THIRD STUDY

Blackboard Outline

I.Origin.—1. Sem. 2. Abr. 3. Isa. 4. Isr. (12 t.) 5. Jud (Jews). 6. "Remn."II.Traits.—1. Rel. 2. Exc. 3. Cons. 4. Asp. "Mess." 5. Mor.III.Mission.—1. Per. kno. G. 2. Rec. tra. hi. rev. 3. Pro. Gos. wo.IV.Jews Ti. Chr.—1. Bran. Pal. Dis. 2. Sec. Phar. Sadd. 1.) Nam. 2.) Aim. 3.) Spir. 4.) Bel. 5.) Inf. 6.) Evils. 3. Gen. 1.) Sin. 2.) "Dev." 3.) Pro.V.Lang.—1. Heb. 2. Ara. (Syr.-Chal.). 3. Gre. 4. Lat.

Questions for Review

To what people did Jesus Christ belong? From what great family of races did that people spring? What were the traits of this race? Who was the ancestor of the Jews, and what were his traits of character? How were the Jews gradually selected from among the descendants of Abraham? To which of the twelve tribes did most of the Jews belong? What was "the remnant" in Old Testament history? Name five traits of the Jews as a people. What was the mission of the Jewish people? What were the two great branches of the Jews in the time of Christ? What were their two sects? What were the differences between these sects? Who were the Gentiles? Into what three classes were they divided? What four languages were found among the Jews in the time of Christ?

The Life of Christ

The central figure in all the Bible is Jesus Christ. Note his importance in the Old Testament (John 5. 39; Luke 24. 27; Acts 10. 43). Note his prominence in all true gospel teaching (1 Cor. 2. 2). Note his relation to every man (John 1. 9.) (Rev. Ver.) We have, then, an interest in Jesus Christ deeper than in any other man who ever lived.

I. Let us notice someGeneral Aspects of his Life.

1. It was ashortlife. This man, who has influenced the world more than any other, lived less thanthirty-fiveyears. His age at the beginning of his ministry we learn from Luke 3. 23; and the duration of his ministry was not more than three years and a half at the longest.

2. It was a lifepassed wholly in Palestine. Only once do we read of his journeying near any other country, and it is not probable that he went beyond its borders (Mark 7. 24). The only times of direct contact with Gentiles are mentioned (Mark 7. 25, 26; John 12. 20-22). He never enjoyed the benefits of foreign travel, of communion with learned men in the great cities, of studies at the universities of Athens or Alexandria. All his knowledge came from within.

3. It was a lifeamong the common people. He lived in a despised province (John 7. 41, 52). He came from a despised town (John 1. 46). He was a working mechanic (Mark 6. 3). He received only a common education (John 7. 15). His manner of life during his ministry (Matt. 8. 20). Yet out of these lowly surroundings grew up the one exalted character, the one perfect life, in all human history.

4. It was anactivelife. The first thirty years may have been spent in quiet preparation, but the three years of his ministry were very busy. See pictures in Mark 1. 36-38; 2. 1-4; 6. 31-34. Notice the hyperbole in John 21. 25, which is not to be taken literally.But if the whole life of Jesus were related with the minuteness of the day between the sunset of the Last Supper and that of the burial the narration would require one hundred and eighty-five books as large as the Bible.

II. Let us arrange the events of Christ's life in chronological order, grouping them intoSeven Periods.

1. The first period is that ofThe Thirty Years of Preparation, of which we notice the following facts:

1.) It begins with his Birth (Luke 2. 7), and ends with his Temptation (Matt. 4. 1).2.) It is related mainly by Luke (Luke 1-4) with some facts in Matthew (Matt. 1. 2; 4. 1-11), and a brief mention of its closing events in Mark (Mark 1. 9-13).3.) It was passed mainly in Galilee, though with isolated events in Judea, in Egypt (Matt. 2. 14, 15), and in Peræa. See John 1. 28.4.) It was the longest of all the periods, embracing nine-tenths of his life; yet it is the one having the fewest incidents recorded; and of eighteen years in it absolutely no events are known.

1.) It begins with his Birth (Luke 2. 7), and ends with his Temptation (Matt. 4. 1).

2.) It is related mainly by Luke (Luke 1-4) with some facts in Matthew (Matt. 1. 2; 4. 1-11), and a brief mention of its closing events in Mark (Mark 1. 9-13).

3.) It was passed mainly in Galilee, though with isolated events in Judea, in Egypt (Matt. 2. 14, 15), and in Peræa. See John 1. 28.

4.) It was the longest of all the periods, embracing nine-tenths of his life; yet it is the one having the fewest incidents recorded; and of eighteen years in it absolutely no events are known.

2. Next isThe Year of Obscurity. In this and the two succeeding periods the year is not a precise epoch, and may have been a little less or a little more.

1.) It begins with the first followers (John 1. 35-37), and ends with the return to Galilee (John 4. 43, 44).2.) It is related only by John, who, of all the gospel writers, records the visit of Jesus to Judea and Jerusalem.3.) It was passed principally in Judea, though with visits to Galilee, and on the way a visit to Samaria.4.) It is justly called a "year of obscurity," for we know but little concerning either its aims, its events, or its results. It was accompanied with miracles (John 3. 2; 4. 45). It attracted attention (John 3. 26; 4. 1). Yet at its close we find that the followers of Jesus were few, and he went to Galilee to begin his ministry anew.

