LESSON III. NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. THE LORD'S SUPPER.-MARK 14: 22-31. 22. And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 23. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them : and they all drank of it. 24. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 25. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. 26. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. OUTLINE:{ October 15, 1882. 27. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 29. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice 31. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. 1. THE LAST SUPPER, Vs. 22-25. 2. THE LAST WARNING. Vs. 26-31. GOLDEN TEXT: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the INSTRUCTION. Verse 22. Did eat, the passover. Took bread, "the staff of life." Brake it, as a type of His body broken on the cross. Blessed, as was the custom. From this act, the Lord's Supper is also called the Eucharist (gave thanks). 23. All drank; but Romanists withhold the cup from the laity! 24. Testament, covenant of salvation. 25. Drink it new, showing that the Sacrament has something to do with our future state. 26. Sung a hymn, the concluding part of Psalms 115-118. 27. Offended, your faith shall be staggered. The Shepherd-Christ. The sheep-the disciples. 28. Risen, a declaration of the Resurrection. Into Galilee, their old home, and the scene of their early labors. 29. Yet will not 1: Peter's self-confidence. 30. Cock crow, first at midnight, then again at 2 or 3 o'clock. Deny me thrice; Christ knows all hearts. Peter did as was predicted. 31. If I should die ** so said they all; they were earnest, but not yet strong enough. Afterwards they all kept this promise. Read parallel passages: MATT. 26: 26-35. LUKE 22: 10-20. JOHN 13: 31-38. 1 COR. 11: 23-25. Notice the following particulars: 1. The Lords Supper took the place of the Passover. "Christ our Passover is slain for us" 2. The Lord's Supper commemorates Christ's death (calls to memory). It is a memorial. "This do in remembrance of Me," 3. It is a Eucharist, thanksgiving. 4. It is symbolical of Christ's atoning death for us. 5. It nourishes our souls, as bread and wine do our bodies. 6. Taking part in the Holy Communion is necessary, as our food must be eaten, &c. 7. The Lord's Supper is a covenant or testament. Hence it is called a Sacrament, i. e. oath. CATECHISM. Ques. 42. Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die? Ans. Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, but only an abolishing of sin, and a QUESTIONS. Verse 22. Where were Jesus and the disciples at this time? In what were they engaged? What time of day was it? What kind of bread did Jesus take? What did the breaking signify? What name of the sacrament comes from the blessing? What did he command to do with the bread? What did he call it? 23. What was in the cup? What did it signify? How many drank of it? What Church refuses the wine to the members? 24-25. What did Jesus call the wine? When will He drink it new with us? Does this imply eternal life, and a resurrection from the dead? Of what institution does the Lord's Supper take the place? What deliverance did the passover keep in memory? What deliverance does the Eucharist commemorate? Which is the greater? What is Christ called in 1 Cor. 5: 7, last clause? What are the bread How long is the Communion to be celebrated? 26. What Psalms did they sing? Where did they then go? 27. What did He foretell? Was this fulfilled? 28. Did He tell them what should follow His death? In what place would He go to meet them? 29-31. Was Peter sincere and earnest? Was he as strong and brave as he thought? Did he deny Christ? Did he ever fail after Christ's resurrection? Did the Apostles all make good their words later in life? LESSON HYMN.-" Not all the blood of beasts.” 113 15 LESSON III. Oct. 15, 1882 Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. I. THE LAST SUPPER. Vs. 22-25. The Passover was the great feast of the Jews. (1). It signifies their deliverance from death, when the destroying angel passed over their houses. It also commemorated their departure from the house of bondage. 2. It was a bond of union between all the Israelites, and between them and their invisible King. 3. It was a prophecy and pledge of a better deliverance, by the Lamb of God, from the bondage of sin, death, and Satan. The Lord's Supper was instituted during the celebration of the Passover, and took its place in the New Covenant. "Christ our Passover is slain for us." It became the common bond between all believers, binding them together as one society-the New Israel. In all ages and in all countries it is the mark by which believers are recognized. It is "the memorial of Christ's precious death; the seal of His perpetual presence in the Church by the Holy Ghost; *** and the bond of His living union and fellowship with us to the end of time." It is celebrated every Lord's day of the year, and will continue to be "the inmost sanctuary of the whole Christian worship," to the end of time. It is also a type and pledge of the joys of heaven. Jesus said He "would drink it new with us in the kingdom of heaven." "Blessed are they who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!" But before this marriage supper can be partaken of by Christ's guests, there must be a resurrection from the dead. Hence we see the force of Jesus' words in John 6. "He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." The followers of Christ are never to discontinue this holy Communion. "Do this in remembrance of Me." "As often as ye eat, *** ye do show the Lord's death, till He come." It is a pledge of "the remission of sins," and it is a nourishment of our souls unto everlasting life. Every time we commune we also renew our vows, or oaths, to the Lord. It is our Sacrament, (oath). The celebration of the Lord's supper is a solemn act, requiring careful preparation; because it