LESSONS' Fit OR pIVISICifh, No. 344; FIRS I ARTE,, 1955 1, INDIVIDUAL SABBATH-SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL "As God hath prospered him." MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount) $5.00 RECORD 1. 7 13 2.00 8 Birthday 2 1.50 "God loveth a 3. 9 cheerful giver." Investment 1.00 4 10 .50 5. 11 6 12 TOTAL .40 DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge my- self to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school lesson each day of the week. Name Place a check mark in each space below for the days you have studied. STUDY RECORD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1st Day's Study 2d Day's Study 3d Day's Study 4th Day's Study 5th Day's Study 6th Day's Study 7th Day's Study "Let the Sabbath-school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scrip- ture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."—"Education," pages 251, 252. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 239, January-March, 1955. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cent a year, in U.S.A. and Canada; 15 cents a single copy, 60 cents a year to all other countries. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), Mountain View California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, Califor nia, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1954, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U.S.A. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly LESSONS FROM THE MIRACLES OF JESUS GENERAL INTRODUCTION The Purpose of the Miracles of Jesus. methods in saving men. It is significant Anyone who reads the miracles of Jesus that the Greek word translated "to heal," can see in them an expression of divine "to make whole," is the same as the word love. Jesus healed people, fed them, and translated "to save." Jesus saves in a way raised their dead because He loved them. similar to that in which He healed or made This, however, was not His only, pur- whole those who were sick. The same com- pose in performing these miracles. If it bining of human faith and divine grace that had been, surely Jesus would have healed healed lepers and opened the eyes of the all the sick, fed all the hungry, and blind restores sinners today. Thus the mir- raised all the dead. Jesus had a teaching acles of Jesus are worthy of careful study, objective in His miracles. He came to the as they provide us our best illustrations of world to save sinners, and each miracle the way in which Jesus deals with men and . served as a concrete object lesson of His of how we should exercise saving faith. Lesson 1, for January 1, 1955 Faith at a Wedding Feast MEMORY VERSE: "His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it." John 2:5. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 144-153. LESSON SCRIPTURES: John 1:40-45; 2:1-11; 7:3-8, 30; 8:20. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Introduction; 4. Ques. 7-10. general survey of the lesson, 5. Ques. 11, 12; review first part of based on outline. lesson. 2. Memorize John 2:5; Key Words; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 144- Ques. 1-3. 153. 3. Ques. 4-6. 7. Finish reviewing lesson. Lesson Outline: 3. Certain disciples. John 1:40, 41, 43, 45. I. Jesus Goes to a Wedding II. A Crisis Arises 1. The visit to Cana. John 2:1 (first 1. "They have no wine." John 2:3. part), 2. 2. Jesus' reply to His mother. Verse 4. 2. A significant guest—the mother of 3. His hour ha'd not yet come. John Jesus. Verse 1, last part. 7:3-8, 30; 8:20. [3] Ill. Jesus Meets the Crisis says, 'Destroy it not; for a blessing is in 1. Mary's instructions to servants. it.' "—The Desire of Ages, page 149. John 2:5. 2. Glory. The Greek word translated 2. "Fill the waterpots." Verses 6, 7. "glory" does not necessarily refer to bril- 3. "Draw out now." Verse 8. liance or effulgence. John 2:11 may` be 4. The reaction of the ruler of the translated, "And manifested forth His char- feast. Verses 9, 10. acter." The word is often used to denote qualities of character rather than superficial IV. Purpose and Influence of the Miracle appearance. 1. His glory manifested. John 2:11, 3. Believed. The word believe is the first part. verb form of the Greek root from which the 2. The disciples believe on Him. Verse word faith comes. To believe and to have 11, last part. faith are synonymous. This is one of the most used words in the New Testament. Key Words: The word occurs nearly one hundred times in the Gospel of John alone. The meaning 1. Wine. "The wine which Christ pro- involves more than mere intellectual assent. vided for the feast, and that which He gave To believe, in the Biblical sense, means to to the disciples as a symbol of His own "surrender to," to "commit oneself to," to blood, was the pure juice of the grape. To "accept." The result is to fit one to accept ' this the prophet Isaiah refers when he Jesus' oft-repeated invitation, "Follow Me," speaks of the new wine 'in the cluster,' and which in turn means "to join in the road." THE LESSON Jesus Goes to a Wedding 2. Who else is mentioned as being present at the wedding? John 2:1, 1. What occasion brought Jesus last part. and His disciples to the town of Cana in Galilee? John 2:1 (first part), 2. NoTE.—It is of utmost significance that Mary was present on this occasion. It was Mary to whom the angel appeared, promis- NoTE.—There is evidence of deliberate ing the birth of Jesus. It was Mary who purpose in all the acts of Jesus. His attend- cherished the knowledge of the mystery of ance at the wedding feast was more than a His birth. It was Mary who watched Him mere incident. "A Jewish marriage was an develop into manhood and who observed impressive occasion, and its joy was not every evidence of His divinity. It was Mary displeasing to the Son of man. By attend- who bade Him farewell when He left the ing this feast, Jesus honored marriage as a home at Nazareth and went forth to preach divine institution."—The Desire of Ages, the kingdom of God. Who was better fitted page 151. to strengthen the confidence of the little It is significant that Jesus' first miracle band of disciples than Mary—the person glorified marriage and simple community who knew more about Jesus than any other social life. "The family tie is the closest, the person on earth? "It was to honor Mary's most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It trust, and to strengthen the faith of His was designed to be a blessing to mankind. disciples, that the first miracle was per- And it is a blessing wherever the marriage formed."—The Desire of Ages, page 147. covenant is entered into intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for 3. In all probability, who accom- its responsibilities."—The Ministry of Heal- panied Jesus to the wedding? John ing, pages 356, 357. 1:40, 41, 43, 45. [4] NOTE.—"This answer, abrupt as it seems to us, expressed no coldness or discourtesy. The Saviour's form of address to His mother was in accordance with Oriental custom. It was used toward persons to whom it was desired to show respect. Every act of Christ's earthly life was in harmony with the precept He Himself had given, `Honor thy father and thy mother.' Ex. 20:12. On the cross, in His last act of tenderness toward His mother, Jesus again addressed her in the same way, as He com- mitted her to the care of His best-loved dis- ciple. Both at the marriage feast and upon the cross, the love expressed in tone and look and manner interpreted His words." —The Desire of Ages, page 146. MARY'S MESSAGE OF TRUST SHOULD BE OURS:"DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU." NOTE.—John 1:35-51 discloses the iden- 6. In what other circumstances did tity of the disciples who were following Jesus use a similar or identical expres- Jesus at this early stage in His ministry. sion? John 7:3-8, 30; 8:20. It is very likely that John, Peter, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael were with Jesus at the feast. Of course it is possible that others were in the group also. It was imperative NoTE.—"In saying to Mary that His hour that these disciples should become ac- had not yet come, Jesus was replying to her quainted, not only with the power of Jesus, unspoken thought,—to the expectation she but also with His character. This miracle cherished in common with her people. She met both needs admirably. hoped that He would reveal Himself as the Messiah, and take the throne of Israel. But the time had not come. Not as a King, A Crisis Arises but as 'a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief,' had Jesus accepted the lot of 4. What crisis arose at the wed- humanity."—The Desire of Ages, page 147. ding? John 2:3. Jesus Meets the Crisis 7. What instruction did Mary give NoTE.—The great event that had been the servants? John 2:5. planned with so much love and care was threatened with disaster. Someone had blundered. The wine was all gone. Humili- ation and disgrace were about to descendNoTE.—The Revised Standard Version on the giver of the feast. What a picture of reads, "Do whatever He tells you." This is human life I Men lay plans for future hap- the key text of this narrative. These words piness and prosperity, and "the wine fails." reflect the love, confidence, and trust of Accident, loss, misfortune, cancel plans and Mary. They are a confession of her faith in blight dreams. Confidence gives way to fear Jesus. Thirty years of experience had and happiness to sorrow. This miracle con- schooled her in such perfect confidence that tains lessons for all who are meeting disap- in a crisis she could point to her Son and pointments. say, "Do whatever He tells you." It was not that He had turned water to wine 5. How did Jesus reply when His before, but Mary knew His loving, thought- mother informed Him of the situa- ful attitude toward everyone, and she also tion? John 2:4. knew His power. It was the faith of Mary [6 ] that paved the way for this miracle. And it and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. was on this occasion that Mary's faith was But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and passed on to the disciples. At Jordan some new. The feast that He provides for the of these disciples had heard His heavenly soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Father say, "This is My beloved Son, in Each new gift increases the capacity of the whom I am well pleased." At Cana, His receiver to appreciate and enjoy the bless- earthly mother adds, "Whatsoever He saith ings of the Lord."—The Desire of Ages, unto you, do it." page 148. 8. What did Jesus tell the servants The Purpose and Influence to do? John 2:6, 7. of the Miracle 11. What was the purpose of this Nom—Jesus asked the servants to use miracle? John 2:11, first part. what they had at hand. God has a remark- able way of using man's simplest resources to advantage if they are consecrated to Him. The unit of measure here was the NoTE.—This miracle revealed the loving- Hebrew "bath," thought to be roughly kindness of Jesus. He is pictured as the equivalent to the old English liquid meas- friend of mankind. "Jesus did not begin ure, firkin. Each firkin was equal to eight His ministry by some great work before the or nine gallons. This means that the capac- Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. At a household ity of the water pots was, all told, approxi- gathering in a little Galilean village His mately one hundred to one hundred and power was put forth to add to the joy of fifty gallons. This would indicate a large a wedding feast. Thus He showed His crowd at the wedding. sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their happiness. In the wilder- 9. What further command did ness of temptation He Himself had drunk Jesus give the servants? John 2:8. the cup of woe. He came forth to give to men the cup of blessing, by His benedic- tion to hallow the relations of human life." —The Desire of Ages, page 144. 10. What comment did the gover- nor of the feast make to the bride- 12. What was the result of this groom? John 2:9, 10. miracle in the lives of Jesus' disciples? John 2:11, last part. NoTE.—"As men set forth the best wine first, then afterward that which is worse, NoTE.—This incident was truly a lesson so does the world with its gifts. That which in faith. The disciples believed on Jesus it offers may please the eye and fascinate because they were led to recognize His the senses, but it proves to be unsatisfying. power and His love. His disciples today are The wine turns to bitterness, the gaiety to asked to believe on the same Jesus for the gloom. That which was begun with songs same reasons. LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are pub- lished each quarter in Braille and supplied free to the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record Benevolent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska. [6] Lesson 2,-for January 8, 1955 A Nobleman and a Centurion Believe in Jesus MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way." John 4:50. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 196-200. LESSON SCRIPTURES: John 4:46-54; Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 6-9. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 10-12. 2. Memorize John 4:50; Key Words; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 196- Ques. 1-3. 200. 3. Ques. 4, 5. 7. Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: IV. The Progress of Faith 1. The development of a greater faith. I. Jesus Again at Cana John 4:53. 1. The previous miracle at Cana. John 2. The second miracle in Galilee. 4:46, first part. Verse 54. 2. A nobleman and his son. Verse 46, 3. A similar miracle. Matt. 8:5-13. last part. 3. The nobleman's request. Verse 47. Key Words: II. The Necessity of Faith 1. Nobleman. Margin, "courtier." This man was evidently an official of King 1. Jesus tests the sincerity of the Herod's court with headquarters at Caper- nobleman. John 4:48. naum. 2. The nobleman urges his request upon the Master. Verse 49. 2. Signs and Wonders. The word translated "signs" is the same as the word III. The Reward of Faith translated "miracle" in John 4:54. It was 1. Jesus' assurance. John 4:50, first as if Jesus had said, "Except ye see miracles, part. ye will not believe." 2. The nobleman's faith. Verse 50, last 3. Centurion. Originally the centurion part. was the leader of one hundred men in the 3. The good news from Capernaum. Roman army. However, the actual number Verse 51. of men commanded by a centurion varied 4. The nobleman's inquiry. Verse 52. from fifty to one hundred. THE LESSON Jesus Again at Cana 2. What needy individuals are in- troduced at this point in the narra- 1. What Galilean town did Jesus tive? John 4:46, last part. • visit? What miracle had previously been performed at that place? John 4:46, first part. No7E.-Jesus ministered to all classes. f 7] father had, in his own mind, made condi- tions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless his petition should be granted, he would not receive Him as the Messiah. While the of- ficer waited in an agony of suspense, Jesus said, 'Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.' "Notwithstanding all the evidence that Jesus was the Christ, the petitioner had de- termined to make his belief in Him condi- tional on the granting of his own request." —The Desire of Ages, page 198. This verse presents the principal lesson of faith contained in this miracle. The noble- man represented, at this point, a large num- ber of people who make faith dependent on the fulfillment of some sign. Such an atti- WITH MORE LIGHT WE tude is not real faith. Faith is a surrender, SHOULD HAVE MORE FAITH. a commitment, like that of Job when he said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust On His previous visit to Cana He mingled in Him." Jesus was teaching the nobleman with the common people at a wedding feast. —and us—that men should believe before Now He brings His blessings to a distin- they see signs and wonders, not because guished official. Jesus was equally at home they have seen signs and wonders. with the rich or the poor, the great or the obscure. The door of faith was open to all 5. In what words did the nobleman people who would choose to enter. renew his request? John 4:49. 