The DESIRE of AGESPREFACE In the hearts of all mankind , of whatever race or station in life , there areinexpressible longings for something they do not now possess . This longingis implanted in the very constitution of man by a merciful God , that man maynot be satisfied with his present conditions or attainments , whether bad , orgood , or better . God desires that the human shall seek the best , and find itto the eternal blessing of his soul . Satan , by wily scheme and craft , has perverted these longings of the humanheart . He makes men believe that this desire may be satisfied by pleasure , by wealth , by ease , by fame , by power ; but those who have been thus deceivedby him ( and they number myriads ) find all these things pall upon the sense , leaving the soul as barren and unsatisfied as before . It is God ' s design that this longing of the human heart should lead to theOne who alone is able to satisfy it . The desire is of Him that it may leadto Him , the fullness and fulfillment of that desire . That fullness is foundin Jesus the Christ , the Son of the Eternal God . " For it was the goodpleasure of the Father that in Him should all the fullness dwell ;" " for inHim dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily . " And it is also truethat " in Him ye are made full " with respect to every desire divinelyimplanted and normally followed . Haggai calls Him " the Desire of all nations , " and we may well call Him " theDesire of all ages , " even as He is " the King of ages . " It is the purpose of this book to set forth Jesus Christ as the one in whomevery longing may be satisfied . There is many a " life of Christ " written , excellent books , large funds of information , elaborate essays on chronologyand contemporaneous history , customs , and events , with much of the teachingand many glimpses of the many - sided life of Jesus of Nazareth . Yet it may betruly said , " the half has never been told . " It is not , however , the purpose of this work to set forth a harmony of theGospels , or even to give in strictly chronological order the importantevents and wonderful lessons of the life of Christ ; its purpose is topresent the love of God as revealed in His Son , the divine beauty of thelife of Christ , of which all may partake , and not to satisfy the desires ofthe merely curious nor the questionings of critics . But even as by theattraction of His own goodness of character Jesus drew His disciples untoHimself , and by His personal presence , by His sympathetic touch and feelingin all their infirmities and needs , and by His constant association , transformed their characters from the earthly to the heavenly , from theselfish to the sacrificing , from smallhearted ignorance and prejudice tolargehearted knowledge and profound love for souls of all nations and races , even so it is the purpose of this book so to present the blessed Redeemer asto help the reader to come to Him face to face , heart to heart , and find inHim , even as did the disciples of old , Jesus the Mighty one , who saves " tothe uttermost , " and transforms to His own divine image all those who comeunto God by Him . Yet how impossible it is to reveal His life ! It is likeattempting to put upon canvas the living rainbow ; into characters of blackand white the sweetest music . In the following pages the author , a woman of large and deep and longexperience in the things of God , has set forth new beauties from the life ofJesus . She has brought many new gems from the precious casket . She opensbefore the reader undreamed - of riches from this infinite treasure house . Newand glorious light flashes forth from many a familiar passage , the depth ofwhich the reader supposed he had long before fathomed . To state it in brief , Jesus Christ is revealed as the fullness of the Godhead , the infinitelymerciful Saviour of sinners , the Sun of Righteousness , the merciful HighPriest , the Healer of all human maladies and diseases , the tender , compassionate Friend , the constant , ever - present and helpful Companion , thePrince of the House of David , the Shield of His people , the Prince of Peace , the Coming King , the Everlasting Father , the culmination and fruition of thedesires and hopes of all the ages . Under the blessing of God this book is given to the world with the prayerthat the Lord by His Spirit will make the words of this book words of lifeto many souls whose longings and desires are yet unsatisfied ; that they " mayknow Him , and the power of His resurrection , and the fellowship of Hissufferings , " and finally , throughout a blessed eternity , at His right hand , share in " that fullness of joy , " and " pleasures forevermore , " which will bethe ripened fruitage of all those who find in Him the all in all , " theChiefest among ten thousand , " and " the one altogether lovely . " Publishers . Contents 1 . " God With Us " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 . The Chosen People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 . " The Fullness of the Time " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314 . Unto You a Saviour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435 . The Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506 . " We Have Seen His Star " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597 . As a Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 688 . The Passover Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 759 . Days of Conflict . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8410 . The Voice in the Wilderness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9711 . The Baptism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10912 . The Temptation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11413 . The Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12414 . " We Have Found the Messias " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13215 . At the Marriage Feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14416 . In His Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15417 . Nicodemus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16718 . " He Must Increase " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17819 . At Jacob ' s Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18320 . " Except Ye See Signs and Wonders " . . . . . . . . . . . . 19621 . Bethesda and the Sanhedrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20122 . Imprisonment and Death of John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21423 . " The Kingdom of God Is at Hand " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23124 . " Is Not This the Carpenter ' s Son ? " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23625 . The Call by the Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24426 . At Capernaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25227 . " Thou Canst Make Me Clean " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26228 . Levi - Matthew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27229 . The Sabbath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28130 . " He Ordained Twelve " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29031 . The Sermon on the Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29832 . The Centurion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31533 . Who Are My Brethren ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32134 . The Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32835 . " Peace , Be Still " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33336 . The Touch of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34237 . The First Evangelists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34938 . Come Rest Awhile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35939 . " Give Ye Them to Eat " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36440 . A Night on the Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37741 . The Crisis in Galilee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38342 . Tradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39543 . Barriers Broken Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39944 . The True Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40445 . The Foreshadowing of the Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41046 . He Was Transfigured . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41947 . Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42648 . Who Is the Greatest ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43249 . At the Feast of Tabernacles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44750 . Among Snares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45551 . " The Light of Life " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46352 . The Divine Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47653 . The Last Journey From Galilee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48554 . The Good Samaritan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49755 . Not With Outward Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50656 . Blessing the Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51157 . one Thing Thou Lackest " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51858 . " Lazarus , Come Forth " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52459 . Priestly Plottings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53760 . The Law of the New Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54761 . Zacchaeus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55262 . The Feast at Simon ' s House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55763 . " Thy King Cometh " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56964 . A Doomed People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58065 . The Temple Cleansed Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58966 . Controversy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60167 . Woes on the Pharisees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61068 . In the Outer Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62169 . on the Mount of Olives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62770 . " The Least of These My Brethren " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63771 . A Servant of Servants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64272 . " In Remembrance of Me " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65273 . " Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66274 . Gethsemane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68575 . Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas . . . . . . . . . . . . 69876 . Judas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71677 . In Pilate ' s Judgment Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72378 . Calvary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74179 . " It Is Finished " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75880 . In Joseph ' s Tomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76981 . " The Lord Is Risen " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77982 . " Why Weepest Thou ? " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78883 . The Walk to Emmaus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79584 . " Peace Be Unto You " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80285 . By the Sea once More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80986 . Go Teach All Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81887 . " To My Father , and Your Father " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 829 Scriptural Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 837 General Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843 ( 19 ) Chapter 1 " God With Us " " His name shall be called Immanuel , . . . God with us . " " The light of theknowledge of the glory of God " is seen " in the face of Jesus Christ . " Fromthe days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father ; He was " the image of God , " the image of His greatness and majesty , " the outshiningof His glory . " It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world . Tothis sin - darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God ' s love , -- to be " God with us . " Therefore it was prophesied of Him , " His name shall be calledImmanuel . " By coming to dwell with us , Jesus was to reveal God both to men and toangels . He was the Word of God , -- God ' s thought made audible . In His prayerfor His disciples He says , " I have declared unto them Thy name , "--" mercifuland gracious , long - suffering , and abundant in goodness and truth , "--" thatthe love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them , and I in them . " Butnot alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given . Our littleworld is the lesson book of the universe . God ' s wonderful purpose of grace , the mystery of redeeming love , is the theme into which " angels desire tolook , " and it will be their study throughout endless ages . Both the redeemed page 20 and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science andtheir song . It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus isthe glory of self - sacrificing love . In the light from Calvary it will beseen that the law of self - renouncing love is the law of life for earth andheaven ; that the love which " seeketh not her own " has its source in theheart of God ; and that in the meek and lowly one is manifested the characterof Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto . In the beginning , God was revealed in all the works of creation . It wasChrist that spread the heavens , and laid the foundations of the earth . Itwas His hand that hung the worlds in space , and fashioned the flowers of thefield . " His strength setteth fast the mountains . " " The sea is His , and Hemade it . " Ps . 65 : 6 ; 95 : 5 . It was He that filled the earth with beauty , andthe air with song . And upon all things in earth , and air , and sky , He wrotethe message of the Father ' s love . Now sin has marred God ' s perfect work , yet that handwriting remains . Evennow all created things declare the glory of His excellence . There isnothing , save the selfish heart of man , that lives unto itself . No bird thatcleaves the air , no animal that moves upon the ground , but ministers to someother life . There is no leaf of the forest , or lowly blade of grass , but hasits ministry . Every tree and shrub and leaf pours forth that element of lifewithout which neither man nor animal could live ; and man and animal , inturn , minister to the life of tree and shrub and leaf . The flowers breathefragrance and unfold their beauty in blessing page 21 to the world . The sun sheds its light to gladden a thousand worlds . Theocean , itself the source of all our springs and fountains , receives thestreams from every land , but takes to give . The mists ascending from itsbosom fall in showers to water the earth , that it may bring forth and bud . The angels of glory find their joy in giving , -- giving love and tirelesswatchcare to souls that are fallen and unholy . Heavenly beings woo thehearts of men ; they bring to this dark world light from the courts above ; bygentle and patient ministry they move upon the human spirit , to bring thelost into a fellowship with Christ which is even closer than they themselvescan know . But turning from all lesser representations , we behold God in Jesus . Lookingunto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give . " I do nothing ofMyself , " said Christ ; " the living Father hath sent Me , and I live by theFather . " " I seek not Mine own glory , " but the glory of Him that sent Me . John 8 : 28 ; 6 : 57 ; 8 : 50 ; 7 : 18 . In these words is set forth the great principlewhich is the law of life for the universe . All things Christ received fromGod , but He took to give . So in the heavenly courts , in His ministry for allcreated beings : through the beloved Son , the Father ' s life flows out to all ; through the Son it returns , in praise and joyous service , a tide of love , tothe great Source of all . And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficenceis complete , representing the character of the great Giver , the law of life . In heaven itself this law was broken . Sin originated in self - seeking . Lucifer , the covering cherub , desired to be first in heaven . He sought togain control of heavenly beings , to draw them away from their Creator , andto win their homage to himself . Therefore he misrepresented God , page 22 attributing to Him the desire for self - exaltation . With his own evilcharacteristics he sought to invest the loving Creator . Thus he deceivedangels . Thus he deceived men . He led them to doubt the word of God , and todistrust His goodness . Because God is a God of justice and terrible majesty , Satan caused them to look upon Him as severe and unforgiving . Thus he drewmen to join him in rebellion against God , and the night of woe settled downupon the world . The earth was dark through misapprehension of God . That the gloomy shadowsmight be lightened , that the world might be brought back to God , Satan ' sdeceptive power was to be broken . This could not be done by force . Theexercise of force is contrary to the principles of God ' s government ; Hedesires only the service of love ; and love cannot be commanded ; it cannot bewon by force or authority . only by love is love awakened . To know God is tolove Him ; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character ofSatan . This work only one Being in all the universe could do . only He whoknew the height and depth of the love of God could make it known . Upon theworld ' s dark night the Sun of Righteousness must rise , " with healing in Hiswings . " Mal . 4 : 2 . The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought , a plan formulated afterthe fall of Adam . It was a revelation of " the mystery which hath been keptin silence through times eternal . " Rom . 16 : 25 , R . V . It was an unfolding ofthe principles that from eternal ages have been the foundation of God ' sthrone . From the beginning , God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan , and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate . God didnot ordain that sin should exist , but He foresaw its existence , and madeprovision to meet the terrible emergency . So great was His love for theworld , that He covenanted to give His only - begotten Son , " that whosoeverbelieveth in Him should not perish , but have everlasting life . " John 3 : 16 . Lucifer had said , " I will exalt my throne above the stars of God ; . . . Iwill be like the Most High . " Isa . 14 : 13 , 14 . But Christ , " being in the formof God , counted it not a thing to be grasped to be on an equality with God , but emptied Himself , taking the form of a servant , being made in thelikeness of men . " Phil . 2 : 6 , 7 , R . V . , margin . This was a voluntary sacrifice . Jesus might have remained at the Father ' sside . He might have retained the glory of heaven , and the homage of theangels . But He chose to give back the scepter into page 23 the Father ' s hands , and to step down from the throne of the universe , thatHe might bring light to the benighted , and life to the perishing . Nearly two thousand years ago , a voice of mysterious import was heard inheaven , from the throne of God , " Lo , I come . " " Sacrifice and offering Thouwouldest not , but a body hast Thou prepared Me . . . . Lo , I come ( in thevolume of the Book it is written of Me , ) to do Thy will , O God . " Heb . 10 : 5 - 7 . In these words is announced the fulfillment of the purpose that hadbeen hidden from eternal ages . Christ was about to visit our world , and tobecome incarnate . He says , " A body hast Thou prepared Me . " Had He appearedwith the glory that was His with the Father before the world was , we couldnot have endured the light of His presence . That we might behold it and notbe destroyed , the manifestation of His glory was shrouded . His divinity wasveiled with humanity , -- the invisible glory in the visible human form . This great purpose had been shadowed forth in types and symbols . The burningbush , in which Christ appeared to Moses , revealed God . The symbol chosen forthe representation of the Deity was a lowly shrub , that seemingly had noattractions . This enshrined the Infinite . The all - merciful God shrouded Hisglory in a most humble type , that Moses could look upon it and live . So inthe pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night , God communicatedwith Israel , revealing to men His will , and imparting to them His grace . God ' s glory was subdued , and His majesty veiled , that the weak vision offinite men might behold it . So Christ was to come in " the body of ourhumiliation " ( Phil . 3 : 21 , R . V . ), " in the likeness of men . " In the eyes ofthe world He possessed no beauty that they should desire Him ; yet He was theincarnate God , the light of heaven and earth . His glory was veiled , Hisgreatness and majesty were hidden , that He might draw near to sorrowful , tempted men . God commanded Moses for Israel , " Let them make Me a sanctuary ; that I maydwell among them " ( Ex . 25 : 8 ) , and He abode in the sanctuary , in the midst ofHis people . Through all their weary wandering in the desert , the symbol ofHis presence was with them . So Christ set up His tabernacle in the midst ofour human encampment . He pitched His tent by the side of the tents of men , that He might dwell among us , and make us familiar with His divine characterand life . " The Word became flesh , and tabernacled among us ( and we beheldHis glory , glory as of page 24 the only Begotten from the Father ) , full of grace and truth . " John 1 : 14 , R . V . , margin . Since Jesus came to dwell with us , we know that God is acquainted with ourtrials , and sympathizes with our griefs . Every son and daughter of Adam mayunderstand that our Creator is the friend of sinners . For in every doctrineof grace , every promise of joy , every deed of love , every divine attractionpresented in the Saviour ' s life on earth , we see " God with us . " Satan represents God ' s law of love as a law of selfishness . He declares thatit is impossible for us to obey its precepts . The fall of our first parents , with all the woe that has resulted , he charges upon the Creator , leading mento look upon God as the author of sin , and suffering , and death . Jesus wasto unveil this deception . As one of us He was to give an example ofobedience . For this He took upon Himself our nature , and passed through ourexperiences . " In all things it behooved Him to be made like unto Hisbrethren . " Heb . 2 : 17 . If we had to bear anything which Jesus did not endure , then upon this point Satan would represent the power of God as insufficientfor us . Therefore Jesus was " in all points tempted like as we are . " Heb . 4 : 15 . He endured every trial to which we are subject . And He exercised inHis own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us . As man , He mettemptation , and overcame in the strength given Him from God . He says , " Idelight to do Thy will , O My God : yea , Thy law is within My heart . " Ps . 40 : 8 . As He went about doing good , and healing all who were afflicted bySatan , He made plain to men the character of God ' s law and the nature of Hisservice . His life testifies that it is possible for us also to obey the lawof God . By His humanity , Christ touched humanity ; by His divinity , He lays hold uponthe throne of God . As the Son of man , He gave us an example of obedience ; asthe Son of God , He gives us power to obey . It was Christ who from the bushon Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying , " I Am That I Am . . . . Thus shalt thousay unto the children of Israel , I Am hath sent me unto you . " Ex . 3 : 14 . Thiswas the pledge of Israel ' s deliverance . So when He came " in the likeness ofmen , " He declared Himself the I Am . The Child of Bethlehem , the meek andlowly Saviour , is God " manifest in the flesh . " 1 Tim . 3 : 16 . And to us Hesays : " I Am the Good Shepherd . " " I Am the living Bread . " " I Am the Way , theTruth , and the Life . " " All power is given paage 25 unto Me in heaven and in earth . " John 10 : 11 ; 6 : 51 ; 14 : 6 ; Matt . 28 : 18 . I Amthe assurance of every promise . I Am ; be not afraid . " God with us " is thesurety of our deliverance from sin , the assurance of our power to obey thelaw of heaven . In stooping to take upon Himself humanity , Christ revealed a character theopposite of the character of Satan . But He stepped still lower in the pathof humiliation . " Being found in fashion as a man , He humbled Himself , andbecame obedient unto death , even the death of the cross . " Phil . 2 : 8 . As thehigh priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes , and officiated in thewhite linen dress of the common priest , so Christ took the form of aservant , and offered sacrifice , Himself the priest , Himself the victim . " Hewas wounded for our transgressions , He was bruised for our iniquities : thechastisement of our peace was upon Him . " Isa . 53 : 5 . Christ was treated as we deserve , that we might be treated as He deserves . He was condemned for our sins , in which He had no share , that we might bejustified by His righteousness , in which we had no share . He suffered thedeath which was ours , that we might receive the life which was His . " WithHis stripes we are healed . " By His life and His death , Christ has achieved even more than recovery fromthe ruin wrought through sin . It was Satan ' s purpose to bring about aneternal separation between God and man ; but in Christ we become more closelyunited to God than if we had never fallen . In taking our nature , the Saviourhas bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken . Throughthe eternal ages He is linked with us . " God so loved the world , that He gaveHis only - begotten Son . " John 3 : 16 . He gave Him not only to bear our sins , and to die as our sacrifice ; He gave Him to the fallen race . To assure us ofHis immutable counsel of peace , God gave His only - begotten Son to become oneof the human family , forever to retain His human nature . This is the pledgethat God will fulfill His word . " Unto us a child is born , unto us a son isgiven : and the government shall be upon His shoulder . " God has adopted humannature in the person of His Son , and has carried the same into the highestheaven . It is the " Son of man " who shares the throne of the universe . It isthe " Son of man " whose name shall be called , " Wonderful , Counselor , Themighty God , The everlasting Father , The Prince of Peace . " Isa . 9 : 6 . The I Amis the Daysman between God and humanity , laying His hand upon both . He whois " holy , harmless , undefiled , separate from sinners , " is not ashamed tocall us brethren . Heb . 7 : 26 ; 2 : 11 . In Christ the family of earth and thefamily of heaven are page 26 bound together . Christ glorified is our brother . Heaven is enshrined inhumanity , and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love . Of His people God says , " They shall be as the stones of a crown , lifted upas an ensign upon His land . For how great is His goodness , and how great isHis beauty ! " Zech . 9 : 16 , 17 . The exaltation of the redeemed will be aneternal testimony to God ' s mercy . " In the ages to come , " He will " show theexceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through ChristJesus . " " To the intent that . . . unto the principalities and the powers inthe heavenly places might be made known . . . the manifold wisdom of God , according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus ourLord . " Eph . 2 : 7 ; 3 : 10 , 11 , R . V . Through Christ ' s redeeming work the government of God stands justified . TheOmnipotent one is made known as the God of love . Satan ' s charges arerefuted , and his character unveiled . Rebellion can never again arise . Sincan never again enter the universe . Through eternal ages all are secure fromapostasy . By love ' s self - sacrifice , the inhabitants of earth and heaven arebound to their Creator in bonds of indissoluble union . The work of redemption will be complete . In the place where sin abounded , God ' s grace much more abounds . The earth itself , the very field that Satanclaims as his , is to be not only ransomed but exalted . Our little world , under the curse of sin the one dark blot in His glorious creation , will behonored above all other worlds in the universe of God . Here , where the Sonof God tabernacled in humanity ; where the King of glory lived and sufferedand died , -- here , when He shall make all things new , the tabernacle of Godshall be with men , " and He will dwell with them , and they shall be Hispeople , and God Himself shall be with them , and be their God . " And throughendless ages as the redeemed walk in the light of the Lord , they will praiseHim for His unspeakable Gift , -- Immanuel , " God with us . " page 27 Chapter 2 The Chosen People For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour ' scoming . Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes . In song andprophecy , in temple rite and household prayer , they had enshrined His name . And yet at His coming they knew Him not . The Beloved of heaven was to them " as a root out of a dry ground ;" He had " no form nor comeliness ;" and theysaw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him . " He came unto His own , andHis own received Him not . " Isa . 53 : 2 ; John 1 : 11 . Yet God had chosen Israel . He had called them to preserve among men theknowledge of His law , and of the symbols and prophecies that pointed to theSaviour . He desired them to be as wells of salvation to the world . WhatAbraham was in the land of his sojourn , what Joseph was in Egypt , and Danielin the courts of Babylon , the Hebrew people were to be among the nations . They were to reveal God to men . In the call of Abraham the Lord had said , " I will bless thee ; . . . and thoushalt be a blessing : . . . and in thee shall all families of the earth beblessed . " Gen . 12 : 2 , 3 . The same teaching was repeated through the prophets . Even after Israel had been wasted by war and captivity , the promise wastheirs , " The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dewfrom the Lord , as the showers upon the grass , that tarrieth not for man , norwaiteth for the sons of men . " Micah 5 : 7 . Concerning the temple at Jerusalem , the Lord declared through Isaiah , " Mine house shall be called an house ofprayer for all peoples . " Isa . 56 : 7 , R . V . page 28 But the Israelites fixed their hopes upon worldly greatness . From the timeof their entrance to the land of Canaan , they departed from the commandmentsof God , and followed the ways of the heathen . It was in vain that God sentthem warning by His prophets . In vain they suffered the chastisement ofheathen oppression . Every reformation was followed by deeper apostasy . Had Israel been true to God , He could have accomplished His purpose throughtheir honor and exaltation . If they had walked in the ways of obedience , Hewould have made them " high above all nations which He hath made , in praise , and in name , and in honor . " " All people of the earth , " said Moses , " shallsee that thou art called by the name of the Lord ; and they shall be afraidof thee . " " The nations which shall hear all these statutes " shall say , " Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people . " Deut . 26 : 19 ; 28 : 10 ; 4 : 6 . But because of their unfaithfulness , God ' s purpose could bewrought out only through continued adversity and humiliation . They were brought into subjection to Babylon , and scattered through thelands of the heathen . In affliction many renewed their faithfulness to Hiscovenant . While they hung their harps upon the willows , and mourned for theholy temple that was laid waste , the light of truth shone out through them , and a knowledge of God was spread among the nations . The heathen systems ofsacrifice were a perversion of the system that God had appointed ; and many asincere observer of heathen rites learned from the Hebrews the meaning ofthe service divinely ordained , and in faith grasped the promise of aRedeemer . Many of the exiles suffered persecution . Not a few lost their lives becauseof their refusal to disregard the Sabbath and to observe the heathenfestivals . As idolaters were roused to crush out the truth , the Lord broughtHis servants face to face with kings and rulers , that they and their peoplemight receive the light . Time after time the greatest monarchs were led toproclaim the supremacy of the God whom their Hebrew captives worshiped . By the Babylonish captivity the Israelites were effectually cured of theworship of graven images . During the centuries that followed , they sufferedfrom the oppression of heathen foes , until the conviction became fixed thattheir prosperity depended upon their obedience to the law of God . But withtoo many of the people obedience was not prompted by love . The motive wasselfish . They rendered outward service to God page 29 as the means of attaining to national greatness . They did not become thelight of the world , but shut themselves away from the world in order toescape temptation to idolatry . In the instruction given through Moses , Godhad placed restrictions upon their association with idolaters ; but thisteaching had been misinterpreted . It was intended to prevent them fromconforming to the practices of the heathen . But it was used to build up awall of separation between Israel and all other nations . The Jews lookedupon Jerusalem as their heaven , and they were actually jealous lest the Lordshould show mercy to the Gentiles . After the return from Babylon , much attention was given to religiousinstruction . All over the country , synagogues were erected , where the lawwas expounded by the priests and scribes . And schools were established , which , together with the arts and sciences , professed to teach theprinciples of righteousness . But these agencies became corrupted . During thecaptivity , many of the people had received heathen ideas and customs , andthese were brought into their religious service . In many things theyconformed to the practices of idolaters . As they departed from God , the Jews in a great degree lost sight of theteaching of the ritual service . That service had been instituted by ChristHimself . In every part it was a symbol of Him ; and it had been full ofvitality and spiritual beauty . But the Jews lost the spiritual life fromtheir ceremonies , and clung to the dead forms . They trusted to thesacrifices and ordinances themselves , instead of resting upon Him to whomthey pointed . In order to supply the place of that which they had lost , thepriests and rabbis multiplied requirements of their own ; and the more rigidthey grew , the less of the love of God was manifested . They measured theirholiness by the multitude of their ceremonies , while their hearts werefilled with pride and hypocrisy . With all their minute and burdensome injunctions , it was an impossibility tokeep the law . Those who desired to serve God , and who tried to observe therabbinical precepts , toiled under a heavy burden . They could find no restfrom the accusings of a troubled conscience . Thus Satan worked to discouragethe people , to lower their conception of the character of God , and to bringthe faith of Israel into contempt . He hoped to establish the claim put forthwhen he rebelled in heaven , -- that the requirements of God were unjust , andcould not be obeyed . Even Israel , he declared , did not keep the law . While the Jews desired the advent of the Messiah , they had no true 30 conception of His mission . They did not seek redemption from sin , butdeliverance from the Romans . They looked for the Messiah to come as aconqueror , to break the oppressor ' s power , and exalt Israel to universaldominion . Thus the way was prepared for them to reject the Saviour . At the time of the birth of Christ the nation was chafing under the rule ofher foreign masters , and racked with internal strife . The Jews had beenpermitted to maintain the form of a separate government ; but nothing coulddisguise the fact that they were under the Roman yoke , or reconcile them tothe restriction of their power . The Romans claimed the right of appointingand removing the high priest , and the office was often secured by fraud , bribery , and even murder . Thus the priesthood became more and more corrupt . Yet the priests still possessed great power , and they employed it forselfish and mercenary ends . The people were subjected to their mercilessdemands , and were also heavily taxed by the Romans . This state of affairscaused widespread discontent . Popular outbreaks were frequent . Greed andviolence , distrust and spiritual apathy , were eating out the very heart ofthe nation . Hatred of the Romans , and national and spiritual pride , led the Jews stillto adhere rigorously to their forms of worship . The priests tried tomaintain a reputation for sanctity by scrupulous attention to the ceremoniesof religion . The people , in their darkness and oppression , and the rulers , thirsting for power , longed for the coming of one who would vanquish theirenemies and restore the kingdom to Israel . They had studied the prophecies , but without spiritual insight . Thus they overlooked those scriptures thatpoint to the humiliation of Christ ' s first advent , and misapplied those thatspeak of the glory of His second coming . Pride obscured their vision . Theyinterpreted prophecy in accordance with their selfish desires . ( 31 ) Chapter 3 " The Fullness of the Time " " When the fullness of the time was come , God sent forth His Son , . . . toredeem them that were under the law , that we might receive the adoption ofsons . " Gal . 4 : 4 , 5 . The Saviour ' s coming was foretold in Eden . When Adam and Eve first heard thepromise , they looked for its speedy fulfillment . They joyfully welcomedtheir first - born son , hoping that he might be the Deliverer . But thefulfillment of the promise tarried . Those who first received it died withoutthe sight . From the days of Enoch the promise was repeated throughpatriarchs and prophets , keeping alive the hope of His appearing , and yet Hecame not . The prophecy of Daniel revealed the time of His advent , but notall rightly interpreted the message . Century after century passed away ; thevoices of the prophets ceased . The hand of the oppressor was heavy uponIsrael , and many were ready to exclaim , " The days are prolonged , and everyvision faileth . " Ezek . 12 : 22 . 32 But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path , God ' spurposes know no haste and no delay . Through the symbols of the greatdarkness and the smoking furnace , God had revealed to Abraham the bondage ofIsrael in Egypt , and had declared that the time of their sojourning shouldbe four hundred years . " Afterward , " He said , " shall they come out with greatsubstance . " Gen . 15 : 14 . Against that word , all the power of Pharaoh ' s proudempire battled in vain . on " the self - same day " appointed in the divinepromise , " it came to pass , that all the hosts of the Lord went out from theland of Egypt . " Ex . 12 : 41 . So in heaven ' s council the hour for the coming ofChrist had been determined . When the great clock of time pointed to thathour , Jesus was born in Bethlehem . " When the fullness of the time was come , God sent forth His Son . " Providencehad directed the movements of nations , and the tide of human impulse andinfluence , until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer . Thenations were united under one government . one language was widely spoken , and was everywhere recognized as the language of literature . From all landsthe Jews of the dispersion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual feasts . Asthese returned to the places of their sojourn , they could spread throughoutthe world the tidings of the Messiah ' s coming . At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon thepeople . Men were weary of pageant and fable . They longed for a religion thatcould satisfy the heart . While the light of truth seemed to have departedfrom among men , there were souls who were looking for light , and who werefilled with perplexity and sorrow . They were thirsting for a knowledge ofthe living God , for some assurance of a life beyond the grave . As the Jews had departed from God , faith had grown dim , and hope hadwell - nigh ceased to illuminate the future . The words of the prophets wereuncomprehended . To the masses of the people , death was a dread mystery ; beyond was uncertainty and gloom . It was not alone the wailing of themothers of Bethlehem , but the cry from the great heart of humanity , that wasborne to the prophet across the centuries , -- the voice heard in Ramah , " lamentation , and weeping , and great mourning , Rachel weeping for herchildren , and would not be comforted , because they are not . " Matt . 2 : 18 . In " the region and shadow of death , " men sat unsolaced . With longing eyes theylooked for the 33 coming of the Deliverer , when the darkness should be dispelled , and themystery of the future should be made plain . Outside of the Jewish nation there were men who foretold the appearance of adivine instructor . These men were seeking for truth , and to them the Spiritof Inspiration was imparted . one after another , like stars in the darkenedheavens , such teachers had arisen . Their words of prophecy had kindled hopein the hearts of thousands of the Gentile world . For hundreds of years the Scriptures had been translated into the Greeklanguage , then widely spoken throughout the Roman Empire . The Jews werescattered everywhere , and their expectation of the Messiah ' s coming was tosome extent shared by the Gentiles . Among those whom the Jews styled heathenwere men who had a better understanding of the Scripture propheciesconcerning the Messiah than had the teachers in Israel . There were some whohoped for His coming as a deliverer from sin . Philosophers endeavored tostudy into the mystery of the Hebrew economy . But the bigotry of the Jewshindered the spread of the light . Intent on maintaining the separationbetween themselves and other nations , they were unwilling to impart theknowledge they still possessed concerning the symbolic service . The true 34 Interpreter must come . The one whom all these types prefigured must explaintheir significance . Through nature , through types and symbols , through patriarchs and prophets , God had spoken to the world . Lessons must be given to humanity in thelanguage of humanity . The Messenger of the covenant must speak . His voicemust be heard in His own temple . Christ must come to utter words whichshould be clearly and definitely understood . He , the author of truth , mustseparate truth from the chaff of man ' s utterance , which had made it of noeffect . The principles of God ' s government and the plan of redemption mustbe clearly defined . The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully setbefore men . Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls , descendants of that holy linethrough whom a knowledge of God had been preserved . These still looked forthe hope of the promise made unto the fathers . They strengthened their faithby dwelling upon the assurance given through Moses , " A Prophet shall theLord your God raise up unto you of your brethren , like unto me ; Him shall yehear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you . " Acts 3 : 22 . Again , theyread how the Lord would anoint one " to preach good tidings unto the meek , "" to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives , " and todeclare the " acceptable year of the Lord . " Isa . 61 : 1 , 2 . They read how Hewould " set judgment in the earth , " how the isles should " wait for His law , " how the Gentiles should come to His light , and kings to the brightness ofHis rising . Isa . 42 : 4 ; 60 : 3 . The dying words of Jacob filled them with hope : " The scepter shall notdepart from Judah , nor a lawgiver from between his feet , until Shiloh come . " Gen . 49 : 10 . The waning power of Israel testified that the Messiah ' s comingwas at hand . The prophecy of Daniel pictured the glory of His reign over anempire which should succeed all earthly kingdoms ; and , said the prophet , " Itshall stand forever . " Dan . 2 : 44 . While few understood the nature of Christ ' smission , there was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who shouldestablish his kingdom in Israel , and who should come as a deliverer to thenations . The fullness of the time had come . Humanity , becoming more degraded throughages of transgression , called for the coming of the Redeemer . Satan had beenworking to make the gulf deep and impassable between earth and heaven . Byhis falsehoods he had emboldened 35 men in sin . It was his purpose to wear out the forbearance of God , and toextinguish His love for man , so that He would abandon the world to satanicjurisdiction . Satan was seeking to shut out from men a knowledge of God , to turn theirattention from the temple of God , and to establish his own kingdom . Hisstrife for supremacy had seemed to be almost wholly successful . It is truethat in every generation God had His agencies . Even among the heathen therewere men through whom Christ was working to uplift the people from their sinand degradation . But these men were despised and hated . Many of themsuffered a violent death . The dark shadow that Satan had cast over the worldgrew deeper and deeper . Through heathenism , Satan had for ages turned men away from God ; but he wonhis great triumph in perverting the faith of Israel . By contemplating andworshiping their own conceptions , the heathen had lost a knowledge of God , and had become more and more corrupt . So it was with Israel . The principlethat man can save himself by his own works lay at the foundation of everyheathen religion ; it had now 36 become the principle of the Jewish religion . Satan had implanted thisprinciple . Wherever it is held , men have no barrier against sin . The message of salvation is communicated to men through human agencies . Butthe Jews had sought to make a monopoly of the truth which is eternal life . They had hoarded the living manna , and it had turned to corruption . Thereligion which they tried to shut up to themselves became an offense . Theyrobbed God of His glory , and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of thegospel . They had refused to surrender themselves to God for the salvation ofthe world , and they became agents of Satan for its destruction . The people whom God had called to be the pillar and ground of the truth hadbecome representatives of Satan . They were doing the work that he desiredthem to do , taking a course to misrepresent the character of God , and causethe world to look upon Him as a tyrant . The very priests who ministered inthe temple had lost sight of the significance of the service they performed . They had ceased to look beyond the symbol to the thing signified . Inpresenting the sacrificial offerings they were as actors in a play . Theordinances which God Himself had appointed were made the means of blindingthe mind and hardening the heart . God could do no more for man through thesechannels . The whole system must be swept away . The deception of sin had reached its height . All the agencies for depravingthe souls of men had been put in operation . The Son of God , looking upon theworld , beheld suffering and misery . With pity He saw how men had becomevictims of satanic cruelty . He looked with compassion upon those who werebeing corrupted , murdered , and lost . They had chosen a ruler who chainedthem to his car as captives . Bewildered and deceived , they were moving on ingloomy procession toward eternal ruin , -- to death in which is no hope oflife , toward night to which comes no morning . Satanic agencies wereincorporated with men . The bodies of human beings , made for the dwellingplace of God , had become the habitation of demons . The senses , the nerves , the passions , the organs of men , were worked by supernatural agencies in theindulgence of the vilest lust . The very stamp of demons was impressed uponthe countenances of men . Human faces reflected the ｅxpression of the legionsof evil with which they were possessed . Such was the prospect upon which theworld ' s Redeemer looked . What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold ! 37 Sin had become a science , and vice was consecrated as a part of religion . Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the heart , and the hostility of manwas most violent against heaven . It was demonstrated before the universethat , apart from God , humanity could not be uplifted . A new element of lifeand power must be imparted by Him who made the world . With intense interest the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise , and sweep away the inhabitants of the earth . And if God should do this , Satan was ready to carry out his plan for securing to himself the allegianceof heavenly beings . He had declared that the principles of God ' s governmentmake forgiveness impossible . Had the world been destroyed , he would haveclaimed that his accusations were proved true . He was ready to cast blameupon God , and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above . But instead ofdestroying the world , God sent His Son to save it . Though corruption anddefiance might be seen in every part of the alien province , a way for itsrecovery was provided . At the very crisis , when Satan seemed about totriumph , the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace . Throughevery age , through every hour , the love of God had been exercised toward thefallen race . Notwithstanding the perversity of men , the signals of mercy hadbeen continually exhibited . And when the fullness of the time had come , theDeity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace thatwas never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should befulfilled . Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God inhumanity . Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his 38 Maker . None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruinedby sin . He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will . He came tolift us up from the dust , to reshape the marred character after the patternof His divine character , and to make it beautiful with His own glory . ( 43 ) Chapter 4 Unto You a Saviour [ This chapter is based on Luke 2 : 1 - 20 . ] The King of glory stooped low to take humanity . Rude and forbidding were Hisearthly surroundings . His glory was veiled , that the majesty of His outwardform might not become an object of attraction . He shunned all outwarddisplay . Riches , worldly honor , and human greatness can never save a soulfrom death ; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature shouldcall men to His side . only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those whowould follow Him . The character of the Messiah had long been foretold inprophecy , and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word ofGod . The angels had wondered at the glorious plan of redemption . They watched tosee how the people of God would receive His Son , clothed in the garb ofhumanity . Angels came to the land of the chosen people . Other nations weredealing in fables and worshiping false gods . To the land where the glory ofGod had been revealed , and the light of prophecy had shone , the angels came . They came unseen to Jerusalem , to the appointed expositors of the SacredOracles , and the ministers of God ' s 44 house . Already to Zacharias the priest , as he ministered before the altar , the nearness of Christ ' s coming had been announced . Already the forerunnerwas born , his mission attested by miracle and prophecy . The tidings of hisbirth and the wonderful significance of his mission had been spread abroad . Yet Jerusalem was not preparing to welcome her Redeemer . With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indifference of thatpeople whom God had called to communicate to the world the light of sacredtruth . The Jewish nation had been preserved as a witness that Christ was tobe born of the seed of Abraham and of David ' s line ; yet they knew not thatHis coming was now at hand . In the temple the morning and the eveningsacrifice daily pointed to the Lamb of God ; yet even here was no preparationto receive Him . The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that thegreatest event of the ages was about to take place . They rehearsed theirmeaningless prayers , and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men , but in their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared forthe revelation of the Messiah . The same indifference pervaded the land ofIsrael . Hearts selfish and world - engrossed were untouched by the joy thatthrilled all heaven . only a few were longing to behold the Unseen . To theseheaven ' s embassy was sent . Angels attend Joseph and Mary as they journey from their home in Nazareth tothe city of David . The decree of imperial Rome for the enrollment of thepeoples of her vast dominion has extended to the dwellers among the hills ofGalilee . As in old time Cyrus was called to the throne of the world ' s empirethat he might set free the captives of the Lord , so Caesar Augustus is madethe agent for the fulfillment of God ' s purpose in bringing the mother ofJesus to Bethlehem . She is of the lineage of David , and the Son of Davidmust be born in David ' s city . Out of Bethlehem , said the prophet , " shall Hecome forth . . . that is to be ruler in Israel ; whose goings forth have beenfrom of old , from the days of eternity . " Micah 5 : 2 , margin . But in the cityof their royal line , Joseph and Mary are unrecognized and unhonored . Wearyand homeless , they traverse the entire length of the narrow street , from thegate of the city to the eastern extremity of the town , vainly seeking aresting place for the night . There is no room for them at the crowded inn . In a rude building where the beasts are sheltered , they at last find refuge , and here the Redeemer of the world is born . 47 Men know it not , but the tidings fill heaven with rejoicing . With a deeperand more tender interest the holy beings from the world of light are drawnto the earth . The whole world is brighter for His presence . Above the hillsof Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of angels . They wait thesignal to declare the glad news to the world . Had the leaders in Israel beentrue to their trust , they might have shared the joy of heralding the birthof Jesus . But now they are passed by . God declares , " I will pour water upon him that is thirsty , and floods uponthe dry ground . " " Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness . " Isa . 44 : 3 ; Ps . 112 : 4 . To those who are seeking for light , and who accept itwith gladness , the bright rays from the throne of God will shine . In the fields where the boy David had led his flock , shepherds were stillkeeping watch by night . Through the silent hours they talked together of thepromised Saviour , and prayed for the coming of the King to David ' s throne . " And , lo , the angel of the Lord came upon them , and the glory of the Lordshone round about them : and they were sore afraid . And the angel said untothem , Fear not : for , behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy , whichshall be to all people . For unto you is born this day in the city of David aSaviour , which is Christ the Lord . " At these words , visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds . The Deliverer has come to Israel ! Power , exaltation , triumph , are associatedwith His coming . But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Saviourin poverty and humiliation . " This shall be a sign unto you , " he says ; " Yeshall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger . " The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears . He had told them how to findJesus . With tender regard for their human weakness , he had 48 given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance . Then the joyand glory could no longer be hidden . The whole plain was lighted up with thebright shining of the hosts of God . Earth was hushed , and heaven stooped tolisten to the song , -- " Glory to God in the highest , And on earth peace , good will toward men . " Oh that today the human family could recognize that song ! The declarationthen made , the note then struck , will swell to the close of time , andresound to the ends of the earth . When the Sun of Righteousness shall arise , with healing in His wings , that song will be re - echoed by the voice of agreat multitude , as the voice of many waters , saying , " Alleluia : for theLord God omnipotent reigneth . " Rev . 19 : 6 . As the angels disappeared , the light faded away , and the shadows of nightonce more fell on the hills of Bethlehem . But the brightest picture everbeheld by human eyes remained in the memory of the shepherds . " And it cameto pass , as the angels were gone away from them into heaven , the shepherdssaid one to another , Let us now go even unto Bethlehem , and see this thingwhich is come to pass , which the Lord hath made known unto us . And they camewith haste , and found Mary , and Joseph , and the babe lying in a manger . " Departing with great joy , they made known the things they had seen andheard . " And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were toldthem by the shepherds . But Mary kept all these things , and pondered them inher heart . And the shepherds returned , glorifying and praising God . " Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened tothe angels ' song . Humanity is still as much the object of heaven ' ssolicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday , and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields . Tous in the common walks of life , heaven may be very near . Angels from thecourts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God ' scommand . The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme . In it is hidden " the depthof the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God . " Rom . 