recals the atoning death of Christ. It is a joyful act, because we sinners are admitted into such the Saviour of men. Hence Communcommunion with the spotless Son of God, ion days are great events in the life of the Christian-" times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” II. THE LAST WARNING. Vs. 26-31. Jesus united with the disciples in singing a hymn before going to Geth semane. He also told what was about to befall Him. He, the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, was to be smitten, They would be offended, or made to and the disciples would be scattered. stumble, on His account, so fierce would be the fiery trial. But He assures them once more of His resurrection, His victory over all would again go before them, and that, opposition. Like a true Shepherd He too, in their beloved Galilee. Thus promise and hope illuminate the gloom of sadness. The discourses in John, chapters 14, 15, and 16, were uttered on this evening, and the Highpriestly prayer in John 17. Peter and the rest thought they would remain true to Christ during His suffertheir faith was not yet so strong as they ings. They were true and sincere, but supposed. They heard His warnings again-His last warning. Afterwards they redeemed their assertions, and laid down their lives for His sake. Practical Lessons: 1. The friends of Jesus are admitted into wonderful intimacy with Him at His table. 2. They must heed His warnings, lest they come unprepared, and betray Him: 3. Worthy communicants shall eat and drink anew in heaven with Christ, at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. LESSON IV. TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. October 22, 1882, THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN.-MARK 14: 32-42. 32. And they came to a place which was named] 37. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, 33. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34. And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt. 38. Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. 40. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. 41. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough,. the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is be trayed into the hands of sinners. 42. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. "Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows." Isaiah 53: 4. INSTRUCTION. Verse 32. Gethsemane means oil-press; the garden was a field of Olive trees, in which was a press to separate the oil from the berries. In this place Jesus was bruised, that we might receive the oil of His grace. 33. Taketh with Him, Peter, James, and John, the same who witnessed His transfiguration. Sore amazed-a mysterious agony. The weight of the world's sin was somehow pressing upon Him. 34. His soul, the human soul in Him. Unto death, ready to depart from the body. Luke informs us, (22; 43, 44) that "an angel appeared unto Him, strengthening Him,” and that " His sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling upon the ground." 35. The hour, the night of horror. If it were possible, i. e. to save men in any other way. 36. This cup-containing all the bitter woes of suffering and death. What Thou wilt-perfect submission to God. 37-41. Thrice He prayed alone; thrice the watchers slept. He chided Peter especially, who had boasted. Sleep on now; They were unfaithful in the great crisis; now their sympathy was not needed by Him. Their enemies would soon be on hand to keep them awake. 42. Let us go, towards our foes and to death. He that betrayeth—Judas. CATECHISM. Ques. 43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross? Ans. That by virtue thereof our old man is crucified, dead and buried with Him; that so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may no more reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves unto Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving. QUESTIONS. 32. At the foot of what mount was Gethsemane? Had Jesus been there before? (John 18: 1-2). What does Gethsemane mean? Who was pressed there for us? How many were commanded to sit at the gate? 33. How many entered into the garden? Who were they? Why these? What had they witnessed before? What feeling came upon Jesus? 34. What did Jesus say? Was any outward force used against Him? What was He bearing at the time? Was He afraid to die? Was He truly human? Was He making atonement for our sins in Gethsemane ? 35-36. Was He alone when He prayed? What was His prayer? What did he mean LESSON HYMNS: { by cup? By hour? To whose will did He submit? How do we say in the Lord's Prayer? 37. What were the watchers doing? Whom did he chide? What had Peter said? 38. What command did He give? Is it addressed to us also? What is meant by spirit? What by flesh? 39-41. How often did He pray? Were His prayers answered? (See Luke 22: 43). Who strengthened Him? (See Hebrews 5: 7, 8). Were His prayers answered in the way man would wish? 42. Did Jesus flee from danger? Who was coming? Was our salvation wrought out in Gethsemane as well as on Calvary? 1. ""Tis midnight and on Olive's brow," LESSON IV. Oct. 22, 1882. all these things pressed upon His tender heart. Twentieth Sunday after Trinity. I. THE SORROWING SAVIOUR. Our Lord was accustomed to go to Gethsemane with His disciples; hence Judas knew where to find Him. The place was a spot consecrated by many prayers of Jesus. In this garden were olive trees, which are still standing, and underneath which Jesus suffered. The herries were used for making the finest oil, which was pressed out of them. Now our Saviour," the goodly olive," was bruised and pressed in spirit, that "fresh oil might flow to all believers from Him." 1. Judas was no longer with the disciples, when the little company set out for Gethsemane. At the entrance Jesus commanded eight of them to sit and watch. The three who constituted an inner circle, went with Him into the deep shade of the olive trees. They had seen His greatest glory, and should now witness his deepest sorrow. They were to be near Him for comfort and sympathy. Alas! they slept. 