3. What request did the nobleman make of Jesus? John 4:47. NOTE.—"Yet the nobleman had a degree of faith; for he had come to ask what NOTE.—"On reaching Cana he found a seemed to him the most precious of all throng surrounding Jesus. With an anxious blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to be- heart he pressed through to the Saviour's stow. He desired, not only to heal the child, presence. His faith faltered when he saw but to make the officer and his household only a plainly dressed man, dusty and worn sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to with travel. He doubted that this Person kindle a light in Capernaum, which was so could do what he had come to ask of Him; soon to be the field of His own labors. But yet he secured an interview with Jesus, told the nobleman must realize his need before his errand, and besought the Saviour to ac- he would desire the grace of Christ. This company him to his home. But already his courtier represented many of his nation. sorrow was known to Jesus. Before the They were interested in Jesus from selfish officer had left his home, the Saviour had motives. They hoped to receive some special beheld his affliction."—The Desire of Ages, benefit through His power, and they staked pages 197, 198. their faith on the granting of this temporal favor; but they were ignorant as to their The Necessity of Faith spiritual disease, and saw not their need of divine grace."—The Desire of Ages, page 4. What statement did Jesus make 198. in response to the nobleman's re- The Reward of Faith quest? John 4:48. 6. What comforting words did Jesus speak to the nobleman? John NOTE.—"But He knew also that the 4:50, first part. [8 ] NOTE.—"Thy son liveth." These were The Progress of Faith thrilling words for a father to hear. The nobleman had made contact with the source 10. What spiritual experience came of life. His outreached hand of faith was to this man and his family as the re- grasped by the hand of Divine Grace. sult of this experience? John 4:53. Agony and uncertainty gave way to peace and thanksgiving. 7. What spiritual experience took place in the nobleman's life? John NoTE.—In verse 50 it is said that the 4:50, last part. man "believed" the words of Jesus. In verse 53 it states again that he "believed." This indicates that belief is a progressive. experience. The nobleman's degree of sur- render and commitment to Christ became NOTE.—The nobleman's attitude was greater as his experience progressed. changed. Had his belief been conditioned "The nobleman longed to know more of still on signs and wonders, he would have Christ. As he afterward heard His teaching, hurried back to Capernaum to see whether he and all his household became disciples. his son were really healed. "Cana was not Their affliction was sanctified to the con- so far from Capernaum but that the officer version of the entire family."—The Desire might have reached his home on the evening of Ages, page 200. after his interview with Jesus; but he did not hasten on the homeward journey. It was not until the next morning that he 11. What chronological fact is reached Capernaum."—The Desire of Ages, noted regarding this miracle? John page 199. , 4:54. 8. What message did his servants bring the nobleman as he was on his way home? John 4:51. 12. What similar miracle was per- formed at a later time? Matt. 8:5-13. Compare Luke 7:1-10. NOTE.—"Thy son liveth." When Jesus spoke these words, He did so because of His divine knowledge. When the servants spoke the same words, they did so from personal NoerE.—"Christ had said to the nobleman observation. The spiritual accomplishment whose son He healed, 'Except ye see signs of the nobleman was that he accepted the and wonders, ye will not believe.' John statement as fully when Jesus spoke it as 4:48. He was grieved that His own nation when he heard it from his servants. should require these outward signs of His Messiahship. . . . But He marveled at the faith of the centurion who came to Him. 9. What inquiry did the nobleman The centurion did not question the Saviour's make of the servants? John 4:52. power. He did not even ask Him to come in person to perform the miracle. 'Speak the word only,' he said, 'and my servant shall be healed.' "—The Desire of Ages, NOTE.—This was the question anyone page 315. would have asked. It was not asked from Some comparisons and contrasts between lack of faith but from human curiosity these miracles are: (1) The nobleman was which desired to know how the time of a Jew, the centurion was not; (2) both the interview at Cana compared with the miracles actually occurred in Capernaum; time of the healing at Capernaum. The tim- (3) both miracles were performed at a dis- ing proved that divine power and love are tance from the one benefited; (4) the cen- not hampered in their operation by such turion showed a more mature faith than physical factors as time and space. did the nobleman. f9I , Lesson 3, for January 15, 1955 Faith Rewarded at Capernaum MEMORY VERSE: "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him." Mark 1:27. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 252-261. LESSON SCRIPTURES: John 4:53; Mark 1:21-34. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 6-9. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 10-13. 2. Memorize Mark 1:27; Key Words; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 252- Ques. 1, 2. 261. 3. Ques. 3-5. 7. Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 2. The universality of Jesus' healing. Verse 34. I. The Gospel in Capernaum 1. The awakening of interest. John Key Words: 4:53. 2. Jesus, the teacher. Mark 1:21, 22. 1. Capernaum.• A city on the north- western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is H. An Interruption in the Sabbath spoken of in the Scriptures as Jesus' own Service city, for He made it His headquarters dur- 1. The demoniac. Mark 1:23. ing His Galilean ministry. 2. The demon's acknowledgment. Verse 2. Synagogue. The house of worship of the Jews. Possibly synagogues were built III. Jesus Stronger Than Satan first about the time of the captivity. They were so constructed that the worshipers 1. The demon rebuked. Mark 1:25. looked toward Jerusalem. The center of 2. The victory. Verse 26. worship was the chest containing the book 3. The amazement of the people. Verse of the law. A raised platform and a pulpit 27. gave the building the semblance of a 4. The widespread fame of Jesus. present-day church. Verse 28. 3. Unclean Spirit. Devil possession must IV. At the Home of Peter be understood as an actual control of an 1. Entering Peter's house. Mark 1:29. individual by supernatural evil powers. The 2. Sickness in the home. Verse 30. modern notion of equating demon posses- 3. Restoration. Verse 31. sion with insanity must be avoided. The symptoms of the victims might differ V. Healing the Multitude widely, but the source of the difficulty in 1. The enthusiastic populace. Mark each case was the malevolent power of 1:32, 33. Satan.. 110 THE LESSON The Gospel in Capernaum III. His Doctrine. 11. He held Himself to the presenta- 1. What interest in Jesus had been tion of positive truths of the word established in the city of Capernaum? of God. John 4:53- 12. He revealed God and the eternal world. 13. He revealed His familiarity with God and heaven, and at the same NoTE.—"In Capernaum the nobleman's time His unity with the human son whom Christ had healed was a witness family. to His power. And the court official and his 14. He placed temporal and eternal household joyfully testified of their faith. things in their true relation to one When it was known that the Teacher Him- another. self was among them, the whole city was aroused. Multitudes flocked to His presence. An Interruption in the Sabbath On the Sabbath the people crowded the Service synagogue until great numbers had to turn away, unable to find entrance."—The De- 3. What unfortunate man was pres- sire of Ages, page 253. ent in the synagogue at this Sabbath service? Mark 1:23. 2. How was the teaching of Jesus received by the people? Mark 1:21, 22. NoTE.—"The secret cause of the affliction that had made this man a fearful spectacle to his friends and a burden to himself was in his own life. He had been fascinated by NOTE.—The word translated "doctrine" the pleasures of sin. . . . Intemperance and is often translated "teaching." This scrip- frivolity perverted the noble attributes of ture calls attention to Jesus as a teacher. his nature, and Satan took absolute control In commenting on this text, The Desire of of him. Ages lists some of the characteristics of the "Remorse came too late. When he would teaching of Jesus (pages 253 and 254) have sacrificed wealth and pleasure to re- among which are the following: gain his lost manhood, he had become help- less in the grasp of the evil one. He had I. His Audience. placed himself on the enemy's ground, and 1. Jesus met the people on their own Satan had taken possession of all his fac-' ground. ulties. The tempter had allured him with 2. He reached all classes. many charming presentations; but when 3. He adapted His teaching to His once the wretched man was in his power, audiences. the fiend became relentless in his cruelty, II. His Method. and terrible in his angry visitations. So it 4. His language was pure, refined, will be with all who yield to evil; the fasci- and clear. nating pleasure of their early career ends in 5. He was gracious and tactful. the darkness of despair or the madness of 6. He was earnest. a ruined soul."—The Desire of Ages, page 7. He maintained a tender, sympa- 256. thetic spirit. 8. He used illustrations to teach 4. What acknowledgment did the truth. evil spirit make through the lips of 9. He presented truth in a direct and the demon-possessed man? Mark 1:24. simple way. 10. He spoke with the authority of personal conviction and experience, rather than with the borrowed NOTE.—"The mind of this wretched suf- authority of tradition. ferer had been darkened by Satan, but in the Saviour's presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom. He was roused to long for freedom from Satan's control; but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty hand, another's will held him, another's words found utterance through him. The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for free- dom was terrible."—The Desire of Ages, page 255. Jesus Stronger Than Satan "NOT UNTIL THE LAST SUFFERER HAD SEEN RELIEVED DID JESUS CEASE HIS WORK." 5. With what words did Jesus re- buke the evil spirit? Mark 1:25. Nom.—"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could NoTE.—Just a short time before, Jesus utter only the words of Satan; yet the had stated in the synagogue at Nazareth that one of His objectives was "to preach heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utter- deliverance to the captives." Now His ance in words, will be unheeded."—The De- ability to do this is challenged. With calm sire of Ages, page 258. dignity He says to the evil spirit, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him." Jesus had met Satan before in the wilderness and had 7. What was the reaction of the triumphed. His entire ministry was a series onlookers? Mark 1:27. of victories over the enemy of God and man. "The period of Christ's personal ministry among men was the time of greatest activ- NOTE.—The amazement and questioning ity for the forces of the kingdom of dark- that followed this miracle no doubt proved ness. For ages Satan with his evil angels for many to be the awakening of faith in had been seeking to control the bodies and Jesus. Experiences that bring surprise and the souls of men, to bring upon them sin wonder sometimes result in deeper under- and suffering ; then he had charged all this standing. misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to men the character of God. He was break- ing Satan's power, and setting his captives 8. How widely did the news of this free. New life and love and power from incident spread? Mark 1:28. heaven were moving upon the hearts of men, and the prince of evil was aroused to contend for the supremacy of his kingdom. Satan summoned all his forces, and at every step contested the work of Christ."—The At the Home of Peter Desire of Ages, page 257. 9. After the service in the syna- 6. With what manifestations of sa- gogue, where did Jesus go? Who tanic hatred did the unclean spirit accompanied Him? Mark 1:29. Corn- depart from the man? Mark 1:26. pare Matt. 8:14; Luke 4:38. [ 12 I 10. Who was ill in this household? NOTE.—"Tidings of the work of Christ Mark 1:30. spread rapidly throughout Capernaum. For fear of the rabbis, the people dared not come for healing upon the Sabbath; but no sooner had the sun disappeared below the NoTE.—Peter and the other disciples were horizon than there was a great commotion. receiving a marvelous introduction to the From the homes, the shops, the market breadth of the ministry of Jesus. Peter, at places, the inhabitants of the city pressed the wedding feast at Cana, saw the power toward the humble dwelling that sheltered of Jesus at work on the social level. On the Jesus. The sick were brought upon couches, occasion of the miraculous draft of fishes they came leaning upon staffs, or, supported (Luke 5:1-11) Peter had seen Jesus at work by friends, they tottered feebly into the meeting the material needs of men. This Saviour's presence."—The Desire of Ages, very same Sabbath in the synagogue Peter page 259. had witnessed the power of Jesus speaking to the hearts of men. Now, in his own 13. What miracles did Jesus per- home, Peter sees Jesus ministering in the form for the multitude? Mark 1:34. confines of a simple home. Jesus is inter- ested in every aspect of human lives. Faith has its place in every legitimate pursuit of man. 11. What did Jesus do for the suf- NOTE.—Jesus brought happiness. "The ferer? With what results? Mark 1:31. air was filled with the voice of triumph and shouts of deliverance. The Saviour was joyful in the joy He had awakened. . . . "Not until the last sufferer had been Healing the Multitude relieved did Jesus cease His work. It was far into the night when the multitude de- 12. After the Sabbath, who con- parted, and silence settled down upon the gregated about the door of Peter's home of Simon."—The Desire of Ages, page house? Mark 1:32, 33. 259. Lesson 4, for January 22, 1955 Forgiveness Through Faith MEMORY VERSE: "And when He saw their faith, He said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." Luke 5:20. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 267-271. LESSON SCRIPTURES: Mark 2:1-12; Matt. 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 7-9. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 10-12. 2. Memorize Luke 5:20; Key Words; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 267- Ques. 1, 2. 271; begin reviewing lesson. 3. Ques. 3-6. 7. Finish reviewing lesson. [ 13 Lesson Outline: V. The Doctrine of Forgiveness 1. Forgiveness and cleansing. 1 John I. Jesus Revisits Capernaum 1:9. 1. In Capernaum again. Mark 2:1. 2. The measure of forgiveness. Matt. 2. The eager crowds. Verse 2. 6:12; 18:21, 22, 35. 3. A result of faith. Rom. 3:22-25. II. Faith Conquers Obstacles 1. The palsied man. Mark 2:3. Key Words: 2. The resourcefulness of his friends. Verse 4. 1. Palsy. The word is a shortened form III. Jesus Forgives Sin of paralysis. 