the banks of the lonely lake.

A clearer vision of the Lord on their parts, a deeper sense of who He
is, make them assume more of the attitude of worshippers, though not
less that of friends. And He can no more dwell with them, and go in
and out among them.

As for the world--'It seeth Me no more, but ye see Me.' He was 'seen
of _them_,' not of others. There is no more appeal to the people, no
more teaching, no more standing in the Temple. Why is this? Is it not
the commentary on His own word on the Cross, 'It is finished!'
marking most distinctly that His work on earth was ended when He
died, and so confirming that conception of His earthly mission which
sees its culmination and centre of power in the Cross?

IV. Instruction and prophecy for the future.

The preparation of the disciples for their future work and condition
was a chief purpose of the forty days. Jesus spoke 'of the things
pertaining to the Kingdom of God.' He also 'gave commandments to the
Apostles.'

Note how much there is, in His conversations with them--

1. Of opening to them the Scriptures. 'Christ must needs suffer,'
etc.

2. Of lessons for their future, thus fitting them for their task.

3. Mark how this transitional period taught them that His going away