International S. S. Lessons.
By Editor
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."—Neh. 8:8 LESSON XIII.—SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1894. [NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.] Golden Text: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Heb. 13:8. NOTE.—The lessons of this quarter cover the second year of Jesus' ministry. The places visited were largely the villages and towns of Galilee and round about Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee. Nearly all of the events are recorded in the three synoptic gospels. Something like thirteen miracles are given in full during this year, together with the fact stated over and over again that Jesus wrought many others. It would be well for both the teacher and student to recall the meaning of all those miracles, not only as confirming the authority of the teachings of Christ, but in showing his power to relieve them from sin and the effects of sin. During this same time eight miracles are recorded. The most noted events of this year are Jesus' teaching at Nazareth, his visit to the Passover at Jerusalem, the three preaching tours through Galilee with his disciples, the selection of the twelve, and the sermon on the mount, or, as Luke puts it, on the plain. It was a year of many miracles, and one in which the disciples were specially trained for future work. In the outline of our review we will simply give reference to the scripture and golden text of each lesson. The best thing for the teacher to do is to review from the Bible itself. A good map of Palestine will also be of help. LESSON 1.—Jesus at Nazareth. Luke 4:16-20. Golden Text: "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh." Heb. 12:25. Jesus was refused at Nazareth. LESSON 2.—The Draft of Fishes. Luke 5:1-11. Golden Text: "He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." Mark 1:22. The real topic of the lesson is that all work is a success when following the instruction of Christ. The only way to convert men is his way. LESSON 3.—A Sabbath in Capernaum. Mark 1:21-34. Golden Text: Same as previous lesson. Topic of the lesson is Christ's power to save, manifested in several miracles. LESSON 4.—A Paralytic Healed. Mark 2:1-12. Golden Text: "The Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins." Mark 2:10. The subject of the lesson is the power of forgiveness, or the creative power of Christ, the only power which can save from sin. LESSON 5.—Jesus Lord of the Sabbath. Mark 2:22-28; 3:1-5. Golden Text: "The Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath." Mark 2:28. The subject of the lesson is the Sabbath honored by Christ, making himself its Lord, and showing that all that he did upon that day was lawful, or according to the law of the Sabbath, consequently he did not break or change the Sabbath day, but honored it. LESSON 6.—The Twelve Chosen. Mark 3:6-19. Golden Text: "I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit." John 15:16. Note that it is Christ who chooses, and if we yield to his choosing, he will ordain us and work through us, that we shall bring forth fruit to his glory. LESSON 7.—The Sermon on the Plain. Luke 6:20, 31. Golden Text: "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." Luke 6:31. The golden text includes every principle of Christian life toward others. LESSON 8.—Opposition to Christ. Mark 3:22-35. Golden Text: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." John 1:11. The world does not appreciate righteousness. The Jews hated Christ because he was righteous and his righteousness condemned their sinfulness. He will be rejected the second time for the same reason. LESSON 9.—Christ's Testimony to John. Luke 7:24-35. Golden Text: "Behold, I send my messenger before thy face." Luke 7:27. John's message in its character and power is a type of the last message. LESSON 10.—Christ Teaching by Parables. Luke 8:4-15. Golden Text: "The seed is the word of God." Luke 8:11. Note the reason why he taught by parables, the especial reason for this, and the various kinds of hearers. LESSON 11.—The Twelve Sent Forth. Matt. 10:5-16. Golden Text: "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matt. 10:7. Christ, the future King, was there. His coming as King is now nigh. Matt. 25:31. LESSON 12.—The Prince of Peace. Isa. 9:2-7. Golden Text: "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end." Verse 7. Sin brought enmity and death into the world; when the Prince of Peace shall have set up his throne in the new earth, righteousness and peace will have universal sway. 2 Peter 3:9-14. LESSON XIII.—SABBATH, DECEMBER 29, 1894.