1. The man's greatest need-forgive- 2. Forgive. Back of the English word ness. Mark 2:5. lies the Greek word aphiemi, which is trans- 2. The objection of the critics. Verses lated "put away" in 1 Corinthians 7:12 and 6, 7. "yielded up" in Matthew 27:50. Divine forgiveness of sins involves a change in the IV. Jesus Heals life and the attitude of the sinner. God's 1. The critics answered. Mark 2:8, 9. forgiveness does not produce security for 2. Complete restoration. Verses 10-12, an unrepentant sinner. When God forgives, first part. He "puts away" sin in a sense that the 3. The effect on the people. Verse 12, forgiven sinner is a different person. The last part; Matt. 9:8; Luke 5:26. prerequisite for such forgiveness is faith. THE LESSON Jesus Revisits Capernaum was the result of a life of sin, and his suf- ferings were embittered by remorse. He had 1. What indicates that Capernaum long before appealed to the Pharisees and was "home" to Jesus? Mark 2:1; doctors, hoping for relief from mental suf- fering and physical pain. But they coldly Matt. 9:1. pronounced him incurable, and abandoned him to the wrath of God. The Pharisees regarded affliction as an evidence of divine displeasure, and they held themselves aloof NoTE.-The expression "in the house" is from the sick and the needy. Yet often translated in some versions as "at home." these very ones who exalted themselves as "Jesus was teaching in the house of Peter." holy were more guilty than the sufferers -The Desire of Ages, page 268. they condemned."-The Desire of Ages, page 267. 2. What is revealed regarding 4. How did the friends of the sick Jesus' popularity at this stage of His man overcome obstacles in bringing ministry? Mark 2:2. him to Jesus? Mark 2:4. Faith Conquers Obstacles NoTE.-"Again and again the bearers of the paralytic tried to push their way 3. What unfortunate man was through the crowd, but in vain. The sick brought to Jesus? Mark 2:3. Com- man looked about him in unutterable an- pare Luke 5:18. guish. When the longed-for help was so near, how could he relinquish hope? At his suggestion his friends bore him to the top of the house and, breaking up the roof, let NoTE.-"Like the leper, this paralytic him down at the feet of Jesus."-The Desire had lost all hope of recovery. His disease of Ages, page 268. [ 14 ] Faith is often manifested by unwavering determination that finds ways to overcome obstacles. These friends were so sure that Jesus could help that they were unwilling to give up. Faith results in good works such as this. Jesus Forgives Sin 5. What did Jesus say to the sick man? Mark 2:5. Compare Matt. 9:2; Luke 5:20. NOTE.—"Christ's work for the paralytic ARE WE 50 EARNEST IN is an illustration of the way we are to work. GETTING MEN TO CHRIST Through his friends this man had heard of WE WOULD TEAR OFF THE Jesus and requested to be brought into the ROOF OF THE HOUSE? presence of the mighty Healer. The Saviour knew that the paralytic had been tortured by the suggestions of the priests that be- Jesus Heals cause of his sins God had cast him off. Therefore His first work was to give him 7. How did Jesus answer the secret peace of mind. 'Son,' He said, 'thy sins be thoughts of His critics? Mark 2:8, 9. forgiven thee.' This assurance filled his heart with peace and joy."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 234. "There are today thousands suffering Nom—Jesus' ability to read their from physical disease, who, like the par- thoughts should have convinced His critics alytic, are longing for the message, 'Thy that He was from God. But to give them sins are forgiven.' The burden of sin, with unmistakable evidence of His power to for- its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the give sins, Jesus challenged them with a foundation of their maladies. They can question relative to His power to heal. ' find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give would impart vigor to the mind, and 8. How did Jesus demonstrate His health to the body."—The Desire of Ages, power to forgive sins? Mark 2:10-12, page 270. first part. Compare Matt. 9:6, 7. 6. What objection to Jesus' state; ment was raised in the hearts of some of the listeners? Mark 2:6, 7. NoTE.—This incident gives insight into the purpose of Jesus' miracles of healing. He healed men's bodies to demonstrate His power to heal men's souls. NoTE.—These critics represented a deca- "It required nothing less than creative dent religion made up of rules and outward power to restore health to that decaying formalities. Their purpose was to protect body. The same voice that spoke life to tradition against anything that looked new man created 'from the dust of the earth had to them. "The power of the Lord was spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the present to heal them," but they were not same power that gave life to the body had healed because they did not believe. renewed the heart. He who at the creation This is a striking example of how a right `snake, and it was,' who 'commanded, and principle can be misused. It was true that it stood fast' (Ps. 33:9), had spoken life to only God could forgive sins. The critics the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The would not accept the fact that Jesus was healing of the body was an evidence of the God. power that had renewed the heart. Christ [ 15 ] bade the paralytic arise and walk 'that ye the doctrine of forgiveness? 1 John may know,' He said, 'that the Son of man 1:9. hath power on earth to forgive sins.' "— The Desire of Ages, pages 269, 270. NoTE.—There is no salvation apart from 9. What was the effect on the peo- forgiveness of sins. There can be no forgive- ple? Mark 2:12, last part; Matt. 9:8; ness apart from faith. And faith brings Luke 5:26. conviction, repentance, and confession. Just as Jesus was willing and able to restore men's bodies, so He is able and willing to forgive their sins. NoTE.—"The effect produced' upon the 11. In stressing the doctrine of for- people by the healing of the paralytic was giveness, what did Jesus state would as if heaven had opened, and revealed the be the measure of forgiveness? Matt. glories of the better world. As the man who 6:12; 18:21, 22, 35. had been cured passed through the multi- tude, blessing God at every step, and bear- ing his burden as if it were a feather's weight, the people fell back to give him NoTE.—The healing of the paralytic room, and with awe-stricken faces gazed teaches that men are forgiven in response upon him, whispering softly among them- to their faith in God. Jesus makes it clear selves, 'We have seen strange things today.' " that the willingness to forgive our fellow —The Desire of Ages, page 270. men is also essential. Just as the law of God includes love for God and love for man, so forgiveness is conditional upon faith in God The Doctrine of Forgiveness and forgiveness by man of his fellows. 10. In what words did John, who 12. How are remission of sin and witnessed this miracle, later express righteousness received? Rom. 3:22-25. Lesson for January.29, 1955 Jesus Heals on,the Sabbath MEMORY VERSE: "But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." John 5:17. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 201-213. LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 5:1-21. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 8-10. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 11-13. 2. Memorize John 5:17; Key Words; 6. "The Desire of Ages," pp. 201-213. Ques. 1-3. 7. Review entire lesson. 3. Ques. 4-7. [ 16 ] Lesson Outline: 3. Source of Jesus' power. Verses 18- 21. I. Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda 1. Jesus goes to Jerusalem. John 5:1. 2. The pool of disappointed hopes. Key Words: Verse 2. 3. The popular superstition. Verses 3, 4. 1. Bethesda. "The Hebrew name of a reservoir or tank, with five 'porches,' close II. The Sufferer Healed upon the sheepgate or 'market' in Jerusa- lem. The porches-cloisters or colonnades- 1. A chronic invalid. John 5:5. were extensive enough to accommodate a 2. Jesus' question. Verse 6. large number of sick and infirm people, 3. The reply of a discouraged man. whose custom it was to wait there for the Verse 7. `troubling of the water.' "-Smith, Diction- 4. Jesus' command. Verses 8, 9. ary of the Bible, 1906 ed., p. 113. III. Proper Sabbathkeeping In 1888 there was discovered beneath the church of St. Anne, north of Birket, Israel, 1. The objection of the critics. John the site which is now identified with the pool 5:10. of Bethesda. It consists of twin pools with 2. Action defended. Verses 11-13. arches, which fit the Bible description. On a 3. Jesus' counsel to the healed man. wall was a faded fresco of the troubling Verse 14. of the waters. IV. Refuting the Objections of His Critics 2. Bed. A pallet, or bedding roll, which 1. Opposition of Jews. John 5:15, 16. the individual could roll up and carry about 2. Objections answered. Verse 17. at will. THE LESSON Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda American Revised Version of 1901 and the Revised Standard Version of 1946 omit the 1. What occasion again brought fourth verse. It is possible that this verse Jesus to Jerusalem? John 5:1. was added as a marginal note to the original text by some early copyist to account for the presence of the sick people at the pool, and later it came to be incorporated into NoTE.-While the record does not spe- the Bible text. This explanation is in har- cifically state what feast this was, there is mony with the following inspired comment: good reason to believe that it was a Pass- "At certain seasons the waters of this pool over. were agitated, and it was commonly be- lieved that this was the result of super- 2. What place provided the setting natural power. . . "He saw the wretched sufferers watching for this lesson? John 5:2. for that which they supposed to be their only chance of cure."-The Desire of Ages, page 201. (Italics supplied.) There were two pools, the upper of which 3. Why did sick people congregate overflowed periodically into the lower one, at this pool? John 5:3, 4. thus causing the agitation of the water, which tradition had attributed to some supernatural cause. NOTE.-It is interesting to note that the The Sufferer Healed fourth verse is omitted in some of the an- cient manuscripts. For this reason the 4. What man did Jesus particularly English Revised Version of 1881 and the notice on this occasion? John 5:5. [ 17 ] NOTE. "His disease was in a great degree the result of his own sin, and was looked upon as a judgment from God. Alone and friendless, feeling that he was shut out from God's mercy, the sufferer had passed long years of misery."—The Desire of Ages, page 202. 5. What question did Jesus ask this man? John 5:6. 6. How did the man reply? John 5:7. "THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN:' IT IS A TIME TO BE A BLESSING TO NoTE.—"The sick man was lying on his OTHERS- mat, and occasionally lifting his head to gaze at the pool, when a tender, compas- many who realize their helplessness, and sionate face bent over him, and the words, who long for that spiritual life which will `Wilt thou be made whole?' arrested his bring them into harmony with God; they attention. Hope came to his heart. He felt are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair that in some way he was to have help. But they cry, '0 wretched man that I am! who the glow of encouragement soon faded. He shall deliver me from this body of death?' remembered how often he had tried to Rom. 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, reach the pool, and now he had little pros- struggling ones look up. The Saviour is pect of living till it should again be troubled. bending over the purchase of His blood, He turned away wearily, saying, 'Sir, I have saying with inexpressible tenderness and no man, when the water is troubled, to put pity, 'Wilt thou be made whole?' He bids me into the pool; but while I am coming, you arise in health and peace. Do not wait another steppeth down before me."—The to feel that you are made whole. Believe Desire of Ages, page 202. His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve 7. What was the result of the in- Him, and in acting upon His word you will valid's response to the command of receive strength. Whatever may be the evil Jesus? John 5:8, 9. practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is 'dead in tres- NoTE.—This incident provides an out- passes.' Eph. 2:1. He will set free the cap- standing illustration of the way Jesus saves tive that is held by weakness and misfor- men. The man was asked to do what seemed tune and the chains of sin."—The Desire of impossible. "The man's faith takes hold Ages, pages 202, 203. upon that word. Every nerve and muscle thrills with new life, and healthful action comes to his crippled limbs. Without ques- Proper Sabbathkeeping tion he sets his will to obey the command of Christ, and all his muscles respond to his 8. What objection did Jesus' critics will. Springing to his feet, he finds himself raise? John 5:10. an active man. . . . "Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are Nora.—Here is an example of how the palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capa- Jews perverted the laws of God and ble of living a holy life than was the impo- brought them into disrepute. True, there tent man capable of walking. There are was a law against carrying a burden on the [ 18 ] Sabbath (compare Jer. 17:21, 22), but it Refuting the Objections was not applicable to this particular case. It referred to the carrying on of gainful of His Critics employment on Sabbath, with unnecessary bearing of burdens, and carelessness in 11. What measures did the Jews preparation for the Sabbath. take against Jesus? John 5:15, 16. "The Jews had so perverted the law that they made it a yoke of bondage. Their meaningless requirements had become a by- word among other nations. Especially was the Sabbath hedged in by all manner of senseless restrictions."—The Desire of Ages, 12. How did Jesus meet the objec- page 204. tions of His critics? John 5:17. "He [Jesus] had come to free the Sab- bath from those burdensome requirements that had made it a curse instead of a bless- ing. "For this reason He had chosen the Sab- bath upon which to perform the act of NOTE.="Jesus stated to them that the healing at Bethesda. He could have healed work of relieving the afflicted was in har- the sick man as well on any other day of mony with the Sabbath law. . . . If the the week; or He might simply have cured Jews' interpretation of the law was correct, him, without bidding him bear away his then Jehovah was at fault, whose work has bed. But this would not have given Him quickened and upheld every living thing the opportunity He desired. A wise purpose since first He laid the foundations of the underlay every act of Christ's life on earth. earth; then He who pronounced His work Everything He did was important in itself good, and instituted the Sabbath to com- and in its teaching. Among the afflicted ones memorate its completion, must put a period at the pool He selected the worst case upon to His labor, and stop the never-ending whom to exercise His healing power, and routine of the universe."—The Desire of bade the man carry his bed through the city Ages, page 206. in order to publish the great work that had been wrought upon him. This would raise 13. How did Jesus describe His re- the question of what it was lawful to do on lationship to His Father? John 5:18- the Sabbath, and would open the way for 21. Him to denounce the restrictions of the Jews in regard to the Lord's day, and to declare their traditions void."—The Desire of Ages, page 206. 9. How did the healed man defend NOTE.—"My authority, He said, for doing his Sabbath activity? John 5:11-13. the work of which you accuse Me, is that I am the Son of God, one with Him in nature, in will, and in purpose. In all His works of creation and providence, I co- 10. What counsel did Jesus give operate with God."