1.) It begins with the first followers (John 1. 35-37), and ends with the return to Galilee (John 4. 43, 44).

2.) It is related only by John, who, of all the gospel writers, records the visit of Jesus to Judea and Jerusalem.

3.) It was passed principally in Judea, though with visits to Galilee, and on the way a visit to Samaria.

4.) It is justly called a "year of obscurity," for we know but little concerning either its aims, its events, or its results. It was accompanied with miracles (John 3. 2; 4. 45). It attracted attention (John 3. 26; 4. 1). Yet at its close we find that the followers of Jesus were few, and he went to Galilee to begin his ministry anew.

3.The Year of Popularity, in marked contrast with the preceding period.

1.) It begins with the Rejection at Nazareth (Luke 4. 14-30), and ends with the Discourse on the Bread of Life (John 6. 25-71), a day or two after the miracle of Feeding the Five Thousand.2.) It is related by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, with some additional incidents by John.3.) The scene of the Saviour's ministry was in Galilee, which he traversed extensively during this year. One visit to Jerusalem is related by John (John 5. 1, 2).4.) It was a year of great activity, spent in incessant journeys, preaching, and works of mercy, and the most popular period of the Saviour's life, when the crowds were greatest and the people seemed ready to accept Jesus as the Messiah of Israel. Yet at its close, as before, he was left alone with his twelve disciples (John 6. 66-68).

1.) It begins with the Rejection at Nazareth (Luke 4. 14-30), and ends with the Discourse on the Bread of Life (John 6. 25-71), a day or two after the miracle of Feeding the Five Thousand.

2.) It is related by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, with some additional incidents by John.

3.) The scene of the Saviour's ministry was in Galilee, which he traversed extensively during this year. One visit to Jerusalem is related by John (John 5. 1, 2).

4.) It was a year of great activity, spent in incessant journeys, preaching, and works of mercy, and the most popular period of the Saviour's life, when the crowds were greatest and the people seemed ready to accept Jesus as the Messiah of Israel. Yet at its close, as before, he was left alone with his twelve disciples (John 6. 66-68).

4. Another period we find inThe Year of Opposition, again contrasted with the year before it.

1.) It begins with the Retirement to Phœnicia (Mark 7. 24) and ends with the Anointing by Mary (John 12. 1-3).2.) It is recorded in all the gospels in almost equal measure, Luke giving the most complete account of the ministry in Peræa, and John, as usual, relating the visit to Judea.3.) This period is peculiar in the fact that in it Jesus visited all the five provinces of Palestine. We find him in Decapolis (which was a part of the Bashan district) (Mark 7. 31); passing through Galilee (Mark 9. 30); also through Samaria (Luke 9. 51, 52); in Peræa (Mark 10. 1), and in Judea (John 11. 7).4.) This part of the Saviour's life has been variously characterized as "a ministry of sorrow and humiliation," "a year of instruction," and "a period of retirement." All are correct, for during this, the last year of his life, Jesus sought to be alone with his disciples, and in order to escape the crowds visited places where he was unknown. He aimed to instruct his disciples in the deeper truths of the gospel, to prepare their minds for his approaching death and for their mission as apostles (Matt. 16. 21).

1.) It begins with the Retirement to Phœnicia (Mark 7. 24) and ends with the Anointing by Mary (John 12. 1-3).

2.) It is recorded in all the gospels in almost equal measure, Luke giving the most complete account of the ministry in Peræa, and John, as usual, relating the visit to Judea.

3.) This period is peculiar in the fact that in it Jesus visited all the five provinces of Palestine. We find him in Decapolis (which was a part of the Bashan district) (Mark 7. 31); passing through Galilee (Mark 9. 30); also through Samaria (Luke 9. 51, 52); in Peræa (Mark 10. 1), and in Judea (John 11. 7).

4.) This part of the Saviour's life has been variously characterized as "a ministry of sorrow and humiliation," "a year of instruction," and "a period of retirement." All are correct, for during this, the last year of his life, Jesus sought to be alone with his disciples, and in order to escape the crowds visited places where he was unknown. He aimed to instruct his disciples in the deeper truths of the gospel, to prepare their minds for his approaching death and for their mission as apostles (Matt. 16. 21).

5. We now approach the close of Christ's life on earth, and thenarration is more detailed as the cross comes nearer to view. Our next period isThe Week of the Passion.

1.) Beginning with the Triumphal Entry on the Sunday before the Passover (John 21. 12, 13), it ends with the Agony in the Garden about midnight on Thursday (Matt. 26. 36); thus embracing strictly but five days.2.) It is related in all the gospels, John alone adding the teaching given at the Last Supper (John 13-17).3.) All the events of this period took place in or near Jerusalem.4.) This was the last call of Christ to the Jews of Jerusalem, and his final rebuke for their rejection of his ministry.

2.) It is related in all the gospels, John alone adding the teaching given at the Last Supper (John 13-17).

3.) All the events of this period took place in or near Jerusalem.

4.) This was the last call of Christ to the Jews of Jerusalem, and his final rebuke for their rejection of his ministry.

