V. KNOWLEDGE. My Lord and my God. v. 28. "The word was God." John 1. 1. "The image of the invisible God." Col. 1. 15. Believing ye might have life. v. 31. THOUGHTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 1. The doubter stayed away from the very where his doubts would have been dispelled. So those who doubt the Bible and the Gospel are the ones who should read the Bible and hear the Go yet how often they neglect both! 2. The doubter lost much by absence from the m ing of the disciples. He missed peace, and joy, assurance. For a whole week he was in dark while the rest of the disciples were in light. 3. The doubter was determined to have eviden a way that suited himself. So there are very now who reject the Gospel because God does not proofs in a manner which they choose. The ques is not "Are the evidences such as please me?' "Do they prove that which is claimed ?" 4. This doubter, however, was willing to oper eyes when the evidences were presented to him this he differed from many modern doubters and u lievers. Very few of those who deny Christianity ever given it thorough study. Most open infidel ignorant people. 5. This doubter, when he saw the proofs, at onc cepted them and passed out of the stage of doubt that of faith. In which condition was he the happ 6. Notice that it was a personal experience w converted Thomas from a doubter into a beli There is no argument so powerful as that of a pers contact with Christ. 7. There is a blessedness which the believer kn and of which the doubter is ignorant. v. 29. An English Teacher's Notes on Lessons. BY SARAH GERALDINA STOCK. AMONG all the names which our Lord adopte indicative of his character and his office, the only one (as already noticed in the lesson for 11) which is taken from any human profess The Son of God is indeed called in Scripture Priest, King, Advocate, Captain of Salvation, But the sole human title he gives himself (with exception once of "Bridegroom," Mark 2. 19, is that of Shepherd. And this same title is prominent one given to Jehovah, God of Israe the Old Testament. The Lord Jesus appear the " Shepherd" in Luke 15. 4; but it is in gospel of John that all the title expresses is fully worked out. There he shows himself t first as the "Good Shepherd" who "lays d his life for his sheep." But in Heb. 13. 20 connection with his resurrection, he is called "Great Shepherd;" and in 1 Pet. 5. 4, in nection with his coming again, he is called "Chief Shepherd." And both these latter title find illustrated in the closing narrations of Jo gospel. He appears to Thomas as the "G Shepherd." He appears to Peter as the "C Shepherd." It is one of the chief characteristics of the "S herd" that he "goes after that which is lost until he finds it." Ou thinking of the "lost" we generally picture to ourselves the lonely desert waste, far away from the fold, where the straying sheep lies "Sick and helpless, and ready to die." But let us to-day picture the fold, safe and peaceful, where the sheep are gathered together under the protecting care of the Shepherd-all but one, whom he misses, and without whom he will not he satisfied. So it was in the "upper room" when the Risen Shepherd appeared with the salutation, "Peace be unto you." What gladness filled the hearts of the disciples when they "saw the Lord!" They had sat there in grief and anguish. Their sorrow was now (as he had promised them, chap. 16. 20) "turned into joy." They had sat there in unrest, agitated and perplexed by their own thoughts and the tidings of the women; now all was peace and satisfaction. They had sat there "with the doors shut, for fear of the Jews;" now all fear left them, dissipated like the mists at sunrise, and we hear no more of "the doors being shut." But one was outside of all this comfort and peace and gladness. Thomas was "not with them when Jesus came." He had missed the glad meeting, and Jesus noted his absence. His eyes went round the circle, and he missed Thomas, just as a father coming home might miss one of his children who ought to have been there to welcome him. A stranger who knows not the home group would be unconscious that one was absent. Not so the father; not so the shepherd who "knows" his sheep. Chap. 10. 14. And this lost, missing one must be found. Why was Thomas absent? We are not told. But if we may judge from his subsequent behavior, it was probably his own fault. When he returned to the company of disciples he refused to share in their gladness; he refused to believe; he refused to be comforted. He shut himself out of it all—remained out in the gloom, and the cold, and the solitude, and the wretchedness. Though outwardly in their company, he was spiritually far away. He needed to be sought and found. A whole week of unbelief and wretchedness went by for Thomas; and then again, in the evening, suddenly the Lord appeared. Would Thomas know him then? First., There was the voice: after the first salutation he spoke to Thomas, "He calleth his own sheep by name." Second. There was the call: "Reach hither thy finger," etc. Thomas