—The Desire of Ages, the man? John 5:14. page 208. FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLIES The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Order from the International Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois. [ 19 ] Lesson 6, for February 5, 1955 Power Over Tempests and Demons MEMORY VERSE: "And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of Man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him." Luke 8:25. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 333-341. LESSON SCRIPTURES: Mark 4:36-40; 5:14-20; Matt. 8:28-32. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 7-10. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 11-14. 2. Memorize Luke 8:25; Key Words; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 333- Ques. 1-3. 341. 3. Ques. 4-6. 7. Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 5. Aroused populace. Mark 5:14-17. 6. Home missionaries. Verses 18-20. I. The Close of an Eventful Day Key Words: 1. The desire to leave the multitude. Mark 4:35, 36. I. Tempest. "It would be difficult to 2. The weariness of Jesus. Verse 38, imagine a more beautiful sheet of water first part. than that which is known as the Sea of 3. The destination of Jesus and the Galilee. Of course, it is not a sea but a disciples. Matt. 8:18; Mark 4:35. lovely inland lake. It is only about thirteen miles in length and seven miles in breadth. II. Storm on the Lake Its clear water is supplied and again drained 1. Disciples are in distress. Mark 4:37. by the river Jordan. It lies six hundred 2. They call upon Jesus. Verse 38, last and fifty feet below the level of the sea, part. and to the north rises the summit of Mount 3. Jesus rebukes the wind. Verse 39. Hermon, which is clad in perpetual snow. Because of such a situation great currents III Lessons From the Turbulent Sea of air frequently roll down from the sur- 1. Jesus' appeal for faith. Mark 4:40. rounding hills and sweep the surface of the 2. Like the troubled sea. Isa. 57:20, 21. lake with sudden and fierce storms."-Erd- man, The Gospel of Matthew, page 116. IV. The Demoniacs 2. Gadara. A city, east of the Sea of 1. Among the tombs. Matt. 8:28. Galilee, said by Josephus to be the capital 2. Jesus challenged. Verse 29. of Perea. A large district was attached to 3. Deliverance from demons. Verses it. The area is known for its rough terrain 30-32. and for its tombs. The term "Gergesenes" 4. Heaven's valuation of a soul. Luke is sometimes used rather than the more 15:7. familiar term, "Gadarenes." [ 20 THE LESSON The Close of an Eventful Day Storm on the Lake 1. After a day of teaching, what 4. What dangerous situation arose did Jesus and His disciples do? Mark during the journey? Mark 4:37. Com- 4:35, 36. pare Matt. 8:24; Luke 8:23. NOTE.—The events of this lesson bring to a close what is spoken of as "the busy day" NoTE.—"Absorbed in their efforts to save of Jesus' ministry. Doubtless Jesus experi- themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus enced many such "busy days," but this one was on board. Now, seeing their labor is especially worthy of note. The events of vain and only death before them, they re- the day may be traced by reading Matthew membered at whose command they had set 12:22 to 13:53; and Mark 4:35-41. It out to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only should be noted that the "Parables of the hope. In their helplessness and despair they Kingdom" were given during this day. cried, 'Master, Master!' But the dense darkness hid Him from their sight. Their 2. What statement indicates• the voices were drowned by the roaring of the weariness of Jesus on this occasion? tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear assailed them. Had Jesus for- Mark 4:38, first part. saken them? Was He who had conquered disease and demons, and even death, power- less to help His disciples now? Was He un- mindful of them in their distress? NoTE.—"All day He had been teaching "Again they call, but there is no answer and healing; and as evening came on, the except the shrieking of the angry blast. Al- crowds still pressed upon Him. Day after ready their boat is sinking. A moment, and day He had ministered to them, scarcely apparently they will be swallowed up by pausing for food or rest. The malicious the hungry waters."—The Desire of Ages, criticism and misrepresentation with which page 334. the Pharisees constantly pursued Him made His labors much more severe and harassing; and now the close of the day found Him so 5. When they found Jesus asleep, utterly wearied that He determined to seek how did they express their alarm? retirement in some solitary place across the Mark 4:38, last part. lake."—The Desire of Ages, page 333. 3. What was the destination of Jesus and His disciples? Matt. 8:18; Mark 4:35. NoTE.—"Suddenly a flash of lightning pierces the darkness, and they see Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. In amazement and despair they exclaim, `Master, carest Thou not that we perish?' NOTE.—"The eastern shore of Gennesaret How can He rest so peacefully while they was not uninhabited, for there were towns are in danger and battling with death? here and there beside the lake; yet it was "Their cry arouses Jesus. As the light- a desolate region when compared with the ning's glare reveals Him, they see the peace western side. It contained a population of heaven in His face; they read in His more heathen than Jewish, and had little glance self-forgetful, tender love, and, their communication with Galilee. Thus it of- hearts turning to Him, cry, 'Lord, save us; fered Jesus the seclusion He sought, and He we perish.' now bade His disciples accompany Him "Never did a soul utter that cry un- thither."—The Desire of Ages, pages 333, heeded."—The Desire of Ages, pages 334, 334. 335. [21 1 6. What was Jesus' response to the disciples' cry of distress? Mark 4:39. Lessons From the Turbulent Sea 7. What rebuke did He give His disciples? Mark 4:40. Compare Luke 8:25. NoTE.—Jesus had every reason to expect the disciples to have faith in such a time of danger. Had they not witnessed miracle A5 IN THE LONG AGO, after miracle? Surely the Master who had JESUS TODAY SAYS TO turned the water to wine, healed the para- THE GRIEF-STRICKEN: PEACE, BE' STILL." lytic, and restored the demoniac would not forsake them now. But human faith is weak. The present danger causes past ex- The Demoniacs periences, however great, to be forgotten. 9. What did Jesus and His disciples 8. By what figure does the prophet find on the other side of the lake? describe the wicked? Isa. 57:20, 21. Matt. 8:28. NOTE.—"There is another spiritual lesson NOTE.—"From some hiding place among in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest. the tombs, two madmen rushed upon them Every man's experience testifies to the truth as if to tear them in pieces. Hanging about of the words of Scripture, 'The wicked these men were parts of chains which they are like the troubled sea, when it cannot had broken in escaping from confinement. rest. . . . There is no peace, saith my God, Their flesh was torn and bleeding where to the wicked.' Isa. 57:20, 21. Sin has they had cut themselves with sharp stones. destroyed our peace. While self is unsub- Their eyes glared out from their long and dued, we can find no rest. The masterful matted hair, the very likeness of humanity passions of the heart no human power can seemed to have been blotted out by the control. We are as helpless here as were the demons that possessed them, and they disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He looked more like wild beasts than like who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee men."—The Desire of Ages, page 337. has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who 10. How did the demons show their turn to Jesus with the cry, 'Lord, save us,' will find deliverance. His grace, that recon- recognition of Jesus? Matt. 8:29. ciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. 'He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are 11. What happened in response to they glad because they be quiet; so He Jesus' command that the devils come bringeth them unto their desired haven.' out of the men? Matt. 8:30-32. Com- Ps. 107:29, 30. 'Being justified by faith, we pare Mark 5:9-13. have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteous- ness quietness and assurance forever' Rom. NorE.—"The question is often raised as 5:1; Isa. 32:17."—The Desire of Ages, pages to just what is meant by demon possession. 336, 337. Some claim that it is merely figurative ex- [22] pression for moral evil and depravity; risked all. For our redemption, heaven itself others teach that it is descriptive of physical was imperiled. At the foot of the cross, or, more definitely, of mental disease and remembering that for one sinner Christ specifically of insanity. No other narrative would have laid down His life, you may shows more clearly that demon possession estimate the value of a soul."—Christ's Ob- denotes the mysterious but real control of a ject Lessons, page 196. human body and soul by actual spirits of supernatural power, cruel, satanic, malign. 13. To what extent did this inci- It was not merely a disordered brain which dent stir the populace? Mark 5:14-17. enabled this poor sufferer at once to recog- Compare Luke 8:34-37. nize Jesus as the 'Son of the Most High God;' it was not a 'mental disease' that feared to be sent 'out of the country,' that Jesus commanded to come out of the man 14. What were the restored demo- and permitted to enter into the herd of niacs commanded to do? With what swine. This man . . . was not a maniac but a demoniac."—Erdman, The Gospel of results? Mark 5:18-20. Compare Mark, page 80. Luke 8:38-40. 12. What is Heaven's estimate of the value of one soul? Luke 15:7. NOTE.—"For a few moments only, these men had been privileged to hear the teach- ings of Christ. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They NOTE.—"The value of a soul, who can could not instruct the people as the disciples estimate? Would you know its worth, go who had been daily with Christ were able to Gethsemane, and there watch with Christ to do. But they bore in their own persons through those hours of anguish, when He the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. sweat as it were great drops of blood. Look They could tell what they knew; what they upon the Saviour uplifted on the cross. themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of Hear that despairing cry, 'My God, My the power of Christ. This is what everyone God, why hast Thou forsaken Me ?' Look can do whose heart has been touched by the upon the wounded head, the pierced side, grace of God."—The Desire of Ages, page the marred feet. Remember that Christ 340. Lesson 7, for February 12, 1955 The Faith That Heals MEMORY VERSE: "And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." Luke 8:48. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 342-348. LESSON SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:22-43. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 5. Ques. 12, 13; review first part of of the lesson, based on outline. lesson. 2. Memorize Luke 8:48; Key Words; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 342- Ques. 1, 2. 348. 3. Ques. 3-6. 7. Review last part of lesson. 4. Ques. 7-11. [ 23 I Lesson Outline: IV. Jesus' Response to Faith Without Respect of Persons I. Jairus Comes to Jesus 1. No respecter of persons. Acts 10:34. 1. Falls at His feet. Mark 5:22. 2. Rich in faith. James 2:5. 2. Makes his request. Verse 23. Key Words: II. Touch of Faith 1. The infirm woman's desire for heal- 1. Virtue. A more correct translation is ing. Mark 5:25-27. "power." The Greek word is dunamis, 2. The expression of her faith. Verse which implies ability or strength. Appar- 28. ently when the woman touched Jesus' gar- 3. Jesus' response to her faith. Verses ment He was aware, in some way that we 29-33. cannot understand, that He had been in- 4. His comforting words. Verse 34. strumental in working a miracle. The power had gone out of Jesus not in the sense of III. Sad News From Jairus's House loss, but in the sense of application to need. 1. "Thy daughter is dead." Mark 5:35. 2. Made whole. Mark 5:34 is an in- 2. Jesus' challenge to believe. Verse 36. stance of the use of the Greek term which 3. The scene at Jairus's house. Verses is sometimes translated "made whole" and 37, 38. sometimes "saved." It is significant that 4. Jesus' surprising statement. Verse the relationship between curing a sick per- 39. son and saving a sinner is so close that the 5. The raising of Jairus's daughter. same word was sometimes used to describe Verses 40-43. both transactions. THE LESSON Jairus Comes to Jesus Touch of Faith 1. Who came to Jesus, and in what 3. While Jesus was on His way to attitude? Mark 5:22. Compare Luke the home of Jairus, what unfortunate 8:41. • person sought help from Him? Mark 5:25-27. 2. What was his request? Mark 5:23. NOTE.-"The ruler's house was not far distant, but Jesus and His companions ad- vanced slowly, for the crowd pressed Him on every side. The anxious father was im- patient of delay; but Jesus, pitying the NoTE.-"Jesus set out at once with the people, stopped now and then to relieve ruler for his home. Though the disciples had some suffering one, or to comfort a troubled seen so many of His works of mercy, they heart."-The Desire of Ages, page 342. were surprised at His compliance with the "On the way to the ruler's house, Jesus entreaty of the haughty rabbi; yet they ac- had met, in the crowd, a poor woman who companied their Master, and the people fol- for twelve years had suffered from a disease lowed, eager and expectant."-The Desire that made her life a burden. She had spent of Ages, page 342. all her means upon physicians and remedies, The faith of Jairus was not so great as only to be pronounced incurable. But her was that of the Roman centurion who felt it hopes revived when she heard of the cures unnecessary for Jesus to come to his house. that Christ performed. She felt assured that However, the ruler's faith was genuine, and if she could only go to Him she would be Jesus honored it. p. 343. [24 1 4. What method did the woman use in trying to avail herself of Jesus' healing power?• Mark 5:28. NoTE.—"Fearful of losing her one chance of relief, she pressed forward, saying to her- self, 'If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.' As He was passing, she reached forward, and succeeded in barely touching the border of His garment. But in that moment she knew that she was healed. In that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain M and feebleness gave place to the vigor of WE MAY BE POOR, perfect health."—The Desire of Ages, pages BUT 'THROUGH FAITH WE HAVE TREASURE 343, 344. UNLIMITED! 5. What was Jesus' response to her act? Mark 5:29-33. Compare Luke faith that is unto salvation is not a mere 8:45-47. intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about NOTE.—"The Saviour could distinguish Christ; we must believe in Him. The only the touch of faith from the casual contact faith that will benefit us is that which em- of the careless throng. Such trust should braces Him as a personal Saviour; which not be passed without comment. He would appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many speak to the humble woman words of com- hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a fort that would be to her a wellspring of transaction by which those who receive joy,—words that would be a blessing to His Christ join themselves in covenant relation followers to the close of time."—The Desire with God. Genuine faith is life. A living of Ages, page 344. faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a con- 6. What kind words did Jesus quering power."