... serve whence they arose. The Pharisees said: "Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? Behold, the world is gone after him." Judas said, "This might have been sold . . . and given to the poor, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the bag," etc. Self in both instances. The openly ungodly world objects even to outward honor being shown to Christ. It counts all this an infringement of its own rights. The heartless professor is very different. He approves of it. But if you speak of giving up all to Christ, he will "This is too much: it is waste; we should keep Say: some of our life for ourselves," etc. entered into the secret of his death! all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him that died for them." "Therefore the love of Christ constraineth us!" 2 Cor. 5. 14, 15. Berean Methods. He has never "He died for Hints for the Teachers' Meeting and the Class. Briefly state the events between the last lesson and the present one, and draw a map showing the journeys from Bethany to Ephraim, through Perea to Jericho, and to Bethany again.... Call attention to the time, a week before the crucifixion....The feast, and the manner of sitting at the table."..... ..How many Maries are named in the New Testament, and which was this?.... Compare the accounts of her act of love for Christ.... The value of her gift.... Traits of Judas here shown. ....Our duty toward the poor....The curious seekers after Jesus and Lazarus-what good came from their curiosity?....Compare the accounts of the triumphal entry into the city.... How Christ fulfilled prophecy.... Find in this lesson six different ways in which we can show our honor to Christ. References. FREEMAN'S HAND-BOOK. Verse 2: Reclining at meals, 712. Ver. 3: The "pound," 812. Ver. 6: Money-bags, 774. Ver. 7: Preparation for burial, 822. Ver. 13: Palm-branches, 687, 891. Songs from the Epworth Hymnal. 4. Wake the song. 66. Crown him with many thorns. 67. Hail, thou once despised Jesus. 73. Come, Christian children. 74. The name of our salvation. 78. When, his salvation bringing. 81. Saviour, blessed Saviour. 152. All for thee. 249. Jesus shall reign. Primary and Intermediate. BY M. V. M. LESSON THOUGHT. Gifts to Our King. Make a crown on the board, or pin up one made of gilt paper. Talk about crowns, and ask if we have learned in our Sunday lessons of any one who deserves to wear a crown. The children will say, "Jesus." Then call from them the miracle which proves his power over death. Tell that Jesus has come back to Bethany again, on his way to Jerusalem. Describe the supper, Lazarus at the table with Jesus and the disciples, the curious Jews watching, Martha waiting on the table, and Mary coming with her rich gift, to show her love for Jesus. Tell that Mary had more reason than ever to love Jesus, since he had given back her brother, and ask children to think if they have not each some special reason to love Jesus, calling attention to gifts of life, health, friends, home, etc. Tell of the fault-finding Judas. He loved money more than he loved Jesus. He said Mary ought to have sold the ointment for three hundred pence (about fifty dollars) and given the money to the poor. Did Jesus blame Mary? No, he knew that love is worth more than money, and he was glad to see the love in Mary's heart which led to the act. Teach that money cannot buy heaven, but love takes it as a gift. Jesus wants our love. Who will come with a gift to King Jesus today? If you can get a palm-branch show it to the children, describing graphically the entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem. Tell that hundreds of years before this the prophet Zechariah wrote about it. Read from Zech. 9. 9. Tell story of a peasant who thought that he would have been glad and proud to have the Lord ride on his colt, and who took out a copper coin to put into the collection, while this thought was in his mind. Seeing on the coin the picture of a horse, he said, "After this all the coppers which come to me bearing the image of a horse shall be given to the Lord for missions." This he did, and he thought he never had so many coppers before! By and by he began to notice that some silver pieces bore the image of a horse, and he gave these also. Then one day he sold a pig, and received a gold coin in payment. But, alas! a horse was stamped on the coin! Could he give that? Some words were also on the piece of gold, "Never draw back," and the poor peasant gave his gold also to the Lord. Show that the love in his heart which led him to give was more in the Lord's sight than all the money, and teach that our King deserves all that we can give. First, let us give ourselves, and then all that we have will seem but little to give to so kind and good a King. It is not the size of the gift that denotes the love of the giver. The motive gives value to the deed. The motive power, LOVE, is in the heart; that power sets in motion the wheels of self-sacrifice. Without it there is no action. Give the heart to God, and all other gifts will be acceptable when prompted by love of him. A CANCELLATION SENTENCE. 