perform it for him. This was why none of the disciples had undertaken the office. Peter was full of activity; but he was not ready to stoop and be the servant of all. our Passover."....The supper-room-how arranged, 3. A path of self-denial. The washing was no mere ceremony. The sandaled feet actually needed cleansing and refreshment. And to perform it our Lord laid aside his outer robe, and girded himself, just as a servant would, for the work of waiting on these twelve men, one after the other. Thus he gave them a living picture, which they could never forget, of the life he desired them to lead-the path ing and doing the will of Christ.... What does it mean he would have them tread. She is to us when Christ commands us to wash one another's References. FREEMAN. Ver. 4: The outer gar- Does this path look attractive? There are some who would be pleased enough with the activity. That boy likes to be busy-to have something on which to expend his energies. He is quite willing to be helpful to others as long as the work is according to his taste. But suppose it is unpleasant; he shrinks from the self-denial and will not go on. This girl does not mind the self-denial. ready to do what is hard and tiring and disagreeable. But she would like to have the foremost place; she cannot stoop to be nobody-humility is too hard for her. So, some of us stand looking at the gate-way, admiring and talking about it, but will not pass on and enter the path. Our Lord knew of this tendency of human nature, and so he was not content to call the disciples' attention to it by his deeds, but went on to do so by his words: "Know ye what I have done unto you? . . . I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." And he gives two reasons why they should follow: As dutiful 1st. Because they ought, verse 14. servants it was their business to follow in the steps of their Master. No path could be too humble that he had walked in. 2d. Because they would there find happiness, verse 17 (Golden Text). It was the most blessed of paths that he was bidding them follow. I know a path which is unseen from the high road. It is like a cut in the ground and is too low to be noticed. There is higher ground rising up close by which looks very attractive. But those who go down into this cut are well repaid. There are beauties there of which you have no notion till you get there, views such as you would wonder at, and such sweet music in the pines overhead! The people who go down into our Lord's path are He knew it well, and this was his the happy ones. testimony. But one thing must come first. Look at verse 8. Before any one can really go through our Lord's gate-way and walk in his path, he must have been cleansed from guilt: "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." Berean Methods. Songs from the Epworth Hymnal. 100. Everlasting love. 102. The cleansing wave. 130. Just as I am. 136. Forever here my rest shall be. 151. I thirst, thou wounded Lamb of God. Blackboard. The design on the blackboard is intended to teach the following lesson: When the spirit of selfishness is in the heart, strife grows out of it. The seed is easily sown, but the crop is hard to uproot. There was a spirit of selfishness in the hearts of the disciples, and the result was a strife as to who should be greatest. Jesus teaches the lesson in humility studied by the school to-day. Review it for five minutes, and close by erasing "selfishness," and writing "humility," and by changing "strife" to "love." "Happy are ye if ye du them." Hints for the Teachers' Meeting and the Class. ལ Lesson Word-Pictures. The night without deepens. The lights within flare forebodingly. The shadow of the cross is creeping nearer. The last, sorrowful supper is over. The disciples still recline on the couches before the long supper table. But what is the Master doing? He has risen from the table. He has taken a towel. He has girded himself. And is he pouring water from that jar into a basin? But watch him. He approaches the disciples' feet even as a slave girded and bearing towel and basin would come and stoop to the dusty, tired feet of a guest just arrived. Will he do that menial duty, he the King of glory humble himself to that lowly service? Yes, like a slave, he pours water on their feet. He wipes them with his towel. He goes from one disciple to another. But hark! There is an indignant remonstrance from somebody. It is Simon Peter. He scowls. He turns away his face. He draws his feet high up the couch. He will not suffer his Lord to thus humble himself. But look at the Master's sad face as he stoops, the towel on his arm, the basin in his hand? Not wash Peter's feet? Then Peter is none of his. How quickly Peter turns toward Christ that averted face! He thrusts his feet down as far as possible. He holds out his hands also. He bends his head. Let Jesus wash feet, hands, head. And the Master about to die for the disciple washes the feet of the disciple about to deny the Master. He goes to the next, the next, till the feet of all have been washed. He comes back once more, reclines at the table, and, while the night darkens and enemies plot and Calvary comes nearer, tells the meaning of the feet-washing. Primary and Intermediate. LESSON THOUGHT. "By love serve one another." Draw a representation of an Eastern table. Make marks to indicate Jesus and his disciples. Children