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Acknowledgments
DAY BY DAY WITH JESUS has been prepared by a group of teachers selected by the Department of Education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, working under the direction of Miss Alice Neilsen of Pacific Union College, and also of Elder G. M. Mathews, associate secretary of the Department of Education of the General Conference. Special recognition is hereby given for the many hours of painstaking labor necessarily put forth by these teachers and their leaders. Acknowledgment is given to all the Union Conferences of the United States for making possible the work of these teachers, and also to all who gave advice and helpful criticism along the way. Among these in particular is Dr. J. E. Weaver, former associate secretary of the Department of Education of the General Conference, under whose direction the work of preparing the manuscript was begun. Those who worked in actual preparation of the manuscript were: Annie Laurie Gifford, Alna Whitcomb-Grant, Myra B. Kite, Else Nelson, Joyce Peterson, Helen Shell-Phillips, Margaret StoneRoderick, Anna Mae Palmer-Stacey, and Lucile Turner. They wish to acknowledge their indebtedness to Esther FrancisRockwell, Ella King-Sanders, Mrs. Alma E. McKibbin, and others who prepared the Bible texts for grades 3 to 6, so long in fruitful use in the schools. Editorial work was done by R. Chester Barger. The book is sent forth with the sincere prayer that day by day it may be blessed by God in leading many souls to the feet of the Master.

Contents
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TheGiftofGod

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His Father's Business The Master Teacher RewardsofFaith To Seek and to Save Words of Life

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Copyright, 1951, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U. S. A.

Lessons of Love

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The Valley of the Shadow Home to the Father

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Once Long Ago

Long ago God and His Son created a world.

It was a lovely place with rippling streams,

rolling mountains, and grassy plains. Flowers blossomed in the shade of the tall trees and in the sunny meadows. Birds flitted here and there among the leafy branches. Animals of all kinds played together in the forests or slept peacefully in the sunshine. Adam and Eve, the first people on the earth, loved the beautiful home God had made for them. Even more than this, they loved the times when He came to talk face to face with them. One evening when God came to visit them, they did not hurry to meet Him in their usual happy way. Instead, they ran and hid among the trees. They were ashamed to face their Creator, because they had disobeyed Him. But they could not really hide from God. When Adam heard God's voice calling, "Where a r t thou?" he and Eve slowly went to talk with Him. God was disappointed, and His heart filled with sorrow as He listened to Adam and Eve tell the story of their disobedience. Sadly God told them that they must leave their beautiful garden home. Adam and Eve wept bitterly. This experience was the first sorrow they had known. They understood that

their days of happiness in Eden were past because of their own willful sin. God did not leave His children without comfort. He told them of a plan He had for them and, as they listened, hope grew in their hearts. Through the days and weeks that followed Adam and Eve learned more and more about the wonderful plan. The Son of God would give up His home in heaven to become their Saviour. At the proper time He would be born into this world a s a tiny baby. When He had grown into manhood, He would willingly suffer a cruel death to pay for man's sin. Then He would be raised from the dead. His victory over death would bring forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life to those who truly loved God. God wanted Adam and Eve to remember this wonderful plan that had been made t o save them. To help them remember, God asked them t o offer a lamb a s a sacrifice to Him. Each time they did this, they were to think of Jesus, who would die a s the Lamb of God. God told them to do more than this. They were to tell their children and grandchildren the sad story of their sin and the wonderful promise God had made t o them. Adam and Eve's children were to tell their children. Then their children were to tell their children. On and on the story must go to each family so that everyone would know of the coming Messiah.
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Heaven's Greatest Gift

Adam and Eve, the first parents, were faithful in telling to their children the story of the coming Saviour. Other faithful servants of God told the story to their families and friends. But the years went by, and the Promised One did not come. People began to be careless. They still told their children the story, and they still offered the sacrifices, but they forgot to tell what the sacrifices really meant- that they pointed t o Jesus, the Redeemer. Years and years passed. A time came when God's children were no longer a free people. They were now ruled by the emperor of Rome.

All these things made the Jews angry. They longed for a king who would overthrow the hated Romans. It is true they had a king,King Herod,-but he was appointed by the emperor and did not love them. The Jews told each other that when the promised Redeemer came He would set them free. They were looking for a king who would come in all the splendor of royalty. They forgot that the Messiah was to save them from their sins, not from the Roman government. Adding to all their other troubles, the emperor, Caesar Augustus, made a law t h a t everyone should go to the city of his birth to register for taxes. The Jews hated this law because i t made them pay taxes to a foreign power. But
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there was nothing else to do. Caesar's law must be obeyed. Througllout Palestine the cities and towns were crowded with taxpayers. Among them were Mary and Joseph, a Jewish couple from Nazareth. They had made the journey to Bethlehem to be registered in obedience to the law. They found the little town swarming with people. All the inns were full. Joseph tried anxiously to find a room for his tired wife. From door to door he went, but for Mary and Joseph there was no room in any inn. At last one man took pity on them and offered them a place to stay. It was only a stable, but there they could rest and sleep. That night in the crude stable in Bethlehem a baby was born to Mary. An angel had told her that this baby was to be the promised Saviour. But there were no royal visitors to welcome Him. No bands played; no trumpets sounded to tell the world that the Messiah was born. So the people did not know Him. To the few who heard about the birth of the Child, He was just another baby. But Mary's Son was not just another baby. He was the Son of God. He was the Saviour of the world. He had come to earth just as He had promised Adanz and Eve long years before. Now He would be called "Jesus," because He would save His people from their sins.

The Angels' Song

In the fields near Bethlehem, shepherds were watching their sheep. The stars shone brightly in the heavens-the same stars that had looked down on the boy David a thousand years before. But the shepherds' talk was not of stars, nor of sheep, but of the Messiah. The white-robed priests in the temple had said He was coming soon. They had proved it from the Scriptures. On and on the shepherds talked. How wonderful it would be when the Great King came! He would drive the hated Romans from Jerusalem. The priests had said so. No one would ever be poor or hungry again. After His coming the Jews would be the greatest nation on earth. If only the Messiah would come soon! How much longer must they wait to see Him? On this night the shepherds sat by their campfire talking about the coming King. Suddenly they were startled by a bright light. Looking up, they saw an angel of God. They were terrified a t seeing the visitor from heaven. Their terror changed to joy as the angel spoke: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
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"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men."

How excited the shepherds were to hear these words! Israel's Deliverer had come! He was in the city of David. Why, that was Bethlehem, just across the fields from where they stood. Thoughts of power, riches, and honor raced through their minds. Startled, they listened to the next words of the angel. "And this shall be a sign unto you," he said; "Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Then the joy and glory of the angels could no loiiger be hidden. The whole plain was lighted with the bright shining of the hosts of God. Earth was hushed a s the glorious song of the angels rose to heaven.
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Loudly and clearly the words rang outbeautiful a s only angel voices could sing them. It seemed a s if the universe were joining in the happy song. Then the music became fainter a s the heavenly chorus moved away. At last the singers and the lights were gone. There were just the darkness again, and the stars and the sheep and the shepherds. In wonder the men looked a t each other. The Messiah had come: not a great king, but a tiny baby who lay in a stable in Bethlehem. Forgetting their sheep, the shepherds hurried to the town. There, just as the angel had said, they found the Child lying in a manger. They spoke to Mary and Joseph and eagerly looked a t the baby. Here was Israel's King. With the music of the angels' song still ringing in their ears, the happy shepherds hurried away to tell others the strange, strange story.

Following the Star

F a r to the east of Jerusalem a strange light appeared in the sky. As the light faded, a bright star shone. A group of magi, or wise men, saw the light and the star. This star was different from any they had ever seen before. Night after night it shone in the heavens. Eagerly the wise men studied the scrolls of the ancient records. A t last they found a prophecy:
"There shall come a Star out of Jacob, And a Scepter shall rise out of Israel."

Did the new star mean that the promised King had come? Through dreams, the wise men were told to go in search of Him. How excited they were a s they prepared for the trip! They needed camels and food for the long journey. They wanted choice gifts for the new King. All was quickly arranged. To keep the star in sight, the magi had to travel by night. Often their road lay through desert country, but a s

they rode along they talked together about the prophecies of the new King. So the journey did not seem long. Every time they stopped t o rest the magi studied the prophecies again. They became more and more sure that they were being guided by God. At last the travelers came to the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem was near a t hand. The star which they had been following rested above the temple for a while, and then faded from view. Joyfully they went on, expecting that everyone in the city would be talking about the birth of the Messiah. They made their way a t once to the temple. Eagerly they asked, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East, and are come t o worship Him." No one could answer t,heir question, but i t aroused the people's curiosity. The news of the wise men and their question was quickly spread about the city. King Herod heard it and became concerned and worried. He wondered if i t was really true that another King had been born. Could i t be possible that he was about t o lose his throne? He knew that he was hated by his people. He knew that he had no real right to the throne. Calling the chief priests and scribes together, Herod asked what the Scriptures said concerning the place of Christ's birth. The priests dared not try to hide their knowledge from the

king. Turning to the scrolls, the priests read to him:

"But thou, Bethlehem . . . , Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall He come forth . . That is to be ruler in Israel."

Herod then sent for the wise men. He asked them what time the star had appeared. He pretended that he was happy to hear the news of the I!Jessiah1s birth, He said, "Go and search . . . for the young Child; and when ye have found Him, bring me wcrd again, that I rnay come and worsl~ipHim also." The wise men left Jerusalem. As they went through the gates of the city they again saw the star. By it they were led to Bethlehem. They had not expected to find Jesus in such a humble place. No royal guard was there to protect the newborn King. Only the parents of Jesus were near. Yet when the wise men saw Jesus, they knew a t once that here was the King for whom they were looking. They bowed low and worshiped Him. They believed that He was their promised Saviour. Reverently they presented their gifts-gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men intended to go back to Jerusalem to tell Herod where they had found Jesus, but, "being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."

A Journey by Night
There came a night soon after the visit of t h e wise men when Joseph had a strange, strange dream. In the darkness an angel stood by him and said, "Arise and take the young Child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." The dream was so real that Joseph decided they should go that very night. He awakened Mary. Quietly but quickly they dressed and prepared f c r their j o u r ~ c y . Taking the Child,

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, 0 Jerusalem. . . . Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! They shall prosper that love thee."

This was the first time Jesus remembered seeing the temple. He saw the white-robed priests performing their sacred duties. He saw the bleeding lamb on the altar of sacrifice. With the other worshipers He bowed in prayer while the cloud of incense rose up to God. He wondered about the sacrifice. Who was represented by the lamb? Did it have a special meaning for Him? Day by day Jesus thought of all these things. He began to understand their meaning more clearly. The mystery of the work He was to do was opening to Him. Jesus did not stay with His parents. He wanted to be alone to think. Even after the services were over, He lingered in the temple courts. Jesus had found a room where a school was held in the temple. Here the rabbis, or teachers, had gathered with their pupils. Jesus seated Himself a t the feet of these learned men and listened to their teaching. He asked questions about prophecies that pointed to the coming of the Saviour. His questions reminded them of truths they had forgotten. He repeated words from the Bible and talked about their meaning.

The teachers turned to ask Him questions and were surprised a t His answers, for they knew He had not been taught in their schools. They wanted to have Him a s a student so that He might become a teacher in Israel. In the meantime the Passover visitors were leaving Jerusalem. Among them were Joseph and Mary. Thinking that Jesus was with others of the great company, they did not worry about Him. But in the evening, when they stopped to rest, they missed Him. Mary and Joseph searched for their Son among the other travelers, but they could not find Him. They remembered how Herod had tried to kill Jesus when He was a baby. The thought frightened them, and they hurried back to Jerusalem. But what if they could not find their Son there?
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On the third day of their search they saw a group of people gathered around a teacher in the temple. There was nothing strange about that. Often groups of people gathered around the teachers in the temple. But here was something different. The teachers were not talking. They were listening-listening to a boy. Then Joseph and Mary heard the familiar voice of Jesus. They could not mistake it; no other voice was like His, so serious and earnest, yet so sweet. They were very happy, but they could not forget how sad and worried they had been. When they were alone, Mary said, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing." "How is it that ye sought Me?" asked Jesus. "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" By this answer Jesus showed for the first time that He knew that God in heaven was His Father. He knew that He had come to be the Saviour of this world. Even though He was the Son of God, Jesus did not forget His earthly parents. He went home again with them to Nazareth. There He lived happily, obeying them and helping Joseph in his carpenter's shop. But He thought often of the visit to the temple and of the work He someday must do.

The Carpenter's Son

In His home in the little mountain village of Nazareth Jesus and His brothers and sisters lived much the same as boys and girls do today. There were many ways in which the boy Jesus could help. As He ran errands for His mother and worked with Joseph in the carpenter's shop, Jesus found happiness in helping the family. He was such a willing worker that He brought gladness to all those around Him. He was always ready to help anyone who was in trouble. But not all Jesus' time was spent in work. From His babyhood His mother had told Him stories. As He grew into boyhood He spent many happy hours talking with His mother. She told Him the thrilling stories of Moses, Joseph, and David, and the sad account of the sin of Adam and Eve. He also learned to read f r o h the parchment scrolls of the Old Testament. He loved to sing, and often His boyish voice could be heard in songs of praise to God. Jesus spent much time out of doors, finding and studying flowers and watching the ways of the animals in the woods. In the early morning He would often go out to some quiet place on a hillside or in the woods to read and pray.

He enjoyed the company of His young friends, and they enjoyed His happy ways; but they sometimes became impatient because He would never join them in a mischievous prank. As Jesus grew older, more of His time was spent in the shop, learning the carpenter's trade. He became a skillful workman. His hand on the tools was steady and sure. His eye was sharp and keen. The things He made were smooth and strong. No slipshod work would do for the Carpenter of Nazareth. A table or chair for His mother or a yoke for the oxen, all must be perfectly made. He may even have helped to build a sturdy boat for the fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. The people of Nazareth came to know Jesus, for they often saw Him walking to and from His work in the shop. With His parents He attended the Sabbath services in the synagogue. Sometimes He u7as aslted to read the lesson from the sacred scrolls. The hearts of the people were thrilled a s they heard Him reading the beautiful words, yet they did not know that many times He was reading about Himself. So the years of Jesus' life in Nazareth passed until He was thirty years old-until God called Him to begin His public work. The little children learned to love Him. The older people looked for His pleasant smile and listened for the melody of His songs.
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UNIT I1

His Father's Business

The Angel in the Temple

Back in the hill country of Judea lived a godly old man named Zacharias, and his wife Elisabeth. They were members of the tribe of Levi, and Zacharias was a priest. Each day they prayed earnestly for the Messiah t o come. They longed to see Him, and the prophecies all said the time was near. They lived very simply, and most people thought they were a happy old couple. Their best friends knew, though, that there was one thing that made them sad. They had no children. They did want a son very much! Twice a year Zacharias went to Jerusalem to work in the temple. Each priest was given a certain time to serve, and i t would soon be Zacharias's turn. So he prepared for the journey as he had done many times before. Little did he know that this trip would be very different from any other he had ever made.

When the time came for him to serve in the temple, he put on his priestly robes and went into the holy place. All the people outside were praying a s he offered the incense a t the altar. He was thinking of the coming Messiah. It would soon be time for Him to appear. With all his heart Zacharias longed to see Him. Suddenly he had a feeling that he was not alone. He looked up quickly. There stood an angel! A t first Zacharias could not believe what he saw. The angel stood by the right side of the altar to show that he had come to give a blessing. But Zacharias was too startled to notice this. He was too frightened to move. The angel was speaking t o him. Zacharias listened to the words, "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard." That was good news! The priest was happy now. The Messiah would soon be here. The angel spoke again, "Thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice a t his birth." The angel told the priest that this son was t o do a special work for God. He was to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. His work would be to make the people ready to receive Christ when He came to earth. Amazed a t the angel's words, the priest asked doubtfully, "Whereby shall I know this?"
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The angel answered, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings." Zacharias had doubted the words of God. The angel told him t h a t because he had not believed, he would not be able to speak until the baby was born. And, just a s the angel had said, many months passed before he spoke again. Then one day in the humble home of the old priest and his wife there was much excitement. A baby was born to them. It was a boy -a fine son. All the neighbors and friends and relatives gathered to celebrate. They were all eager to help, even to the naming of the baby. They thought, of course, that his name should be Zacharias.

Elisabeth told her friends that she and her husband had already decided upon John as the name for the boy. The relatives exclaimed a t the idea. Why not name him after his father? Surely Zacharias was the best name in all the world for the baby. Who would think of calling a son John when there was no such name in all the family? Elisabeth listened and smiled, but she did not agree with them. Looking down a t the tiny baby cradled in her arms, she spoke softly. "He shall be called John," she said. When the friends and relatives saw that she insisted on calling him John, they were disappointed. They called Zacharias and asked him what he thought. He could not talk, but he wrote on a tablet, "His name is John." Throughout all the hill country of Judea the news spread. Over and over the story was told. People wondered about the new baby, saying, ('What manner of child shall this be!" But Elisabeth and Zacharias did not wonder. They knew-they remembered the words of the angel. Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit. His voice was given back to him, and he prophesied about the baby saying:
"And thou, child, Shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord To prepare His ways."

A Voice in the Wilderness

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The years slipped by. Finally there came a day when John was ready to begin the special work God had chosen him to do. Fearlessly he began to preach the message from God. A few heard his words. They told their friends, and these people passed the news along to others. There was a strange man out in the wilderness, they said. He reminded them of the prophets of olden days. He dressed as Elijah had dressed. They had seen his coarse camel'shair coat and the rough leather belt that he wore. Even more startling than the appearance of John was the message that he preached. In amazement those who had heard him told of the strange words. "Repent," John was saying, for the kingdom of heaven is a t hand."

People of all classes left their homes and flocked to the wilderness. They must hear this new preacher for themselves. Princes came, and rabbis. Soldiers, publicans, peasants, fishermen -all crowded about to hear the words of John. Many were now asking if John could be the Messiah. Some thought he might be Elijah. But he was neither of these. His was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." He tried to make the people see how much greater the Messiah would be when He came. "I indeed baptize you with water," he said. "One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." The people became excited. This was the messenger who was to go before the Messiah! Surely the Christ Himself would soon come.

A Voice From Heaven

Back in the carpenter's shop in Nazareth someone told Jesus about the mighty preacher and his startling message, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is a t hand." Jesus put down His tools. He had been listening and watching for some sign to show that it was time for Him to begin His work. Now He knew that His Father was calling Him. Carefully he put His tools away. He told His mother good-by and started off down the road that led to the Jordan and to John. These were busy times for the wilderness prophet. Earnestly John was pleading with the people to forsake their selfish, sinful ways and to live lives that were pleasing to God. Always, as he faced the crowds, John was looking, watching, waiting, for someone. Someday the Messiah would come. Someday, he, John, would see Him and know Him. If only it could be soon ! Then one day John looked up-right into the pure, kind face of Jesus. Never before had John seen a Man like this. There was something so different, so holy, about Him that John's heart thrilled with awe. This must be the Messiah !

Quietly Jesus asked John to baptize Him. But John drew back in amazement. "I have need to be baptized of Thee," he objected. Gently Jesus insisted that this was the right thing for them to do. Together the two walked down into the Jordan River, and John baptized Jesus. Then Jesus went up out of the water and knelt to pray on the riverbank. Earnestly He prayed for power to help the people understand God's great love. If only they would believe that He was God's Son! On and on He prayed, while from the river's edge John watched. As he looked a t Jesus, a wonderful thing happened. From the blue sky above, something was shining down. John saw a glorious shimmering light in the form of a dove come down, down, down, until i t rested on Jesus. The kneeling Christ was covered with beautiful light from the throne of God. From the open heavens was heard the voice of God Himself saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." As the glory of God shone round Jesus, John was confident that He was the promised Saviour. Pointing to Jesus he called out, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." The people had been longing for someone who could take away their sins. Jesus was the answer to their prayers.
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Trials and Triumph

After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness near by. There He could be apart from the crowds of people. There He could be alone with Godalone to think, alone to pray, alone to plan His sacred work. Angels from heaven came to help Him. Only the wild beasts moved among the rocks. Only their cries broke the desert stillness. Forty days and forty nights Jesus spent in the wilderness. And all that time He had eaten nothing, for He had fasted as He had prayed. Now, hungry and weak, He craved food.
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Near a t hand, but unseen to Jesus, someone had been watching Him-someone selfish and greedy and evil. It was Satan. He had watched Jesus from the time He was a babe in Bethlehem. He had tempted Jesus throughout His childhood and youth. He had watched as John baptized the Saviour in Jordan. He was determined to make Him fail in His plan to save men from sin. Satan felt that he must make Jesus sin. That was the only way he could keep control over the people of this world. As Satan looked a t Jesus now, hungry and weak from His long fast, he decided that this was the best time to tempt Him again. Face to face they stood -Jesus, the Prince of light; Satan, the prince of darkness. Satan pretended to be an angel sent to answer Jesus' prayers. But his very first words showed his deceitful nature. Pointing to the stones scattered about on the ground, he said, "If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." Satan hoped that Jesus would doubt He was the Son of God. Jesus had confidence in His Father. He remembered the words, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." To Satan He said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Jesus had not come from heaven to prove

anything to Satan. Turning these stones into bread would not bring glory to God nor good to man. Not at this nor any other time in His life on earth did Jesus work a miracle for Himself. Always His miracles were to help others. Hoping t o influence Jesus, Satan quoted some Scripture, too. He took Jesus to the very topmost part of the temple in Jerusalem, and said, "If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for i t is written,
'He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, Lest a t any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.' "

Satan was suggesting that Jesus deliberately put Himself in danger, but a Christian's way never leads him to t r y out suggestions for doing wrong. Jesus answered Satan, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." Satan gave up posing a s a n angel from heaven. He told Jesus that he was the devil. He said he was the god of earth. He placed Jesus on a high mountain and showed Him all the beauties of the kingdoms of this world. Jesus saw the sunlight glisten on beautiful cities, on great marble palaces, on lovely green fields, and on vineyards. The scenes passed by, one after the other, like pictures on a screen. The devil promised, "All these things will I give
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Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me." Worship the devil? Never! Weak and hungry a s He was, Jesus answered this temptation with more words from the Holy Scriptures. "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Satan said no more. He knew that he could do nothing to persuade Jesus to sin. He left the presence of the Son of God. A t once holy angels were a t Jesus' side to comfort and help Him. Jesus had won the victory! He had new strength and hope a s He arose and made His way toward Galilee.
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T h e First Disciples
After His temptations in the wilderness, Jesus came once more to the place where John the Baptist was preaching near the Jordan River. Seeing Him, John cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God!" Two of his disciples, John and Andrew, decided they must know more about Jesus. So, a s Jesus started off, they followed Him. When Jesus turned and saw them following Him, He asked, "What seek ye?" "Where dwellest Thou?" they asked in turn. Jesus replied, "Come and see." John and Andrew went on with Him and stayed with Him that day. So they became Jesus' first disciples. Andrew thought a t once of his brother,

Simon Peter. He wanted him to know about the Messiah, too. Hurrying to find him, Andrew cried out, "We have found the Messias." Peter joined the others a t once and became Jesus' third disciple. The next day Jesus continued His journey back to His home country of Galilee, where Peter and Andrew also lived. On the way they met a man from their own town. His name was Philip. To him Jesus said, "Follow Me." Philip remembered his friend Nathanael. They had often prayed together in a spot hidden by the leaves of a fig tree. Philip found him there and said, "We have found Him, of whom Moses . . . and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth." Thinking of what a wicked city Nazareth was, Nathanael asked, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip replied, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, He declared Nathanael to be an Israelite who tried to deceive no one. In surprise Nathanael asked how Jesus knew about him. Jesus answered, "When thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee." That was enough for Nathanael. He was sure that Jesus was the Messiah for whom he had been looking. "Rabbi," he said, "Thou a r t the Son of God; Thou a r t the King of Israel."

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A Wedding a t Cana
Cana was a little town tucked away among the hills of Galilee. When some of Mary's relatives who lived there asked her to help with a wedding feast, she was glad to go. She was delighted when she learned that Jesus was going to be there. She had not seen her Son for many weeks, and looked forward happily to the day when they could be together again. The wedding feast was a joyous occasion. All went well until the servants discovered that there was not enough wine. They must have more, and a t once. Since Mary was a hostess, they went to her for help. She quietly stepped over to Jesus. "They have no wine," she confided. Her voice and the look on her face told Jesus more than her words. He understood a t once t h a t she firmly believed He could supply their need. She whispered her hope t o t h e servants, "Whatsoever He saith u i ~ t oyou, do it."

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Jesus wanted to honor Mary's trust in Him and also to strengthen His disciples' faith. Six large stone jars were standing by the door. To the servants Jesus said, "Fill the waterpots with water," and they filled them to the very brim. But when they poured the water out to serve it, that clear sparkling water had been turned into wine! They stared a t each other in amazement a s they saw the wine. Quickly they set it before the master of the feast, who knew nothing of what had happened. He tasted it, and exclaimed to the bridegroom, "Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine: . but thou hast kept the good wine until now." The secret was too good to keep, and the servants told all about the miracle. The astonished guests looked about for Jesus, but He was gone. His friends, the disciples, were still there, and the wedding guests turned to them. Surely His special friends could tell them more about this Man who had power to turn water into wine. Eagerly the disciples began to talk about their Master. As the wedding guests listened, their excitement grew. Perhaps this miracle was a sign that God had sent a Deliverer to His people, Israel. Perhaps the days of slavery to Rome were nearly 01~er. Perhaps the h!lessiah 11atl really c o r ~ c !

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The Voice of a King

People from all parts of the country had crowded into Jerusalem for the Passover week. They had come to worship and to offer sacrifices. Some who had heard of the miracle a t Cana hoped to see Jesus. Gathered in the temple court were the blind, the deaf, the lame, the sick, the dying, the rich, and t h e poor. I n the same court were the cattle-traders who sold animals for the sacrifices. The cooing doves, t h e bawling cattle, and the bleating sheep disturbed the worshipers and drowned the prayers of the people. The crafty money-changers cheated the worshipers. The traders asked too much for their offerings. But when the people complained about this, the priests felt no pity. They said that if the people did not offer sacrifices, God would not bless their children and lands. They permitted the money-changers and the cattletraders in the court because both gave the priests a share of the money they made. This was not worship. Priests and people had forgotten that the lambs and other sacrifices should remind them of "the Lamb of God," who would someday give His life for them. Among the many worshipers who had come to Jerusalem was Jesus, this "Lamb of God."

He had stopped a t the top of the broad steps that led into the temple and looked a t the scene below. He hated the noise and confusion in His Father's house. He saw how the love of God was hidden from the people. Jesus pitied them and longed to tell them the true meaning of the sacrifices. The time had come for the people to know that "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," had come to His temple. As Jesus looked a t the noisy scene, His face began to show anger, authority, and power. The people's attention was attracted to the Man on the steps. The eyes of the wrongdoers met the eyes of Jesus, and they could not look away. They felt that He knew every secret thought in their minds. Some tried to hide their faces. The noise stopped. The sound of clinking coins, the shrill voices of cattle-traders, the angry complaints of buyers, trailed off into silence. Fear was in every heart.

As Jesus spoke, a light from heaven brightened His face. His clear, ringing voicc echoed 1,hroughout the templc. Sternly IIe demanded of the cattle-traders, "Take these things hence; make not My Father's house an house of merchandise." Then the Saviour slowly descended the broad steps. Raised in His hand was a whip of small cords. It seemed as terrible as a flaming sword. He turned over the tables of the money-changers and sent the stacked coins rattling over the marble floor. No one dared stop t o pick them up. Everyone-priests, rulers, from the temple. Cries of and people-rushed terror escaped from hundreds of whitened lips. Even the disciples trembled. All had heard the command of the Man who spoke as a king. Then the whip slipped from the Saviour's hand. There was a holy quietness in the temple court. The needy ones--the poor and the sick -began coming back toward Jesus. With love in IIis heart and tears in His eyes, He turned to them. Tenderly IIe spoke to them. He told them not to be afraid, for IIe had come into the world to help them.
"Come unto Me, All ye that labor and a r e heavy-laden, Ancl I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, And learn of Me; For I am meek and lowly in h w r t : And ye shall find rest unto your soi~ls."