6.The Day of the Crucifixion.The most important day in all earth's history was that when Jesus died upon the cross. It is also the day whose events are narrated more fully than any other in the Bible annals. Therefore we study it apart from the rest of the week as a separate period.

1.) It begins with the Arrest (Matt. 26. 47), soon after midnight, FridayA. M., the day of the Passover, and ends at about sunset of the same day with the Burial (Matt. 27. 59, 60).2.) Each gospel adds its portion to the account, that of John, an eye-witness of all the events, being the most complete.3.) The events took place in Jerusalem; but few, if any, of the localities are known with certainty.4.) In the scenes of this day we see Jesus as the suffering Saviour, bearing the sins of the world.

1.) It begins with the Arrest (Matt. 26. 47), soon after midnight, FridayA. M., the day of the Passover, and ends at about sunset of the same day with the Burial (Matt. 27. 59, 60).

2.) Each gospel adds its portion to the account, that of John, an eye-witness of all the events, being the most complete.

3.) The events took place in Jerusalem; but few, if any, of the localities are known with certainty.

4.) In the scenes of this day we see Jesus as the suffering Saviour, bearing the sins of the world.

7. Last of all comeThe Forty Days of Resurrection.

1.) From the Resurrection, early on the first Easter Sunday (Matt. 28. 1-8), to the Ascension, forty days afterward (Acts 1. 1-3).2.) All the gospels give accounts of the appearances of the risen Saviour, but Luke alone tells the story of his Ascension (Luke 24. 50, 51; Acts 1. 9-11).3.) The manifestations of Christ after his Resurrection took place in and near Jerusalem, near the village of Emmaus (Luke 24. 13), and in Galilee (Matt. 28. 16; John 21. 1).4.) During this period the visible revelation of Christ was notconstant, but occasional; to his disciples only, never to his enemies; and of a spiritual body, which was freed from the restraints of the flesh (Mark 16. 12; Luke 24. 31; John 20. 19).

1.) From the Resurrection, early on the first Easter Sunday (Matt. 28. 1-8), to the Ascension, forty days afterward (Acts 1. 1-3).

2.) All the gospels give accounts of the appearances of the risen Saviour, but Luke alone tells the story of his Ascension (Luke 24. 50, 51; Acts 1. 9-11).

3.) The manifestations of Christ after his Resurrection took place in and near Jerusalem, near the village of Emmaus (Luke 24. 13), and in Galilee (Matt. 28. 16; John 21. 1).

4.) During this period the visible revelation of Christ was notconstant, but occasional; to his disciples only, never to his enemies; and of a spiritual body, which was freed from the restraints of the flesh (Mark 16. 12; Luke 24. 31; John 20. 19).

Blackboard Outline

I.Gen. Asp.1. Sh. 2. In Pal. 3 Am. com. peo. 4. Ac.II.Sev. Per.1.Th. Ye. Prep.1) Bir-Temp. 2) Lu. Mat. Mar. 3) Gal. 4) Long. few inc.2.Ye. Obs.1) Fir. Foll.-Re. Gal. 2) Jno. 3) Jud. 4) Obs.3.Ye. Pop.1) Re. Naz-Dis. B. L. 2) M. M. L. 3) Gal. 4) Act.4.Ye. Opp.1) Re. Ph.-An. Ma. 2) All Gos. 3) All Prov. 4) Instruc.5.We. Pass.1) Tri. En.-Ag. Gar. 2) All Gos. 3) Jer. 4) Las. Ca.6.Day Cru.1) Arr.-Bur. 2) All Gos. 3) Jer. 4) Suff. Sav.7.For. Da. Res.1) Res.-Asc. 2) All Gos. 3) Jud. Gal. 4) Spir. bod.

Questions for Review

In what respects is Jesus Christ the central figure in the Bible? How long was Christ's life on the earth? Where was it passed? Among what class of people did Jesus live? How do we know that Jesus led an active life? What is the first of the seven periods into which his life is divided? With what events does the first period begin and end? Which gospel relates the most of this period? Where was it mainly passed? How long was it? What is the second period called? What are its first and last events? By whom is it related? Where was it passed? What were its results? What is the third period called? With what events did it begin and end? By what evangelists is it related? In what province was it passed? What is the fourth period called? With what events did it begin and end? What provinces were visited during this period? What were the traits of Christ's ministry at this time? What is the fifth period called? How long was it? What in this period is related by but one evangelist? Where did its events take place? What is the sixth period called? How long was it? With what events did it begin and end? Which account is most complete? What is the seventh and last period called? What were its first and last events? Which gospel alone relates the ascension? What were the traits of Jesus during those days?

The Thirty Years of Preparation

We have before us the longest of all the divisions in the history of Jesus, embracing thirty of his thirty-three years of life, and the one concerning which we know the least.

I. Let us study thePlacesconnected with this period. These we group according to locality, and not in the order of their events. Beginning in the north and traveling southward we note the following places:

1.Nazareth, his early home, in Galilee, due west of the southern point of the Sea of Galilee. Here Joseph and Mary lived before the birth of Jesus (Luke 2. 39); here Jesus was brought up (Luke 4. 16); and here he was living up to the time of his baptism (Mark 1. 9).

