, $1.1 0).
A smaller one, adapted to individual rather
than to class use, by L. F. R. Berry, is sold by the
Methodist Book Concern, 150 Fifth Avenue, New
York, at 10 cents a copy, or 95 cents a dozen.
III. Photographs of Scenes in the Holy Land
Many of the places at which the great events in
Christ's life occurred can be certainly identified,
some cannot. Buildings of course have changed, but
the natural features, the hills, fountains, etc., remain
the same, and to a remarkable degree the customs of
the people also continue as they were in His day.
Photographs, therefore, have a real value in fixing
in the mind a background for the scenes about which
we study.
The following list includes the most important
scenes, arranged in the order of our course :

BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES 201
I. The Period of Preparation
Model of Herod's Temple, made by Herr Schick
in Jerusalem.
The original may be seen in the Archaeological
Museum at Harvard University. On a photograph of
it may readily be located the place of the Annuncia
tion to Zacharias, of the boy Jesus' conversation with
the Jewish teachers, of His driving out the money
changers, of His teaching in Solomon's Porch, etc.
View from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. The route
over which Joseph and Mary traveled before Jesus'
birth. Bethlehem, showing the Church of the Nativity,
built over the spot where He was born.
The Grotto of the Nativity, under the chancel of
the church.
Rachel's Tomb, near Bethlehem, throwing light on
Matt. 2:17,18.
Nazareth, His home city in the hills of Galilee.
The Fountain at Nazareth, from which Mary must
have drawn water. The structure over it is more
modern. The Hillslope above Nazareth, from which Jesus
often looked off.
The Jordan Ford, the traditional place of John's
preaching and Jesus' baptism.
The Wilderness of Judwa, the scene of the Tempta
tion. II. The Period of Introduction
Cana of Galilee. The modern Kefr-Kenna is prob
ably the place.
The Fountain at Cana, from which came the wa
ter which was turned into wine.
Jerusalem. Though often since destroyed, the
modern city stands on the same foundations as did
the far more splendid one of Jesus' day.

202 BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES
Jacob's Well. Though the structure over it has
been built since, the well is undoubtedly the one at
which Jesus sat.
III. The Period of Widening Influence
Sea of Galilee, with modern fishing boats, smaller
doubtless than those of Jesus' day.
Plain of Gennesaret, the scene of much of His
teaching and miracle working.
Capernaum. Its doom is realized in the very fact
that its site is not certainly known. But at Tell Hum
the whole outline of a Jewish synagogue has been
excavated, which is no doubt similar to the one . in
which Christ taught.
Bethsaida. A small German Catholic convent now
marks the probable spot of the calling of the four
fishermen from their nets.
Horns of Hattin. The traditional site of the Ser
mon on the Mount. Photographs show clearly the
plateau on which the multitude stood while Jesus
taught from the hill slope which rises from it.
Wild Flowers of Galilee, referred to by Him in
illustration. Nain, the modern village on the site of the ancient
city. The Gadarene Country, across the sea, where the
Legion was cast out.
IV. The Period of Misunderstanding and
Opposition
Ccesarea Philippi. The modern Banias, with its
cliff and shrines for the worship of Pan, which are as
old as Christ's day.
Mount Hermon, the "high mountain apart."
The Pool of Siloam, from which came the water on
the "great day" of the Feast of Tabernacles and in
which the blind man washed to receive his sight.

BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES 203
V. The Approach to the Goal
Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha and
Lazarus. Jericho, the home of Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus.
VI. The Passion Week
Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.
Gethsemane. The precise spot is uncertain, but it
was doubtless on the western slope of the Mount of
Olives. The Field of Blood, south of Jerusalem. Bought
with the price of Judas' treachery.
Calvary. Probably "Skull Hill," north of the
Damascus gate.
VII. From the Tomb to the Throne
The Garden Tomb near by is similar to, though
probably not the identical tomb in which Jesus' body
was buried.
Shore of the Sea of Galilee, where the Risen Lord
fed the hungry disciples.
The Mount of Olives from which Christ ascended.

