Chapter VII: Part IV: Life, Parables, and Miracles of Christ

Immanuel—God With Us. "In the beginning was the Word.... And the Word was
made flesh, and dwelt among us." John 1:1-14. "He Was Wounded For Our
Transgressions, He Was Bruised For Our Iniquities: The Chastisement Of Our
Peace Was Upon Him; And With His Stripes We Are Healed." Isa. 53:5.

Birth, Childhood, And Early Life Of Christ

The Flight Into Egypt. "Arise, ... and flee into Egypt." Matt. 2:13.

1. In what promise was a Saviour from sin first revealed?

“And the Lord said unto the serpent, ... I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and _her seed_; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” Gen. 3:14, 15.

2. Through whom was a restoration of the lost dominion promised to Abraham?

“To thee will I give it, and to _thy seed_ forever.” Gen. 13:15.

3. Who was this promised seed?

“He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is _Christ_.” Gal. 3:16.

4. Where was Christ to be born?

“And ... he [Herod] demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, _In Bethlehem of Judea_.” Matt. 2:4-6. See Micah 5:2.

5. Of whom was Christ to be born?

“Behold, _a virgin_ shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isa. 7:14.

NOTE.—Immanuel means “God with us.” See Matt. 1:23.

6. Before His birth, what did the angel say to Joseph concerning the naming of the child?

“And she shall bring forth a son, and _thou shalt call His name Jesus_: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21.

7. At His birth, what message did the angel bring to the shepherds abiding in the field?

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, _I bring you good tidings of great joy_, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11.

8. In what song of praise did a host of angels join?

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, _Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men_.” Verses 13, 14.

9. What prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled at Christ’s birth?

“_For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given_: and the government shall be upon His shoulder.” Isa. 9:6.

10. What did the prophet say His name should be called?

“And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” Verses 6, 7.

11. What did the devout Simeon say when he saw the child Jesus?

“And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:27-32.

12. How did the aged prophetess Anna express herself at the sight of Jesus?

“And she coming in that instant _gave thanks likewise unto the Lord_, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Verse 38.

13. What did the wise men of the East do when they had found Jesus?

“When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and _fell down, and worshiped Him_: and when they had opened their treasures, they _presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh_.” Matt. 2:11.

The Visit Of The Shepherds. "And they came with haste, and found ... the
babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:16.

14. How came Jesus to live for a time in Egypt?

“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child, and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him.” Verse 13.

15. How does the revelator describe this satanic desire to destroy Christ?

“And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” Rev. 12:4.

16. By what means did Herod seek to destroy Christ?

“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and _slew all the children that were in Bethlehem_, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under.” Matt. 2:16.

17. After Herod’s death, where did Joseph and his family live?

“_And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth_: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” Verse 23.

18. What is said of Christ’s childhood and early life?

“And the child _grew_, and _waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom_: and _the grace of God was upon Him_.... And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and _was subject unto them_.” Luke 2:40-51.

19. Upon returning from a feast at Jerusalem, how came Joseph and Mary to lose Jesus when He was twelve years old?

“But _they, supposing Him to have been in the company_, went a day’s journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him.” Verses 44, 45.

NOTE.—This is how many lose Jesus today. They suppose He is in
their _company_, but do not see to it that He is with them
_personally_. Through carelessness it takes but a day to lose Him;
but, when once lost, it sometimes takes days of sorrowful
searching, as it did Joseph and Mary, to find Him again.

20. What was Jesus doing when they found Him?

“And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, _sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions_.” Verse 46.

21. How did His questions and answers impress those who heard Him?

“And all that heard Him _were astonished at His understanding and answers_.” Verse 47.

22. With what words do the Scriptures conclude the record of Christ’s early life?

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Verse 52.

NOTE.—Christ’s early life is a pattern for all children and youth.
It was marked by respect and love for His mother. He was obedient
to His parents, and kind to all. He hated sin, and to every
temptation turned a deaf ear. He sought to understand the reason
of things, and so increased in knowledge and wisdom. He was
sympathetic and tender-hearted, and ever ready to relieve the
oppressed, the sorrowing, and the suffering. If we love Christ, we
shall love to talk of Him; our sweetest thoughts will be of Him;
and by beholding Him we shall be changed into the same image. See
note on page 98.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

All praise to Thee, eternal Lord,
Clothed in a garb of flesh and blood;
Choosing a manger for Thy throne,
While worlds on worlds are Thine alone!

Once did the skies before Thee bow;
A virgin’s arms contain Thee now:
Angels, who did in Thee rejoice,
Now listen to Thine infant voice.

A little child, Thou art our guest,
That weary ones in Thee may rest;
Forlorn and lowly is Thy birth,
That we may rise to heaven from earth.

Thou comest in the darksome night
To make us children of the light;
To make us, in the realms divine,
Like Thine own angels round Thee shine.