The people pressed close t o Christ and begged for His blessing. He heard every pitiful plea. Tenderly He bent over the suffering ones, and they all received help. Every disease was healed. Every trouble was taken away. When the priests and rulers recovered from their fright, they went back to the temple. They gazed about in amazement. Jesus was still working quietly among the people. The sounds that now echoed throughout the temple courts and halls were glorious sounds. The blind could see, the lame could walk, and the dumb could speak. All were praising the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

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A Secret Visit
The city of Jerusalem lay hushed and sleeping. A lone figure slipped quietly through the noiseless streets. A quick tap on a barred door, a hurried question, a quick reply, and the silent figure moved on-out away from t h e city toward a mount called Olivet. I n the mountain region he searched out another lone figure. And there in the darkness of night the two met-Nicodemus, an honored and respected member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, and Jesus, the humble Teacher from Nazareth. The ruler had come by night because he did not want anyone to know about his visit with Jesus. The members of the Sanhedrin would be very angry if they learned of it. They might even put him out of the council.
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After studying the prophecies, Nicodemus felt sure that Jesus was the Promised One. He had used his influence a s a Jewish leader to hinder plans t o harm the Nazareth Teacher. In this visit with Jesus, Nicodemus hoped to find out directly if He was really the Messiah. Jesus knew t h a t Nicodemus had come t o seek truth, and He wanted to help him. Solemnly He said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He wanted Nicodemus to understand that no one can appreciate heavenly things until his heart is completely given t o Jesus. Nicodemus was surprised a t these words, suggesting a new birth to him. He had heard the preaching of John the Baptist about repentance and baptism. He understood a little about the work of the Holy Spirit in changing sinful hearts. But he felt that he needed no change. The pride in his heart was struggling against the honest desire for truth. Although he had some ideas of what Jesus meant, he pretended not to understand. "How can a man be born when he is old?" he asked. The Saviour did not want t o argue. He only wanted to get the truth into Nicodemus's heart. Raising His hand He said quietly, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Nicodemus knew that Jesus was speaking

of baptism by water and of the work of the Holy Spirit. But still he did not fully understand. In order to help him, Jesus compared the work of the Holy Spirit to the wind. No one has ever seen the wind. It cannot be seen, but the work it does can be seen. The wind turns the windmill; it dries the clothes hanging on the line; it blows the leaves from place to place, and does many other things which can be seen. So it is with the Holy Spirit. It cannot be seen, but the changes i t makes in sinful hearts can easily be seen. Wrong thoughts are put away; evil deeds are stopped. Love and peace take the place of hatred and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness. Sin dies out, and there is a new life. While Jesus was speaking, the Holy Spirit worked in the heart of Nicodemus. Some rays of truth entered deep into his mind. Yet he

still did not fully understand Jesus' words. He was still more interested in how a man could be born again than in w h y he should be born again. Speaking to Jesus, he asked, "How can these things be?" In His reply Jesus showed His disappointment. "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?" He asked. As a religious teacher of Israel, Nicodemus should have understood the lesson Jesus was trying to teach him. As they continued to talk, Nicodemus was being drawn to Christ. He began to understand that i t was not enough to obey man-made rules and laws. He saw that even keeping the law would not save him; that in some way his past sins must be blotted out. He longed to have his heart changed. Jesus had done what He could to help the Jewish ruler. Nicodemus left Mount Olivet and walked silently and thoughtfully back to the sleeping city. No one saw the lone figure in the darkened streets. No one knew of the secret visit with Jesus. But hidden deep in the heart of Nicodemus were precious seeds of truth. Jesus knew that they were planted in good soil. Years later a time came when the disciples needed money and help. A wealthy Jewish leader boldly and fearlessly helped them and led out in the gospel work. And what was his name? It was Nicodemus.

At Jacob's Well
It was hot. The noonday sun blazed high in the sky. Jesus and His disciples were weary and thirsty and hungry. All morning long they had walked through the dust and heat on their way to the city of Sychar. Now they saw before them the thing for which they had been looking, the famous old well of Jacob. While the disciples went into the city to buy some food for dinner, Jesus sat down by the well to rest. Far below, the water looked clear and cool. If only He had a drink! But the well was deep, and He had no rope or water jar. He must wait until someone came out of the city to draw water. It was not long until a Samaritan woman came, but she paid no attention to Jesus. She thought of Him only as a Jew-and Jews and Samaritans were bitter enemies. She hardly glanced a t Jesus as she stooped to fill her pitcher. She lifted i t to her shoulder and turned to leave. But, as she turned, Jesus spoke to her. Courteously He asked for a drink. Startled, the woman looked a t the Man who would ask a favor of a Samaritan. She was surprised that He, a Jew, would even speak to her. Usually the Jews would not accept any kindness-not even a cup of cold water or a

bite of food-from the Samaritans. "How is it," she questioned, "that Thou, being a Jew, a woman of Samaria?" askest drink of me, Jesus did not answer her a s she had expected. "If thou knewest," He replied, "who it is t h a t s a i t h t o thee, Give Me t o drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." She questioned Him again. "Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast Thou t h a t living water?" Jesus' answer made her more curious than ever. "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." What could these words mean? she wondered. Never be thirsty again? Never need to make trips back and forth carrying water from the well? No, that could not be. Surely this Man meant something different when He spoke of a spring of water. Earnestly she begged, "Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not." Jesus saw that this woman wanted to hear more of His message. He told her some of the sins and mistakes of her past life-things that she had thought were forever hidden. Trembling, she listened to His words. Who was this

...

Man who could read the secrets of her life? He must be no ordinary person. 01 that she was sure. In deep reverence she exclaimed, "Sir, I perceive that Thou a r t a prophet." Yes, Jesus was a prophet. He had pointed out her sin, but He had not condemned her. She felt ashamed of the wrong things in her life. She looked into the face of Jesus and realized that He was her friend. He knew that in her heart was the desire to do right. He could forgive her and help her to live a good life. But these blessings were not to be for herself alone. Jesus told her to go and call her family and her friends. As she continued talking with Him, she began to wonder if He might not be the Messiah. She had never heard such words a s He spoke, either from the Samaritan priests or from any of the Jews. Hoping to find the answer to the question in her heart, she said, "I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when He is come, He will tell us all things." Jesus listened a s the woman spoke. He knew that she was interested in the Scriptures. He knew that she longed to understand the prophecies of the promised Messiah. As Jesus looked into her wondering face, the desire grew in His own heart to answer her longing for truth. He would tell her! Quietly He said, "I that speak unto thee am He."

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Jesus' Visit in Samaria

While Jesus was still talking with the woman a t the well, the disciples returned with the food which they had bought. They were surprised to find their Master talking with one of the despised Samaritans. Both Jesus and the woman were so interested in their conversation that none of the disciples dared question why He was speaking with her. The woman, in her joy over the words to which she had just listened, forgot why she had come to the well. Leaving her pitcher, she hurried back into the city to tell her friends what she had heard. After she had gone, Jesus sat silently thinking about what had taken place. His face shone. His heart was full of joy. He did not eat the food the disciples had brought, nor even take a drink. They did not want to interrupt His thinking, but knowing that He was hungry and weary from the tiresome journey of the morning, they said, "Master, eat." "I have meat to eat that ye know not of," Jesus said in reply. Thinking that in their absence someone had brought Him food, the disciples wondered who might have done that. Jesus answered their question with these words: "My meat is t o do the will of Him that sent

Me, and to finish His work." It was more important to Him to preach the words of life than to eat. To find and help someone who wanted to live a better life, to bring hope and comfort to her, was f a r more important to Jesus than eating and drinking. Comforted and encouraged, He sat resting by the well. Then Jesus turned to his waiting disciples. Pointing to the grainfields spread out before them, He exclaimed, "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." The disciples looked a t the waving grain in surprise. Those fields were not ready for harvest. The grain was green and only halfgrown. Surely Jesus did not think these fields were ready! No, He meant that the people in this place were ready to believe on Him. They were ready to learn to be His followers.

...

In the meantime the woman had reached the city and hurried to find her friends. "Come," she said, her face eager and happy, "see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" As they listened to her story of what had happened, many of the people grew excited. They hurried to the well. They crowded around Jesus, asking question after question. As they listened to His answers, ideas and problems that had long troubled them were made plain and clear. Their doubts disappeared. Some believed Jesus to be the Messiah because of what the woman had told them. Many more believed because of the words they heard Him speak. Jesus had just come from Judea. There the Pharisees had seen His miracles, but still they asked for a sign that He was the Son of God. The Samaritans asked for no sign. They had not seen any of His miracles, yet they believed His words. They said, "We have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." How happy they were to meet Jesus! But this one short visit was not enough. They must learn more from this wonderful Teacher. They begged Him to stay longer with them. Before He went on His way, two days later, there were many Samaritans who had learned to love the Teacher of Nazareth.
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The Nobleman's Son

All through the land of Galilee the fame of Jesus was spreading rapidly. There were so many stories to tell:

Jesus' baptism and the voice from heaven; His miracle at Cana; His daring cleansing of the temple; the rumors that He might be the Messiah.
Now He was returning to Galilee. Among those who wanted to see Him was a nobleman who lived in Capernaum. He had a very special reason. His son was so ill that the doctors could do nothing for him. The father knew that the boy might die before even one more day passed by. Maybe, thought the nobleman, Jesus would help. He felt sure that Jesus would listen to a father's plea for the life of his son. There
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was no time to lose. He would go find Jesus a t once. Upon reaching Cana, the nobleman found a great crowd listening to the Teacher. Anxiously the man pushed his way forward. The people stepped aside to make way for him, and the proud officer stood face to face with the Saviour. But, a s the nobleman looked, he saw before him only a plainly dressed man, dusty and tired from travel. He doubted very much that such a common-looking person could help him! Yet he talked with Jesus, told Him his needs, and asked Jesus to go home with him. Jesus read his thoughts. He knew that the nobleman had decided in his own heart that if Jesus did not heal his son, he would not believe. He said, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe." Like a flash of light the nobleman realized that he had been very selfish. He had not wanted to know Jesus. He had wanted only the favor he hoped Jesus would do. Clearly the man saw that his selfishness and doubt might cost him the life of his son. Anxiously he cried out, "Sir, come down ere my child die." Then he really looked into the face of Christ. In that face he saw pity and love and understanding. To his ears came the quiet voice of One who spoke with real authority.

"Go thy way; thy son liveth." All of a sudden his doubts and fears were gone. Once he had wondered about the power of this Man of Nazareth, but no more. He believed with all of his heart that Jesus truly was the Promised One. With a peace of mind that he had never known before, the nobleman left the presence of Jesus. He knew his son would live! . The next morning as he neared his home he was met by some of the servants. "Thy son liveth," they called joyously. The nobleman was not surprised, but asked the men a t what time the boy had begun to get better. 'Yesterday a t the seventh hour the fever left him," they replied. At the hottest part of the day the fever had disappeared! The seventh hour was exactly the time that Jesus had spoken the words, "Thy son liveth." Never again would the nobleman's faith waver. He had found his Messiah.

The Man by the Pool

Jerusalem was filled with visitors who had crowded into the city for the Passover season. People hurried by the closed shops on their way to the Sabbath services in the temple. Many hoped to see the young Teacher about whom they had heard. Jesus was among the worshipers, and on His way to the temple He stopped by the pool of Bethesda. What a scene of misery met His eyes. Gathered there were hundreds of sick people suffering from every known disease. Crowded on the sheltering porches about the pool, they waited for a chance to be cured.

It was commonly believed t h a t a t certain seasons the waters of this pool were stirred by an angel. The first person who stepped into the water a t such a time would be healed of any disease. So eager was everyone to be first that the weaker ones were often trampled underfoot. Some spent the nights on one of the porches and each day crept or crawled out to the pool in the hope of finding relief. Jesus' heart was touched. He longed to make every sick person well. But it was the Sabbath day. He knew that if He healed all these people on the Sabbath the Jewish leaders would be angry and try to stop His work. There was one sufferirig man whom the Saviour could not pass by. For thirty-eight

years this man had been a helpless cripple. He had been a great sinner, and the sickness from which he now suffered was partly a result of his sins. Jesus saw that here was one who needed both physical and spiritual healing. The sick man longed for someone to help him into the water. As he lay on his mat gazing into the pool he heard a soft voice speak. Bending over him was a Man with a very kind face. "Wilt thou be made whole?" asked the Man. Hope came into the sick man's heart. He felt he was going to be helped. But remembering all the past disappointments, he turned wearily away. "Sir, I have no man . to put me into the pool," he answered. Very simply Jesus replied, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." The man had faith to believe. Not once did he question how. Every nerve and muscle in his body thrilled with new life. Healthful action came to his crippled limbs. He sprang to his feet. He was well and strong! After thirtyeight years of being a cripple he was completely cured. He had believed. He had acted. He had received strength. Filled with delight, he stopped to pick up the rug and blanket which had been his bed. Then he looked around for the kind-faced Man. But Jesus had slipped away into the crowd. The healed man, walking with firm steps,

..

went about praising God and rejoicing in his new strength. He met several Pharisees. A t once he told them of his healing. But instead of rejoicing with him, they interrupted his story. They demanded to know why he was carrying his bed on the Sabbath day. This was breaking one of their man-made rules about Sabbathkeeping. The Jews had made so many foolish laws that the Sabbath was a burden instead of a delight, a s God intended it should be. Many times while Jesus was on earth He tried to show the people how to keep the Sabbath properly. He told them they were to enjoy the Sabbath and do good on that day. Healing the man by the pool was one example of doing good. The healed man was surprised a t the anger of the Jewish leaders. When they accused him of breaking the Sabbath, he explained that the One who had healed him had told him to carry his bed. The Pharisees a t once asked, "What man is

that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?" They well knew that i t was Jesus, but they were trying to get proof against Him so that they could condemn Him a s a breaker of the Sabbath laws. The man who had been healed could not tell the Jews who had cured him, for he did not know. Leaving them, he went on his way to the temple. He took a sin offering and a thank offering for the great mercy he had received. Seeing him among the worshipers, Jesus spoke to him. "Behold," He said, "thou a r t made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." Not knowing how the Jews hated Jesus, the healed man hurried to the Pharisees and told them who had performed the wonderful miracle. This was the proof for which they had been waiting. Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin and charged with Sabbath breaking. He answered the charge instantly. "My Father worketh," He said, "and I work." This made the rulers of the Jews even more angry. Jesus was claiming that God was His Father! They thought surely they had found an excuse for putting Him to death. They sent messengers out to warn the people against Him. They sent spies to watch and report everything He said and did. They were determined to take His life.
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UNIT III

The Master Teacher

Jesus Visits His Home Town

There was a stir of excitement in the little mountain village of Nazareth. Jesus was coming home! It had been several months since most of His people had seen Him. Now the young man who had been so quiet and helpful was coming back as a great Teacher. He would give t h e Sabbath sermon a t t h e synagogue. How eager they were to see Him and to have Him speak a t the church service! They had heard of the wonderful things He had done in other places. Perhaps He would work some miracles for them ! The synagogue was packed. Everyone was waiting to see the young man who only a short time before had sat with Mary and Joseph in the congregation. All eyes turned toward Him as He came into the building. With Him were several young men who called Him Master. Before the sermon began, the elder read the scripture. It was a message from the prophets. He encouraged the people to hope that soon the Messiah would come. Everyone believed that the Messiah would destroy the Romans and Israel would become a great nation. After reading the scripture, the elder handed the scroll to Jesus. All eyes watched closely as He opened to the prophecies in the book of

Isaiah. He chose a passage in what would be the sixty-first chapter, as our Bible is divided. In His clear, musical voice He read:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To preach deliverance to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set a t liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

The people listened proudly. This was their Jesus-they had known Him since He was just a little boy! His words brought warmth and comfort to their hearts. He spoke of God's love for them. He tried to make them understand that the kingdom they were expecting was not to be on earth. More than anything else, He wanted them to know that the Messiah would save them from sin, not from the Romans.

There was something inspiring in the way He spoke. It was a s if the Messiah Himself were there. But His next words startled them. "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." The people of Nazareth looked a t each other. in amazement. Did Jesus mean that He was the Messiah? "Is not this the carpenter's son?" they whispered among themselves. If He were the Promised One, why did He not work a miracle? If He would only heal some of them, they would believe Him. Jesus did not heal anyone, but He gave even greater proof that He was the Messiah. He read their thoughts ! "Ye will surely s a y unto Me," He said, "Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in t h y country." Then He added, "No prophet is accepted in his own country." He went on to give them examples of prophets who had been accepted in heathen countries and not a t home. Heathen countries! Did He mean to say that people in those countries u7ere better than His own people? Never before had the people of Nazareth heard such words! They would not listen to anyone who even suggested that they were not the best people on earth. Instead of thinking carefully of the things they had heard, they grew angry. They forgot that i t was the Sabbath day. They forgot that
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they were sitting in church. They even forgot that only a short time before they had been proud of the young man who spoke to them so fearlessly. The congregation became an angry mob. Shouting and screaming they pushed toward Jesus arid dragged Him from the synagogue. They pulled Him roughly to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They were ready to hurl Him over the cliff. But suddenly Jesus disappeared. Angels had hidden Him from their sight! The shouting and noise of the mob died away. What had happened? Frantically they searched, but i t was of no use. Jesus was gone. The people stared a t each other. No one could say now that Jesus was an ordinary man. In silence they walked slowly home. New and strange thoughts filled their minds that Sabbath afternoon.

The Call by the Sea

It was early morning when Jesus came to
the Sea of Galilee. He wanted to enjoy the quietness, hoping to have a little time for prayer before the crowds started coming. Some time before this, Jesus had called five men to follow Him and become His disciples. Part of the time they spent with Him, part of the time they worked a t home. This morning found four of them wearily pulling their fishing boats to shore. They had worked all night, but they had caught nothing. As they fished, they had talked of Jesus and His work and miracles. They were sure that He was the Son of God. They wondered why the leaders did not welcome Him. As they pulled their boats to the shore, they noticed the Master standing there. They also saw that, early as it was, people were coming to Him. They were so eager to hear Jesus that He could not turn them away. So He began to

talk to them again in the forceful but quiet way they had learned to love. Soon there was such a crowd that it was hard for everyone to hear. Jesus looked about for a place from which He could be heard by all. There were the fishing boats, tied as the disciples had left them. Jesus stepped into one of them and pushed out from shore. Now everyone could see and hear Him. More and more people came to listen to Jesus. Even the little children crowded around. He talked so that they could understand His words. They liked to look into His kindly face, for they were sure He loved them. He was not like the stern Pharisees. The children were afraid of them. They used so many big words that the little ones could not understand them, anyway. But Jesus talked of things the children knew- birds, flowers, trees, shepherds, and sheep. At last Jesus stopped talking. Everyone wished that He would talk longer, but He dismissed the crowd and turned to go. He looked a t Peter, whose boat He had used while He was talking to the people. "Launch out into the deep," He said, "and let down your nets." Peter was surprised. Fish in the clear lake, with the bright sun shining on the water? Everyone knew that night was the only time to fish in the clear waters of Galilee.
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"Master, we have toiled all the night, ancl have taken nothing," Peter exclaimed; "nevertheless a t Thy word I will let down the net." As he spoke, he cast a net into the water. Almost immediately he felt a tug a t it. Soon it was so full of fish that Peter and his brother Andrew could not pull it in to the boat. They had to call James and John to help! These men came quickly, and all worked fast. Soon both boats were so full of fish it seemed they would sink. At last they reached the shore with the great catch of fish. The men were speechless. Surely only the Son of God could work such a miracle! In His presence they felt their own weakness. Peter was the first to recover from his surprise. He fell a t Jesus' feet and cried, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, 0 Lord." Peter only meant that he was not worthy to stay in Jesus' presence. He would have been heartbroken if Jesus had really left him. The Master understood; He looked kindly a t Peter and said, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." By this time the others had finished their work. They now came to the place where Jesus and Peter were standing. Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This time they left all and followed Him wherever He went.

A Sabbath in Capernaum
Jesus and His disciples were hurrying to reach the city of Capernaum so that they could spend the Sabbath with friends. The people of Capernaum loved Him. Whenever He was in town, everyone came out to hear Him speak. So it was that the synagogue was crowded on the day that Jesus spent the Sabbath there. People sat listening eagerly to the words that He spoke. Jesus' words were sure. He knew the God of whom He told them, and He knew what the prophecies meant. There was something else about Jesus' speaking that made people love to listen to Him. He used stories to make His meaning clear, and new ideas to explain old truths. The people listened with interest as He told them of the God of love-One who cared for poor, suffering people. This idea of God a s a loving Father was a new and different one. Suddenly there was a piercing scream. A madman staggered up the aisle, shouting, "Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? a r t thou come to destroy
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us? I know Thee who Thou a r t ; the I-Ioly One of God." Instantly there was confusion. All eyes were on the madman-a demoniac, they called him. The spirit of Satan was in him. He had sueceeded in turning the minds of the people away from Jesus. The poor man had heard something of Jesus' miracles. He had hoped that Jesus could and would help him. But when he had tried to ask for help, only the words of Satan came out. Jesus understood. In a tone of authority He commanded, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him." Breathlessly the people watched. And what a struggle they saw! Satan knew that he would have to obey the voice of Jesus. He showed his rage by throwing the man violently to the floor among the people. For a moment it seemed that the man would die. But as soon as the evil spirit had gone, the man was well again. People stared in amazement! What could this mean? Never before had they heard of one who could make the wicked spirits obey him. There was no more meeting that day. The people went home to tell everyone of the wonderful miracle they had seen. The healed Inan went joyfully to his home. He could not tell enough about Jesus. How he loved this kind Teacher who had set him free from the power of Satan!
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A t the Home of Peter

After the experience in the synagogue, Jesus went home with Peter. Peter's family was happy to have the Master and His friends come to their house for Sabbath dinner. They were always glad to see Jesus, but today there was a special reason. Peter's mother-in-law was ill. She had a burning fever, which nothing seemed to help. They feared she might die. Walking quietly into the room where she lay, Jesus took her by the hand and raised her up. That same instant the fever left her, and she felt well and strong. She went out where her daughter was working and helped prepare the meal for the guests. It was so good to be well again!

People heard about this miracle, too. They wanted to bring their sick friends to Jesus, but they decided to wait until after Sabbath. The priests and rulers were angry with Him already f o r breaking their laws by healing people on the Sabbath. His friends would not make Him any unnecessary trouble. As soon as the sun set, people could be seen coming from all directions. Some leaned heavily upon their staffs. Others groped their way blindly or were led by friends. Still others, too ill to walk, were carried on stretchers. There were so many people the house could not hold them all. They filled the yard until it was crowded with people who needed Jesus' help. Far into the night He stayed and healed them. He did not turn away one person who came to Him. Those who had been blind could see. They rejoiced as they looked into the kind face of Jesus. The deaf heard His voice, and those who had been unable to talk shouted the loudest praises. It was late a t night when the last thankful person had left f o r home and t h e household of Peter lay down to rest. It had been a long, exciting day, and everyone was tired. While everyone else was sleeping peacefully, Jesus rose and slipped out into the night to pray. He wanted to talk with His heavenly Father to gain new strength for the work He must do.

Healing the Leper

In the rocky wilderness outside the cities lived the most pitiful of all human beings-the lepers. The very name was enough to make other people shudder and shrink away from them. Anyone who had the dread disease had to live shut away from all other human beings. If he did go near the towns, he had to shout, "Unclean! Unclean!" so that no one would come near him. People were taught to believe that leprosy was the result of their own sin, that God was punishing the lepers for their wickedness. It was bad enough to have the disease. It was worse to know that there was no cure, that i t was a slow but sure death. But worst of all was the feeling that it was a punishment from God. The lepers had heard about Jesus and His power. Some thought that He might take pity on them. But others laughed bitterly. Even if He was willing to heal them, there was no way to reach Him. Most of the lepers gave up the idea of being cured, but there was one man who would not give up hope. When the first signs of the disease had appeared, he had gone to the priest. The priest had looked a t him for a moment and said the word he dreaded to hear: "Leprosy."
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Somehow the man must see Jesus. Slowly and painfully he made his way to the place where he had heard Jesus was. There were many people with Christ, and the leper knew t h a t he was not supposed to go near. He was troubled. What if the Master should send him away, a s the Pharisees would do? Yet something seemed to push him on until a t last he was almost in the presence of Jesus. The people in t h a t congregation were listening with the greatest interest to the Saviour. He seemed to them to be indeed the Son of God. Suddenly there was a gasp from those nearest Jesus. Everyone crowded back, jostling one another in their haste. There, coming toward them, was the leper! He looked more like a walking skeleton than a man. No wonder the people drew back! Jesus was left standing alone. The poor leper fell at Jesus' feet, crying, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean." Jesus did not draw back from the leper. Instead, He was filled with pity. "I will," He said kindly; "be thou clean."

The man rose to his feet. He looked a t his skin. It was healthy and firm once more. It was wonderful to be well and strong! He felt like a new man! With a heart filled with praise and thankfulness to Jesus, he wanted to tell everyone about his new-found Friend. But before he left, Jesus warned him, "See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest." Joyfully the man went to the priest with his offering. It was the same priest who had told him t h a t he must spend the rest of his life with the lepers outside the city. The priest examined the man carefully. Not one trace of the ugly disease could he find. The leper was well! He was a living witness of the love and power of Jesus.