Many of the above can be had, in 6 x 8 half-tones,
at 1 cent each, from the W. A. Wilde Company, 120
Boylston Street, Boston; or in slightly larger size
at 2 cents each from the Cosmos Picture Company,
296 Broadway, New York.
Real photographs, unmounted, can be obtained
from the Soule Art Company, 338 Washington Street,
Boston, at 15 cents each for the 4x5 size or 30 cents
each for the 6x8 size.
Colored photographs, reproducing quite accurately
the colorings of nature, can be had in the 6y% x 8%
size, at 35 cents each, and in larger sizes at higher
prices, from the Detroit Photographic Company,
Detroit, Mich., or 234 Fifth Avenue, New York.

204 BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES
The stereographs of Underwood & Underwood,
3 and 5 West 19th Street, New York, have the great
advantage of reproducing life-like landscapes by giv
ing each scene depth as well as breadth, making
every object stand out in due proportion. Their fine
travel views in Palestine, with a map system to direct
the user, are sold at $2 a dozen, 17 cents each.
A fine series of large half-tones, with descriptive
notes, size 11 x 14, entitled "Earthly Footsteps of
the Man of Galilee," can be had in bound volume
from the author, Rev. James W. Lee, D. D., 33
Columbia Avenue, Atlanta, Ga., for $2. Fifty or
more of these pictures, selected from the book and
mounted on cardboard, would be found of service in
teaching.IV. Photographs of Paintings Illustrating the Life of
Christ
The value of paintings representing Bible scenes
depends (1) upon their fidelity to truth or resem
blance to probability in portraying the setting of the
incident and (2) upon their spiritual insight into its
meaning. Where the latter is great, and artistic
ability evident, the absence of the former may be
overlooked, and the picture still be helpful. Tissot,
after his careful studies of the land and the people,
has painted a multitude of pictures that are un
equalled in their accuracy, but he has given us no
representations of Christ that appeal to the heart like
those of Hofmann, who never saw Palestine. The
paintings of the great masters, like da Vinci and
Raphael, must be studied, not as photographs of the
scenes they depict — as such they are misleading —
but as reverent portrayals of character and emotion;
as such they have a great message to the heart.
Some modern artists, especially German, frankly
paint Christ in modern surroundings to bring the

BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES 205
message of His works to the needs of to-day. Geb-
hardt's "Rich Young Man" is a good illustration of
this method.
From the multitude that can now be had in cheap,
but excellent, reproductions the following have been
chosen as of most value for purposes of illustration:
I. The Period of Preparation
Annunciation to Mary, Shields or Guido Reni.
Annunciation to the Shep-

herds,

Plockhorst.

Madonna and Child (Sis-

tine),

Raphael.

The Nativity,

Feuerstein or Le Rolle.

Wise Men Approaching

Jerusalem,

Tissot.

Adoration of the Wise Men,

Tissot.

Holy Family — on the Way

to Egypt,

Knaus.

The Repose in Egypt,

Merson.

Jesus Working with Joseph,

Tissot.

Christ and John,

Guido Reni.

Christ in the Temple,

Hofmann.

The Temptation,

Cornicelius.

II. The Period oj

1 Introduction

Purification of the Temple,

Hofmann.

Jesus and Nicodemus,

La Farge.

The Woman of Samaria,

Hofmann.

III. The Period of Widening Influence

The Calling of Andrew and

Peter,
Tissot.
Christ and the Fishermen,
Zimmermann.
Christ Healing the Sick,
Hofmann.
Christ the Healer,
Zimmermann.
BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES

Healing a Sick Child,

Gabriel Max,

Sermon on the Mount,

Tissot.

"Come Unto Me,"

Hofmann or Dietrich.

Christ Teaching by the Sea

shore,

Tissot.

Christ Rescues Peter,

Plockhorst.

IV. The Period of Misunderstanding and
Opposition

Christ and the Pharisees,

Tissot.

The Transfiguration,

Raphael.

The Light of the World,

Holman Hunt,

V. The Approaci

i to the Goal

The Shepherd and the Lost

Sheep,

Molitor.

The Lost Piece of Money,

Dodson.

The Return of the Prodigal,

Molitor.