—The Desire of Ages, page speak to the woman? Mark 5:34. 347. Sad News From Jairus's House NoTE.—"He gave no opportunity for su- 7. What message came from the perstition to claim healing virtue for the home of Jairus? Mark 5:35. mere act of touching His garments. It was not through the outward contact with Him, but through the faith which took hold on His divine power, that the cure was wrought. "The wondering crowd that pressed close 8. What encouraging admonition about Christ realized no accession of vital did Jesus give? Mark 5:36. power. But when the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch Him, believing that she would be made whole, she felt the heal- ing virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk NoTE.—Jairus had just seen an evidence of religion in a casual way, to pray without of Jesus' power. He had heard Jesus say to soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. the woman, "Thy faith hath made thee A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts whole." Now Jairus's faith is challenged. Him merely as the Saviour of the world, Despite the crushing report from home, he can never bring healing to the soul. The ' is asked to "believe." [25 1 9. When Jesus and His disciples sleep, and the maiden gazed with wonder on came into Jairus's house, what did they the group beside her. She arose, and her parents clasped her in their arms, and wept find? Verses 37, 38. Compare Matt. for joy."-The Desire of Ages, page 343. 9:23. Jesus' Response to Faith Without Respect of Persons NOTE.-"Already the hired mourners and flute players were there, filling the air with their clamor. The presence of the crowd 12. How do these two miracles re- and the tumult jarred upon the spirit of veal the truth of Acts 10:34? Com- Jesus."-The Desire of Ages, page 343. pare Ephesians 6:9. 10. What surprising statement did Jesus make to those assembled at the NOTE.-"Jairus is a man of prominence house? Mark 5:39. Compare Matt. in the community, 'one of the rulers of the 9:24. synagogue,' a person of comparative wealth and power and social position, and for twelve years his home has been brightened by the presence of a little daughter, an only 11. In what simple manner did child. The woman is poor, weak, ceremoni- Jesus restore life and normal existence ally unclean, friendless, unknown, and for to the child? Mark 5:40-43. Com- twelve years her life has been darkened by pare Luke 8:54, 55. continual suffering and disease. "Both, however, are brought to Jesus by the consciousness of desperate need."-Erd- man, The Gospel of Mark, page 87. NoTE.-"Instantly a tremor passed through the unconscious form. The pulses 13. Although poor in this world's of life beat again. The lips unclosed with a goods, in what should the heirs of smile. The eyes opened widely as if from the kingdom be rich? James 2:5. Lesson 8, for February 19, 1955 Temporal Food or Spiritual Faith MEMORY VERSE: "And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." John 6:35. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 359-371, 383-394. LESSON SCRIPTURES: Mark 6:7-14; 30-44; John 6:1-15, 32-69. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 8-11. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 12-15. 2. Memorize John 6:35; Key Words; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 359- Ques. 1-3. 371, 383-394. 3. Ques. 4-7. 7. Review entire lesson. [ 26 ] Lesson Outline: 4. The faithfulness of the Twelve. Verses 67-69. 1. Jesus Seeks Rest for Himself and His 5. A similar miracle. Matt. 15:29-38; Disciples Mark 8:1-9. 1. Disciples sent out on a mission. Mark 6:7, 12, 13. 2. Their report to Jesus. Verse 30. Key Words: 3. "Come ye . . . apart, . . . and rest awhile." Verses 31, 32. 1. Apostle. This is the first occasion that the disciples are spoken of as "apostles." II. The Interrupted Vacation The word "apostle" means "one sent." These 1. Preaching to the multitude. Mark men had earned that title by going forth 6:33, 34. in evangelistic endeavor. 2. The scarcity of food. Verses 35, 36. 3. The seemingly impossible command. 2. Rest. "Christ's words of compassion Verse 37. are spoken to His workers today just as 4. Five loaves and two fishes. Verse 38. surely as they were spoken to His disciples. III. The Creator at Work `Come ye yourselves apart, . . . and rest 1. Caring for the multitude. Mark awhile,' He says to those who are worn and 6:39-41. weary. It is not wise to be always under 2. A lesson in economy. John 6:12, 13. the strain of work and excitement, even in 3. Five thousand fed. Mark 6:44. ministering to men's spiritual needs; for in this way personal piety is neglected, and the IV. The Results of This Miracle powers of mind and soul and body are 1. An attempt to make Jesus king. overtaxed. Self-denial is required of the John 6:15. disciples of Christ, and sacrifices must be Z. The way opened for teaching spir- made ; but care must also be exercised lest itual truth. John 6:26-36, 47, 48, through their overzeal Satan take advantage 51, 53-56. of the weakness of humanity, and the work 3. The departing of many disciples. of God be marred."-The Desire of Ages, Verse 66. page 362. THE LESSON Jesus Seeks Rest for Himself 3. How did Jesus show His kind and His Disciples consideration for them in their wear- iness? Mark 6:31, 32. Compare Luke 1. Upon what mission did Jesus 9:10. send His disciples? Mark 6:7, 12, 13. NOTE.-"Christ is full of tenderness and compassion for all in His service. He would 2. After their return from this mis- show His disciples that God does not re- sionary itinerary, what detailed report quire sacrifice, but mercy. They had been did they make to Jesus? Mark 6:30. putting their whole souls into labor for the people, and this was exhausting their physi- cal and mental strength. It was their duty to rest. .. Nora.-"They had committed errors in "Like Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, their first work as evangelists, and as they like David among the hills of Judea, or frankly told Christ of their experiences, He Elijah by the brook Cherith, the disciples saw that they needed much instruction. He needed to come apart from the scenes of saw, too, that they had become weary in their busy activity, to commune with their labors, and that they needed to rest." Christ, with nature, and with their own -The Desire of Ages, page 359. hearts. . . . 1 27 ] "In the estimation of the rabbis it was Mark 6:38. Compare Luke 9:13; John the sum of religion to be always in a bustle 6:9; Matt. 14:17. of activity. They depended upon some out- ward performance to show their superior piety. Thus they separated their souls from God, and built themselves up in self-suf- The Creator at Work ficiency. The same dangers still exist. As activity increases and men become success- 8. How did Jesus meet the needs of ful in doing any work for God, there is danger of trusting to human plans and the multitude? Mark 6:39-41. methods. There is a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith. Like the disciples, we are in danger of losing sight of our de- pendence on God, and seeking to make a NorE.—Compare Matthew 14:19; Luke savior of our activity. We need to look con- 9:14-16; John 6:10, 11. A comparison of stantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His the accounts of the miracle in the four Gos- power which does the work. While we are pels reveals the following procedure: to labor earnestly for the salvation of the a. Jesus seated the crowd in an or- lost, we must also take time for meditation, ganized manner. for prayer, and for the study of the word of b. Jesus asked God's blessing on the God. Only the work accomplished with loaves and the fishes. much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of c. Jesus gave the food to the disciples Christ, will in the end prove to have been to be distributed by them to the efficient for good."—The Desire of Ages, multitude. pages 360-362. d. Miraculously the food multiplied as it was distributed. "He who taught the people the way to The Interrupted Vacation secure peace and happiness was just as thoughtful of their temporal necessities as 4. How did the multitudes inter- of their spiritual need. The people were fere with Jesus' plan for relaxation? weary and faint. There were mothers with What is said of Jesus' attitude toward babes in their arms, and little children the people? Mark 6:33, 34. clinging to their skirts. Many had been standing for hours. . . . Jesus would give them a chance to rest, and He bade them sit down. . . . NOTE.—"Interrupted as He was, and "Christ never worked a miracle except to supply a genuine necessity."—The Desire of robbed of His rest, He was not impatient. He saw a greater necessity demanding His Ages, pages 365, 366. attention as He watched the people coming and still coming."—The Desire of Ages, 9. How did Jesus teach a lesson page 364. concerning economy in the temporal affairs of life? John 6:12, 13. 5. What problem arose as the day drew toward its close? Mark 6:35, 36. Compare John 6:5-7. NoTE.—This detail of the narrative indi- cates that Jesus supplied an abundance. While the food was simple, there was plenty of it. It was, no doubt, a very unusual 6. What command did Jesus give thing for most of these peasants to have all His disciples that seemed impossible they wanted to eat. to carry out? Mark 6:37. "These words meant more than putting bread into the baskets. The lesson was twofold. Nothing is to be wasted. We are to let slip no temporal advantage. We should 7. What did the disciples tell Jesus neglect nothing that will tend to benefit a regarding the availability of food? human being. Let everything be gathered [ 28 "In their enthusiasm the people are ready at once to crown Him king. . . . The dis- ciples unite with the multitude in declaring the throne of David the rightful inheritance of their Master.. .. "They eagerly arrange to carry out their FOOD FOR purpose; but Jesus sees what is on foot, GOD'S — OVER and understands, as they cannot, what BLESSING -5,000 would be the result of such a movement. PERSONS. . . . Calling His disciples, Jesus bids them take the boat and return at once to Caper- naum, leaving Him to dismiss the people." —The Desire of Ages, pages 377, 378. 12. When the people reassembled on the other side of the lake, what THE MASTER'S MATHEMATICS: spiritual truth did Jesus endeavor to WITH GOD'S BLESSING HE SUPPLIED EVERY NEED. teach them? John 6:26-36, 47, 48, 51, 53-56. up that will relieve the necessity of earth's hungry ones. And there should be the same NorE.—"The figure which Christ used carefulness in spiritual things. When the was a familiar one to the Jews. Moses, by baskets of fragments were collected, the the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had said, people thought of their friends at home. `Man doth not live by bread only, but by They wanted them to share in the bread every word that proceedeth out of the that Christ had blessed. The contents of mouth of the Lord.' And the prophet Jere- the baskets were distributed among the miah had written, 'Thy words were found, eager throng, and were carried away into and I did eat them; and Thy word was all the region round about. So those who unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine were at the feast were to give to others the heart.' Deut. 8:3; Jer. 15:16. The rabbis bread that comes down from heaven, to themselves had a saying, that the eating of satisfy the hunger of the soul."—The Desire bread, in its spiritual significance, was the of Ages, page 368. study of the law and the practice of good 10. How large a group was fed on works; and it was often said that at the Messiah's coming all Israel would be fed. this occasion? Mark 6:44. The teaching of the prophets made plain the deep spiritual lesson in the miracle of the loaves. This lesson Christ was seeking to The Results of This Miracle open to His hearers in the synagogue. Had they understood the Scriptures, they would 11. As a result of this miracle, have understood His words when He said, what did the people desire to do? `I am the Bread of Life.' Only the day before, John 6:15. the great multitude, when faint and weary, had been fed by the bread which He had given. As from that bread they had re- ceived physical strength and refreshment, so NOTE.—"The hopes of the people rise from Christ they might receive spiritual higher and higher. This is He who will strength unto eternal life. 'He that cometh make Judea an earthly paradise, a land to Me,' He said, 'shall never hunger; and he flowing with milk and honey. He can sat- that believeth on Me shall never thirst.' isfy every desire. He can break the power But He added, 'Ye also have seen Me, and believe not.' "—The Desire of Ages, page 386. of the hated Romans. He can deliver Judah and Jerusalem. He can heal the soldiers who are wounded in battle.... He can con- 13. Being unwilling to accept spir- quer the nations, and give to Israel the itual truth, what did many of His fol- long-sought dominion. lowers do? John 6:66. [ 29 ] NorE.—"The test was too great. The en- 14. How did the Twelve express thusiasm of those who had sought to take their faith at this time? John 6:67-69. Him by force and make Him king grew cold. This discourse in the synagogue, they declared, had opened their eyes. Now they were undeceived. In their minds His words 15. On what later occasion did were a direct confession that He was not the Messiah, and that no earthly rewards Jesus perform a similar miracle? were to be realized from connection with Matt. 15:29-38; Mark 8:1-9. Him. They had welcomed His miracle- working power; they were eager to be freed from disease and suffering; but they would not come into sympathy with His self- NOTE.-It is worthy of note that this sacrificing life. They cared not for the miracle was wrought in a Gentile area. mysterious spiritual kingdom of which He Jesus did not limit His blessings on the spoke. The insincere, the selfish, who had basis of race. At the feeding of the four sought Him, no longer desired Him. If He thousand, the disciples seem to have entirely would not devote His power and influence forgotten the previous miracle. This seems to obtaining their freedom from the Ro- incredible, but is no more incredible than mans, they would have nothing to do with the way in which we forget God's miracles Him."—The Desire of Ages, page 391. of grace. Lesson 9, for February 26, 1955 A Heathen Woman's Faith MEMORY VERSE: "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, 0 woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." Matt. 15:28. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 399-403. LESSON SCRIPTURES: Mark 7:24-29; Matt. 15:23-29. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 7, 8. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 9-11. 2. Memorize Matt. 15:28; Key Word; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 399- Ques. 1, 2. 403. 3. Ques. 3-6. 7. Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: II. The Disciples' Attitude 1. National prejudice. Matt. 15:23. I. A Second Attempt at Retirement In- 2. Jesus' desire to change the disciples' terrupted attitude. Verse 24. 1. Into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. Mark 7:24. An Object Lesson 2. The plea of a Syrophoenician wo- 1. Jesus tests the woman's faith. Matt. man. Verses 25, 26. 15:25, 26. [ 30 ] 2. The woman's expression of faith. 3. "This man was born there." Ps. Verse 27. 87:4-6. IV. The Request Granted Key Word: 1. The woman's faith rewarded. Matt. Syrophoenician. This term "occurs only 15:28. in Mark 7:26. The word denoted perhaps 2. Jesus' reason for making this long a mixed race, half-Phoenicians and half- journey. Verse 29. Syrians. Matthew (15:22) speaks of 'a woman of Canaan' in place of St. Mark's V. The Significance of This Miracle `Syro-phoenician,' on the same ground that the Septuagint translates Canaan by Phoeni- 1. Preparing disciples for wider service. cia. The names Canaan and Phoenicia had Matt. 28:19. succeeded one another as geographical 2. Breaking down walls of separation. names in the same country."