The Man W h o Came Through a Roof

The leper did not keep the miracle a secret. Because of this, so many people crowded around Jesus that He had to go away for a while. When He finally did return to the city of Capernaum, word spread quickly that He was back. Everyone wanted to see Him again. People from all parts of the city flocked to the house where He was staying so that they could hear Him. More and more people crowded into the house and the yard. There were the eager, the reverent, the curious, and the unbelieving. There was one little group of people who had been waiting for the news of Jesus' return to the city. When they heard it, they quickly started out to find Him. They must find Him, though it was not for themselves that they were so anxious. It was for a friend of theirs, a man who had suffered from palsy for many years. He had gone to many doctors; but they had shaken their wise old heads and said there was no hope. He had gone to the Pharisees and rulers for comfort; but these men only looked a t him coldly and told him that his sickness was a punishment sent by God. They said he was a sinner and they would have nothing to do with him. The poor man was miserable, sick,
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and old. If only he could know his sins were forgiven, then he could die in peace. Then he heard about Jesus, who had healed diseases a s bad a s his. Perhaps this Jesus would be able to help him. He asked several friends to carry him to the Master. They felt sorry for him and did a s he asked. When they reached the house where Jesus was, they saw the crowd outside. heir hearts sank. Even a man who was well and strong could not push his way through to Jesus. How could their weak and helpless friend reach Him? Disappointment swept over the sick man. Surely there must be some way to reach the Great Healer. From his bed he looked about him. Ah, the roof! Like most houses in Palestine, this house had a flat roof with stairs leading to i t from the outside. He told his friends his idea. They knew it would be hard to get him to the roof, but they were willing to do anything to help him. Very carefully they carried him up the stairs. Then they began tearing away part of the roof. When they had a hole large enough, they let

their friend down so that he would be near Jesus. The people inside were amazed. Never before had they seen anything like this! They waited to see what Jesus would do. He knew the story of the man brought so suddenly into His presence. He knew that what the man wanted more than anything else was forgiveness of his sins. The first words Jesus spoke were words of hope: "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." The man leaned back. His sins were forgiven! It was so wonderful that he hardly noticed that his body was healed too. A feeling of peace swept over him. The Pharisees were not a t all pleased. They said that only God could forgive sins. Here was this Man saying He was equal with God. Jesus knew their thoughts, too. He looked a t them sternly and asked why they reasoned a s they did. Which did they think would be easier, to say to the sick man, "Thy sins be forgiven thee," or to say, "Arise and walk"? To let all of them know that He could forgive sins, Jesus turned to the man and said: "Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house." The healed man leaped from the bed, well and strong. In his heart was a song of praise for One who could heal not only his tired body but also his troubled soul.
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A Man Without Friends

There were not many Jews who would speak to Matthew when they met him on the street, even though they knew him well. They despised him and thought he was a very wicked person. They hated Matthew for more than one reason. Every time they looked a t him they were reminded that he was tax collector for the Roman government. Besides that, they were sure that he made them pay more money than they should, and that he kept the rest for himself. No wonder Matthew was unpopular! But Matthew was not nearly a s bad as the Jews thought he was. He really wanted to live a better life. He had listened to Jesus teach. The more he had heard, the sorrier he had become for the wrong things he had done. He knew Jesus could help him, but he was afraid the Great Teacher would never pay any attention to him. One day a s Matthew sat a t the table where the people paid their taxes, Jesus came in and stood before him. "Follow Me," Jesus said. Matthew was so surprised that he scarcely knew what to say. He was not only surprised, he was thrilled. The Master had called for him! He got up from his table, left everything, and

followed Jesus. He did not worry about losing his position or his money. He did not worry about what people would say. It was enough that Jesus wanted him. One night not long afterward Matthew gave a party a t his house. He wanted his friends and relatives to meet Jesus, so he invited them all to come. He invited Jesus and Peter and John and the other disciples too. The guests a t the party listened eagerly a s Jesus talked with them. Many of them became better people because of that evening spent with the Saviour. But not everyone was happy about Matthew's party. The jealous rabbis wanted to kinow why Jesus would stoop t o associate with such

a person a s Matthew. "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" they asked the disciples. Jesus heard the question and answered for His friends. He told the rabbis that they did not understand His work. He did not help the Jews only; He did not confine His work merely to the rich and powerful. He was glad to help everyone. Whoever wanted to come to Him would be welcome. He silenced the rabbis' sneering question with the simple words, "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Jesus and the Sabbath

One Sabbath afternoon Jesus and His disciples were walking home from the synagogue. It was late, and the disciples were hungry. As they walked and talked together the men picked some of the heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees, ever ready to find fault, saw the disciples eating. Immediately they accused the disciples of working on the Sabbath. Picking the grain, they declared, was harvesting, and rubbing it in their hands was threshing. "Behold," they exclaimed, pointing to the disciples, "why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful?" Jesus did not care to argue about their laws. He wanted everyone to love both the Sabbath day and the One who had given it to them. "The Sabbath was made for man," He said, "and not man for the Sabbath: therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." Another Sabbath day came. Again Jesus was in the synagogue. The Pharisees seated themselves and watched hopefully for something with which they could find fault. There was a man in the congregation that day whose hand was

withered and useless. The Pharisees hoped that Jesus would heal him. That would give them an excuse to say that He did unnecessary work and therefore broke the Sabbath! Jesus looked around a t the crowd. He knew what they were thinking, but He did not fear them. To think that they would let a man suffer rather than help him on the Sabbath! Looking kindly a t the man with the withered hand Jesus said, "Rise up, and stand." The man did a s he was told. Jesus looked straight a t the rabbis and demanded, "I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?" No one said a word, though they had a law that if a man had an opportunity to help someone and did not do so, he was a sinner. If he could save a life, and did not do it, he was as guilty as if he had killed a man. Turning back to the man with the withered hand, Jesus said, "Stretch forth thy hand." In perfect confidence the man raised his withered hand high in the air. And then it happened! All of a sudden that ugly, deformed hand was made well. It was as firm and strong as the other one. Joy shone on the face of the happy man. But the Pharisees left the synagogue, their faces dark with anger. And from that day on, they slyly laid their plans to kill the Saviour.
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The First Ministers Ordained

Twelve men trudged up a tree-covered mountainside near the Sea of Galilee. As they climbed, they talked. And a s they talked, one particular question was heard again and again. What do you suppose Jesus wants with us? they wondered. All of them were curious, but none of them knew. On they hurried, anxious to meet Jesus a t the spot He had chosen. Up on the mountain Jesus was waiting for the Twelve. He led them to a group of sheltering trees, and the men sat down around Him. They grew quiet. They loolted a t Jesus. They were ready to hear what He had to say. Jesus told the men why He had called them together a t this spot. He had work for them to do. It was a special and important work. From among the great crowds of people, Jesus had chosen them to do it. They were to work with Him to save the people. They were to teach and comfort. They were to preach and heal. They were to be like Jesus. The men thrilled a t their Master's words. They were happy to be chosen for this work. Most of Jesus' disciples came from among the common people. There was only one who seemed t o be talented and well educated. Strangely enough, this man was not chosen by Jesus, but he came, offering his services. It was Judas. He believed that Jesus was the Messiah and that He would ,set up a kingdom on earth. Judas thought that the best way to have a part in the kingdom was to be one of Jesus' closest disciples. The Master tried to discourage this hope by telling him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head." Judas still believed that Jesus would soon become king of the world, and he wanted a leading part in that kingdom. He insisted that he wanted to follow Jesus. The disciples were glad to have this fine-looking man among them. They were surprised that Jesus did not welcome him more warmly. Jesus knew what they did not know-that Judas u7as selfish, proud, and greedy. All of Christ's loving reproofs and warnings would only make him more stubborn and determined to have his own way. Still, Jesus did not refuse to let Judas join them. If there was an opportunity to help anyone, Jesus was glad to do it. None of the men Jesus chose were perfect. James and John had such quick, hot tempers that they were called "Sons of Thunder." One time they wanted to call fire down from heaven

and destroy a group of people who did not receive Jesus. Simon the Canaanite was a man who hated the Romans. His one hope in life, when he joined the disciples of Jesus, was to get revenge upon the rulers of his people. The words of Jesus, "Love your enemies," must have been hard for him to obey. Simon Peter meant well, but his quick temper and boastful spirit caused embarrassment to all. It took much patient teaching on the part of the Master to help him correct his faults. Philip was timid and fearful. Thomas became known as "the Doubter." All the disciples had their own faults. They were such a strange group of men that it would have been impossible for them to work together except for one thing: Their love for their Master made them willing to do anything to please Him. They tried faithfully to follow His instructions. By the time He had been with them three and one-half years and was ready to go to His Father, He could trust them with the work of carrying His message to all the world. Before they left the quiet mountainside, Jesus laid His hands upon their heads and prayed with them. By this ceremony they were ordained to be ministers of the gospel. It was then that they became known as apostles, as well a s disciples.
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A New Sermon
In the cool and quiet of the morning, Jesus and His twelve disciples came to the shores of Galilee. Early as it was, people were beginning to gather around Him. From far across the hills and valleys they came. From village and city, from seaside and mountainside, they gathered. Larger and larger grew the crowds who flocked to see and hear this Great Teacher. There were so many people that there was not room enough on the narrow beach for them. Jesus led the way to a place on the mountainside. Soon the whole multitude was seated on the grassy slope, anxiously waiting for Jesus to speak. A feeling of excitement was in the air. The people hoped that on that very day Jesus would announce His kingdom. In their minds they pictured a mighty ruler who would drive the
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Romans from their land. The poor people thought about the lovely clothes and fine homes they would have. The priests and Pharisees thought of all the riches and honor they would have as rulers in the great kingdom. They waited almost breathlessly for Jesus' words. He knew what they wanted Him to say, but He must give them different ideas from those they had learned from their rabbis. He did not begin by telling them their hopes for a kingdom on this e a r t h were wrong. Instead, He told them of a better and more lasting kingdomthe kingdom of heaven. His first words were words of blessing. "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." They will receive the help God offers so freely. They will inherit the kingdom-not of this world, but in heaven -the kingdom that will last forever. When Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted," He did not mean that His followers should look sad and gloomy. Christians should be the happiest people on earth. He wanted them to understand t h a t they should be sorry for their sins. When they were truly sorry, God would forgive them. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Jesus meant that the humble people are of the greatest value in the sight of God. "Blessed are they which do hunger ar,d thirst
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after righteousness," He continued, "for tney shall be filled." Those who want to be like God will be guided by His Spirit. They will become so much like Jesus that people will be able to see that they are like Him. Even their faces will show the peace of Jesus. The people were comforted and inspired by Jesus' message. They wanted to hear more. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Those who think selfish and unkind thoughts will not be able to stand before Him in the judgment. Only the pure in heart can hope to live with God in heaven. Christ's next words encouraged those who loved peace: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Jesus knew that among those listening to His words there were some who would later suffer persecution for His sake. He wanted to give them encouragement also. He knew that when the time came, they would remember His words and find comfort in them. "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," He said. "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
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The Lord's Prayer

Still seated on the grassy mountainside, the people listened as Jesus' sermon continued. He taught them the meaning of real prayer. He told them how to pray. Short and simple was the prayer He gave to His followers, yet full of beauty and with a deep spiritual meaning. Twice Jesus gave this beautiful prayer: first on the mountain, and again, some months later, to His disciples alone. This second time the disciples found Jesus kneeling in prayer. He had gone apart from the crowds t o a quiet, sheltered spot to talk t o His heavenly Father. Seeming not t o notice that the disciples were near, He kept on praying. His face shone with heavenly brightness as if He were in the very presence of the unseen God. The hearts of the listening disciples were touched a s they watched their beloved Master. They had noticed how often He spent long hours alone in prayer with His Father. Time after time they had seen Him return from these hours of prayer. Always there was a look of peace upon His face and a feeling of restfulness in His presence. The disciples ha,d learned that these hours spent with God helped Jesus in His work. As they listened now to His prayer, a deep longing came over them t o pray as He prayed.

Waiting reverently until Jesus finished, they begged of Him, "Lord, teach us to pray." Jesus loved them and wanted to help them. He wanted His followers t o think of God as a great Friend, a kind and loving Father. He said t o His disciples, "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him." Then He gave them the words of this beautiful prayer :
"Our Father which a r t in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. "And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil: F o r Thine is the kingdom, And the power, and the glory, forever. "Amen."

But this prayer is for us today a s well as for t h e disciples of old. In this prayer we give honor to the name of God by always speaking i t reverently. We ask Him to teach us t o do His will just as the angels do in heaven. This He does by putting right thoughts into our minds, telling us what we should do. We ask Him, too, to make us

strong to say "No" to any temptation and to forgive us if we fail and do wrong. To show that we believe that God will always take care of us and give us the things we need each day, we ask Him to give us our daily bread. This is more than our food. It means strength to do our work, good judgment to know how to use our talents, a kind heart willing to share the food and clothes and shelter we have with others who are homeless and hungry. Last of all, it means "the bread of life." Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life." To learn about Jesus and to become like Him is part of our daily bread. The last part of the prayer shows that we have faith that God will hear and answer us because He has "the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever." Everything belongs to Him; all of the great universe except our world obeys Him. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. "Thine, 0 Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine." This great God loves to listen to us and answer our prayers!

In Time of Storm
It was quiet and beautiful on the mountainside. As the people sat listening to Jesus' words they could see the valleys below and the deep ravines where the streams splashed and ran. Later in the summer the streams might dry up completely, leaving only dust and sand and rocks t o mark their courses. But when the winter storms burst upon the hills, the streams became fierce, raging rivers. Sometimes they rose beyond their banks, and terrible floods spread over the valleys, sweeping away everything in their paths. Often, then, little houses built on the grassy plains or in the sandy creek beds, would be swept away. But high on the hills were houses built upon the solid rock. These houses were built only with much work and great difficulty. Sometimes they were located in places that were
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7-D.B.D.

hard to reach or in spots not nearly a s beautiful a s the grassy plains below. But wind and rain and flood beat upon them in vain. Jesus looked a t the familiar scene and ended His sermon with a story. He wanted His listeners to remember that the lessons He had taught would do no good unless they were put into practice. "Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." Jesus explained that His followers would be strong like that house if they would always do a s He taught them. When storms of trouble or sorrow came upon them, they would not be carried away by discouragement. When great temptations struck like a flood, they would be able to resist and stand true to God. His word would make them strong a s the rocks. But those who hear His teachings and pay no attention to them or put off the time when they will obey them, are like a foolish man who built his house upon the sands. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house," Jesus ended solemnly, "and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
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UNIT IV

Rewards of

The Centurion's Servant

Spread along the western shore of the beautiful Sea of Galilee lay the city of Capernaum. One day as Jesus was making His way into this city, He was met by a group of elders. They pressed toward Him with eager, pleading words. There was sickness in the home of a friend of theirs, and they wanted Jesus to cure the disease. Their friend was a Roman centurion who had heard of the God of the Jews and was interested in their worship. The elders told Jesus that the officer had built a synagogue for them. They felt he was worthy of Jesus' help. Ever ready to help, Jesus replied, "I will come and heal him." A t once He set out for the officer's home, but He went slowly because of the people who crowded about Him. The news that Jesus was really coming was carried to the centurion. He was happy to know that help was near, happy to know that Jesus was on His way to him. It must have thrilled him to tell the joyful news to the sick servant. But the centurion felt he was not good enough to have Jesus come to his home. It was not the custom for Jews to enter the home of one who was not a Jew. With this thought in mind, the centurion sent some of his friends

to Jesus with this message: "Lord, trouble not Thyself: for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof." But the Saviour kept on IIis way; and the centurion himself went out to meet Him. "Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof," he repeated, "but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." What wonderful faith! He had never seen Jesus before, and had only heard of His mighty miracles, yet he had more faith than many who had been with the Master. He was a man used to giving orders. '(1 also am a man," he said to Jesus, "having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it." As Jesus heard t h e man speak, He was surprised and thrilled. Here was one among thousands! Jesus marveled a t his faith. Turning to the people who had followed Him, He said, "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." He turned to the centurion and said, "Go thy way; and a s thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." Oh, the joy and happiness that was in Jesus' heart a s He promised to reward the faith of that centurion! And, just a s He had promised, the servant who had been close to death was made completely well. He had been cured the very hour that Jesus had spoken.
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Jesus Makes New Friends

Through the gates of the little village of Nain came a long, slow-moving line of people. Young and old, rich and poor, almost everyone in the village was there. They were sad and weeping. In an open coffin in the front of the line lay the body of a young man. Crowded about i t were the mourners, who filled the air with their wailing cries. Close behind came the heartbroken mother. When her husband had died some time before, she had found comfort in her boy-her only son. But now with him gone too, her sorrow seemed more than she could bear. Tears blinded her eyes so that she could not see, and though her kind neighbors tried, they could not comfort her. Outside the village gates, making its way over the rocky path toward Nain from Capernaum, came another long, slow-moving line of

people. Among them, too, were young and old, rich and poor. There were those who were well and strong and others who were sick and weak. But there was a great difference between this group and the one coming from the village. Jesus was leading this one, and crowded about Him were people who loved Him and were happy just to be near, listening to His words. Others followed because they hoped Jesus would soon make Himself king of Israel. Near the village the two processions met. Instantly Jesus understood the cause of the mourning. His eyes quickly searched out the weeping mother, and His great heart of love longed to help her. He walked through the crowd to her side and said in His gentle voice, "Weep not." Then Jesus stepped over to the coffin and touched it. Those who were carrying it stood still. The weeping stopped. The two groups of people gathered close around the coffin, wondering what would happen. Hope filled their hearts. They knew Jesus had cured disease and cast out devils. Could it be possible that He also had power over death? In a clear, strong voice the Master's words rang out, "Young man, I say unto thee, Arise." At once the young man opened his eyes. Jesus took him by t h e hand and lifted him up. Then He looked down in love a t the amazed,

A Farmer Who Helped Preach a Sermon

A great throng of people had come to the Sea of Galilee to find the Healer and Teacher. Jesus had planned to cross to the other side, but, seeing the people, He stayed and talked with them. More and more people came, until there was no room for Jesus on the shore. He stepped into the fisherman's boat that had been waiting to take Him across the lake. There, from the gently rocking boat, Jesus taught the people about the kingdom of heaven. He knew the high hopes of the people for a Messiah who would save them from t h e Romans. If only there were some way to make them see that He had come to save them from a slavery much worse than that of the Roman rulers ! Quite often Jesus taught them by parables. That is, I-le would tell them stories using things they knew, to illustrate things He wanted them to learn. On this day He saw a farmer over on the hillside busily sowing his grain. Many of the seeds, he knew, would never grow. Still he worked patiently to get the seed planted. Jesus thought how much His work was like that of the farmer. He, too, was sowing seed,

tear-stained face of the mother beside IIim. Her heart filled with joy a s she clasped her son in a happy embrace. The crowd watched in silence, standing a s if bound by some spell. Not a word was spoken; not a sound was made. Reverently the people waited a s in the very presence of God. Suddenly the silence was broken a s all joined in a mighty shout of praise. "A great prophet is risen up among us," they cried. "God hath visited His people." Thus sadness had been turned to joy, and mourning to praise and thanksgiving. The funeral line turned back to the city and entered the gates in a march of triumph, while every tongue gave glory to God for the thrilling miracle seen that day.
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but His seed was the word of God. Jesus knew that many of His seeds would never grow, but He must sow them for the sake of those t h a t would grow. He thought also of Satan, His enemy. He has many ways of keeping people from believing on Christ and working for Him. There are three ways that are especially successful. First, he tries to keep people from hearing the Word of God. If he fails in that, he tries to make them think it would not be interesting to them. Many believe Satan and pass lightly by their one hope of eternal life. Other people are harder for Satan t o deceive. They accept the message of God joyfully. They are determined t o be good Christians. Satan whispers slyly to them that they may a s well enjoy the pleasures of the world while preparing for heaven. Sad to say, many people believe him and are deceived. Satan's third method misleads more people than either of the others. He simply keeps people so busy that they have no time t o get ready for heaven.

Jesus thought about these things as He talked t o the people. "A sower went forth t o SOW,"He said, "and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up." The people looked across the fields a t the farmer sowing his wheat. Even then the birds were busily eating the little grains from the hard path. That seed would never have a chance t o grow! Often people who listened to the words of Jesus might be thinking of other things and miss the real lesson He had for them. To them the words of Jesus would be like the seed sown by the hard path-they would never grow. "Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth," Jesus went on. "They sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away." There were some people in the congregation t h a t very day who were hearing IIis words gladly. They would go home to follow

His teachings; but, when i t became hard to be Christians, they would give up. When the hot sun of trouble came to them, they would wilt like the little plants in the parable. The sower on the hillside had moved close to the edge of the field where the thorns and thistles were growing. The Great Teacher went on with His story. "And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them." Many of the people who were listening to the Master's words would let the cares of everyday living choke out their love for the things of God. If only He could make them see the danger of becoming so deeply interested in their own work that they would fail to study the Scriptures and pray t o God! By this time the farmer had moved toward the center of the field. The soil was rich and deep. Jesus ended His story in a happy way. "But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." These were the people who would hear and obey the teachings of Jesus. They would go out and teach others, and they in turn would tell still others. In the great harvest of souls, there would be many saved because of the seed sown that morning. Later the disciples asked Jesus to explain the parable. The story and His explanation may be found in Matthew 13:l-8 and 18-23.

The Tares
One of the many stories that Jesus told to His disciples while He was here on earth was about another farmer. This farmer went out to his field to get i t ready for planting. With the land cleared and made ready and the rich, dark soil freshly plowed, he planted his good seed. Hidden safely in the earth, the little seeds were left there to be awakened to growth by the sun and the rain. As the farmer left his field, he thought of the days to come when it would be beautiful and green with promise of a rich harvest. But in t h e darkness of night, while t h e farmer was sleeping, another man crept through the shadows to the newly planted wheat field. There he glanced hurriedly about to see that no one was watching him. Then he, too, started to sow some seed. Quickly and quietly he went over the whole field, and everywhere he went he planted his seed. When he had finished his work, he left the field and slipped away in the darkness. No one had seen him come. No one had seen him go. No one knew what he had done. But there, hidden in the earth, and lying side by side with the wheat seeds were other seeds left to be awakened to growth by the sun and the rain.

I
The man who had come in the darkness was an enemy of the farmer. The seeds he had planted were those of worthless weeds called tares. One by one the days and weeks passed, and the sun and the rain did their part in helping the growing seeds. The green field was full of strong young plants, and it looked beautiful in its growing freshness. When the warmth of the sun began t o turn the wheat to a golden brown, the farmer's servants noticed a difference among the plants. They went to tell him what they had seen. "Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?" they asked. "An enemy hath done this," answered the farmer. He remembered that sometimes men took revenge upon an enemy by planting weeds among the newly sown wheat fields. The weeds looked so much like the wheat that a t first no one could tell them apart.

Something should be done to save the crop, and the servants wanted to pull the weeds out. "Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?" they anxiously asked. But the farmer knew better. "Nay," he answered, "lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them." He knew that their roots would be tangled together and that much good wheat would be pulled up if they tried to take the weeds out. He explained his plan to his servants: "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say t o the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles t o burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." When Jesus had finished telling His story, He sent away the great crowd of people who had been listening. Then He went into the house to rest. But His disciples wanted to know what the story meant. They went to Jesus and asked Him to explain the parable. You, too, will want to know what Jesus meant. His story and its meaning may be found in Matthew 13:24-30 and 37-43.

Jesus Calms the Storm

Jesus had spent a busy day among t h e people. He had taught many wonderful lessons. He had healed many diseases. As evening shadows began to settle over the Sea of Galilee, the crowds still pressed about Him. Day after day Jesus had spent so many long hours helping them that He had very little time to eat or rest. At the close of this busy day He was so tired that He decided to go to a quiet place He knew about. There He could rest. So Jesus wearily stepped into the boat with His disciples, and together they set off across the lake. They were not left to go alone, however. There were some empty fishing boats near the shore. Some of the people who had been listening to Jesus crowded into them. Food and sleep were not important. They wanted only to see and hear more of Jesus. Even a t such a late hour, they started to follow Him to the quiet spot He had chosen. It was a calm and pleasant evening. Little ripples lapped a t the sides of the boat. The oars made a musical sound a s they cut through the clear blue water. While the disciples rowed and talked, Jesus lay down in the back of the boat and soon was f a s t asleep. Peace and quietness rested upon the lake and seemed to

soothe the little group riding on the waters. But suddenly a change came. Great clouds spread across the sky. The wind swept wildly down the mountainsides, and a terrible storm burst upon the lake. As the blackness of night settled down, the wind-lashed waves dashed over the little boat. Helplessly the disciples struggled. Those strong fishermen had brought their boats through many a storm, but now their strength and skill were not enough. Hope left them, and fear filled their hearts a s they saw their boat fast filling with water. Busy with their own efforts to save themselves, the disciples had forgotten that Jesus was in the boat with them. When they saw that nothing they could do would help and that only death was before them, they remembered Jesus. It was at His command that they had started out to cross the sea. Their only hope was in Him. In their helplessness and terror they cried, "Master, Master." But the darkness hid Jesus fronz their sight, and the roaring of the storm drowned their voices. There was no answer. They wondered if He had forsaken them. Again the disciples called, and again their only answer was the shrieking of the angry storm. Their boat was already beginning to sink, and i t looked a s if at any moment they
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would be swallowed up by the angry waters. Suddenly a streak of lightning flashed through the darkness. In its light the disciples could see Jesus lying asleep, knowing nothing of the raging storm. They wondered how He could rest so peacefully when they were in such danger. In surprise and despair they cried out, "Master, carest Thou not that we perish?" This time Jesus was awakened by their cries. As the lightning flashed again, they saw the look of tender love on Bis face. Then they cried out, "Lord, save us: we perish." Never did Jesus fail to hear that cry. While the disciples took a firmer hold on the oars to make one last effort, Jesus rose to His feet. He stood silent for a moment with His friends around Him. The wind howled. The waves broke over the men. The lightning flashed and the thunder rolled. In the glare of the lightning the disciples saw their Master lift His hand and heard Him speak to the angry sea, "Peace, be still."

Immediately the storm stopped. The troubled waves sank to rest. The clouds rolled away, and the stars shone brightly once more. The boat rocked gently on a quiet sea. Then Jesus turned to His disciples and in a voice heavy with sorrow He asked, "Why are ye so fearful? how is i t that ye have no faith?" A hush had fallen upon the disciples. They could not speak because of the wonder that filled their hearts. The people in the other boats around Jesus had been filled with fear and despair, too. They had fought desperately to save their lives in the storm. They had been in as great danger a s had the disciples. But Jesus' words had saved them all. Everyone had been able to see the miracle. In the peace and quietness that followed, fear was quickly forgotten. Back and forth among themselves the people whispered, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

The Miracle of Gadara

In the early morning, Jesus and His disciples came to the shore. The light of the rising sun touched sea and land. Everything was calm and peaceful. There were no signs of the terrible storm of the night before. As they stepped upon the beach, something almost as fearful a s the storm occurred. A terrifying cry broke the early morning stillness. From their hiding places, two madmen rushed toward Jesus and His disciples a s if to tear them t o pieces. Parts of broken chains hung about the bodies of the men. Torn and bleeding flesh showed where they had cut themselves with sharp stones. Their long, matted hair and glaring eyes showed the presence of demons. They looked more like wild beasts than men, and the disciples fled in terror. Stopping a t a safe distance to look around, they found that Jesus had not come with them. Amazed, they saw Him standing calmly just where they had left Him. He who had stilled the stormy sea, He who had met Satan before in the wilderness and conquered him, did not run from these demons. The madmen, gnashing their teeth and foaming a t the mouth, dashed toward Him. They were almost upon Him, when a wonderful thing happened. Jesus raised His
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hand, and the madmen could come no nearer. They stood before Hini raging, but helpless. They had no power t o move. In a voice of authority, Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to come out. Somehow the men seemed to know that they were near One who loved them and could help them. They felt a dim longing to be free, and threw themselves a t the feet of Jesus to beg for help. But they had been slaves of Satan so long that they had no power over their words. When their lips opened to ask His help, one demon cried out, "What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of the most high God? . . . Torment me not." "What is thy name?" Jesus asked. "My name is Legion: for we are many," came the answer. It was true that many demons had taken control of these men. Jesus said to the evil spirits, "Go." And they went out of the men and into a large herd of pigs that were feeding near by. The whole herd dashed madly over the cliff into the waters below. The frightened herders rushed away to the village a s fast as their legs could carry them to tell what had happened. But what a change came over the two madmen! No longer were they held by Satan's power. Their hands became quiet. Their faces were calm and peaceful. The light of understanding shone from their eyes, and their voices
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were glad. Quietly they s a t a t the feet of Jesus, praising Him for saving them. In the village, however, there was a different scene. Amazed and frightened a t the herdsmen's story, all the people in the village ran out to meet Jesus. Instead of being glad that the two madmen had been healed, the village people were angry. They cared more about their pigs than they did about the suffering men. They feared that if Jesus remained among them He would f their property. They cause them to lose more o begged Him to go away. But the men who had been made well did not want Him to leave. More than anything else they wanted to be with Jesus. They felt safe when they were near Him. As Jesus turned toward the boat, they kept close by His side and begged Him to let them go with Him. But Jesus had a work for them to do, so to each of them He said, "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee." It would not be easy to do this -to go to people who did not want t o hear about Jesus, and tell the story of their healing. But they wanted to please their new Friend, so " they when Jesus said, "Go . . . and tell . gladly went to do His bidding.