All this for us Thy love hath done;
By this to Thee our life is won;
For this we tune our cheerful lays,
And tell our thanks in songs of praise.

MARTIN LUTHER.

Christ’s Ministry

Nazareth. "Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed
of the devil." Acts 10:38.

1. With what words had John the Baptist announced Christ’s ministry?

“He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Matt. 3:11.

2. How old was Jesus when He began His ministry?

“And Jesus Himself began to be _about thirty years of age_.” Luke 3:23.

3. By what act and what miraculous manifestations was His ministry opened?

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was _baptized of John in Jordan_. And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and _the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased_.” Mark 1:9-11.

4. Before entering upon His ministry, through what experience did Jesus pass?

“And immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. _And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan_; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him.” Verses 12, 13. See also Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13.

5. With what was Jesus anointed for His work?

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth _with the Holy Ghost and with power_: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38.

6. Where did Jesus begin His ministry?

“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into _Galilee_: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” Luke 4:14, 15.

7. How did He announce His mission while at Nazareth?

“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me _to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord...._ And He began to say unto them, _This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears_.” Verses 16-21.

8. How were the people impressed with His preaching?

“And all bare Him witness, and _wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth_.” Verse 22.

9. Why were the people at Capernaum astonished at His teaching?

“And [He] came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath days. And they were astonished at His doctrine: _for His word was with power_.” Verses 31, 32.

10. Wherein did His teaching differ from that of the scribes?

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: _for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes_.” Matt. 7:28, 29.

11. How did the common people receive Christ?

“And the common people heard Him _gladly_.” Mark 12:37.

12. In His ministry, what work was closely associated with His preaching?

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and _healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people_.” Matt. 4:23.

NOTE.—In His ministry, Christ combined plain, practical teaching
with practical, helpful relief work.

13. How extensive was His fame, and how many were attracted to Him?

“And His fame went _throughout all Syria_: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them. And there followed Him _great multitudes_ of people from _Galilee_, and from _Decapolis_, and from _Jerusalem_, and from _Judea_, and from _beyond Jordan_.” Verses 24, 25.

14. What expression used frequently in narrating His ministry shows Christ’s deep sympathy with mankind?

“But when He saw the multitude, _He was moved with compassion_ on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was _moved with compassion_ toward them, and He healed their sick.” Matt. 9:36; 14:14.

15. In what few words did Christ sum up the object of His ministry?

“For the Son of man is come _to seek and to save that which was lost_.” Luke 19:10.

16. How did Christ feel over the impenitence of Jerusalem?

“And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and _wept over it_.” Luke 19:41.

NOTE.—In no other place did Christ appear so much a reformer as in
Jerusalem, the headquarters of the Jewish religion, which
religion, though having come from Christ Himself, had degenerated
into mere formalism and a round of ceremony. Both the beginning
and the close of His ministry here was marked by a cleansing of
the temple. See John 2:13-18 and Matt. 21:12-16.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

O blessed Christ! my Strength, my King,
He is my comfort and my stay;
In Him I hope, of Him I sing,
While toiling o’er life’s rugged way.
Chiefest among ten thousand He,
For Christ, my King, is all to me.

MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE.

Christ The Great Teacher

Christ Teaching The Multitude. "Never man spake like this man." John 7:46.

1. What report did the officers bring who were sent out by the chief priests and Pharisees to take Jesus?

“Never man spake like this man.” John 7:46.

2. How did Christ teach the people?

“He taught them _as one having authority_, and not as the scribes.” Matt. 7:29.

NOTE.—“The teaching of the scribes and elders was cold and formal,
like a lesson learned by rote. To them the Word of God possessed
no vital power. Their own ideas and traditions were substituted
for its teaching. In the accustomed round of service they
professed to explain the law, but no inspiration from God stirred
their own hearts or the hearts of their hearers.”

3. Why was Christ’s preaching so impressive?

“For _His word was with power_.” Luke 4:32.

4. With what was He filled?

“And Jesus being _full of the Holy Ghost_ returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” Verse 1.

5. How freely was the Holy Spirit bestowed upon Him?

“For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: _for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him_.” John 3:34.

6. How had Christ’s teaching by parables been foretold?

“I will open My mouth _in a parable_: I will utter dark sayings of old.” Ps. 78:2.

7. How was this fulfilled?

“Without a parable spake He not unto them.” Matt. 13:34.

8. What question did Christ’s wonderful teaching call forth?

“And when He was come into His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, _Whence hath this man this wisdom_, and these mighty works?” Verse 54.

9. What did Isaiah say Christ would do with the law?

“He will _magnify_ the law, and make it _honorable_.” Isa. 42:21.

10. Because some thought He had come to destroy the law, what did Christ say?

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:17-20.