11 : 33 . Wemarvel at the Saviour ' s sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for themanger , and the companionship of adoring angels for the 49 beasts of the stall . Human pride and self - sufficiency stand rebuked in Hispresence . Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension . Itwould have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to takeman ' s nature , even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden . But Jesusaccepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years ofsin . Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of thegreat law of heredity . What these results were is shown in the history ofHis earthly ancestors . He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows andtemptations , and to give us the example of a sinless life . Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God . Hehated Him the more when he himself was dethroned . He hated Him who pledgedHimself to redeem a race of sinners . Yet into the world where Satan claimeddominion God permitted His Son to come , a helpless babe , subject to theweakness of humanity . He permitted Him to meet life ' s peril in common withevery human soul , to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fightit , at the risk of failure and eternal loss . The heart of the human father yearns over his son . He looks into the face ofhis little child , and trembles at the thought of life ' s peril . He longs toshield his dear one from Satan ' s power , to hold him back from temptation andconflict . To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk , God gave Hisonly - begotten Son , that the path of life might be made sure for our littleones . " Herein is love . " Wonder , O heavens ! and be astonished , O earth ! ( 50 ) Chapter 5 The Dedication [ This chapter is based on Luke 2 : 21 - 38 . ] About forty days after the birth of Christ , Joseph and Mary took Him toJerusalem , to present Him to the Lord , and to offer sacrifice . This wasaccording to the Jewish law , and as man ' s substitute Christ must conform tothe law in every particular . He had already been subjected to the rite ofcircumcision , as a pledge of His obedience to the law . As an offering for the mother , the law required a lamb of the first year fora burnt offering , and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering . Butthe law provided that if the parents were too poor to bring a lamb , a pairof turtledoves or two young pigeons , one for a burnt offering , the other fora sin offering , might be accepted . The offerings presented to the Lord were to be without blemish . Theseofferings represented Christ , and from this it is evident that Jesus Himselfwas free from physical deformity . He was the " lamb without blemish andwithout spot . " 1 Peter 1 : 19 . His physical structure was not marred by anydefect ; His body was strong and healthy . And throughout His lifetime Helived in conformity to nature ' s laws . Physically 51 as well as spiritually , He was an example of what God designed all humanityto be through obedience to His laws . The dedication of the first - born had its origin in the earliest times . Godhad promised to give the First - born of heaven to save the sinner . This giftwas to be acknowledged in every household by the consecration of thefirst - born son . He was to be devoted to the priesthood , as a representativeof Christ among men . In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt , the dedication of the first - bornwas again commanded . While the children of Israel were in bondage to theEgyptians , the Lord directed Moses to go to Pharaoh , king of Egypt , and say , " Thus saith the Lord , Israel is My son , even My first - born : and I say untothee , Let My son go , that he may serve Me : and if thou refuse to let him go , behold , I will slay thy son , even thy first - born . " Ex . 4 : 22 , 23 . Moses delivered his message ; but the proud king ' s answer was , " Who is theLord , that I should obey His voice to let Israel go ? I know not the Lord , neither will I let Israel go . " Ex . 5 : 2 . The Lord worked for His people bysigns and wonders , sending terrible judgments upon Pharaoh . At length thedestroying angel was bidden to slay the first - born of man and beast amongthe Egyptians . That the Israelites might be spared , they were directed toplace upon their doorposts the blood of a slain lamb . Every house was to bemarked , that when the angel came on his mission of death , he might pass overthe homes of the Israelites . After sending this judgment upon Egypt , the Lord said to Moses , " Sanctifyunto Me all the first - born , . . . both of man and of beast : it is Mine ;"" for on the day that I smote all the first - born in the land of Egypt Ihallowed unto Me all the first - born in Israel , both man and beast : Mineshall they be : I am the Lord . " Ex . 13 : 2 ; Num . 3 : 13 . After the tabernacleservice was established , the Lord chose the tribe of Levi in the place ofthe first - born of all Israel to minister in the sanctuary . But thefirst - born were still to be regarded as the Lord ' s , and were to be boughtback by a ransom . Thus the law for the presentation of the first - born was made particularlysignificant . While it was a memorial of the Lord ' s wonderful deliverance ofthe children of Israel , it prefigured a greater deliverance , to be wroughtout by the only - begotten Son of God . As the blood sprinkled on the doorpostshad saved the first - born of Israel , so the blood of Christ has power to savethe world . 52 What meaning then was attached to Christ ' s presentation ! But the priest didnot see through the veil ; he did not read the mystery beyond . Thepresentation of infants was a common scene . Day after day the priestreceived the redemption money as the babes were presented to the Lord . Dayafter day he went through the routine of his work , giving little heed to theparents or children , unless he saw some indication of the wealth or highrank of the parents . Joseph and Mary were poor ; and when they came withtheir child , the priests saw only a man and woman dressed as Galileans , andin the humblest garments . There was nothing in their appearance to attractattention , and they presented only the offering made by the poorer classes . The priest went through the ceremony of his official work . He took the childin his arms , and held it up before the altar . After handing it back to itsmother , he inscribed the name " Jesus " on the roll of the first - born . Littledid he think , as the babe lay in his arms , that it was the Majesty ofheaven , the King of glory . The priest did not think that this babe was theOne of whom Moses had written , " A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise upunto you of your brethren , like unto me ; Him shall ye hear in all thingswhatsoever He shall say unto you . " Acts 3 : 22 . He did not think that thisbabe was He whose glory Moses had asked to see . But one greater than Moseslay in the priest ' s arms ; and when he enrolled the child ' s name , he wasenrolling the name of one who was the foundation of the whole Jewisheconomy . That name was to be its death warrant ; for the system of sacrificesand offerings was waxing old ; the type had almost reached its antitype , theshadow its substance . The Shekinah had departed from the sanctuary , but in the Child of Bethlehemwas veiled the glory before which angels bow . This unconscious babe was thepromised seed , to whom the first altar at the gate of Eden pointed . This wasShiloh , the peace giver . It was He who declared Himself to Moses as the Iam . It was He who in the pillar of cloud and of fire had been the guide ofIsrael . This was He whom seers had long foretold . He was the Desire of allnations , the Root and the Offspring of David , and the Bright and MorningStar . The name of that helpless little babe , inscribed in the roll ofIsrael , declaring Him our brother , was the hope of fallen humanity . Thechild for whom the redemption money had been paid was He who was to pay theransom for the sins of the whole world . He was the true " high priest overthe house of God , " the head of " an unchangeable priesthood , " the intercessor 55 at " the right hand of the Majesty on high . " Heb . 10 : 21 ; 7 : 24 ; 1 : 3 . Spiritual things are spiritually discerned . In the temple the Son of God wasdedicated to the work He had come to do . The priest looked upon Him as hewould upon any other child . But though he neither saw nor felt anythingunusual , God ' s act in giving His Son to the world was acknowledged . Thisoccasion did not pass without some recognition of Christ . " There was a manin Jerusalem , whose name was Simeon ; and the same man was just and devout , waiting for the Consolation of Israel : and the Holy Ghost was upon him . Andit was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost , that he should not see death , before he had seen the Lord ' s Christ . " As Simeon enters the temple , he sees a family presenting their first - bornson before the priest . Their appearance bespeaks poverty ; but Simeonunderstands the warnings of the Spirit , and he is deeply impressed that theinfant being presented to the Lord is the Consolation of Israel , the one hehas longed to see . To the astonished priest , Simeon appears like a manenraptured . The child has been returned to Mary , and he takes it in his armsand presents it to God , while a joy that he has never before felt enters hissoul . As he lifts the infant Saviour toward heaven , he says , " Lord , nowlettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace , according to Thy word : for mineeyes have seen Thy salvation , which Thou hast prepared before the face ofall people ; a light to lighten the Gentiles , and the glory of Thy peopleIsrael . " The spirit of prophecy was upon this man of God , and while Joseph and Marystood by , wondering at his words , he blessed them , and said unto Mary , " Behold , this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel ; and for a sign which shall be spoken against ; ( yea , a sword shall piercethrough thy own soul also , ) that the thoughts of many hearts may berevealed . " Anna also , a prophetess , came in and confirmed Simeon ' s testimony concerningChrist . As Simeon spoke , her face lighted up with the glory of God , and shepoured out her heartfelt thanks that she had been permitted to behold Christthe Lord . These humble worshipers had not studied the prophecies in vain . But thosewho held positions as rulers and priests in Israel , though they too hadbefore them the precious utterances of prophecy , were not walking in the wayof the Lord , and their eyes were not open to behold the Light of life . 56 So it is still . Events upon which the attention of all heaven is centeredare undiscerned , their very occurrence is unnoticed , by religious leaders , and worshipers in the house of God . Men acknowledge Christ in history , whilethey turn away from the living Christ . Christ in His word calling toself - sacrifice , in the poor and suffering who plead for relief , in therighteous cause that involves poverty and toil and reproach , is no morereadily received today than He was eighteen hundred years ago . Mary pondered the broad and far - reaching prophecy of Simeon . As she lookedupon the child in her arms , and recalled the words spoken by the shepherdsof Bethlehem , she was full of grateful joy and bright hope . Simeon ' s wordscalled to her mind the prophetic utterances of Isaiah : " There shall comeforth a rod out of the stem of Jesse , and a Branch shall grow out of hisroots : and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him , the spirit of wisdomand understanding , the spirit of counsel and might , the spirit of knowledgeand of the fear of the Lord . . . . And righteousness shall be the girdle ofHis loins , and faithfulness the girdle of His reins . " " The people thatwalked in darkness have seen a great light : they that dwell in the land ofthe shadow of death , upon them hath the light shined . . . . For unto us achild is born , unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon Hisshoulder : and His name shall be called Wonderful , Counselor , The mighty God , The everlasting Father , The Prince of Peace . " Isa . 11 : 1 - 5 ; 9 : 2 - 6 . Yet Mary did not understand Christ ' s mission . Simeon had prophesied of Himas a light to lighten the Gentiles , as well as a glory to Israel . Thus theangels had announced the Saviour ' s birth as tidings of joy to all peoples . God was seeking to correct the narrow , Jewish conception of the Messiah ' swork . He desired men to behold Him , not merely as the deliverer of Israel , but as the Redeemer of the world . But many years must pass before even themother of Jesus would understand His mission . Mary looked forward to the Messiah ' s reign on David ' s throne , but she sawnot the baptism of suffering by which it must be won . Through Simeon it isrevealed that the Messiah is to have no unobstructed passage through theworld . In the words to Mary , " A sword shall pierce through thy own soulalso , " God in His tender mercy gives to the mother of Jesus an intimation ofthe anguish that already for His sake she had begun to bear . " Behold , " Simeon had said , " this child is set for the fall and rising againof many in Israel ; and for a sign which shall be spoken against . " 57 They must fall who would rise again . We must fall upon the Rock and bebroken before we can be uplifted in Christ . Self must be dethroned , pridemust be humbled , if we would know the glory of the spiritual kingdom . TheJews would not accept the honor that is reached through humiliation . Therefore they would not receive their Redeemer . He was a sign that wasspoken against . " That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed . " In the light of theSaviour ' s life , the hearts of all , even from the Creator to the prince ofdarkness , are revealed . Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive , as claiming all , and giving nothing , as requiring the service of Hiscreatures for His own glory , and making no sacrifice for their good . But thegift of Christ reveals the Father ' s heart . It testifies that the thoughts ofGod toward us are " thoughts of peace , and not of evil . " Jer . 29 : 11 . Itdeclares that while God ' s hatred of sin is as strong as death , His love forthe sinner is stronger than death . Having undertaken our redemption , He willspare nothing , however dear , which is necessary to the completion of Hiswork . No truth essential to our salvation is withheld , no miracle of mercyis neglected , no divine agency is left unemployed . Favor is heaped uponfavor , gift upon gift . The whole treasury of heaven is open to those Heseeks to save . Having collected the riches of the universe , and laid openthe resources of infinite power , He gives them all into the hands of Christ , and says , All these are for man . Use these gifts to convince him that thereis no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven . His greatest happiness willbe found in loving Me . At the cross of Calvary , love and selfishness stood face to face . Here wastheir crowning manifestation . Christ had lived only to comfort and bless , and in putting Him to death , Satan manifested the malignity of his hatredagainst God . He made it evident that the real purpose of his rebellion wasto dethrone God , and to destroy Him through whom the love of God was shown . By the life and the death of Christ , the thoughts of men also are brought toview . From the manger to the cross , the life of Jesus was a call toself - surrender , and to fellowship in suffering . It unveiled the purposes ofmen . Jesus came with the truth of heaven , and all who were listening to thevoice of the Holy Spirit were drawn to Him . The worshipers of self belongedto Satan ' s kingdom . In their attitude toward Christ , all would show on whichside they stood . And thus everyone passes judgment on himself . 58 In the day of final judgment , every lost soul will understand the nature ofhis own rejection of truth . The cross will be presented , and its realbearing will be seen by every mind that has been blinded by transgression . Before the vision of Calvary with its mysterious Victim , sinners will standcondemned . Every lying excuse will be swept away . Human apostasy will appearin its heinous character . Men will see what their choice has been . Everyquestion of truth and error in the long - standing controversy will then havebeen made plain . In the judgment of the universe , God will stand clear ofblame for the existence or continuance of evil . It will be demonstrated thatthe divine decrees are not accessory to sin . There was no defect in God ' sgovernment , no cause for disaffection . When the thoughts of all hearts shallbe revealed , both the loyal and the rebellious will unite in declaring , " Just and true are Thy ways , Thou King of saints . Who shall not fear Thee , OLord , and glorify Thy name ? . . . for Thy judgments are made manifest . " Rev . 15 : 3 , 4 . ( 59 ) Chapter 6 " We Have Seen His Star " [ This chapter is based on Matthew 2 . ] " Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod theking , behold , there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem , saying , Whereis He that is born King of the Jews ? for we have seen His star in the East , and are come to worship Him . " The wise men from the East were philosophers . They belonged to a large andinfluential class that included men of noble birth , and comprised much ofthe wealth and learning of their nation . Among these were many who imposedon the credulity of the people . Others were upright men who studied theindications of Providence in nature , and who were honored for theirintegrity and wisdom . Of this character were the wise men who came to Jesus . The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism . As thesemagi studied the starry heavens , and sought to fathom the mystery hidden intheir bright paths , they beheld the glory of the Creator . Seeking clearerknowledge , they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures . In their own land weretreasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher . Balaam belonged to the magicians , though at one time a prophet of God ; bythe Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel and the appearingof the Messiah ; and his prophecies 60 had been handed down by tradition from century to century . But in the OldTestament the Saviour ' s advent was more clearly revealed . The magi learnedwith joy that His coming was near , and that the whole world was to be filledwith a knowledge of the glory of the Lord . The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night whenthe glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem . As the light faded , aluminous star appeared , and lingered in the sky . It was not a fixed star nora planet , and the phenomenon excited the keenest interest . That star was adistant company of shining angels , but of this the wise men were ignorant . Yet they were impressed that the star was of special import to them . Theyconsulted priests and philosophers , and searched the scrolls of the ancientrecords . The prophecy of Balaam had declared , " There shall come a Star outof Jacob , and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel . " Num . 24 : 17 . Could thisstrange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised one ? The magi hadwelcomed the light of heaven - sent truth ; now it was shed upon them inbrighter rays . Through dreams they were instructed to go in search of thenewborn Prince . As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God , " not knowing whither hewent " ( Heb . 11 : 8 ) ; as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to thePromised Land , so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour . The Eastern country abounded in precious things , and the magi did not setout empty - handed . It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage toprinces or other personages of rank , and the richest gifts the land affordedwere borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth wereto be blessed . It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep thestar in view ; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditionalsayings and prophetic utterances concerning the one they sought . At everypause for rest they searched the prophecies ; and the conviction deepenedthat they were divinely guided . While they had the star before them as anoutward sign , they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit , whichwas impressing their hearts , and inspiring them with hope . The journey , though long , was a happy one to them . They have reached the land of Israel , and are descending the Mount ofOlives , with Jerusalem in sight , when , lo , the star that has guided them allthe weary way rests above the temple , and after a season fades from theirview . With eager steps they press onward , confidently expecting theMessiah ' s birth to be the joyful burden of every tongue . But their 61 inquiries are in vain . Entering the holy city , they repair to the temple . Totheir amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newbornking . Their questions call forth no ｅxpressions of joy , but rather ofsurprise and fear , not unmingled with contempt . The priests are rehearsing traditions . They extol their religion and theirown piety , while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen , and sinnersabove others . The wise men are not idolaters , and in the sight of God theystand far higher than do these , His professed worshipers ; yet they arelooked upon by the Jews as heathen . Even among the appointed guardians ofthe Holy Oracles their eager questionings touch no chord of sympathy . The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem . Theirstrange errand created an excitement among the people , which penetrated tothe palace of King Herod . The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation ofa possible rival . Countless murders had stained his pathway to the throne . Being of alien blood , he was hated by the people over whom he ruled . Hisonly security was the favor of Rome . But this new Prince had a higher claim . He was born to the kingdom . Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite apopular tumult and unseat him from the throne . He concealed his mistrust , however , determined to thwart their schemes by superior cunning . Summoningthe chief priests and the scribes , he questioned 62 them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of theMessiah ' s birth . This inquiry from the usurper of the throne , and made at the request ofstrangers , stung the pride of the Jewish teachers . The indifference withwhich they turned to the rolls of prophecy enraged the jealous tyrant . Hethought them trying to conceal their knowledge of the matter . With anauthority they dared not disregard , he commanded them to make close search , and to declare the birthplace of their expected King . " And they said untohim , In Bethlehem of Judea : for thus it is written by the prophet , " And thou Bethlehem , land of Judah , Art in nowise least among the princes of Judah : For out of thee shall come forth a governor , Which shall be shepherd of My people Israel . " R . V . Herod now invited the magi to a private interview . A tempest of wrath andfear was raging in his heart , but he preserved a calm exterior , and receivedthe strangers courteously . He inquired at what time the star had appeared , and professed to hail with joy the intimation of the birth of Christ . Hebade his visitors , " Search diligently for the young child ; and when ye havefound Him , bring me word again , that I may come and worship Him also . " Sosaying , he dismissed them to go on their way to Bethlehem . The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant concerning thebirth of Christ as they pretended . The report of the angels ' visit to theshepherds had been brought to Jerusalem , but the rabbis had treated it asunworthy of their notice . They themselves might have found Jesus , and mighthave been ready to lead the magi to His birthplace ; but instead of this , thewise men came to call their attention to the birth of the Messiah . " Where isHe that is born King of the Jews ? " they said ; " for we have seen His star inthe East , and are come to worship Him . " Now pride and envy closed the door against the light . If the reports broughtby the shepherds and the wise men were credited , they would place thepriests and rabbis in a most unenviable position , disproving their claim tobe the exponents of the truth of God . These learned teachers would not stoopto be instructed by those whom they termed heathen . It could not be , theysaid , that God had passed them by , to communicate 63 with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles . They determined to showtheir contempt for the reports that were exciting King Herod and allJerusalem . They would not even go to Bethlehem to see whether these thingswere so . And they led the people to regard the interest in Jesus as afanatical excitement . Here began the rejection of Christ by the priests andrabbis . From this point their pride and stubbornness grew into a settledhatred of the Saviour . While God was opening the door to the Gentiles , theJewish leaders were closing the door to themselves . The wise men departed alone from Jerusalem . The shadows of night werefalling as they left the gates , but to their great joy they again saw thestar , and were directed to Bethlehem . They had received no such intimationof the lowly estate of Jesus as was given to the shepherds . After the longjourney they had been disappointed by the indifference of the Jewishleaders , and had left Jerusalem less confident than when they entered thecity . At Bethlehem they found no royal guard stationed to protect thenewborn King . None of the world ' s honored men were in attendance . Jesus wascradled in a manger . His parents , uneducated peasants , were His onlyguardians . Could this be He of whom it was written , that He should " raise upthe tribes of Jacob , " and " restore the preserved of Israel ;" that He shouldbe " a light to the Gentiles , " and for " salvation unto the end of the earth "? Isa . 49 : 6 . " When they were come into the house , they saw the young child with Mary Hismother , and fell down , and worshiped Him . " Beneath the lowly guise of Jesus , they recognized the presence of Divinity . They gave their hearts to Him astheir Saviour , and then poured out their gifts , --" gold , and frankincense , and myrrh . " What a faith was theirs ! 64 It might have been said of the wise men from the East , as afterward of theRoman centurion , " I have not found so great faith , no , not in Israel . " Matt . 8 : 10 . The wise men had not penetrated Herod ' s design toward Jesus . When the objectof their journey was accomplished , they prepared to return to Jerusalem , intending to acquaint him with their success . But in a dream they received adivine message to hold no further communication with him . AvoidingJerusalem , they set out for their own country by another route . In like manner Joseph received warning to flee into Egypt with Mary and thechild . And the angel said , " Be thou there until I bring thee word : for Herodwill seek the young child to destroy Him . " Joseph obeyed without delay , setting out on the journey by night for greater security . Through the wise men , God had called the attention of the Jewish nation tothe birth of His Son . Their inquiries in Jerusalem , the popular interestexcited , and even the jealousy of Herod , which compelled the attention ofthe priests and rabbis , directed minds to the prophecies concerning theMessiah , and to the great event that had just taken place . 