1. How can I honor Jesus my King? 5. JESUS MY KING! 1. A question. 2. Can I honor him? 3. A declaration. 4. An entreaty. 5. Praise. A feast at Bethany! There are the guests reclining on their couches before the long supper-table. There, too, is Lazarus, whom Jesus aroused from the deep sleep of death, and Jesus who soon will die upon Calvary for Lazarus, you readily detect. Look at the outer door! What an eager crowd presses about it, curious to see Lazarus and the great Miracle-worker. Here comes Martha bearing some savory dish for the table, and that woman bending down to the feet of Jesus, anointing his feet, wiping them with her thick, heavy tresses of hair, is Mary. How fragrant with the ointment is all the house! But who is that, gripping hard with one hand a money-bag, while he flings at Mary a look of wonder and scorn, covetousness and hate? Hear his angry faultfinding, his specious plea for the poor? Money-bag, looks of avarice and hate, words of arger, all mark out the traitor Judas. Still the feast goes on. People congratulate Lazarus, Wise words fall from the lips of Jesus. Martha glides from Mary's ointment breathes its odor through the house. That was the day when men honored the very feet of Jesus. We reach the day when men would have crowned his head. The great passover multitude is gathering. They swarm in the roads leading to the city and they crowd its streets. And now from man to man goes the story that Jesus is coming! Yes, Jesus is somewhere on the road leading across Olivet to Jerusalem. The cry is raised, "Let us go to meet him!" They are hastening toward Olivet. Palm branches are seized, and with shouts of "Hosannah!" the rejoicing host is on its way to meet Jesus. There he is, coming across Olivet, riding on a young ass, Zion's king in majesty. And see the people! How jubilantly they wave their palm branches! How loud their shouting now! And watch them as they strip off their garments and throw them down in the road that Zion's King may have a royal way in which to travel. Hosannah! Hosannah! O how the triumphant outcries shake the air! Aug. 8. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. LESSON VI. GENTILES SEEKING JESUS. [Commit to memory verses 23-25.] 20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Phil'ip, which was of Beth'sa'i-da of Gal'i-lee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Je'sus. 22 Phil'ip cometh An'drew and again An'drew and Phil'ip tell Je'sus. and telleth 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 29 The people therefore that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Je'sus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Je'sus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Je'sus and departed, and did hide himself from them. General Statement. The first three days in the passover-week were eventful in the life of Christ. On Sunday he rode in triumph to the temple, and looked around its courts; and then, to the surprise of the multitudes which attended him, returned quietly to Bethany, On Monday morning early he passed again over the brow of Olivet, and spoke the words of rebuke to the barren fig-tree, not because he was angry against a senseless tree, but because he saw in the tree the type of a senseless people. He entered the temple a second time, and, acting as a King in his Father's house, he drove out the buyers and sellers from its courts, as he had done before in his earlier ministry. At evening he returned to Bethany, for he had no home in the city, and it was unsafe for him within its walls. Tuesday was the last day of the Saviour's public teaching, and from early morning until near the sunset it was spent within the temple. In turn he met and discomfited upon the field of controversy the Explanatory and Verse 20. There were certain Greeks. Not necessarily from the land of Greece; but Gentiles who spoke the Greek language, which was at that time the prevalent tongue of the better classes throughout the eastern part of the Roman empire. Gentiles, it is to be remembered, were all races of men outside of the Jews. Came up to worship. It was the custom for all Jews in Palestine to come to Jerusalem three times a year, at the great feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, or at least once, at the Passover. From the fact that these Gentiles came to worship, and not from curiosity, it is evident that they were proselytes of the gate," or people who had abandoned the worship of