The Touch of Faith

Jesus had just returned to the western side of the Sea of Galilee. Crowds were waiting for Him a s He stepped from the boat. For a short time He stayed with them and healed their diseases. Then He went to Levi-Matthew's home to meet some of Matthew's friends. While He was there, Jairus, a ruler of the Jews, came to see Him. Jairus was greatly troubled. His little daughter was very ill. Nothing the doctors could do helped her, and each day she grew worse. Jairus had heard of Jesus, and he came hoping that the Master would save his only child. He fell a t Jesus' feet, pleading earnestly, "My little daughter lieth a t the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be healed." Jesus was always sympathetic with anyone in trouble, so He started a t once for the ruler's home. The disciples were a bit surprised that Jesus would go with the proud rabbi. They thought Jairus should be treated as the rabbis had treated their Master. Although they did not share His forgiving spirit, they went along with Him. On the way, the usual throng of people crowded around Jesus. They pushed and jostled

..

each other in their excitement, trying to stay close to the Saviour. They did not want to miss a word He said or a thing He did. Now and then Jesus stopped for a few minutes to talk with someone in need. Still the people pushed and crowded around Him-some out of curiosity, some because they really felt their need of Him. There was one poor woman in that throng who was especially anxious to be near Jesus. She had been suffering for twelve long years from a disease that the doctors could not cure. She had spent all of her money, hoping that someone might help her. But, instead of getting better, she had grown worse, until a t the time she heard of Jesus she was weak and discouraged. She had tried to see Him before this. She was certain that He could heal her, but always the crowd was so great that she could not get to Him. She was almost ready to give up; but when she heard that Jesus and His disciples would be passing her way, she decided to try once more. She was a timid woman, and more than once her courage nearly failed. Only her great need drove her on. She knew that she could never speak to Him in that multitude, but her faith was strong. "If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole," she whispered to herself.

Finally she pushed her way closer to the Saviour. She stretched her arm eagerly forward. At last her finger tips barely touched the edge of His robe. Immediately her weakness left her. She was well and strong for the first time in twelve years. At that moment Jesus stopped and looked around Him. "Who touched My clothes?" He asked. This was a strange question to ask with all that pushing, crowding multitude about Him. But this touch had been no ordinary, careless touch. Jesus knew that there had been faith in it. The woman who had been healed knelt down a t Jesus' feet. With tears of joy and thankfulness in her eyes, she told her story. Looking kindly a t her, Jesus said gently, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."
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The Ruler's Daughter

It seemed t o Jairus that Jesus would never
reach his home. If only these other people would go away so he and Jesus could hurry. If they did not hurry, the ruler feared they would be too late. Suddenly a shiver of fear ran through the ruler. Down the road toward him a man was running-a messenger from his own home. One look a t the messenger's face told the ruler the news he so greatly dreaded to hear. "Thy daughter is dead," said the servant sadly; "trouble not the Master." Jesus also heard the message. He spoke gently to Jairus, "Be not afraid, only believe." Side by side they walked quickly toward the ruler's home. As they came near the house, they could hear the weird sounds made by hired mourners. The air was filled with their weeping and wailing. Jesus asked the meaning of all the confusion and crying. "Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth," He said. The people looked a t Him indignantly. Had they not seen the child themselves? Of course she was dead, they argued. They laughed scornfully a t Jesus for saying she was only asleep. Jesus calmly ordered that all except the parents and three disciples, Peter, James, and
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John, should leave the room. But these six went on into the room where the girl was lying so white and still. Going to the side of the bed, Jesus took the lifeless hand in His own. Then He said quietly, "I say unto thee, arise." At once the color came back into the pale little face. Opening her eyes wide, the girl looked in surprise a t the group around her. Then a smile came to her lips and she rose to her feet. She was well and strong once more! When the parents realized that their daughter had been brought back to life, they turned gratefully to Jesus. Their tears of sorrow were changed to joy a s they thanked the Healer from Galilee. Jesus now had a faithful friend among the rulers.

In the Steps of the Master

For some time the twelve disciples had been with Jesus. They had walked and talked with Him. They had shared good days and bad. They had listened to His teachings. They had heard His prayers. Daily they had learned more of the true meaning of Jesus' life on earth and how to teach it to others. They had learned, also, how to help Jesus, and they did a great deal to make His work easier. They brought sick people to Him to be healed. They acted a s ushers when He talked to large groups. They had enjoyed being with Jesus, but now they needed the experience of working alone. Their Master talked with them, giving them instructions for their work. The preparations were to be simple. They were to preach t o all, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." They were to represent Jesus, working the same kind of miracles He worked. "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." This was the command of the Master. The disciples were to work among people whom Jesus had met before and who were already friendly to Him. They would have become discouraged if sent to the synagogues, where they would have to argue with the scribes and

Pharisees. If Jesus had sent them to the Samaritans or the Gentiles, the Jews would have been angry with them, and the disciples would have been unhappy over their first work alone. It was a wise choice t o send them to their own people. The Master told them to go only to the homes where they would be a s welcome a s Jesus Himself would be. "Peace be unto you," were the words of greeting they were to use. Their message meant eternal life o r death to those who heard it. Everything depended on whether the message was accepted or not. Jesus told the disciples: "If the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." Jesus knew some of the trials they would have to meet. He told them that in their work for Him they would not always have an easy time. They would be persecuted for His sake, but He assured them that His Father loved and cared for them. When Jesus had ended His instructions, He sent the disciples out, two by two. The brothers went together, and friends went together. In this way they were able t o help and encourage each other a s they traveled about the countryside doing their work for the Master.
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The Little Gift That Served Many

After their first missionary journey the disciples went back t o Jesus. They had many, many stories to tell Him of their experiences. He listened, and then said, "Come . . , and rest a while." He knew that the disciples were tired. He knew, too, t h a t there were many things He needed to teach them so t h a t they could do even better work for Him. So they got into their boat and sailed off to a quiet place they knew about near Bethsaida. There a t the northern end of the lake the hillsides were beautiful with the fresh green of spring. It was a lovely place t o rest and talk.

But Jesus and His friends had little time to enjoy i t alone. Jesus was a very popular man in Palestine just then, and the curious crowds soon found Him. Larger and larger grew thp multitucle. Tired a s He was, Jesus felt so sorry for the people that He could not long stay away from them. They seemed to Him like a flock of sheep-a flock of sheep without a shepherd. All day long Jesus taught His listeners about the kingdom of heaven. His words were so simple and plain that all could understand. The people listened to His wonderful message. They were thrilled at each miracle a s they saw the sick and dying healed. To them it seemed a s If the kingdom of heaven had come to earth.

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Jesus worked all day without food or rest. The disciples tried to get Him to stop, but so long a s the people needed Him, Jesus could not rest. Finally, when the sun was low, the disciples came t o Him, saying, "This is a desert place, and now the tirne is f a r passed: send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat." But Jesus answered, "Give ye them to eat." The disciples were poor men. They had no money with which t o buy food for over five thousand people. "How many loaves have ye?" Jesus went on. Andrew, Peter's brother, said, "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?" Jesus asked that these be brought t o Him, and the boy gave his little gift gladly to the Saviour. Then Jesus told the disciples to seat the people in groups of fifty or a hundred. After the people were seated upon the green grass, Jesus took the five loaves of barley bread and the two small fishes. Looking toward heaven, He offered a prayer of thanks t o God. Then He began t o divide the loaves and fishes and give them to His disciples to pass out t o the people. Through the crowd the disciples went with the food that Jesus gave. They passed it t o

everyone. No matter how much they gave away, there always was plenty more. Everyone ate. Everyone had enough. Everyone was satisfied. It was a simple meal that had been provided; the fishes and barley loaves were the daily food of the fisher folk about the Sea of Galilee. Christ could have spread before them a great feast; but He did not t r y to attract the people to Him by giving them luxuries. He had not promised His followers the luxuries of the world. Their food might be plain, but He had promised to give them all they really needed. After all the hungry people had been fed, Jesus said to the disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." They picked up the scattered pieces and filled twelve baskets with them. Five small loaves. Two little fish. That was all. But in Jesus' hand it was enough. The little became much, the small gift of a child became a mighty blessing to a multitude.

Jesus Walks on the Water

Excitement grew as the people talked together. They had seen and heard strange things that day. They had just been fed with the loaves and the fishes. They had seen the sick and the dying made well and strong. They had heard Jesus talk of the kingdom of God. "This is," they told each other, "that prophet that should come into the world." Jesus must be the Man who could make the Jews a great nation. He must be the Deliverer. Higher and higher rose their hopes. Why, He could break the power of the Romans! He could heal the soldiers who were wounded in battle. He could supply whole armies with food. He could conquer the nations. He could make Israel all-powerful. Among the people, guiding their thoughts, urging them on, was the disciple Judas. For a

King. Then he, Judas, could have a high place of honor for himself. Now was the time! They would take Jesus by force and make Him King. But Jesus had not come to earth to be that kind of king. How much the people had misunderstood Him! PIe must stop this new movement a t once. Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus ordered them to go immediately to the boat and again cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. Never had a command from Jesus been so hard for His disciples to obey. But it was useless to argue with their Master. He spoke with an authority He had never before used with them. In silence they turned to the sea. Then Jesus spoke to the excited crowd and told them to return to their homes. His manner and His voice were so commanding that no one dared to disobey. In the very act of moving

forward to seize Him and force Him to become king, their steps were stopped. In that huge crowd were men who were determined that Jesus should be King, but He was stronger than they. His few quiet words of command stopped all their plans. Without a question they turned from Him to obey. As soon as He was alone, Jesus went up on a hill to pray. He knew that His days on earth were almost ended. He prayed for power from God to help me11 understand the things He was trying to teach them. Nor did He forget to pray for His disciples. A great work would be left to them. They must carry on the work that He had begun. They would face trials and temptations and great troubles. Earnestly He prayed that they would never lose their faith in Him. Out in the boat the disappointed disciples were almost sorry they had obeyed Jesus so quickly. Perhaps they should not so easily have given up their plans for making Him King. They had waited a t the seashore for a time, hoping that He would come. But as the darkness settled down, they climbed into their boat a n d started without Him across t h e sea t o Capernaum. It was an impatient, dissatisfied group of men who pulled at the oars that evening. Question after question disturbed them. Was Jesus
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never going t o become a king? Could i t be possible that He really was a false prophet? The disciples' minds were so filled with thoughts of doubt and discontent that they completely forgot the wonderful day they had just spent with Jesus. All they could think about was themselves. Suddenly a terrible storm burst upon them. Wind and rain and waves struck their boat all a t once. The tempest threatened to drown them all. There was no time now to think of doubt and discontent. They forgot everything else a s they fought to keep the boat above the tossing waves. Hour after hour they worked a t the oars, trying to bring their boat to land. But the wind and the waves only grew worse, and at last the weary men gave themselves up as lost. They had been in many a storm on the lake, but this was the worst of all. In storm and darkness the sea had taught them how helpless they were. Jesus had not forgotten them. From the shore He looked out across the sea to the fearstricken men. They were precious to Him, for they were to be the light of the world. When they finally prayed for help, it was sent them a t once. Just a t the moment when the disciples were sure they were lost, a gleam of light shone on a mysterious figure coming toward them. Terror

filled their hearts. Their strong hancls slipped from the oars. Weak with fear they watched this vision of a man coming closer and closer, walking upon the white-capped waves of the foaming sea. One of them screamed, "It is a spirit." But a s He drew nearer they saw who it was. Jesus! He quieted their fears with beautiful, comforting words: "Be of good cheer; i t is I; be not afraid." Peter could hardly believe what he had heard. He cried out, "Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water." Jesus said, "Come." Joyfully Peter started. All went well until, taking his eyes off Jesus, he looked back proudly to his companions in the boat. Immediately he began to sink. Then, in his fear he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus stretched out His hand and lifted Peter. Hand in hand, the two men walked across the water. As soon a s they stepped into the boat, the storm ended. The waves, which a moment before had risen like mountains on all sides, became calm and gentle. The night of horror was followed by the light of dawn. With thankful hearts, the disciples bowed in reverence before Jesus. Gone were their doubts and fears. "Of a truth," they said, "Thou a r t the Son of God."
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UNIT V

To Seek and

False Friends and True

The story of the miracle of the loaves and the fishes spread f a r and wide. Very early the next morning great crowds flocked to Bethsaida. By land and sea the people came looking for Jesus, but He was not to be seen. Not until the next day did they find Him. He was in t h e town of Gennesaret, on t h e opposite side of t h e lake. The searching crowd was met by the disciples, who told excitedly about the storm and Jesus' walking on the water. I n amazement everyone gathered around Jesus, begging Him to tell them how He had crossed the sea. He knew they were only curious. He knew, too, that they were disappointed because He had not let them make Him King. So he did not answer the question of how He had crossed the lake. Instead, the Master began to talk about the Bread of Life. The multitucle had altogether missed the meaning of the miracle of the loaves. "Ye seek Me," He said, "not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." They were not interested particularly in the truths He taught. "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" they asked. "This i s t h e work of God," t h e Master

replied, ('that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." Deep in their hearts many of the people knew that Jesus was truly the One sent from God. Still they hoped to make Him show His power and authority. A rabbi pushed his way forward demanding a sign to prove that Jesus was the Son of God. He suggested that Moses had given the manna in the wilderness, and they expected Jesus to do something greater. "Moses gave you not t h a t bread from heaven," said Jesus, "but My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven." Then He added, "For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." The people were still thinking of the bread they ate a t their tables. "Lord, evermore give us this bread," they exclaimed. Jesus saw t h a t He must speak plainly. "I am the Bread of Life," He said. All they needed t o do was t o believe in Him and obey His teachings. That day was one of important decisions. Many who had been eager to make Jesus their King turned away from Him. They were not willing to accept the eternal life that He offered. These people went back to their homes, no longer friends of the Teacher from Galilee. If He would not give them the honor and glory of this world they would have nothing more
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to do with Him. Never again did they join the crowds who sat a t the feet of the Master. As Jesus watched them go, a look of sadness came over His face. Could it be that everyone who had followed Him felt the same a s these Galileans? He turned to His own chosen Twelve. "Will ye also go away?" He questioned. They had enjoyed peace and real happiness since they began following Him. It was Peter who answered for them all. "Lord, t o whom shall we go?" he asked. "Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou a r t that Christ."

The Woman W h o Would Not Give Up

Not long after Jesus had fed the five thousand, He left Galilee for a time. With His disciples He made His way northward toward the old cities of Tyre and Sidon in Phenicia. The people of Tyre and Sidon were descendants of the heathen of Joshua's time. When Israel had entered the Promised Land, they had not driven all the heathen people out of Canaan. The Jews treated these people no better than they did the half-starved dogs that roamed the streets of their cities. Jesus had two good reasons for going t o the outcast people of Tyre and Sidon. First, He wanted to teach His disciples a lesson. Second, He wanted to help a poor woman who would never see Him unless He came to her land. This woman had a daughter who was tormented by an evil spirit. The mother had tried every remedy she knew, but nothing helped. The girl gradually became worse. The mother had heard of Jesus and had wished she could see Him. But to her this seemed almost impossible-He was in Judea, and she was in Phenicia. Besides, if she did go, would He not treat her a s did the Pharisees
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and the Jewish priests and doctors-call her a heathen dog and send her away? No, she could never go to Him for help. Then one day the good news came to her that the great Master was on His way to her country. In her need, the mother almost forgot that she was considered an outcast. Jesus had healed others who were not of Israel. Perhaps He would help her. It could do no harm to try! She would go to Him while He was in her land. But the little girl was too ill to be taken to Jesus. Her mother must go alone. For a long time she searched for the Master. As she went on her way, a cold fear came over her. What if she could not find Him? Then in the distance she saw a group of men. As they drew nearer, she was sure the Man a t the head of the group must be Jesus. Never had she seen a face so full of kindness and pity. Her hopes rose higher. He would help her, she was sure. "Have mercy on me, 0 Lord, Thou Son of David," she called to Him, "my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil." The Master walked on, a s if He had not heard her. Could it be that He was like the other leaders of Israel? The mother could not believe that. She could not give up hope yet. She continued begging for help. "Send her away," she heard the disciples say, "for she crieth after us."

The woman listened for Jesus' reply, and her heart sank when He said, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Was there no hope, even from Him? She fell a t His feet so that He had to notice her. "Lord, help me," she pleaded. He looked down a t her and replied, "It is not meet Cproperl to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs." The words seemed harsh, but the look of sympathy on His face and the kindness in His voice took the sting from the words. "Truth, Lord," she said humbly, "Yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." "0 woman, great is thy faith," exclaimed Jesus. "Be it unto thee even a s thou wilt." She knew then that He had only been testing her faith. She thanked Him gratefully and hurried to her home, knowing that she would find her daughter well and strong and happy. Jesus had taught the disciples a lesson that they would never forget. He had shown them t h e difference between t h e cold, thoughtless treatment the Pharisees gave such people and His own loving-kindness. He had also given the woman an opportunity to learn of the Son of God, who was not sent to the Jews only, but to all the world.

When Little Became Much

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One day Jesus went to Decapolis, near the place where He had cast devils out of the two madmen. Jesus was happy to see how faithfully these two men had done the missionary work He had given them to do. They had gone about telling all their countrymen the wonderful story of their healing. Many who had been afraid of Jesus now wanted to see Him. Many who had begged Him to leave were now glad that He had come back. So a great crowd gathered to welcome Jesus. Happy that so many had come, Jesus healed all the suffering ones. Children who had been crippled dropped their crutches and ran excitedly to play. Eyes that had nevcr seen before looked a t the blue sky, the bright flowers, and the moving people. Ears, hearing for the first time, listened to the singing of birds and the voices

of friends. Lips, forming their first words, spoke lovingly of the Great Healer. For three whole days they crowded about the Saviour to hear His words and to see His wonderful miracles. Not even a t night would they leave Him, but slept out in the open air under the great starry sky. At the end of those three days all the food the people had brought with them was gone. Jesus did not want to send them away hungry, so He called His disciples and told them to give the people something to eat. The disciples were amazed to have Jesus ask them to do such a thing. They well remembered how He had fed the five thousand a t Bethsaida from only five loaves and two fishes, but this was different. Those whom He fed a t Bethsaida were Jews, Christ's own people. This great crowd was made up of Gentiles. It was hard for the disciples to believe that Jesus would perform a miracle for the Gentiles as willingly

a s for the Jews. They asked Him where they could find enough food out there in the mountains for such a crowd. Jesus asked, "How many loaves have ye?" "Seven, and a few little fishes," they answered. Jesus commanded the people to sit down on the ground. Counting only the men, there were four thousand in that crowd. But the women and children were asked to sit down, too, so there were rows and rows of people seated over the mountainside, waiting. Jesus took the loaves and fishes in His hands and blessed them. After breaking the food into pieces, He gave i t to Peter, James, John, and the other disciples to pass out to the multitude. Down row after row went the disciples giving food to the hungry people. Again and again they went back to Jesus for more. Every time, Jesus had more bread and fish to give them. Not once did He send them away with empty hands. That whole crowd of men and women, boys and girls, was fed. Every person had something to eat. No one went away hungry. When they had all eaten, there was enough food left over to fill seven large baskets. What a marvelous thing Jesus had done for these people who had once been afraid of Him and begged Him to go away! What a wonderful way to honor His two faithful messengers!
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A Promise
During the early days of His ministry, Jesus had preached and healed among His own people, the Jews. The disciples too, had a t first been sent out to teach among those who looked for a coming Messiah. Then Jesus had led them into the nearby countries of the heathen. The disciples needed to learn that He had come to seek and save those who knew nothing about God. He had not come only to the chosen people. As they journeyed through these heathen lands, sick people and lame ones were brought to Jesus. He healed all of them. Although the people were worshipers of idols they gave glory to the God of heaven. Here, too, Jesus had performed His second miracle of feeding the multitude, bringing to those who did not know the true God not only food for thelr bodies, but their souls. also food-the Bread of Life-for

After these miracles Jesus and His disciples turned their steps back toward Galilee. There was still work to be done in His own land, and the time was passing swiftly. As they walked along the shores of the sea, Jesus talked with the disciples. There was so much He must teach them, so much they did not yet understand! As He talked with them about His work, He asked, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" The disciples had to tell Him that many people still did not know that He was the Saviour. Then He questioned them again, "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter, as usual, was the first to answer: "Thou a r t the Christ, the Sol1 of the living God." Jesus was pleased with this answer. It showed that His many parables and miracles had convinced the disciples that He was the Messiah for whom they had waited so long. Yet He was certain that even the disciples did not understand as they should what the Messiah's work was to be. They were not prepared to see His suffering on the cross; they would not be ready for the time when He must leave them alone to carry on His work. He must prepare them. He began to explain the things He must suffer before long. He told them plainly that He must die. But the disciples could not believe this. Peter laid his hand on Jesus as if to hold

Him back from the suffering He had described, and exclaimed, "Be it f a r from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee." Peter loved Jesus, and he could not bear to think of the cross. But Peter was wrong, and Jesus rebuked him sternly. Jesus knew that His suffering was a necessary part of the plan for man's salvation. As He continued to tall< He explained to the disciples that His life was an example of what theirs should be. "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me," Jesus said. He could not promise the disciples an easy life, but He did promise a final reward to those who were willing to give their lives for Him. "Whosoever will save his life shall lose i t : and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it," Jesus said. Sadness filled the hearts of the disciples. Must they give u p the hope of an earthly kingdom? Was Jesus really t o die a cruel and shameful death? For days they sorrowed and feared, wondering what would happen next. Jesus knew how troubled they were. To encourage them He made a promise: "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of mail coming in His kingdom." What a strange promise! Jesus had been talking of suffering and death; now He spoke of coming in His kingdom. What could He mean?
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The Promise Fulfilled

Evening was coming on as Jesus called thrce of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, and led them across the fields and f a r up a rugged path to a lonely mountainside. They had spent the day traveling and teaching, and the mountain climb only added to their weariness. The light of the setting sun still lingered on the mountaintop, and its fading glory tinted with gold the path they were traveling. But a s the tired men trudged on up the pathway, the sun disappeared in the west and the travelers were wrapped in the darkness of night. The gloom of the twilight reminded the disciples of their own lives, which seemed more full of trouble every day. They kept wondering why Jesus would take them on such a long, hard walk when they were tired before they started. But they did not ask Him; they just followed along in silence. After a while Jesus said they would go no farther. Stepping a little way from them, He knelt to pray. He prayed for strength t o endure the terrible test that was ahead of Him. He prayed for His disciples, that in the hour of trial their faith would not fail. The dew began to fall, but Jesus paid no attention to it. The night grew blacker, but He did not notice. At first the disciples prayed with Him, but in their
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weariness they soon fell asleep. Jesus prayed on, asking His Father that in some way the disciples might receive a lesson which would help them to know, even when He was crucified, that He was the Saviour of the world. Suddenly the heavens opened, and from the Holy City a beautiful light came down. Jesus arose from the grourld and stood before the disciples in Godlike majesty. His face shone a s the sun, and His clothes were pure white. The disciples awoke with a start when the mountaintop lighted up. Frightened, they looked a t Jesus. They were too astonished t o speak. As they continued to gaze, they saw that He

was not alone. Close beside Him were two other persons talking with Him. Moses and Elijah had been sent from heaven by the Father to speak words of courage t o Jesus. While on earth, they had worked for the salvation of men. Moses had pleaded for Israel in the wilderness. Elijah had stood alone for God upon Mount Carmel. They had come to talk with Jesus about EIis suffering and t o comfort Him with their sympathy. Hundreds of years before, Moses had stood on the mountaintop looking jnto the Prorrlised Land of Canaan. He longed to enter, but because of his sin he had to rest in a wilderness grave. But he did not remain long. Christ Himself had called him to life and to a home in heaven. Now he stood beside Jesus, representing those who will come forth from the graves at the resurrection of the righteous. Elijah, who had been translated without seeing death, stood beside Jesus, representing those who will be living on the earth to be changed "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye," at His second coming. J e s u s Himself, clothed with t h e light of heaven, looked a s He will when He comes the second time. The disciples were seeing t h e future- Jesus as the glorious King, Moses representing those raised from the dead, and Elijah, the translated ones. J u s t a s Jesus had said, these disciples had not tasted death until they
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had seen Jesus as He will appear, coming in His kingdom. The disciples did not understand what they saw. Because they had been asleep, they had not heard what had been said. They felt certain that Moses and Elijah had been sent to protect Jesus and to help make Him an earthly king. Even though they did not understand what they saw, they were happy. Peter, always quick to speak, said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here." Then a bright cloud came and covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is My belol7ecX Sol?, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Ilina." As the voice of God spoke these words, the mountain trembled. The disciples fell t o t h c ground in fright. There they stayed with faces hidden until Jesus touched them and said, "Arise, and be not afraid." When they opened their eyes, they saw that they were alone with Jesus. Lmg afterward they spoke of the beauty and glory they had seen on the mountaintop. They told of the heavenly visitors and of the voice t h a t spoke from the cloud. The disciples knew they had been with God.

Too Little Faith

A crowd of people had gathered with the nine disciples waiting a t the foot of the mountain. They hoped that Jesus, with Peter, James, and John, would soon come down from the mountainside where they had spent the night. While the people waited, a man made his way through the crowd toward the disciples. He brought before them his only son, who was filled with an evil spirit, and begged them to heal the boy. In the name of Christ, they commanded the spirit to leave the boy. But it did not obey. Instead, it only mocked the disciples by torturing the child more. The poor disciples! They had failed! And they could not explain why. The scribes crowded close, asking embarrassing questions. Here was an evil spirit, they claimed, which neither the disciples nor Christ Himself could cast out. As the people listened to the scribes talk, they too, began to lose faith. The disciples were ashamed. They felt that they had brought dishonor upon themselves and their Master. A t that moment part of the watching crowd saw Jesus coming, and ran to meet Him. They stopped in awe a s Jesus and the three disciples drew near. Upon their faces rested a light left there by the hours spent on the mountaintop.
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The common people welcomed Jesus, but the scribes backed away in fear. The nine disciples seemed strangely silent and ashamed. Jesus could see a t once that they were troubled. Just a s if He had seen everything that had happened, Jesus looked directly a t the scribes and asked, "What question ye with them?" A hush fell upon the whole group; and the men who had been so bold a few minutes earlier now had nothing to say. They were ashamed, and afraid to answer. The father of the sick boy again made his way through the crowd. He threw himself a t the feet of Jesus and, kneeling there, told the story of his trouble. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said, "I brought him to Thy disciples, and they could not cure him." ((HOW long is it," Jesus asked, "since this came unto him?" "Of a child," answered the father. "And ofttimes i t hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him." The father told Jesus the story of the years of suffering. "If Thou canst do anything," he pleaded, "help us." Jesus answered, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Knowing that his own lack of faith might keep his only son from being healed, the father begged Jesus to help him. "Lord, I believe," he cried out; "help Thou mine unbelief."
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At these pleading words the Saviour turned to the suffering boy. "Thou dumb and deaf spirit," Jesus commanded, "come out of him, and enter no more into him." There was a cry. It seemed as if the demon would take the boy's very life away before leaving him. The lad lay on the ground motionless, and the people whispered, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand, lifted him up, and gave him to his father. He was perfectly well in mind and body. Together father and son praised the name of their Saviour. The crowd was amazed a t the mighty power of God; and the scribes, defeated and disappointed, turned silently away. The nine disciples were still wondering why they had failed to cast out the evil spirit. When they were alone with Jesus, they asked, "Why could not we cast him out?" Jesus answered, "Because of your unbelief." He explained to them that this kind of work could be done only with prayer and fasting. These disciples had been jealous of the three whom Jesus had taken up with Him to the mountain. While they were alone, they had been thinking about their troubles instead of praying and thinking about Christ's words. Only when their faith was made strong by prayer and they were filled with the Spirit of God, could they have power over Satan and his evil spirits.
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Jesus' Way of Being First

As Jesus and His disciples journeyed from place to place in Galilee, they talked together of many things. Often Jesus foretold some of the things that would soon happen to Him. He tried to explain the facts concerning His death. He wanted His disciples to be ready for the disappointments they would meet. But the disciples did not fully understand what Jesus told them. They still thought He was going to set up His kingdom on this earth, and in that kingdom each one selfishly wanted the highest place. With such jealous thoughts in their hearts, it is not surprising that the disciples argued among themselves one day on their way to Capernaum. They were ashamed to have Jesus know about their quarrels, so, instead of walking close
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to Him as usual, they lagged behind on the way. But Jesus knew what they were saying, and i t made Him sad. They were showing the same spirit of pride and selfishness that had caused Lucifer to rebel in heaven. Jesus wanted to help them. He longed to have them understand the true meaning of His kingdom. He waited until they reached the place where they planned to stay. When they were alone in the house, He asked them what they had been discussing on the way. For some time no one spoke. They did not want to admit that they had been arguing. Then one of the disciples asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ?" Jesus spoke gently, yet seriously. "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all," He said. To help the disciples understand more fully the lesson He wanted them to learn, Jesus called a little child to Him. He set the child in the midst of the disciples. "Except ye become a s little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven," He said. The disciples knew then that Jesus wanted them to trust Him as a child trusts his parents. He wanted them to love one another and be willing to share the best places with others. Those who would be greatest in heaven must be the most humble and loving servants here.