65 Satan was bent on shutting out the divine light from the world , and he usedhis utmost cunning to destroy the Saviour . But He who never slumbers norsleeps was watching over His beloved Son . He who had rained manna fromheaven for Israel and had fed Elijah in the time of famine provided in aheathen land a refuge for Mary and the child Jesus . And through the gifts ofthe magi from a heathen country , the Lord supplied the means for the journeyinto Egypt and the sojourn in a land of strangers . The magi had been among the first to welcome the Redeemer . Their gift wasthe first that was laid at His feet . And through that gift , what privilegeof ministry was theirs ! The offering from the heart that loves , God delightsto honor , giving it highest efficiency in service for Him . If we have givenour hearts to Jesus , we also shall bring our gifts to Him . Our gold andsilver , our most precious earthly possessions , our highest mental andspiritual endowments , will be freely devoted to Him who loved us , and gaveHimself for us . Herod in Jerusalem impatiently awaited the return of the wise men . As timepassed , and they did not appear , his suspicions were roused . Theunwillingness of the rabbis to point out the Messiah ' s birthplace seemed toindicate that they had penetrated his design , and that the magi hadpurposely avoided him . He was maddened at the thought . Craft had failed , butthere was left the resort to force . He would make an example of thischild - king . Those haughty Jews should see what they might expect in theirattempts to place a monarch on the throne . Soldiers were at once sent to Bethlehem , with orders to put to death all thechildren of two years and under . The quiet homes of the city of Davidwitnessed those scenes of horror that , six hundred years before , had beenopened to the prophet . " In Ramah was there a voice heard , lamentation , andweeping , and great mourning , Rachel weeping for her children , and would notbe comforted , because they are not . " This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves . If they had been walkingin faithfulness and humility before God , He would in a signal manner havemade the wrath of the king harmless to them . But they had separatedthemselves from God by their sins , and had rejected the Holy Spirit , whichwas their only shield . They had not studied the Scriptures with a desire toconform to the will of God . They had searched for prophecies which could beinterpreted to exalt themselves , and to show how God despised all othernations . It was their proud boast that the 66 Messiah was to come as a king , conquering His enemies , and treading down theheathen in His wrath . Thus they had excited the hatred of their rulers . Through their misrepresentation of Christ ' s mission , Satan had purposed tocompass the destruction of the Saviour ; but instead of this , it returnedupon their own heads . This act of cruelty was one of the last that darkened the reign of Herod . Soon after the slaughter of the innocents , he was himself compelled to yieldto that doom which none can turn aside . He died a fearful death . Joseph , who was still in Egypt , was now bidden by an angel of God to returnto the land of Israel . Regarding Jesus as the heir of David ' s throne , Josephdesired to make his home in Bethlehem ; but learning that Archelaus reignedin Judea in his father ' s stead , he feared that the father ' s designs againstChrist might be carried out by the son . Of all the sons of Herod , Archelausmost resembled him in character . Already his succession to the governmenthad been marked by a tumult in Jerusalem , and the slaughter of thousands ofJews by the Roman guards . Again Joseph was directed to a place of safety . He returned to Nazareth , hisformer home , and here for nearly thirty years Jesus dwelt , " that it might befulfilled which was spoken by the prophets , He shall be called a Nazarene . " Galilee was under the control of a son of Herod , but it had a much largeradmixture of foreign inhabitants than Judea . 67 Thus there was less interest in matters relating especially to the Jews , andthe claims of Jesus would be less likely to excite the jealousy of those inpower . Such was the Saviour ' s reception when He came to the earth . There seemed tobe no place of rest or safety for the infant Redeemer . God could not trustHis beloved Son with men , even while carrying forward His work for theirsalvation . He commissioned angels to attend Jesus and protect Him till Heshould accomplish His mission on earth , and die by the hands of those whomHe came to save . ( 68 ) Chapter 7 As a Child [ This chapter is based on Luke 2 : 39 , 40 . ] The childhood and youth of Jesus were spent in a little mountain village . There was no place on earth that would not have been honored by Hispresence . The palaces of kings would have been privileged in receiving Himas a guest . But He passed by the homes of wealth , the courts of royalty , andthe renowned seats of learning , to make His home in obscure and despisedNazareth . Wonderful in its significance is the brief record of His early life : " Thechild grew , and waxed strong in spirit , filled with wisdom : and the grace ofGod was upon Him . " In the sunlight of His Father ' s countenance , Jesus " increased in wisdom and stature , and in favor with God and man . " Luke 2 : 52 . His mind was active and penetrating , with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyondHis years . Yet His character was beautiful in its symmetry . The powers ofmind and body developed gradually , in keeping with the laws of childhood . As a child , Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition . Hiswilling hands were ever ready to serve others . He manifested a patience 69 that nothing could disturb , and a truthfulness that would never sacrificeintegrity . In principle firm as a rock , His life revealed the grace ofunselfish courtesy . With deep earnestness the mother of Jesus watched the unfolding of Hispowers , and beheld the impress of perfection upon His character . Withdelight she sought to encourage that bright , receptive mind . Through theHoly Spirit she received wisdom to co - operate with the heavenly agencies inthe development of this child , who could claim only God as His Father . From the earliest times the faithful in Israel had given much care to theeducation of the youth . The Lord had directed that even from babyhood thechildren should be taught of His goodness and His greatness , especially asrevealed in His law , and shown in the history of Israel . Song and prayer andlessons from the Scriptures were to be adapted to the opening mind . Fathersand mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is anｅxpression of His character , and that as they received the principles of thelaw into the heart , the image of God was traced on mind and soul . Much ofthe teaching was oral ; but the youth also learned to read the Hebrewwritings ; and the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were opento their study . In the days of Christ the town or city that did not provide for thereligious instruction of the young was regarded as under the curse of God . Yet the teaching had become formal . Tradition had in a great degreesupplanted the Scriptures . True education would lead the youth to " seek theLord , if haply they might feel after Him , and find Him . " Acts 17 : 27 . But theJewish teachers gave their attention to matters of ceremony . The mind wascrowded with material that was worthless to the learner , and that would notbe recognized in the higher school of the courts above . The experience whichis obtained through a personal acceptance of God ' s word had no place in theeducational system . Absorbed in the round of externals , the students foundno quiet hours to spend with God . They did not hear His voice speaking tothe heart . In their search after knowledge , they turned away from the Sourceof wisdom . The great essentials of the service of God were neglected . Theprinciples of the law were obscured . That which was regarded as superioreducation was the greatest hindrance to real development . Under the trainingof the rabbis the powers of the youth were repressed . Their minds becamecramped and narrow . 70 The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools . Hismother was His first human teacher . From her lips and from the scrolls ofthe prophets , He learned of heavenly things . The very words which He Himselfhad spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother ' s knee . As Headvanced from childhood to youth , He did not seek the schools of the rabbis . He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources ; for God wasHis instructor . The question asked during the Saviour ' s ministry , " How knoweth this manletters , having never learned ? " does not indicate that Jesus was unable toread , but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education . John 7 : 15 . Since He gained knowledge as we may do , His intimate acquaintance with theScriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study ofGod ' s word . And spread out before Him was the great library of God ' s createdworks . He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand hadwritten in earth and sea and sky . Apart from the unholy ways of the world , He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature . He studied the lifeof plants and animals , and the life of man . From His earliest years He waspossessed of one purpose ; He lived to bless others . For this He foundresources in nature ; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as Hestudied plant life and animal life . Continually He was seeking to draw fromthings seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God . Theparables by which , during His ministry , He loved to teach His lessons oftruth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature , and how Hehad gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life . Thus to Jesus the significance of the word and the works of God wasunfolded , as He was trying to understand the reason of things . Heavenlybeings were His attendants , and the culture of holy thoughts and communingswas His . From the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing inspiritual grace and knowledge of truth . Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did . As we try to become acquaintedwith our heavenly Father through His word , angels will draw near , our mindswill be strengthened , our characters will be elevated and refined . We shallbecome more like our Saviour . And as we behold the beautiful and grand innature , our affections go out after God . While the spirit is awed , the soulis invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works . Communion with God through 71 prayer develops the mental and moral faculties , and the spiritual powersstrengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things . The life of Jesus was a life in harmony with God . While He was a child , Hethought and spoke as a child ; but no trace of sin marred the image of Godwithin Him . Yet He was not exempt from temptation . The inhabitants ofNazareth were proverbial for their wickedness . The low estimate in whichthey were generally held is shown by Nathanael ' s question , " Can there anygood thing come out of Nazareth ? " John 1 : 46 . Jesus was placed where Hischaracter would be tested . It was necessary for Him to be constantly onguard in order to preserve His purity . He was subject to all the conflictswhich we have to meet , that He might be an example to us in childhood , youth , and manhood . Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the Child of Nazareth . FromHis earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels , yet His life wasone long struggle against the powers of darkness . That there should be uponthe earth one life free from the defilement of evil was an offense and aperplexity to the prince of darkness . He left no means untried to ensnareJesus . No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid sofierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour . 72 The parents of Jesus were poor , and dependent upon their daily toil . He wasfamiliar with poverty , self - denial , and privation . This experience was asafeguard to Him . In His industrious life there were no idle moments toinvite temptation . No aimless hours opened the way for corruptingassociations . So far as possible , He closed the door to the tempter . Neithergain nor pleasure , applause nor censure , could induce Him to consent to awrong act . He was wise to discern evil , and strong to resist it . Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth ; yet for nearlythirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth . This fact isa rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place , fortune , orprosperity , in order to live a blameless life . Temptation , poverty , adversity , is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness . Jesus lived in a peasant ' s home , and faithfully and cheerfully acted Hispart in bearing the burdens of the household . He had been the Commander ofheaven , and angels had delighted to fulfill His word ; now He was a willingservant , a loving , obedient son . He learned a trade , and with His own handsworked in the carpenter ' s shop with Joseph . In the simple garb of a commonlaborer He walked the streets of the little town , going to and returningfrom His humble work . He did not employ His divine power to lessen Hisburdens or to lighten His toil . As Jesus worked in childhood and youth , mind and body were developed . He didnot use His physical powers recklessly , but in such a way as to keep them inhealth , that He might do the best work in every line . He was not willing tobe defective , even in the handling of tools . He was perfect as a workman , asHe was perfect in character . By His own example He taught that it is ourduty to be industrious , that our work should be performed with exactness andthoroughness , and that such labor is honorable . The exercise that teachesthe hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of life ' sburdens gives physical strength , and develops every faculty . All should findsomething to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others . God appointed work as a blessing , and only the diligent worker finds thetrue glory and joy of life . The approval of God rests with loving assuranceupon children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of thehousehold , sharing the burdens of father and mother . Such children will goout from the home to be useful members of society . 73 Throughout His life on earth , Jesus was an earnest and constant worker . Heexpected much ; therefore He attempted much . After He had entered on Hisministry , He said , " I must work the works of Him that sent Me , while it isday : the night cometh , when no man can work . " John 9 : 4 . Jesus did not shirkcare and responsibility , as do many who profess to be His followers . It isbecause they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak andinefficient . They may possess precious and amiable traits , but they arenerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstaclessurmounted . The positiveness and energy , the solidity and strength ofcharacter , manifested in Christ are to be developed in us , through the samediscipline that He endured . And the grace that He received is for us . So long as He lived among men , our Saviour shared the lot of the poor . Heknew by experience their cares and hardships , and He could comfort andencourage all humble workers . Those who have a true conception of theteaching of His life will never feel that a distinction must be made betweenclasses , that the rich are to be honored above the worthy poor . Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact . It requires muchpatience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life andinto the workshop , to bear the strain of worldly business , and yet keep theeye single to the glory of God . This is where Christ was a helper . He wasnever so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenlythings . Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms andheavenly songs . Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised inpraise and thanksgiving to God . He held communion with heaven in song ; andas His companions complained of weariness from labor , they were cheered bythe sweet melody from His lips . His praise seemed to banish the evil angels , and , like incense , fill the place with fragrance . The minds of His hearerswere carried away from their earthly exile , to the heavenly home . 74 Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world ; and through all thosesecluded years at Nazareth , His life flowed out in currents of sympathy andtenderness . The aged , the sorrowing , and the sin - burdened , the children atplay in their innocent joy , the little creatures of the groves , the patientbeasts of burden , -- all were happier for His presence . He whose word of powerupheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird . There was nothingbeneath His notice , nothing to which He disdained to minister . Thus as He grew in wisdom and stature , Jesus increased in favor with God andman . He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing Himself capable ofsympathizing with all . The atmosphere of hope and courage that surroundedHim made Him a blessing in every home . And often in the synagogue on theSabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets , and thehearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiarwords of the sacred text . Yet Jesus shunned display . During all the years of His stay in Nazareth , Hemade no exhibition of His miraculous power . He sought no high position andassumed no titles . His quiet and simple life , and even the silence of theScriptures concerning His early years , teach an important lesson . The morequiet and simple the life of the child , -- the more free from artificialexcitement , and the more in harmony with nature , -- the more favorable is itto physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength . Jesus is our example . There are many who dwell with interest upon the periodof His public ministry , while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His earlyyears . But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all childrenand youth . The Saviour condescended to poverty , that He might teach howclosely we in a humble lot may walk with God . He lived to please , honor , andglorify His Father in the common things of life . His work began inconsecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their dailybread . He was doing God ' s service just as much when laboring at thecarpenter ' s bench as when working miracles for the multitude . And everyyouth who follows Christ ' s example of faithfulness and obedience in Hislowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through theHoly Spirit , " Behold My Servant , whom I uphold ; Mine Elect , in whom My souldelighteth . " Isa . 42 : 1 . ( 75 ) Chapter 8 The Passover Visit [ This chapter is based on Luke 2 : 41 - 51 . ] Among the Jews the twelfth year was the dividing line between childhood andyouth . on completing this year a Hebrew boy was called a son of the law , andalso a son of God . He was given special opportunities for religiousinstruction , and was expected to participate in the sacred feasts andobservances . It was in accordance with this custom that Jesus in His boyhoodmade the Passover visit to Jerusalem . Like all devout Israelites , Joseph andMary went up every year to attend the Passover ; and when Jesus had reachedthe required age , they took Him with them . There were three annual feasts , the Passover , the Pentecost , and the Feastof Tabernacles , at which all the men of Israel were commanded to appearbefore the Lord at Jerusalem . Of these feasts the Passover was the mostlargely attended . Many were present from all countries where the Jews werescattered . From every part of Palestine the worshipers came in greatnumbers . The journey from Galilee occupied several days , and the travelersunited in large companies for companionship and protection . The women andaged men rode upon oxen or asses over the steep 76 and rocky roads . The stronger men and the youth journeyed on foot . The timeof the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning ofApril , and the whole land was bright with flowers , and glad with the song ofbirds . All along the way were spots memorable in the history of Israel , andfathers and mothers recounted to their children the wonders that God hadwrought for His people in ages past . They beguiled their journey with songand music , and when at last the towers of Jerusalem came into view , everyvoice joined in the triumphant strain , -- " Our feet shall stand Within thy gates , O Jerusalem . . . . Peace be within thy walls , And prosperity within thy palaces . " Ps . 122 : 2 - 7 . The observance of the Passover began with the birth of the Hebrew nation . onthe last night of their bondage in Egypt , when there appeared 77 no token of deliverance , God commanded them to prepare for an immediaterelease . He had warned Pharaoh of the final judgment on the Egyptians , andHe directed the Hebrews to gather their families within their own dwellings . Having sprinkled the doorposts with the blood of the slain lamb , they wereto eat the lamb , roasted , with unleavened bread and bitter herbs . " And thusshall ye eat it , " He said , " with your loins girded , your shoes on your feet , and your staff in your hand ; and ye shall eat it in haste : it is the Lord ' spassover . " Ex . 12 : 11 . At midnight all the first - born of the Egyptians wereslain . Then the king sent to Israel the message , " Rise up , and get you forthfrom among my people ; . . . and go , serve the Lord , as ye have said . " Ex . 12 : 31 . The Hebrews went out from Egypt an independent nation . The Lord hadcommanded that the Passover should be yearly kept . " It shall come to pass , " He said , " when your children shall say unto you , What mean ye by thisservice ? that ye shall say , It is the sacrifice of the Lord ' s passover , whopassed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt , when He smote theEgyptians . " Thus from generation to generation the story of this wonderfuldeliverance was to be repeated . The Passover was followed by the seven days ' feast of unleavened bread . onthe second day of the feast , the first fruits of the year ' s harvest , a sheafof barley , was presented before the Lord . All the ceremonies of the feastwere types of the work of Christ . The deliverance of Israel from Egypt wasan object lesson of redemption , which the Passover was intended to keep inmemory . The slain lamb , the unleavened bread , the sheaf of first fruits , represented the Saviour . With most of the people in the days of Christ , the observance of this feasthad degenerated into formalism . But what was its significance to the Son ofGod ! 78 For the first time the child Jesus looked upon the temple . He saw thewhite - robed priests performing their solemn ministry . He beheld the bleedingvictim upon the altar of sacrifice . With the worshipers He bowed in prayer , while the cloud of incense ascended before God . He witnessed the impressiverites of the paschal service . Day by day He saw their meaning more clearly . Every act seemed to be bound up with His own life . New impulses wereawakening within Him . Silent and absorbed , He seemed to be studying out agreat problem . The mystery of His mission was opening to the Saviour . Rapt in the contemplation of these scenes , He did not remain beside Hisparents . He sought to be alone . When the paschal services were ended , Hestill lingered in the temple courts ; and when the worshipers departed fromJerusalem , He was left behind . In this visit to Jerusalem , the parents of Jesus wished to bring Him inconnection with the great teachers in Israel . While He was obedient in everyparticular to the word of God , He did not conform to the rabbinical ritesand usages . Joseph and Mary hoped that He might be led to reverence thelearned rabbis , and give more diligent heed to their requirements . But Jesusin the temple had been taught by God . That which He had received , He beganat once to impart . At that day an apartment connected with the temple was devoted to a sacredschool , after the manner of the schools of the prophets . Here leading rabbiswith their pupils assembled , and hither the child Jesus came . SeatingHimself at the feet of these grave , learned men , He listened to theirinstruction . As one seeking for wisdom , He questioned these teachers inregard to the prophecies , and to events then taking place that pointed tothe advent of the Messiah . Jesus presented Himself as one thirsting for a knowledge of God . Hisquestions were suggestive of deep truths which had long been obscured , yetwhich were vital to the salvation of souls . While showing how narrow andsuperficial was the wisdom of the wise men , every question put before them adivine lesson , and placed truth in a new aspect . The rabbis spoke of thewonderful elevation which the Messiah ' s coming would bring to the Jewishnation ; but Jesus presented the prophecy of Isaiah , and asked them themeaning of those scriptures that point to the suffering and death of theLamb of God . The doctors turned upon Him with questions , and they were amazed at Hisanswers . With the humility of a child He repeated the words of 79 Scripture , giving them a depth of meaning that the wise men had notconceived of . If followed , the lines of truth He pointed out would haveworked a reformation in the religion of the day . A deep interest inspiritual things would have been awakened ; and when Jesus began Hisministry , many would have been prepared to receive Him . 80 The rabbis knew that Jesus had not been instructed in their schools ; yet Hisunderstanding of the prophecies far exceeded theirs . In this thoughtfulGalilean boy they discerned great promise . They desired to gain Him as astudent , that He might become a teacher in Israel . They wanted to havecharge of His education , feeling that a mind so original must be broughtunder their molding . The words of Jesus had moved their hearts as they had never before beenmoved by words from human lips . God was seeking to give light to thoseleaders in Israel , and He used the only means by which they could bereached . In their pride they would have scorned to admit that they couldreceive instruction from anyone . If Jesus had appeared to be trying to teachthem , they would have disdained to listen . But they flattered themselvesthat they were teaching Him , or at least testing His knowledge of theScriptures . The youthful modesty and grace of Jesus disarmed theirprejudices . Unconsciously their minds were opened to the word of God , andthe Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts . They could not but see that their expectation in regard to the Messiah wasnot sustained by prophecy ; but they would not renounce the theories that hadflattered their ambition . They would not admit that they had misapprehendedthe Scriptures they claimed to teach . From one to another passed theinquiry , How hath this youth knowledge , having never learned ? The light wasshining in darkness ; but " the darkness apprehended it not . " John 1 : 5 , R . V . Meanwhile Joseph and Mary were in great perplexity and distress . In thedeparture from Jerusalem they had lost sight of Jesus , and they knew notthat He had tarried behind . The country was then densely populated , and thecaravans from Galilee were very large . There was much confusion as they leftthe city . on the way the pleasure of traveling with friends andacquaintances absorbed their attention , and they did not notice His absencetill night came on . Then as they halted for rest , they missed the helpfulhand of their child . Supposing Him to be with their company , they had feltno anxiety . Young as He was , they had trusted Him implicitly , expecting thatwhen needed , He would be ready to assist them , anticipating their wants asHe had always done . But now their fears were roused . They searched for Himthroughout their company , but in vain . Shuddering they remembered how Herodhad tried to destroy Him in His infancy . Dark forebodings filled theirhearts . They bitterly reproached themselves . 