Pharisees, the Herodians, and the Sadducees. He gave the final denunciation to the Jewish leaders contained in Matthew 23. Then he turns to leave the temple for the last time, pausing to give a word of commendation to a poor widow who was dropping her mite in one of the treasure-boxes in the Court of the Women. Just at that time he received word that in the Court of the Gentiles without was a company of Gentiles who desired to see him. They proffered their request through Philip, who came from the Gentile border of Palestine. Philip was not certain whether his Master would talk with these foreigners, even though they were worshipers of God and pilgrims to the temple, but after consultation with his townsman, Andrew, he presented their request to Jesus. The Saviour saw in this inquiry of Gentiles the promise of the day, soon to dawn, when the whole world should come pressing toward the gates of the Gospel. Practical Notes. idols and were seekers after God, though they had not become Jews by accepting circumcision. The feast. Passover, which was at that time three days distant. 21. The same came therefore. They were in the Court of the Gentiles, while Jesus was within, where they, being Gentiles, could not enter, in the Court of the Women. To Philip, which was of Bethsaida. Bethsaida, Philip's home, was at the head of the Sea of Galilee, and thus on the frontier of Palestine, near the Gentile regions of Decapolis, from which these Greeks may have come. We would see Jesus. They had heard of his miracles and teachings. and desired to havA NAP 238 SUNDAY-SCHOOL JOURNAL. 1 (1) Their request voiced the sonal converse with him. cry of the world then, and through all the ages since, and now. 22. Telleth Andrew. Who was his townsman. John 1. 44. They regarded their Master as a peculiarly sacred person, and thought it was doubtful whether he would wish to meet with Gentiles, who were held in contempt by Jews. Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. Both were plain, practical men, unable to comprehend the deeper truths of the Gospel; but both were of the spirit that is ready to bring men to Jesus. 23. Jesus answered them. It is not stated that Jesus met the inquiring Gentiles, but almost certain that he did. The hour is come. The coming of these Greeks reminds Jesus of his own approaching death, through which salvation shall come to them and to all the world. The Son of man. Christ gave this title to himself as a representative man who was to bring the race into fellowship with God. Should be glorified. This term "glorified" is peculiar to John's gospel in its reference to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ taken as a whole. Through these events glory, wide as earth and heaven, and lasting as eternity, has indeed come to Jesus. As a teacher he might have been remembered, but as a Redeemer he is glorified. [August 8. An it an answer to the question of the preceding clause, cause. was As 28. Father, glorify thy name. This was the full renunciation of the human will to the divine. The Son of man is ready for the sacrifice. Came there a voice Will from heaven. It was a voice, speaking definite words, but heard only by those whose spiritual nature was in condition to receive it. I have both glorifled it. glorify it again. By the scenes of the crucifixion, at the baptism and the transfiguration a divine attestation had been given, so there came one now. resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, which were destined to give a new glory to God. 29. The people therefore. There was a sound, but only those whose spiritual nature was attuned to symmon ears there came only a sound of thunder; to pathy with Christ could understand it. To the comothers, it was as though an angel spoke some inarticulate utterance; to a few, such as John himself, the voice had a meaning. (5) Let us seek that fine harmony of nature which can see and hear God. 24. Verily, verily. The truth that the triumph of Jesus can come only through his death is first preCame sented in an illustration, then in a statement, Except 30. Jesus answered. He answered their discusa corn of wheat. Rev. Ver., "a grain of wheat." sions among themselves concerning the sound. Fall into the ground and die. In other words, if the kernel of wheat be kept in the granary, it does nothing; if it be dropped into the ground and decay, it becomes not because of me. He needed no outward sign, for with the ear of the spirit he could constantly hear the the germ of a harvest. So if Christ had taken care of his life, he would have wrought but little for humanity. voice of his Father. (6) Let us seek a complete fellowBy dying, he became the giver of life to many. If it die.ship with God, which will not require external tokens of It does not perish, though it dies in the process of planting. So the real life of Christ was not lost, nor is his presence. For your sakes. To test the faith of the ours lost by death. Much fruit. To the kernel of by-standers, and by testing to strengthen it. wheat comes the head of grain, a hundred-fold; to the Saviour the countless multitudes of saved souls. (2) Notice the great emphasis laid by the Saviour on his own death. 