33. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar.
37. And saying, If thou be the King of the Jews, save thyself.
38. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41. And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
44. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
46. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
(Memorize verses 44–46.)
Golden Text: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3.
NOTE.—Read from Luke 22:39 to the end of chapter 23, also the accounts in the other Gospels. After the Passover supper, Jesus and his disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed in agony. Here occurred the betrayal by Judas, and the scene is then transferred to the house of Caiaphas. Then follows Peter’s denial of his Lord, and the mock trial before the Sanhedrin. After daybreak Friday morning, Pilate is visited, who sends Christ to Herod, and he in turn sends him back. Barabbas, the robber, is released and Jesus condemned to the cross, and Simon, the Cyrenian, is made to carry the cross to Calvary. Tiberias Cæsar is ruler of the Roman Empire at this time; Herod, tetrarch of Galilee; and Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea. The time is the spring of the year A.D. 31.
Suggestive Questions
(1) Where was Jesus crucified? Verse 33. Note 1. (2) Who were crucified with him? Same verse. (3) What words did Jesus utter concerning his tormentors? Verse 34. (4) What was done with his raiment? Same verse. See Ps. 22:18. (5) What did the people and rulers do? Verse 35. (6) What part did the soldiers take? Verses 36, 37. (7) What writing was placed over his head? Verse 38. See John 19:20–22. (8) What did one of the malefactors say? Verse 39. (9) How did the other answer? Verses 40, 41. (10) What request did he make of Jesus? Verse 42. Note 2. (11) What was Jesus’ reply? Verse 43. Note 3. (12) What change occurred about the sixth hour? Verse 44. Note 4. (13) At the ninth hour what took place? Verse 45. Note 5. (14) What were the last words of the dying Lord? Verse 46.
Notes
1. Calvary.—The place of a skull. This is the Latin term. The Hebrew is Golgotha, meaning the same. It is believed, by modern scholars, to be a spot about 300 feet from the north wall of Jerusalem, near the grotto of Jeremiah. The total distance from either Pilate’s palace or the tower of Antonia was less than a mile.
2. Remember me.—The penitent thief had doubtless heard Jesus teaching, and seen his power. At the last moment he seems to have caught the true meaning of the Saviour’s mission, and that here alone was help. The incident stands alone in the Scriptures, and reveals the wonderful love and mercy of the Lord in an extreme case. It was recorded for the good of many, but should not be taken as license for presumption. Now is the acceptable time.
3. I say unto thee, to-day, etc.—This is an instance where the meaning will be better understood by removing the comma after “thee.” Paraphrasing the expression we could say, Truly I say unto thee, tho all appear dark to-day, thou shalt be with me in Paradise. The original is not punctuated, and the error lies in the punctuation only. Jesus had not ascended to Paradise, where God the Father dwells, even on the morning of the resurrection, when he met Mary Magdalene (John 20:17); in the interim he was dead; the saved will be with him in Paradise after the resurrection (John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16), which is yet future. In the meantime the penitent thief and all who die in Christ sleep in their graves. This is in harmony with all Scripture, and hence the conclusion as above stated.
4. The sixth hour.—The third hour was 9 o’clock; the sixth, noon; and the ninth, 3 P.M.
5. The veil of the temple.—This was the veil between the holy place and the most holy. In this latter was the ark, where had appeared the shekinah, the symbol of God’s presence, which none might behold save the high priest. The rent veil signified that God’s presence had forever left that earthly sanctuary, and hereafter it was open to common gaze. Type had reached antitype in the sacrificial system. There was no more efficacy in the blood of animals as an expression of faith; for the law contained in ordinances was nailed to the cross. See Hebrews 8 and 9.
36. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
39. And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet.
40. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
41. And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
42. And he took it, and did eat before them.
43. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
44. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
45. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
46. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
47. And ye are witnesses of these things.
48. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
49. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
50. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
51. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
52. And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
(Memorize verses 45–48.)
Golden Text: “The Lord is risen indeed.” Luke 24:34.
NOTE.—The narrative between the last lesson and this should be carefully studied. The central point of the Christian’s hope is the resurrection, whereby is sealed all the promises. Note the burial, the resting on the Sabbath according to the commandment, the visit of different ones to the sepulcher on the morning of the first day of the week, the walk to Emmaus, and the return to Jerusalem to the room where were gathered the disciples for fear of the Jews.