11. What testimony did Nicodemus bear concerning Him?

“Rabbi, _we know that Thou art a teacher come from God_: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.” John 3:2.

12. What did Christ’s words at Jacob’s well lead the woman of Samaria to ask?

“The woman then left her water-pot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man which told me all things that ever I did: _is not this the Christ?_” John 4:28, 29.

13. How were the two on the way to Emmaus affected by Christ’s conversation with them?

“And they said one to another, _Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way_, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32.

14. In His teaching, to what did Christ direct attention?

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” “And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the _law of Moses_, and in the _prophets_, and in the _Psalms_, concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand _the Scriptures_.” Verses 27, 44, 45.

15. How did He encourage His disciples to look for the fulfilment of prophecy?

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (_whoso readeth, let him understand_:) then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains.” Matt. 24:15, 16.

NOTE.—Christ was a faithful student, a consistent user, and a
perfect expounder, of the Scriptures. He met temptation with the
Scriptures; He proved His Messiahship by the Scriptures; He taught
from the Scriptures; and He told His disciples to look to the
Scriptures as their counselor and guide for the future.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Blest they who seek
While in their youth,
With spirit meek,
The way of truth.
To them the Sacred Scriptures now display
Christ as the only true and living way;
His precious blood on Calvary was given
To make them heirs of bliss in heaven.
And e’en on earth the child of God can trace
The blessings of his Saviour’s grace.
For them He bore
His Father’s frown;
For them He wore
The thorny crown;
Nailed to the cross,
Endured its pain,
That His life’s loss
Might be their gain.
Then haste to choose
That better part,
Nor e’en refuse
The Lord thy heart,
Lest He declare,
“I know you not,”
And deep despair
Should be your lot.
Now look to Jesus, who on Calvary died,
And trust on Him who there was crucified.

Parables Of Christ

Lessons From Nature. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow."
Matt. 6:28.

1. What reference is made in the Psalms to Christ’s use of parables?

“I will open My mouth _in a parable_: I will utter _dark sayings of old_.” Ps. 78:2.

NOTE.—A parable primarily means a _comparison_ or _similitude_;
specifically it is a short story or narrative drawn from life or
nature, by means of which some important lesson is taught, or some
moral drawn.

2. From what sources did Christ usually draw His parables?

From nature and from every-day experiences.

3. For what are His parables noted?

“Our Saviour’s parables are distinguished above all others for clearness, purity, chasteness, intelligibility, importance of instruction, and simplicity. They are taken mostly from the affairs of common life, and are intelligible, therefore, to all men.”—_Dr. Albert Barnes, on Matt. 13:3._

4. Following one of His parables, what did Christ say?

“Who hath ears to hear let him hear.” Matt. 13:9.

5. What question did the disciples then ask?

“And the disciples came, and said unto Him, _Why speakest Thou unto them in parables_?” Verse 10.

6. What reply did Christ make?

“He answered and said unto them, _Because it is given unto __ you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven_, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” Verses 11-13.

NOTE.—Christ’s object, therefore, in using parables was to teach
the mysteries, or truths, of the kingdom of heaven,—truths not
necessarily difficult to understand, but which had long been
hidden or obscured by sin, apostasy, and tradition,—in such a way
that the spiritually minded and those desirous of learning the
truth, might understand them, and the worldly-minded and unwilling
would not. When asked the meaning of any parable, Christ readily
explained it to His disciples. See Luke 8:9-15; Matt. 13:36-43;
Mark 4:33,34.

7. After giving instruction by the use of parables, what question did Christ ask His disciples?

“Jesus saith unto them, _Have ye understood all these things?_ They say unto Him, Yea, Lord.” Verse 51.

8. How extensively did Christ make use of parables?

“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and _without a parable spake He not unto them_.” Verse 34.

NOTE.—Parables are simply stories. All, young and old, like to
hear a story. Story-telling is one of the most successful means of
awakening an interest, securing attention, and teaching,
illustrating, and enforcing important truths. Christ, the greatest
of all teachers, recognized this, and therefore made constant use
of this method of instruction. See reading on “Preaching the
Gospel,” page 631.

9. How did Christ suggest that His disciples follow His example in teaching gospel truth?

“Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, _which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old_.” Verse 52.

10. Which are some of the most touching and soul-winning of Christ’s parables?

The parable of the lost sheep, and that of the prodigal son. Luke 15:3-7, 11-32.

NOTE.—Each parable is designed to teach some one great and
important truth. The first twelve in the list here given are
intended to teach the following lessons, respectively: (1) Good
and evil in life and judgment. (2) Value of the gospel. (3)
Seeking salvation. (4) The visible church of Christ. (5) Truths
new and old. (6) Duty of forgiving others. (7) Call at various
epochs. (8) Insincerity and repentance. (9) Need of righteousness.
(10) Watchful and careful profession. (11) Use of abilities. (12)
Final separation of good and bad.

