Who but God could have done this? See Reflection 3. III. HUMAN WEAKNESS AND DIVINE STRENGTH.-V. 45-56. Constrained,the disciples being unwilling to leave Him, because they hoped He was about to set up a kingdom, John vi. 15. Bethsaida, -on the west coast of the sea, near Capernaum, not the place mentioned above. V. 46. A mountain, the mountain on which, or near to which, He had fed the people. To pray. If Jesus thus prayed to His Father, how deeply should we feel our dependence on Goď. V. 48. He saw them, -although it was quite dark. Contrary, -blew away from the shore they were trying to reach. Fourth watch.-The last of the night; so it was getting toward morning. V. 49. Walking, &c. -As no mere man ever did. V. 50. Troubled,-v. 49. It is I.-What a relief to their fears! V. 51. Wind ceased.-Another wonder, there being no natural sign to explain it. V. 52. Considered not,-did not keep in mind to support their faith in Him. Hardened, slow to receive conviction; yet compare Matt. xiv. 33. V. 53. Land of Gennesaret.-"A small district of Galilee, about six miles in length, south of Capernaum." REFLECTIONS. 1. The eagerness of the people to be with, and to hear, Jesus, is very pleasing. They recognised His pity for their necessities, v. 34. We should be as eager to hear Him as they, for we have as much need. 2. Jesus teaches them first, and feeds them afterwards. He cares for the body, but for the soul much more. Which do we care for most? 3. The fact of this miracle is too plain to be denied.-First, there is the place, a desert; then, the small quantity of food at hand carefully ascertained; then, the number of men, counted to a nicety by the way in which they were made to sit down; and, lastly, the quantity of fragments left. Jesus invited attention to the conditions of the miracle. How unlike those who pretend to work miracles, John vi. 14. 4. God uses man as the means of blessing to his fellow-man.-Jesus could have fed the multitude without the disciples, but He chose to employ them. Should not we desire the honour of being employed by Him? 5. This lesson impressively teaches us the Divine benevolence and bounty to man in his hour of need.-The people are eager for instruction, and Jesus teaches them; they are hungry, He feeds them; the disciples are affrighted in a storm, He stills it, and comforts them; and He heals many sick in the land of Gennesaret. QUESTIONS.-Where did Jesus go with the disciples? Why? What did the people do? What did Jesus say about them? What did He teach them? What did the disciples wish should be done with them in the evening? What did Jesus say? How many were fed? With how much? What was left? What does this prove? Where did Jesus send His disciples afterwards? Where did He go ? What happened toward morning? Into what land did they come? What did He do there? Illustration.-THE DESERT OF BETHSAIDA.. See v. 35, and Luke ix. 10. "Bethsaida' is the eastern city of that name, which, from the importance of the new city Julias, built there by Philip the Tetrarch, would give its name to the surrounding desert tract. The 'desert place was either one of the green table-lands visible from the hills on the western side, or, more probably, part of the rich plain at the mouth of the Jordan. In the parts of this plain not cultivated by the hand of man would be found the 'much green grass,' still fresh in the spring of the year, when this event occurred, before it had faded away in the summer sun; the tall green grass, which, broken down by the feet of the thousands there gathered together, would make as it were 'couches for them to recline upon. This Bethsaida must be carefully distinguished from 'Bethsaida of Galilee,' John xii. 21."-Stanley. two disciples going to Emmaus; and then the eleven, whom Jesus first reproved for their unbelief, and then commissioned to go and preach the Gospel everywhere, promising to give them signs of His presence and Divine power. After this He ascended to heaven. I. GOING TO ANOINT HIM.-V. 14. The Sabbath was past,-closing at sunset. Early in the morning after, when the sun was about to rise, (v. 2,) Matt. xxviii. 1. Had bought,-on the day before the Sabbath, Luke xxiii. 56. Sweet spices," aromatics, substances used in embalming." Anoint, -embalm Him, having no doubt that He was dead. V. 2. First day,—our Sunday; the Jews' Sabbath was on Saturday, the seventh day. V. 3. Who shall? &c.-It was too heavy for their strength, for it was very great, v. 4. Was rolled away,-by the angel, Matt. xxviii. 2. II. A GLORIOUS APPEARANCE AND MESSAGE.-V. 5-8. They saw,-what a surprise it would be! A young man, -"a style of appearance appropriate to angels." A long white garment.See Matt. xxviii. 3. V. 6. Jesus of Nazareth, the term of reproach given by the Jews is known to the angel. He is risen.