Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/280

 274 The Pl an f tf i

preaching (Luke 8 : i ; 4* 43 > *9 ; = ") other subjeAs be- ing mentioned merely in connexion with or in explana- tion of this one subject. The majority of his parables were either illustrations of the kingdom from various standpoints, and in different features, or else served to point out entire consecration to God as essential to a share in the kingdom, and to correct the Jewish misapprehension that they were sure of the kingdom because natural children of Abraham, and hence natural heirs to the promises.

Our Lord Jesus in his talks with his followers strengthened and encouraged their expectations of a coming kingdom, saying to them, " I appoint unto you a kingdom as my Fath- er hath appointed unto me, that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging [ruling] the twelve tribes of Israel." (Luke 22: 29,30.) And, again, "Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.*' (Luke 12 : 32.) And when, instead of being crowned and enthroned, their recognized king was crucified, his disciples were sorely disappointed. As two of them expressed it to the supposed stranger on their way to Emmaus after his resurrection, they had " trusted t\\o& it had been he which should have redeemed Israel" de- livering them from the Roman yoke, and making of Israel the Kingdom of God in power and glory. But they were sadly disappointed by the changes of the few days previous. Then Jesus opened their understanding by showing them from the Scriptures that his sacrifice was needful first of all before the kingdom could be established. Luke 24 : 21, 25-27.

God could have given to Jesus the dominion of earth with* out redeeming man; for "The Most High ruleth over the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he pleaseth, " (Dan. 4 : 32.) But God had a grander design than could have been accomplished by such a plan. Such a kingdom

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