UNIT VI

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The Feast of Tabernacles

It was harvest-time in Palestine. Day and night God's watchful care had been over the growing fields. The sun and rain had helped the earth bring forth her fruits. From the big farms and the little gardens the harvest had been gathered. The olives had been picked, and the oil had been stored in bottles. The purple grapes had been gathered and dried or made into juice. From the palm trees the ripe dates had been picked and stored carefully away. Harvest-time was thanksgiving time in Bible days, just as it is now. The Feast of Tabernacles was the last of the Jews' three yearly gatherings, and was held in Jerusalem soon after the harvest. It was God's plan that a t this time the

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people should especially remember His care for them. It was also a memorial of God's protecting care during the years of the wilderness wandering. This feast lasted for seven days; and the people of Palestine, with many from other lands, left their homes and journeyed to Jerusalem. They came to join in the celebration, and each one brought some gift of thanksgiving to God, the Giver of all good gifts. In their Nazareth home the sons of Joseph were getting ready to go to this great feast. As they were busy with their preparations, they noticed that Jesus did not join them, and His brothers watched Him anxiously. Since healing the man a t the pool of Bethesda, Jesus had not gone to any of the yearly feasts. To keep from having unnecessary trouble with the leaders a t Jerusalem, He had stayed in Galilee to work. Many of the people could not understand why He stayed away from these yearly gatherings which all Jews were supposed to attend. This troubled Jesus' brothers, too, and they begged Him to go with them to the feast a t Jerusalem and show His power. They thought He was making a mistake in spending His time with the fishermen and peasants of Galilee. If He knew that He was the Messiah, they thought He should go boldly to Jerusalem and do the same wonderful

works there that He had done elsewhere. "If Thou do these things, show Thyself to the world," they said. They wanted Jesus to try to win the friendship of the priests and rulers-the leaders of the nation. In the hearts of Jesus' brothers was the same selfish desire which the rest of the Jews had. They wanted Christ to set up His kingdom on earth and overthrow their enemies. "My time is not yet come," Jesus answered. "I go not up yet unto this feast." He knew that God had sent Him to this world to work out the plan of salvation. There was a special time for everything He was to do while on earth. So the brothers went or, to the feast without Him. The story of Jesus' miracles had been told in all the surrounding countries. Many of the Jews hoped that they would be able to see Him a t the feast. As they gathered in Jerusalem, the question was asked back and forth, from one to another, "Where is He?" But no one knew. The people feared the priests and rulers, and dared not talk openly. But everywhere all through that great city little groups gathered quietly, and there was much talk about Jesus. Some believed that He was the Messiah. Others thought He was a deceiver. While all this was happening, Jesus had quietly arrived a t Jerusalem. He had come alone on a road seldom used. He had kept apart from

any of the large groups so that He would not be seen by the crowds. But in the very midst of the feast, when the excitement about Him was the greatest, Jesus entered the court of the temple and went in among the throngs of people. All were surprised to see Him. Every voice was hushed. The people wondered a t His courage to stand before His enemies, who were plotting to take His life. Jesus stood in the midst of that huge crowd and spoke to them a s no other man had ever spoken. His words were clear and powerful as He talked of both earthly and heavenly things. In a voice of authority He warned them of the trouble that would come upon all who turned away from the blessings He had to give. He gave them every possible proof that He had come from God. He did all He could to help them want to repent. Some of the people wondered that Jesus knew so much about the laws and the prophecies when He had never studied in the schools of the rabbis. Others inquired, "Is not this He, whom they seek to kill? But, lo, He speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?" These and many other questions were asked over and over again during the days that followed. The people felt that something very important was about to happen.

The Light of the World

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In the center of the temple court which had been especially used in the services of the Feast of Tabernacles were two great lampstands. In the evening all the lamps were lighted, sending their rays over all the city of Jerusalem. This ceremony was a reminder of the pillar of light that had guided Israel in the wilderness. At

this time of special pleasure, priests, rulers, and common people came to the court. They joined in the celebration and listened to the beautiful music. It was the next morning after the feast. Jesus had returned to the temple court, where He was reminded of the beautiful lighted scene of the night before. Now the sun had just risen over the Mount of Olives. Its rays shone brightly on the marble walls and gold-capped pillars of the temple. Pointing to the sunlight, Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world." Light has always represented God to His people. At the time of creation, light shone out in the dark. Light was in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night which led the Israelites in the wilderness. Light shone about the Lord with awful brightness on Mount Sinai. Light rested above the mercy seat in the tabernacle. Light filled Solomon's temple a t the dedication. Light shone when the angels brought t o the shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem the message of the birth of the Saviour. When Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world," the people knew He claimed to be the Messiah.

A Beggar's Sermon
Slowly Jesus and His disciples walked away from the temple. Before them a blind man was feeling his way down the narrow street. "Master," asked the disciples, "who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus explained that this man's blindness was not the result either of his own sin or of that of his parents. It was to reveal God's healing power in his life. He bent down to the ground, scooped up a handful of earth, and mixed it into clay. Calling the blind man to Him, the Saviour put the clay gently over those sightless eyes. Then Jesus said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam." This was a strange command, but the man obeyed. Straight to the pool he went and washed the clay away. For the first time in his life he could see! He looked about. It was good to be able to see the buildings, the streets down which he had felt his way, the people, the trees--everything! The world was a beautiful place to him. Joyfully he set out for his own street, his own home. His neighbors were not sure that he was their old friend. They could hardly believe that the happy person before them was really he. Someone asked, "Is not this he that sat and
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begged?" Some said, "This is he." Others were not so sure. They said, "He is like him." But he settled the question by saying, "I am he." In astonishment they asked, "How were thine eyes opened ?" Joyfully he told them, "A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight." It seemed unbelievable ! His friends wanted to see this Man too. "Where is He?" they asked eagerly. But the man who had been blind shook his head. "I know not," he answered. Such a thing could not long be kept secret, and the story spread like wildfire. Soon the news of the miracle reached the temple. The Pharisees became more angry than ever. Another miracle by this Jesus! Another thing for His followers to talk about! The proud Pharisees were astonished a t the cure, but because this miracle had been done on the Sabbath, they tried to show that Jesus was a sinner. They called the young man to them and questioned him. They would not believe that he had been blind from his birth. His parents were sent for, but they would not talk to the Pharisees. They were afraid they might be put
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out of the synagogue if they showed that they believed in Jesus' power to heal. So they said, "He is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself ." The Pharisees hardly knew what to do next. Everyone was talking about the wonderful miracle. The healed man was so joyful and thankful that he told his story to everyone he met. The Pharisees tried their best to silence him by saying, "Give God the praise." And then in sneering tones they spoke of Jesus. "We know that this man is a sinner." The man who had been healed could not understand all the arguments of the Pharisees, but he was sure of one thing. Jesus was a wonderful friend who had helped him. Bravely the man spoke, "One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." He was not afraid of the haughty Pharisees. He went on to say that it seemed strange to him that they could not understand who had made him see. Not since the world began, had anyone ever heard of a man opening the eyes of one who had been born blind. "If this man were not of God," he declared earnestly, "He could do nothing." The Pharisees were amazed and speechless a t his words. For a few minutes there was silence in the room. Then the frowning priests and rabbis gathered their robes about them. They shook off the dust from their feet as if they
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were afraid they might touch the man who dared to disagree with them. They were furious. How dare a mere beggar preach to them! They would never let him come t o the synagogue again. To the Jews this was a very serious punishment because they believed that anyone who was turned out of the synagogue could not be saved. When Jesus heard what had happened, He went looking for the young man. He knew that His new disciple might be discouraged, and He wanted to encourage him. When Jesus found him He asked, "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" The young man looked up into the face of Jesus for the first time. How kind and peaceful it was, compared with the troubled faces of his parents and the ugly, frowning faces of the Pharisees! But he did not know that Jesus was the Son of God. "Who is He, Lord, that I might believe on Him?" he asked eagerly. "Thou hast . . seen Him," said Jesus with a smile. "It is He that talketh with thee." The man knelt a t Jesus' feet. Reverently he exclaimed, "Lord, I believe."

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The Good Shepherd
In the land of Palestine it was a common t h i n g to see a shepherd with his flock. He watched the sheep as they fed in the green fields. He led them to water when they were thirsty. In the evening he gathered them all together in some safe place. Often this was a small pen that would keep out the wolves. If this pen did not

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have a gate which could be closed, the shepherd himself would lie down in the opening. Then if any wild animal tried to disturb the sheep, the shepherd would waken and protect them. Sometimes in a search for food the sheep would wander over rocky hills, through forests, and into deep ravines. Always the shepherd went with them, protecting them, caring for the sick or wounded, and shielding them from robbers. The sheep knew him so well that they would come when he called them by name. Jesus wanted His disciples to think of Him a s their Shepherd. Then every time they saw a flock of sheep they would remember that He was caring for them.

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To teach the lesson, Jesus told his disciples a story of a shepherd. When this shepherd counted his sheep in the evening, he found one missing. It was stormy, and he must find the sheep or it would die in the cold. So out into the dark he went to hunt for it. How happy he was when, from the distance, he finally heard a faint cry! Following the sound, he climbed over dangerous places a t the risk of his own life and finally found his lost sheep. He was not angry with it because it had become lost; instead, he was so happy to find it that he carried it back to the fold in his arms. When he reached his home he called in his neighbors to share his happiness. "Rejoice with me," he said, "for I have found my sheep." Jesus wanted His followers to remember that He was the Shepherd who came to search for the lost. He wanted them to remember, too, that there is great joy in heaven when one who has wandered away from God is found and returns to the heavenly Father.

The Rule for Eternal Life

One 'day a s Jesus was teaching the people, a lawyer in the audience stood up to ask a question. "Master," he said, "what shall I do t o inherit eternal life?" Eternal life! That was what all the people wanted. They leaned forward t o hear w h a t Jesus would say. The lawyer's question was one for which all were seeking an answer. But instead of an answer, Jesus had a question for the lawyer. "What is written in the law?" He asked. He knew that the lawyer prided himself on knowing the law-both the law of God and the laws and rules which the priests and rabbis had made. Many of the people found it impossible to remember all the hundreds and hundreds of man-made rules concerning what to eat, 'now to wash, with whom to talk, and how much offering to give. Jesus wanted them to understand t h a t all these regulations and ceremonies would never save them. God's plan for finding eternal life was much simpler than that. In answer t o Jesus' question, the lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor a s thyself." Jesus saw the people look a t each other in
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surprise. Was this the answer to the great question of salvation? Some men had spent their lifetime studying and searching for the answer. Had the lawyer put it into one sentence? Then Jesus spoke: "Thou h a s t answered right," He agreed. "This do, and thou shalt live." Here was the secret of how to live now and in the earth made new: "Love . . thy God; and thy neighbor." But now the lawyer had another question. He knew that the Jews considered themselves to be better than the people of the nations around them. He knew how they hated the Samaritans and others who did not worship a s the Jews did. These people were not allowed even to visit the Jewish people in their homes, and never were they permitted to enter the temple. Should he love them? So he asked of Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" In replying to the lawyer, Jesus used a story to teach what it really means to have love in our hearts for others. This story is found in Luke, chapter 10, verses 30-37.

A Selfish Question
One day a s Jesus was talking with the people, another man pushed to the front of the crowd. He had a question to ask the Master, and he did not want anyone t o stop him. The law said that after a man's death, his property was to be divided among his sons, the oldest receiving more than the others. The man coming to Jesus felt that he had not been treated fairly, that his brother had selfishly kept the best of the possessions for himself. It did not occur t o this man that he was equally selfish and greedy. Determined t o have justice, he came to Jesus and demanded, "Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me." "Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?" exclaimed Jesus. He had not come to the world to be a lawyer, though He knew what was right in the case. Since He knew also that the men were both covetous, He added a little advice. He warned them to be on their guard against selfishness. He explained that a good life is made up of more than just the things a person owns. To illustrate His meaning, Jesus told this story: "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully," said Jesus. Each day the sunshine had warmed the ground, or the rain had
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...

watered the plants. The whole crop had grown with the blessing of God. When the harvest was gathered, the wealthy owner looked a t his storehouses. They were all full. He had more grain than he had room in which to store it. While he was wondering what to do with the grain, he remembered the poor widows and orphans near his home. They were often hungry because they had no one to help them. He could give them all they would need without missing it from his great supply. There were others, too, such as people who were too poor to pay the
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doctors when they were ill. He could easily help them, also. The rich man sat there, thinking of the good he could do. Tl-aen he seemed to hear another voice whispering to him. He had worked hard for his wealth. Let others do the same! Forgetting that he owed his riches to God, he selfishly decided to keep all his harvest for himself. But if he kept it, what would he do with all the grain? At last he thought of a plan. "This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater," he said, "and there w7ill I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." He thought of himself as a good businessman, one who planned wisely. But he did not plan far enough into the future. Instead of using his wealth so that it would store up treasure in heaven for him, he was storing his riches on earth. At the most he could have only a few short years to enjoy his wealth. He had less time than anyone knew. That same night the Judge of all men looked down on the selfish landowner and said to him, "This night thy soul sl~allbe required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
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RD

When Jesus finished the story, He turned to His disciples with a special message. He wanted them to know that God cares for those who store their treasure in heaven. He hoped they would learn to trust their heavenly Father for all things they needed. Looking about Him a t the birds He said, "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?" He glanced down a t the flowers blooming a t His feet. "Consider the lilies how they grow," He said. "They toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory And seek was not arrayed like one of these. . not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink. . . Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." Jesus did not directly answer the question of the selfish brothers. Not one word had He said about how they should divide their property. But when they left Him that day they had some new and different ideas to think about:

..

Consider the ravensConsider the ZiliesYour Father knoweth what ye needSeek ye first the kingdom of heaven.

T h Two Worshipers
Time after time Jesves' lessons were told a s stories. His listeners were to discover the meaning for themselves. When Jesus wanted to teach the people a lesson about the lriiid of prayer that God will hear, He tald the following story. It was the hour of prayer, and the temple courts were open for the vrorshipers. Through the group of people strode an important-looking man. He was a Pharisee who knew well the rules for quiet, reverent worship; but he pushed his way to the center of the court where he could be seen and heard by all. He arranged his robes so that all thcjr beautiful coloring would show. Then, spreadii~ghis am?s and holding his head high, he offerecl his prayer in loud tones. '(God, I thank Thee, that I am not a s other men are," he said. "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.''

Oh, how ~)rc,uclhe was 01 himself and his good deeds! It was true that this Pharisee did dzys. But pay tithe aild observe all the f a s ~ doing goocl things will not makc a good heart. In his prorzcl heart he though1 t h a t he was better than other men. IIe was thinking of what he did rather than ~f what God wanted him to be. F a r over in one comer of the court was another worshiper. He knew that he needed God's help and forgiveness. He stood quiet and alone, feeling hunable and sad a s he rcn1embeised his mistakes and sins. W e thought, too, of how much God must love him to be willing to forgive him. Bowing his head, he prayed reverently, "God be merciful to me a sinner." This humble man had learned the truth of the verse: "If we confess our sins, Ile is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." In telling this story to His disciples, Jesus said, 'T tell you, this man went dowii to his house justified rather than the other."

An Unwise Choice
Questions, questions, questions. People were always asking Jesus about something puzzling. Some people were sincere in their questions; others were only trying to trap Him. But when a rich young ruler came with a question, Jesus knew a t once that here was one person who really wanted to know the truth. The young man knelt before the Saviour and asked, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" "Why callest thou Me good?" Jesus asked. "There is none good but One, that is God." He wondered if the one kneeling before Him really thought that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus went on to say that the only way to have eternal life is to keep God's commandments. He mentioned several that show man's duty to his fellow men:
"Thou shalt not steal." "Thou shalt not bear false witness." "Honor thy father and thy mother." "Love thy neighbor as thyself."

"All these things have I kept from my youth up," the ruler exclaimed. He had been taught the law, and all his life he had tried to keep every commandnlent. Yet he was not satisfied.

In his heart he felt a great longing for something more. He had seen Jesus bless the little children. He wanted Jesus' blessing, too. "What lack I yet?" he asked earnestly. When Jesus saw that the young man was really in earnest He loved him. But Jesus knew exactly what was wrong. It was the way the young man loved his money. That was more precious to him than anything else in the world. It was his idol. "If thou wilt be perfect," Jesus told him gently, "go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou slaalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me." Sell all his possessions? Give away his inoi~ey?Why, he needed those things for himself. The young man rose to his feet. No! He could never do what the Master asked. It would be wonderful, he thought, to have heavenly treasure, but he wanted earthly treasure a s well. Eternal life cost too much. Slowly, sorrowfully, he turned his back on the Saviour and His love, and went away alone.

The Sorrow That Turned to Joy

One of Jesus' most faithful disciples was a man named Lazarus, who lived in Bethany. Often when Jesus was tired He went to rest in the quiet, comfortable home which Lazarus shared with his two sisters, Mary and Martha. These friends always made Jesus welcome and greatly enjoyed His visits with them. One day when Jesus was working in another part of the country, the sisters a t Bethany sent Him a message. "Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick," they said. They expected Jesus to hurry to Bethany a s fast a s He could. Anxiously they waited for Him to come. As long a s there was a breath of life left in Lazarus, Mary and Martha prayed and watched for Jesus. When the messenger returned, he was alone. Jesus had not come with him. But he had sent a message telling that this sickness would not would live end in death. The hope that Lazaru.~ grew stronger in the hearts of the two sisters. They told the suffering Lazarus about Jesus' words of comfort and courage. But in spite of their hopes, Lazarus grew steadily weaker. A t last his eyes closed in death. Oh, how Mary and Martha wept for their beloved brother! How disappointed they were that Jesus had not come! When Jesus heard about the sickness of
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Lazarus, He did not show the sorrow He felt. For two more days He made no effort to go to Bethany. This was hard for the disciples to understand. They were all deeply troubled. Why did Jesus not hurry to Bethany? What a comfort He could be to Mary and Martha! After waiting the two days, Jesus said to the disciples, "Let us go into Judea again. . . . Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." His words of love and sympathy quieted the disciples' troubled feelings. They knew now that Christ had not forgotten His friends. But the disciples still did not understand. They thought Jesus meant the natural sleep of taking rest. So they said to Him, "Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well." But Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead." Then He invited them to go with Him to Bethany. On the way, a s usual, Jesus took time to heal the sick and to help those in need. When they finally reached the town, He sent a message to Mary and Martha, telling them He had come. He did not want to go to the house for it was full of friends and hired mourners. When Martha had received His message, she quietly slipped out and went a t once to Jesus. In His face she saw the same love that had always been there. She could not understand why He had not come sooner; and she cried out, "Lord, if
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Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." Jesus was sorry to see her so sad; and He said, "Thy brother shall rise again." Not knowing just what He meant, Martha could think only of the long time before she expected to see Lazarus again. "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection a t the last day," she replied. Then Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life." Martha did not yet understand. Still puzzled, she went back to call her sister, whispering to her, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee." As Mary got up to go to Jesus, the mourners in the room followed her. They thought she was going to the grave. Wnen she reached the place where Jesus was waiting, she said, just as Martha had, "Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." Gently He asked, "Where have ye laid him?" "Come and see," they said; and together they walked to the grave, which was a cave with a stone laid against the opening of it. As Jesus watched the sisters and friends weeping for their loved one, He wept with them. Then He said, "Take ye away the stone." But Martha spoke up quickly so that the stone would not be moved. She did not want Jesus to see Lazarus now. Jesus, however, insisted. "Said I not unto
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T h e Little Man Who Became

Great
thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"He asked. His commaiid was obeyed. The stoiie was rolled away. There was the grave, open and silent. There lay the body of Eazarus. Everything was quiet. Everyolie waited to see what would happen. J e s u s stood before t h e open door. Then He stepped closer; and, raising His eyes toward heaven, He said, "Father, I thank Thee t h a t Thou hast heard Me." He then called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." Every eye watched tlie entrance to the cave, Every ear listened for the slightest sound. There was a stir in the silent grave. Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, stood alive in the door of the tomb. He was not pale or sick or weak. He was now well and strong. A t first the people were speechless. Even though they had seen i t with their own eyes, they could hardly believe t h a t such a thing could really happen. Then the sisters, with tears of joy, began t o thank Jesus for giving their brother back t o them. The other people joined them with shouts of rejoicing and thanksgiving. The Saviour's greatest miracle had been performed. His claim to be the Son of God had been proved indeed!
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A great multitude of people had gathered in the streets of Jericho. Word had come that Jesus was passing through their city on His way to Jerusalem. Everyone wanted to see this Man about whom they had heard so much. Zacchaeus, who lived in Jcricho, wanted to see Him, too. But he was so short he could not see over the heads of the people in the great throng. In front of him and behind him and all around him were people taller than he. There certainly was 110 use in asking anyone to help, for no one liked him. Hc was a publican who had grown rich collecting taxes. He had made much of his fortune by cheating the people. Since he was working for the hated Romans, the Jews would have little to do with him. There was Zacchaeus i11 that crowd without any friends. But he must see Jesus! Suddenly a good idea came to him. Making his way out of the crowd and running ahead of them, he climbed up into a sycamore tree. There, high above the street and the moving crowd below, Zacchaeus could see all that went on. Perched safely among the leafy branches, he waited for the great Man to come. He was thrilled and excited a s he watched and waited
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for his first sight of the much-talked-of Teacher. While he waited and watched, Zacchaeus thought about his own life. He knew he had done wrong, but he was not really a s bad a s the people supposed him t o be. As the words of Christ had been told to him, he had felt a great longing to be a better man. Already he had started to pay back those he had cheated. One by one he had begun to visit the people he had wronged. To each one of them he had given back four times as much a s he had taken. But such a thing was so uncommon that many of the people laughed and made fun of Zacchaeus. They did not understand what he was trying to do. They thought that he was trying to trick them again in some way.
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This made it very hard for Zacchaeus to do what he knew was right. He felt that even one look a t Jesus' face would help. That was why he was so eager as he looked down from among the green limbs of the sycamore tree. As t h e crowd about Jesus came nearer, Zacchaeus searched to find the One he most wanted to see. The priests and rabbis were there, talking to Jesus in loud, boastful voices. The people were shouting their words of welcome. But above all that noise, the unspoken wish of the friendless taxgatherer touched the heart of Jesus. Suddenly, under the svcamore tree. - . right "

Jesus stopped and looked up. Seeming to read every thouglit in the publican's heart, He called out, 'Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide a t thy house." Zacchaeus could hardly believe his eyes. He could hardly believe his ears. Was he dreaming that the great Jesus had seen him and spoken to him? Why sliould Jesus want to stay a t his house? Zacchaeus did not wait for an answer to his questions. Quickly he scrambled down out of the tree, the crowd making room for him. Gladly he welcomed Jesus, and then, walking as in a dream, he led the way toward his own home. When the people saw what was happening, they began to complain. With scowling faces the rabbis watched every move. Scornfully they told each other that Jesus was going to be the guest of a man that was a sinner. Before entering his home with Jesus, Zacchaeus made a confession before all the people. "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor," he said, "and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." Zacchaeus had seen his sin and confessed it. He had tried to right his wrongdoing and change his life. Because of this Jesus gave him a blessing, saying, "This day is salvation come to this house."

UNIT VII

I Lessons of

Mary's Gift
She cradled it carefully in her hands-a small white box filled with fragrant perfume. It was such a little thing, but it held her choicest gift for the Master, and she wanted to give it to Him a t once. So Mary hurried with her box down the cobblestone street that led to Simon's house. This was the day that Simon was giving a great feast in honor of Jesus, the One who had cured him of leprosy. Mary quickened her steps a s she thought of seeing Jesus again. She would have another opportunity to hear more of His wonderful stories and lessons. Quietly and almost unnoticed, Mary sat down to listen and to watch the Saviour. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought of how graciously He had forgiven her many sins. Then her gaze wandered to her brother Lazarus. He was alive and well because of what Jesus had done. Oh, how much she owed the Master! And now they said that Jesus was about to be crowned King. It would be wonderful to have Him as King of the Jews. Suddenly she rose to her feet, the alabaster box in her hands. She would be the first to honor the coming King. No longer would she wait to offer Him her gift of love.

With one quick motion she broke the beautiful box and poured the fragrant perfume on the head and feet of Jesus. Then in love and adoration she knelt a t His feet. Her tears brimmed over, and Mary wept. So quietly, so timidly, had she done her deed of love that no one but Jesus seemed to notice a t first. But soon over that crowded room there drifted a sweet and lovely fragrance. It was the odor of spikenard, a perfume used a s gifts for kings. All eyes turned toward the Saviour, and everyone knew instantly of Mary's act of love. But Judas-selfish, greedy Judas-began to complain, "To what purpose is this waste?" He went slyly from one to another of the disciples near him, whispering his clever, wicked thoughts. "This ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor," he declared. Judas did not really care about the poor people, but to talk like this seemed a good way to cover up his own stealing. He was the treasurer for the disciples, and many times he had secretly stolen from their moneybag for his own use. Greedily he thought of all the things he could have had for himself with the money the perfume cost. His whisperings deceived the disciples, and they, too, felt that Mary's act was a waste of money. "Let her alone," Jesus said. "For the poor always ye have with you; but Me ye have not
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always." He did not scold Judas for his wrongdoing, but the look which He cast upon him made Judas sure that Christ read every one of his evil thoughts. Some way, some time, he would get even with Jesus for that. As the evening passed and the visiting among the friends continued, Judas thought of a plan. That night, when he left the supper, he did not join the other disciples, but slipped off into the darkness by himself. In the hushed stillness of night he made his way to Jerusalem. Within the palace of the high priest a secret meeting was in progress. Priests and rulers were there, and the room hummed with their excited talk. Something must be done with Jesus of Nazareth, and done soon! He was becoming entirely too popular. His latest miracle, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, had made the matter even worse. Everywhere Jesus went now, the crowds received Him eagerly and believed all

that He said. Soon, the priests and rulers told each other angrily, no one would listen to them a t all; no one would respect their authority. They must do away with both Lazarus and Jesus. But, how? The people would never let them touch Jesus. There would be riots in Jerusalem if they tried that. Besides, what would the Romans do? Back and forth the priests and rulers argued, but not even the slyest of them could think of a safe way to take Jesus. Suddenly there came a knock on the door. Someone opened it, and there stood Judas. The members of the council eyed him suspiciously. But their suspicions turned to glee as Judas offered to betray Jesus into their hands. In his heart, Judas did not believe that Jesus would really allow His enemies to arrest Him. Judas hoped that his plan would force Jesus to become King of the Jews. Then he himself would have a high place of honor in the kingdom. So Judas felt that he was making a sharp bargain with the priests. In a cold, hard voice he asked, "What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you?" Just as coldly the priests bargained with Judas. Thirty pieces of silver-that was their offer. It was enough for Judas. Well satisfied, the man who would sell the Son of God for the price of a few sheep, went out into the darkness- alone.
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The Uncrowned King

Two men were talking together excitedly a s they entered the city gates of Jerusalem. They looked anxiously about a s they pushed their way through the Passover crowds that filled the narrow streets. They seemed to be searching for something or someone. Soon one of the men grasped his friend's arm and pointed in the direction of a small building. The other man nodded, and both hurried toward it. Tied to a post outside the building was a young colt, and the men began to unfasten it. As they worked to loosen the rope, the owners came out and asked the men what they were doing, Pointing to the colt, the two men answered, "The Lord hath need of him." Then the men explained that they were disciples of the Man whom they believed to be the Son of God. They said that Jesus had sent them on this errand. He had told them exactly where to find the colt. He had asked that they take the animal back to Him. The owners said that the colt was not trained and had never been ridden. But they agreed a t once that the disciples should take it t o Jesus a s He had asked. No money was offered by the disciples. None was asked by the owners.