2.Bethabara(Rev. Ver., Bethany),the place of his baptism. This was in the Jordan valley, south of the Sea of Galilee. (John 1. 28).

3.The wilderness, the place of his temptation.(Matt. 4. 1.) This was probably the rocky desolate region of Judea, near the head of the Dead Sea.

4.Jerusalem, the place of the Temple; the Jewish capital, due west of the northern point of the Dead Sea. Find three visits of Jesus to the temple during this period.1.)In his infancy (Luke 2. 22). 2.) In his youth (Luke 2. 42). 3.) In his manhood (Luke 4. 9).

5.Bethlehem, the place of his birth.(Matt. 2. 1). This was six miles south of Jerusalem, in Judea.

6.Egypt, the place of his refuge.(Matt. 2. 14). This was the land south-west of Palestine, where Jesus was taken in his infancy in order to escape from King Herod.

Let the student 1.) Draw a map showing these places. 2.) Memorize the list. 3.) With each place name its event in the life ofJesus. 4.) Find other events of Scripture history connected with these places.

II. Let us arrange in order theEventsof this period. 1.The annunciation of his birth.1.) To Mary (Luke 1. 26-38). 2.) To Joseph (Matt. 1. 20, 21). 3.) To Simeon (Luke 2. 25, 26). 4.) To the shepherds (Luke 2. 8-11).

2.The birth at Bethlehem.Note the purpose for which Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem (Luke 2. 1-4). The circumstances of his birth (Luke 2. 6, 7).

3.The welcome to the child.1.) On the night of his birth (Luke 2. 15). 2.) A few days later (Matt. 2. 1, 11). 3.) In the temple (Luke 2. 25-28, 36, 38).

4.The refuge in Egypt(Matt. 2. 13-15). This may have been for a few weeks, a few months, or for a few years.

5.The childhood at Nazareth(Matt. 2. 22, 23; Luke 2. 39, 40). By what route would the journey from Egypt be made?

6.The visit to the temple.Read the account in Luke 2. 41-52, and notice: 1.) The age of Jesus. 2.) The object of the journey. 3.) Probable route. 4.) Where he tarried and why. 5.) The objects of his interest. 6.) Traits of his character shown.

7.The silent years.From the age of twelve to that of thirty no events are named. His home was still at Nazareth (John 1. 45).

8.The woodworker at Nazareth.From the fact that Joseph is not referred to after the visit to the temple it may be presumed that he died before the ministry of Jesus began. He had been a "carpenter" (Matt. 13. 35); although the word means, more precisely, "a skilled worker in wood," and may refer to the making of almost anything except houses, which were not built of wood. Jesus followed the same trade (Mark 6. 3) and, as the oldest son, supported his widowed mother and younger brothers and sisters (Mark 6. 3).

9.The baptism in Jordan.Compare the four accounts (Matt. 3. 13-17; Mark 1. 9-11; Luke 3. 21, 22; John 1. 28-34); and find: 1.) The place. 2.) The age of Jesus. 3.) The baptizer. 4.) The divine manifestation.

10.The temptation in the wilderness.This followed immediately upon the baptism, and was a preparation for his ministry (Matt. 4. 1-11; Mark 1. 12, 13; Luke 4. 1-13). Note: 1.) The place. 2.)The personality of the tempter. 3.) The three forms of temptation. 4.) How repelled. 5.) The result.

Let the student, 1.) Memorize these nine events in their order. 2.) Read the account of each in the gospels. 3.) Recall where each took place. 4.) Notice what other persons besides Jesus are named in the period (for example, Joseph, Mary, Simeon, Anna, Herod, etc.) and each one's part in the events.

map: JOURNEYS OF 30 YEARS OF PREPARATION

III. Draw the map of Palestine, locating upon it the live places named; and then indicate the followingJourneysof the period: 1. From Bethlehem to Jerusalem (for the presentation in the temple) and return. 2. From Bethlehem to Egypt (flight from Herod). 3. From Egypt to Nazareth. 4. From Nazareth to Jerusalem and return (visit to temple). 5. From Nazareth to Bethabara (baptism). 6. Bethabara to the wilderness (temptation).

IV. Let us now study theExternal Conditionsof Christ's life during this period.

1.The family.The royal line of both Joseph and Mary (Matt. 1. 1; Luke 1. 27, 32). Their obscure social condition (Matt. 13. 54, 55). In all probability they belonged to the better class of self-supporting workers: for Joseph followed a trade.

2.The house.Probably like those of working people in Palestine; built of clay, one story high, containing but one room with no window, but lighted through the door; whitewashed on the outside; floor of earth.

3.The furniture.A couch that could be rolled up (Mark 2. 12). A lamp, a lamp-stand, "the bushel" (used as seat, table, and dish (Matt. 5. 15). Hand-mill for grinding (Deut. 24. 6; Matt. 24. 41). Probably neither chair, table, nor bedstead.

4.Education.Jesus received only the common schooling, not a college education (John 7. 15). Contrast with the early advantages of Paul (Acts 22. 3). Every synagogue had a school taught by "the minister." See Luke 4. 20. He was not a priest, nor even a scribe, but properly the curator or sexton of the synagogue, and all the teaching was the reading of the Old Testament.

5.Religious training.

