THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CORNER.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 27, Issue 4, 1 April 1937, Page 6

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CORNER.

My Dear Girls and BoysNext Friday is Good Friday. Some people think of it as a holiday. For Christian people it is a very holy day, because our Master and our King was hanged upon a cross on the first Good Friday. Jesus was crucified? Then why call it "Good" Friday? Surely that was a "bad" and dreadful day? Our Lord came to earth to show us what God is like. He came to show us that God loves us and cares for us; but that God hates sin because it separates us from Him. Jesus loved us so much, and He wanted us so much, that He lived always for us, and then died a shameful death for our sakes. The hymn you know so well tells us: '"He died that we might be forgiven; He died to make us good." So you see, it is "Good Friday for us because all that happened on that day was for our good. On Good Friday all of our Lord's followers will think of His great act of Love for all people on that first Good Friday. What did His first friends think? They thought as His enemies thought — that Jesus was dead, and would never be seen again. They were full of sorrow and despair. But their Sorrow was turned to joy. Would you like a story about two of our Lord's friends? Two men were walking along a quiet country road. They were friends, and they were m trouble. Their faces were drawn and sad, and they looked as if they had not slept well of. late.

One spoke, and said, "It is so hard to believe that He is dead. He who was always loving and good, dead! I felt that He would be our King.. Now that can never be. They have killed Him."

"Yes," answered the other. "His enemies have got rid of Him, as they said they would. But what have they done with His beloved body? The tomb is empty." As they talked they felt someone join them. The Stranger asked thecause of their sorrow. The two friends were amazed. Where did this Person live that He had not heard of the death of Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified on Friday? Then the Stranger began to talk and. His words seemed full of wisdom. As. they drew near their house they invited the Stranger m to have a mealThere, at the table, as He took bread and gave thanks to God, the friends knew Him. It was Jesus! He was alive! Oh!, the joy of the rapture of it. "Jesus is risen! Jesus is risen!" they sang. Though they could no longer see Him, they knew that He was alive.. Quickly they ran back to Jerusalem. But what different men! Now their faces were happy and radiant, and as they ran they cried, "We must tell the others the Good News. He is. risen! We have seen Him!" And. they rushed into the room where the friends of Jesus were gathered: "He is risen!! Jesus is risen!" they cried, and as they did so Jesus Himself appeared m their midst. They knew, arid you and I know, that "Jesus is risen, and is alive for evermore." This "Good News" is for all the world, because men and women and boys and girls of all countries belong to Him. Because Jesus rose from the dead, so shall we. You and I need never be afraid of death, because Jesus has conquered it. He is stronger than death, and has taken away all its power. Shall we pray for our brothers and sisters m other lands on Easter Day?' Some of them have never heard the name "Jesus." And shall we try to have as our first waking thoughts— "Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!" Your friend, D. M. BEATTIE..