Christ’s Parables

Parables Locality Matt. Mark Luke I. Recorded in only one Gospel The Tares Gennesaret 13:24-30 The hid treasure 13:44 The goodly pearl 13:45,46 The draw-net 13:47-50 Householder and 13:52 treasure The unmerciful servant Capernaum 18:23-35 Laborers in the Jerusalem 20:1-16 vineyard The two sons 21:28-32 Marriage of the king’s Mt. of 22:1-14 son Olives The ten virgins 25:1-13 The ten talents 25:14-30 The sheep and goats 25:31-46 The seed growing Gennesaret 4:26-29 secretly Householder and 13:34-37 servants The two debtors Galilee 7:40-47 The good Samaritan Jerusalem 10:25-37 The friend at midnight 11:5-13 The rich fool 12:16-21 The wedding-feast 12:35-40 The wise steward 12:42-48 The barren fig-tree 13:6-9 The seat to take 14:7-11 The great supper 14:15-24 Tower; king going to 14:28-33 war The piece of money 15:8-10 The prodigal son 15:11-32 The unjust steward 16:1-12 Rich man and Lazarus 16:19-31 The unprofitable 17:7-10 servant The importunate widow 18:1-8 Pharisee and publican 18:9-14 The pounds 19:11-27 II. Recorded in two Gospels House on rock and sand Galilee 7:24-27 6:47-49 The leaven in meal Gennesaret 13:33 13:20,21 The lost sheep Jerusalem 18:12-14 15:3-7 III. Recorded in three Gospels New cloth on old Capernaum 9:16 2:21 5:36 garment New wine in old 9:17 2:22 5:37 bottles The sower Gennesaret 13:3-9 4:3-9 8:4-15 The mustard-seed 13:31,32 4:30-32 13:18,19 The wicked husbandmen Jerusalem 21:33-43 12:1-9 20:9-16 The fig-tree Mt. of 24:32,33 13:28,29 21:29-31 Olives

Miracles Of Christ

Healing The Lunatic. "A man approved of God ... by miracles and wonders."
Acts 2:22.

1. What testimony did the chief priests and Pharisees bear concerning Christ’s work?

“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for _this man doeth many miracles_.” John 11:47.

2. By what did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, say that Christ had been approved by God?

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you _by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you_, as ye yourselves also know.” Acts 2:22.

3. By what means did Christ claim to cast out devils?

“But if I _with the finger of God_ cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” Luke 11:20. Matt. 12:28 says “by the _Spirit_ of God.”

NOTE.—Under the third plague in Egypt,—that of turning the dust
into lice,—the magicians, failing to duplicate it, said to
Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” Ex. 8:18, 19.

4. Upon what ground did Nicodemus rest his belief that Christ was a teacher from God?

“Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: _for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him_.” John 3:2.

5. After the healing of the blind man, upon what charge did some of the Pharisees seek to prove that Christ was not of God?

“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, _because He keepeth not the Sabbath day_.” John 9:16, first part.

NOTE.—This was a false charge. Christ did keep the Sabbath, but
not according to the Pharisees’ idea of Sabbath-keeping. See
reading on “Christ and the Sabbath,” page 430.

6. What question did others raise in opposition to this view?

“Others said, _How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?_ And there was a division among them.” Same verse, last part.

7. What was the result of Christ’s working miracles at His first Passover?

“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast-day, _many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did_.” John 2:23.

8. What question did the performing of these miracles lead many to ask?

“And many of the people believed on Him, and said, _When Christ cometh, will He do more miracles than these which this man hath done?_” John 7:31.

9. Why were many attracted to Christ?

“A great multitude followed Him, _because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased_.” John 6:2.

NOTE.—A miracle is the display of divine or superhuman power in
some unusual or extraordinary manner; hence its nature to attract
attention. Christ fed the five thousand with the multiplied loaves
and fishes, and all men wondered. Every day God feeds millions of
humanity with the multiplied fruits of the earth, and no one
marvels. Christ, by a shortened process, changed water into wine,
and everybody was astonished; but every year God does this in the
usual way—through the vine—in almost limitless quantities, and no
one is astonished. A divine miracle, therefore, whenever
performed, is wrought to heal and to save, and to call attention
to the source of divine power.

10. What did the people say when they saw these things?

“_He hath done all things well_: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” Mark 7:37.

11. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus cure?

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and _healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people_.” “Great multitudes followed Him, and _He healed them all_.” Matt. 4:23; 12:15.

Miraculous Draft Of Fishes. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your
nets." Luke 5:4.

12. Who were brought to Him for healing?

“And they brought unto Him _all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments_, and those which were _possessed with devils_, and those which were _lunatic_, and those that had the _palsy_; and He healed them.” Matt. 4:24.