81 Returning to Jerusalem , they pursued their search . The next day , as theymingled with the worshipers in the temple , a familiar voice arrested theirattention . They could not mistake it ; no other voice was like His , soserious and earnest , yet so full of melody . In the school of the rabbis they found Jesus . Rejoiced as they were , theycould not forget their grief and anxiety . When He was with them again , themother said , in words that implied reproof , " Son , why hast Thou thus dealtwith us ? Behold , Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing . " " How is it that ye sought Me ? " answered Jesus . " Wist ye not that I must beabout My Father ' s business ? " And as they seemed not to understand His words , He pointed upward . on His face was a light at which they wondered . Divinitywas flashing through humanity . on finding Him in the temple , they hadlistened to what was passing between Him and the rabbis , and they wereastonished at His questions and answers . His words started a train ofthought that would never be forgotten . And His question to them had a lesson . " Wist ye not , " He said , " that I mustbe about My Father ' s business ? " Jesus was engaged in the work that He hadcome into the world to do ; but Joseph and Mary had neglected theirs . God hadshown them high honor in committing to them His Son . Holy angels haddirected the course of Joseph in order to preserve the life of Jesus . Butfor an entire day they had lost sight of Him whom they should not haveforgotten for a moment . And when their anxiety was relieved , they had notcensured themselves , but had cast the blame upon Him . It was natural for the parents of Jesus to look upon Him as their own child . He was daily with them , His life in many respects was like that of otherchildren , and it was difficult for them to realize that He was the Son ofGod . They were in danger of failing to appreciate the blessing granted themin the presence of the world ' s Redeemer . The grief of their separation fromHim , and the gentle reproof which His words conveyed , were designed toimpress them with the sacredness of their trust . In the answer to His mother , Jesus showed for the first time that Heunderstood His relation to God . Before His birth the angel had said to Mary , " He shall be great , and shall be called the Son of the Highest : and the LordGod shall give unto Him the throne of His 82 father David : and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever . " Luke 1 : 32 , 33 . These words Mary had pondered in her heart ; yet while she believedthat her child was to be Israel ' s Messiah , she did not comprehend Hismission . Now she did not understand His words ; but she knew that He haddisclaimed kinship to Joseph , and had declared His Sonship to God . Jesus did not ignore His relation to His earthly parents . From Jerusalem Hereturned home with them , and aided them in their life of toil . He hid in Hisown heart the mystery of His mission , waiting submissively for the appointedtime for Him to enter upon His work . For eighteen years after He hadrecognized that He was the Son of God , He acknowledged the tie that boundHim to the home at Nazareth , and performed the duties of a son , a brother , afriend , and a citizen . As His mission had opened to Jesus in the temple , He shrank from contactwith the multitude . He wished to return from Jerusalem in quietness , withthose who knew the secret of His life . By the paschal service , God wasseeking to call His people away from their worldly cares , and to remind themof His wonderful work in their deliverance from Egypt . In this work Hedesired them to see a promise of deliverance from sin . As the blood of theslain lamb sheltered the homes of Israel , so the blood of Christ was to savetheir souls ; but they could be saved through Christ only as by faith theyshould make His life their own . There was virtue in the symbolic serviceonly as it directed the worshipers to Christ as their personal Saviour . Goddesired that they should be led to prayerful study and meditation in regardto Christ ' s mission . But as the multitudes left Jerusalem , the excitement oftravel and social intercourse too often absorbed their attention , and theservice they had witnessed was forgotten . The Saviour was not attracted totheir company . As Joseph and Mary should return from Jerusalem alone with Jesus , He hopedto direct their minds to the prophecies of the suffering Saviour . UponCalvary He sought to lighten His mother ' s grief . He was thinking of her now . Mary was to witness His last agony , and Jesus desired her to understand Hismission , that she might be strengthened to endure , when the sword shouldpierce through her soul . As Jesus had been separated from her , and she hadsought Him sorrowing three days , so when He should be offered up for thesins of the world , He would again be lost to her for three days . And as Heshould come forth from the tomb , her sorrow would again be turned to joy . But how much better 83 she could have borne the anguish of His death if she had understood theScriptures to which He was now trying to turn her thoughts ! If Joseph and Mary had stayed their minds upon God by meditation and prayer , they would have realized the sacredness of their trust , and would not havelost sight of Jesus . By one day ' s neglect they lost the Saviour ; but it costthem three days of anxious search to find Him . So with us ; by idle talk , evilspeaking , or neglect of prayer , we may in one day lose the Saviour ' spresence , and it may take many days of sorrowful search to find Him , andregain the peace that we have lost . In our association with one another , we should take heed lest we forgetJesus , and pass along unmindful that He is not with us . When we becomeabsorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in whom ourhope of eternal life is centered , we separate ourselves from Jesus and fromthe heavenly angels . These holy beings cannot remain where the Saviour ' spresence is not desired , and His absence is not marked . This is whydiscouragement so often exists among the professed followers of Christ . Many attend religious services , and are refreshed and comforted by the wordof God ; but through neglect of meditation , watchfulness , and prayer , theylose the blessing , and find themselves more destitute than before theyreceived it . Often they feel that God has dealt hardly with them . They donot see that the fault is their own . By separating themselves from Jesus , they have shut away the light of His presence . It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplationof the life of Christ . We should take it point by point , and let theimagination grasp each scene , especially the closing ones . As we thus dwellupon His great sacrifice for us , our confidence in Him will be moreconstant , our love will be quickened , and we shall be more deeply imbuedwith His spirit . If we would be saved at last , we must learn the lesson ofpenitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross . As we associate together , we may be a blessing to one another . If we areChrist ' s , our sweetest thoughts will be of Him . We shall love to talk ofHim ; and as we speak to one another of His love , our hearts will be softenedby divine influences . Beholding the beauty of His character , we shall be " changed into the same image from glory to glory . " 2 Cor . 3 : 18 . ( 84 ) Chapter 9 Days of Conflict From its earliest years the Jewish child was surrounded with therequirements of the rabbis . Rigid rules were prescribed for every act , downto the smallest details of life . Under the synagogue teachers the youth wereinstructed in the countless regulations which as orthodox Israelites theywere expected to observe . But Jesus did not interest Himself in thesematters . From childhood He acted independently of the rabbinical laws . TheScriptures of the Old Testament were His constant study , and the words , " Thus saith the Lord , " were ever upon His lips . As the condition of the people began to open to His mind , He saw that therequirements of society and the requirements of God were in constantcollision . Men were departing from the word of God , and exalting theories oftheir own invention . They were observing traditional rites that possessed novirtue . Their service was a mere round of ceremonies ; the sacred truths itwas designed to teach were hidden from the worshipers . He saw that in theirfaithless services they found no peace . They did not know the freedom ofspirit that would come to them by serving God in truth . Jesus had come toteach the meaning of the worship of God , and He could not sanction themingling of human requirements with the divine precepts . He did not attackthe precepts or 85 practices of the learned teachers ; but when reproved for His own simplehabits , He presented the word of God in justification of His conduct . In every gentle and submissive way , Jesus tried to please those with whom Hecame in contact . Because He was so gentle and unobtrusive , the scribes andelders supposed that He would be easily influenced by their teaching . Theyurged Him to receive the maxims and traditions that had been handed downfrom the ancient rabbis , but He asked for their authority in Holy Writ . Hewould hear every word that proceeds from the mouth of God ; but He could notobey the inventions of men . Jesus seemed to know the Scriptures frombeginning to end , and He presented them in their true import . The rabbiswere ashamed to be instructed by a child . They claimed that it was theiroffice to explain the Scriptures , and that it was His place to accept theirinterpretation . They were indignant that He should stand in opposition totheir word . They knew that no authority could be found in Scripture for theirtraditions . They realized that in spiritual understanding Jesus was far inadvance of them . Yet they were angry because He did not obey their 86 dictates . Failing to convince Him , they sought Joseph and Mary , and setbefore them His course of noncompliance . Thus He suffered rebuke andcensure . At a very early age , Jesus had begun to act for Himself in the formation ofHis character , and not even respect and love for His parents could turn Himfrom obedience to God ' s word . " It is written " was His reason for every actthat varied from the family customs . But the influence of the rabbis madeHis life a bitter one . Even in His youth He had to learn the hard lesson ofsilence and patient endurance . His brothers , as the sons of Joseph were called , sided with the rabbis Theyinsisted that the traditions must be heeded , as if they were therequirements of God . They even regarded the precepts of men more highly thanthe word of God , and they were greatly annoyed at the clear penetration ofJesus in distinguishing between the false and the true His strict obedienceto the law of God they condemned as stubbornness . They were surprised at theknowledge and wisdom He showed in answering the rabbis . They knew that Hehad not received instruction from the wise men , yet they could not but seethat He was an instructor to them . They recognized that His education was ofa higher type than their own . But they did not discern that He had access tothe tree of life , a source of knowledge of which they were ignorant . Christ was not exclusive , and He had given special offense to the Phariseesby departing in this respect from their rigid rules . He found the domain ofreligion fenced in by high walls of seclusion , as too sacred a matter foreveryday life . These walls of partition He overthrew . In His contact withmen He did not ask , What is your creed ? To what church do you belong ? Heexercised His helping power in behalf of all who needed help . Instead ofsecluding Himself in a hermit ' s cell in order to show His heavenlycharacter , He labored earnestly for humanity . He inculcated the principlethat Bible religion does not consist in the mortification of the body . Hetaught that pure and undefiled religion is not meant only for set times andspecial occasions . At all times and in all places He manifested a lovinginterest in men , and shed about Him the light of a cheerful piety . All thiswas a rebuke to the Pharisees . It showed that religion does not consist inselfishness , and that their morbid devotion to personal interest was farfrom being true godliness . This had roused their enmity against Jesus , sothat they tried to enforce His conformity to their regulations . 87 Jesus worked to relieve every case of suffering that He saw . He had littlemoney to give , but He often denied Himself of food in order to relieve thosewho appeared more needy than He . His brothers felt that His influence wentfar to counteract theirs . He possessed a tact which none of them had , ordesired to have . When they spoke harshly to poor , degraded beings , Jesussought out these very ones , and spoke to them words of encouragement . Tothose who were in need He would give a cup of cold water , and would quietlyplace His own meal in their hands . As He relieved their sufferings , thetruths He taught were associated with His acts of mercy , and were thusriveted in the memory . All this displeased His brothers . Being older than Jesus , they felt that Heshould be under their dictation . They charged Him with thinking Himselfsuperior to them , and reproved Him for setting Himself above their teachersand the priests and rulers of the people . Often they threatened and tried tointimidate Him ; but He passed on , making the Scriptures His guide . Jesus loved His brothers , and treated them with unfailing kindness ; but theywere jealous of Him , and manifested the most decided unbelief and contempt . They could not understand His conduct . Great contradictions presentedthemselves in Jesus . He was the divine Son of God , 88 and yet a helpless child . The Creator of the worlds , the earth was Hispossession , and yet poverty marked His life experience at every step . Hepossessed a dignity and individuality wholly distinct from earthly pride andassumption ; He did not strive for worldly greatness , and in even thelowliest position He was content . This angered His brothers . They could notaccount for His constant serenity under trial and deprivation . They did notknow that for our sake He had become poor , that we " through His povertymight be rich . " 2 Cor . 8 : 9 . They could understand the mystery of His missionno more than the friends of Job could understand his humiliation andsuffering . Jesus was misunderstood by His brothers because He was not like them . Hisstandard was not their standard . In looking to men they had turned away fromGod , and they had not His power in their lives . The forms of religion whichthey observed could not transform the character . They paid " tithe of mintand anise and cummin , " but omitted " the weightier matters of the law , judgment , mercy , and faith . " Matt . 23 : 23 . The example of Jesus was to them acontinual irritation . He hated but one thing in the world , and that was sin . He could not witness a wrong act without pain which it was impossible todisguise . Between the formalists , whose sanctity of appearance concealed thelove of sin , and a character in which zeal for God ' s glory was alwaysparamount , the contrast was unmistakable . Because the life of Jesuscondemned evil , He was opposed , both at home and abroad . His unselfishnessand integrity were commented on with a sneer . His forbearance and kindnesswere termed cowardice . Of the bitterness that falls to the lot of humanity , there was no part whichChrist did not taste . There were those who tried to cast contempt upon Himbecause of His birth , and even in His childhood He had to meet theirscornful looks and evil whisperings . If He had responded by an impatientword or look , if He had conceded to His brothers by even one wrong act , Hewould have failed of being a perfect example . Thus He would have failed ofcarrying out the plan for our redemption . Had He even admitted that therecould be an excuse for sin , Satan would have triumphed , and the world wouldhave been lost . This is why the tempter worked to make His life as trying aspossible , that He might be led to sin . But to every temptation He had one answer , " It is written . " He rarelyrebuked any wrongdoing of His brothers , but He had a word 89 from God to speak to them . Often He was accused of cowardice for refusing tounite with them in some forbidden act ; but His answer was , It is written , " The fear of the Lord , that is wisdom ; and to depart from evil isunderstanding . " Job 28 : 28 . There were some who sought His society , feeling at peace in His presence ; but many avoided Him , because they were rebuked by His stainless life . Youngcompanions urged Him to do as they did . He was bright and cheerful ; theyenjoyed His presence , and welcomed His ready suggestions ; but they wereimpatient at His scruples , and pronounced Him narrow and strait - laced . Jesusanswered , It is written , " Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way ? bytaking heed thereto according to Thy word . " " Thy word have I hid in mineheart , that I might not sin against Thee . " Ps . 119 : 9 , 11 . Often He was asked , Why are you bent on being so singular , so different fromus all ? It is written , He said , " Blessed are the undefiled in the way , whowalk in the law of the Lord . Blessed are they that keep His testimonies , andthat seek Him with the whole heart . They also do no iniquity ; they walk inHis ways . " Ps . 119 : 1 - 3 . When questioned why He did not join in the frolics of the youth of Nazareth , He said , It is written , " I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies , asmuch as in all riches . I will meditate in Thy precepts , and have respectunto Thy ways . I will delight myself in Thy statutes ; I will not forget Thyword . " Ps . 119 : 14 - 16 . Jesus did not contend for His rights . Often His work was made unnecessarilysevere because He was willing and uncomplaining . Yet He did not fail norbecome discouraged . He lived above these difficulties , as if in the light ofGod ' s countenance . He did not retaliate when roughly used , but bore insultpatiently . Again and again He was asked , Why do You submit to such despiteful usage , even from Your brothers ? It is written , He said , " My son , forget not My law ; but let thine heart keep My commandments : for length of days , and long life , and peace , shall they add to thee . Let not mercy and truth forsake thee : bind them about thy neck ; write them upon the table of thine heart : so shaltthou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man . " Prov . 3 : 1 - 4 . From the time when the parents of Jesus found Him in the temple , His courseof action was a mystery to them . He would not enter into controversy , yetHis example was a constant lesson . He seemed as one 90 who was set apart . His hours of happiness were found when alone with natureand with God . Whenever it was His privilege , He turned aside from the sceneof His labor , to go into the fields , to meditate in the green valleys , tohold communion with God on the mountainside or amid the trees of the forest . The early morning often found Him in some secluded place , meditating , searching the Scriptures , or in prayer . From these quiet hours He wouldreturn to His home to take up His duties again , and to give an example ofpatient toil . The life of Christ was marked with respect and love for His mother . Marybelieved in her heart that the holy child born of her was the long - promisedMessiah , yet she dared not express her faith . Throughout His life on earthshe was a partaker in His sufferings . She witnessed with sorrow the trialsbrought upon Him in His childhood and youth . By her vindication of what sheknew to be right in His conduct , she herself was brought into tryingpositions . She looked upon the associations of the home , and the mother ' stender watchcare over her children , as of vital importance in the formationof character . The sons and daughters of Joseph knew this , and by appealingto her anxiety , they tried to correct the practices of Jesus according totheir standard . Mary often remonstrated with Jesus , and urged Him to conform to the usagesof the rabbis . But He could not be persuaded to change His habits ofcontemplating the works of God and seeking to alleviate the suffering of menor even of dumb animals . When the priests and teachers required Mary ' s aidin controlling Jesus , she was greatly troubled ; but peace came to her heartas He presented the statements of Scripture upholding His practices . At times she wavered between Jesus and His brothers , who did not believethat He was the Sent of God ; but evidence was abundant that His was a divinecharacter . She saw Him sacrificing Himself for the good of others . Hispresence brought a purer atmosphere into the home , and His life was asleaven working amid the elements of society . Harmless and undefiled , Hewalked among the thoughtless , the rude , the uncourteous ; amid the unjustpublicans , the reckless prodigals , the unrighteous Samaritans , the heathensoldiers , the rough peasants , and the mixed multitude . He spoke a word ofsympathy here and a word there , as He saw men weary , yet compelled to bearheavy burdens . He shared their burdens , and repeated to them the lessons Hehad learned from nature , of the love , the kindness , the goodness of God . 91 He taught all to look upon themselves as endowed with precious talents , which if rightly employed would secure for them eternal riches . He weededall vanity from life , and by His own example taught that every moment oftime is fraught with eternal results ; that it is to be cherished as atreasure , and to be employed for holy purposes . He passed by no human beingas worthless , but sought to apply the saving remedy to every soul . Inwhatever company He found Himself , He presented a lesson that wasappropriate to the time and the circumstances . He sought to inspire withhope the most rough and unpromising , setting before them the assurance thatthey might become blameless and harmless , attaining such a character aswould make them manifest as the children of God . Often He met those who haddrifted under Satan ' s control , and who had no power to break from his snare . To such a one , discouraged , sick , tempted , and fallen , Jesus would speakwords of tenderest pity , words that were needed and could be understood . Others 92 He met who were fighting a hand - to - hand battle with the adversary of souls . These He encouraged to persevere , assuring them that they would win ; forangels of God were on their side , and would give them the victory . Thosewhom He thus helped were convinced that here was one in whom they couldtrust with perfect confidence . He would not betray the secrets they pouredinto His sympathizing ear . Jesus was the healer of the body as well as of the soul . He was interestedin every phase of suffering that came under His notice , and to everysufferer He brought relief , His kind words having a soothing balm . Nonecould say that He had worked a miracle ; but virtue -- the healing power oflove -- went out from Him to the sick and distressed . Thus in an unobtrusiveway He worked for the people from His very childhood . And this was why , after His public ministry began , so many heard Him gladly . Yet through childhood , youth , and manhood , Jesus walked alone . In His purityand His faithfulness , He trod the wine press alone , and of the people therewas none with Him . He carried the awful weight of responsibility for thesalvation of men . He knew that unless there was a decided change in theprinciples and purposes of the human race , all would be lost . This was theburden of His soul , and none could appreciate the weight that rested uponHim . Filled with intense purpose , He carried out the design of His life thatHe Himself should be the light of men . ( 97 ) Chapter 10 The Voice in the Wilderness [ This chapter is based on Luke 1 : 5 - 23 , 57 - 80 ; 3 : 1 - 18 ; Matt . 3 : 1 - 12 ; Mark 1 : 1 - 8 . ] From among the faithful in Israel , who had long waited for the coming of theMessiah , the forerunner of Christ arose . The aged priest Zacharias and hiswife Elisabeth were " both righteous before God ;" and in their quiet and holylives the light of faith shone out like a star amid the darkness of thoseevil days . To this godly pair was given the promise of a son , who should " gobefore the face of the Lord to prepare His ways . " Zacharias dwelt in " the hill country of Judea , " but he had gone up toJerusalem to minister for one week in the temple , a service required twice ayear from the priests of each course . " And it came to pass , that while heexecuted the priest ' s office before God in the order of his course , according to the custom of the priest ' s office , his lot was to burn incensewhen he went into the temple of the Lord . " He was standing before the golden altar in the holy place of the sanctuary . The cloud of incense with the prayers of Israel was ascending before God . Suddenly he became conscious of a divine presence . An angel of the Lord was " standing on the right side of the altar . " The position of the angel was anindication of favor , but Zacharias took no 98 note of this . For many years he had prayed for the coming of the Redeemer ; now heaven had sent its messenger to announce that these prayers were aboutto be answered ; but the mercy of God seemed too great for him to credit . Hewas filled with fear and self - condemnation . But he was greeted with the joyful assurance : " Fear not , Zacharias : for thyprayer is heard ; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son , and thoushalt call his name John . And thou shalt have joy and gladness ; and manyshall rejoice at his birth . For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord , and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink ; and he shall be filled withthe Holy Ghost . . . . And many of the children of Israel shall he turn tothe Lord their God . And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power ofElias , to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children , and thedisobedient to the wisdom of the just ; to make ready a people prepared forthe Lord . And Zacharias said unto the angel , Whereby shall I know this ? forI am an old man , and my wife well stricken in years . " Zacharias well knew how to Abraham in his old age a child was given becausehe believed Him faithful who had promised . But for a moment the aged priestturns his thought to the weakness of humanity . He forgets that what God haspromised , He is able to perform . What a contrast between this unbelief andthe sweet , childlike faith of Mary , the maiden of Nazareth , whose answer tothe angel ' s wonderful announcement was , " Behold the handmaid of the Lord ; beit unto me according to thy word "! Luke 1 : 38 . The birth of a son to Zacharias , like the birth of the child of Abraham , andthat of Mary , was to teach a great spiritual truth , a truth that we are slowto learn and ready to forget . In ourselves we are incapable of doing anygood thing ; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of Godin every submissive and believing soul . It was through faith that the childof promise was given . It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten , and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness . To the question of Zacharias , the angel said , " I am Gabriel , that stand inthe presence of God ; and am sent to speak unto thee , and to show thee theseglad tidings . " Five hundred years before , Gabriel had made known to Danielthe prophetic period which was to extend to the coming of Christ . Theknowledge that the end of this period was near had moved Zacharias to prayfor the Messiah ' s advent . Now the very messenger through whom the prophecywas given had come to announce its fulfillment . 99 The words of the angel , " I am Gabriel , that stand in the presence of God , " show that he holds a position of high honor in the heavenly courts . When hecame with a message to Daniel , he said , " There is none that holdeth with mein these things , but Michael [ Christ ] your Prince . " Dan . 10 : 21 . Of Gabrielthe Saviour speaks in the Revelation , saying that " He sent and signified itby His angel unto His servant John . " Rev . 1 : 1 . And to John the angeldeclared , " I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren theprophets . " Rev . 