LESSON LI. Christ predicts the destruction of Jerusalem, and the coming of the Son of man. Luke xxi. 20-38. 20. WHAT was to be the sign of the desolation of Jerusalem ? 21. What precautions were to be taken when that event drew nigh? Who are meant by "those in Judea," and why should they flee to the mountains? "In the midst" of what? 22. Why are these called the days of vengeance? 23. What was to be in the land and upon the people? 24. What is predicted of the inhabitants? What is predicted of the city? What is meant by the "times of the Gentiles" and their being "fulfilled”? 20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out: and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 25. What signs were to appear in heaven and on earth? 26. What effect would this produce upon men? What is meant by the "powers of heaven"? 27. What was to succeed these wonders? Who is meant by the "Son of man"? To what coming of the Son of man does Christ refer? 28. What were the followers of Christ to do when these things should begin to come to pass? Why were they to exult? 29, 30. What parable did Christ address to them? To what circumstance in the vegetation of the figtree is reference here made? 31. What "kingdom of God" is here referred to? 32. How are we to understand this declaration? 25 T And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig-tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33. What does Christ say of the immutability of his word and purpose? * 34. Of what does Christ warn his hearers? 35. What was to be the manner of the coming of that day? 36. What then were Christ's followers to do? What is the meaning of being "accounted worthy to stand before the Son of man"? 37. How did Christ employ his time? Are we to suppose he abode in the open air? 38. Who came to the temple to hear him? At what time did they come? What lesson does Christ's example teach us? 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34¶ And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. 37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. 38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him. LESSON LII. The last Passover. Luke xxii. 1-23. 1. WHAT drew nigh? What was this feast? Why had the feast these two names? 2. Who sought Christ's life? Why did they seek it? Whom did they fear, and why? 3. What is said of Judas? What are we to understand by this? 4. With whom did Judas commune, and with what intent? 5. What was the effect of his proposal on them? What motive do they seem to suppose influenced him? 6. What did Judas do? Why did he desire the absence of the multitude? CHAP. XXII-1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3¶ Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. 7. What must be done when the day of unleavened bread came? 8. What did Christ do? 9. What did the disciples ask? 10-12. What did Christ reply? What is meant by the "guest chamber"? What do these directions of Christ show as to his divine attributes? 13. What did the disciples do? 14. What did Christ then do? What hour is here referred to? Was Judas with them? 15, 16. What did he say to his disciples? What is meant by the expression "till it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God"? 7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare f 10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 12 And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. 13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. 15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. |