13. To the woman who had been healed by touching His garment, what did Christ say made her whole?

“_Thy faith_ hath made thee whole.” Matt. 9:22.

14. What did He say to the two blind men as He healed them?

“According to your _faith_ be it unto you.” Verse 29.

15. To another whose sight He had restored, what did Christ say?

“_Thy faith_ hath saved thee.” Luke 18:42.

16. Why did not Christ work many miracles in His own country?

“And He did not many mighty works there _because of their unbelief_.” Matt. 13:58.

17. What lesson did Christ design to teach in healing the man sick of the palsy?

“But _that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins_, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.” Luke 5:24.

NOTE.—By His miracles, therefore, Christ designed to teach faith
in the power of God not only to _restore the body_, but to _heal
the soul_.

18. What effect did Christ’s miracles have upon the individuals restored, and the people who witnessed them?

“And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, _glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God_.” “And all the people _rejoiced_ for all the glorious things that were done by Him.” Luke 18:43; 13:17.

19. What message did Christ send to John the Baptist while John was in prison, to strengthen his wavering faith?

“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: _The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them._ And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.” Matt. 11:4-6.

20. In what miracle did Christ bring to a climax His works on earth?

“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, _Lazarus, come forth_. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:48, 44.

21. What was the result of this great miracle?

“Then _many of the Jews_ which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, _believed on Him_.” Verse 45.

22. Because of the interest which this miracle created in Him, what did the Pharisees say?

“Behold, _the world is gone after Him_.” John 12:19.

23. What did Jesus present to the people as a basis of confidence in Him?

“If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me, _believe the works_: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” “Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else _believe Me for the very works’ sake_.” John 10:37, 38; 14:11.

24. Did Jesus ever make use of ordinary means in performing His miracles?

“When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He _anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay_, and said unto him, Go, _wash in the pool of Siloam_, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” John 9:6, 7. See also Mark 7:33-35; 8:23-25; 2 Kings 5:1-14.

25. Why were the miracles of Christ recorded by the inspired writers?

“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but _these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name_.” John 20:30, 31.

Christ’s Miracles

Miracle Matt. Mark Luke John I. Recorded in only one Gospel Two blind men healed 9:27-31 A dumb demoniac healed 9:32, 33 Piece of money in mouth 17:24-27 of fish Deaf and dumb man healed 7:31-37 A blind man healed 8:22-26 Passed through throng 4:28-31 unseen Draft of fishes 5:1-11 Raising the widow’s son 7:11-17 Healing woman with 13:11-17 infirmity Healing man with dropsy 14:1-6 Healing ten lepers 17:11-19 Healing ear of Malchus 22:50, 51 Turning water into wine 2:1-11 Healing nobleman’s son 4:46-54 Healing impotent man 5:1-16 Healing man born blind 9 Raising of Lazarus 11:1-46 Draft of fishes 21:1-11 II. Recorded in two Gospels Healing centurion’s 8:5-13 7:1-10 servant Blind demoniac healed 12:22-30 11:14-26 Healing Syrophenician 15:21-28 7:24-30 maiden Feeding the four 15:32-39 8:1-9 thousand Cursing the fig-tree 21:17-22 11:12-14 Demoniac in synagogue 1:23-28 4:33-37 healed III. Recorded in three Gospels Healing the leper 8:2, 3 1:40-42 5:12, 13 Healing Peter’s 8:14, 15 1:30, 31 4:38, 39 mother-in-law Stilling the storm 8:23-27 4:35-41 8:22-25 Legion of devils cast 8:28-34 5:1-20 8:26-37 out Healing man sick of 9:1-8 2:3-12 5:18-26 palsy Healing woman with issue 9:20-22 5:25-34 8:43-48 Raising Jairus’s 9:18-26 5:22-43 8:41-56 daughter Healing man’s withered 12:10-13 3:1-5 6:6-10 hand Walking on the sea 14:22-33 6:48-51 6:16-21 Curing demoniac child 17:14-21 9:14-29 9:38-42 Curing blind Bartimæus 20:30-34 10:46-52 18:35-43 IV. Recorded in four Gospels Feeding the five 14:15-21 6:35-44 9:12-17 6:5-14 thousand

Sufferings Of Christ

Christ In The Garden. "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven
strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.

1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world _to save sinners_; of whom I am chief.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

2. What constrained God to give His Son to die for man?

“For _God so loved the world_, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. See 1 John 4:9, 10; Rom. 5:8.

3. What did the prophet say Christ would be called to endure?

“He was _oppressed_, and He was _afflicted_, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was _cut off out of the land of the living_: for the transgression of My people was He stricken.” Isa. 53:7, 8.