1.) There was the influence of a godly man and woman. Joseph, "a just man," living in fellowship with God. (Matt. 1. 19, 20). The character of Mary (Luke 1. 38; 2. 19, 51).2.) The instruction in the Scriptures at home (Deut. 6. 7.)3.) The daily prayers, morning and evening, always observed (Matt. 6. 5, 6).4.) The Sabbath rest (Mark 2. 27).5.) The worship of the synagogue (Luke 4. 16; Mark 6. 2.)6.) The great feasts, celebrated each year at Jerusalem—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles—which Joseph and Mary attended (Luke 2. 41).

1.) There was the influence of a godly man and woman. Joseph, "a just man," living in fellowship with God. (Matt. 1. 19, 20). The character of Mary (Luke 1. 38; 2. 19, 51).

2.) The instruction in the Scriptures at home (Deut. 6. 7.)

3.) The daily prayers, morning and evening, always observed (Matt. 6. 5, 6).

4.) The Sabbath rest (Mark 2. 27).

5.) The worship of the synagogue (Luke 4. 16; Mark 6. 2.)

6.) The great feasts, celebrated each year at Jerusalem—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles—which Joseph and Mary attended (Luke 2. 41).

Under these influences Jesus grew up to manhood.

Blackboard Outline

I.Pla.1. Naz. ea. h. 2. Beth. pl. bap. 3. Wil. pl. temp. 4. Jer. pl. Tem. 5. Beth. pl. bir. 6. Eg. pl. ref.II.Even.1. Ann. bir. 2. Bir. Beth. 3. Wel. ch. 4. Ref. Eg. 5. Chi. Naz. 6. Vis. Tem. 7. Sil. ye. 8. Wo. Naz. 9. Bap. Jor. 10. Tem. wil.III.Jour.1. B. J. R. 2. B. E. 3. E. N. 4. N. J. R. 5. N. C. 6. B. W.IV.Ext. Con.1. Fam. 2. Hou. 3. Furn. 4. Edu. 5. Rel. tra.

Questions for Review

Where did the mother of Jesus live before her marriage? At what place was Jesus baptized? Where did the temptation take place? What three visits did Jesus make to Jerusalem before his ministry? To what country was Jesus taken as a refuge from Herod? Name six places connected with this period and a fact about each. Name four announcements made to different people of the coming of Jesus. For what purpose did Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem just before the birth of Jesus? Who came to see Jesus at Bethlehem. Who gave him welcome in the temple during his infancy? How old was Jesus when he first visited the temple? What part of his life is known as "the silent years"? What trade did Jesus follow when he became a man? What took place at the baptism of Jesus? State nine events in the first thirty years of Jesus's life. State a fact in the life of Jesus with which each of the following persons was connected: Joseph, Simeon, Herod, John the Baptist, Gabriel, wise men, "the doctors of the law," shepherds. How do we know that Joseph and Mary were poor people? To what distinguished family did they belong? In what kind of a house did they probably dwell? What articles of furniture did the house contain? What education did Jesus receive? Who was the teacher of the school? What were the religious influences around the youth of Jesus? What feasts did he attend?

The Year of Obscurity

I.Preliminary Noteson the period.

1.Sources of Information.Our only account of this period is contained inJohn's Gospel. Read carefully John 1. 19 to 4. 54 for all the facts on record.

2.Time.The Saviour came from the temptation in the wilderness either late in February or early in March, A. D. 27, and he began his ministry in Galilee in May, A. D. 28; so that this period embraced nearlyfifteen months. (Edersheim. According to Andrews it ended in March, and was a year in duration).

3.Locality.Most of this year was passed inJudea, though there is mention of one journey toGalileesoon after the beginning (John 1. 43), and of another at the close (John 4. 3).

4.Aim.It is probable that Jesus began his ministry in Judea, the leading province, in order to give to the leaders of the nation thefirst opportunityof accepting him as the Messiah of Israel. Not until Jerusalem and Judea had rejected him did he turn to the people of Galilee.

II.Places.

1.Bethabara(or Bethany, as in Rev. Ver.) (John 1. 28). Here occurred the meeting of Jesus with his first followers (John 1. 37).

2.Cana, the place of the first miracle (John 2. 1). This was in Galilee, not far from Nazareth.

3.Capernaum, named only as a place of a brief visit by Jesus at this time, but later more prominent in the history (John 2. 12). Situated on the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

4.Sychar, the place of the Samaritan ministry (John 4. 5, 40). This was formerly supposed to be the well-known city of Shechem, but is now more accurately fixed atAskar, a small village near to Jacob's well.

5.Jerusalem.During this period two events took place in Jerusalem—the cleansing of the temple (John 2. 14, 15), and the conversation with Nicodemus (John 3. 1-21).

map: YEAR OF OBSCURITY.

III.Journeys.We begin in the wilderness of the temptation. 1. From the wilderness to Bethabara. 2. From Bethabara to Cana. 3. From Cana to Capernaum. 4. From Capernaum to Jerusalem and Judea. 5. From Judea to Sychar, and thence to Cana.