Quickly the two men started on their way, leading the young colt behind them. Here and there they stopped just long enough to talk for a few seconds with friends they chanced to meet. Excitedly they told of their high hopes that Jesus was going to make Himself King that very day. The news spread from one end of the city to the other. The people's hopes reached the very highest possible pitch. They flocked out through the city gates and followed the two disciples back to Jesus. With a gladness they had never felt before, the disciples spread some of their own clothes on the colt's back and seated Jesus upon it. A loud shout of triumph went up from the people. The crowd hailed Him a s the Messiah, their King. Never before had Jesus accepted special attention like this from the people. Everyone was sure that Jesus was ready a t last to make Himself King and free His people from the hated Romans. Ideas of the Roman armies' being driven out of Jerusalem filled nearly all minds. Everyone was happy and excited, each one trying t o show some special honor to Jesus. They had no royal banners to wave, but they had nature's leafy branches with which to greet their King. They had no costly gifts to offer, but they made a carpet of their coats and other wraps. All worshiped Him with real love.

As the procession moved on, i t was joined by hundreds of people from the city who wanted to welcome the king. Soon they, too, were waving palm branches and singing, "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord." Never before had such a procession taken place. The blind whose sight Jesus had restored were leading the way. The dumb whose tongues He had loosed shouted the loudest hosannas. The cripples He had healed ran for joy, waving branches before Him. The lepers I-Ie had cured spread their clean garments in His path. Some whom He had raised from death were in the company. Lazarus, whose body had lain four days in the grave, led the animal on which Jesus rode.

Filled with envy, the Pharisees did everything they could t o stop the procession. Failing to silence the people, they said angrily to Jesus, ('IYIaster, rebuke Thy disciples." But Jesus answered, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." It was in God's plan that the people's attention should be turned to Jesus a t this time, and no one could stop it. Soon the procession came to the top of the hill. From there the throng could see Jerusalem, beautiful now in the light of the sinking sun. The center of all interest was the temple. In beauty it towered above everything else a s if pointing to heaven and the only true God. Now

the sun tinted the sky, its glory lighting up the pure white marble of the temple wall, and sparkling on its gold-capped pillars. From where Jesus and His followers stood, it appeared like a great building of snow, tipped with gold. As Jesus loolred a t this scene, the people hushed their shouts, spellboui~dby the sudden vision of beauty. All eyes turned toward Him, for they expected Him to share their feelings of joy. But instead of this they saw His eyes fill with tears. Jesus was not weeping because of His own suffering so soon to come. He was thinking of the trouble that would come to the people of Jerusalem because they had refused to believe that He was the Son of God. If the Jews had followed God's plan for His people, they would have been free and great among the nations. There would ha7ze been no Roman banners waving from the walls of Jerusalem. Sadly, Jesus told the people about some of the troubles that were to come to them. As the sun was sinking out of sight, the great procession started on toward Jerusalem. It was met by the rulers who had heard what was happening. Afraid t h a t Jesus would be made king, they hoped to stop Him. As they came to Jesus upon the colt they asked, "Who is this?" Back came the answer of the people: "This
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is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." The disciples, too, had an answer. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they repeated many of the prophecies concerning Jesus :
S7ziloh of the tsaibeof Judah, the Messiah, the Pri~zceof Pence, the Lord our Rightcoz~sness, the ?nigl~ty God, Father. the everlasti~tg

But the priests and rulers would not accept such answers. Angry and amazed they tried to silence the people. Then, turning to the Roman officers, Jesus' enemies accused Him of trying to start war against the government. The calm voice of Jesus hushed the noisy crowd. He told them that He had not come to be King on this earth. He was going back to heaven, and they would not see Him again until He came the second time. His words caused the officers and rulers to argue noisily among themselves. The people turned from them and looked for Jesus to crown Him King. But they could not find Him. Nowhere in the crowd was the kindly Teacher. Nowhere among them was the Man on the colt. Jesus and His disciples had slipped away to worship in the quietness of the temple. Then, unnoticed and alone, they left the city and made their way along the road to Bethany.

of these were frightened and turned back when the priests told them what had happened. But many went on inside determined to see the Saviour. After a time the priests and the rulers began t o recover from their fright. They became curious to know what Jesus was doing in the temple. Quietly they started back inside. As they entered the sacred building they stood speechless before a wonderful scene. They saw that Jesus had healed the sick, had made the blind see, and the deaf hear. Gone was the noise and the confusion. No more was there the noise of arguing, the lowing of cattle, or the clinking of coin upon coin. Instead, the sounds of children's happy voices filled the air. The temple echoed with a beautiful song of love and of praise to God.
"Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the Lord: God is the Lord, which hath showed us light: . Thou a r t m y God, and I will praise Thee: Thou a r t my God, I will exalt Thee. 0 give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: For His mercy endureth foi'ever."

A Story for the Priests

The next time Jesus came into the temple, the priests and elders gathered around Him and demanded, "By what authority doest Thou these things? and who gave Thee this authority?" Jesus looked a t them calmly and replied, "I also will ask you one thing." He told them that if they would answer His question He would tell them what authority He had for doing as He did. "The baptism of John, whence was i t ? from heaven, or of men?" He asked. The priests did not dare answer that question, for the people believed that John was a prophet from God. If they said John was not a prophet, the people would turn against them. If they said that he was sent by God, Jesus could say, "Why did ye not then believe him?" Jesus stood waiting patiently for the puzzled priests to answer. The people, too, were waiting to hear what the leaders would say. They must say something. "We cannot tell," they finally admitted. "Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things," declared Jesus. He knew that He had only a few more days to do all that was left to do before He died. If only there were some way to make the leaders
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. .

...

Once more God's temple was a house of prayer.

see that they were throwing away their only hope for eternal life! Their forefathers in t h e Old Testament times had beaten the prophets of God. They had stoned and killed those who had been sent to warn them to turn from their wicked ways. Now the priests and rulers were plotting to kill the Son of God Himself. Was there no way to make them see their mistake? Jesus decided to tell them a story about a landowner who planted a vineyard. This landowner was careful to plant t h e vineyard in a good place and give it the best care he could. He wanted this vineyard to bear much fruit for him. Then, because he had to leave the country for a time, he chose a number of men whom he felt he could trust to care for the vineyard and send him a certain part of the crop a t harvesttime. All went well until time for the grapes to ripen. Then the owner sent servants to get the share that belonged to him. The men he had left to care for the vineyard had decided among themselves that they would keep all the fruit. When the servants came, these wicked men beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. The master waited for the servants to return. When they did not come back, he sent another group, larger than he had sent a t first. But the men in charge of the vineyard treated them in

the same way they had treated the first servants. At last the owner sent his own son. When the wicked men saw the son coming, they said among themselves, "This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours." So saying, they took the son of the great man and killed him. The priests had listened, curiously a t first. Before Jesus finished, they were really interested. They forgot that they had come to trap Jesus. They could think only of the wicked men in the story. Then Jesus asked, "What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do?" Without hesitation, the priests answered, "He will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others." No sooner had they answered than the priests and rulers looked a t each other in horror. Jesus' story had been about them! They were t h e husbandmen. Jesus was the beloved son. There could be no doubt of His meaning. Looking with pity upon them, Jesus went on, "The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof ." The priests recognized the warning, but they refused to heed it. Instead, they grew even more determined that Jesus must die.

The Wedding Garment

One day Jesus started telling a parable to His disciples by saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son." The palace was made spotless, and it was beautifully decorated with flowers and green plants. Many kinds of food were cooked, bread and cakes were baked, lovely fruits were brought in from the gardens, and the wine was made ready. Seats were all arranged, and the musicians were called in. When everything had been prepared, the king sent his servants to call the guests. But not one of them came to the feast. The king and his son were waiting for their guests, so other servants were sent out to call them again: "All things are ready: come unto the marriage." But again not one of the people would respond. They even made fun of the king's invitation as they went on their different ways. One went back to his farm; another went to his little store. The rest of the invited guests seized the king's servants and beat them very cruelly, even killing some of them. When the king heard what had happened, he became very angry. He sent his soldiers to destroy those murderers and to burn their city.
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Then the king gathered more of his servants around him and said, "The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and a s many a s ye shall find, bid to the marriage." Then while the cooks kept the food warm, and the musicians practiced, the king and his son waited. Soon guests began to arrive. Young and old, rich and poor, good and bad, from the streets and lanes the servants brought them. At last the great palace hall was filled. To each guest the king gave a beautiful wedding garment. By wearing these lovely clothes, the guests showed their respect for the king. By and by, a s the king was looking over the guests, he noticed that one man did not have on wedding clothes. He had refused to wear the expensive garment the king had given him. "Friend, how camest thou in . . . not having a wedding garment?" the king asked. But the man had nothing to say. So the king ordered his servants to bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the darkness. God, the great King, has invited everyone to be His guest in heaven. As the earthly king's guests were asked to wear a special wedding garment, so God's people are asked to do certain things to show their love and respect for Him.
They will keep His commandments. They zvill love their fellow men.
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A Hard Question
Every time that Jesus went to the temple to talk with the people, the Pharisees were there, too. They tried their best to force Jesus into saying something that would turn the people against Him. Finally, they were sure that a t last they had thought of the very question they needed. No matter how Jesus answered i t they could make trouble for Him. The Jews were always arguing about whether or not they should pay the tax that the Romans put upon them. The Jews hated their Roman rulers. Why not ask Jesus? If Jesus said it was their duty to pay taxes, the people would be angry with Him, and would find an excuse to arrest Him for being disloyal to their country. But if He said that they should not pay the taxes, someone could tell Herod. Then Herod would see to i t that Jesus was arrested for stirring up a rebellion against Rome.

Surely this time they could not fail, they thought. To be even more certain that their scheme would work, they did not send the old priests to Jesus. He might recognize them. They would send young men who would seem to be searching for truth. Pretending to have great respect for Jesus, the men came to Him as He taught the people. They tried to cover the wickedness and envy in their hearts by using flattering words. "We know that Thou a r t true, and teachest the way of God in truth," they began. "Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?" Eagerly they waited to see what Jesus would say. To their surprise, He replied, "Bring Me a penny, that I may see it." Someone handed Him a Roman penny. "Whose is this image?" He asked, pointing to the picture on the coin. "Caesar's," they replied. Quietly Jesus said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." The men who had come to trick Jesus were dumbfounded. They had not supposed it was possible to answer their question so well. There was nothing more for them to say, and they turned back to report another failure to the priests and rulers.

The Great Commandment

The Pharisees had failed many times. Still they did not give up trying to find something they could use against Jesus. Question after question had been asked Him in the hope of hearing some answer with which they could accuse Him. At last they thought of a new question. To make certain that they did not fail again they were very careful in choosing the person who was to ask Jesus the question. They finally persuaded one of their best lawyers to do this for them. He was well read in the law, so it should be easy for him to ask a question which would make trouble for Jesus. Going to Jesus, he asked directly, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" The first four commandments tell of man's duty to God. The Pharisees taught that these were more important than the last six, which deal with man's duty to his fellow men. As a result, the Jews had many, many rules about Sabbath-keeping, tithe-paying, and other duties which made their worship of God more of a burden than a pleasure. At the same time, they had failed in caring for the poor and sick who needed help. Jesus had given an example of kindness and pity for those in trouble. Perhaps
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He would say the last six were the greatest. Jesus knew what was in the minds of the men who had sent the lawyer. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," He replied a t once. "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." All of the Ten Commandments Jesus had put into two short sentences, which give the principle of love to God and love to men. One cannot be kept without the other. When we love God a s we should, we cannot help loving our neighbors. Jesus wanted the Jews to see that true keeping of the commandments is not keeping many separate laws, feeling that some are more important than others. True commandment-keeping will be shown in complete obedience t o God because we love Him and others more than ourselves. The lawyer who had asked the question was surprised that Jesus, who had never gone t o the temple schools, could put the whole law into two simple rules. Even though he knew that
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the priests and rulers would be angry with him, he admitted that Jesus had said the truth. "There is one God; and there is none other but He," the lawyer said. "And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor a s himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." This answer made the priests angry. It was the Passover season, and many hundreds were bringing their burnt offerings and sacrifices. The priests encouraged this practice, for they made riches for themselves in the money-changing. The heart of Jesus was touched by the words of this lawyer who had dared to face the frowns and threats of the rulers to give an honest answer. Jesus said to him, "Thou a r t not f a r from the kingdom of God."

A Gift to Be Remembered
In the court of the temple stood great treasure chests. Each one had a small opening in the top through which the people dropped their gifts for God's house. From a seat near these chests, Jesus watched a s men and women, boys and girls, brought their offerings for the Lord. Rich men in their beautiful robes swept by, carrying bags filled almost to bursting with coins. Many brought their large gifts, however, not because they wanted to show their appreciation for all God had done for them, but

because they loved the praise of men. So, going to the treasure chests, they emptied their moneybags with great pride, making sure that everyone saw what they were doing. Then they strutted away very well satisfied with themselves, while others watched in awe. Jesus watched t h e scene sadly, but said nothing about even the largest gift of all. Then suddenly He smiled. A woman was standing by one of the treasure chests. Her clothing was old and worn, of the kind that widows usually wore. When some of the other people noisily tossed their money into the chest, she shrank back timidly as if dreading to have anyone see her.

In her hand the widow held a tiny offering -just two small coins. She had brought her gift, not to be admired by others, but because she loved God. She had done without necessary food in order to bring it. She had faith to believe that God would take care of her, and this gift was her way of saying Thank You for all He had already done. She looked down a t the coins in her hand. Her gift was so small compared with those that others had given! Yet it was all that she had. For a time she waited. Then, when she thought no one was looking, she hurriedly threw in her little offering. But Someone did see her -Someone who was kind-Someone who understood. As she turned to leave, she saw Jesus looking a t her. She heard Him say to His friends, "This poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." Tears of joy filled her eyes a s she saw that her gift of love was understood and appreciated. "All that she had." The words echoed and re-echoed in the minds of His hearers. Other lessons might be forgotten, but this one remained. Her little gift became the only one that is always remembered. That tiniest gift of all became the greatest blessing.

Visitors From the West

Jesus was leaving the temple for the last time. He knew that His life on earth was almost finished. It looked as if His work had been a failure. There were so few- so very few-who believed what He had tried to teach. He had proved that He was the Saviour. He had answered every hard question asked by the sly Pharisees. He had shown His divine power by miracle after miracle. He had show11 His love and His patience. But He knew, and so did His disciples, that neither priests nor Pharisees would ever accept Him a s the Messiah. Philip had walked on ahead of Jesus. As the disciple walked through the outer court of the temple, some strangers stepped up to him. "Sir," they requested, "we would see Jesus." These men were Greeks. They had come from a far country t o learn about Jesus. They had heard of His miracles. They knew a little about the exciting day when He had entered Jerusalem riding as a king. They had heard that He had even driven the priests from the temple. Some people said that this Man was about to make Himself King. The Greeks had come to see Him for themselves. Quickly Philip turned back to find the Saviour for them. He met Andrew first, and i t did

not take the two men long to find Jesus and tell Him the words of the Greeks. The words came to Jesus like a ray of sunshine in the darkness and sorrow that He felt because His own people refused to accept Him. It comforted the Master to know that these men had come all the way from a foreign land to see Him. They had come from the West near the end of Jesus' life on earth, just as the wise men had come from the East a t His birth. It reminded Jesus that everyone, from east to west, would have the opportunity to be saved because of His death. With a glad heart He went out to talk with His visitors. Jesus wanted t o help these men. They thought of Him as a King. He knew that they would soon see Him treated as a criminal and put to the most shameful death. He wanted to prepare them for the things they would see and, a t the same time, show them something of the reason for it. He told them that He was soon to die. He
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told them why. He explained, "Except . wheat fall into the ground and die, i t abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." Only by His death could He destroy Satan's power and give people all over the world the opportunity to be saved. Jesus was willing to sacrifice His own life for them. He went on to tell His listeners that sacrifice was not for Him alone. Everyone who chose to work for Him would have to make sacrifices too. "He that loveth his life shall lose it," Jesus told His hearers, and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep i t unto life eternal." Then came words of encouragement. A wonderful promise was given to those who choose to serve God. "If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor." As Jesus talked, a mysterious cloud settled around Him. The Greeks listened and watched. They were hearing strange words this day. They were seeing strange sights. Jesus' words trailed off into silence, and He sat quietly thinking. If only these people could believe that He was God's own Son. In some way He must make them see that God was His Father. "Father," He prayed, "glorify Thy name." Instantly a voice spoke from the cloud above Jesus. "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." As the voice was heard, a brilliant light
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Jesus Is Coming Again

As Jesus and the disciples left the temple, they looked a t the beauty and strength of the great marble building. The disciples could not understand how such mighty walls could ever be broken down. But they had heard Jesus tell the priests and rulers that this very temple would someday lie in ruins. Some of the disciples pointed to the huge marble blocks in the temple walls and reminded Jesus how strong they were. Jesus knew their strength, but He said, "There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." The disciples were still puzzled by this statement, but said no more a s they followed the Master out of the city and to the Mount of Olives. Then Peter, John, James, and Andrew said to Jesus, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Quietly Jesus talked with them to answer their questions. He told them of many things t h a t would happen down through the years. Some of the things He told them were about Jerusalem and the temple. Others were about things to happen years and years later near the time of His second coming. He gave them signs

shone out of the cloud and circled Jesus like a wall of fire. The people looked a t Him in fear and amazement. Not a word was spoken. Silently, almost breathlessly, they watched this Man with the glorious light from heaven shining around Him. Slowly the light faded. The cloud lifted and was gone. Someone whispered t h a t i t had thundered. Others shook their heads. "An angel spake to Him," they breathed. But the Greeks knew better. They understood. They believed. They went away knowing that they had seen the Son of God.

that would show when His coming was near, so t h a t everyone could be ready. There would be many false prophets trying to deceive the people. There would be
wars and rumors of wars,
f anzines and earthquakes,

sorrow and death.

Jesus promised to be with His people through all these troubles. He said t h a t when all the people in every land had heard the story of salvation, the end of the world would come. Jesus continued, "They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Jesus told the disciples t h a t His second coming will be a happy time for those who are ready to meet Him. He has planned it so t h a t everyone on earth will see it happen. Away in the sky the heavens will open, and God's glory will shine down to the earth. A small cloud, dark a t first, will be seen in the east. This cloud, made up of shining angels, will grow brighter than the sun. In the very center of it will be a great white throne. There Jesus will sitKing of heaven and earth. Jesus stopped speaking and looked a t His disciples. He could see t h a t they were happy
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and that they longed for that great and wonderful day to come. Before they could ask their next question, Jesus said that He could not tell them the exact time He would return. "Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only," He explained. But He did give His disciples a special message to remember and to pass on to others. It is to keep ringing down through the years until Jesus comes : "Watch." "Watch theref ore : for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."
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The Five W h o Missed the Wedding

It was a balmy spring evening. The sun was sinking behind the mountain, and the sky glowed with its fading colors. Jesus and His disciples were alone on Mount Olivet. Often they chose this quiet spot on the mountainside to rest and talk together. They stretched out on the soft grass and looked down over the valley. Lights were twinkling in the homes below them, but one house especially caught their attention. It was brilliantly lighted, ready for guests to come to a wedding feast. Many of the guests had already arrived and were waiting for the bridegroom and his bride to come. Looking a t the scene Jesus told His disciples a story of ten bridesmaids. "Five of them were wise," He said, "and five were foolish." The foolish ones brought their lamps, but brought no extra oil with them. The sensible ones brought extra oil in their flasks. It was the custom in those days for the bridesmaids to stay with the bride a t her home. Here they waited until the bridegroom came to take them all to the wedding feast a t his home. These ten girls had been chosen to carry the lamps to light the way when the bride went
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to meet her husband. Each lamp had been cleaned and polished and filled with oil. As the group waited for the bridegroom to come, they laughed and chatted. Something delayed the wedding party, and hour after hour went by. One by one, the girls found comfortable places to rest and dropped off to sleep. Suddenly there was a great shout of excitement. The bridegroom and his friends were coming! The girls awoke and jumped to their feet. They hurried to get ready to meet the bridegroom. But the lamps! They were almost out, and the wicks were charred. The light was dim and weak. Quickly the girls turned up the wicks and trimmed them. The five girls who were without extra oil became alarmed. What could they do to keep their lamps burning? "Give us of your oil," they begged. But the other girls answered, "Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." So, five of the bridesmaids went hurrying off in the darkness to buy more oil, while the others stood smiling and ready. On came the wedding procession. Sounds of laughter and singing floated over the night air. A great shout went up. The bridegroom was coming nearer. The bride, surrounded by her five attendants with their gleaming lamps, walked happily out to meet him. Then the wedding
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party moved on toward the bridegroom's home and went in to eat the wedding supper. When the other five bridesmaids had found oil and filled their lamps, they hurried to the bridegroom's house. They found the door shut and the party already begun. They knocked on the door and cried, "Lord, Lord, open to us." What an answer came to them! "I know you not," replied the master of the feast sternly. The five girls could hear music and happy voices inside. They knew the people had gathered around t h e table. But they were l e f t outside, in the dark and empty street. They had got ready too late. The story was finished, but it was more than just a story. It was a lesson with a deep and very special meaning. Jesus had given His disciples a word picture. It described the experiences of His people who will live on the earth just before the time of His second coming. The five wise young women stand for those who show by the way they live and work that they love God more than anything in the whole world. The oil they carried represents the Spirit of God, who guides and directs in all they do. The five foolish girls picture those whose

religion is only a form or habit. They are church members, but they do not have enough oil. They do not love God enough to let His Holy Spirit control their lives completely. The lamps carried by the ten girls represent God's Word, which David long ago called "a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." In the story the bridegroom came in the middle of the night, when most people were fast asleep. Christ's coming, too, will be a t a time when few are looking for Him. The five girls who were ready for the bridegroom to come let their lights shine to welcome Him. So Christ's followers are to let their light shine for Him. Then a t His coming they can go out to meet Him, saying, "This is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us." "Watch therefore," Jesus once again repeated the words of warning He had given before, "for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." The lesson was clear. Long afterward the disciples remembered the Saviour's words and carried the message to all who would listen. "Watch, . . . for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
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Two Kinds of Workers

It was time for another story, one of the very last that Jesus told His disciples. There was once a man, Jesus' story began, who was going to a far-away country. Before he left he called his servants together. He gave instructions telling the things they should do while he was away. He wanted them to take care of his money, so he divided it among them. He did not give every servant the same amount. Instead, he gave each man as much as he could best use. He expected each one to put the share that had been given him to work to earn more.
To one nznn Ize gave five talents. To another he gave two tale~zts. T o the last man he gcrvc only one.

When everything was settled, t h e man started on his journey and the servants were left to go about their regular business. The first servant took his five talents and used them to earn five more. The man who had been given two talents did the same. With his talents he was able to earn two more. But the last man was different. He did not want to go to all the work of earning more money for his master. Besides, i t was such a small amount that had been given him. It scarcely seemed worth the effort. Surely the master

would not care if nothing was done with that one small talent. So, when no one was there to see, he took his talent, wrapped it carefully, and hid it in the earth. Weeks and months went by. Then one day the master came home. He called for his servants, and they came, each one bringing something. The first servant stepped up. In place of the five talents he had been given, he had ten to return to his master. The owner was pleased a t the faithful work of his servant. With a smile on his face he complimented the man. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," he said, "thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Satisfied and happy, the first servant turned away. He had done his best. He had his reward. Up stepped the second man. Instead of the two talents his master had- given him, he returned four. Again there was the pleased smile, the nod of approval. The same welcome words were spoken. The servant turned away happy. The time had come for the last servant to report. He walked up to his master and began to make excuses. "Lord, I knew thee that thou a r t a hard man," he whined. "And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth." Then, handing the master his one lone talent, the
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servant added, "There thou hast that is thine." The master had not expected as much from the one-talent man as he had from the others, but he did expect him to do his best. This servant had had the same chance to gain a s the others, but he had done nothing a t all. No master wants a servant like that, so the lazy man was dismissed a t once. Like all the other stories Jesus told, this one had a special meaning. It was to help the disciples understand that Jesus has a definite work for everyone to do while watching for His return. The man who was traveling into a f a r count r y represents Jesus, who was going back t o heaven. The servants are all the followers of Jesus. The talents represent the gifts and blessings that God gives to His people. Jesus taught by this story that everyone is given some special work to do. Just a s surely a s each one has his special work, God gives him also the ability to do it. But the servants must decide how they will use t h a t ability. Some, a s in the story, will use their talents well; others will do little or nothing. When Jesus returns, to which group will He say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord"?
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T o Be Like Jesus
Jesus knew that He did not have much longer to be with His disciples on earth. He knew, too, that the days ahead would be disappointing and sad to them. How could He help them most? Over and over again Jesus talked with His disciples. He wanted to help them understand the plan for His kingdom. He wanted them to look beyond the hard things of the present time to the glorious time when all who love Jesus will be with Him in the earth made new. One day Jesus told His disciples of His second coming. "When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him," He said, "then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, a s a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." All of the people in the whole world will be in one or the other of two classes when Jesus comes again to take His people home. Those on the left He will turn away. They will be the people who have had no thought for others. Because they have failed to care for

God's children who were in need, they have failed to care for Jesus. He will say to them, "It was I who was hungry and thirsty. It was I who was a stranger. It was I who was sick. It was I who was in prison. While you were feasting a t your bountifully spread table, I was famishing in the hovel or the empty street. . . . When you doled out the pittance of bread to the starving poor, when you gave those flimsy garments to shield them from the biting frost, did you remember that you were giving to the Lord of glory? All the days of your life I was near you in the person of these afflicted ones, but you did not seek Me. You would not enter into fellowship with Me. I know you not." On Jesus' right hand will be the ones who are to go home with Him to inherit the new earth. Jesus told the disciples that these will be the people who have shown their love for Him by giving Him food when He was hungry, by giving clothes when He was in need, by giving a drink when He was thirsty, and by caring for Him when He was sick. They have been so busy they have not had time to think of themselves. They will be surprised when Jesus tells them they have cared for Him. They will ask Him when they did so. Then Jesus will reply, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
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UNIT VIII

Jesus Serves His Friends

The last week of Jesus' life on earth was rapidly drawing to a close. Soon He Himself must become the Passover Lamb. The time for teaching the multitude was ended, but Jesus had many things yet to say to His own disciples. He wanted to be alone with them on this last evening. Because it was Thursday, the day for the preparation of the Passover that year, Jesus sent two of His disciples to Jerusalem to make the arrangements. "Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him," Jesus said. "He will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us." What strange directions! But the disciples had learned to do whatever Jesus asked, and they started off a t once toward Jerusalem. It did not take them long to reach one of the wells a t the edge of the city. There, just a s Jesus

had said, they found a man starting away with a jar of water on his shoulder. Hurrying to keep up, they followed the water-carrier. Presently the servant came to a high fence, unlatched the heavy gate, and entered the courtyard. The disciples reached the gate just a s it was slowly swinging shut. They knocked. Someone opened the door a little and asked what they wanted. When they explained their reason for being there, they were invited into the house. The two disciples busied themselves getting ready for the feast. They placed couches around the table in the upper room so that the group might rest a s they ate. The lamb was roasted and the herbs and unleavened bread prepared. In the evening a s they walked along the road from Bethany to Jerusalem the other disciples argued among themselves. In spite of all that Jesus had taught them, each man still wanted the highest position in the new kingdom which he felt sure Jesus was about to set up. Usually the disciples looked forward to and enjoyed the feasts which Jesus celebrated with them. But this time the distrust and jealousy in their hearts made them unhappy. They looked a t Jesus and saw that His face was troubled, too. When He spoke, His voice was sad. "I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer," He told them. "Before I suffer." The words startled the disciples. What did Jesus

mean? No harm should come to Him! They would protect Him, they thought. The disciples still looked for Him to set up a kingdom on earth, and their minds were filled with plans for earthly greatness. When Jesus and His friends entered the upstairs room, they found everything ready for the Passover. But Jesus was not happy. He saw the angry looks of His disciples, and heard their grumbling. He knew that He must t r y again to teach them that the truly great man is humble. This time He used a lesson they never forgot. Towels and water were ready, but no servant was there to wash the travelers' feet. For a time there was an embarrassing silence. None of the disciples was willing to do such a humble task. Each one was waiting for the other. Finally Jesus fastened a towel around His waist. He took a pan of water and knelt a t the feet of the nearest disciple. Silently Jesus began to wash the feet of Judas-Judas, who already

had sold his Lord for thirty pieces of silver. For an instant, as Jesus knelt humbly before him, Judas wanted to confess the whole miserable thing that he had done. Just for a moment he wanted to ask for forgiveness. But pride sealed his lips. The Master gave no hint that He knew what was in Judas's heart. Even yet He would gladly have forgiven the traitor; but Judas said nothing, and the Saviour went on to wash the feet of the other men. They were speechless with shame. They did not want their Master to do the work of a servant. When Peter's turn came, he asked, "Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?" Jesus replied that although Peter could not then understand the reason, he would learn by and by. "Thou s h a l t never wash my feet," Peter exclaimed. Jesus answered, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me." Peter could not bear the thought of being separated from Jesus. "Lord," he cried, "not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." He wanted to be entirely clean. Jesus told them that not only were their bodies to be clean, but also their hearts. Their sins must be washed away by the blood of Jesus, just as the dust was washed from their feet by the water. This was to be part of the service that would take the place of the Passover.
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16-D.B.D.