25. He that loveth his life. The same principle which governs the Saviour's life is extended also to his disciples, and indeed to all men. He whose interests concentrate in self, who lives for self, and thinks of self, suffers the eternal loss of the best part of his being, in the eternal life. A man who seeks after riches or honor fails to obtain the true reward of life. He that hateth his life. Jesus uses strong language in order to awaken attention to his proposition. He means that the outward life is to be sacrificed, if need be, to the spiritual needs; that a man shall give up all, even life itself, rather than suffer the loss of eternal life. Such a man as Paul hated his life, by counting it as of no value, except as it was given to the Gospel. 26. If any man serve me. Perhaps these words Father honor. eyes of flesh shall enjoy this privilege. Him will my 27. Now is my soul troubled. The soul is the seat 31. Now is the judgment. He is still speaking as from the stand-point of the cross, on which he already the tribunal of the world. Those who accept the hangs in spirit; and he perceives the cross becoming crucified are on one side, as acquitted; those who reject him are on the other, as condemned. (7) The great question for every heart to decide is that of its relation to the cross of Christ. The prince of this world. The invisible, personal Satan, whose power has dominated the mass of mankind since the fall. Be cast out. Through the cross, Satan is cast down from his high seat, and his empire over the hearts of men is broken. 32, 33. If I be lifted up. Still the cross is before This sublime prophecy the Saviour's mind, and now he sees the cross transWill draw all men. world. formed to a throne, which receives the homage of the drawn to Jesus as to no other man in history, and the has been fulfilled. The attention of the world has been men are drawn, whether all men yield to the influence or resist it. (8) Has the fascination of the cross fallen loyal homage of millions has been given to him. All upon you? This he said, signifying. This is the apostle John's interpretation of his Master's utterance. He calls attention to the fact that the Saviour not only foretold his own death, but its form, through the cross. 34. We have heard out of the law. The current name for the Old Testament taken collectively. Christ abideth forever. This was their understand. to mean, as it did. a removal by death. Who is this "We know who the Christ is, but who ing of the predictions of "an everlasting kingdom." Son of man? Must be lifted up. They understood this expression is this Son of man that is to die?" 35, 36. Yet a little while. Only two more days. was light, when he should leave it would be darkness. Is the light with you. While he was on the earth it These things. His last messages to the Jews. Departed. To Bethany, where he stayed in retirement until the evening of the supper and the agony in the garden. GOLDEN TEXT. Lord Jesus, when we stand afar In love of thee and scorn of self, O may we count the world as loss. O holy Lord! uplifted high With outstretched arms, in martial woe, Embracing in thy wondrous love The sinful world that lies below! Give us an ever-living faith To gaze beyond the things we see ; And in the mystery of thy death Draw us and all men after thee! TIME.-The Tuesday before the crucifixion. PLACE.-Jerusalem. RULERS.-Same as before. DOCTRINAL SUGGESTION.-Following Jesus. QUESTIONS FOR SENIOR STUDENTS. 1. The Saviour Sought, v. 20-22. How widely had the fame of Jesus spread through the world? What seems to have been the chief theme of conversation among the people? What was the religious belief of these Greeks? ver. 20. What did they mean by saying "We would see Jesus?" Where have we seen Philip before in these studies in John? What connection had he and Andrew had in a famous scene in Christ's life? Why did they apparently hesitate about bringing these men to Jesus? Had there ever been an instance of this kind? 2. The Son Glorified, v. 23-36. What announcement did Jesus make concerning himself to these Greeks? In what was this being glorified to consist? ver. 32. What illustration from nature did he use to lead them to the statement of his crucifixion? What is the glory of a grain of wheat? What is any man's glory? How did the struggle in the Saviour's soul show itself? What was the last testimony which God gave as to the relation of Jesus to him as the Father? What was the last question asked him by the world? ver. 34, last clause. What is the world's question to-day? Practical Teachings. 