-What a joyful announcement! Behold!-You can judge for yourselves. He is not where they laid Him. V. 7. And especially-Peter, who denied Him, but had repented bitterly. As He said, ch. xiv. 28. V. 8. Any thing to any person on their way. For, &c."Trembling of body and amazement of mind" unsettled them. III. SEVERAL APPEARANCES OF JESUS. -V. 9-14. First to Mary Magdalene, -"at the sepulchre," John xx. 1117. Out of whom, &c.-So that Mary in herself was a striking instance of His Divine power, Luke viii. 2. V. 10. Told them,-the disciples, John xx. 18. V. 11. Believed not, so far were they from any thought of imposition. V. 12. In another form,-in disguise, so that they might not recognise Him by His appearance. See the full account, Luke xxiv. 13-32. V. 13. Residue,-the rest. Neither believed, &c.-So settled was their despondency. V. 14. Afterward,—since nothing else would convince them. Sat, &c.,-"reclining at their meals." Upbraided, rebuked them, deeming the proofs given sufficient to produce conviction. With their unbelief, &c.,— obstinate unwillingness to receive evidence, and a hardened state of heart, which ill became them. IV. COMMISSION AND ASCENSION.V. 15-20. Every creature,-explanatory of "all nations" in Matt. xxviii. 19. V. 16. He that believeth,-" with his heart," Rom. x. 9, 10. Damned,condemned by God, and punished, 2 Thess. i. 8, 9. V. 17. Signs,—of God's authority and presence. In My name,-but not otherwise. Cast out devils, as the disciples had done, ch. vi. 13. New tongues,-other languages than their own, Acts ii. 8. V. 18. Take up serpents,-as Paul did. Acts xxviii. 3-5. Deadly thing,-poison, which would cause death., Lay hands, &c.-Acts iii. 6, 7; v. 15. V. 19. On the right hand.-To denote the dignity and power to which He was exalted. V. 20. See Illustration. REFLECTIONS.-1. These women were persuaded of the death of Christ, and had no hope of His resurrection.-The certainty that He died is necessary to the fact of His resurrection; and this is attested by foes as well as by friends. 2. The way in which Jesus showed Himself to the two disciples was designed to impress them deeply with the truth that it was He.-Had He merely passed by them in His own form, they would have said they had seen "His angel." 3. Miraculous gifts were necessary to the introduction of Christianity.-Now that it has become established, these are not needed, and therefore are not granted. QUESTIONS.-When did the women go to the sepulchre? What were they going to do? Whom did they see? What did he say? Whom were they to tell? To whom did Jesus show Himself first? Who next saw Him? Who next? What did He rebuke them for? What did He command them? What did He promise? Where did He go? Did He fulfil His promise? Illustration.-"THE LORD WORKING WITH THEM." See v. 20. "Which refers to the secret influences of His grace, 'giving the increase' to the seed they sowed, and to the shoots they planted. This co-operation of Christ with His servants, in their employment of preaching everywhere,' is therefore distinguished from His 'confirming the word with signs following; that is, proving the Divine original, and, therefore, truth, of their doctrine, by the miracles by which it was followed. They proposed the doctrine, and then the miracle became the sign and seal of its divinity."-R. Watson. APRIL 12.- AFTERNOON LESSON. 66 THE FIRSTFRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT."-1 Corinthians xv. 1-28. For repetition, verses 24, 25. SUMMARY.-St. Paul's object, in this chapter, is to prove the doctrine of the general resurrection, of which Christ's is the promise and pledge. He, therefore, begins by establishing the truth of the latter, showing it to be the doctrine which he had always preached, and they all believed. Then, having pointed out the consequences of a denial of it, he triumphantly declares both the resurrection of Jesus and the certainty of His ultimate and universal victory over death. I. THE DOCTRINE PREACHED AND BELIEVED.-V. 1-11. I declare,--most definitely and impressively. Ye stand, -as the one only foundation of your faith and hope. V. 2. Keep in memory, -Margin, "hold fast;" i.e., with steadfast faith and obedience. Unless, -it shall turn out that the doctrine was false. V. 3. First of all, -as prime, vital, saving truth. I also received, from the Lord Himself, Gal. i. 11, 12. According to the Scriptures, -the Old-Testament writings. See especially Isai. liii. V. 4. Was buried, -a proof that everybody believed Him dead. V. 5. Was seen of Cephas, -Peter; to whom a special message was sent. See this Morning's Lesson and also John xxi. The twelve, -as it was common to call them, though correctly they were only eleven. V. 6. Above five hundred, probably in Galilee, Matt. xxviii. 7, 16. Remain, -alive. Fallen asleep,-are dead. V. 7. After that, again, John xxi. 1. V. 8. Last of all, &c.