22 : 9 , R . V . Wonderful thought -- that the angel who standsnext in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes ofGod to sinful men . Zacharias had expressed doubt of the angel ' s words . He was not to speakagain until they were fulfilled . " Behold , " said the angel , " thou shalt bedumb , . . . until the day that these things shall be performed , because thoubelievest not my words , which shall be fulfilled in their season . " It wasthe duty of the priest in this service to pray for the pardon of public andnational sins , and for the coming of the Messiah ; but when Zachariasattempted to do this , he could not utter a word . Coming forth to bless the people , " he beckoned unto them , and remainedspeechless . " They had waited long , and had begun to fear , lest he had beencut down by the judgment of God . But as he came forth from the holy place , his face was shining with the glory of God , " and they perceived that he hadseen a vision in the temple . " Zacharias communicated to them what he hadseen and heard ; and " as soon as the days of his ministration wereaccomplished , he departed to his own house . " Soon after the birth of the promised child , the father ' s tongue was loosed , " and he spake , and praised God . And fear came on all that dwelt round aboutthem : and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hillcountry of Judea . And all they that heard them laid them up 100 in their hearts , saying , What manner of child shall this be ! " All thistended to call attention to the Messiah ' s coming , for which John was toprepare the way . The Holy Spirit rested upon Zacharias , and in these beautiful words heprophesied of the mission of his son : " Thou , child , shalt be called the prophet of the Highest ; For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways ; To give knowledge of salvation unto His people By the remission of their sins , Through the tender mercy of our God , Whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us , To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death , To guide our feet into the way of peace . " " And the child grew , and waxed strong in spirit , and was in the deserts tillthe day of his showing unto Israel . " Before the birth of John , the angel hadsaid , " He shall be great in the sight of the Lord , and shall drink neitherwine nor strong drink ; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost . " God hadcalled the son of Zacharias to a great work , the greatest ever committed tomen . In order to accomplish this work , he must have the Lord to work withhim . And the Spirit of God would be with him if he heeded the instruction ofthe angel . John was to go forth as Jehovah ' s messenger , to bring to men the light ofGod . He must give a new direction to their thoughts . He must impress themwith the holiness of God ' s requirements , and their need of His perfectrighteousness . Such a messenger must be holy . He must be a temple for theindwelling Spirit of God . In order to fulfill his mission , he must have asound physical constitution , and mental and spiritual strength . Therefore itwould be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions . He must beable so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmovedby surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness . In the time of John the Baptist , greed for riches , and the love of luxuryand display had become widespread . Sensuous pleasures , feasting anddrinking , were causing physical disease and degeneracy , benumbing thespiritual perceptions , and lessening the sensibility to sin . John was tostand as a reformer . By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to 101 rebuke the excesses of his time . Hence the directions given to the parentsof John , -- a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven . In childhood and youth the character is most impressible . The power ofself - control should then be acquired . By the fireside and at the familyboard influences are exerted whose results are as enduring as eternity . Morethan any natural endowment , the habits established in early years decidewhether a man will be victorious or vanquished in the battle of life . Youthis the sowing time . It determines the character of the harvest , for thislife and for the life to come . As a prophet , John was " to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children , and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just ; to make ready a peopleprepared for the Lord . " In preparing the way for Christ ' s first advent , hewas a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord ' ssecond coming . The world is given to self - indulgence . Errors and fablesabound . Satan ' s snares for destroying souls are multiplied . All who wouldperfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance andself - control . The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to thehigher powers of the mind . This self - discipline is essential to that mentalstrength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and topractice the sacred truths of God ' s word . For this reason temperance findsits place in the work of preparation for Christ ' s second coming . In the natural order of things , the son of Zacharias would have beeneducated for the priesthood . But the training of the rabbinical schoolswould have unfitted him for his work . God did not send him to the teachersof theology to learn how to interpret the Scriptures . He called him to thedesert , that he might learn of nature and nature ' s God . It was a lonely region where he found his home , in the midst of barrenhills , wild ravines , and rocky caves . But it was his choice to forgo theenjoyments and luxuries of life for the stern discipline of the wilderness . Here his surroundings were favorable to habits of simplicity andself - denial . Uninterrupted by the clamor of the world , he could here studythe lessons of nature , of revelation , and of Providence . The words of theangel to Zacharias had been often repeated to John by his God - fearingparents . From childhood his mission had been kept before him , and he hadaccepted the holy trust . To him the solitude of the desert was a welcomeescape from society in which suspicion , unbelief , and impurity had becomewell - nigh all - pervading . He distrusted his own 102 power to withstand temptation , and shrank from constant contact with sin , lest he should lose the sense of its exceeding sinfulness . Dedicated to God as a Nazarite from his birth , he made the vow his own in alife - long consecration . His dress was that of the ancient prophets , agarment of camel ' s hair , confined by a leather girdle . He ate the " locustsand wild honey " found in the wilderness , and drank the pure water from thehills . But the life of John was not spent in idleness , in ascetic gloom , or inselfish isolation . From time to time he went forth to mingle with men ; andhe was ever an interested observer of what was passing in the world . Fromhis quiet retreat he watched the unfolding of events . With visionilluminated by the divine Spirit he studied the characters of men , that hemight understand how to reach their hearts with the message of heaven . Theburden of his mission was upon him . In solitude , by meditation and prayer , he sought to gird up his soul for the lifework before him . Although in the wilderness , he was not exempt from temptation . So far aspossible , he closed every avenue by which Satan could enter , yet he wasstill assailed by the tempter . But his spiritual perceptions were clear ; hehad developed strength and decision of character , and through the aid of theHoly Spirit he was able to detect Satan ' s approaches , and to resist hispower . John found in the wilderness his school and his sanctuary . Like Moses amidthe mountains of Midian , he was shut in by God ' s presence , and surrounded bythe evidences of His power . It was not his lot to dwell , as did Israel ' sgreat leader , amid the solemn majesty of the mountain solitudes ; but beforehim were the heights of Moab , beyond Jordan , speaking of Him who had setfast the mountains , and girded them with strength . The gloomy and terribleaspect of nature in his wilderness home vividly pictured the condition ofIsrael . The fruitful vineyard of the Lord had become a desolate waste . Butabove the desert the heavens bent bright and beautiful . The clouds thatgathered , dark with tempest , were arched by the rainbow of promise . So aboveIsrael ' s degradation shone the promised glory of the Messiah ' s reign . Theclouds of wrath were spanned by the rainbow of His covenant - mercy . Alone in the silent night he read God ' s promise to Abraham of a seednumberless as the stars . The light of dawn , gilding the mountains of Moab , told of Him who should be as " the light of the morning , when the 103 sun riseth , even a morning without clouds . " 2 Sam . 23 : 4 . And in thebrightness of noontide he saw the splendor of His manifestation , when " theglory of the Lord shall be revealed , and all flesh shall see it together . " Isa . 40 : 5 . With awed yet exultant spirit he searched in the prophetic scrolls therevelations of the Messiah ' s coming , -- the promised seed that should bruisethe serpent ' s head ; Shiloh , " the peace giver , " who was to appear before aking should cease to reign on David ' s throne . Now the time had come . A Romanruler sat in the palace upon Mount Zion . By the sure word of the Lord , already the Christ was born . Isaiah ' s rapt portrayals of the Messiah ' s glory were his study by day and bynight , -- the Branch from the root of Jesse ; a King to reign in righteousness , judging " with equity for the meek of the earth ;" " a covert from the tempest ;. . . the shadow of a great rock in a weary land ;" Israel no longer to betermed " Forsaken , " nor her land " Desolate , " but to be called of the Lord , " My Delight , " and her land " Beulah . " Isa . 11 : 4 ; 32 : 2 ; 62 : 4 , margin . Theheart of the lonely exile was filled with the glorious vision . He looked upon the King in His beauty , and self was forgotten . He beheld themajesty of holiness , and felt himself to be inefficient and unworthy . He wasready to go forth as Heaven ' s messenger , unawed by the human , because he hadlooked upon the Divine . He could stand erect and fearless in the presence ofearthly monarchs , because he had bowed low before the King of kings . John did not fully understand the nature of the Messiah ' s kingdom . He lookedfor Israel to be delivered from her national foes ; but the coming of a Kingin righteousness , and the establishment of Israel as a holy nation , was thegreat object of his hope . Thus he believed would be accomplished theprophecy given at his birth , -- " To remember His holy covenant ; . . . That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Might serve Him without fear , In holiness and righteousness before Him , all the days of our life . " He saw his people deceived , self - satisfied , and asleep in their sins . Helonged to rouse them to a holier life . The message that God had given him tobear was designed to startle them from their lethargy , and 104 cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness . Before the seed ofthe gospel could find lodgment , the soil of the heart must be broken up . Before they would seek healing from Jesus , they must be awakened to theirdanger from the wounds of sin . God does not send messengers to flatter the sinner . He delivers no messageof peace to lull the unsanctified into fatal security . He lays heavy burdensupon the conscience of the wrongdoer , and pierces the soul with arrows ofconviction . The ministering angels present to him the fearful judgments ofGod to deepen the sense of need , and prompt the cry , " What must I do to besaved ? " Then the hand that has humbled in the dust , lifts up the penitent . The voice that has rebuked sin , and put to shame pride and ambition , inquires with tenderest sympathy , " What wilt thou that I shall do untothee ? " When the ministry of John began , the nation was in a state of excitement anddiscontent verging on revolution . At the removal of Archelaus , Judea hadbeen brought directly under the control of Rome . The tyranny and extortionof the Roman governors , and their determined efforts to introduce theheathen symbols and customs , kindled revolt , which had been quenched in theblood of thousands of the bravest of Israel . All this intensified thenational hatred against Rome , and increased the longing to be freed from herpower . Amid discord and strife , a voice was heard from the wilderness , a voicestartling and stern , yet full of hope : " Repent ye ; for the kingdom of heavenis at hand . " With a new , strange power it moved the people . Prophets hadforetold the coming of Christ as an event far in the future ; but here was anannouncement that it was at hand . John ' s singular appearance carried theminds of his hearers back to the ancient seers . In his manner and dress heresembled the prophet Elijah . With the spirit and power of Elijah hedenounced the national corruption , and rebuked the prevailing sins . Hiswords were plain , pointed , and convincing . Many believed him to be one ofthe prophets risen from the dead . The whole nation was stirred . Multitudesflocked to the wilderness . John proclaimed the coming of the Messiah , and called the people torepentance . As a symbol of cleansing from sin , he baptized them in thewaters of the Jordan . Thus by a significant object lesson he declared thatthose who claimed to be the chosen people of God were defiled by sin , andthat without purification of heart and life they could have no part in theMessiah ' s kingdom . 105 Princes and rabbis , soldiers , publicans , and peasants came to hear theprophet . For a time the solemn warning from God alarmed them . Many werebrought to repentance , and received baptism . Persons of all ranks submittedto the requirement of the Baptist , in order to participate in the kingdom heannounced . Many of the scribes and Pharisees came confessing their sins , and asking forbaptism . They had exalted themselves as better than other men , and had ledthe people to entertain a high opinion of their piety ; now the guiltysecrets of their lives were unveiled . But John was impressed by the HolySpirit that many of these men had no real conviction of sin . They weretimeservers . As friends of the prophet , they hoped to find favor with thecoming Prince . And by receiving baptism at the hands of this popular youngteacher , they thought to strengthen their influence with the people . John met them with the scathing inquiry , " O generation of vipers , who hathwarned you to flee from the wrath to come ? Bring forth therefore fruits meetfor repentance ; and think not to say within yourselves , 106 We have Abraham to our father : for I say unto you , that God is able of thesestones to raise up children unto Abraham . " The Jews had misinterpreted God ' s promise of eternal favor to Israel : " Thussaith the Lord , which giveth the sun for a light by day , and the ordinancesof the moon and of the stars for a light by night , which divideth the seawhen the waves thereof roar ; The Lord of hosts is His name : If thoseordinances depart from before Me , saith the Lord , then the seed of Israelalso shall cease from being a nation before Me forever . Thus saith the Lord ; If heaven above can be measured , and the foundations of the earth searchedout beneath , I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that theyhave done , saith the Lord . " Jer . 31 : 35 - 37 . The Jews regarded their naturaldescent from Abraham as giving them a claim to this promise . But theyoverlooked the conditions which God had specified . Before giving thepromise , He had said , " I will put My law in their inward parts , and write itin their hearts ; and will be their God , and they shall be My people . . . . For I will forgive their iniquity , and I will remember their sin no more . " Jer . 31 : 33 , 34 . To a people in whose hearts His law is written , the favor of God is assured . They are one with Him . But the Jews had separated themselves from God . Because of their sins they were suffering under His judgments . This was thecause of their bondage to a heathen nation . Their minds were darkened bytransgression , and because in times past the Lord had shown them so greatfavor , they excused their sins . They flattered themselves that they werebetter than other men , and entitled to His blessings . These things " are written for our admonition , upon whom the ends of theworld are come . " 1 Cor . 10 : 11 . How often we misinterpret God ' s blessings , and flatter ourselves that we are favored on account of some goodness in us ! God cannot do for us that which He longs to do . His gifts are used toincrease our self - satisfaction , and to harden our hearts in unbelief andsin . John declared to the teachers of Israel that their pride , selfishness , andcruelty showed them to be a generation of vipers , a deadly curse to thepeople , rather than the children of just and obedient Abraham . In view ofthe light they had received from God , they were even worse than the heathen , to whom they felt so much superior . They had forgotten the rock whence theywere hewn , and the hole of the pit from which they had been digged . God wasnot dependent upon them for the fulfilling of 107 His purpose . As He had called Abraham out from a heathen people , so He couldcall others to His service . Their hearts might now appear as lifeless as thestones of the desert , but His Spirit could quicken them to do His will , andreceive the fulfillment of His promise . " And now also , " said the prophet , " the ax is laid unto the root of thetrees : therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewndown , and cast into the fire . " Not by its name , but by its fruit , is thevalue of a tree determined . If the fruit is worthless , the name cannot savethe tree from destruction . John declared to the Jews that their standingbefore God was to be decided by their character and life . Profession wasworthless . If their life and character were not in harmony with God ' s law , they were not His people . Under his heart - searching words , his hearers were convicted . They came tohim with the inquiry , " What shall we do then ? " He answered , " He that hathtwo coats , let him impart to him that hath none ; and he that hath meat , lethim do likewise . " And he warned the publicans against injustice , and thesoldiers against violence . All who became the subjects of Christ ' s kingdom , he said , would giveevidence of faith and repentance . Kindness , honesty , and fidelity would beseen in their lives . They would minister to the needy , and bring theirofferings to God . They would shield the defenseless , and give an example ofvirtue and compassion . So the followers of Christ will give evidence of thetransforming power of the Holy Spirit . In the daily life , justice , mercy , and the love of God will be seen . Otherwise they are like the chaff that isgiven to the fire . " I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance , " said John ; " but He thatcometh after me is mightier than I , whose shoes I am not worthy to bear : Heshall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire . " Matt . 3 : 11 , R . V . , margin . The prophet Isaiah had declared that the Lord would cleanse Hispeople from their iniquities " by the spirit of judgment , and by the spiritof burning . " The word of the Lord to Israel was , " I will turn My hand uponthee , and purely purge away thy dross , and take away all thy tin . " Isa . 4 : 4 ; 1 : 25 . To sin , wherever found , " our God is a consuming fire . " Heb . 12 : 29 . Inall who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin . But if mencling to sin , they become identified with it . Then the glory of God , whichdestroys sin , must destroy them . Jacob , after his night of wrestling withthe Angel , exclaimed , " I have seen God face to face , and my life ispreserved . " Gen . 32 : 30 . 108 Jacob had been guilty of a great sin in his conduct toward Esau ; but he hadrepented . His transgression had been forgiven , and his sin purged ; thereforehe could endure the revelation of God ' s presence . But wherever men camebefore God while willfully cherishing evil , they were destroyed . At thesecond advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed " with the Spirit of Hismouth , " and destroyed " with the brightness of His coming . " 2 Thess . 2 : 8 . Thelight of the glory of God , which imparts life to the righteous , will slaythe wicked . In the time of John the Baptist , Christ was about to appear as the revealerof the character of God . His very presence would make manifest to men theirsin . only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter intofellowship with Him . only the pure in heart could abide in His presence . Thus the Baptist declared God ' s message to Israel . Many gave heed to hisinstruction . Many sacrificed all in order to obey . Multitudes followed thisnew teacher from place to place , and not a few cherished the hope that hemight be the Messiah . But as John saw the people turning to him , he soughtevery opportunity of directing their faith to Him who was to come . ( 109 ) Chapter 11 The Baptism [ This chapter is based on Matt . 3 : 13 - 17 ; Mark 1 : 9 - 11 ; Luke 3 : 21 , 22 . ] Tidings of the wilderness prophet and his wonderful announcement , spreadthroughout Galilee . The message reached the peasants in the remotest hilltowns , and the fisher folk by the sea , and in these simple , earnest heartsfound its truest response . In Nazareth it was told in the carpenter shopthat had been Joseph ' s , and one recognized the call . His time had come . Turning from His daily toil , He bade farewell to His mother , and followed inthe steps of His countrymen who were flocking to the Jordan . Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins , and closely related by thecircumstances of their birth ; yet they had had no direct acquaintance witheach other . The life of Jesus had been spent at Nazareth in Galilee ; that ofJohn , in the wilderness of Judea . Amid widely different surroundings theyhad lived in seclusion , and had had no communication with each other . Providence had ordered this . No occasion was to be given for the charge thatthey had conspired together to support each other ' s claims . John was acquainted with the events that had marked the birth of Jesus . Hehad heard of the visit to Jerusalem in His boyhood , and of what had passedin the school of the rabbis . He knew of His sinless life , and believed Himto be the Messiah ; but of this he had no positive assurance . The fact thatJesus had for so many years remained in obscurity , giving no specialevidence of His mission , gave occasion for 110 doubt as to whether He could be the Promised one . The Baptist , however , waited in faith , believing that in God ' s own time all would be made plain . It had been revealed to him that the Messiah would seek baptism at hishands , and that a sign of His divine character should then be given . Thus hewould be enabled to present Him to the people . When Jesus came to be baptized , John recognized in Him a purity of characterthat he had never before perceived in any man . The very atmosphere of Hispresence was holy and awe - inspiring . Among the multitudes that had gatheredabout him at the Jordan , John had heard dark tales of crime , and had metsouls bowed down with the burden of myriad sins ; but never had he come incontact with a human being from whom there breathed an influence so divine . All this was in harmony with what had been revealed to John regarding theMessiah . Yet he shrank from granting the request of Jesus . How could he , asinner , baptize the Sinless one ? And why should He who needed no repentancesubmit to a rite that was a confession of guilt to be washed away ? 111 As Jesus asked for baptism , John drew back , exclaiming , " I have need to bebaptized of Thee , and comest Thou to me ? " With firm yet gentle authority , Jesus answered , " Suffer it to be so now : for thus it becometh us to fulfillall righteousness . " And John , yielding , led the Saviour down into theJordan , and buried Him beneath the water . " And straightway coming up out ofthe water , " Jesus " saw the heavens opened , and the Spirit like a dovedescending upon Him . " Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession of guilt on His own account . He identified Himself with sinners , taking the steps that we are to take , and doing the work that we must do . His life of suffering and patientendurance after His baptism was also an example to us . Upon coming up out of the water , Jesus bowed in prayer on the river bank . Anew and important era was opening before Him . He was now , upon a widerstage , entering on the conflict of His life . Though He was the Prince ofPeace , His coming must be as the unsheathing of a sword . The kingdom He hadcome to establish was the opposite of that which the Jews desired . He whowas the foundation of the ritual and economy of Israel would be looked uponas its enemy and destroyer . He who had proclaimed the law upon Sinai wouldbe condemned as a transgressor . He who had come to break the power of Satanwould be denounced as Beelzebub . No one upon earth had understood Him , andduring His ministry He must still walk alone . Throughout His life His motherand His brothers did not comprehend His mission . Even His disciples did notunderstand Him . He had dwelt in eternal light , as one with God , but His lifeon earth must be spent in solitude . As one with us , He must bear the burden of our guilt and woe . The SinlessOne must feel the shame of sin . The peace lover must dwell with strife , thetruth must abide with falsehood , purity with vileness . Every sin , everydiscord , every defiling lust that transgression had brought , was torture toHis spirit . Alone He must tread the path ; alone He must bear the burden . Upon Him whohad laid off His glory and accepted the weakness of humanity the redemptionof the world must rest . He saw and felt it all , but His purpose remainedsteadfast . Upon His arm depended the salvation of the fallen race , and Hereached out His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent Love . The Saviour ' s glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out His soul inprayer . Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts of men , 112 and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission , and accept thegift of salvation . He pleads with the Father for power to overcome theirunbelief , to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them , and intheir behalf to conquer the destroyer . He asks for the witness that Godaccepts humanity in the person of His Son . Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer . They are eager tobear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and comfort . But no ; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son . Direct from thethrone issue the beams of His glory . The heavens are opened , and upon theSaviour ' s head descends a dovelike form of purest light , -- fit emblem of Him , the meek and lowly one . Of the vast throng at the Jordan , few except John discerned the heavenlyvision . Yet the solemnity of the divine Presence rested upon the assembly . The people stood silently gazing upon Christ . His form was bathed in thelight that ever surrounds the throne of God . His upturned face was glorifiedas they had never before seen the face of man . From the open heavens a voicewas heard saying , " This is My beloved Son , in whom I am well pleased . " These words of confirmation were given to inspire faith in those whowitnessed the scene , and to strengthen the Saviour for His mission . Notwithstanding that the sins of a guilty world were laid upon Christ , notwithstanding the humiliation of taking upon Himself our fallen nature , the voice from heaven declared Him to be the Son of the Eternal . John had been deeply moved as he saw Jesus bowed as a suppliant , pleadingwith tears for the approval of the Father . As the glory of God encircledHim , and the voice from heaven was heard , John recognized the token whichGod had promised . He knew that it was the world ' s Redeemer whom he hadbaptized . The Holy Spirit rested upon him , and with outstretched handpointing to Jesus , he cried , " Behold the Lamb of God , which taketh away thesin of the world . " None among the hearers , and not even the speaker himself , discerned theimport of these words , " the Lamb of God . " Upon Mount Moriah , Abraham hadheard the question of his son , " My father , . . . where is the lamb for aburnt offering ? " The father answered , " My son , God will provide Himself alamb for a burnt offering . " Gen . 22 : 7 , 8 . And in the ram divinely providedin the place of Isaac , Abraham saw a symbol of Him who was to die for thesins of men . The Holy Spirit through Isaiah , taking up the illustration , prophesied of the Saviour , " He is 113 brought as a lamb to the slaughter , " " and the Lord hath laid on Him theiniquity of us all " ( Isa . 53 : 7 , 6 ) ; but the people of Israel had notunderstood the lesson . Many of them regarded the sacrificial offerings muchas the heathen looked upon their sacrifices , -- as gifts by which theythemselves might propitiate the Deity . God desired to teach them that fromHis own love comes the gift which reconciles them to Himself . And the word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan , " This is My belovedSon , in whom I am well pleased , " embraces humanity . God spoke to Jesus asour representative . With all our sins and weaknesses , we are not cast asideas worthless . " He hath made us accepted in the Beloved . " Eph . 1 : 6 . The glorythat rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us . It tells usof the power of prayer , -- how the human voice may reach the ear of God , andour petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven . By sin , earth was cutoff from heaven , and alienated from its communion ; but Jesus has connectedit again with the sphere of glory . His love has encircled man , and reachedthe highest heaven . The light which fell from the open portals upon the headof our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation . The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul , This is Mybeloved child , in whom I am well pleased . " Beloved , now are we the sons of God , and it doth not yet appear what weshall be : but we know that , when He shall appear , we shall be like Him ; forwe shall see Him as He is . " 1 John 3 : 2 . Our Redeemer has opened the way sothat the most sinful , the most needy , the most oppressed and despised , mayfind access to the Father . All may have a home in the mansions which Jesushas gone to prepare . " These things saith He that is holy , He that is true , He that hath the key of David , He that openeth , and no man shutteth ; andshutteth , and no man openeth ; . . . behold , I have set before thee an opendoor , and no man can shut it . " Rev . 3 : 7 , 8 . ( 114 ) Chapter 12 The Temptation [ This chapter is based on Matt . 4 : 1 - 11 ; Mark 1 : 12 , 13 ; Luke 4 : 1 - 13 . ] And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan , and was led bythe Spirit into the wilderness . " The words of Mark are still moresignificant . He says , " Immediately the Spirit driveth Him into thewilderness . And He was there in the wilderness forty days , tempted of Satan ; and was with the wild beasts . " " And in those days He did eat nothing . " When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted , He was led by theSpirit of God . He did not invite temptation . He went to the wilderness to bealone , to contemplate His mission and work . By fasting and prayer He was tobrace Himself for the bloodstained path He must travel . But Satan knew thatthe Saviour had gone into the wilderness , and he thought this the best timeto approach Him . Mighty issues for the world were at stake in the conflict between the Princeof light and the leader of the kingdom of darkness . After tempting man tosin , Satan claimed the earth as his , and styled himself the prince of thisworld . Having conformed to his own nature the father and mother of our race , he thought to establish here his empire . He declared that men had chosen himas their sovereign . Through his 115 control of men , he held dominion over the world . Christ had come to disproveSatan ' s claim . As the Son of man , Christ would stand loyal to God . Thus itwould be shown that Satan had not gained complete control of the human race , and that his claim to the world was false . All who desired deliverance fromhis power would be set free . The dominion that Adam had lost through sinwould be recovered . Since the announcement to the serpent in Eden , " I will put enmity betweenthee and the woman , and between thy seed and her seed " ( Gen . 