was not to stay in the background, covering up his thoughts and feelings. He was bidden to come forth, and not only to believe, but to make profession of his faith. "He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out." Third. There was the visible proof: "Behold my hands. my side." Here was the "Good Shepherd" who had laid down his life for his sheep. All this Thomas saw; but he saw more yet. An earthly shepherd may give his life for his | sheep, but that is all. He can do no more. Не cannot rise from the grave again to seek and tend them. Again, an earthly shepherd has literally to search for his lost sheep. He knows not where it is until, by patient searching, he comes upon its hidingplace. Not so had the Lord Jesus searched for Thomas. He knew all about him-just where he was, what he thought, how he felt-saw into his inmost soul and fathomed it all. In the Risen One Thomas recognized not merely his "Lord "-the "Good Shepherd" whom he had known in this mortal flesh-but the "Great Shepherd," Jehovah, the Mighty One, his God-"My Lord and my God!" This is our lesson to-day--Jesus as the Great Shepherd, pre-eminent in love, in power and majesty. For those inside his fold there is gladness, rest, and safety. But when he looks round on his sheep he misses many a lost one, wandering outside. Are there any in the class whom he thus misses? But though he misses them from his fold, he knows where they are; where they have strayed; sees every step they take; looks into the depth of each heart; knows that this one is led away by pleasure or by worldly advantage, that that one is kept outside by the fear of his companions; knows who is looking wistfully toward the door and wishing he were inside, yet somehow keeping at a distance. Not one in the class but he knows all about him-knows and cares too. But may any one expect such a sight as Thomas had? What did the Lord say to him on his profession of faith? "Because thou hast seen me thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." No vision now for the bodily eye. "Blessed are they that have not seen." The sight Thomas saw with his bodily eye soon passed away. The Risen Lord returned to heaven, and as Man he sits on the right hand of the Father. But there is a sight, that does not pass away, to be had now. Look at Hebrews 11. 27; 2 Cor. 4. 6. Berean Methods. Hints for the Teachers' Meeting and the Class. State and explain the circumstances of the first five appearances of Jesus....It might be well to draw a rough map of Jerusalem, showing the place of the sepulcher, the supper-room on Mount Zion, and the road to Emmaus, and then to indicate at each place the numbers corresponding to the appearances there.... Show the traits manifested by Jesus at these several appearances, as knowledge, love, interest in individuals, omniscience, etc....In the Analytical and Biblical Outline is presented a line of teaching on the subject of the privileges of faith in a risen Christ, as shown in this lesson. Show how we may enjoy the same privileges, taking as a lesson-thought, "Blessed are they that have not seen, yet have believed.".... In the Thoughts for Young People, Thomas is made the central figure. Study his character, as shown in all the events with which he is named, and notice the lessons here given concerning doubt and inquiry. This is an important EXPLANATION. By this diagram it is expected to show that there are two ways common to man to reach belief in Christ. One way is the straight, though unseen, way of love that proceeds from the heart. [Write the word heart at the place designated in the diagram.] Look at the other way! It leads up to belief, but it is not a direct way, and is therefore more difficult. Its entrance into belief is narrow, and yet many minds like that of Thomas must enter in this way. It is the way of the head, and not the heart (write Head), and it requires experience and proof to satisfy the intellect. Jesus says, "Blessed are they which have not seen, and yet have believed." The enemy of truth will take neither of these roads, but the honest inquirer will find his way into faith even though it may be a difficult path. Primary and Intermediate. LESSON THOUGHT. My Hands for Jesus. Review last lesson by asking a few questions concerning the resurrection, who saw Jesus, how the disciples heard of it, etc. Ask how many disciples there were. Some will say twelve. Some will remember that Judas was no longer living. Tell that the disciples held a meeting after they heard that Jesus had risen. Make ten marks on the board, letting children count. One was absent. Who? Print "Thomas." He did not believe the good news, so he did not make haste to come to the meeting when he heard about it. Teach that disciples should always be ready to go where Jesus is to be spoken about. Ask, What do we have Sunday-school for ? Yes, to hear about Jesus. And does Jesus come to the Sunday-school? Yes, and the little disciples who do not come because it is too cold or too hot, or they want to go somewhere else, or do