Lord's Supper was given so that His followers down through the years would remember His death. To eat the bread and drink the wine; to accept Jesus' love and believe in forgiveness of sins by His death-this He asked them to do. His words are for all His people in all ages:
"This do in remembrance of Me."

The Last Supper

After Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, He s a t down again a t the Passover supper table. He picked up one of the flat cakes of unleavened bread and blessed it. Then slowly He broke it into pieces. As He gave the bread to His disciples, He said, "Take, eat; this is My body." In front of Jesus stood a cup of grape juice, the Passover wine. Over it He offered a prayer of thanks. Then He passed it to the disciples, saying, "Drink ye all of i t ; for this is My blood, . . . which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." Silently the disciples ate the bread and drank the wine with their Master. In this simple way Jesus gave a new service for His believers to follow. Never again would they need to offer sacrifices or eat the Passover lamb. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, was about to make His great sacrifice. This service of the
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Among the disciples, listening and taking p a r t in t h e service, s a t Judas, the betrayer. Even a s he ate the bread and drank the wine, he was brooding about his evil plan. At the feet-washing service Jesus had said, "Ye are not all clean." These words made Judas sure that the Master knew his secret plans. As they were seated around the table, Jesus spoke out more plainly. Looking from one to another of the disciples, He said, "One of you shall betray Me." His words shocked the disciples. They looked closely a t each other, and then each one began to search his own heart. One after another they asked, "Is it I?" But Judas sat silent. Greatly troubled, John finally asked, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me." As He spoke He took a piece of bread and dipped it into a large bowl which held the main food of the meal. Just a s Jesus dipped His bread, Judas also took a piece of brea.d and

dipped it. Everyone looked at him, so he asked as the others had done, "Master, is it I?" In plain and simple words Jesus answered, "Thou hast said." Surprised and angry that Jesus would reveal his plan, Judas immediately got up to leave. Jesus turned and said to him, "That thou doest, do quickly." Judas did not answer. Out into the darkness of the night he went, alone. Not one of the other disciples knew why he left. Not one of them knew where he was going. Jesus turned back to the waiting disciples. They crowded close about Him, not wanting to miss a single word of His farewell message to them: "Little children, yet a little while I am with you. . . . Whither I go, ye cannot come. . . . A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another. . . . Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions. . . I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." This promise comforted the disciples. It was a message of hope and peace. Not once did

Jesus mention His own suffering and death. Not once did He speak of their soon-coming sorrow. Before leaving the upper room, the Saviour led His disciples in singing a song of praise. His voice was heard in the joyful notes of the Passover hymn :
'0 praise the Lord, all ye nations: Praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: And the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord."

As the last notes of the hymn died away into silence, Jesus spoke quietly to His disciples. "Rise up, let us go," He said. And out into the night they went-Jesus and His dearest friends.

The Lesson of the Vine

Jesus and the disciples had left the upper room. Through the crowded streets they walked, out of the city gate, and on toward the Mount of Olives. Jesus was thinking of what was to happen to Him. He was troubled, too, about His disciples. Knowing how greatly their faith would be tested that very night, Jesus said, "All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered." But Peter said to Him, "Although all shall be offended, yet will not I." Peter really meant

these words. It did not seem possible to him that there could be any trouble or danger that would make him forsake his Master. Jesus knew Peter's heart, and how weak he was when tempted, "I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice," He said. This shocked Peter, and he exclaimed, "If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise." Each one of the disciples said the same thing. They loved Jesus; they thought they would never leave Him. As they walked along in the bright moonlight, Jesus noticed a large grapevine growing beside the path. He would use this to help His disciples further understand what He had been trying to teach them. He knew that they did not yet truly realize the meaning of His plan to save the world. He must try once more to teach them that His kingdom was not an earthly government. Calling them to His side, Jesus pointed to the vine and said: "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

...

The disciples could think of nothing in this world they would rather ask than that Jesus remain with them. Perhaps He was not going to leave them after all! But Jesus read their thoughts and told them very plainly that He was about to leave them. He wanted to be certain that they understood what was going to happen and that they knew His heavenly Father would care for them. He wanted them to have the happiness that He had known. He said, "This is My commandment, That ye love one another, a s I have loved you." "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Once more He reminded them that the only way other men would know they were His disciples was by their actions. "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another," He said. When He had finished this last talk with them, Jesus lifted His eyes t o heaven and prayed for His disciples:
"Father, . . . I pray for them: . . . Which Thou hast given Me. . . . I have given them Thy word. . . . Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth . . . Neither pray I for these alone, But for them also which shall believe on Me Through their word."

In the Garden
The Passover moon soared high in the cloudless sky. Its light made little moving patterns under the leafy branches of the twisted olive trees which guarded Gethsemane. All evening Jesus had been talking earnestly with His disciples, trying to prepare them for the terrible scenes just ahead. But as they neared the garden, He became strangely silent. His mind was filled with sorrowful thoughts. In the beginning, the Father and the Son had agreed together that the Son should take man's sin so that man need not die. As the Saviour of the world, He must bear the burden of all sins. Even though He had never sinned, Jesus was willing to do this. But now, as the time of His death drew near, this burden seemed to shut Him away from the presence of God. It was not long until Jesus and His friends reached the entrance to the garden where Jesus had chosen to spend this last night before His sacrifice. There He left all but three of His disciples, asking them to pray for themselves and for Him. Then, with Peter, James, and John, Jesus went on into Gethsemane. The three disciples could see that their Master was troubled, and they looked a t Him anxiously.

"My soul is exceeding sorrowful," Jesus said to the three. "Tarry ye here, and watch with Me." He went on a little farther and in His grief fell, praying, to the ground. He feared that as a man He would be unable to endure the fierce battle with Satan. If He should lose that battle, He would be forever separated from His Father. The thought seemed more than Jesus could bear. And was His sacrifice worth the terrible price? It looked so hopeless!
The Jews-His chosen people-had rejected Him. One of His own disciples would betray Him. Another woz~lddeny Him three times. AE would forsake Him.

Terrible was the temptation to let all people bear their own sins. Then Jesus could return to His Father and His heavenly home. "0 My Father," He cried, "if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

Jesus longed for sympathy. If only His disciples understood! He would go to them. Worn with grief, He could scarcely rise. He staggered to the place where He had left the three. But they could not conlfort or help Him; they were not praying for Him- they were asleep! Jesus' voice awakened the disciples a s He asked, "Sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?" Jesus' face was so changed by His sorrow that the men scarcely knew Him. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation," He said, and left them. Again Jesus knelt to pray. His terrible sorrow seemed unbearable. "0 My Father," He prayed, "if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done." Even the disciples heard His cry this time. They thought of going to Him, but He had said, "Tarry ye here." And soon the disciples were fast asleep again.

Once more Jesus felt the need of comfort and sympathy from his friends. Once more He found them sleeping. They awakened when He stood beside them. They saw bloody sweat on His face. Fear seized them. They could not understand. Turning away from the men who should have helped Him in His greatest trial, Jesus returned to His place of prayer. The awful moment of decision had come. It was the moment that would decide the fate of the whole world. Jesus might even then refuse to make the sacrifice. It was not yet too late. But, no! He knew man's helplessness. He knew the power of sin. He knew that without His sacrifice the whole world would be doomed. He would save man a t any cost to Himself. He would die in order that untold millions might obtain eternal life. The decision was made. The battle was won. God had suffered with His Son. Angels had watched, amazed. All heaven was silent a s Jesus won His battle, alone. Then suddenly the heavens opened. A light shone down through the darkness, and a mighty angel was sent to Jesus' side. The light from heaven wakened the disciples. Glory shone around the Saviour. They saw the angel bending over Hirr~and heard a voice like sweetest music comforting Him. Peace came into Gethsemane.
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Arrested
While Jesus was praying in Gethsemane, something very different was happening outside the garden. No light from heaven shone upon this other scene. Instead, lanterns and flaming torches lighted a spot where a band of men crowded together. Officers with cruel faces talked and planned. Angry curses filled the air about them. Swords flashed and clicked a s they were snapped in and out of their cases. Priests, elders, and soldiers all pushed forward to hear last-minute directions from the leader. Then into Gethsemane the mob rushed. And among them, pushing and crowding toward Jesus, was the betrayer, Judas.

1
I

The Night Trial

Along the dark, rough streets t h e mob hurried with their Prisoner. At last they came to the palace of Annas, head of the priestly family. Though Jesus was brought to be tried in court, there was nothing that could be proved against Him. The main problem now was to find some excuse for bringing Him before the Sanhedrin, and later before the Roman governor. They stopped a t the home of Annas first because they hoped he could make Jesus say something for which they might condemn Him. Annas asked Jesus about His work and His teaching. He, too, hoped Jesus would say something that the priests could use against Him in a trial before the Romans. If they could make the Roman governor believe that Jesus was trying to set up an earthly kingdom, He could be condemned a s a traitor.

Jesus knew Annas's plan, and He answered, "I spake openly to the world; . . . and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou Me? ask them which heard Me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said." Annas saw that he had failed. He ordered that Jesus be taken, still bound, to Caiaphas, the high priest. Across the courtyard, the armed band led Jesus. The members of the Sanhedrin hurried into the judgment hall. Caiaphas took his seat on the raised platform. On each side were the priests and rulers, hoping to hear something for which to condemn Jesus. Below them, on the steps, stood the hardened Roman soldiers. Even in the dim light everyone could see Jesus a s He stood just before the high priests' thronecalm, strong, unafraid. For a moment there was a hush as all eyes turned toward Jesus. Even Caiaphas found himself thinking that the Man standing as prisoner was like God. Surely no common person could stand chained between soldiers in such kingly dignity and with such an expression of perfect peace written on His face. Caiaphas suddenly remembered that Jesus had been brought to trial, not because He had done wrong, but that they might find something for which they could condemn Him. Quickly the high priest shook off the thoughts that had

come to him. He called for witnesses against the prisoner. Men rose to speak, but they could not agree. What one claimed was true, another said was not true. They were all false witnesses. The priests and rulers began to feel they would find no testimony they could use. A t last two men came forward and told stories that were almost alike. They twisted the meaning of the words that Jesus had actually said. But their stories were used against Him. While all this happened, Jesus stood quietly. He made no answer to their accusations, though a word from Him could have thrown the whole court into confusion. The high priest was a Sadducee, and many of the Sanhedrin were Pharisees. Jesus could have made one statement, and the two parties would have been fighting each other, forgetting Him. Caiaphas was afraid Jesus might do this, yet they must have some

answer to the evidence being given. Interrupting the false witnesses, Caiaphas demanded angrily of Jesus, "Answerest Thou nothing?" Still Jesus did not say a word. His quiet dignity was very different from the anger of the excited priests. Caiaphas was determined to make the prisoner say something to condemn Himself. The priest demanded that Jesus answer in the name of the living God. "Tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God," he asked. The high priest had questioned Him in the name of the God of heaven. Jesus showed His respect for the name of His Father by answering, "Thou hast said." More than this, He added, "Hereafter shall ye see the So11 of man sitting

on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." This was all the excited priest and rulers wanted. Jesus had said t h a t He was the Son of God. To them this was blasphemy, the worst of all sins. Caiaphas pretended to be shocked. Though the high priest was never to tear his garments, now he caught hold of his robes and ripped them apart. "He hath spoken blasphemy," Caiaphas cried; "what further need have we of witnesses? . . . What think ye?" All together the members of the Sanhedrin answered, "He is guilty of death." A s t h e t r i a l dragged t o i t s close, J u d a s watched and listened in silence. A sickening fear came over him that Jesus was not going to make Himself King after all! A t last he could stand the torture of his guilty conscience no longer. Through the hall his hoarse voice rang out, and his tall form was seen pushing through the startled crowd. Great drops of sweat stood out on his forehead. Rushing up to Caiphas, the traitor threw down the pieces of silver for which he had sold his Lord. He begged the priest to let Jesus go free. "I have sinned," he cried; "I have betrayed the innocent blood." Caiaphas looked a t Judas coldly. "What is t h a t to us?" he sneered. "See thou to that."
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In despair Judas flung himself a t the feet of Jesus. He admitted that Jesus was the Son of God. He begged Jesus to save Himself. With great pity Jesus looked a t the man who had turned traitor. "For this hour came I into the world," He said kindly. Judas saw t h a t his words were in vain. He rushed from the judgment hall into the night. He was not sorry for his sin. He was sorry only t h a t it had been discovered. In utter despair he went out and took his own life. Because the priests and rulers could do no more until the morning, they left the judgment hall. Jesus was taken to the guardroom and left to be tormented by the rude mob. He was still calm and silent, a s He had been during His trial before the Sanhedrin. He kept His thoughts fixed upon His Father in heaven, and He felt only pity for those men who were being so cruel to Him.
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Peter Forgets His Promise

The disciples had been shocked and frightened when Jesus had allowed Himself to be arrested. Although all had deserted Him in the garden, two of them came back. From a distance Peter and John followed the mob. Because they were afraid, they kept well behind the crowd, where they would not be noticed easily. At the courtyard of Annas, the gatekeeper recognized John as one of Jesus' disciples and allowed both men to enter. John found a quiet corner from which he could watch, but Peter pushed his way into the circle around the fire to get warm. Presently, one of the servant girls came up to him, looked a t him closely, and said, "Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee." Peter was surprised that anyone recognized him. Thinking some harm might come to him, he pretended that he did not understand her. "I know not what thou sayest," he said. Peter was really afraid. Perhaps they would bind him and beat him or make fun of him, he thought fearfully. He went over by the gate to wait where he would not so easily be seen. A group of men were gathered there, curiously waiting to see what would happen to Jesus. The cock crowed, and the men knew that i t soon would be daylight. Later another servant girl came by. "This

fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth," she exclaimed. Peter cursed a s he denied it again. "I do not know the man," he said. A little while later a man who remembered seeing Peter in the garden said, "This fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilean." Peter was almost wild with fear. If he admitted he knew Jesus, what would they do to him? He began to curse and to swear, saying, "I know not the man." Just as he spoke, a cock crowed. While its shrill crowing still rang in Peter's ears, the Master turned from His frowning judges and looked a t His disciple. Suddenly Peter remembered the words Jesus had said to him: "Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice." Poor Peter! In Jesus' eyes he saw no anger,

In Pilate's Court
Daylight came a t last, and the Sanhedrin gathered again. The Jews were not allowed to condemn a man to death; but Pilate, the governor, usually did a s they asked. Quickly they went to his house and asked him to judge this very special case. Pilate did not like t o be called out early in the morning; but he came, supposing it must be some wicked criminal he was to judge. He told himself he would make short work of this trial ! When all was ready, the soldiers brought Jesus before the governor. The Jews themselves f came only to the door of the judgment hall. I they had gone inside they would have become unclean and could not take part in the Passover. When t h e soldiers brought their prisoner before him, Pilate looked a t Him with interest. He expected to see a wild-eyed, hardened criminal. To his surprise, he saw a calm, dignified man, pale from the rough treatment he had received. Pilate knew a t a glance that this man was guilty of no wrong. Impatiently, he asked the Jewish leaders what charge they brought against their prisoner. The priests and rulers were hoping Pilate would not ask this. They knew he would never

only sorrow and love. He remembered how sad he had felt when Jesus told of the sufferings and trouble that were coming. A t that time Peter had been sure that he would never desert his Master. Yet he had done so, not once, but three times ! Suddenly memories rushed through his mind:
Jesus' tender mercy; His kindness; His patience.

Peter thought with horror of what he had done. Once more he looked a t his Master, and a s he did he saw a hand raised to slap Jesus' face. Peter could stand the scene no longer. He rushed from the room and out into the dark street. On and on he went, weeping bitterly. At last he reached Gethsemane. There he fell on his knees and prayed for help and forgiveness, until peace came t o his heart. I n the same place t h a t Jesus had won His battle with Satan a few hours earlier, Peter won the victory over his pride and fear.
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sentence a man to death because he was a false prophet or because of blasphemy. They tried to put off answering by saying that if He were not a criminal, they would not have turned Him over to the governor. Pilate turned away in disgust. He was not interested in this trial. He knew the rulers were trying to have Jesus killed because they were jealous of Him. "Take ye Him, and judge Him according to your law," he said. "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death," answered the priests. Pilate turned abruptly from them and went back into the judgment hall. He called Jesus aside and asked, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?" Jesus' simple answer convinced Pilate that He was a good man. Pilate had heard from his wife some of the wonderful things this man

from Galilee had done. Not for a moment did he think of sentencing Jesus t o death. He wanted to set Jesus free and yet avoid trouble with the priests and the people. He went out to the priests, determined to reason with them. "I find no fault in this Man," he began. Immediately some of the crowd, led by the priests, started shouting louder than ever. "He stirreth up the people," they cried, "beginning from Galilee to this place." When they spoke of Galilee, Pilate had an idea. Herod, the ruler of Galilee, had come to Jerusalem for the Passover. Pilate would send his prisoner to Herod. In this way he would be saved the difficulty of deciding whether to free or condemn Jesus. Pilate gave a crisp command. The soldiers turned and marched out of the judgment hall. With a guard on either side of Him, Jesus was hurried through the city to Herod's headquarters. King Herod was very pleased to see Jesus. For a long, long time he had wanted to meet this Teacher from Galilee. The king hoped that Jesus would perform some of the miracles that had made Him famous. Herod was not interested in learning about God. He was only curious about this Man. Although the king asked many questions, Jesus remained silent.

Then Herod tried to get Jesus to heal some sick people. The Saviour looked in pity a t the suffering ones, but He said nothing. His miracles were never performed to save His own life. As Jesus continued to keep silent, the face of the king grew dark with anger. He would show this Prisoner not to disobey him! Together with the crowd, Herod mocked Jesus and treated Him shamefully. But in his heart he knew that Jesus was no ordinary man. He dared not condemn his Prisoner to death. It would be better to get rid of Him a t once, Herod reasoned; so he ordered the soldiers to take Jesus back to Pilate once again.

Christ or Barabbas?
When Pilate saw Jesus standing before him again, he was greatly disappointed. He wanted to free Jesus, but he lacked the courage to displease the mob. There stood the angry priests and rulers muttering threats and curses. Behind and around them pressed the great mass of people, needing only a word from their leaders to start an uproar. Pilate looked a t Jesus, standing before him in silent dignity. He wondered what caused the hatred of the priests and rulers. Again he went out and tried to reason with them. He told them that although they had charged Jesus with misleading the people, they had not been able to prove Him guilty. Pilate reminded them that Herod also had found no reason to condemn Jesus. The governor suggested beating Jesus and letting Him go free. The priests saw t h a t Pilate's courage was weakening, and they started the people to shouting, "Away with this Man." "Crucify Him, crucify Him." As Pilate stood wondering what to do next, a servant brought him a letter from his wife. Anxiously he opened it. What could be so important that she would disturb him in the midst of a trial? Quickly his eyes scanned the page.
269

"Have thou nothing to do with that just man," he read, "for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him." What should he do? There must be some way to save this Man and still protect his own position and honor. Just then Pilate thought of an old custom. Every year a t the Passover, he freed one criminal for the Jews. This year he would let them choose between Jesus, whom they called a criminal, and another man named Barabbas. Barabbas was a robber and murderer who, strangely enough, claimed to be the Messiah. Pilate asked the mob which of the two they wanted to have set free. As one man, the crowd shouted, "Barabbas." Again Pilate questioned, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" "Let Him be crucified," they roared. Pilate was very troubled. He hated to do

such a thing. Crucifixion was the most terrible death possible and was used only for the worst criminals. Again he tried to reason with them, but they kept shouting, "Crucify Him." The governor still hoped there was some way he could save Jesus. Perhaps he could inspire the mob with pity. Then they themselves would ask that he set Jesus free. He gave the order that Jesus be whipped, and the soldiers led Him away to another room. There they beat Him unmercifully. They dressed Him in an old purple robe, and pressed a crown of thorns upon His head. Then they mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" A t last they brought Him back to Pilate, weary and faint from the cruel treatment He had received. As Pilate looked at the prisoner he was impressed by His unusual self-control and perfect dignity. Turning to the multitude, he exclaimed, "Behold the Man!" Again, in unreasoning rage, the people shouted, "Crucify Him." Pilate was growing more and more disgusted with the whole affair. "Take ye Him, and crucify Him," he said, "for I find no fault in Him." "If thou let this man go, thou a r t not Caesar's friend," the priests cried. "Whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar." These words made Pilate terribly afraid. He
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knew that the emperor was already displeased with some of the things he had done. What would happen if he freed Jesus? Again Pilate had the prisoner brought before the people. Pointing to Him, the governor cried, "Behold your King!" Led on by the priests and rulers the mob shouted "Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him." "Shall I crucify your King?" demanded Pilate. "We have no king but Caesar," they shouted. The angry mob had chosen the Roman emperor a s their king! Pilate was not deceived. He knew they hated the Romans a s much a s ever. He also understood that they were determined to have Jesus die, and he did not have the courage to free Him. Pilate called for water. In the presence of all, he washed his hands as a sign that he would not accept the blame for Jesus' death. He said, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. See ye to it." In their fierce hatred, the priests and rulers led the people in a wild shout. Their very words were a curse to themselves and their families for years afterward. "His blood be on us, and on our children," they cried. Then Pilate turned Jesus over to the mob, and they led Him away-to be crucified.
272

On the Way to Calvary

When Jesus left Pilate's judgment hall, He was greeted with shouts of hatred from the crowd that waited outside. News of His trial had spread from one end of Jerusalem to the other. Many had gathered to see what would happen. Following Jesus, they moved slowly through the streets. The farther they went, the greater the crowd grew. Although some came through curiosity, others came because they had a feeling of sympathy for Jesus. As Jesus passed the gate of Pilate's court, a cross was laid upon His bleeding shoulders. It was the cross that had been made for Barabbas. Carrying it, Jesus had to walk along with two other prisoners-both of them criminals -both of them friends of Barabbas. All through the trying night He had not once complained. But Jesus was now so weak
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18-D.B.D.

that He fainted and fell beneath the load of the heavy cross. No one in the crowd showed Him any pity; not one person stooped to help the suffering Man. They only mocked Him and cursed Him because He could not carry the cross. When Jesus rose to His feet a t last, they picked up the cross and again laid it upon His back. Once more Jesus fell fainting to the ground. The soldiers finally saw that He really could not carry the cross. They began to look for someone on whom to force the load. Just then they heard Simon, a man from another country, asking what all the shouting meant. As he saw the Saviour, Simon could not check his loud exclamation of pity for one so mistreated. Immediately the soldiers caught hold of Simon and laid upon his shoulders the heavy cross. Then on up the hill they went. Among the throng were many women. Some of them had seen Jesus heal their loved ones; some had, themselves, been healed. They talked of Jesus' kindness a s best they could in this shouting mob. Mingled with the cries of "Crucify Him, crucify Him," the women's weeping could be heard. With pity Jesus looked upon them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." He was thinking of the trouble that would come to them when Jerusalem was destroyed. He was

thinking, also, of the destruction of the wicked a t the end of the world. On and on the crowd moved. Finally they reached Calvary. The two thieves struggled to get away, but Jesus silently allowed the soldiers to lift Him to His cross. The disciples and Jesus' mother could not understand why He permitted the soldiers even to touch Him. They still hoped He would free Himself. Instead they saw Him stretched out upon the cross. No words of anger or pain came from His lips. As the cross was raised in sight of the mocking crowd, all that they heard was the prayer He breathed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

On the Cross
As Jesus hung on His cross, high on the hill of Calvary, Pilate made a sign which was nailed above His head. In big, bold letters written in three different languages were the words, "This is the King of the Jews." Thousands of people were in Jerusalem for the Passover service. Passing to and from the city, they could all see the sign above the cross of Christ. Because they did not want Jesus to be called their King, the Jews went to see Pilate about it. They begged him to change the sign, but he would not. One greater than he had arranged the placing of that sign above the head of Jesus. In this way God planned that many would have their thoughts turned to Him who was really their King and their Saviour. Many made full of Jesus a s they passed to and fro. Priests, rulers, and scribes joined with the mob as they mocked the dying Saviour. "If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross," some cried. "He saved others; Himself He cannot save," they shouted. One of the thieves hanging beside Jesus turned his head and called out to Him, "If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us." But the other one saw in Jesus, even a s He

hung on the cross, the hope of a Saviour. "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom," he cried. Quickly the ai~swer came from the dying Saviour. His voice was soft, His words full of love, a s He promised eternal life to the thief who had faith to believe. At the foot of the cross, the soldiers who had been quarreling over Jesus' clothing stopped to listen. Their angry voices were hushed. They looked a t Jesus in wonder as the words of comfort came from His lips. The angels in heaven, too, were amazed a t the great love of Jesus. While suffering the most terrible pain, He thought only of others. After speaking to the thief, Jesus looked out over the multitude. His eyes rested upon His mother, standing with the disciple John. In His dying hour Jesus remembered her. "Woman, behold thy son!" He said. Then He spoke to John, "Behold thy mother !" John understood the meaning of the Saviour's words. At once he took Mary to his own home, and for the rest of her life he tenderly cared for her. As Jesus hung dying on the cross, the angels hid their faces from the fearful sight. The sun refused to shine. Darkness covered the hilltop, and the silence of a grave came over Calvary. Terror filled the hearts of the people gathered about the cross. Men, women, and children fell

down with their faces to the ground. Flashes of lightning shot out of the cloud. Suddenly the gloom lifted and the voice of Jesus cried out in clear tones, "It is finished." A light circled the cross, and the face of Jesus shone with a glory like the sun. Then He bowed His head upon His breast, and died. Darkness settled down upon the earth again. There was a hoarse rumble like heavy thunder, and then a violent earthquake. People were shaken together in heaps; rocks were torn apart in the mountain; graves were broken open, and the bodies of the dead were thrown out of them. As the cry "It is finished" came from the lips of Jesus, it was the hour of the evening sacrifice. The priest in the temple was standing with lifted knife, ready to kill the lamb. The earth trembled and shook. With a loud noise the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom by an unseen hand. The knife dropped from the hand of the frightened priest, and the lamb escaped. It was no longer needed. The great sacrifice had been made. Jesus, the Lamb of God, had died for the sins of the world.