-After all these had seen Him, &c., Acts ix. 3—6. Out of due time,-long after all the rest, as if out of season; an expression of humility explained by v. 9. Because I persecuted, -which none of the others had done. V. 10. By the grace,-infinite mercy and longsuffering, 1 Tim. i. 15, 16. What I am.-A true believer in Christ, and a zealous Apostle. More abundantly," from a deep sense of the peculiar love God had shown me.' Yet, I take no praise to myself. V. 11. Or they, the other Apostles: we have taught the same doctrines, and you have believed them. II. "IF CHRIST BE NOT RISEN," WHAT THEN?-V. 12-19. Be preached, -so as to be believed. No resurrection, -that such an event is impossible. If this be so, what I have said (v. 1-11) is false. What follows from this? V. 14. Our preaching,-which Christ ordained after His resurrection; and your faith, the fruit of preaching, your freedom from sin, v. 17; the happy, . hopeful death of your friends, v. 18; are vain. And we are base deceivers of you and the world. But what are the facts? See Reflection 3. V. 19. If,- -we Christians can look for nothing more than we get in this world, "bonds, imprisonments, and deaths." Miserable,-of all men most to be pitied. III. "CHRIST THE FIRSTFRUITS AND THE VICTOR.-V. 20-28. But now, &c. A triumphant declaration and challenge. Firstfruits.-See Illustration. V. 21. Explained by v. 22. All die, the death of the body. Made alive,-raised from that death. V. 23. Oun order,-time, place, rank. Christ, -first in dignity, and pledge of the rest. Christ's,-the dead in Christ. At His coming,-the second time, Matt. xxv. 31. V. 24. The end, the full accomplishment of the purpose of Christ's reign as God-man and Mediator; its last triumph, its crowning glory, v. 26. Delivered up,-as He had received, Dan. vii. 13, 14; John v. 24 -29. V. 25. Compare Ps. cx. 1; Acts ii. 34, 35; Heb. i. 13; x. 12, 13. V. 27, 28. See Afternoon Lesson for February 9. V. 28. The Son, also, Himself, "shall resign His mediatorial office to the Father." That God,-AS GOD, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, may reign supreme. REFLECTIONS.-1. When the Apostle wrote, the doctrine of the Resurrection of Jesus could, if false, have been disproved. -See v. 6. Many were willing enough to prove it false, if they could have done so. That they did not, is a proof that they could not. 2. A doctrine of revelation, especially when it is illustrated and proved by an event which has become a FACT of history, is not to be set aside because it seems to men impossible. 3. The first successes and present vigour of Scriptural Christianity are evidences of the truth of Christ's resurrection.— St. Paul says, "if Christ be not raised,” all is vain. But he feels that he is speaking against facts; and seems to say, "But I am an Apostle; you, happy, hopeful believers in Christ. Will those who deny the resurrection 66 of Christ in any other way explain our existence and experience as Christians? They cannot deny our presence, though they deny our explanation of it." So we may say now: Christianity lives; we trace it to the resurrection of Christ; to what it proves respecting His Divinity; and the events that followed. If men deny this explanation, how will they solve the mystery of the rise and growth of our holy religion?" QUESTIONS. Of whom did Paul receive what he preached? What did he preach? What else? What Scriptures supported him in preaching? To whom did Jesus show Himself "last of all?" What did Paul say of himself? Why? What follows from supposing Christ is not risen? But is it "vain?" What has Christ become? v. 20. What consolation have we against the prospect of death? What is the last enemy Christ will destroy? To whom will He give up His kingdom? Why? Illustration.-"THE FIRSTFRUITS." See v. 20. "The firstfruits, or first sheaf of ripe grain, was required to be offered to the Lord, and was waved before Him by the priest, as expressing the sense of gratitude by the husbandman, and his recognition of the fact that God had a right to all that he had, Lev. xxiii. 10-14. The word, therefore, comes to have two senses, or to involve two ideas: (1) That which is first, the beginning, or that which has the priority of time; and (2) that which is a part and portion of the whole which is to follow, and which is the earnest or pledge of that; as the first sheaf of ripe grain was not only the first in order of time, but was the earnest, or pledge, of the entire harvest which was soon to succeed. In allusion to this Paul uses the word here."-Barnes. APRIL 19.-MORNING LESSON. THE TWO BROTHERS AND PHARAOH.-Exodus vi. 26-30; vii. 1—13. (For repetition, chapter vii. 3—5.) SUMMARY.