—Smith, Dic- Eph. 2:12-14. tionary of the Bible, 1871 ed., p. 676. THE LESSON A Second Attempt at Retirement aters, and were despised and hated by the Jews. To this class belonged the woman Interrupted who now came to Jesus. She was a heathen, and was therefore excluded from the ad- 1. To what region did Jesus and vantages which the Jews daily enjoyed. His disciples go? Mark 7:24. There were many Jews living among the Phoenicians, and the tidings of Christ's work had penetrated to this region. Some of the people had listened to His words and NOTE.—"After the encounter with the, had witnessed His wonderful works. This Pharisees, Jesus withdrew from Capernaum, woman had heard of the prophet, who, it and crossing Galilee, repaired to the hill was reported, healed all manner of diseases. country on the borders of Phoenicia. Look- As she heard of His power, hope sprang up ing westward, He could see, spread out in her heart. Inspired by a mother's love, upon the plain below, the ancient cities of she determined to present her daughter's Tyre and Sidon, with their heathen temples, case to Him. . . . She determined not to their magnificent palaces and marts of trade, lose her only hope."—The Desire of Ages, and the harbors filled with shipping. Beyond pages 399, 400. was the blue expanse of the Mediterranean, over which the messengers of the gospel were to bear its glad tidings to the centers The Disciples' Attitude of the world's great empire. But the time was not yet. The work before Him now 3. What attitude did the disciples was to prepare His disciples for their mis- take toward her? Matt. 15:23. sion. In coming to this region He hoped to find the retirement He had failed to secure at Bethsaida. Yet this was not His only purpose in taking this journey."—The De- NoTE.—"Christ knew this woman's situ- sire of Ages, page 399. ation. He knew that she was longing to see Him, and He placed Himself in her path. 2. Who came to Jesus, and with By ministering to her sorrow, He could give what plea for help? Mark 7:25, 26. a living representation of the lesson He Compare Matt. 15:22. designed to teach. For this He had brought His disciples into this region. He desired them to see the ignorance existing in cities and villages close to the land of Israel. . . . Nora.—"The people of this district were The partition wall which Jewish pride had of the old Canaanite race. They were idol- erected, shut even the disciples from sym- [ 31 ] pathy with the heathen world. But these barriers were to be broken down."—The Desire of Ages, page 400. 4. What did Jesus reveal to the dis- ciples regarding His mission? Matt. 15:24. NoTE.—"Although this answer appeared to be in accordance with the prejudice of the Jews, it was an implied rebuke to the disciples, which they afterward understood as reminding them of what He had often told them,—that He came to the world to CHRIST BROKE DOWN RACE save all who would accept Him."—The BARRIERS, AND HE SAYS TO US, Desire of Ages, page 401. "FOLLOW ME. ° An Object Lesson 5. After ignoring her request for a woman's faith? Matt. 15:28. Com- time, what reply did Jesus make to pare Mark 7:29, 30. the woman? Matt. 15:25, 26. Com- pare Mark 7:27. NOTE.—"The Saviour is satisfied. He has tested her faith in Him. By His dealings 6. How did the woman respond to with her, He has shown that she who has this seeming rebuff? Matt. 15:27. 'been regarded as an outcast from Israel is no longer an alien, but a child in God's household. As a child it is her privilege to share in the Father's gifts. Christ now NoTE.—"Jesus had just departed from grants her request, and finishes the lesson to His field of labor because the scribes and the disciples."—The Desire of Ages, page Pharisees were seeking to take His life. 401. They murmured and complained. They manifested unbelief and bitterness, and re- 8.- What does the very next verse fused the salvation so freely offered them. of Scripture imply? Matt. 15:29, last Here Christ meets one of an unfortunate and despised race, that has not been favored part. with the light of God's word; yet she yields at once to the divine influence of Christ, and has implicit faith in His ability to grant the favor she asks. She begs for the crumbs NOTE.—"This was the only miracle that that fall from the Master's table. If she may Jesus wrought while on this journey. It have the privilege of a dog, she is willing to was for the perforinance of this act that He be regarded as a dog. She has no national went to the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He or religious prejudice or pride to influence wished to relieve the afflicted woman, and her course, and she immediately acknowl- at the same time to leave an example in His edges Jesus as the Redeemer, and as being work of mercy toward one of a despised able to do all that she asks of Him."—The people for the benefit of His disciples when Desire of Ages, page 401. He should no longer be with them. He wished to lead them from their Jewish ex- The Request Granted clusiveness to be interested in working for others besides their own people."—The De- 7. How did Jesus reward the sire of Ages, page 402. [ 32 I The Significance of This Miracle 10. What great truth is brought into focus by this experience? Eph. 9. For what far-reaching work was 2:12-14. this experience a preparation? Matt. 28:19. Compare Acts 1:8. NOTE.—"The Saviour's visit to Phoenicia and the miracle there performed had a yet wider purpose. Not alone for the afflicted woman, nor even for His disciples and those NOTE.—"This act opened the minds of who received their labors, was the work ac- the disciples more fully to the labor that complished; but also 'that ye might believe lay before them among the Gentiles. They that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; saw a wide field of usefulness outside of and that believing ye might have life Judea. They saw souls bearing sorrows un- through His name.' John 20:31. The same known to those more highly favored. agencies that barred men away from Christ Among those whom they had been taught eighteen hundred years ago are at work to despise were souls longing for help from today. The spirit which built up the par- the mighty Healer, hungering for the light tition wall between Jew and Gentile is still of truth, which had been so abundantly active. Pride and prejudice have built strong given to the Jews. walls of separation between different classes "Afterward, when the Jews turned still of men. Christ and His mission have been more persistently from the disciples, because misrepresented, and multitudes feel that they declared Jesus to be the Saviour of the they are virtually shut away from the world, and when the partition wall between ministry of the gospel. But let them not Jew and Gentile was broken down by the feel that they are shut away from Christ. death of Christ, this lesson, and similar ones There are no barriers which man or Satan which pointed to the gospel work unre- can erect but that faith can penetrate."— stricted by custom or nationality, had a The Desire of Ages, page 403. powerful influence upon the representatives of Christ, in directing their labors."—The 11. Of what does God take ac- Desire of Ages, pages 402, 403. count? Ps. 87:4-6. Lesson 10, for March 5, 1955 A Father's Faith MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are pos- sible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:23, 24. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 426-431. LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 17:1-21; Mark 9:16-34. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 7-10. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 11-14. 2. Memorize Mark 9:23, 24; Key 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 426- Thoughts; Ques. 1, 2. 431. 3. Ques. 3-6. 7. Review entire lesson. [ 33 ] Lesson Outline: V. The Reason for the Failure of the Disciples I. The Mount of Transfiguration 1. The disciples' question. Mark 9:28. 2. Jesus' reply. Verse 29. 1. Privilege of Peter, James, and John. 3. Their wrong attitude. Verses 33, 34. Matt. 17:1-4. 2. "My beloved Son." Verses 5-8. Key Thoughts: II. The Valley of Service 1. "0 faithless ... generation." Jesus stands forth from His generation as a Man 1. The confused crowd. Luke 9:37. of overtowering faith. The faithlessness of 2. The boy with the dumb spirit. His generation is seen in the fact that these Mark 9:16-18. sad cases of human misery so often pro- voked criticism and debate on the part of III. The Lack of Faith scribes and Pharisees, and, in the case of the demoniac boy, impotence and lack of 1. A faithless generation. Matt. 17:17, miracle-working faith on the part of the first part. disciples. These things have a parallel today. 2. Jesus' command. Verse 17, last part. 3. The demon's defiance. Mark 9:20. "When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the earth?" 4. The anguish of the father. Verses 21, 22. 2. "This is My Beloved Son, ... hear ye Him." It has been said that God has one IV. The Challenge of Faith word, more than any other, for the world -Jesus. He is the center of God's revelation 1. The father's faith challenged. Mark to man. He is the only means of salvation. 9:23. He is the Author of our faith, and its Fin- 2. The father's reply. Verse 24. isher. Only as we hear Him, can God make 3. The demon cast out. Verses 25-27. the church adequate for her task today. THE LESSON The Mount of Transfiguration and His disciples descended to the plain. Absorbed in thought, the disciples were 1. What wonderful experience did awed and silent. Even Peter had not a Jesus share with Peter, James, and word to say. Gladly would they have John? Matt. 17:1-4. lingered in that holy place which had been touched with the light of heaven, and where the Son of God had manifested His glory; but there was work to be done for the peo- 2. What was the grand climax of ple, who were already searching far and near for Jesus."-The Desire of Ages, page this experience? Matt. 17:5-8. 426. 4. What sad story was related to The Valley of Service Jesus? Mark 9:16-18. Compare Matt. 17:14-16; Luke 9:38-40. 3. What situation awaited Jesus and the three disciples at the foot of the mountain? Luke 9:37. Compare The Lack of Faith Mark 9:14, 15. 5. What comment did Jesus make regarding the lack of faith that was NOTE.-"The entire night had been passed so obvious in this situation? Matt. in the mountain; and as the sun arose, Jesus 17:17, first part. [34 ] NoTE.—"Jesus looked about Him upon the awe-stricken multitude, the caviling scribes, the perplexed disciples. He read the unbelief in every heart; and in a voice filled with sorrow He exclaimed, '0 faith- less generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?' "—The Desire of Ages, page 428. Faith must come first. Someone must believe before the power of Jesus could be made manifest. Mutual jealousy had dimmed the faith of the disciples. The Pharisees and the crowd had no faith. Jesus saw the solu- tion in awakening a dynamic faith in the heart of the boy's father. 6. What command did Jesus give? Matt. 17:17, last part. DO WE FAIL IN GOD'S SERVICE BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF? 7. At this point, what exhibition of The Challenge of Faith power did the demon give? Mark 9:20. 9. What challenge did Jesus pre- sent to the father's faith? Mark 9:23. NOTE.—"The boy was brought, and as the Saviour's eyes fell upon him, the evil spirit cast him to the ground in convulsions NOTE.—"It is faith that connects us with of agony. He lay wallowing and foaming, heaven, and brings us strength for coping rending the air with unearthly shrieks. with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God "Again the Prince of life and the prince of has provided means for subduing every sin- the powers of darkness had met on the field ful trait, and resisting every temptation, of battle,—Christ in fulfillment of His mis- however strong. But many feel that they sion to 'preach deliverance to the captives, lack faith, and therefore they remain away . . . to set at liberty them that are bruised' from Christ.. Let these souls, in their help- (Luke 4:18), Satan seeking to hold his vic- less unworthiness, cast themselves upon the tim under his control. Angels of light and mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look the hosts of evil angels, unseen, were press- not to self, but to Christ. He who healed ing near to behold the conflict. For a the sick and cast out demons when He moment, Jesus permitted the evil spirit to walked among men is the same mighty display his power, that the beholders might Redeemer today."—The Desire of Ages, comprehend the deliverance about to be page 429. wrought."—The Desire of Ages, page 428. 10; What humble reply did the 8. What information did the father father utter? Mark 9:24. give as to the duration and severity of his son's malady? Mark 9:21, 22. NorE.—"Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, 'Lord, I believe; help Thou mine NOTE.—"The father told the story of long unbelief.' You can never perish while you years of suffering, and then, as if he could do this—never."—The Desire of Ages, page endure no more, exclaimed, `If Thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and 429. help us.' If Thou canst!' Even now the father questioned the power of Christ."— 11. How is the deliverance of the The Desire of Ages, page 428. boy described? Mark 9:25-27. [351 NOTE.—"In a brief space of time the 13. What was Jesus' reply? Mark favored disciples have beheld the extreme 9:29. of glory and of humiliation. They have seen humanity as transfigured into the image of God, and as debased into the likeness of Satan. From the mountain where He has talked with the heavenly messengers, and has been proclaimed the Son of God by the 14. What attitude hindered their voice from the radiant glory, they have seen exercise of faith? Mark 9:33, 34. Jesus descend to meet that most distressing and revolting spectacle, the maniac boy, with distorted countenance, gnashing his teeth in spasms of agony that no human power could relieve. And this mighty Re- deemer, who but a few hours before stood NOTE.—"The selection of the three dis- glorified before His wondering disciples, ciples to accompany Jesus to the mountain stoops to lift the victim of Satan from the had excited the jealousy of the nine. Instead earth where he is wallowing, and in health of strengthening their faith by prayer and of mind and body restores him to his father meditation on the words of Christ, they had and his home. been dwelling on their discouragements and "It was an object lesson of redemption,— personal grievances. In this state of dark- the Divine One from the Father's glory ness they had undertaken the conflict with stooping to save the lost. It represented also Satan. the disciples' mission. Not alone upon the "In order to succeed in such a conflict mountaintop with Jesus, in hours of spir- they must come to the work in a different itual illumination, is the life of Christ's spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by servants to be spent. There is work for fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation them down in the plain. Souls whom Satan of heart. They must be emptied of self, and has enslaved are waiting for the word of be filled with the Spirit and power of God. faith and prayer to set them free."—The Earnest, persevering supplication to God in Desire of Ages, pages 429, 430. faith—faith that leads to entire dependence The Reason for the Failure upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work—can alone avail to bring men of the Disciples the Holy Spirit's aid in the battle against principalities and powers, the rulers of the 12. What question did the disciples darkness of this world, and wicked spirits ask Jesus privately after the crowd in high places."