4. Did Christ know beforehand the treatment He was to receive?

“Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them, _Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by __ the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished_. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be _mocked_, and _spitefully entreated_, and _spitted on_: and they shall _scourge Him_, and _put Him to death_.” Luke 18:31-33.

5. How heavy was the burden which rested on His soul on the night of His betrayal?

“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them, _My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death_: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.” Matt. 26:37, 38.

6. What prayer of Christ shows that the redemption of a lost world trembled in the balance in that terrible hour?

“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, _O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me_: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Verse 39.

7. How great was the agony of His soul?

“And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:44.

8. After He had prayed this remarkable prayer three times, what occurred?

“And while He yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, _betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss_?” Verses 47, 48.

9. To what place was Christ taken?

“Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Him _into the high priest’s house_. And Peter followed afar off.” Verse 54.

10. While at the high priest’s house, how did Peter deny Him?

“Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, _Man, I know not what thou sayest_. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.” Verses 59-61.

11. To what insults was Christ subjected at the house of the high priest?

“And _the men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him_. And when they had blindfolded Him, _they struck Him on the face_, and asked Him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?” Verses 63, 64.

12. Where was Christ next taken?

“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and _led Him into their council_.” Verse 66.

13. What admission did they secure from Him as the basis of condemning Him?

“Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them, _Ye say that I am_. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.” Verses 70, 71.

14. What was the next step in their plan to secure lawful authority to carry out their unlawful purpose?

“And the whole multitude of them arose, and _led Him unto Pilate_.” Luke 23:1.

15. When Pilate desired Christ released, how did they remonstrate?

“And _they were the more fierce_, saying, _He stirreth up the people_, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.” Verse 5.

NOTE.—This has ever been a favorite accusation of the enemies of
truth against the work of true reformers. The Romans at this very
time had a law forbidding the teaching of any new religion
“whereby the minds of men may be _disturbed_.”

16. When Pilate heard that Christ was from Galilee, what did he do?

“And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, _he sent Him to Herod_, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.” Verse 7.

17. Who appeared to accuse Christ before Herod?

“And _the chief priests and scribes_ stood and vehemently accused Him.” Verse 10.

18. To what indignities did Herod subject the Saviour?

“And Herod with his men of war _set Him at naught_, and _mocked Him_, and _arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe_, and sent Him again to Pilate.” Verse 11.

19. What did Pilate propose to do when Christ was again brought before him?

“I have found no cause of death in Him: _I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go_.” Verse 22.

The Crucifixion. "There was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth
hour." Luke 23:44.

20. Instead of consenting to His release, what did Christ’s accusers now demand?

“And _they were instant_ [_earnest_] _with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified_. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.” Verse 23.

21. Although Pilate had declared his belief in Christ’s innocence, yet what cruel punishment did he inflict upon Him?

“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and _scourged Him_.” John 19:1.

22. What shameful treatment did Christ receive from the soldiers?

“And _when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head_, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! _And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head._” Matt. 27:29, 30.

23. After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what drink was offered Christ to stupefy Him?

“They gave Him _vinegar to drink mingled with gall_: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.” Verse 34.

24. In what prayer for those who crucified Him did Christ manifest the true spirit of the gospel,—love for sinners?

“Then said Jesus, _Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do_.” Luke 23:34.

25. With what words did the chief priests and others mock Jesus while on the cross?

“Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said, _He saved others; Himself He cannot save_. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.” Matt. 27:41, 42.

NOTE.—In their blindness they could not see that Christ could not
save others and save Himself at the same time.

26. As He cried out in agony on the cross, and said, “I thirst,” what was given Him?

“And straightway one of them ran, and _took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar_, and put it on a reed, and _gave Him to drink_.” Verse 48. See John 19:28, 29.

27. What closed this terrible scene?

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said It is finished: _and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost_.” John 19:30.

28. By what miracle, and phenomenon in nature did God indicate the character of the deed which was being committed?

“And it was about the sixth hour [noon], and _there was a darkness over all the earth_ until the ninth hour. And _the sun was darkened_, and _the veil of the temple was rent in the midst_.” Luke 23:44, 45.

29. What divine purpose was wrought out in the sufferings of Christ?

“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, _to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings_.” Heb. 2:10.

30. For whom did Christ suffer all these things?

“He was _wounded for our transgressions_, He was _bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed_.” Isa. 53:5.

31. How much was included in the gift of Christ for the salvation of man?

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, _how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?_” Rom. 8:32.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

’Tis midnight; and on Olives’ brow
The star is dimmed that lately shone:
’Tis midnight; in the garden, now,
The suffering Saviour prays alone.

’Tis midnight; and from all removed,
The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;
E’en that disciple whom He loved
Heeds not His Master’s grief and tears.

’Tis midnight; and for others’ guilt
The Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;
Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,
Is not forsaken by His God.