IV. We place in order next theEventsof the Saviour's life during this period.

1.The first followers.Read John 1. 35-51 and ascertain the names of four, with hints of two others; for one of two in ver. 40 was John, and the language in ver. 41 implies that each sought his own brother. Notice what traits of character each disciple showed. In this little company, the band out of which grew the Christian Church, we find: 1.) A man who brought people one by one to Jesus. 2.) A deep, spiritually-minded mystic. 3.) A born leader. 4.) A plain, simple-minded believer. 5.) A man of pure, spotless character. What a combination of qualities for the founding of a church!

2.The first miracle(John 2. 1-11). In this miracle we find an apt symbol of what Christ came to do among men. He found water, and he turned it into living, spirit-quickening wine.

3.The visit to Capernaum(John 2. 12). Why he went we have no means of knowing, and it is idle to speculate.

4.The first Passover(John 2. 13). The mention of these passovers is important, for they enable us to know how long was the ministryof Jesus, and they give us dates for its events. This was the first passover of his ministry, not of his life.

5.Cleansing the Temple(John 2. 14-17). This was the first public act of his ministry in which he claimed the authority of Messiah in the house of God. See the prophecy, Mal. 3. 1-3. At the close of his ministry he found that the same evils had crept again into the temple, and purged it a second time (Matt. 21. 12).

6.Conversation with Nicodemus(John 3. 1-21). This conversation was remarkable: 1.) From the rank and character of the man (Vers. 3, 10). 2.) From the theme (Ver. 3.) 3). From its results (John 7. 50; 19. 39).

7.Ministry in Judea(John 3. 22.) 1.) Its precise place is unknown. 2.) Its relation to John the Baptist (John 3. 26). 3.) Its success (John 4. 1).

8.Ministry in Samaria(John 4. 4-42). 1.) What led to it. (Ver. 4.) 2.) Where it took place. (Ver. 5.) 3.) How it began. (Vers. 6, 7.) 4.) Its first convert, a remarkable character, of aptness in speech, penetration, and power to influence others. (Vers. 9, 15, 20, 25, 28, 30, 39.) Compare her brightness with the dullness of Nicodemus. 5.) Its length. (Ver. 40.) 6.) Its results: (Vers. 41,42.) This ministry is a most interesting episode in the life of Jesus.

9.Return to Galilee(John 4. 43). 1.) Reason for the journey (John 4. 1-3). 2.) Another reason (Mark 1. 14). 3.) Still another reason (John 4. 44, 45)—that is, he had no honor in his own country until he had obtained it in Judea.

10.Healing the nobleman's son(John 4. 46-54). 1.) Where Jesus was. (Ver. 46.) 2.) Who the man was. (Ver. 46)—literally, "a king's man, courtier." Is his name given in Luke 8. 30? 3.) His spirit, earnestness, persistence, faith. (Vers. 48-50.) 4.) His reward. (Vers. 51, 52.) 5.) Result of the miracle. (Ver. 53.)

Let the student, 1.) Commit this series to memory. 2.) Study the facts in relation to each by searching out the references. 3.) Recall the facts in connection with each event. 4.) Make a list of eight men and two women who were connected with these events and recall what is related of each person.

V. Let us now consider theGeneral Traits of the Ministry of Christduring this period.

1. It waspreparatory. So far as we can perceive, the plansof Christ's kingdom were not as yet revealed, and no general proclamation of it was made. Yet he clearly revealed himself to a chosen few as the Messiah of Israel (John 1. 41, 45: 4. 25, 26).

2.It was connected with John the Baptist.The two streams of John's ministry and Christ's ministry run together during this preparatory ministry. John introduced Jesus (John 1. 29-36). The two worked at the same time, in the same way, and not far apart (John 3. 22-24). Both Jesus and John refused to be put into a relation of rivalry, either by their friends (John 3. 25-30) or by their enemies (John 4. 1-3).

3. It wasindividual—that is, to individuals rather than to masses of people. We read of no such multitudes as in the succeeding period, but we find six conversations of Jesus with single persons or small groups. He sought to gather a few choice disciples rather than many adherents.

4. It was ateachingministry. There were miracles (John 2. 23; 3. 2), but they were not made prominent; and the immediate followers of Jesus were won by what they saw in him and heard from him rather than by wonders wrought by him.

VI. Lastly, we ascertain theResultsof the Saviour's ministry during this period.

1. It gave himprominence before the people. The popular attention was arrested, and there was a transient, superficial acceptance by the many; but Jesus knew the hearts of men too well to trust them (John 2. 23, 24; 3. 26).

2. It led to hisrejection by the rulers. Though this is not stated it is hinted at in the controversies of the Jewish leaders (John 2. 18); in the conclusion of the gospel writer (John 3. 18-20), and in the reference to the Pharisees (John 4. 1). From this hour the attitude of the capital and the ruling minds was hostile to Jesus. They missed the one great opportunity in their nation's history.

3. It drew around himchosen followers. From this time there was a company of disciples with Jesus. They returned to their homes in Galilee for a time, but were soon called to leave all and accompany their master. To some of them we find three separate calls (John 1. 37-42; Matt. 4. 18-22 more than a year later, and Mark 3. 13, 14, later still).

4.It prepared for his ministry in Galilee.The fame of Christ'sacts in Judea went before him to Galilee, awakened curiosity, and gave him a ready reception on his return (John 4. 45). We shall find in the next period great multitudes thronging after Jesus as the result of his ministry in Judea.

