Notes on the International Lesson.
By Ellen G. White
CHRIST'S LOVE TO THE YOUNG.
IN these children who were brought to him that he might bless them, Jesus saw the future men and women who should be heirs of his grace and subjects of his kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs for his name's sake. Certain unsympathizing disciples commanded that the children be taken away, lest they should trouble the Master; but as those who brought them were turning away in sadness, Christ rebuked his followers, saying, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." HE knew that these children would listen to his counsel and accept him as their Redeemer, while those who were worldly-wise and hard-hearted would be less likely to follow him and find a place in the kingdom of God. These little ones, by coming to Christ and receiving his advice and benediction, had his image and his gracious words stamped upon their plastic minds, never to be effaced. We should learn a lesson from this act of Christ, that the hearts of the young are most susceptible to the teachings of Christianity, easy to influence toward piety and virtue, and strong to retain the impressions received. But these tender, youthful ones should be approached with kindness, and taught with love and patience. THE lawyer asked Jesus what he should do that he might inherit eternal life. Jesus referred him to his Father's commandments, telling him that obedience to them was necessary for his salvation. Christ told him that he knew the commandments, and that if he obeyed them, he should have life. Mark his answer: "Master, all these have I observed from my youth." Jesus said unto him, "One thing thou lackest; go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me." JESUS called the attention of this young man directly to the defect in his character. He cited his own self-denying, cross-bearing life. He had left everything for the salvation of man, and he entreated the young man to come and imitate his example, and assured him that he should have treasure in Heaven. Did the heart of the young man leap with joy at this assurance that he should indeed have treasure in Heaven? Oh, no! his earthly treasures were his idol; they eclipsed the value of the eternal inheritance. He turned from the cross, turned from the self-sacrificing life of the Redeemer to this world. He had a lingering desire for the heavenly inheritance, yet he reluctantly turned from the prospect. It cost a struggle to decide which he should choose; but he finally decided to continue his love for his earthly treasures. BUT few realize the strength of their love for riches until the test is brought to bear upon them. Many who profess to be Christ's followers, then show that they are unprepared for Heaven. Their works testify that they love riches more than their neighbor or their God. Like the rich young man, they inquire the way to life; but when the way is pointed out, and the cost is estimated, and they are convinced that they must sacrifice their earthly riches and become rich in good works, they decide that Heaven costs too much. The greater the treasures laid up upon the earth, the more difficult it is for the possessor to realize that they are not his own, but lent him to use to God's glory. JESUS improved this opportunity to give his disciples an impressive lesson: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven." "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." THIS young man had great possessions, and his heart was set upon them. He could not consent to transfer his treasures to Heaven, by withdrawing his affections from them and doing good with them—blessing the widow and the fatherless,—and thus being rich in good works. The love of this young man for his earthly treasures was stronger than his love for his fellow-men and the immortal inheritance. His choice was made. The inducement presented by Christ, of securing a treasure in Heaven, was rejected, for he could not consent to comply with the conditions. The strength of his affection for his earthly riches triumphed, and Heaven, with all its glory, was sacrificed for the treasures of the world. The young man was very sorrowful, for he wanted both worlds; but he sacrificed the heavenly for the earthly. HERE the strength of riches is seen. The power of the love of riches over the human mind is almost paralyzing. Riches infatuate many, and make them act as though they were bereft of reason. The more they have of this world, the more they desire. Their fears of coming to want increase with their riches. They have a disposition to hoard up means for the future. They are close and selfish, fearing that God will not provide for their future needs. Such persons are indeed poor toward God. As their riches have accumulated, they have put their trust in them, and have not had faith in God or his promises. THE poor man who has faith and confidence in God, who trusts in his love and care, and who abounds in good works, judiciously using the little he has in blessing others, is rich toward God. He feels that his neighbor has claims upon him that he cannot disregard and yet obey the commandment of God, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." The poor who are rich toward God consider the salvation of their fellow-men of greater importance than all the gold and silver that the world contains. CHRIST points out the way in which those who have worldly riches and yet are not rich toward God, may secure the true riches. He says, Sell that ye have, and give alms, and lay up treasure in Heaven. The remedy he proposes for the wealthy, is a transfer of their affections from earthly riches to the eternal inheritance. By investing their means in the cause of God to aid in the salvation of souls, and by blessing the needy with their means, they become rich in good works, and are "laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." This will prove a safe investment. But many show by their works that they dare not trust in the bank of Heaven. They choose to trust their means in the earth, rather than send it before them to Heaven, that their hearts may be upon their heavenly treasure.