Christ Blessing Little Chil

dren,

Plockhorst or

Christ and the Rich Young

Man,
Hofmann.
The Rich Young Man,
E. Gebhardt.
VI. The Passion Week
Christ and the Tribute
Money,
Titian.
The Last Supper,
da Vinci.
Christ in Gethsemane,
Hofmann.
Jesus' Look at Peter,
Harnach.
Jesus Before Pilate,
Munkacsy.
Christ Leaving the Prae
torium,
Dore.
The Crucifixion,
Tissot.
What Jesus Saw from the
Cross,
Tissot.
"It is finished,"
Gerome.
BOOKS, MAPS AND PICTURES 307
VII. From the Tomb to the Throne
The Descent from the Cross, Rubens.
Return from Golgotha, Delaroche.
The First Easter Dawn, Thomson.
The Supper at Emmaus, L'Hermitte.
The Ascension, Biermann or La Farge.
These pictures, and many others, in half-tone re
productions, are sold by the Perry Picture Company,
Maiden, Mass.; George P. Brown, Beverly, Mass.;
Union Press, 1122 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia;
W. A. Wilde Company, 120 Boylston Street, Boston,
and other publishers, in various sizes at from J4 cent
to 5 cents each.
The Soule Art Company, 338 Washington Street,
Boston; the Berlin Photographic Company, 14 East
23d Street, New York; Frank Hanfstaengl, 116
Fifth Avenue, New York, and other firms supply real
photographs and beautiful high-class photogravures
of most of the pictures in the above list, suitable for
framing, in various sizes and at different prices.
For an article on the Tissot pictures of the "Life
of Christ," with illustrations, see the Century for
December, 1895. Reproductions in color are pub
lished by the Idem Publishing Company, Bailey
Building, East 22d Street, New York. The full set
of 120, size 5 x 6, in a portfolio for $1. Single copies,
25 or more, 1 cent each.
For fuller information on this whole subject write
to the New York Sunday School Commission, 29 La
fayette Place, New York, for its "Complete Hand
book of Religious Pictures," price 5 cents.
Stereopticon slides, both of paintings and of
Palestinian scenes, can be bought or rented from
various dealers therein, a list of whom can be found
in the handbook just mentioned.

INDEX
To the Portions of the Gospels Treated in this
Course of Study

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Study

Pagt

1 6-6S

1
5
J 15-26
2 1-38
9
9
2i.zs
l1-*
g 89-62
2
121416
3 MS
3 1-18
17
18
glS-17
3
20
4,1-11
112,18
4,1-13
1 1
19-282M4
2123
24
1
35-61
4
31
2
1-11
33
2
12-22
5
37
2
23  321
38
3
22-35
41
4
1-42
6
43
4
43-54
46
5
147
7
48
416^0
8
58
s 1-11
59
1 21-39
60
] 40-45
62
313-19
9
63
5, 6 and 7
7U-H
10
6369
13 «*
4 s6— 5 «•
11
7076
936_10«
g 12-30
7880
gS0-3*
6
1-71
19
82
71-37
13
93
16 13—17 13
95
7
1_869
14
99
101-20
15
109
1213-S9
li
J 22-42
110119
210Matthew Mark

ni-ss

INDEX

g63&4Sgg 67-68

27 16-26
2^27-30

27394427 15-60
27 51-56
g7 57-66

28 "-15
289,io

2gi6-20

1520,21

Luke

John

Study

Pa$e

1*1-32

113

H 1-67

16

116

I8i5_i9"

1

119
17
130
221-13
18
134
22 1^-18, 24-30
135
13 1-30
136
gg 19, 20
1331-36
138
ggsi-34
13 3S-38
139
141-31
19
141
151-16
143
17 1-26
144
20
146
181-24
148150
18 26-27
151
2966-71
21
153
23 1>2
182M2
154
1883-38
154
234-12
155
23 13-16
156
194-16
157
3327-32
22
160
2333,34
1917-24
160
233W3
162
19 25-27
163
23 *6
19 28-30
164
2347-49
165
1931.37
166
23
173
23 6B— 24 12
175
g0 1-10
175176
20 n"18
176
2413-35
177
2436-13
20 19-28
179
20 21-29
24
181
211-24
182184
24*440
185
24604B
Acts l1-"
187