1. See Andrew again bringing men to Christ. What an example Andrew has left us! 2. Self-sacrifice is the true law for life. 3. The elevation of man has come from Christianity. 4. "Who is this Son of man?" Can I answer as Peter did-as Martha did-as Nathanael did? It is the question every soul must answer. QUESTIONS FOR INTERMEDIATE SCHOLARS. 1. The Saviour Sought, v. 20-22. What visitors came to the passover? What brought them there? To whom did they come? What was their petition? How was Jesus informed of their desire? 2. The Son Glorified, v. 23-36. What hour had now come? Of what did Jesus speak? John 13. 1. How was it answered? What did the people say of the voice? How did he foretell his death? What questions did the people ask? What had they then with them? What were they bidden to do? Teachings of the Lesson. Where, in this lesson, are we taught1. The lesson of perfect sacrifice? 2. The lesson of perfect obedience? 3. The lesson of perfect submission? QUESTIONS FOR YOUNGER SCHOLARS. Who came to Jerusalem to worship? Some men who were Greeks. What did they say to Philip? "We would see Jesus." Who went and told Jesus about them? Andrew and Philip. Of what did Jesus speak? Of his death on the cross. How is Christ's death more glorious than his life? As the plant of wheat is more fruitful than the little seed. Who will have life eternal? Those who give their lives to Jesus. Who will not have life eternal? He who loves his life and lives it for his own pleasure. What must we do if we would serve Jesus? Fol low him in the path of love and self-denial. Whom will God honor? All who follow Jesus. What did Jesus ask of God? To glorify his name. Why did Jesus ask this? That his disciples might believe that he came from God. What was heard? A voice from heaven, saying, "I will glorify it.” What great truth did Jesus then speak? (Repeat the Golden Text.) What is it that draws us all to Christ? His death on the cross. What did the people say when they heard him talk of death? How can Christ die? The law says, Christ lives forever. What did Jesus ask of them? To believe on him while he was with them. What would they then become? Children of light. Words with Little People. When you feel sorry for your sins, wish you could leave them off, wish you had a clean heart, want so much to do kind, loving deeds, and speak only sweet, pleasant words, it is Jesus drawing you by the Holy Spirit to himself. Now, if you will say the Golden Text, And I, if I die on the cross,' will DRAW all men unto me," I think you will understand and love it. THE LESSON CATECHISM. [For the entire school.] 1. To what day do the events of this lesson belong? The last day of Christ's teaching. 2. What was said by some Gentiles in Jerusalem ? "We would see Jesus." 3. What hour did Jesus say had come? The hour when he should be glorified. 4. How was Jesus glorified? By dying for men. 5. What did Jesus say of himself in the Golden Text? "And 1," etc. 6. What did he urge the people to do while they had the light? To believe in the light. TEXTS AT CHURCH. Morning Text... Evening Text... ANALYTICAL AND BIBLICAL OUTLINE. I. AN ATTRACTIVE SAVIOUR. The hour is come....should be glorified. v. 23. If it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." v. 24. "Shalt make his soul an offering for sin." Isa. 53. 10. "A ransom for many." Matt. 20. 28. IV. A TROUBLED SAVIOUR. Now is my soul troubled. v. 27. "How am I straitened." Luke 12. 50. "Offered up prayers.... with strong crying." Heb. 5.7. V. A SUBMISSIVE SAVIOUR. Father, glorify thy name. v. 28. "Lo, I come.... to do thy will." Heb. 10. 7. "Not as I will, but as thou wilt." Matt. 26. 39. VI. AN ATTESTED SAVIOUR. Then came there a voice from heaven. v. 28. "This is my beloved Son." Matt. 3. 17. "This is my beloved Son." Matt. 17. 5. VII. A VICTORIOUS SAVIOUR. Now shall the prince....be cast out. v. 31. "Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Luke 10. 18. "Overcame him by the blood of the Lamb." Rev. 12. 11. THOUGHTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. The Attractive Power of Christ. 1. Christ draws men out of all nations. These Gentiles were the first-fruits of a mighty harvest "from the seed that was sown in an open grave." v. 20, 21. 2. Christ draws men to inquiry and to faith. The request of these Gentiles is the cry of many hearts, "We would see Jesus." There is a hunger of the heart which only Jesus can satisfy. v. 21. 3. Christ draws men by his death. It is the crucified Christ that produces the fruit among the nations. Had he lived, he would have remained alone; he died, and lo, a mighty harvest of souls springs up. v. 24. 