-The family of Moses and Aaron having been pointed out, so that in after times there should be no mistake about the persons of the deliverers of Israel, they are again instructed by God how to treat with Pharaoh, and what will be the result. They pay their first visit to the King, and Aaron's rod is turned into a serpent; but the magicians do likewise, and Pharaoh's heart is hardened. I. MEDIUMS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GOD AND PHARAOH.-Ch. vi. 26-30; vii. 1-7. That Aaron and Moses, repeated at the close of v. 27, but in inverse order: Aaron being the older, is first in the genealogy; but Moses takes precedence, "as being the Divinely-appointed rescuer of Israel." According to their armies,-"not by a disorderly flight," but "organized as an army," vii. 4; xii. 41, 51. V. 28. On the day, at the time; not any particular day. V. 29, 30. See Morning Lesson for April 5.—Ch. vii. 1. A god to Pharaoh, having Divine authority and instruction to execute judgment upon him for his obstinacy, and effectually to subdue his pride. Thy prophet. Here, and in v. 2, the line of communication is laid down: God will make known His will to Moses, Moses to Aaron, Aaron to Pharaoh. V. 3. I will harden.-See Illustration. V. 4. Not hearken unto you, &c.-His perverseness will prove an opportunity for the display of My power, in wonders and judgments gradually increasing in terror. V. 5. Shall know.-I will increase their punishment till they confess that I am the Lord. FIRST II. SECOND INTERVIEW AND SIGN.-V. 8-13. Show a miracle,—give me a proof that you are sent by the Whatever interpretation may be given to this, it was a sure sign to Pharaoh that his magicians would not be able to stand before Moses and Aaron; and the sign was honoured, ch. viii. 18, 19. V. 13. "Pharaoh's heart was hardened," v. 22. REFLECTIONS.-1. Sometimes a younger brother is preferred in honour before an elder one in such a case there should be no jealousy.-Moses was younger than Aaron, yet Aaron takes the subordinate place, and they work together in harmony. So it should always be. 2. A simple message ought to be enough to bring sinners to submission. -Moses and Aaron had been in to make their request unto Pharaoh; but that only provoked him, ch. v. 1-5: now they show some sign of authority; but he does not yield, and he will suffer much before he does. So it is oftentimes with men. Let it not be so with us. 3. All men must "know" God, sooner or later, v. 5.-If they do not yield to His love, they must feel His terrible power. 4. Pharaoh is not the only one who has sought to meet and mock the servants of God by magical tricks.-There are men who still do it, though not precisely in the same way. QUESTIONS.-Which was the older of the two brothers? Which was first in honour? What was Moses made to Pharaoh? What does that mean? What was Aaron to be to Moses? How old were they when they went in unto Pharaoh? What did Aaron do? For whom did Pharaoh call? What were they? What did they do? How? What became of their "rods?" Illustration.-"I WILL HARDEN PHARAOH'S HEART." See ch. vii. 3. "The hardening of Pharaoh is ascribed to God ten times in all, and that not merely as foreknown, or foretold. by Jehovah, but as caused and effected by Him. In the last five passages (ch. ix. 12; x. 20, 27; xi. 10; xiv. 8) it is invariably stated that 'JEHOVAH hardened Pharaoh's heart.' But it is also stated just as often that Pharaoh hardened his own heart, or made it 'heavy,' or 'firm,' ch. vii. 13, 22; viii. 15, 32; ix. 7. According to this the hardening of Pharaoh was quite as much his own act as the decree of God. Looked at from this side, the hardening was a fruit of sin, a consequence of that self-will, highmindedness, and pride which flow from sin."-KEIL and DELITSCH. APRIL 19.-AFTERNOON LESSON. SUMMARY.-Ever on the watch to find fault, the Pharisees complain that the disciples do not wash their hands before eating. In reply, Jesus charges them with making void the law of God by their tradition; and teaches that man is not defiled by eating with soiled hands, but by the unclean thoughts of his heart, breathing out in words, and expressing themselves in actions. I. "DEFILED HANDS."-V. 1-4. Came together, with a common, deliberate purpose to find fault. They saw,with their own eyes; so there could be no dispute about the fact. V. 2. Defiled, 66 (Margin, "common,")-soiled a little by attending to ordinary duties, but not absolutely needing to be washed before meals. V. 3. For,-their own conduct must, of course, be the measure of other peoples. Oft, (Margin, diligently," &c.,)--this was not a matter of cleanliness, but superstition; for the custom was binding, whether the hands were clean or not. Holding the tradition, &c.- See Illustration. V. 4. Wash,-dip the hands in water, to wash them. Cups, &c.-See Margin. Everything used had to undergo some prescribed process: "the cups, pots, |