3 : 15 ) , Satanhad known that he did not hold absolute sway over the world . There was seenin men the working of a power that withstood his dominion . With intenseinterest he watched the sacrifices offered by Adam and his sons . In theseceremonies he discerned a symbol of communion between earth and heaven . Heset himself to intercept this communion . He misrepresented God , andmisinterpreted the rites that pointed to the Saviour . Men were led to fearGod as one who delighted in their destruction . The sacrifices that shouldhave revealed His love were offered only to appease His wrath . Satan excitedthe evil passions of men , in order to fasten his rule upon them . When God ' swritten word was given , Satan studied the prophecies of the Saviour ' sadvent . From generation to generation he worked to blind the people to theseprophecies , that they might reject Christ at His coming . At the birth of Jesus , Satan knew that one had come with a divine commissionto dispute his dominion . He trembled at the angel ' s message attesting theauthority of the newborn King . Satan well knew the position that Christ hadheld in heaven as the Beloved of the Father . That the Son of God should cometo this earth as a man filled him with amazement and with apprehension . Hecould not fathom the mystery of this great sacrifice . His selfish soul couldnot understand such love for the deceived race . The glory and peace ofheaven , and the joy of communion with God , were but dimly comprehended bymen ; but they 116 were well known to Lucifer , the covering cherub . Since he had lost heaven , he was determined to find revenge by causing others to share his fall . Thishe would do by causing them to undervalue heavenly things , and to set theheart upon things of earth . Not without hindrance was the Commander of heaven to win the souls of men toHis kingdom . From the time when He was a babe in Bethlehem , He wascontinually assailed by the evil one . The image of God was manifest inChrist , and in the councils of Satan it was determined that He should beovercome . No human being had come into the world and escaped the power ofthe deceiver . The forces of the confederacy of evil were set upon His trackto engage in warfare against Him , and if possible to prevail over Him . At the Saviour ' s baptism , Satan was among the witnesses . He saw the Father ' sglory overshadowing His Son . He heard the voice of Jehovah testifying to thedivinity of Jesus . Ever since Adam ' s sin , the human race had been cut offfrom direct communion with God ; the intercourse between heaven and earth hadbeen through Christ ; but now that Jesus had come " in the likeness of sinfulflesh " ( Rom . 8 : 3 ) , the Father Himself spoke . He had before communicated withhumanity through Christ ; now He communicated with humanity in Christ . Satanhad hoped that God ' s abhorrence of evil would bring an eternal separationbetween heaven and earth . But now it was manifest that the connectionbetween God and man had been restored . Satan saw that he must either conquer or be conquered . The issues of theconflict involved too much to be entrusted to his confederate angels . Hemust personally conduct the warfare . All the energies of apostasy wererallied against the Son of God . Christ was made the mark of every weapon ofhell . Many look on this conflict between Christ and Satan as having no specialbearing on their own life ; and for them it has little interest . But withinthe domain of every human heart this controversy is repeated . Never does oneleave the ranks of evil for the service of God without encountering theassaults of Satan . The enticements which Christ resisted were those that wefind it so difficult to withstand . They were urged upon Him in as muchgreater degree as His character is superior to ours . With the terribleweight of the sins of the world upon Him , Christ withstood the test uponappetite , upon the love of the world , and upon that love of display whichleads to presumption . These were the 117 temptations that overcame Adam and Eve , and that so readily overcome us . Satan had pointed to Adam ' s sin as proof that God ' s law was unjust , andcould not be obeyed . In our humanity , Christ was to redeem Adam ' s failure . But when Adam was assailed by the tempter , none of the effects of sin wereupon him . He stood in the strength of perfect manhood , possessing the fullvigor of mind and body . He was surrounded with the glories of Eden , and wasin daily communion with heavenly beings . It was not thus with Jesus when Heentered the wilderness to cope with Satan . For four thousand years the racehad been decreasing in physical strength , in mental power , and in moralworth ; and Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity . onlythus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of his degradation . Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation . Then He could not have been placed in Adam ' s position ; He could not havegained the victory that Adam failed to gain . If we have in any sense a moretrying conflict than had Christ , then He would not be able to succor us . Butour Saviour took humanity , with all its liabilities . He took the nature ofman , with the possibility of yielding to temptation . We have nothing to bearwhich He has not endured . With Christ , as with the holy pair in Eden , appetite was the ground of thefirst great temptation . Just where the ruin began , the work of ourredemption must begin . As by the indulgence of appetite Adam fell , so by thedenial of appetite Christ must overcome . " And when He had fasted forty daysand forty nights , He was afterward an hungred . And when the tempter came toHim , he said , If Thou be the Son of God , command that these stones be madebread . But He answered and said , It is written , Man shall not live by breadalone , but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God . " From the time of Adam to that of Christ , self - indulgence had increased thepower of the appetites and passions , until they had almost unlimitedcontrol . Thus men had become debased and diseased , and of themselves it wasimpossible for them to overcome . In man ' s behalf , Christ conquered byenduring the severest test . For our sake He exercised a self - controlstronger than hunger or death . And in this first victory were involved otherissues that enter into all our conflicts with the powers of darkness . 118 When Jesus entered the wilderness , He was shut in by the Father ' s glory . Absorbed in communion with God , He was lifted above human weakness . But theglory departed , and He was left to battle with temptation . It was pressingupon Him every moment . His human nature shrank from the conflict thatawaited Him . For forty days He fasted and prayed . Weak and emaciated fromhunger , worn and haggard with mental agony , " His visage was so marred morethan any man , and His form more than the sons of men . " Isa . 52 : 14 . Now wasSatan ' s opportunity . Now he supposed that he could overcome Christ . There came to the Saviour , as if in answer to His prayers , one in the guiseof an angel from heaven . He claimed to have a commission from God to declarethat Christ ' s fast was at an end . As God had sent an angel to stay the handof Abraham from offering Isaac , so , satisfied with Christ ' s willingness toenter the bloodstained path , the Father had sent an angel to deliver Him ; this was the message brought to Jesus . The Saviour was faint from hunger , Hewas craving for food , when Satan came suddenly upon Him . Pointing to thestones which strewed the desert , and which had the appearance of loaves , thetempter said , " If Thou be the Son of God , command that these stones be madebread . " Though he appears as an angel of light , these first words betray hischaracter . " If Thou be the Son of God . " Here is the insinuation of distrust . Should Jesus do what Satan suggests , it would be an acceptance of the doubt . The tempter plans to overthrow Christ by the same means that were sosuccessful with the human race in the beginning . How artfully had Satanapproached Eve in Eden ! " Yea , hath God said , Ye shall not eat of every treeof the garden ? " Gen 3 : 1 . Thus far the tempter ' s words were truth ; but in hismanner of speaking them there was a disguised contempt for the words of God . There was a covert negative , a doubt of the divine truthfulness . Satansought to instill into the mind of Eve the thought that God would not do asHe had said ; that the withholding of such beautiful fruit was acontradiction of His love and compassion for man . So now the tempter seeksto inspire Christ with his own sentiments . " If Thou be the Son of God . " Thewords rankle with bitterness in his mind . In the tones of his voice is anｅxpression of utter incredulity . Would God treat His own Son thus ? Would Heleave Him in the desert with wild beasts , without food , without companions , without comfort ? He insinuates that God never meant His Son to be in such astate as this . " If Thou be the Son of God , " show Thy power by 119 relieving Thyself of this pressing hunger . Command that this stone be madebread . The words from heaven , " This is My beloved Son , in whom I am well pleased "( Matt . 3 : 17 ) , were still sounding in the ears of Satan . But he wasdetermined to make Christ disbelieve this testimony . The word of God wasChrist ' s assurance of His divine mission . He had come to live as a man amongmen , and it was the word that declared His connection with heaven . It wasSatan ' s purpose to cause Him to doubt that word . If Christ ' s confidence inGod could be shaken , Satan knew that the victory in the whole controversywould be his . He could overcome Jesus . He hoped that under the force ofdespondency and extreme hunger , Christ would lose faith in His Father , andwork a miracle in His own behalf . Had He done this , the plan of salvationwould have been broken . When Satan and the Son of God first met in conflict , Christ was thecommander of the heavenly hosts ; and Satan , the leader of revolt in heaven , was cast out . Now their condition is apparently reversed , and Satan makesthe most of his supposed advantage . one of the most powerful of the angels , he says , has been banished from heaven . The appearance of Jesus indicatesthat He is that fallen angel , forsaken by God , and deserted by man . A divinebeing would be able to sustain his claim by working a miracle ; " if Thou bethe Son of God , command this stone that it be made bread . " Such an act ofcreative power , urges the tempter , would be conclusive evidence of divinity . It would bring the controversy to an end . Not without a struggle could Jesus listen in silence to the arch - deceiver . But the Son of God was not to prove His divinity to Satan , or to explain thereason of His humiliation . By conceding to the demands of the rebel , nothingfor the good of man or the glory of God would be gained . Had Christ compliedwith the suggestion of the enemy , Satan would still have said , Show me asign that I may believe you to be the Son of God . Evidence would have beenworthless to break the power of rebellion in his heart . And Christ was notto exercise divine power for His own benefit . He had come to bear trial aswe must do , leaving us an example of faith and submission . Neither here norat any subsequent time in His earthly life did He work a miracle in His ownbehalf . His wonderful works were all for the good of others . Though Jesusrecognized Satan from the beginning , He was not provoked to enter intocontroversy with him . Strengthened with the memory of the voice 120 from heaven , He rested in His Father ' s love . He would not parley withtemptation . Jesus met Satan with the words of Scripture . " It is written , " He said . Inevery temptation the weapon of His warfare was the word of God . Satandemanded of Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity . But that which isgreater than all miracles , a firm reliance upon a " Thus saith the Lord , " wasa sign that could not be controverted . So long as Christ held to thisposition , the tempter could gain no advantage . It was in the time of greatest weakness that Christ was assailed by thefiercest temptations . Thus Satan thought to prevail . By this policy he hadgained the victory over men . When strength failed , and the will powerweakened , and faith ceased to repose in God , then those who had stood longand valiantly for the right were overcome . Moses was wearied with the fortyyears ' wandering of Israel , when for the moment his faith let go its holdupon infinite power . He failed just upon the borders of the Promised Land . So with Elijah , who had stood undaunted before King Ahab , who had faced thewhole nation of Israel , with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal attheir head . After that terrible day upon Carmel , when the false prophets hadbeen slain , and the people had declared their allegiance to God , Elijah fledfor his life before the threats of the idolatrous Jezebel . Thus Satan hastaken advantage of the weakness of humanity . And he will still work in thesame way . Whenever one is encompassed with clouds , perplexed bycircumstances , or afflicted by poverty or distress , Satan is at hand totempt and annoy . He attacks our weak points of character . He seeks to shakeour confidence in God , who suffers such a condition of things to exist . Weare tempted to distrust God , to question His love . Often the tempter comesto us as he came to Christ , arraying before us our 121 weakness and infirmities . He hopes to discourage the soul , and to break ourhold on God . Then he is sure of his prey . If we would meet him as Jesus did , we should escape many a defeat . By parleying with the enemy , we give him anadvantage . When Christ said to the tempter , " Man shall not live by bread alone , but byevery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God , " He repeated the wordsthat , more than fourteen hundred years before , He had spoken to Israel : " TheLord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness . . . . And Hehumbled thee , and suffered thee to hunger , and fed thee with manna , whichthou knewest not , neither did thy fathers know ; that He might make thee knowthat man doth not live by bread only , but by every word that proceedeth outof the mouth of the Lord doth man live . " Deut . 8 : 2 , 3 . In the wilderness , when all means of sustenance failed , God sent His people manna from heaven ; and a sufficient and constant supply was given . This provision was to teachthem that while they trusted in God and walked in His ways He would notforsake them . The Saviour now practiced the lesson He had taught to Israel . By the word of God succor had been given to the Hebrew host , and by the sameword it would be given to Jesus . He awaited God ' s time to bring relief . Hewas in the wilderness in obedience to God , and He would not obtain food byfollowing the suggestions of Satan . In the presence of the witnessinguniverse , He testified that it is a less calamity to suffer whatever maybefall than to depart in any manner from the will of God . " Man shall not live by bread alone , but by every word of God . " Often thefollower of Christ is brought where he cannot serve God and carry forwardhis worldly enterprises . Perhaps it appears that obedience to some plainrequirement of God will cut off his means of support . Satan would make himbelieve that he must sacrifice his conscientious convictions . But the onlything in our world upon which we can rely is the word of God . " Seek ye firstthe kingdom of God , and His righteousness ; and all these things shall beadded unto you . " Matt . 6 : 33 . Even in this life it is not for our good todepart from the will of our Father in heaven . When we learn the power of Hisword , we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain foodor to save our lives . Our only questions will be , What is God ' s command ? andwhat His promise ? Knowing these , we shall obey the one , and trust the other . In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyalto God will see every earthly support cut off . Because they refuse 122 to break His law in obedience to earthly powers , they will be forbidden tobuy or sell . It will finally be decreed that they shall be put to death . SeeRev . 13 : 11 - 17 . But to the obedient is given the promise , " He shall dwell onhigh : his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks : bread shall begiven him ; his waters shall be sure . " Isa . 33 : 16 . By this promise thechildren of God will live . When the earth shall be wasted with famine , theyshall be fed . " They shall not be ashamed in the evil time : and in the daysof famine they shall be satisfied . " Ps . 37 : 19 . To that time of distress theprophet Habakkuk looked forward , and his words express the faith of thechurch : " Although the fig tree shall not blossom , neither shall fruit be inthe vines ; the labor of the olive shall fail , and the fields shall yield nomeat ; the flock shall be cut off from the fold , and there shall be no herdin the stalls : yet I will rejoice in the Lord , I will joy in the God of mysalvation . " Hab . 3 : 17 , 18 . Of all the lessons to be learned from our Lord ' s first great temptation noneis more important than that bearing upon the control of the appetites andpassions . In all ages , temptations appealing to the physical nature havebeen most effectual in corrupting and degrading mankind . Throughintemperance , Satan works to destroy the mental and moral powers that Godgave to man as a priceless endowment . Thus it becomes impossible for men toappreciate things of eternal worth . Through sensual indulgence , Satan seeksto blot from the soul every trace of likeness to God . The uncontrolled indulgence and consequent disease and degradation thatexisted at Christ ' s first advent will again exist , with intensity of evil , before His second coming . Christ declares that the condition of the worldwill be as in the days before the Flood , and as in Sodom and Gomorrah . Everyimagination of the thoughts of the heart will be evil continually . Upon thevery verge of that fearful time we are now living , and to us should comehome the lesson of the Saviour ' s fast . only by the inexpressible anguishwhich Christ endured can we estimate the evil of unrestrained indulgence . His example declares that our only hope of eternal life is through bringingthe appetites and passions into subjection to the will of God . In our own strength it is impossible for us to deny the clamors of ourfallen nature . Through this channel Satan will bring temptation upon us . Christ knew that the enemy would come to every human being , to takeadvantage of hereditary weakness , and by his false insinuations to ensnareall whose trust is not in God . And by passing over the ground which 123 man must travel , our Lord has prepared the way for us to overcome . It is notHis will that we should be placed at a disadvantage in the conflict withSatan . He would not have us intimidated and discouraged by the assaults ofthe serpent . " Be of good cheer , " He says ; " I have overcome the world . " John 16 : 33 . Let him who is struggling against the power of appetite look to the Saviourin the wilderness of temptation . See Him in His agony upon the cross , as Heexclaimed , " I thirst . " He has endured all that it is possible for us tobear . His victory is ours . Jesus rested upon the wisdom and strength of His heavenly Father . Hedeclares , " The Lord God will help Me ; therefore shall I not be confounded : . . . and I know that I shall not be ashamed . . . . Behold , the Lord God willhelp Me . " Pointing to His own example , He says to us , " Who is among you thatfeareth the Lord , . . . that walketh in darkness , and hath no light ? let himtrust in the name of the Lord , and stay upon his God . " Isa . 50 : 7 - 10 . " The prince of this world cometh , " said Jesus , " and hath nothing in Me . " John 14 : 30 . There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan ' s sophistry . Hedid not consent to sin . Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation . Soit may be with us . Christ ' s humanity was united with divinity ; He was fittedfor the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit . And He came to makeus partakers of the divine nature . So long as we are united to Him by faith , sin has no more dominion over us . God reaches for the hand of faith in us todirect it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ , that we may attainto perfection of character . And how this is accomplished , Christ has shown us . By what means did Heovercome in the conflict with Satan ? By the word of God . only by the wordcould He resist temptation . " It is written , " He said . And unto us are given " exceeding great and precious promises : that by these ye might be partakersof the divine nature , having escaped the corruption that is in the worldthrough lust . " 2 Peter 1 : 4 . Every promise in God ' s word is ours . " By everyword that proceedeth out of the mouth of God " are we to live . When assailedby temptation , look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self , but tothe power of the word . All its strength is yours . " Thy word , " says thepsalmist , " have I hid in mine heart , that I might not sin against Thee . " " Bythe world of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer . " Ps . 119 : 11 ; 17 : 4 . ( 124 ) Chapter 13 The Victory [ This chapter is based on Matt . 4 : 5 - 11 ; Mark 1 : 12 , 13 ; Luke 4 : 5 - 13 . ] Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city , and setteth Him on apinnacle of the temple , and saith unto Him , If Thou be the Son of God , castThyself down : for it is written , -- " He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee : And in their hands they shall bear Thee up , Lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone . " Satan now supposes that he has met Jesus on His own ground . The wily foehimself presents words that proceeded from the mouth of God . He stillappears as an angel of light , and he makes it evident that he is acquaintedwith the Scriptures , and understands the import of what is written . As Jesusbefore used the word of God to sustain His faith , the tempter now uses it tocountenance his deception . He claims that he has been only testing thefidelity of Jesus , and he now commends His steadfastness . As the Saviour hasmanifested trust in God , Satan urges Him to give still another evidence ofHis faith . But again the temptation is prefaced with the insinuation of distrust , " IfThou be the Son of God . " Christ was tempted to answer the " if ;" but Herefrained from the slightest acceptance of the doubt . He would not imperilHis life in order to give evidence to Satan . 125 The tempter thought to take advantage of Christ ' s humanity , and urge Him topresumption . But while Satan can solicit , he cannot compel to sin . He saidto Jesus , " Cast Thyself down , " knowing that he could not cast Him down ; forGod would interpose to deliver Him . Nor could Satan force Jesus to castHimself down . Unless Christ should consent to temptation , He could not beovercome . Not all the power of earth or hell could force Him in theslightest degree to depart from the will of His Father . The tempter can never compel us to do evil . He cannot control minds unlessthey are yielded to his control . The will must consent , faith must let goits hold upon Christ , before Satan can exercise his power upon us . But everysinful desire we cherish affords him a foothold . Every point in which wefail of meeting the divine standard is an open door by which he can enter totempt and destroy us . And every failure or defeat on our part gives occasionfor him to reproach Christ . When Satan quoted the promise , " He shall give His angels charge over Thee , " he omitted the words , " to keep Thee in all Thy ways ;" that is , in all theways of God ' s choosing . Jesus refused to go outside the path of obedience . While manifesting perfect trust in His Father , He would not place Himself , unbidden , in a position that would necessitate the interposition of HisFather to save Him from death . He would not force Providence to come to Hisrescue , and thus fail of giving man an example of trust and submission . Jesus declared to Satan , " It is written again , Thou shalt not tempt the Lordthy God . " These words were spoken by Moses to the children of Israel whenthey thirsted in the desert , and demanded that Moses should give them water , exclaiming , " Is the Lord among 126 us , or not ? " Exodus 17 : 7 . God had wrought marvelously for them ; yet introuble they doubted Him , and demanded evidence that He was with them . Intheir unbelief they sought to put Him to the test . And Satan was urgingChrist to do the same thing . God had already testified that Jesus was HisSon ; and now to ask for proof that He was the Son of God would be puttingGod ' s word to the test , -- tempting Him . And the same would be true of askingfor that which God had not promised . It would manifest distrust , and bereally proving , or tempting , Him . We should not present our petitions to Godto prove whether He will fulfill His word , but because He will fulfill it ; not to prove that He loves us , but because He loves us . " Without faith it isimpossible to please Him : for he that cometh to God must believe that He is , and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him . " Heb . 11 : 6 . But faith is in no sense allied to presumption . only he who has true faithis secure against presumption . For presumption is Satan ' s counterfeit offaith . Faith claims God ' s promises , and brings forth fruit in obedience . Presumption also claims the promises , but uses them as Satan did , to excusetransgression . Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love ofGod , and to obey His commands . Presumption led them to transgress His law , believing that His great love would save them from the consequence of theirsin . It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying withthe conditions on which mercy is to be granted . Genuine faith has itsfoundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures . Often when Satan has failed of exciting distrust , he succeeds in leading usto presumption . If he can cause us to place ourselves unnecessarily in theway of temptation , he knows that the victory is his . God will preserve allwho walk in the path of obedience ; but to depart from it is to venture onSatan ' s ground . There we are sure to fall . The Saviour has bidden us , " Watchye and pray , lest ye enter into temptation . " Mark 14 : 38 . Meditation andprayer would keep us from rushing unbidden into the way of danger , and thuswe should be saved from many a defeat . Yet we should not lose courage when assailed by temptation . Often whenplaced in a trying situation we doubt that the Spirit of God has beenleading us . But it was the Spirit ' s leading that brought Jesus into thewilderness to be tempted by Satan . When God brings us into trial , He has apurpose to accomplish for our good . Jesus did not presume on God ' s promisesby going unbidden into temptation , neither did He give 129 up to despondency when temptation came upon Him . Nor should we . " God isfaithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; butwill with the temptation also make a way to escape , that ye may be able tobear it . " He says , " Offer unto God thanksgiving ; and pay thy vows unto theMost High : and call upon Me in the day of trouble : I will deliver thee , andthou shalt glorify Me . " 1 Cor . 10 : 13 ; Ps . 50 : 14 , 15 . Jesus was victor in the second temptation , and now Satan manifests himselfin his true character . But he does not appear as a hideous monster , withcloven feet and bat ' s wings . He is a mighty angel , though fallen . He avowshimself the leader of rebellion and the god of this world . Placing Jesus upon a high mountain , Satan caused the kingdoms of the world , in all their glory , to pass in panoramic view before Him . The sunlight layon templed cities , marble palaces , fertile fields , and fruit - ladenvineyards . The traces of evil were hidden . The eyes of Jesus , so latelygreeted by gloom and desolation , now gazed upon a scene of unsurpassedloveliness and prosperity . Then the tempter ' s voice was heard : " All thispower will I give Thee , and the glory of them : for that is delivered untome ; and to whomsoever I will I give it . If Thou therefore wilt worship me , all shall be Thine . " Christ ' s mission could be fulfilled only through suffering . Before Him was alife of sorrow , hardship , and conflict , and an ignominious death . He mustbear the sins of the whole world . He must endure separation from HisFather ' s love . Now the tempter offered to yield up the power he had usurped . Christ might deliver Himself from the dreadful future by acknowledging thesupremacy of Satan . But to do this was to yield the victory in the greatcontroversy . It was in seeking to exalt himself above the Son of God thatSatan had sinned in heaven . Should he prevail now , it would be the triumphof rebellion . When Satan declared to Christ , The kingdom and glory of the world aredelivered unto me , and to whomsoever I will I give it , he stated what wastrue only in part , and he declared it to serve his own purpose of deception . Satan ' s dominion was that wrested from Adam , but Adam was the vicegerent ofthe Creator . His was not an independent rule . The earth is God ' s , and He hascommitted all things to His Son . Adam was to reign subject to Christ . WhenAdam betrayed his sovereignty into Satan ' s hands , Christ still remained therightful King . Thus the Lord had said to King Nebuchadnezzar , " The Most Highruleth in the 130 kingdom of men , and giveth it to whomsoever He will . " Dan . 