’Tis midnight; and from ether plains
Is borne the song that angels know;
Unheard by mortals are the strains
That sweetly soothe the Saviour’s woe.

WILLIAM B. TAPPAN.

The Resurrection Of Christ

The Visit To The Sepulcher. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said."
Matt. 28:6.

1. In what psalm was the resurrection of Christ foretold?

“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [Heb., _Sheol_, the grave]: neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” Ps. 16:10.

2. In what way was Jonah a type of Christ?

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matt. 12:40.

3. In what plain words did Christ foretell His resurrection?

“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, _and be raised again the third day_.” Matt. 16:21. “And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him, _and the third day He shall be raised again_.” Matt. 17: 22, 23. “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, _and be raised the third day_.” Luke 9:22. See also Matt. 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:31, 32; 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34.

4. When asked by the Jews for a sign of His Messiahship, what did Jesus say?

“Jesus answered and said unto them, _Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up_.” John 2:19.

5. To what temple did He refer?

“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days? But _He spake of the temple of His body_.” Verses 20, 21.

6. After His resurrection, what effect had this prediction upon His disciples?

“When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and _they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said_.” Verse 22.

7. How did the chief priests and Pharisees seek to prevent the fulfilment of Christ’s words concerning His resurrection?

“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. _Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day_, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.” Matt. 27:62-64.

8. How did Pilate comply with their request?

“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, _make it as sure as ye can_. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” Verses 65, 66.

9. How futile was all this?

“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for _He is risen, as He said_. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that _He is risen from the dead_.” Matt. 28:1-7. See also Mark 16:1-16; Luke 24:1-8, 44-46; John 20:1-9.

10. Was it possible for Christ to be holden of death?

“Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: _because it was not possible that He should be holden of it_.” Acts 2:23,24.

The Resurrection. "Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen
from the dead." Matt. 28:7.

11. How does Paul speak of the resurrection of Christ?

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that _He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures_.” 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.

12. Who does the apostle say saw Christ after He was risen?

“He was seen of _Cephas_, then of _the twelve_: after that, He was seen of _above five hundred brethren at once_; ... after that, He was seen of _James_; then of _all the apostles_. And last of all He was seen of _me_ also, as of one born out of due time.” Verses 5-8.

13. What importance is attached to Christ’s resurrection?

“If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.... Ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.” Verses 14-18.

14. What positive assurance of the resurrection is given?

“But _now is Christ risen from the dead_, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.” Verse 20.

15. What great truth therefore follows?

“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Verse 22.

16. What cheering message has Christ sent to His people touching His resurrection?

“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, _I am alive forevermore_, Amen; _and have the keys of hell and of death_.” Rev. 1:18.

17. What is the measure of the power of God which believers may experience in their daily lives?

“That ye may know ... the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe, _according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead_.” Eph. 1:18-20.

18. What Christian ordinance has been given as a memorial of Christ’s burial and resurrection?

Baptism, the symbol of the new birth. Rom. 6:3-5.

A Sinless Life

A Teacher Of Righteousness. "He was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin." Heb. 4:15.

1. What testimony is borne concerning Christ’s life on earth?

“_Who did no sin_, neither was guile found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22.

2. What is true of all other members of the human family?

“_For all have sinned_, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

3. With what question did Christ challenge His enemies?

“Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” John 8:46.

4. To what extent was Christ tempted?

“[He] was _in all points tempted like as we are_, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15.

5. In His humanity, of what nature did Christ partake?

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, _He also Himself likewise took part of the same_; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Heb. 2:14.

6. How fully did Christ share our common humanity?

“Wherefore _in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren_, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Verse 17.

NOTE.—In His humanity Christ partook of our sinful, fallen nature.
If not, then He was not “made like unto His brethren,” was not “in
all points tempted like as we are,” did not overcome as we have to
overcome, and is not, therefore, the complete and perfect Saviour
man needs and must have to be saved. The idea that Christ was born
of an immaculate or sinless mother, inherited no tendencies to
sin, and for this reason did not sin, removes Him from the realm
of a fallen world, and from the very place where help is needed.
On His human side, Christ inherited just what every child of Adam
inherits—a sinful nature. On the divine side, from His very
conception He was begotten and born of the Spirit. And all this
was done to place mankind on vantage-ground, and to demonstrate
that _in the same way_ every one who is “born of the Spirit” may
gain like victories over sin in his own sinful flesh. Thus each
one is to overcome _as Christ overcame_. Rev. 3:21. Without this
birth there can be no victory over temptation, and no salvation
from sin. John 3:3-7.

7. Where did God, in Christ, condemn sin, and gain the victory for us over temptation and sin?

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, _condemned sin in the flesh_.” Rom. 8:3.