something else, will be very likely to miss seeing Jesus! Listen, and hear about Thomas. Jesus with the disciples. While the ten disciples sat together in a room talking about Jesus, suddenly Jesus stood there! The door was shut and no one knew how he came in. Can Jesus come into this room without opening the door? Yes, for he is a Spirit. If he should open our eyes as he opened the eyes of the disciples that day, perhaps we should see him here now. What did Jesus say? "Peace." That means, "Do not be troubled." "Be kind to one another." "Be loving and gentle to each other." Would Jesus say that now, if we could see him and hear him speak? Yes, he says it to us to-day. Read from Bible, "Peace I leave with you," etc. Tell how he showed them his hands, and what for. Jesus and Thomas. Tell vividly how Thomas came in after Jesus went away; how the disciples told him the wonderful news, and what he said. Teach that if any child says, "I wont believe Jesus is here unless I see him," that one is like Thomas. Teach how kind Jesus is even to those who do not believe him, and illustrate by Jesus coming another time and showing Thomas his wounded hands and side. Jesus and us. How many hands are here? Who made your hands! What for? Make outline of a cross on the board. Tell how our Saviour's hands were nailed to the cross for us. He gave his hands to us. What shall we do with our hands? If we give them to him, how shall we use them? Strike, push, snatch, with them? Talk about helping hands, gentle hands, hands given to Jesus. Sing, "I've two little hands," etc. Lesson Word-Pictures. That first day of the week had been such an exciting occasion for the disciples! "Jesus risen!" How the announcement had thrilled them! And then that counter-statement of the soldiers, bribed by the Jews, that the disciples had stolen away the body of Jesus. Jerusalem might naturally have been agitated by these conflicting reports like a sea cut up by cross-currents of wind and water; and what wonder if any disciple's heart were a little bay where this agitation was reproduced! Was it strange if any disciple said of the resurrection, "It is too much to believe!" But the day goes by. The sun, like a conqueror, goes down the western sky, hung as with glorious triumphal banners. Evening brings the disciples together. Shut, though, the door; fasten it, bolt it, bar it. There are enemies without who may disturb this gathering within. The disciples talk over the day's wonder. I hear Peter giving his story, while John tells what he saw, and a third what Mary Magdalene said. How intently, with eyes fixed and staring, listen the others! Where is Christ now? they may be wondering. Hark! Is-issome one coming into the room? No, the door has not opened, and yet there is a mysterious approach, andlook up! Out of the seemingly empty space about them emerges the form of the Master! There is a voice also, his voice, saying, "Peace be unto you!" The disciples, half-shrinking, half-approaching, look in wonder. But see! He is holding out his hands. He is pointing at his side. It is He! Nail-print and spearprint are all there! O, to what grateful hearts comes again the music of that salutation, "Peace be unto you!" 66 "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." But what does he say now? He bends over them. I seem to see his lifted hands. He breathes upon them, and down on that bowed, hushed, rapt group of disciples comes the mysterious blessing of the Holy Ghost. Yes, the Lord has risen. We have seen the Lord," the disciples cry. All the disciples? Thomas was not there in that room of peace, and he will not believe. He must put his very hands into the very wounds of Jesus. Can he ever make that test? After eight days, again the disciples are within, and Thomas is there, and closed is every door. Perhaps Thomas is saying, "I cannot be A. D. 30.] lieve except I shall see in his hands "-hark! What is that stir? Is that a step behind the disciples? Has the door opened? Suddenly, without the swinging of any door or the rupture of any wall, the form of the risen Saviour is before them! Again, his voice makes the music of its "Peace be unto you!" And Thomas, listen! He speaks to you! "Reach hither thy finger!" Startled, bewildered, hesitating, he advances, reaching out his hand to test that presence; and O, I do not think he waited to complete that proof, but I hear him, as lovingly, trustingly, fervently he cries, "My Lord and my God!" [Νον. 14. of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. LESSON VII. PETER RESTORED. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Je'sus loved saith unto Pe'ter, It is the Lord. Now when Si'mon Pe'ter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him (for he was naked), and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Je'sus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Si'mon Pe'ter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none General The seventh appearance of the Saviour after his res urrection took place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, among the scenes of his ministry and his miracles. A number of the disciples went forth upon the sea at night to engage in their old employment of fishing. All night they toiled, but without success. The Master was not with them, and their work was all in vain. In the early gray of the morning they saw a figure standing upon the shore, and heard a voice, which bade them cast their net on the right side of the ship. They supposed that the stranger had seen on that side the evidences of a school of fish, and followed his advice. Their toil was rewarded by a wondrous ingathering, for their net was filled with fishes. In the boat was one thoughtful man, who at the empty tomb had been the first to realize that his Lord had risen, and now was the first to recognize Explanatory and Verse 4. When the morning. The Rev. Ver. reads, "When day was now breaking," in the early dawn. Jesus stood on the shore. Watching their work, as now from the heavenly shore he watches ours, his fishers in the sea of the world. The disciples knew not. The resurrection body of the Saviour was so controlled by his spirit that it could assume any form and appear in any place at will. (1) Perhaps our celestial bodies will have like traits hereafter. 5. Children. A common term of address from a superior or a friend. Have ye any meat? The Rev. Ver. gives the more correct rendering "Have ye aught to eat?" The question meant, "Have you caught any thing?" They answered him, No. They had not been guided by their Master in their work, and their work had been without result. He know of their failur, yet he would have them acknowledge it. (2) It is when we have fully realized our own insuf ficiency that we receive of the fullness of Christ." Dr. Whedon. 6. Cast the net on the right side. He would show 13 Je'sus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Je'sus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 So when they had dined, Je'sus saith to Simon Pe'ter, Si'mon, son of Joʻnas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Si'mon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Si'mon, son of Jo'nas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Je'sus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Statement. in this lone figure on the shore bis risen Lord. He spoke to the disciple who was his very opposite in traits of character, yet his warm friend and chosen companion, Simon Peter. "It is the Lord!" With all the ardor of his nature, Peter leaped overboard from the boat, and swam to the shore. that he might cast himself at the feet of the Master whom he had so recently denied. Soon afterward came the rest of the company, dragging the net to the land, and all sat down together, as of old, to a meal upon the shore. After the breakfast came tender conversation between the Saviour and his repentant disciple. He who had in one night thrice denied his Lord now thrice declared his love for him, and was once more commissioned as an apostle and shepherd of souls. Practical Notes. them his complete knowledge of the deep and of the things therein, and would show them, too, that their success depended upon his direction and help. They cast therefore. Not yet recognizing the Saviour, they supposed that this stranger saw signs of a shoal of fish and was directing them toward it. Were not able to draw it. To draw it up into the boat. 7. Therefore. At that moment, and as a result of the event, the knowledge flashed upon the mind of John. That disciple whom Jesus loved. John, the deep thinker, is the first to remember a time when on that same shore there was another draught of fishes and a call to discipleship. He recognizes his Master in the stranger. Saith unto Peter. Opposite as were the characteristics of Peter and John, almost invariably in this book and in Acts they are named together. Each found in the other the complement of himself, in one the life of contemplation, in the other the life of action. He girt his fisher's coat. A short sack without arms, placed over the under-garment. For he was naked. Having on only his under-clothing, a sort of shirt, reaching from shoulders to knees, and girded around the waist. Cast himself into the sea. It was like John to be first in recognizing his Lord, and like Peter to be forward in rushing to meet him. (3) It is well for us to forget fish and nets, houses and lands, when eve can find Jesus. 8,9. The other disciples. Some of them are named in verse 2. Came in a little ship. Perhaps the small boat used with the larger vessel in fishing. Two hundred cubits. About a hundred yards. Dragging the net. It may be that they did not hear John's words, and hence did not recognize Jesus until they landed. A fire of coals. Perhaps of charcoal, much used in Oriental lands. Fish. and bread. The simple provision for a meal, provided in his own divine way by the Lord. 10, 11. Bring of the fish. Some expositors see in all this incident a symbolism of the work of winning souls, and at this point a picture of the earnest minister bringing the results of his toil to the feet of Jesus. Simon Peter went up. Always the leader of the apostolic band, in action and in speech. A hundred and fifty and three. Their size and number led the disciples to count them. 12. Come and dine. More properly, "Come and breakfast," since it was the first meal of the day. None of the disciples durst ask him. They knew that he was their Lord, but reverence restrained them from asking any questions. 