will be interested in naming and locating the disciples, John next Jesus, etc. Print above, "The Last Supper." Tell that the last day of Jesus's life on earth had come. It was the night before the passover. That feast was typical of the death of Jesus, the lamb of God. For hundreds of years the Jews had been keeping this solemn feast; now the Lamb was indeed to be slain ! The love of Jesus. Tell that for three years Jesus had been constantly with his disciples. Read verse 1. Jesus knew that the time had come when he must leave these dear friends. He saw the cross just before him, yet he did not think of himself alone. Once more he wanted to sit down with the disciples and teach them some new lesson of his love. Show that Jesus could look into each heart, just as now he looks into each of our hearts. He looked into John's heart, and saw love there. He looked into the heart of Judas, and saw hate there. What was the difference? John thought about Jesus; Judas thought about himself. Judas loved money. Wicked men offered to give him thirty pieces of silver if he would tell them where they might find Jesus. Loving self is hating Jesus. And Jesus could see this black heart of Judas! Yet he loved Judas. MASTER The humility of Jesus. Tell the lowly act of service Jesus performed. Picture a king waiting upon one of his sub. jects. Jesus did the lowliest kind of service in washing the feet. Tell what Peter said. Peter was ashamed to have Jesus wash his feet. But the true disciple obeys Jesus without asking questions. Why did Jesus do this? Ask what water is for, and show that Jesus taught two lessons by this act. One was the lesson of service. He did the humblest thing to teach us that we must stoop to any kind of work for his sake. We must not seek the kind of work that pleases us, but do just what he gives us, even if it be very unpleasant. Then this washing with water was a picture of the power of Jesus to wash away our sins. If we want to be his followers, we must let him wash our hearts in his own precious blood. A. D. 30.] DANGER CONFIDENCE SELE LESSON VIII. WARNING TO JUDAS AND PETER. [Commit to memory verses 30-33.] 21 When Je'sus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. 23 Now there was leaning on Je'sus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Si'mon Pe'ter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. 25 He then lying on Je'sus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? 26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Ju'das Is-car'i-ot, the son of Si'mon. 27 And after the sop Sa'tan entered into him. Then said Je'sus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. 29 For some of them thought, because Ju'das had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things| [Aug. 22. that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 He then, having received the sop, went immediately out; and it was night. 31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 36 Si'mon Pe'ter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Je'sus answered him. Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterward. 37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. 38 Je'sus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. General Statement. Again let the picture of that last supper rise before | our mind. We see the large upper room, with its three tables arranged in an open square, and bearing the simple provision for the passover feast. On the outside of the tables are couches, upon which the Saviour and the twelve are reclining. In front of Jesus and next to him leans John, the one disciple who entered most deeply into his Master's teachings, and shared his spirit the most completely. Across the table is Peter, ardent, impetuous, self-confident, yet with a heart of love and the zeal of a leader. Near by, so near that Jesus can reach him, reclines Judas, holding the bag in which are kept the small possessions of the company. He must have seemed one of the most trustworthy and intelligent and able in the number, thus to be charged with their temporal interests. Originally, without doubt, he was a man of worthy character, or Christ would not have chosen him among his apostles, and of special ability, or he would not have been appointed treasurer. No one looked at Judas with suspicion when Jesus declared that one of the company was a traitor; and none knew for what purpose he went out into the darkness when the sop, dripping from the bowl, was handed to him. For a year past he had been cherishing temptation, and had been in danger of falling into Satan's hands. John 6. 70, 71. When the Saviour failed to claim his throne on the day of the triumphal entry, he may have thought his mission doomed to failure; and besides, he may have been stung by the rebuke which he received when Mary broke the box of ointment. He went Explanatory and Verse 21. When Jesus had thus said. He had just spoken of his betrayal, but in general terms, which the disciples did not understand. He now speaks more clearly, and the effort to break the truth to the twelve awakens his most intense feeling. Troubled in spirit. The very thought that one of the number in his most intimate confidence was in a few hours to surrender him to death caused him the deepest distress. (1) And does he feel no sorrow now, when one of his own abandons his cause? Testified. Gave direct and explicit testimony. One of you shall betray me. This was the first distinct declaration that the traitor would be found among the twelve apostles. 