Suggestive Questions
(1) Who appeared to the disciples as they conversed, and what did he say? Verse 36. (2) How was the company affected? Verse 37. (3) What questions did Jesus ask them? Verse 38. (4) What did he tell them to do? Verse 39. Note 1. (5) What did he show them? Verse 40. (6) How did they now regard him? Verse 41. (7) What question did he ask? (8) How did he further prove to them that he was real? Verses 42, 43. Note 2. (9) What did Jesus say these things fulfilled? Verse 44. Note 2. (10) What did he then proceed to do? Verse 45. (11) What did he tell them to do, and why? Verses 46, 47. (12) What did he tell them they were? Verse 48. Note 3. (13) What did he say he would send them? Verse 49. (14) Where were they to remain until power was received? Same verse. Acts 2:1–4. (15) After forty days, where did Jesus take his disciples, and for what purpose? Verses 50, 51. Acts 2:3–11. (16) What was then done? Verse 52. (17) How were the following days occupied? Verse 53.
NEWS AND NOTES
FOREIGN.
—At last accounts the Matabele had retired to some distance from Buluwayo, apparently with their war spirit somewhat cooled. Cecil Rhodes is at present at that place assisting in its defense.
—The increasing navy of the United States is, it appears, worrying Nova Scotia, and a scheme for coast defense which that province is submitting to the Canadian Government intimates that three cruisers for patrolling the waters of the northeast would be very desirable. The general fear that is permeating all nations will probably sooner or later find a way of expression on our frontiers and in the waters of adjacent countries.
—While representatives of every other religion in the whole Russian Empire, including the tiniest non-Christian sects in the Asiatic portions, have been invited to the coronation festivities in Moscow next month, not a single Jewish rabbi is included in the list. This is no accident, says The Watchman. “The Russian Jews already see that they have nothing to hope for from the new reign. It is reported that to make the affront at the coronation more pointed, a delegation of rabbis has been invited from the Chirea community of Karaim—Jews, or, rather, Judaized Tartars, who number about 4,000, and who are disowned by all orthodox Hebrews.”
—A letter to Secretary Olney from Miss Clara Barton concerning the relief work in Asia Minor, says that since the Turkish Government has become convinced there is no political significance attached to her visit, it has ceased to place obstacles in the way of the commission, and in fact is rendering assistance in the way of guards and escorts to those going into the interior. The work at present, while pursuing the same lines as at first, is also distributing seeds and tools to farmers in need of them. For this purpose requisition is made upon the governor of the province, and when he can not comply, word is forwarded to the porte, who issues necessary orders. At present the way seems favorable, but we will not answer for results when once the commission withdraws from the country.
—Captain General Weyler has issued an edict prohibiting the shipment of leaf tobacco from the island of Cuba. This directly strikes tobacco and cigar manufacturers in other countries, especially in the United States. The result will be to throw thousands out of employment, shut down factories, and raise prices. Already the State Department has had representations made to it, and has consulted the Spanish Government over the matter, as it is recognized as a blow at trade in this country, presumably because of the friendly sentiment shown for Cubans. The report now is that Spain will use her efforts to induce Weyler to reconsider his edict. Concerning that gentleman himself it is stated he has received notice from the home government to cause prisoner torture and other brutalities to cease. From the present outlook the captain-generalcy will change hands in the near future.
—Reports of a catastrophe in the harbor of Woosung, China, have reached this country via Victoria. The Onwo, a steamer of 797 tons, was run down by the Newchang, nearly as large, and sunk. The Onwo had at the time 326 native passengers. Only seventy-five escaped, with several British officers of the boat.
DOMESTIC.
—A report says that half the wheat crop of Michigan will be destroyed by the ravages of the Hessian fly.
—The Massachusetts Supreme Court has ruled that women can not be made notaries public by the Legislature because they are not expressly named as eligible by the Constitution.
—On the night of May 21 a fisherman named Searcy was shot and killed near Astoria, Or., by a gang, supposed to belong to the striking fishermen, who ordered him off the river.
—A recent order of the President has brought 30,000 additional employees of the government under civil service rules. This brings the total number of classified places up to 85,135. Only 775 are exempted from examinations.
—The Presbyterian General Assembly, in session at Saratoga, N. Y., is considering “the whole question of young people's societies, and their relations to the church.” The churches are finding the accumulation of these innovations a cause of frequent perplexity.
