LESSONS ON THE MIRACLES OF OUR BLESSED LORD. LESSON I. f IN THE THE MARRIAGE FEAST AT CANA-IDEAS DEVELOPED John ii. 1. "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there and both Jesus was called, and his disciples to the marriage." It is recommended that a child should first read the verses aloud, and then either the whole party together, or the Teacher in a clear and impressive manner, whichever plan seems best to secure the intelligent attention of the children; they should then be questioned on the verses read. *The plan recommended is, that the children should learn beforehand the verses which are given as illustrations, so that they may themselves be able to apply them. What event is spoken of? Where was the marriage? What is Cana?* In what part of Judea is Galilee situated? Who is first mentioned as being present at the marriage? What was her name? What was Mary's most honourable distinction? Who were called to the wedding? The children will probably have but a vague idea of what is meant by a disciple: the teacher must endeavour to lead them to discover the import of the name, by seeing how it is applied in the Bible.+ You cannot tell me what is meant by a disciple. Where have you read of disciples? Who besides our blessed Lord had disciples? See Matthew xi. 2. What did our Saviour say when he called his disciples? See Matt. iv. 19: ix. 9. John i. 43. What is the first point you find respecting the disciples of Jesus? * Cana was a small town situated on a gentle eminence in Galilee, the northern province of Judea. If the children should not be previously acquainted with the geographical information, it should be communicated, and the situation of the places shewn from the maps. Before the lesson is concluded, they must be questioned upon what they have been told. + See Abbot's Teacher, edited by the Rev. Dr. Mayo, p. 99, where are some useful hints on dividing and subdividing a subject, in order to bring it within the grasp of children's minds. A disciple of Jesus is one who follows him. What advantage was our Lord more ready to bestow upon his disciples, than on others. See Mark iv. 10, 11. Matt. xiii. 10, 11. What is the second point you learn respecting the disciples? That Jesus in an especial manner instructed them. In what character then did they follow him? What two things have you found disciples to be? A disciple is a learner, one who follows a person to be taught by him. What desire do those shew who in this manner continually follow some person? A desire to learn. What opinion must they have of the person they thus follow? What then induces a person to become a disciple or follower of another? A great desire to learn, and confidence in the person they follow. By whose name are disciples usually called? By whose name are you called? What do you profess then, when you call yourself a Christian? What ought to be your desire, if you are a disciple of Christ? What ought to be your practice? How ought you to regard the Lord Jesus Christ? You have seen that our Lord was always ready to teach those who became his disciples, and to explain to them his parables. What should this encourage you to do? To come to Jesus to be taught. What are the chief means which he has appointed for our instruction? The Bible and ministers to preach the Gospel. To make a diligent use of these means. How are you to shew diligence with respect to the use of God's word? By reading it daily with prayer for the teaching of the Spirit.* How are you to shew diligence with respect to ministers? By attending to their preaching in the house of God, and their private instruction. To what was our Saviour and his disciples invited? Could we expect him to be present at our meetings now, in the same manner that he was then? In what manner may we hope for him to be with us now in our social meetings? By his Holy Spirit to bless us. *The answers are given either when they are not quite obvious, or when it is likely the children's views would be defective, that they may gain clearer ideas of the subject, also when it is desirable to furnish them with some information. How should we invite him? By prayer. If we are present at meetings to which we feel we could not, without mockery, seek a blessing from the Lord, what may we determine with respect to them, and how should we act? Verse 3. "And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine.” Verse 4. 66 Jesus said unto her, woman, what have I to do with thee, mine hour is not yet come.” What circumstance is mentioned? Who observes it? To whom does she make this remark? Do you recollect when he submitted to her authority? Try and find out the reason why he now so decidedly resists it? When he was a child he was subject to his parents, setting us an example of our duties in early life; but when he entered upon his public ministry, he resists his mother's interference; we see here that when she sought to direct him in things that belonged to his divine mission, he rebuked her, to show that as his mother, she had no influence in his public ministry; she could not hasten the performance of a miracle one moment before its appointed time. Now this is written for our instruction, and what does it teach us with re |