22, 23. Looked one on another. There seems not to have been a suspicion as to the guilt of Judas. No one supposed that he was more likely than another to do the deed of shame. The only question that each could ask was, "Is it I?" Leaning on Jesus' bosom. Rev. Ver., "reclining in Jesus' bosom." The company were not sitting, but reclining on couches, each leaning on his left arm. John was next in front of Jesus, and in the confidence of affection, very close to him. Whom Jesus loved. He loved all who believed in him; but out of the body of believers chose twelve for companionship, from these three for intimacy; and of these three there was one who partook most thoroughly in his spirit and saw most deeply into his teachings. No other in the twelve could have John's fellowship with the heart of Christ, because no other nature among them was so deeply spiritual. (2) Each friend of Jesus occupies his own place in the Saviour's love. 24. Simon Peter therefore. As ever forward and full of zeal, showing the spirit of a leader. Beckoned to him. It is evident that Peter was reclining where he could speak to John, but not to Jesus, without attracting attention. The Rev. Ver. reads, "beckoneth to him, and saith unto him, Tell us who it is of whom he speaketh." Al 25. He then lying. Rev. Ver., "He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast saith unto him. ready lying close to Christ, John threw his head back upon the Saviour's bosom, and looking up to his face, asked the question. Notice the precision and detail of personal recollection in this story. Lord, who is it? Both the question and the answer were in whispers. 26. To whom I shall give a sop. The sop was a piece of the passover bread dipped in the sauce of bitter herbs, which Jesus as the master of the feast would give to one and another of the guests, perhaps as a mark of special favor. He gave it to Judas. The gift would seem to all save John a token of regard to Judas; and to Judas himself a tender appeal as a friend not to betray the one who sat at the table with him. (3) So Christ strives still to soften ungrateful hearts by lavishing mercies upon them. 27. Satan entered into him. The last appeal only steeled his heart more strongly against good influences, so that from the instant he was absolutely given over to the suggestion of Satan. He may not have intended to do the deed of treachery on that night, until then, when his resolution came to a head. (4) There comes in every life-time a moment when its final choice is made between good and evil. That thou doest, do quickly. This was no consenting of Jesus to his act, but only an intimation that his purpose was known, and that if he was determined to pursue it let it be completed at once. 28. No man at the table knew. John alone knew that Judas was the traitor, if at the time he fully comprehended the acts and words of Jesus, which is doubtful; but not even John knew that Judas was at that moment going upon his errand of treachery. 29. Because Judas had the bag. As the treasurer of the company, which formed one family, placing all in a common fund. His office shows that he enjoyed the to the rulers and offered to betray his Master into their hands if they would give him money. The bargain was struck, but not until the hour when the Saviour sat down to the paschal supper could he resolve to act. Now he cast aside every reproach of conscience, went to the rulers, and prepared to arrest the Saviour as soon as he should come from the supper-room. Practical Notes. confidence of his fellow apostles. Buy those things. Early the next morning a special sacrifice was to be held according to Jewish custom, and preparations were required on the night before. Give something to the poor. It was customary to help the poor in the purchase of a lamb for the passover. (5) Notice what temptations attend those who have money or its care. 30. Went immediately out. He went forth on his errand of treachery, having cast away his last conviction. "He went out from the presence of Christ, as Cain went forth from the presence of the Lord." It was night. It is characteristic of John's gospel to note the days and hours when important events took place. The old apostle saw, in memory, the surroundings of that room and the deepening twilight when Judas departed. (6) That soul is in night which leaves its Lord. 31. When he was gone out. The first words of Jesus after his departure are not a burst of reproach upon the traitor, but an announcement that now the hour of his glory has come. Now is the Son of man. The Son of man is the representative man, the head of the redeemed humanity, standing before God. Glorifled. That is, "made to appear glorious," by his death, resurrection, and ascension, which collectively reveal Christ at the summit of his glory as Redeemer of the world. God is glorified in him. Not only the Son but also the Father is glorified in the crucifixion of Jesus. His love, and wisdom, and faithfulness are all magnified in the redemption of the world through the cross. 