2. The greatest mystery is connected with the agony in the garden. Jesus was not afraid to die, nor unwilling. No one could have put Him to death. Yet He had come to redeem us by the shedding of His blood. His death could have no merit unless it were voluntary. Hence He prayed that, if it were possible, the cup of suffering and death might pass from him. It was not possible to give us the cup of salvation, unless He would drink the cup of death. 3. No hand laid affliction on Jesus in Gethsemane; and yet His agony was so great as almost to destroy His life. Who can explain it? It was caused by abhorrence of death, which is contrary to our nature-the last enemy. Then His rejection by the Jews, His betrayal by Judas, and the guilt of a lost race 4. But something more was borne by our Substitute-" the wrath of God against the sins of mankind." The High priest was there making atonement for us, by bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrow. 5. At first sight it might seem that Jesus' prayers were not answered. Thrice He offered up the same petition. It was short, and pleading, and full of submission-" with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared." (Heb. 5 : 7). The angel strengthened Him; and lo! He went calmly forth to meet His murderers. He gained a complete triumph. II. THE WEARY WATCHERS. The three watchers failed to give sympathy and comfort. Peter had declared His willingness to die for Jesus; and could not even watch one hour. James and John had said they could drink of Jesus' cup, and be baptized with His baptism. They, too, failed. We must not be over-confident. There is but one safety watch and pray, lest ye fall into temptation. "Sleep on now." You have failed in the trying hour, which is now passed. The enemy is at hand, and will arouse you soon enough. Let us go. ready and willing He is now to face death! How What a picture is here presented in this lesson ! "A nature bowed down by the pressure of agony, yearning for sympathy and companionship, pouring out its soul in prayer, longing for a moment to break the chain of its selfchosen destiny-yet fully submitting and surrendering itself to the divine will; shrinking from the cup of humiliation yet at the end pressing it to its lips; and, then, victorious by faith, going forth to bear the cross; this is what we see under the shadow of the olive trees!" LESSON V. TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. October 29, 1882. JESUS BETRAYED AND FORSAKEN. MARK 14: 43-54. 43. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomesoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, Master; and kissed him. 46. And they laid their hands on him, and took him. 47. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 48. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? 49. I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the Scriptures must be fulfilled. 50. And they all forsook him, and fled. 51. And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young man laid hold on him : 52. And he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked. 53. And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. 54. And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. GOLDEN TEXT: "The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” Mark 14: 41. INSTRUCTION. Verse 43. Great multitude. For fuller account read John 18: 1-9. 44. A token * * I shall kiss-perhaps the usual salutation between the Master and His disciples. 45. Master, &c. Here was hypocrisy of the meanest sort. "A Judas kiss" is the basest act of treachery. 47. One of them, i. e., Peter. Read Matt. 26: 52-54, in order to see what Jesus thought of the sword. The servant's name was Malchus. 48. Against a thief, who would strive to flee, or to defend himself. 50. All forsook Him, as He had foretold. Fled; Peter and John soon retraced their steps and followed Jesus to the place of trial. Read John 18: 15, 16. 51. A certain young man-perhaps Mark, the writer of our Gospel. 52. Naked-that is, without his outer garment or coat. 53. To the high priest-Annas. (John 18: 13). He and Caiaphas were both high priests. Later in the night" Annas sent Him bound unto Caiaphas" (John 18: 24). Was assembled--the Sanhedrin. 54. Followed afar off, as many do, and then deny Christ. "Draw nigh." CATECHISM. Ques. 44. Why is there added, "He descended into hell" (hades)? Ans. That in my greatest temptations I may be assured, and wholly comfort myself in this, that my Lord Jesus Christ, by His inexpressi ble anguish, pains, terrors, and hellish agonies, in which He was plunged during all His sufferings, but especially on the cross, hath delivered me from the anguish and torments of hell. QUESTIONS. Verse 43. To whom was Jesus speaking when the mob came? Who led the rabble What did they bear in their hands? Who sent them? 44. What token did the betrayer give? Had he often kissed Jesus before? Was this intended to deceive the Lord? Did Jesus know what the kiss meant? (Read Luke 22:48). 45. What did he call Jesus? How does God regard hypocrisy ? 46. What did the crowd do at first? (See John 18: 6). Why did they fall to the ground? For whom did Jesus intercede? (John 18: 8-9). he get the sword? (Luke 22: 38). Did Jesus approve of Peter's act? What did He do to the ear of the servant? What was his name? 48-49. Against what did Jesus protest? Could He have resisted His arrest? Why did He allow Himself to be taken ? 50. What did the disciples do? 51-52. What young man was in the crowd? Was he then already, perhaps, a friend of Jesus? Was he entirely naked? 53-54. To whom did they lead Jesus? How was Annas related to Caiaphas? (John 18: 12-14). What two returned from flight and followed Jesus? Which one followed afar off? Did both enter into the court? 47. Who resisted the arrest? Where did |