4. Christ draws men to follow his example of selfsacrifice. Until he came, the ideal man was the one who could win for self. Since he died, men have been willing to live like him for others, and to die, if by dying they could serve his Gospel. Sometimes the best use for a life is its surrender for a worthy cause. v. 25. 5. Christ draws men to true honor. Not to the honors of earth, which soon pass away, but to the honor that comes from God, which is eternal; for God, who honors the Son, rewards all who follow in his footsteps. v. 26. 6. Christ draws men to triumph. Those who are against Christ and under the power of Satan are cast out with their master; but those who are on his side share in his triumph. v. 31. English Teacher's Notes. THERE is no mistake as to what is meant when we speak of a man being "hung." The word is an ordinary one, and may be applied to many different things, but if used in this way it is at once understood to refer to the ignominious death to which the law sentences the worst oriminals. There is another way in which the word is sometimes used which contrasts strongly with this. I speak of some artist's picture being "hung," and it is understood that the artist has obtained his desire and that his handiwork has been prized worthy of a place in some public exhibition, where it will be displayed to an admiring crowd. There is nothing in common between the two cases or meanings of the word "hung." In the first instance it stands for shame and suffering, in the second for honor. Our Golden Text contains an expression which enfolds in itself the opposite meanings-the words "lifted up." But in this case the meanings are so closely connected that they can hardly be dissevered, since the one is the outcome of the other. The expression, in the time of our Lord, was em ployed to designate the most ignominious of deaths, that inflicted by the Romans, either on slaves or on the very lowest of criminals-the "death of the cross." No "Roman citizen" was ever crucified. To be "lifted up" meant to suffer the punishment of the lowest malefactor. But in other parts of the Scripture we shall find a very different meaning belonging to the words. Look at Psa. 147. 6, and 1 Sam. 2. 7, where the idea, instead of death and shame, is that of life and glory, the thoughts which we should naturally attach to them. When were these words used by our Lord? We read last time of his public entry into Jerusalem, and of the remarkable reception given him by the populace. It was at this time-we cannot tell exactly which day, that certain Greeks desired to see him whose name and fame were in the mouth of every one. Our Lord probably taught in the place of general resort, the "Court of the Women," and it was not possible for them to approach him there, since all Gentiles were excluded. Through means of Andrew and Philip their wish was made known to him, and this request gave rise to the discourse which followed. In the midst of this discourse a remarkable attestation of his divine mission was given from above, which some of the hearers attributed to the voice of an angel. These things seemed to point to the further exaltation of him who had been already welcomed as the "Son of David" and the "King of Israel." Yet, when he spok‹ the words of our Golden Text he looked forward to something very different. "This spake he, signfying what death he should die." But that death involved two things. 1. Descent. The "Son of David" to die the death of a slave-the "King of Israel" to suffer as a malefactor-the Holy One to undergo the treatment reserved for the vilest! Was not this an infinite descent? Yet it was needful for the accomplishment of his mission. If the "corn of wheat" is to fulfill the purpose for which it is given, it must "fall into the ground," must go down deep beyond the reach of daylight, down into the dark earth, and there, hidden away out of sight of man, it must "die," fall to pieces. Otherwise it" abideth alone" -remains what it was before, instead of being multiplied a hundred-fold. And our Lord looked forward to a like descent into the depths of contempt and agony-into the grave-into the world of the dead. That the people thus understood his words is shown by their question, ver. 34. But that descent involved 2. Ascent. By virtue of its death the corn of wheat becomes great. What so welcomed and honored as the golden sheaves of the harvest field? "If it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." And our Lord did look forward to glory and joy. Verse 23; Heb. 12. 2. But they were to come through the cross. The "lifting up" of shame and suffering was the way to the "lifting up" of honor and praise. How is this? Look at the other expression in our Golden Text: "I will draw all men unto me. |