32. Glorify him in himself. Not only shall the Son. be made glorious by his redemptive work, and the Father by his gift of the Son, but the Son shall also receive glory by a return to his place in heaven, and a seat on the right hand of the throne. Straightway glorify him. The long delayed consummation was now to take place; in a few hours the cross was to be upraised, which should bring infinite and eternal glory to the Son of man. 33. Little children. Both in the feebleness of their understanding and their helpless condition without his care, he looks upon them as children. Yet a little while. Only a few hours longer was he to remain in his present relation; but in a higher sense he was to be with them always. As I said unto the Jews. In chap. 7. 34, he had said to his Jewish enemies, "Where I am, ye cannot come." So now I say to you. Yet the meaning was different when addressed to the Jews and the disciples. To one it meant, that where he was going they were unfit to go; to the other, that he was about to enter a world where they could not at once follow him, but would come to him in due time. 34. A new commandment. Not altogether new in language, but new as a principle in life. Not until Christ came was love presented as the motive to control our dealings with our fellow-men. The first society established in the world upon this principle was the Christian Church, and when all men adopt it, the world will be Christian. Love one another. He leaves them alone in an unfriendly world, and their only protection and strength will be in their absolute unity. As I have loved you. Because of Christ's love they were to love each other; and up to the measure of Christ's love, even to absolute self-surrender. 35. By this shall all men know. The world was and is controlled by the principle of self-love. Chris tians, up to the measure of their real Christianity, are controlled by the principle of love to each other. A life wrought out from this motive will at once attract notice in a selfish world. 36, Lord, whither goest thou? They begin to realize that their Master is about to leave them; and as usual, Peter speaks for the rest. Thou canst not fol low me now. Peter was not fit to share his Lord's cross and glory, there was a work to be wrought in him, and a work to be wrought by him before his end should come. Shalt follow me afterward. A reference not | fidelity. Will lay down my life. (7) How easily we merely to the martyrdom of Peter, but to the fact that can mistake our own strength of character! The cock it was like his Lord's by crucifixion. It is said that shall not crow. Peter, when he was to be crucified, desired it to be with which is announced by the crowing of the cock. DeThat is," before the morning," his head downward, as he was not worthy to die like nied me thrice. How true was this we all know; yet his Saviour. we fail to realize that our Saviour knows our hearts as well as he knew Peter's; and as he could make out of the denier an apostle, so he can transform us. He 37, 38. Why cannot I follow thee now? thought that Jesus was impugning his courage and LESSON HYMN. 8. M. My soul, be on thy guard; The hosts of sin are pressing hard O watch, and fight, and pray; Ne'er think the victory won, The work of faith will not be done, TIME, CONNECTING DOCTRINAL SUGGESTION.-Deliverance to Satan. QUESTIONS FOR SENIOR STUDENTS. 1. The Servant of Satan, v. 21-30. Why did Jesus announce to his disciples that one of them should betray him? ver. 19. What was the effect of this declaration on Jesus himself? What on the disciples? How did Judas show the deceitfulness of his heart? Matt. 26. 25. Did the eleven comprehend what Jesus meant by telling Judas to do his evil work? What change was wrought in Judas by the giving of the sop? What is meant by "Satan entered?" 2. The Law of Love, v. 31-35. How did Jesus announce after Judas had gone that his death was near? What did he mean to prepare them for by these declarations? What was to be their position in the world after he left them? Had he ever intimated before that they were to remain together as an organized body of disciples ? What was to be their bond of union? What was to be their badge of discipleship? What was to be the law of their lives? 3. The Mistaken Disciple, v. 36-38. Of all the disciples who was most likely to ask the question next asked ? Did Peter ever follow Jesus afterward in the way that Jesus was then going? What was Peter's honest intention when he spoke the Dext words? What did Peter do before daylight? In what did Peter's mistake consist? How did Jesus's divinity appear in his answer? 3. Love even to death was in the words "as I have loved you." Do we keep that command? 4. Peter fell under the first temptation. He was not the last, however, who fell in the same way. Have any of us ever? 5. Remember the Golden Text. QUESTIONS FOR INTERMEDIATE SCHOLARS. 1. The Servant of Satan, v. 21-30. What was revealed to the disciples ? What place at the feast had the disciples? What disciple is meant? John 21. 20, 24. What did Peter ask of this disciple? What sign did Jesus give to John? Whom did Jesus point out? What command did he give to Judas? 2. The Law of Love, v. 31-35. What did Jesus say of this hour? What did he call his disciples? What did he say of his leaving them? What new commandment was given? 