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Stalker, James

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"The Four Men"

By James Stalker

Preface

In this new issue two sermons, the ninth and tenth are added. Of these the second was delivered, as the Murtle Lecture, in Aberdeen University. Aberdeen, 1913

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

WHEN I was in America last year, delivering the Yale Lectures on Preaching, I preached "The "Four Men " on Sunday morning, April I2th.in the chapel of Yale University. Mr. D. L. Moody, the evangelist, who chanced to he present, insisted on its being printed, and he sent copies, I believe, to all the students of the University. In the same irresistible way, he got me to publish "Temptation " and "Conscience," which were given as talks to the students in his own institutions at Northfield. As these are circulating in America, I have thought they might be acceptable and useful in this country also. Of the other chapters, those on " Christ and the Wants of Humanity " and " Public Spirit" were delivered in the University Chapel, Glasgow, at the academic service, March 18th. 1891, and March I3th 1892, respectively.

The way in which this book has come together has precluded any attempt at systematic teaching. My sole endeavour has been to handle a few important themes of faith and conduct in a way that may be found instructive and readable by young men.

GLASGOW,

October 3rd, I892.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER:

I. THE FOUR MEN
II. TEMPTATION
III. CONSCIENCE
IV. THE RELIGION FOR TODAY
V. CHRIST AND THE WANTS OF HUMANITY
VI. PUBLIC SPIRIT
VII. THE EVIDENCES OF RELIGION
IX. VIII. YOUTH AND AGE
THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE
X. THE RELIGIOUS FACULTY

Summary

"Four Men" by James Stalker is a profound exploration of character, faith, and the human experience through the lives of four biblical figures from the Gospel of John: Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, the man born blind, and Lazarus. Stalker uses these four individuals as case studies to examine how encounters with Jesus Christ transform lives and reveal different facets of spiritual truth.

Nicodemus is introduced as a Pharisee, a man of high standing, learned in the Law, but spiritually blind before meeting Jesus. His story begins with a secret visit to Jesus at night, seeking understanding. Jesus challenges him about the necessity of rebirth through the Spirit, emphasizing that spiritual regeneration is essential for entering the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus’s initial misunderstanding reflects the limitations of religious knowledge without spiritual insight. Over time, however, his character develops, and he emerges as a courageous supporter of Jesus, defending Him before the Sanhedrin and assisting in His burial, demonstrating a profound spiritual awakening.

The Samaritan Woman at the Well is portrayed as a social outcast, burdened by personal sin and societal rejection. Her encounter with Jesus at Jacob’s well becomes a pivotal moment, as Jesus offers her "living water," symbolizing eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. Her response—leaving her water jar and sharing her experience—illustrates the transformative power of Christ’s truth. She recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, leading her to become an evangelist among her community. Her story highlights themes of redemption, the breaking down of social barriers, and the personal discovery of spiritual identity through Christ.

The Man Born Blind presents a compelling case of physical and spiritual sight. His healing by Jesus sparks controversy among religious leaders, who refuse to accept Jesus’s divine authority. The blind man’s unwavering testimony about his healing and his recognition of Jesus as a prophet symbolize the journey from ignorance to spiritual enlightenment. His story underscores the importance of faith and the idea that spiritual sight is a gift that surpasses physical vision. It also demonstrates that true understanding often comes through personal experience and trust in Christ.

Lazarus, perhaps the most dramatic of the four, exemplifies faith and the power of Jesus over death itself. When Lazarus falls ill, Jesus delays His visit, allowing Lazarus to die, which initially seems tragic. However, Jesus’s subsequent raising of Lazarus from the dead becomes a powerful testament to His divine authority and foreshadows His own resurrection. Lazarus’s resurrection signifies hope, the promise of eternal life, and the triumph of Christ over death. His story encourages believers to trust in Jesus’s timing and His power to bring life out of death.

Throughout the book, Stalker emphasizes that each of these individuals, despite their different backgrounds and circumstances, experiences transformation through their encounters with Jesus. Their stories collectively illustrate key spiritual principles: the necessity of spiritual rebirth, the call to evangelism, the importance of faith, and the hope of eternal life. Stalker uses these biblical narratives not only to analyze character and faith but also to inspire contemporary believers to seek a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ.

In conclusion, "Four Men" is a meditative reflection on the transformative power of Jesus’s encounters with individuals, illustrating universal truths about spiritual awakening, redemption, and hope. Stalker's insights encourage readers to examine their own lives and consider how Christ’s truth can bring about renewal and new life.