Blackboard Outline

I.Pre. Not.1.Sour. Inf.Jno. 2.Ti.15 m. 3.Loc.Jud. 4.Aim.Fir. opp.II.Pla.1. Beth. 2. Can. 3. Cap. 4. Syc. 5. Jer.III.Jour.1. W. B. 2. B. C. 3. C. C. 4. C. J. & J. 5. J. S. & C.IV.Even.1. Fir. Foll. 2. Fir. Mir. 3. Vis. Cap. 4. Fir. Pass. 5. Cle. Tem. 6. Con. Nic. 7. Min. Jud. 8. Min. Sam. 9. Ret. Gal. 10. Heal. Nob. Son.V.Gen. Tra.1. Prep. 2. Con. J. Bap. 3. Ind. 4. Tea.VI.Res.1. Prom. 2. Rej. rul. 3. Cho. fol. 4. Prep. Min. Gal.

Questions for Students

What book is our only source of information for this period? How long was the period? Where was it mostly passed? What was Christ's aim at this time? Name the five places of the period, and an event at each. Give in order the ten events of this period. Who were the first six followers of Jesus? What was his first miracle, and where wrought? Where did Jesus go for his first passover? Name two events that took place at this visit. Where did Jesus preach for a time? What led him to another province? Whom did he meet there, and at what place? How long did he stay in the province of Samaria? What were his reasons for returning to Galilee? What miracle did he work on his return? What were the circumstances of this miracle? What were the general traits of Christ's ministry during this period? What were the results of his ministry? How did it prepare the way for his work in Galilee?

The Year of Popularity

I.General Aspects of the Ministry of Christ during the Period.

1.Its Time.It was either a little less or a little more than a year, according to different authorities. According to Dr. Edersheim it extended from May, A. D. 28, to April, A. D. 29; according to Dr. Andrews, from March, A. D. 28, to April, A. D. 29.

2.Its Locality.The principal sphere of Christ's activity during this year was Galilee, though he made one visit to Jerusalem (John 5. 1).

3.Its Aim.The purpose of Jesus during this year seems to have been to proclaim the new kingdom of God as widely as possible, and to make men acquainted with its principles. The theme of his preaching is given in Matt. 4. 17. The deeper themes of the Gospel were reserved for a later time and a select body of hearers; and those aspects were presented which all men could at once comprehend, as the teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.

4.Its Activity.No other year in the Saviour's life was crowded so thickly with journeys and labors. See its summary in Matt. 4. 23-25. We can trace eight distinct journeys from Capernaum to various regions during this year.

5.Its Divisions.The number of events left on record makes a subdivision of this period necessary, and we find a convenient place at the Sermon on the Mount, which marks a point of departure in the Saviour's ministry. TheEarly Galilean Ministryextends from the rejection at Nazareth to the Sermon on the Mount, and theLater Galilean Ministryfrom the Sermon on the Mount to the discourse on the Bread of Life. During the earlier section the ministry was personal and the range was less extended; during the later Jesus sent his apostles forth to labor, and his own journeys were longer and in new fields.

II.The Places.Though the Saviour visited many places during this year only seven have been named in the gospels. These are:

1.Capernaum, his home during the period (Matt. 4. 15). From this place he went forth on all of his preaching tours, and to it he returned. Its privilege (Matt. 11. 23, 24). It was situated on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

2.Nazareth.Twice in this period Jesus was at this place: at its beginning (Luke 4. 16), and again in the middle of the year (Matt. 13. 54). On both occasions he was rejected by the people (Luke 4. 28, 29; Matt. 13. 57).

3.Nain.This was a city southwest of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus restored a young man to life (Luke 7. 11).

4.The Mountain.A few miles from Capernaum and west of the Sea of Galilee is a mountain (probably Kurun Hattin, "the horns of Hattin") where was delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5. 1).

5.Bethsaida, a place on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, east of the river Jordan. Near this was wrought the miracle of Feeding the Five Thousand (Mark 6. 45).

6.Gergesa.A place on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, called alsoGerasa(Mark 5. 1; Luke 8. 26. Rev. Ver.).

7.Jerusalem.We read of one visit to the capital during this period (John 5. 1).

III.The Early Galilean Ministry.

1.)The Journeys.Combining the accounts in the four gospels we find that the journeys were the following:

2.)The Settlement at Capernaum(Cana to Nazareth and Capernaum). From Cana, where Jesus was at the close of the preceding period, he went to Nazareth (Luke 4. 16), probably intending to begin his ministry there; but being rejected went down to Capernaum and made it the headquarters of his ministry (Luke 4. 30, 31).

3.)Tour in Eastern Galilee(Capernaum, Eastern Galilee, and return). From Capernaum Jesus went forth on a preaching tour through the villages near the Sea of Galilee (Luke 4. 43, 44).

4.)A Visit to Jerusalem(Capernaum to Jerusalem and return). Mention is made in John 5. 1 of a feast in Jerusalem which Jesusattended, but it is uncertain whether Passover, Tabernacles, or Purim is meant.

5.)The Mountain Journey(Capernaum to the mountain and return). For the purpose of quiet meditation and the call of his apostles Jesus went to a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There he chose the twelve and gave to them and the multitudes around the Sermon on the Mount (Mark 3. 13, 14; Matt. 5. 1).

map: YEAR OF POPULARITY, PART ONE

IV.Events of the Early Galilean Ministry.

