River Junction Tribune

Jesus Calls to Prayer

HIGHLIGHTS ON THE

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

By NEWMAN CAMPBELL

(The International Uniform Lesson on the above topic for Feb. 23 is Luke 18. the Golden Text being Luke 11:1, "Lord, teach us to pray.")

MEN OUGHT always to pray, said our Lord, and not to faint. The implication is that we need not despair if we will only seek the Lord in prayer.

Then Jesus told a parable about a judge who feared not God nor regarded man. To this man a widow came asking to be avenged of an enemy. The judge refused to give her justice at first, but later, he thought to himself that she would always be bothering him, so not for the righteousness of her appeal, but for his own selfish desire not to be bothered, he gave her her way.

If this wicked judge would avenge the poor woman for his own selfish reasons, surely the Good God will hear His "own elect" when they cry to Him, said the Lord.

Jesus spake this parable to rebuke those who trusted in their own righteousness and despised others. Two men went up to the temple to pray. He said. One was a Pharisee and, getting as near the altar as he could, he began boasting of his goodness. I thank God I am not as other men, he said, even as this publican. I live a good life; I fast twice a week (the law required him to fast but once a week), and I give part of all I possess in tithes.

The publican, who was despised of his fellow men and had many temptations, did not even lift up his eyes, but standing afar off, smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me, a sinner."

This man, conscious of his sin, was the one the Father heard and answered, rather than the self righteous Pharisee, Jesus said.

Babes Brought to Jesus

So much did people love Jesus, that mothers brought their babies to Him, that He might just touch them. The disciples may have thought it was beneath Jesus' dignity to receive these babies who were carried in their mothers' arms. But Jesus called them to Him, saying: "Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God."

unless they received these innocent little ones and became like them, they could not enter into the kingdom.

A rich young man, a ruler. came to Jesus, being troubled because his life was incomplete.

"What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" he asked. Keep the law, Jesus told him. He answered that he had done so all his life. Then the Lord told him to sell all his riches, distribute them to the poor. and to follow Him. But the rich young ruler felt that was more than he could do. and he went sorrowfully away. What riches of the spirit and satisfaction would this charming young man have received if he had given up his wealth and followed his Master. But he loved riches too much.

"How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Riches are not in themselves harmful, but when one is fonder of his wealth than of his soul's well-being, it is indeed hard, almost impossible, for him to achieve eternal life.

Left All and Followed

Said Peter, "Lo, we have left all, and followed thee." And Jesus answered, "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."

Jesus then tried to tell his followers about His coming trial, scourging and death, but they could not seem to understand. He then took the twelve and started toward Jerusalem, and as they were nearing the city a certain blind man, hearing the noise of many people passing, asked what it was. When they told him he cried out in a loud voice, "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me." The disciples tried to hush him, but Jesus heard him and had him brought before Him. When He heard the man's request He said: Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God, and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.