—The Desire of Ages, page had departed? Mark 9:28. • 430 (1940 ed., p. 431). Lesson 11, for March 12, 1955 A Blind Man Sees and Believes MEMORY VERSE: "As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." John 9:5. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 470-475. LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 9:1-38. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 2. Memorize John 9:5; Key Thoughts; of the lesson, based on outline. Ques. 1-3. [ 36 ] 3. Ques. 4-6. 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 470- 4. Ques. 7-10. 475. 5. Ques. 11-14. 7. Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: V. The Lesson in. Faith 1. Jesus' question. John 9:35. I. A Mistaken Idea of Suffering 2. The man's expression of faith. 1. The disciples' question. John 9:1, 2. Verses 36-38. 2. Jesus' answer. Verse 3. 3. The light of the world. Verses 4, .5. Key Thoughts: II. The Healing of the Blind Man 1. "One thing I know, ... I was blind, 1. Eyes of the blind anointed. John now I see." God had given to this man an 9:6. intense grasp of the one great fact of his 2. "Go wash." Verse 7. experience, expressed in a literal translation 3. Questioning neighbors. Verses 8-12. -"being blind, now I see." When Jesus III. The Sabbath Issue Raised came to this man He turned his night into day. The "how" of the miracle mattered 1. Quibbling of the Pharisees. John to the bigoted Pharisees, but not to this 9:13-16. poor man. He knew just one thing, and it 2. The man's own testimony. Verse 17. filled his mind and heart and life. The next 3. Conversation with the parents. step was taken by Jesus after this man was Verses 18-23. excommunicated by his church. IV. The Healed Man's Defense 2. "Dost thou believe on the Son of 1. "Whereas I was blind, now I see." God?" Jesus now confronted the man John 9:24, 25. with the greatest question in the world. 2. Further conversation with Pharisees. To lead men face to face with Jesus, to Verses 26-33. focus men's vision on the Son-that is the 3. Excommunication. Verse 34. church's work in the world today. THE LESSON A Mistaken Idea of Suffering affliction or calamity had fallen had the additional burden of being regarded as a 1. What question did the disciples great sinner. ask Jesus regarding a certain blind "Thus the way was prepared for the Jews to reject Jesus. He who lath borne our man? John 9:1, 2. griefs, and carried our sorrows' was looked upon by the Jews as 'stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted;' and they hid their faces from Him. Isa. 53:4, 3. "God had given a lesson designed to pre- NOTE.-"It was generally believed by the vent this. The history of Job had shown Jews that sin is punished in this life. Every that suffering is inflicted by Satan, and is affliction was regarded as the penalty of overruled by God for purposes of mercy. some wrongdoing, either of the sufferer But Israel did not understand the lesson. - himself or of his parents. It is true that The same error for which God had reproved all suffering results from the transgression the friends of Job was repeated by the Jews of God's law, but this truth had become in their rejection of Christ."-The Desire of perverted. Satan, the author of sin and all Ages, page 471. its results, had led men to look upon disease and death as proceeding from God,-as punishment arbitrarily inflicted on account 2. What was Jesus' answer to the of sin. Hence one upon whom some great disciples' question? John 9:3. 37 NOTE.—"The belief of the Jews in regard Christ. The first reaction of the onlooker is to the relation of sin and suffering was held surprise ("Is not this he that sat and by Christ's disciples. While Jesus corrected begged?"). The second reaction is curiosity their error, He did not explain the cause of ("How were thine eyes opened?"). The the man's affliction, but told them what third reaction is desire ("Where is He ?"). would be the result. Because of it the works of God would be made manifest."—The De- The Sabbath Issue Raised sire of Ages, page 471. 7. What question did the Pharisees 3. By what words did Jesus pre- raise about the healing? John 9:13- pare the way for what He was about 16. to do? John 9:4, 5. The Healing of the Blind Man NOTE.—As before, the Pharisees lost sight 4. What procedure did Jesus fol- of the greatness of the miracle in their low in restoring sight to the blind jealousy for the letter of the Sabbath law. man? John 9:6. "The Pharisees hoped to make Jesus out to be a sinner, and therefore not the Messiah. They knew not that it was He who had made the Sabbath and knew all its obliga- NOTE.—"It was evident that there was no tion, who had healed the blind man. They healing virtue in the clay, or in the pool appeared wonderfully zealous for the ob- wherein the blind man was sent to wash, servance of the Sabbath, yet were planning but that the virtue was in Christ."—The murder on that very day."—The Desire of Desire of Ages, page 471. Ages, page 472. "This is the best attested of all His mir- 5. How was the man to co-operate acles. A public, official investigation of the with Jesus? John 9:7. alleged cure was held, and as proof of its reality we have not only the statements of the man, and of his parents and neighbors, but the unwilling admissions of the Phari- NoTE.—"He places clay on the eyes of sees themselves."—Erdman, The Gospel of the blind man and bids him go to the pool John, page 85. of Siloam and wash. Why? John explains, `The pool of Siloam (which is by interpre- 8. What did the man who was tation, Sent).' Jesus had continually de- healed say of his benefactor? John clared that He Himself had been sent of 9:17. God, and He is now intimating that He alone could heal; that He fulfilled all the blessings which Siloam typified. Each day of the Feast of Tabernacles a libation had been NOTE.—"There was the man himself, de- brought from that pool, to suggest the gifts claring that he had been blind, and had had of God to His people. Jesus is now saying his sight restored; but the Pharisees would that as the waters of Siloam will wash the rather deny the evidence of their own senses day from the eyes of the blind man, so He, than admit that they were in error. So the true Siloam, the One sent of God, will powerful is prejudice, so distorting is Phar- take away his physical blindness, and also isaical righteousness."—The Desire of Ages, restore spiritual sight to the world."—Erd- page 472. man, The Gospel of John, page 86. 9. What conversation took place 6. What three questions did the between the Pharisees and the parents neighbors ask? John 9:8-12. of the young man? John 9:18-23. NorE.—These three questions are typical NOTE.—"The Pharisees had one hope left, of the experience of many who come to and that was to intimidate the man's par- [ 38 I but he was sure of the benefits he had received from Jesus. "There is an evidence that is open to all, —the most highly educated, and the most illiterate,—the evidence of experience. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. He bids us 'taste and see that the Lord is good.' Instead of depending upon the word of another, we are to taste for ourselves. He declares, 'Ask, and ye shall receive.' His promises will be fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail. And as we draw near to Jesus, and rejoice in the fullness of His love, our doubt and darkness will disap- pear in the light of His presence. . . . " 'Do you ask why I believe in Jesus?— Because He is to me a divine Saviour. Why CHRIST HAS THE EYESALVE TO HEAL THE do I believe the Bible?—Because I have EYES OF THE SPIRITUALLY BLIND. found it to be the voice of God to my soul.' We may have the witness in ourselves that ents. With apparent sincerity they asked, the Bible is true, that Christ is the Son of `How then doth he now see?' The parents God."—Steps to Christ, page 117. feared to compromise themselves; for it had been declared that whoever should acknowl- 11. What further conversation took edge Jesus as the Christ should be 'put out place between the young man and the of the synagogue;' that is, should be ex- Pharisees? John 9:26-33. cluded from the synagogue for thirty days. During this time no child could be circum- cised nor dead be lamented in the offender's home. The sentence was regarded as a great calamity; and if it failed to produce re- 12. How did the Pharisees further pentance, a far heavier penalty followed. vent their rage? John 9:34. The great work wrought for their son had brought conviction to the parents, yet they answered, 'We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who NOTE.—"The man had met his inquisitors hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is on their own ground. His reasoning was of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.' unanswerable. The Pharisees were aston- Thus they shifted all responsibility from ished, and they held their peace,—spell- themselves to their son; for they dared not bound before his pointed, determined words. confess Christ."—The Desire of Ages, pages For a few moments there was silence. Then 472, 473. the frowning priests and rabbis gathered about them their robes, as though they feared contamination from contact with The Healed Man's Defense him; they shook off the dust from their feet, and hurled denunciations against him, 10. How did the man who was —`Thou wast altogether born in sins, and healed reply to the Pharisees' sugges- dost thou teach us?" And they excommuni- tion that Jesus was a sinner? John cated him."—The Desire of Ages, page 474. 9:24, 25. The Lesson in Faith Nom—There is nothing so convincing as 13. What very significant question the testimony of personal experience. The did Jesus ask the young man? John young man probably knew little of theology, 9:35. 39 NorE.-"For the first time the blind man to the young man, and in what words looked upon the face of his Restorer. Before and by what act did the young man the council he had seen his parents troubled express his faith? John 9:36-38. and perplexed; he had looked upon the frowning faces of the rabbis; now his eyes rested upon the loving, peaceful counte- nance of Jesus. Already, at great cost to himself, he had acknowledged Him as a NOTE.-"Not only had his natural sight delegate of divine power; now a higher been restored, but the eyes of his under- revelation was granted him."-The Desire standing had been opened. Christ had been of Ages, page 474. revealed to his soul, and he received Him as the Sent of God."-The Desire of Ages, 14. How did Jesus reveal Himself page 475. Lesson 12, for March 19, 1955 Faith, Stronger Than the Grave MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" John 11:25, 26. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 524-536. LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 11:1-44. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 7-10. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 11-15. 2. Memorize John 11:25, 26; Key 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 524- Thoughts; Ques. 1-3. 536. 3. Ques. 4-6. 7. Review the entire lesson. 2. Assurance to the mourner. Verses Lesson Outline: 23, 24. 3. Jesus' power over life. Verses 25, I. Misfortune in a Home at Bethany 26. 1. Sickness of Lazarus. John 11:1, 2. 4. Martha's confession of faith. Verse 2. The message to Jesus. Verse 3. 27. 3. Jesus' statement regarding Lazarus' illness. Verses 4-6. IV. Mary's Faith and Jesus' Sympathy 1. Mary's expression of faith. John II. The Trip to Judea 11:28-32. 1. Conversation with disciples. John 2. Jesus' sympathy. Verses 33-36. 11:7-10. 2. Death a sleep. Verses 11-14. V. Faith Triumphant Over Death 3. A lesson in faith. Verses 15, 16. 1. Martha's faith challenged. John 11 : 37-40. III. Martha's Faith 2. Lazarus raised. Verses 41-44. 1. Martha manifests her faith. John 3. "0 grave, where is thy victory ?" 11:17-22. 1 Cor. 15:42, 53-55. [ 40 ] Key Thoughts: Thou lovest." And as He went to Lazarus, He comes to the humblest believer who is 1. "He whom Thou lovest is sick." sick or troubled or tempted. The word "lovest" (phileis) means to love very warmly, as a friend, and is also used 2. "Lazarus, come forth." "Come in verse 11. Another word means to regard forth" (literally, "hither out") uttered in a highly (agapao), verse 5. Both terms are loud voice, was God's call to the dead, and here used of Christ's love for Lazarus. Both it was answered immediately. That loud are also used of the Father's love of His Son voice will be heard again, and it will be (3:35; 5:20). "God so loved the world" answered "in a moment, in the twinkling that every man becomes to Jesus "he whom of an eye." THE LESSON Misfortune in a Home at Bethany `He whom Thou lovest is sick.' They thought that He would immediately re- 1. To what home did sickness spond to their message, and be with them come? John 11:1, 2. as soon as He could reach Bethany."—The Desire of Ages, page 526. 3. How did Jesus receive this mes- NOTE.—"His heart was knit by a strong sage? John 11:4-6. bond of affection to the family at Bethany, and for one of them His most wonderful work was wrought. "At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often found rest. The Saviour had no home of NOTE.—"When Christ heard the message, His own; He was dependent on the hospi- the disciples thought He received it coldly. tality of His friends and disciples, and often, He did not manifest the sorrow they ex- when weary, thirsting for human lellow- pected Him to show. . . . For two days He ship, He had been glad to escape to this remained in the place where He was. This peaceful household, away from the suspi- delay was a mystery to the disciples."—The cion and jealousy of the angry Pharisees. Desire of Ages, page 526. Here He found a sincere welcome, and pure, holy friendship. Here He could speak with The Trip to Judea simplicity and perfect freedom, knowing that His words would be understood and treasured. . . . 4. What conversation took place "In the home at Bethany Christ found between Jesus and His disciples when rest from the weary conflict of public life." He declared His intention to return —The Desire of Ages, pages 524, 525. to Judea? John 11:7-10. 2. What message did the sisters of Lazarus send to Jesus? John 11:3. NorE.—"He who does the will of God, who walks in the path that God has marked out, cannot stumble and fall. The light of NOTE.—"They saw the violence of the God's guiding Spirit gives him a clear per- disease that had seized their brother, but ception of his duty, and leads him aright till they knew that Christ had shown Himself the close of his work. . .. He who walks in able to heal all manner of diseases. They a path of his own choosing, where God has believed that He would sympathize with not called him, will stumble. For him day them in their distress; therefore they made is turned into night, and wherever he may no urgent demand for His immediate pres- be, he is not secure."—The Desire of Ages, ence, but sent only the confiding message, page 527. [ 41] 5. In what words did Jesus refer to death as a sleep? John 11:11-14. NOTE.—" Christ represents death as a sleep to His believing children. Their life is hid with Christ in God, and until the last trump shall sound those who die will sleep in Him."—The Desire of Ages, page 527. 6. How did Jesus indicate that He intended this incident to be a lesson in faith? How did Thomas reveal his lack of faith? John 11:15, 16. THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD BROKE SATAN'S POWER. NoTE.