NOTE.—God, in Christ, condemned sin, not by pronouncing against it
merely as a judge sitting on the judgment-seat, but by coming and
living _in the flesh, in sinful flesh_, and yet without sinning.
In Christ, He demonstrated that it is possible, by His grace and
power, to resist temptation, overcome sin, and _live a sinless
life in sinful flesh_.

8. By whose power did Christ live the perfect life?

“I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30. “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but _the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works_.” John 14:10.

NOTE.—In His humanity Christ was as dependent upon divine power to
do the works of God as is any man to do the same thing. He
employed no means to live a holy life that are not available to
every human being. Through Him, every one may have God dwelling in
him and working in him “to _will_ and to _do_ of His good
pleasure.” 1 John 4:15; Phil. 2:13.

9. What unselfish purpose did Jesus ever have before Him?

“For I came down from heaven, _not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me_.” John 6:38.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Have I need of aught, O Saviour!
Aught on earth but Thee?
Have I any in the heavens,
Any one but Thee?

Though I have of friends so many,
Love, and gold, and health,
If I have not Thee, my Saviour,
Hold I any wealth?
CORIE F. DAVIS.

Our Pattern

Sea Of Tiberias. "Leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps."
1 Peter 2:21.

1. In whose steps should we follow?

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, _leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps_.” 1 Peter 2:21.

2. How should the Christian walk?

“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as _He walked_.” 1 John 2:6. See Col. 2:6.

3. What mind should be in us?

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5.

NOTE.—The mind of Christ was characterized by humility (verses
6-8); dependence upon God (John 5:19, 30); a determination to do
only the Father’s will (John 5:30; 6:38); thoughtfulness of others
(Acts 10:38); and a willingness to sacrifice and suffer, and even
to die, for the good of others (2 Cor. 8:9; Rom. 5:6-8; 1 Peter
2:24).

4. As a child, what example did Christ set in the matter of obeying His parents?

“And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and _was subject unto them_.” Luke 2:51.

5. How are His childhood and youth described?

“And Jesus _increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man_.” Verse 52.

6. What example did He set concerning baptism?

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, _to be baptized of him_. But John forbade Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for _thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness_. Then he suffered Him.” Matt. 3:13-15.

7. How did Christ teach the prayerful life?

“He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12. “He took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.” Luke 9:28.

8. To what kind of work did Jesus devote His life?

“Who went about _doing good_.” Acts 10:38.

9. For whom and why did Christ leave the riches of heaven?

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, _yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich_.” 2 Cor. 8:9.

10. When reviled and mistreated, what did He do?

“Who when He was reviled, _reviled not again_; when He suffered, _He threatened not_; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:23.

11. How did He pray for those who crucified Him?

“Then said Jesus, _Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do_.” Luke 23:34. See Acts 3:17.

12. What is the inspired testimony concerning Him?

“_Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity_; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.” Heb. 1:9.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Majestic sweetness sits enthroned
Upon the Saviour’s brow;
His head with radiant light is crowned,
His lips with grace o’erflow.

No mortal can with Him compare,
Among the sons of men;
Fairer is He than all the fair
That fill the heavenly train.
SAMUEL STENNETT.

Our Helper And Friend

Stilling The Tempest. "He arose, and rebuked the winds ... and there was a
great calm." Matt. 8:26.

1. Through Christ, what has been opened to the house of David?

“In that day there shall be _a fountain_ opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem _for sin and for uncleanness_.” Zech. 13:1.

2. Who has borne our sins, and stands ready to help us?

“I that speak in righteousness, _mighty to save_.” Isa. 63: 1. last part.

3. For what purpose did Christ come to this world?

“For the Son of man is come _to seek and to save that which was lost_.” Luke 19:10.

4. Through what was Christ made a complete and perfect Saviour?

“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect _through sufferings_.” Heb. 2:10.

5. Because of this, what is Christ able to do?

“For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, _He is able to succor them that are tempted_.” Verse 18.

6. How complete a Saviour is He?

“Wherefore _He is able also to save them to the uttermost that __ come unto God by Him_, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25.

7. From what is He able to keep us?

“Now unto Him that is able _to keep you from falling_, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 24, 25.

8. What does He call those who accept Him?

“Henceforth I call you not servants; ... I have called you _friends_.” John 15:15.

9. What kind of friend is He?

“There is _a friend that sticketh closer than a brother_.” Prov. 18:24.

10. What is the mark of a true friend?

“_A friend loveth at all times_, and a brother is born for adversity.” Prov. 17:17.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

I will sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
How He left His home in glory,
For the cross on Calvary.

I was lost, but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray;
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into His way.

I was bruised, but Jesus healed me,
Faint was I from many a fall,
Sight was gone, and fears possessed me,
But He freed me from them all.

Days of darkness still come o’er me,
Sorrow’s paths I often tread,
But the Saviour still is with me,
By His hand I’m safely led.

Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.
FRANCIS H. ROWLEY.