At Rest
As evening drew on, an unusual stillness hung over Calvary. The crowds of people had moved silently away to their homes. Many of them who had never before believed in Jesus now had in their hearts the sure feeling that He was the Christ. The disciples were overcome with sorrow. It was hard for them to believe that Jesus was really dead. They did not remember His words telling them that this would happen. They wanted to bury the body of Jesus in an honorable way, but they did not know how they could. Persons who had been crucified were buried in a special place set apart for criminals. At this time of need, two men came to help the disciples. One of these men was Nicodemus. The other was Joseph, who came from a place called Arimathea. Both of these men had money. Both of them were members of the Sanhedrin and knew Pilate. They could do for Jesus what the poor disciples could not do. They were determined that Jesus should have a good burial. Boldly Joseph went to Pilate and begged that the body of Jesus be given to him. Pilate was willing to grant the request, so Joseph hurried to Calvary. There he met Nicodemus who had brought

about a hundred pounds of very expensive spices to embalm the body. John was the only one of the disciples present a t the time. Gently he helped the two rich men take the lifeless form of Jesus down from the cross. Then they carried it to Joseph's new tomb and rolled a great stone across the entrance. As the shadows lengthened on that Friday evening, Mary Magdalene and some of the other women walked about the resting place of Jesus, quietly weeping over His death. Then sadly they returned to their homes to keep the Sabbath day.

The Sabbath Hours

The Sabbath that Jesus lay sleeping in the tomb was a never-to-be-forgotten day. A t sundown on the evening of the preparation day, the trumpets sounded, a s usual, for the beginning of the Sabbath. On Sabbath morning the temple courts were filled. Many of these worshipers had come to Jerusalem for the Passover. But the One to whom the Passover pointed, killed by wicked men, lay resting in Joseph's tomb. In the temple the regular services went on. Sounds of music were heard. The high priest in his beautiful garments carried on his work. Other priests busily performed their duties. But all was not a s usual. Before this, the most holy place had been sacredly guarded. No one but the high priest ever dared enter, and then only once a year. Now it was open for everyone to see. The beautiful embroidered curtain had been torn from top to bottom, and the room which had been the place of God's special presence was no longer sacred. With troubled hearts the priests continued the services. The uncovering of the most holy place had filled them with fear of what was to come. Many spent the hours of the Sabbath searching the Scriptures to learn the real meaning of the things which they had seen take place. Some

still hoped to prove that Jesus was a false prophet; others were looking for proof that He was the true Messiah. Many of the priests never took part in another Passover service. They were convinced that Jesus was the Saviour. During the Sabbath day Nicodemus spent the time thinking over the scenes of Calvary. He remembered the prayer of Jesus for His murderers, and His answer to the dying thief. No longer did Nicodemus doubt. The very event that so greatly disappointed the disciples convinced him that Jesus was the Son of God. The streets of the city were filled with the sound of crying. The courts of the temple were crowded with sick and dying people searching

I
I

I!
1I

i
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for Jesus. Over and over they asked for Him. Again and again was heard the cry, "We want Christ the Healer!" But Jesus could not be found. He was a t rest. Finally soldiers were stationed a t the gates of the temples to keep out the crowds. As the cries of the sick and dying filled the city streets, the priests and rulers began to realize what they had done. They began to be haunted by a terrible fear. They remembered that Jesus had said He would rise again. What if those words should come true? Or what if His disciples should steal His body and tell the people Jesus had risen? The Jewish leaders feared the dead Jesus far more than they ever feared Him while He was alive. Though it was the Sabbath, in their terror they went to Pilate and gained his permission to have Jesus' grave guarded. Heavy cords were placed across the mouth of the tomb and were sealed with the great seal of Rome. No one would dare move the stone now, it was thought, for it meant death to break the Roman seal. In order to be doubly sure that the grave would not be disturbed, a guard of one hundred soldiers was placed before it. But their efforts were useless. The greater the guard placed round the tomb, the greater would be the proof that Jesus had risen.
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Still trembling with fear, the soldiers told the story of what had happened. They told everything just as they had seen it. They had had no time to think or tell anything but the truth. "It was the Son of God who was crucified," they gasped. "We have heard an angel proclaiming Him as the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory." At the soldiers' words, the faces of the priests turned as pale as death. Caiaphas tried to speak. His lips moved, but no sound came out. The soldiers turned to leave the room, but the high priest a t last found his speech. "Wait, wait," he begged. "Tell no one the things you have seen." While the soldiers waited, the priests plotted. At last they agreed to pay the guards a large sum of money if they would tell a lie-that they had fallen asleep. The soldiers were horrified a t the thought of saying they had been asleep a t their post of duty. That was a crime to be punished by death. But the desperate priests promised t o see Pilate and buy their safety. So the Roman guards sold the truth for money. They had entered the room with a startling message of truth. They left it with heavy bags of money, but with lies upon their lips. To everyone who asked them they explained, "His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept."

Good News to Tell

At sunrise that morning three women came to the garden where Jesus was buried. They were bringing spices and ointments for His body. As they walked along, they remembered that a large stone had been rolled against the door of the tomb. They wondered who would move it for them. But when they reached the tomb, they stared in astonishment. The stone had been rolled back, and the door was open. Someone had been there ahead of them. Mary Magdalene ran quickly to tell the disciples that Jesus' body was gone. As the other

women looked a t the tomb, wondering what had happened, they saw an angel dressed in white sitting a t one side. "Fear not ye," he said, "for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." When the women looked inside the empty tomb, they saw another angel. He spoke to them, saying, ('Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him." Quickly they hurried away to tell the disciples the wonderful news. He is risen! He is risen! The women repeated the glad words again and again. Mary Magdalene had already found Peter and John. When they heard her story they began to run toward the tomb. John ran faster and got there first. He looked inside. It was true! Jesus was not there. Then Peter came up and went inside the tomb. There, all neatly folded, were the grave clothes in which Jesus had been wrapped. But Jesus was gone! Peter and John hurried back to the city. They must tell the other disciples. I n the meantime Mary Magdalene had come back to the tomb. She stood near by, weeping a s if her heart would break. Looking inside she saw the two angels. "Woman, why weepest thou?" they asked her.

"Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him," she answered. She turned around and saw a man who she thought was the gardener. Perhaps he had moved the body of Jesus. "Sir," she said tearfully, "tell me where Thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away." The man said softly, "Mary." She looked again. She knew that voice. It was Jesus Himself! Mary threw herself a t His feet, calling out, "Master." For a moment she knelt before Him. Then a t His command she hurried to the city with her joyful message. She had seen the Lord!

Seen, But Unknown

Late in the afternoon of the resurrection day, two of Jesus' friends were walking along the road. They were on their way to Emmaus, a little village not f a r from Jerusalem. The sun sent its golden rays over the rolling, green hills; and the fragrance of flowers filled the air. It was spring in Palestine, and these disciples had gone to Jerusalem to keep the Passover. They should have been happy. Instead, they were sad as they thought of the awful events which had taken place during the last few days. They walked along, weeping and talking of the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Suddenly a Stranger joined them. They were so filled with sadness and disappointment that they did not look a t Him carefully but went on with their conversation. The Stranger asked what they were taIking about. "Art Thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" asked one of the disciples. "What things?" said the Stranger. "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth," they answered. Then the men told the story of Jesus' trial and death, and of the people's hopes that this Jesus was to be the deliverer of Israel. Now
292

they had heard that His body was gone from the grave. There was even a report that He was alive. "0 fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" the Stranger asked. They should have known that Jesus would die and rise again. He had told them only a few days before that these very things would happen. The Pharisees and the chief priests had not forgotten. In their fear they had gone to Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, after three days I will rise again." But the disciples did not remember. The Stranger explained to the two men what the Scriptures said about the Messiah. As they listened and began to understand, a new hope came into their hearts.

The shadows on the hills lengthened, and slowly the sun sank out of sight. It was nearly dark when they reached the little village. The Stranger acted as if He were going on; but the disciples said to Him, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." So He went in to stay with them. Soon a simple meal was ready, and they sat down to eat. The Stranger raised His hands to bless the food. The disciples looked up in surprise. They had seen hands like those before -hands raised in blessing. Looking closer they saw the prints of nails in the hands. They looked directly into His face and knew Him. This was not a stranger a t all. This Man was Jesus! But as they looked, He vanished out of their sight, and they were alone again. "Did not our hearts burn within us, while He talked with us by the way?" they said to each other. They remembered, too, how He had explained the Scriptures to them. The disciples were no longer hungry or tired. Without tasting the food, they rose from the table and started back toward Jerusalem. It was hard to see in the darkness, and often rocks and stones in the path cut their feet. But they did not notice these things. Sometimes running, sometimes stumbling, they hurried to tell the good news. They had seen the risen Christ!

Peace After Fear

It was late when the two disciples reached
Jerusalem. They knew exactly where Jesus' closest friends would be gathered, waiting for news of Him. By the light of the rising moon, they made their way as quickly as possible along the silent, narrow streets. Past dark and quiet houses they hurried toward the upper room where Jesus had eaten the Passover supper. Late though it was, the two knew the other disciples would not sleep until they knew for sure what had become of the body of their Lord. But when the two reached the house, the door was locked and barred. The disciples knocked softly. There was no answer. All was still. They tried again. This time they quietly spoke their own names. Then they heard the door being unbarred stealthily. Slowly, slowly it opened, and the travelers slipped inside. Quickly the door was closed again, and the heavy bar slipped quietly into place. Inside, the room hummed with excited voices. "The Lord is risen," someone called out, "and hath appeared to Simon." Others began to tell what had happened that morning a t the tomb. Finally it was the newcomers' turn to talk. Still panting with weariness and excitement, they told of their walk home to Emmaus. They

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For a moment the disciples had thought that they were seeing a spirit. But, no, it really was Jesus, for again He spoke. "Why are ye troubled?" He asked. "Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have." Then, knowing their fear and uncertainty, Jesus showed them His hands and His feet. Speechless, but filled with joy and wonder, the men looked at Him. They saw the scars from the cruel nails. Even yet they could hardly believe. Again Jesus spoke. "Have ye here any meat?" He asked them. Still wondering, the disciples gave Him some food. As He ate it, Jesus talked about what had happened. He reminded them that He had told these things before His death. Everything that was written about Him in the law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms had come true. At last the disciples fully believed. Faith and joy took the place of their unbelief. Jesus was alive! He still loved them even though they had deserted Him when He most needed their comfort and encouragement ! Always they would remember this night when Jesus came among them. Always they would remember how He took away their doubts. Always they would remember His first words to them, "Peace be unto you."
295

A Man W h o Would Not Believe

On the night that Jesus first met the disciples in the upper room, Thomas was not with them. Later, when the others told him what had happened, he was very discouraged. Instead of being glad that Jesus was alive, Thomas felt miserably unhappy. His pride was hurt. He did not like it that Jesus would show Himself to all the other disciples and not to him. He was determined not to believe the story of the resurrection a t all. For a whole week he was sad and gloomy. His misery seemed all the worse because of the hope and faith of his friends. The men tried their best to help Thomas believe, but he refused. Over and over again he declared stubbornly, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." A number of the disciples were making the upper room their home for a time. When evening came they gathered there to eat their supper and to talk and study together. At first Thomas would not join them, but one evening he came in and sat with the other men. As they ate they talked of the many prophecies that had pointed to Christ's coming and work. Suddenly, without warning, Jesus was among
299

them just a s He had been the week before. No door had been opened. No one had seen Him enter. No one had heard Him. But there He was! Just as before, He spoke those beautiful words of greeting: "Peace be unto you." Then, looking straight a t Thomas, Jesus said, "Behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing." Thomas looked in amazement a t the Man before him. What did he need with further proof? Here was One who knew all about his fears and doubts, his jealousy and wounded pride. This could be none other than Jesus. With love and joy he bowed low a t Jesus' feet, crying, "My Lord and my God."

Poor Thomas! How unhappy he had been! Jesus knew that Thomas really loved Him and had been unhappy simply because he had not had faith to believe what the others had told him. Yet he should have believed. He should have known for himself. Jesus had told him over and over what would take place. And Thomas should have known that when Jesus says a thing is going to happen it does happen. "Thomas," Jesus said gently, "because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." There in that upper room Jesus swept away all of Thomas's doubts and fears, and in their place love and confidence returned. None of his friends would ever forget the happy day when Thomas knelt before his Saviour, crying, "My Lord and my God."

By Galilee Again
Evening shadows were falling over the Sea of Galilee. Here and there groups of fishermen piled nets into boats and made ready to push off for the night's work. On the shore seven men stood watching. They listened to the voices that drifted to them across the water and heard the musical rhythm of the oars as the fishermen sent their boats skimming over the lake. These seven, though dressed in humble clothes like those of the men they watched, were not simply fishermen. They were Jesus' disciples. They had come to Galilee after the Passover feast ended in Jerusalem. Jesus had promised to meet them there, but days passed by, and He did not come. The evening was pleasant, and Peter, who still loved boats and fishing, suggested that they, too, should go out to sea and cast their nets.

The idea sounded good to the others. They were all poor men and needed food and clothing. The many things they could buy from the proceeds of a successful night's fishing would supply their needs. "We also go with thee," they decided. So the seven men set out in their boat. All night the men worked, casting and recasting their nets. But not one fish could they catch. Through the weary hours they talked of their absent Lord. Their thoughts went back over the events that had happened since Jesus first met them by this very sea. When they looked around, everything reminded them of the Master. They talked of the time He had hushed the tempest by His word. They looked a t the shore and saw the place where He had fed thousands with only a few loaves and fishes. They talked of the wonderful miracles He had performed and of the great crowds that had followed Him. They thought of the terrible experience of the Passover week when Jesus was taken from them. They questioned their own future and grew sad a t what seemed to be ahead. All night they talked and worked. But their nets remained as empty as when they started. All the while a lone figure upon the shore watched them, although He Himself was unseen. At last, morning dawned and slanting rays of sunlight stole over the quiet waters. The boat

was but a little way from shore when the disciples saw a stranger standing on the beach. Suddenly they heard Him calling to them, "Children, have ye any meat?" "No," they shouted back. "Cast the net on the right side of the ship," came the voice from the shore. Into the water went the empty net, and immediately it was filled with fishes. As the disciples struggled with the heavy net, John looked a t Peter and exclaimed, "It is the Lord." Peter was so glad and so eager to reach Jesus that he jumped into the sea and swam toward his Master. In a moment he was standing by the Saviour. The other disciples came in their boat, dragging the net full of fishes. Peter hurried to help tie the boat. It was hard work to haul in the net with its great 304

load. The disciples splashed about in the water trying to get their catch landed without tearing holes in their net. Finally they succeeded and turned toward Jesus. He had a fire blazing where they could get dry and warm. Over the fire some fish were cooking and plenty of bread was near by. The disciples felt strangely embarrassed before Jesus. He looked the same as when He was with them before the crucifixion, and yet He was different. They were glad to see Him, but there they stood hesitating and not knowing what to say. Vividly they remembered that other day by the sea when Jesus had first called them. That time, too, they had cast in their nets and had hauled them out filled. That time Jesus had called them to leave all and follow Him. Now that scene was being repeated. Jesus understood how the disciples felt and knew what they were thinking. He loved them and wanted them to know they were fully forgiven for running away the night of His arrest
305
2GD.B.D.

and trial. He did not want them to be afraid of Him. "Come and dine," He invited. We do not know what else Jesus and the disciples said a s they s a t together eating that simple meal. Doubtless they talked over the whole story of Jesus' trials, death, and resurrection. When the meal was ended, Jesus turned to Simon Peter. Poor Peter! He had failed so miserably that the other disciples wondered if he really deserved to take his place again a s one of them. "Simon," Jesus asked him in the presence of the others, "Lovest thou Me more than these?" "Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee," Peter answered quickly. His heart ached a s he remembered the night when he refused to admit he even knew Jesus.

Three times Jesus asked that question, "Lovest thou Me?" Peter was hurt; it seemed that Jesus would not believe him. Sadly he said, "Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." Jesus knew this. He knew, too, that Peter would now be a faithful disciple. Then Jesus gave Peter a great responsibility. "Feed My lambs," He said. "Feed My sheep." These words sank deep into Peter's mind. The rest of his life he spent carrying out this command: "Feed My lambs. . . . Feed My sheep."

The angel at the tomb; The walk to Emmaus; The experience in the upper room; The net full of fish; Thomas's story.

Into All the World

As the days slipped by, a secret message was quietly passed from one believer to another. They were to go to a certain mountain in Galilee to meet Jesus. He had a special message to give to them there. He had told His disciples of this before His death. The angel a t the tomb had reminded them again. The disciples passed the word along to Jesus' other friends. They did not want anyone to miss being there. A t last the day came, and it was time to start for the mountain. The people traveled in small groups and by roundabout roads so that the jealous priests and Pharisees would not grow suspicious and cause trouble. From north and south, from east and west, they came. One group after another climbed the narrow trails along the mountainside until about five hundred men and women had gathered. They stood about in little groups waiting eagerly for word concerning the Saviour. The disciples hurried from one group to another. They had so many things to tell:

Suddenly the voices were hushed, and a great stillness crept over the mountainside. There, before them all, stood Jesus. And when they saw Hirn, they knelt to worship. On that quiet mountainside, in the soft warmth of the spring sunshine, Jesus talked with His people. "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth," He said. Many of those who listened had kfiown something of His power. They had seen sick people healed, evil spirits cast out, the angry sea made calm and gentle. Even the dead had been brought back to life. But He had shown even greater power than this. He had risen from death and was a living Saviour. Now in a new and clearer way the disciples understood how great and wonderful Jesus was. All power He had said: power on earth and in heaven. With such a Friend they knew they need not fear anything the future might hold. But this was not all of Jesus' special message for His followers. He had begun a great task on earth. They were to continue it. His part was finished; theirs was about to begin. Then Jesus opened the Scriptures and explained the prophecies to them. A t last they

understood. Everything that had happened had been planned in heaven long, long before He came to earth. He said, "You see that all I have revealed to you . . has come t o pass." He continued, "Search the Scriptures more diligently, and you will see that . . . all these things . . . concerning Me have been fulfilled." These things u7ere to be taught to others. The wonderful lessons that Jesus had given were for all of His followers everywhere, not just for the disciples alone. No easy task was left to them. They were to work in the hardest place of all-Jerusalem. There, where the leaders would not believe in Christ, where He had been mocked and tormented, they were to begin. The first, the very first, message of mercy the disciples were t o give was to go to the men who had murdered the Saviour. Jesus had a special reason for sending His disciples to Jerusalem. Like the sower in the parable, Jesus had scattered many seeds of truth in the hearts of the people. The disciples

were to cultivate those seeds of truth, and someday, even in Jerusalem, there would be a rich harvest of souls. But the work was not to stop in Jerusalem. On and on the story of Jesus was to go until the whole world knew. Jesus said, "To you, My disciples, I commit this message of mercy. It is to be given to Israel first, and then to all nations, tongues, and peoples. It is to be given to Jews and Gentiles. All who believe are to be gathered into one church." Thus Christ gave to all of His friends, for all time, the work that they are to do for Him. And with that command He gave a beautiful and precious promise. "Go to all nations," He said. "Go to the farthest part of the . . globe, but know that My presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I will forsake you."

Jesus Goes Home

The day came when Jesus and the eleven disciples walked through the city gates of Jerusalem and out into the country toward the Mount of Olives. As they went along, many curious people looked a t the little group. These men walking and talking together were led by One who a few weeks before had been crucified. Jesus did not want His disciples to rernember Him only a s their dead Master in the tomb. After completing His work, He stayed on earth for a time so His followers might become better acquainted with Him as their living Saviour. Now, while they walked, they talked together of things Jesus had taught them before. As the road wound past Gethsernane, Jesus paused to recall to their minds the lessons they had learned from that awful night. Again they saw the vine which Jesus had used to represent Himself and His followers. The disciples remembered His words, "I am the Vine, ye are the branches." On and on they went. Jesus led the way across the Mount of Olives to a place near Bethany. There He stopped, and the disciples gathered about Him. As He looked lovingly upon them, His face brightened with a heavenly light. Not one word did He say about their mistakes and failures. Only kindness and love were shown

in His message to them. Once more the disciples were reminded that Jesus would always care for them. While His hands were lifted in blessing, He began to rise slowly from among them. He was drawn up to heaven by a power stronger than anything on earth. As He passed upward, the awe-filled disciples strained their eyes for a last look a t their beloved Master. A cloud of glory covered Jesus and hid Him from their sight. Sweetest and most joyous music floated down from the angel choir above. At the same time these words drifted back to them: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." While they were still looking upward, the disciples heard other voices, beautiful a s the richest music. They turned and saw two men, who asked, "Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?" These men were the angels who had been with Jesus all His life on this earth. They were the ones who had opened the tomb at His resurrection. Now they had been a part of the shining cloud of angels who waited to take Jesus home. All heaven had been looking forward to this time. But these angels had waited to comfort the friends Jesus had left behind. "This same Jesus," they told the disciples, "which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner a s ye have seen Him go into heaven. "

When the disciples went back to Jerusalem, the people were more curious and surprised than ever. At the death of Jesus they had expected to see His followers sad and gloomy. Instead, here were the disciples telling with great joy and happiness of Jesus' resurrection and ascension to heaven. Their work now was to carry the message of Jesus to those who did not know Him. Their work was to help others get ready for the time when He would come again. They had no fear for the future. They knew Jesus would not forget them. Always they would remember the words, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

INDEX
reference occurring under the title of a lesson in the first column (Note: indicates the memory verse or verses for that lesson.)

I THE GIFT OF GOD

Once Long Ago Heaven's Greatest Gift John 3:16 The Angels' Song Luke 2:13, 14 Following the S t a r A Journey by Night A Visit to the Temple The Carpenter's Son Luke 2 :40

Bible References

Page

Genesis 1-3 Luke 1:26-35; 2: 1-7 Luke 2: 8-20 Matthew 2: 1-12 Matthew 2: 13-23 Luke 2:41-52 Luke 2:39, 40, 52

6 8

1 1
14 17 19 23

At the Home of Peter Mark 1:35 Healing the Leper The Man Who Came Through a Roof 2 Cor. 7: 10 A Man Without Friends Jesus and the Sabbath Mark 2:27, 28 The First Ministers Ordained A New Sermon Matt. 5:3-12 The Lord's Prayer Matt. 6:9-13 In Time of Storm

Matthew 8: 14-16 Mark 1 : 40-45 Mark 2: 1-12 Matthew 9:9-17 Luke 6: 1-11 Mark 3: 13-19 Matthew 5:l-12 Matthew 6: 5-15 Matthew 7: 24-29

IV REWARDS OF FAITH
The Centurion's Servant Heb. 11:6 Jesus Makes New Friends A Farmer Who Helped Preach a Sermon Gal. 6: 7 The Tares Jesus Calms the Storm Ps. 107:29 The Miracle of Gadara The Touch of Faith The Ruler's Daughter In the Steps of the Master The Little Gift That Served Many Jesus Walks on the Water Luke 7: 1-10 Luke 7: 11-16 100 102

I1 HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS

The Angel in the Temple A Voice in the Wilderness Matt. 3:2 A Voice From Heaven Matt. 3:17 Trials and Triumph The First Disciples A Wedding a t Cana The Voice of a King Matt. 11:28-30 A Secret Visit John 3: 17 At Jacob's Well John 4:14 Jesus' Visit in Samaria The Nobleman's Son The Man by the Pool Luke 1: 5-25, 57-80 Matthew 3: 1-12 Matthew 3:13-17 Matthew 4:l-11 John 1:35-51 John 2: 1-11 John 2: 12-22 John 3:l-21

Matthew 13:l-9, 18-23 105 Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43 109 Matthew 8: 23-27 112 Mark 5: 1-20 Luke 8: 41, 42, 49-56 Luke 8 :43-48 Matthew 10: 1-16 John 6: 1-14 Matthew 14:22-33 116 119 122 124 126 130

V TO SEEK AND TO SAVE

John 4:l-26 John 4: 27-42 John 4: 43-54 John 5:l-18 False Friends and True John 6:48 The Woman Who Would Not Give Up When Little Became Much A Promise Matt. 16:24-27 The Promise Fulfilled Too Little Faith Jesus' Way of Being First Matt. 18:3 John 6: 32-71 Matthew 15: 21-28 hlatthew 15:29-39 Matthew 16: 13-28 Matthew 17: 1-13 Mark 9: 14-29 Mark 9:30-50 136 139 142 145 148 152 155

I11 THE MASTER TEACHER

Jesus Visits His Home Town The Call by the Sea Matt. 4:19 A Sabbath in Capernaum Luke 4:14-30 Luke 5: 1-11 Mark 1: 21-27 66 69 72

VI WORDS OF LIFE
The Feast of Tabernacles Words of Power The Light of the World A Beggar's Sermon The Good Shepherd John 1 0 : l l The Rule for Eternal Life 1John 3.11 A Selfish Question Matt. 6:21 The Two Worshipers Prov. 28: 13 "Let the Little Ones Come" Luke 18: 16 An Unwise Choice The Sorrow That Turned to Joy John 11:25 The Little Man Who Became Great John 7: 1-31 John 7: 32-53 John 8: 12-43 John 9 Luke 15: 1-10 Luke 10 : 25-37 Luke 12: 13-31 Luke 18: 9-14 Mark 10: 13-16 Luke 18: 18-30 John 11:l-46 Luke 19 :1-10

VIII THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW

158 162 164 166 170 173
Jesus Serves His Friends The Last Supper John 14: 1-3 The Lesson of the Vine Choose a verse from John 15, 16, or 17 In the Garden Isaiah 53:3, 4 Arrested The Night Trial Isaiah 53 Peter Forgets His Promise In Pilate's Court Isaiah 53 Christ or Barabbas Isaiah 53 On the Way to Calvary On the Cross At Rest The Sabbath Hours Matthew 26: 6-15 Luke 19: 28-44 Matthew 21: 12-16 Mark 14 :12-17 235 Luke 22: 7-15 John 13: 1-17 Matthew 26:14-16, 20-30 242 John 13:18-35; 14 John 15, 16, 17 246 Mark 14:27-31 Matthew 26: 36-46 John 18:1-12 Matthew 2G:57, 59-68 Matthew 26: 69-75 Luke 23: 1-12

249 253 256 262 265

180 182 183 185

I

189

VII LESSONS OF LOVE

hfary's Gift The Uncrowned King The Temple Cleansed Again Matt. 21: 13 A Story for the Priests The Wedding Garment A Hard Question Mark 12: 17 The Great Commandnlent Matt. 22:37-40 A Gift to Be Remembered Visitors From the West Jesus Is Coming Again The Five Who Missed the Wedding Ps. 119: 105 Two Kinds of Workers Matt. 25:23 To Be Like Jesus Matt. 25:40

Luke 23: 26-33 Luke 23: 34-49 John 19:16-30 AIatthew 27: 57-66 Luke 23: 54-56

273 276 280 282

194 204

1
IX HOME TO THE FATHER
Jesus Is Risen Ps. 17:15 Good News to Tell Seen, but Unknown Peace After Fear The Man Who Would Not Believe By Galilee Again Into All the World Matt. 28:19, 20 Jesus Goes Home Matthew 28: 1-15 John 20: 1-18 Luke 24: 13-33 Luke 24 : 36-48 John 20: 19-31 John 21 Matthew 28: 16-20 Lulte 24: 50-53 Acts 1: 1-12

Matthew 21: 23-27, 33-46 207 Matthew 22: 1-14 211 Matthew 22 : 15-22 213 Mark 12:28-34 Mark 12 :41-44 John 12 :20-43 Matthew 24:14, 21-50 bratthew 25:l-13 Matthew 25: 14-30 Matthew 25:31-46

215 218 221 225 228 232 235