3. The Mistaken Disciple, v. 36-38. What reply did he receive? What offer of service did Peter make? Teachings of the Lesson. Where in this lesson are we taught 1. The treachery of formal service? QUESTIONS FOR YOUNGER SCHOLARS. Whom did Jesus say should betray him? One of his disciples. What did John ask him? "Lord, who is it?" What did Jesus reply?" He it is, for whom I shall dip the sop." To whom did Jesus give the sop when he had dipped it? To Judas, son of Simon. What happened to Judas? Satan entered his heart. What did Jesus command him? do quickly." "That thon doest, into the hands of the Jews. What did Judas do? He went out to betray Jesus How did the Father glorify Jesus? He made his name high over all in heaven and earth. What is the glory of the Father? That he gave his well-beloved Son to die for us, How did Jesus glorify his Father? By doing his will. What was the Father's will for Jesus? That he come down to earth and die the death of the cross. "Love one another, even as I have loved you.' What new commandment did Jesus give his disciples ? love to each other. How will all men know we are his disciples? By our Who only can love as Jesus loved? Those who love Jesus. What sad news did Jesus tell his disciples? That he was going where they could not come. What did Peter say? "I will follow thee, and die for thee." What did Jesus tell him? That he should deny him. (Repeat the Golden Text.) Words with Little People. thing wrong for ever so long; I've watched, and I've "I've given my heart to Jesus; I haven't done any prayed; those little sins that used so to trouble me are most gone now; every body notices how good I am getting." Then, because she felt so strong, she didn't 250 1. THE BELoved One. 1. Leaning on Jesus's bosom. v. 23. "Behold my mother and my brethren." Matt. 12. 2. One....whom Jesus loved. v. 23. " Prov. 1. 28. "I love them that love me." 3. Saith, Lord, who is it? v. 25. "Secret of the Lord is with them." Psa. 25. 14. II. THE BETRAYING ONE. 1. One of you shall betray me. v. 21. "He was numbered with us." Acts 1. 17. 2. To whom I shall give a sop. v. 26. "Friend....which did eat of my bread." Psa. 41.9. III. THE GLORIFIED ONE. 1. Now is the Son of man glorified. v. 31. "The image of the invisible God." Col. 1. 15. IV. THE FORSAKEN ONES. 1. Yet a little time I am with you. v. 33. 3. That ye love one another. v. 34. "The royal law according to the Scripture." James 4. By this shall all men know. v. 35. "That the world may believe." John 17. 20, 21. V. THE DENYING ONE. 1. Will lay down my life. v. 37. "Thinketh he standeth." 1 Cor. 10. 12. 2. The cock shall not crow. v. 38. "And immediately the cock crew." Matt. 26. 74. 3. Till thou hast denied me thrice. v. 38. "I know not the man." Matt. 26. 74. THOUGHTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. Lessons for Disciples. 1. The greatest danger of Christ's Church is not from enemies without, but from traitors and false brethren within. v. 21. 2. There are those who are especially beloved by Jesus; and they are the ones who are most like him in spirit, who enter most deeply into his teachings, and who love his companionship. v. 23. 3. Those who enjoy fellowship with Christ share in his counsels and learn "the secret of the Lord." v. 24-26. 4. God knows how to overrule even the treason of disciples to his own glory and the redemption of the world. v. 26, 27. 5. Terrible is the condition of that heart in which Christ once dwelt, if Satan enter and take Christ's place. v. 27, 29. 6. While the bridegroom was present, the poor were remembered; now that he is not with us, and the poor are always with us, let us not forget them. v. 29. 7. God's highest glory and Christ's greatest honor come from the redemption of mankind through the cross. v. 31, 32. 8. While our Lord is absent from the Church, let us be all the more closely bound in love to one another. v. 33-35. 9. Let us distrust our own strength and trust in God alone to keep us strong. v. 36-38. English Teacher's Notes. The Golden Text brings before us the subject of falling. There are many different kinds of falls, many causes of falling, and many degrees of harm that may be caused thereby. But there are two considerations which apply to all cases. No one falls int onally. The little toddler whose foot has tripped meant to walk along quite steadily, and is surprised to find himself sprawling on the floor. The boy darting swiftly over the ice has no intention of measuring his length on its smooth surface. The climber among the high boughs does not purpose a sudden and ignominious descent from the attitude to which he has attained. The man who scales the Alpine heights intends to keep a firm footing and return home to tell the tale of his achievements. And yet in all these cases how many there are who fall! No one can say what danger there may be in a fall. It is not only upon icy slopes and among perilous rocks that death is met in this way. Men and women have fallen and lamed themselves in the quiet street, in their sheltered homes, and in their carpeted rooms. Bruce, the Abyssinian traveler, was killed by a fall in handing a lady to her carriage. If falls are so unexpected and so perilous as regards the body, what must they be as regards the soul? And how timely the warning to "take heed lest we fall!" But this warning is given to a certain class of persons. We should not bid one in a fainting, helpless condition, borne along by a strong arm, nor the little child safe in his father's embrace, to We reserve such a warn"take heed lest he fall." |