—A four-story brick building in Buffalo, N. Y., collapsed on May 21, crushing a barber shop next door, and burying a number of persons in the ruins. At least two were killed, and others received severe injuries. Rotten iron pillars were discovered to be one of the main reasons for the accident.
—At a recent meeting of the Chicago Congregational ministers, a committee was appointed to draw up a resolution in regard to the decoration of decoration day. This is the first intimation we have had that decoration day is a sacred institution. Thus, after the example of the Sunday institution, holidays, in time, are liable to be regarded as holy days.
—Both Edison and Tesla are this week credited with the production of new and powerful lights, capable of from ten to twelve per cent. of illuminating power. The present incandescent light gives only three per cent. Mr. Tesla believes that by a few more experiments he will be able to produce a light utilizing forty per cent. of the illuminating energy.
—The U. S. Grand Jury in Portland, at the instance of Inspector Chappelle, has issued indictments for the arrest of thirteen prominent citizens of Astoria for false swearing in aiding Chinese over the line. It is claimed a ring has thus existed for several years, and that during that time several hundred Chinese have been fraudulently passed in as “merchants.”
—There are at present seven incorporated Spiritualist societies in San Francisco. A convention was held in that city on the 24th, 25th, and 26th insts., at which there was the usual aggregation of “great signs and wonders” workers. They were especially particular not to hold any business sessions on Sunday. The erection of a Spiritualist church or hall is in contemplation.
—A compromise vote on the admission of women to the Methodist General Conference, taken at the session of that body in Cleveland recently, throws the question back to the annual conferences. If three-fourths of these concur in the movement on foot, women will in future have a voice in the general proceedings of that body. Four were given seats at the Cleveland Conference, on condition that no precedent was established.
—In reply to a letter evidently asking where the Catholic Church stands in relation to the political platforms now being formulated, Cardinal Gibbons replies that Catholics adhere to both great parties according to private judgment. But, alluding to attacks made upon Catholics by the A. P. A., the cardinal says members of his faith will naturally espouse the cause of the other parties, or the one or ones that will openly avow the principles of religious liberty according to the Constitution. This of course means the Constitution as interpreted by Congress and the Supreme Court.
—The Woman's International Peace Union, says an exchange, is promulgating the “truth” that “if Christianity is to live and spread, the war system must die.” It is true that Christianity and the war system are based on opposite principles, but it must be remembered that the former is the power, and the only power, that can drive out the latter. “Preach the word,” and it will do the work the Lord wants done. Protests and commendatory resolutions from religious or peace societies to governments concerning standing armies, navies, and sums spent to sustain them, are of little saving worth. There are too many societies and organizations devoted to saving nations as such. What the world needs is the individual Gospel message of salvation.
—On May 20 the House of Representatives passed a bill which adds to the classes of aliens already excluded from the United States all persons between the ages of sixteen and sixty—except parents of persons already here—who can not read or write English or some other language. It also excludes aliens who come across the borders to labor and return, except at ports of entry, and then it is a misdemeanor to hire them on previous contract.
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NOTES
1. It is I myself.—Note the fact that Jesus' resurrection body was material, even tho it was raised a spiritual body. See 1 Cor. 15:42-45. Jesus did not say he was “flesh and blood;” for these can not exist in such relation in the restoration (1 Cor. 15:50); but he said he had “flesh and bones;” and it was such a body that he took with him into the heavens, where he now is, a resurrected, glorified man (1 Tim. 2:5), after whose glorious body the Christian hopes to be fashioned (Phil. 3:21). Many spiritualize away the condition of the redeemed, but the blessed thought of God's word is that it will be real, tangible, and without sin to mar its appreciation.
2. These are the words.—The words spoken by Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, which he proceeded to explain, and the fulfilment of which they could now understand. See Gen. 3:15; 22:18; Num. 24:17; Isa. 7:14; 53; Psalms 2, 72, etc. All these things he had spoken to them before, but they could not understand them until after his resurrection.
3. Witnesses.—They were the first witnesses, but in the forty days in which he tarried on earth after the resurrection, Jesus appeared eleven times, in different parts of the country, at one time to over five hundred at once. Nothing could be more positively attested than the fact of his resurrection, which testimony was necessary for after ages.
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