13, 14. Taketh bread, and giveth them. It may be inferred that Jesus, as on another occasion after his resurrection, partook of food with his disciples. So this was a foretokening of the banquet of the Lamb, when the laborers for Christ shall sit down with their Lord on high. (4) Perhaps we may learn also that those who give them selves up to Christ's work shall be fed by him. This is now the third time. The third time in the presence of the disciples in a body; no account being taken of several appearances to individuals. 15. When they had dined. Rev. Ver., "Broken their fast." Jesus saith to Simon Peter. Three times had Peter denied his Lord, and now three times he is called upon to confess him. Lovest thou me. The verb is not the same in these three sentences. Dr. Schaff translates the three questions, answers, and commands as follows: 1. "Lovest thou me more than these?" "I dearly love thee." Feed my lambs." 2. "Lovest thou me?" "I dearly love thee." "Shepherd my sheep." 3. " Dost thou love me dearly?" "I dearly love thee." "Feed my sheeplings." More than HOME READINGS. M. Peter restored. John 21. 4-19. GOLDEN TEXT. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21. 15. LESSON HYMN. C. M. Hymnal, No. 877. Children our kind protection claim; When infants learn to lisp his name, Be ours the bliss, in wisdom's way And show the mind which went astray The honors of thy name be spread, TIME. Some days after the last lesson. Saviour, even though all forsook him; he is now asked these. Peter had declared that he would be true to the whether he loves Christ more than these his fellow-disciples loved him. Thou knowest that I love thee. He no longer avouches his own loyalty, but appeals to his Saviour who knows his heart to behold his love. Feed my lambs. A charge to the apostle who had learned by experience the weakness of his own character, to care for and strengthen the weak ones in the flock of Christ. (5) The first requirement of the disciple is love for his Saviour. (6) He who loves his Saviour will love his Saviour's followers and deal with them gently. 16. The second time. Again Christ asks the same question, and Peter makes the same answer. Lovest thou me. As before, Jesus uses a word referring to the higher love from man to God; and Peter answers with a word indicating the love of a natural affection, a friendship between man and man. Feed my sheep. Rev. Ver., "Tend my sheep,' 19 or act as a shepherd," meaning care and guidance as well as feeding. 17. The third time. The third time Jesus uses Peter's own expression and asks, "Do you, indeed, love me as a friend?" Peter was grieved. Not his Lord's language, which pressed upon him the quesmerely at the threefold inquiry, but at the change in Notice that the pride and self-confidence of Peter is all tion, "Are you indeed my friend?" Thou knowest. gone, and that now he bids his Saviour look within his heart and see his love. 18. Verily, verily. "Amen, amen." Young, thou girdedst thyself. When a man would go forth upon a journey he gave his limbs freedom by fastening his loose outer garments in his girdle. Walkedat whither thou wonldest. Then he was his own master, going where he desired. Thou shalt stretch forth thy hands. The image here suggested is of the hands outstretched upon the cross. We know not whether Peter at that time apprehended his meaning. But from 2 Pet. 1. 14 it is evident that he afterward understood it. 19. Signifying by what death. He was crucified with head downward, declaring that he was not worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. He should glorify God. It was not only a prophecy of his death, but also of the honor which he should enjoy in it and the glory it should give to Christ's cause. (7) The young Christian may work; the old Christian must endure. Follow me. A new call to discipleship, to apostleship, and to fellowship in the sufferings of Christ. QUESTIONS FOR SENIOR STUDENTS. 1. Jesus by the Sea, v. 4-14. Where is the scene of this lesson laid? Why were the disciples in Galilee? Matt. 28. 10. What had been the occupation in former years of four of these men? What was a possible reason why those on the lake could not recognize Jesus on the beach? What made them know him? 2. Jesus and Peter, v. 15-19. What had Peter done when John recognized Jesus? What would such an act seem to indicate of Peter's feeling? How did Jesus test Peter's real feeling? What was the effect on Peter? How had Jesus foretold this experience to Peter! Luke 22. 32. How was the prophecy of ver. 18 fulfilled? How does John show in ver. 19 that he knew it had been fulfilled? |