—"The disciples marveled at Christ's words when He said, 'Lazarus is dead. And I am glad . . . that I was not there.' Did the Saviour by His own choice In His expressive face she read the same avoid the home of His suffering friends? tenderness and love that had always been Apparently Mary and Martha and the there. Her confidence in Him was unbroken, dying Lazarus were left alone. But they but she thought of her dearly loved brother, were not alone. Christ beheld the whole whom Jesus also had loved. With grief scene, and after the death of Lazarus the surging in her heart because Christ had not bereaved sisters were upheld by His grace. come before, yet with hope that even now Jesus witnessed the sorrow of their hearts, He would do something to comfort them, as their brother wrestled with his strong she said, 'Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my foe, death. He felt every pang of anguish, brother had not died.' Over and over again, as He said to His disciples, 'Lazarus is dead.' amid the tumult made by the mourners, But Christ had not only the loved ones at the sisters bad repeated these words."—The Bethany to think of; He had the training Desire of Ages, page 529. of His disciples to consider. They were to Martha had faith, but her faith was not be His representatives to the world, that the yet complete. She felt that Jesus' presence Father's blessing might embrace all. For was necessary for the working of Jesus' their sake He permitted Lazarus to die. Had power. She revealed a wistful hope that He restored him from illness to health, the Jesus might do more. Her faith was grow- miracle that is the most positive evidence ing under the experience of sorrow. of His divine character would not have been performed."—The Desire of Ages, page 528. 8. What comforting words did "This crowning miracle, the raising of Jesus utter, and how did Martha re- Lazarus, was to set the seal of God on His spond? John 11:23, 24. work and on His claim to divinity."—Ibid., p. 529. Martha's Faith 9. What great truth regarding Him- self did Jesus proclaim? John 11:25, 7. When Jesus arrived in Bethany, 26. how did Martha show her faith in Him? John 11:17-22. 10. How did Martha express her NOTE.—"Martha hastened to meet Jesus, belief in the divinity of Jesus? John her heart agitated by conflicting emotions. 11:27. [ 42 ] NOTE.—"She did not comprehend in all race were heavy upon His soul, and the their significance the words spoken by fountain of His tears was broken up as He Christ, but she confessed her faith in His longed to relieve all their distress."—The divinity, and her confidence that He was Desire of Ages, pages 533, 534. able to perform whatever it pleased Him to do."—The Desire of Ages, page 530. Faith Triumphant Over Death Mary's Faith and Jesus' Sympathy 13. As Jesus came to the tomb, how 11. How did Mary express her did He challenge the faith of Martha? faith in Jesus when she met Him? John 11:37-40. John 11:28-32. NOTE.—"Why should you doubt in regard 12. How did Jesus express His to My power? Why reason in opposition to My requirements? You have My word. If sympathy with the mourners, and you will believe, you shall see the glory of with all humanity? John 11:33-36. God. Natural impossibilities cannot prevent the work of the Omnipotent One. Skepti- cism and unbelief are not humility. Im- plicit belief in Christ's word is true humil- NOTE.—"Though He was the Son of God, ity, true self-surrender."—The Desire of yet He had taken human nature upon Him, Ages, page 535. and He was moved by human sorrow. His tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to 14. In His prayer for the resurrec- sympathy by suffering. He weeps with those tion of Lazarus how did Jesus show that weep, and rejoices with those that re- implicit trust in His Father? John joice. "But it was not only because of His 11:41-44. human sympathy with Mary and Martha that Jesus wept. In His tears there was a sorrow as high above human sorrow as the heavens are higher than the earth. . . . 15. What shout of victory over "The weight of the grief of ages was death will ring forth at the resurrec- upon Him. . . . The woes of the sinful tion? 1 Cor. 15:42, 53-55. Lesson 13, for March 26, 1955 The Greatest Miracle of All MEMORY VERSE: "Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also." John 14:19. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 779-787. LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 28:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:13-22; 1 Peter 1:18-21. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 8-10. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 11-14. 2. Memorize John 14:19; Key Thoughts; 6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 779- Ques. 1, 2. 787. 3. Ques. 3-7. 7. Review entire lesson. [ 43 Lesson Outline: V. Resurrection Power and Saving Faith 1. Power of the resurrection. Phil. 3:10. I. The Resurrection of Jesus Awakens a 2. Saving faith and the resurrection. New Faith 1 Peter 1:18-21. 1. Resurrection assured. Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 20:19. Key Thoughts: 2. Description of resurrection of Jesus. 1. He is "risen from the dead." Every- Matt. 28:1-6. 3. John believes. John 20:8. thing in the Christian religion hangs on the truth of these words. Paul said: "If Christ II. Results of the Resurrection of Jesus be not risen, then is our preaching vain, 1. Proved Jesus to be Son of God. and your faith is also vain." 1 Cor. 15:14. Rom. 1:4. Then he added with certainty: "But now is 2. For our justification. Rom. 4:25; Christ risen from the dead." No man can 5:1. catch a vision of the majesty of the gospel 3. Proved truth of Jesus' predictions. till he sees the risen Christ. It is the resur- Matt. 28:6. rection which gives real meaning to the 4. Trophies of the resurrection. Matt. cross of Calvary. 27:52, 53. 2. "Angels and authorities and III. Importance of the Resurrection of powers being made subject unto Him." Jesus 1 Peter 3:22. The resurrection was the 1. Assurance of life. 1 Cor. 15:13-22. greatest proof that Jesus was the Son of 2. Theme of apostles. Acts 2:32; 3:15; God. It also was the final assurance that 10:40; Gal. 1:1. victory over every evil power was in His 3. "A lively hope." 1 Peter 1:3-5. hands. Henceforth every child of God could rest in calm assurance that the Son of God IV. The Resurrection and Baptism would return in power and glory, and that 1. A means of grace. 1 Peter 3:21. every knee should bow and confess Him, to 2. Burial and resurrection. Rom. 6:3-8. the glory of God the Father. THE LESSON The Resurrection of Jesus mocked and derided. In this glorified Being they beheld the prisoner whom they had Awakens a New Faith seen in the judgment hall, the one for whom they had plaited a crown of thorns. 1. By what repeated instruction This was the One who had stood unresisting had Jesus endeavored to reassure His before Pilate and Herod, His form lacerated disciples concerning His resurrection? by the cruel scourge. This was He who had Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 20:19. been nailed to the cross, at whom the priests and rulers, full of self-satisfaction, had wagged their heads, saying, 'He saved others; Himself He cannot save.' Matt. 27:42. This was He who had been laid in 2. How does Matthew describe the' Joseph's new tomb. The decree of heaven events surrounding the resurrection had loosed the captive. Mountains piled of Jesus? Matt. 28:1-6. upon mountains over His sepulcher could not have prevented Him from coming forth."-The Desire of Ages, pages 780, 781. NOTE.-"Christ came forth from the tomb glorified, and the Roman guard be- 3. In whose heart was faith in the held Him. Their eyes were riveted upon the resurrection of Jesus first awakened? face of Him whom they had so recently John 20:8. t 44] NOTE.—When the soldiers saw Jesus NOTE.—"God spared not His own Son, come forth from the tomb, they were ter- but delivered Him to death for our offenses rified. When the women found the empty and raised Him again for our justification. tomb, they were amazed. When the disciples Through Christ we may present our peti- heard the first report of the resurrection, tions at the throne of grace. Through Him, they could not believe. John is the first unworthy as we are, we may obtain all person who is described as "believing." spiritual blessings. Do we come to Him, With this belief, there began an increasing that we may have life ?"—Testimonies, vol. volume of Christian faith, which has con- 5, p. 221. tinued to the present time. The rest of the A faith in a Christ who lived would not disciples believed, the women believed, be adequate. The Christian faith is in a many to whom the disciples preached the Christ who lives. Only a living Christ can message of the resurrected Christ believed, justify and transform the sinner. It should and men and women through the centuries be remembered that to justify means "to have been believing. The faith that took declare righteous." Without the resurrec- hold of the heart of John is the faith that tion of Jesus there would have been no has made the Christian church. means whereby man might be pardoned for his sins. Compare 1 Cor. 15:14-17. Results of the Resurrection 6. How does the resurrection verify the claims of Jesus? Matt. 28:6. Com- of Jesus pare Matt. 27:63. 4. What did the resurrection prove regarding Jesus? Rom. 1:4. NoTE.Notice the words, "as He said." "The value of the actual bodily resurrec- tion of Jesus, both to the disciples and to disciples for all ages, was its demonstration NOTE.—"When the voice of the mighty that He had accomplished all He said He angel was heard at Christ's tomb, saying, would accomplish, that His great announce- Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came ments concerning Himself were not the forth from the grave by the life that was dreamings of a disordered imagination, were in Himself. Now was proved the truth of not the hopes of a helpless, powerless man. His words, 'I lay down my life, that I might When He came out from the grave in bodily take it again.' . . . Now was fulfilled the resurrection, all He had said was verified, prophecy He had spoken to the priests and and all He had done began to be explained." rulers, 'Destroy this temple, and in three —G. Campbell Morgan, The Gospel Ac- days I will raise it up.' John 10:17, 18; 2:19. cording to Matthew, pages 319, 320. "Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph Christ had proclaimed in triumph, 'I am the resur- 7. Who were raised at the resurrec- rection, and the life.' These words could be tion of Jesus? Matt. 27:52, 53. Com- spoken only by the Deity. All created things pare Ps. 68:18. live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being, all are replenished from theNoTE.—"During ,His ministry, Jesus had Source of life. Only He who is one with raised the dead to life. He had raised the God could say, I have power to lay downson of the widow of Nain, and the ruler's daughter and Lazarus. But these were not My life, and I have power to take it again. clothed with immortality. After they were In His divinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death."—The Desireraised, they were still subject to death. But of Ages, page 785. those who came forth from the grave at Christ's resurrection were raised to ever lasting life. They ascended with Him as 5. What new relationship was trophies of His victory over death and the made possible by the resurrection of grave. These, said Christ, are no longer the Jesus? Rom. 4:25; 5:1. captives of Satan; I have redeemed them. [ 45 ] I have brought them from the grave as the first fruits of My power, to be with Me where I am, nevermore to see death or experience sorrow."—The Desire of Ages, page 786. Importance of the Resurrection of Jesus 8. If Jesus had not been resurrected, what would the results have been to the human race? 1 Cor. 15:13-22. THE CHRISTIAN DOES NOT LIVE ON A DEAD-, NOTE.—This text names five consequences END STREET. THERE IS ETERNAL LIFE BEYOND. that would have resulted if Jesus had not been raised: (1) Preaching of the gospel would have been vain, (2) Christian faith would have been vain, (3) Christians would The Resurrection and Baptism have been false witnesses, (4) men would all be sinners, (5) the dead would be for- 11. What makes baptism effective ever perished. as a means of grace? 1 Peter 3:21. 9. What was the central theme of the message of the apostles? Acts 2:32; 3:15; 10:40; Gal. 1:1. NoTE.—Without the resurrection there would be no value in worship, no object of faith, no source of salvation. The cross was changed from a tragedy to a triumph by the NoTE.—"To the believer, Christ is the resurrection. Satan was defeated, and the resurrection and the life. In our Saviour ultimate success of the plan of salvation the life that was lost through sin is re- was assured. stored; for He has life in Himself to quicken whom He will.'He is invested with the right 12. What three things does baptism to give immortality. The life that He laid represent? Rom. 6:3-8. down in humanity, He takes up again, and gives to humanity."—The Desire of Ages, pages 786, 787. 10. What relationship does Peter Resurrection Power and teach between resurrection and hope? Saving Faith 1 Peter 1:3-5. 13. What attribute does Paul say the resurrection of Christ possesses? Phil. 3:10; Eph. 1:18-20. NoTE.—"The resurrection and ascension of our Lord is a sure evidence of the tri- umph of the saints of God over death and the grave, and a pledge that heaven is open to those who wash their robes of character 14. How does Peter connect saving and make them white in the blood of the faith and the resurrection? 1 Peter Lamb."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 286. 1:18-21. [ 46 ] THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING March 26, 1955—Middle East Division This quarter we visit the ancient lands of the Middle East, where go per cent of the ninety-five million people are Moslems. In considering the many urgent needs in this division, the division committee chose two projects to benefit from the overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering. The first project is a medical launch to take the message to people living in the thou- sands of villages along the banks of the Nile River, Egypt. To the hundreds of thousands of suffering ones living along the entire length of this river, the doctor and nurses of this medical launch will seem like angels of mercy. The second project is an evangelistic center for the city of Beirut, Lebanon. Beirut is a modern, metropolitan city, and we greatly need a place where year-round evangelism can be carried on. LESSONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, 1955 Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly for the second quarter of 1955 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the lesson is "The Early Church." The Memory Verse is Matt. 28:18-20. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. Matt. 16:16-18. Ques. 8. Luke 24:48, 49; John 14:26. Ques. 2. Acts 4:11, 12. Ques. 9. Eph. 4:8, 11, 12; 1 Cor. 12:28. Ques. 3. Eph. 2:19-21. Ques. 10. Acts 2:1-4; 38-41. Ques. 4. 1 Peter 2:5; Rev. 3:12. Ques. 11. Acts 8:1, 4. Ques. 5. Matt. 28:18-20. Ques. 12. Col. 1:23. Ques. 6. Acts 1:8. Ques. 13. Rev. 10:7; Matt. 24:14. Ques. 7. Mark 16:15, 17, 18. Ques. 14. 2 Cor. 5:20; 1 Cor. 9:16. [ 47 ] • ANKARA TURKEY ,• CASPIAN SEA EAST MEDITERRANEAN UNION m15510N s MOSUL L. • TEHRAN • ALEPPO MEDITERRANEAN SEA EVANGELISTIC CENTER BAGHZAD HAIFA BENGHAZI TEL AVIV IRAN Persia/ AIAADI ABADA "Lag ( LIBIA EGYPT NILE UNION MISSION ASYUT (ZUWAK) SOHAG LUXOR MEDICAL LAUNCH SAUDI ARABIA NILE RIVER • RIYADH • ARABIAN DESERT ANGLO-EGYPTIAN SUDAN (Northern/ • KHARTOUM • •1•. • =MEND • •••••1 • ill•mmk • mei YEMEN UNION MISSION POPULATION CHURCHES CH. MEM. S.S. MEM. EAST MEDITERRANEAN 31.200,000 15 802 NILE UNION 30,053,000 15 671 86$ 8 IRAN MISSION 17.000,000 8 204 175 / DIVISION TOTALS 78,253,000 38 1,677 2.524 / •.) f ETHIOPIA