1.) With the first Journey, theSettlement at Capernaum, we connect the following events:

1.The Rejection at Nazareth(Luke 4. 16-30).2.The First Disciples Called(Luke 5. 1-11). They had already been followers of Jesus, but now were called upon to leave their homes and become his disciples.3.Miracles at Capernaum(Mark 1. 21-34). The gospel writers select the scenes of one day and show many miracles, in the synagogue, at Peter's house, and in the street.

1.The Rejection at Nazareth(Luke 4. 16-30).

2.The First Disciples Called(Luke 5. 1-11). They had already been followers of Jesus, but now were called upon to leave their homes and become his disciples.

3.Miracles at Capernaum(Mark 1. 21-34). The gospel writers select the scenes of one day and show many miracles, in the synagogue, at Peter's house, and in the street.

2.) With the Second Journey, theTour in Eastern Galilee, we find two events named:

4.Healing of the Leper(Mark 1. 40-45). This took place during the journey.5.Healing the Paralytic(Mark 2. 1-12). This took place after the return to Capernaum.

4.Healing of the Leper(Mark 1. 40-45). This took place during the journey.

5.Healing the Paralytic(Mark 2. 1-12). This took place after the return to Capernaum.

3.) With the Third Journey, theVisit to Jerusalem, we note two events:

6.The Miracle at Bethesda(John 5. 1-16). Read this in the Rev. Ver. and note what is omitted. Observe also what resulted from this miracle in Jerusalem (John 5. 16-19).7.The Withered Hand(Mark 3. 1-6). This probably took place at Capernaum, soon after the return from Jerusalem.

6.The Miracle at Bethesda(John 5. 1-16). Read this in the Rev. Ver. and note what is omitted. Observe also what resulted from this miracle in Jerusalem (John 5. 16-19).

7.The Withered Hand(Mark 3. 1-6). This probably took place at Capernaum, soon after the return from Jerusalem.

4.) With the Fourth, theMountain Journey, we note two events:

8.The Call of the Twelve(Mark 3. 7-19). This was at the mountain.9.Sermon on the Mount(Matt. 5-7). This sermon is omitted in Mark and abbreviated in Luke, but reported fully in Matthew.

8.The Call of the Twelve(Mark 3. 7-19). This was at the mountain.

9.Sermon on the Mount(Matt. 5-7). This sermon is omitted in Mark and abbreviated in Luke, but reported fully in Matthew.

To the Teacher

1. Let the outline of the lesson be committed to memory.2. Let one scholar draw the maps in presence of the class, another insert the places, a third indicate and name the journeys.3. Then let one scholar name all the events with the first journey; another the events of the second journey, etc.4. Let a scholar be called upon to tell the story of each one of the nine events in the period.

1. Let the outline of the lesson be committed to memory.

2. Let one scholar draw the maps in presence of the class, another insert the places, a third indicate and name the journeys.

3. Then let one scholar name all the events with the first journey; another the events of the second journey, etc.

4. Let a scholar be called upon to tell the story of each one of the nine events in the period.

Blackboard OutlinePart One

I.Gen. Asp.1. Ti. 2. Loc. 3. Aim. 4. Act. 5. Div.II.Pla.1. Cap. 2. Naz. 3. Nai. 4. Moun. 5. Beth. 6. Ger. 7. Jer.III.Ear. Gal. Min. Jour.1. Set. Cap. 2. To. Ea. Gal. 3. Vis. Jer. 4. Moun. Jour.IV.Events. Ear. Gal. Min.Jour. 1.1. Rej. Naz. 2. Fir. Dis. Cal. 3. Mir. Cap.Jour. 2.4. Heal Lep. 5. Heal Par.Jour. 3.6. Mir. Beth. 7. With. Ha.Jour. 4.8. Ca. Tw. 9. Ser. Mo.

Questions for Review

Part One

How long was this period? Where was it passed? What was the aim of Jesus during this year? What are its two subdivisions? Name seven places visited by Jesus during this period. Name four journeys during the early part of this period. What three events are connected with the settlement at Capernaum? What two events are named in connection with the tour in eastern Galilee? What two events are given with the visit to Jerusalem? What two events are named with the mountain journey?

Part Two

We now take up the second part of the Year of Popularity, from the Sermon on the Mount to the Discourse on the Bread of Life.

V.The Journeys of the Later Galilean Ministry.

1.Tour in Southern Galilee(Capernaum to Nain and return). From Capernaum Jesus led his disciples southward as far as Nain (Luke 7. 1, 11). There he wrought a miracle, and on the journey homeward preached in various places (Luke 8. 1).

2.The Voyage to Gergesa.(Capernaum to Gergesa and return.) With his disciples Jesus sailed across the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8. 22), stilling the tempest on the way. They landed at Gergesa, in the country of the Gadarenes (Luke 8. 26)—that is, not far from the well-known city of Gadara, which was twenty miles from the Sea ofGalilee. Here the Gadarene demoniac was restored, but the people were unwilling to receive Jesus, so he sailed back to Capernaum (Matt. 9. 1.)

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