4 : 17 . Satan canexercise his usurped authority only as God permits . When the tempter offered to Christ the kingdom and glory of the world , hewas proposing that Christ should yield up the real kingship of the world , and hold dominion subject to Satan . This was the same dominion upon whichthe hopes of the Jews were set . They desired the kingdom of this world . IfChrist had consented to offer them such a kingdom , they would gladly havereceived Him . But the curse of sin , with all its woe , rested upon it . Christdeclared to the tempter , " Get thee behind Me , Satan : for it is written , Thoushalt worship the Lord thy God , and Him only shalt thou serve . " By the one who had revolted in heaven the kingdoms of this world wereoffered Christ , to buy His homage to the principles of evil ; but He wouldnot be bought ; He had come to establish a kingdom of righteousness , and Hewould not abandon His purpose . With the same temptation Satan approachesmen , and here he has better success than with Christ . To men he offers thekingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge his supremacy . He requires that they sacrifice integrity , disregard conscience , indulgeselfishness . Christ bids them seek first the kingdom of God , and Hisrighteousness ; but Satan walks by their side and says : Whatever may be truein regard to life eternal , in order to make a success in this world you mustserve me . I hold your welfare in my hands . I can give you riches , pleasures , honor , and happiness . Hearken to my counsel . Do not allow yourselves to becarried away with whimsical notions of honesty or self - sacrifice . I willprepare the way before you . Thus multitudes are deceived . They consent tolive for the service of self , and Satan is satisfied . While he allures themwith the hope of worldly dominion , he gains dominion over the soul . But heoffers that which is not his to bestow , and which is soon to be wrested fromhim . In return he beguiles them of their title to the inheritance of thesons of God . Satan had questioned whether Jesus was the Son of God . In his summarydismissal he had proof that he could not gainsay . Divinity flashed throughsuffering humanity . Satan had no power to resist the command . Writhing withhumiliation and rage , he was forced to withdraw from the presence of theworld ' s Redeemer . Christ ' s victory was as complete as had been the failureof Adam . So we may resist temptation , and force Satan to depart from us . Jesus gainedthe victory through submission and faith in God , and by 131 the apostle He says to us , " Submit yourselves therefore to God . Resist thedevil , and he will flee from you . Draw nigh to God , and He will draw nigh toyou . " James 4 : 7 , 8 . We cannot save ourselves from the tempter ' s power ; hehas conquered humanity , and when we try to stand in our own strength , weshall become a prey to his devices ; but " the name of the Lord is a strongtower : the righteous runneth into it , and is safe . " Prov . 18 : 10 . Satantrembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mightyname . After the foe had departed , Jesus fell exhausted to the earth , with thepallor of death upon His face . The angels of heaven had watched theconflict , beholding their loved Commander as He passed through inexpressiblesuffering to make a way of escape for us . He had endured the test , greaterthan we shall ever be called to endure . The angels now ministered to the Sonof God as He lay like one dying . He was strengthened with food , comfortedwith the message of His Father ' s love and the assurance that all heaventriumphed in His victory . Warming to life again , His great heart goes out insympathy for man , and He goes forth to complete the work He has begun ; torest not until the foe is vanquished , and our fallen race redeemed . Never can the cost of our redemption be realized until the redeemed shallstand with the Redeemer before the throne of God . Then as the glories of theeternal home burst upon our enraptured senses we shall remember that Jesusleft all this for us , that He not only became an exile from the heavenlycourts , but for us took the risk of failure and eternal loss . Then we shallcast our crowns at His feet , and raise the song , " Worthy is the Lamb thatwas slain to receive power , and riches , and wisdom , and strength , and honor , and glory , and blessing . " Rev . 5 : 12 . ( 132 ) Chapter 14 " We Have Found the Messias " [ This chapter is based on John 1 : 19 - 51 . ] John the Baptist was now preaching and baptizing at Bethabara , beyondJordan . It was not far from this spot that God had stayed the river in itsflow until Israel had passed over . A little distance from here thestronghold of Jericho had been overthrown by the armies of heaven . Thememory of these events was at this time revived , and gave a thrillinginterest to the Baptist ' s message . Would not He who had wrought sowonderfully in ages past again manifest His power for Israel ' s deliverance ? Such was the thought stirring the hearts of the people who daily throngedthe banks of the Jordan . The preaching of John had taken so deep a hold on the nation as to demandthe attention of the religious authorities . The danger of insurrectioncaused every popular gathering to be looked upon with suspicion by theRomans , and whatever pointed toward an uprising of the people excited thefears of the Jewish rulers . John had not recognized the authority of theSanhedrin by seeking their sanction for his work ; and 133 he had reproved rulers and people , Pharisees and Sadducees alike . Yet thepeople followed him eagerly . The interest in his work seemed to becontinually increasing . Though he had not deferred to them , the Sanhedrinaccounted that , as a public teacher , he was under their jurisdiction . This body was made up of members chosen from the priesthood , and from thechief rulers and teachers of the nation . The high priest was usually thepresident . All its members were to be men advanced in years , though notaged ; men of learning , not only versed in Jewish religion and history , butin general knowledge . They were to be without physical blemish , and must bemarried men , and fathers , as being more likely than others to be humane andconsiderate . Their place of meeting was an apartment connected with thetemple at Jerusalem . In the days of Jewish independence the Sanhedrin wasthe supreme court of the nation , possessing secular as well asecclesiastical authority . Though now subordinated by the Roman governors , itstill exercised a strong influence in civil as well as religious matters . The Sanhedrin could not well defer an investigation of John ' s work . Therewere some who recalled the revelation made to Zacharias in the temple , andthe father ' s prophecy , that had pointed to his child as the Messiah ' sherald . In the tumults and changes of thirty years , these things had in agreat measure been lost sight of . They were now called to mind by theexcitement concerning the ministry of John . It was long since Israel had had a prophet , long since such a reformation aswas now in progress had been witnessed . The demand for confession of sinseemed new and startling . Many among the leaders would not go to hear John ' sappeals and denunciations , lest they should be led to disclose the secretsof their own lives . Yet his preaching was a direct announcement of theMessiah . It was well known that the seventy weeks of Daniel ' s prophecy , covering the Messiah ' s advent , were nearly ended ; and all were eager toshare in that era of national glory which was then expected . Such was thepopular enthusiasm that the Sanhedrin would soon be forced either tosanction or to reject John ' s work . Already their power over the people waswaning . It was becoming a serious question how to maintain their position . In the hope of arriving at some conclusion , they dispatched to the Jordan adeputation of priests and Levites to confer with the new teacher . A multitude were gathered , listening to his words , when the delegatesapproached . With an air of authority designed to impress the people 134 and to command the deference of the prophet the haughty rabbis came . With amovement of respect , almost of fear , the crowd opened to let them pass . Thegreat men , in their rich robes , in the pride of rank and power , stood beforethe prophet of the wilderness . " Who art thou ? " they demanded . Knowing what was in their thoughts , John answered , " I am not the Christ . " " What then ? Art thou Elias ? " " I am not . " " Art thou that prophet ? " " No . " " Who art thou ? that we may give an answer to them that sent us . What sayestthou of thyself ? " " I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness , Make straight the way ofthe Lord , as said the prophet Esaias . " The scripture to which John referred is that beautiful prophecy of Isaiah : " Comfort ye , comfort ye My people , saith your God . Speak 135 ye comfortably to Jerusalem , and cry unto her , that her appointed time isaccomplished , that her iniquity is pardoned . . . . The voice of him thatcrieth in the wilderness , Prepare ye the way of the Lord , make straight inthe desert a highway for our God . Every valley shall be exalted , and everymountain and hill shall be made low : and the crooked shall be made straight , and the rough places plain : and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed , andall flesh shall see it together . " Isa . 40 : 1 - 5 , margin . Anciently , when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of hisdominion , a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level thesteep places and to fill up the hollows , that the king might travel insafety and without hindrance . This custom is employed by the prophet toillustrate the work of the gospel . " Every valley shall be exalted , and everymountain and hill shall be made low . " When the Spirit of God , with itsmarvelous awakening power , touches the soul , it abases human pride . Worldlypleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless . " Imaginations , andevery high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God " are castdown ; every thought is brought into captivity " to the obedience of Christ . " 2 Cor . 10 : 5 . Then humility and self - sacrificing love , so little valued amongmen , are exalted as alone of worth . This is the work of the gospel , of whichJohn ' s message was a part . The rabbis continued their questioning : " Why baptizest thou then , if thou benot that Christ , nor Elias , neither that prophet ? " The words " that prophet " had reference to Moses . The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moseswould be raised from the dead , and taken to heaven . They did not know thathe had already been raised . When the Baptist began his ministry , manythought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead , for heseemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history ofIsrael . It was believed also that before the Messiah ' s advent , Elijah wouldpersonally appear . This expectation John met in his denial ; but his wordshad a deeper meaning . Jesus afterward said , referring to John , " If ye arewilling to receive it , this is Elijah , which is to come . " Matt . 11 : 14 , R . V . John came in the spirit and power of Elijah , to do such a work as Elijahdid . If the Jews had received him , it would have been accomplished for them . But they did not receive his message . To them he was not Elijah . He couldnot fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish . 136 Many of those gathered at the Jordan had been present at the baptism ofJesus ; but the sign then given had been manifest to but few among them . During the preceding months of the Baptist ' s ministry , many had refused toheed the call to repentance . Thus they had hardened their hearts anddarkened their understanding . When Heaven bore testimony to Jesus at Hisbaptism , they perceived it not . Eyes that had never been turned in faith toHim that is invisible beheld not the revelation of the glory of God ; earsthat had never listened to His voice heard not the words of witness . So itis now . Often the presence of Christ and the ministering angels is manifestin the assemblies of the people , and yet there are many who know it not . They discern nothing unusual . But to some the Saviour ' s presence isrevealed . Peace and joy animate their hearts . They are comforted , encouraged , and blessed . The deputies from Jerusalem had demanded of John , " Why baptizest thou ? " andthey were awaiting his answer . Suddenly , as his glance swept over thethrong , his eye kindled , his face was lighted up , his whole being wasstirred with deep emotion . With outstretched hands he cried , " I baptize inwater : in the midst of you standeth one whom ye know not , even He thatcometh after me , the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose . " John 1 : 27 , R . V . , margin . The message was distinct and unequivocal , to be carried back to theSanhedrin . The words of John could apply to no other than the long - promisedOne . The Messiah was among them ! In amazement priests and rulers gazed aboutthem , hoping to discover Him of whom John had spoken . But He was notdistinguishable among the throng . When at the baptism of Jesus , John pointed to Him as the Lamb of God , a newlight was shed upon the Messiah ' s work . The prophet ' s mind was directed tothe words of Isaiah , " He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter . " Isa . 53 : 7 . During the weeks that followed , John with new interest studied theprophecies and the teaching of the sacrificial service . He did notdistinguish clearly the two phases of Christ ' s work , -- as a sufferingsacrifice and a conquering king , -- but he saw that His 137 coming had a deeper significance than priests or people had discerned . Whenhe beheld Jesus among the throng on His return from the desert , heconfidently looked for Him to give the people some sign of His truecharacter . Almost impatiently he waited to hear the Saviour declare Hismission ; but no word was spoken , no sign given . Jesus did not respond to theBaptist ' s announcement of Him , but mingled with the disciples of John , giving no outward evidence of His special work , and taking no measures tobring Himself to notice . The next day John sees Jesus coming . With the light of the glory of Godresting upon him , the prophet stretches out his hands , declaring , " Beholdthe Lamb of God , which taketh away the sin of the world ! This is He of whomI said , After me cometh a man which is become before me . . . . And I knewHim not ; but that He should be made manifest to Israel , for this cause cameI baptizing in water . . . . I have beheld the Spirit descending as a doveout of heaven ; and it abode upon Him . And I knew Him not : but He that sentme to baptize in water , He said unto me , Upon whomsoever thou shalt see theSpirit descending , and abiding upon Him , the same is He that baptizeth withthe Holy Spirit . And I have seen , and have borne witness that this is theSon of God . " John 1 : 29 - 34 , R . V . , margin . Was this the Christ ? With awe and wonder the people looked upon the one justdeclared to be the Son of God . They had been deeply moved by the words ofJohn . He had spoken to them in the name of God . They had listened to him dayafter day as he reproved their sins , and daily the conviction that he wassent of Heaven had strengthened . But who was this one greater than John theBaptist ? In His dress and bearing there was nothing that betokened rank . Hewas apparently a simple personage , clad like themselves in the humblegarments of the poor . There were in the throng some who at Christ ' s baptism had beheld the divineglory , and had heard the voice of God . But since that time the Saviour ' sappearance had greatly changed . At His baptism they had seen His countenancetransfigured in the light of heaven ; now , pale , worn , and emaciated , He hadbeen recognized only by the prophet John . But as the people looked upon Him , they saw a face where divine compassionwas blended with conscious power . Every glance of the eye , every feature ofthe countenance , was marked with humility , and expressive of unutterablelove . He seemed to be surrounded by an 138 atmosphere of spiritual influence . While His manners were gentle andunassuming , He impressed men with a sense of power that was hidden , yetcould not be wholly concealed . Was this the one for whom Israel had so longwaited ? Jesus came in poverty and humiliation , that He might be our example as wellas our Redeemer . If He had appeared with kingly pomp , how could He havetaught humility ? how could He have presented such cutting truths as in theSermon on the Mount ? Where would have been the hope of the lowly in life hadJesus come to dwell as a king among men ? To the multitude , however , it seemed impossible that the one designated byJohn should be associated with their lofty anticipations . Thus many weredisappointed , and greatly perplexed . The words which the priests and rabbis so much desired to hear , that Jesuswould now restore the kingdom to Israel , had not been spoken . For such aking they had been waiting and watching ; such a king they were ready toreceive . But one who sought to establish in their hearts a kingdom ofrighteousness and peace , they would not accept . On the following day , while two disciples were standing near , John again sawJesus among the people . Again the face of the prophet was lighted up withglory from the Unseen , as he cried , " Behold the Lamb of God ! " The wordsthrilled the hearts of the disciples . They did not fully understand them . What meant the name that John had given Him , --" the Lamb of God "? Johnhimself had not explained it . Leaving John , they went to seek Jesus . one of the two was Andrew , thebrother of Simon ; the other was John the evangelist . These were Christ ' sfirst disciples . Moved by an irresistible impulse , they followedJesus , -- anxious to speak with Him , yet awed and silent , lost in theoverwhelming significance of the thought , " Is this the Messiah ? " Jesus knew that the disciples were following Him . They were the first fruitsof His ministry , and there was joy in the heart of the divine Teacher asthese souls responded to His grace . Yet turning , He asked only , " What seekye ? " He would leave them free to turn back or to speak of their desire . Of one purpose only were they conscious . one presence filled their thought . They exclaimed , " Rabbi , . . . where dwellest Thou ? " In a brief interview bythe wayside they could not receive that for which they longed . They desiredto be alone with Jesus , to sit at His feet , and hear His words . 139 " He saith unto them , Come and see . They came and saw where He dwelt , andabode with Him that day . " If John and Andrew had possessed the unbelieving spirit of the priests andrulers , they would not have been found as learners at the feet of Jesus . They would have come to Him as critics , to judge His words . Many thus closethe door to the most precious opportunities . But not so did these firstdisciples . They had responded to the Holy Spirit ' s call in the preaching ofJohn the Baptist . Now they recognized the voice of the heavenly Teacher . Tothem the words of Jesus were full of freshness and truth and beauty . Adivine illumination was shed upon the teaching of the Old TestamentScriptures . The many - sided themes of truth stood out in new light . It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to receive wisdomfrom heaven . Faith working by love is the key of knowledge , and everyonethat loveth " knoweth God . " 1 John 4 : 7 . The disciple John was a man of earnest and deep affection , ardent , yetcontemplative . He had begun to discern the glory of Christ , -- not the worldlypomp and power for which he had been taught to hope , but " the glory as ofthe only - begotten of the Father , full of grace and truth . " John 1 : 14 . He wasabsorbed in contemplation of the wondrous theme . Andrew sought to impart the joy that filled his heart . Going in search ofhis brother Simon , he cried , " We have found the Messias . " Simon waited forno second bidding . He also had heard the preaching of John the Baptist , andhe hastened to the Saviour . The eye of Christ rested upon him , reading hischaracter and his life history . His impulsive nature , his loving , sympathetic heart , his ambition and self - confidence , the history of hisfall , his repentance , his labors , and his martyr death , -- the Saviour read itall , and He said , " Thou art Simon the son of Jona : thou shalt be calledCephas , which is by interpretation , A stone . " " The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee , and findeth Philip , and saith unto him , Follow Me . " Philip obeyed the command , and straightwayhe also became a worker for Christ . Philip called Nathanael . The latter had been among the throng when theBaptist pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God . As Nathanael looked upon Jesus , he was disappointed . Could this man , who bore the marks of toil and poverty , be the Messiah ? Yet Nathanael could not decide to reject Jesus , for themessage of John had brought conviction to his heart . 140 At the time when Philip called him , Nathanael had withdrawn to a quiet groveto meditate upon the announcement of John and the prophecies concerning theMessiah . He prayed that if the one announced by John was the deliverer , itmight be made known to him , and the Holy Spirit rested upon him withassurance that God had visited His people and raised up a horn of salvationfor them . Philip knew that his friend was searching the prophecies , andwhile Nathanael was praying under a fig tree , Philip discovered his retreat . They had often prayed together in this secluded spot hidden by the foliage . The message , " We have found Him , of whom Moses in the law , and the prophets , did write , " seemed to Nathanael a direct answer to his prayer . But Philiphad yet a trembling faith . He added doubtfully , " Jesus of Nazareth , the sonof Joseph . " Again prejudice arose in Nathanael ' s heart . He exclaimed , " Canthere any good thing come out of Nazareth ? " Philip entered into no controversy . He said , " Come and see . Jesus sawNathanael coming to Him , and saith of him , Behold an Israelite indeed , inwhom is no guile ! " In surprise Nathanael exclaimed , " Whence knowest Thou me ? Jesus answered and said unto him , Before that Philip called thee , when thouwast under the fig tree , I saw thee . " It was enough . The divine Spirit that had borne witness to Nathanael in hissolitary prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the words of Jesus . Though in doubt , and yielding somewhat to prejudice , Nathanael had come toChrist with an honest desire for truth , and now his desire was met . Hisfaith went beyond that of the one who had brought him to Jesus . He answeredand said , " Rabbi , Thou art the Son of God ; Thou art the King of Israel . " If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance , he would never havefound Jesus . It was by seeing and judging for himself that he 141 became a disciple . So in the case of many today whom prejudice withholdsfrom good . How different would be the result if they would " come and see "! While they trust to the guidance of human authority , none will come to asaving knowledge of the truth . Like Nathanael , we need to study God ' s wordfor ourselves , and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit . He who sawNathanael under the fig tree will see us in the secret place of prayer . Angels from the world of light are near to those who in humility seek fordivine guidance . With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon , of Philip and Nathanael , began the foundation of the Christian church . John directed two of hisdisciples to Christ . Then one of these , Andrew , found his brother , andcalled him to the Saviour . Philip was then called , and he went in search ofNathanael . These examples should teach us the importance of personal effort , of making direct appeals to our kindred , friends , and neighbors . There arethose who for a lifetime have professed to be acquainted with Christ , yetwho have never made a personal effort to bring even one soul to the Saviour . They leave all the work for the minister . He may be well qualified for hiscalling , but he cannot do that which God has left for the members of thechurch . There are many who need the ministration of loving Christian hearts . Manyhave gone down to ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors , commonmen and women , had put forth personal effort for them . Many are waiting tobe personally addressed . In the very family , the neighborhood , the town , where we live , there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ . If weare Christians , this work will be our delight . No sooner is one convertedthan there is born within him a desire to make known to others what aprecious friend he has found in Jesus . The saving and sanctifying truthcannot be shut up in his heart . All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light . God makes them Hisagents to communicate to others the riches of His grace . His promise is , " Iwill make them and the places round about My hill a blessing ; and I willcause the shower to come down in his season ; there shall be showers ofblessing . " Ezek . 34 : 26 . Philip said to Nathanael , " Come and see . " He did not ask him to acceptanother ' s testimony , but to behold Christ for himself . Now that Jesus hasascended to heaven , His disciples are His representatives among men , and oneof the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in 142 exemplifying His character in our daily life . Our influence upon othersdepends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are . Men may combat anddefy our logic , they may resist our appeals ; but a life of disinterestedlove is an argument they cannot gainsay . A consistent life , characterized bythe meekness of Christ , is a power in the world . The teaching of Christ was the ｅxpression of an inwrought conviction andexperience , and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divineorder . The word of God , spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it , has a life - giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers , andconvicts them that it is a living reality . When one has received the truthin the love of it , he will make this manifest in the persuasion of hismanner and the tones of his voice . He makes known that which he himself hasheard , seen , and handled of the word of life , that others may havefellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ . His testimony , fromlips touched with a live coal from off the altar , is truth to the receptiveheart , and works sanctification upon the character . And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed . " Thereshall be showers of blessing . " " He that watereth shall be watered alsohimself . " Prov . 11 : 25 . God could have reached His object in saving sinnerswithout our aid ; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ ' s , we must share in His work . In order to enter into His joy , -- the joy ofseeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice , -- we must participate in His laborsfor their redemption . Nathanael ' s first ｅxpression of his faith , so full and earnest and sincere , fell like music on the ears of Jesus . And He " answered and said unto him , Because I said unto thee , I saw thee under the fig tree , believest thou ? thou shalt see greater things than these . " The Saviour looked forward withjoy to His work in preaching good tidings to the meek , binding up thebrokenhearted , and proclaiming liberty to the captives of Satan . At thoughtof the precious blessings He had brought to men , Jesus added , " Verily , verily , I say unto you , Hereafter ye shall see heaven open , and the angelsof God ascending and descending upon the Son of man . " Here Christ virtually says , on the bank of the Jordan the heavens wereopened , and the Spirit descended like a dove upon Me . That scene was but atoken that I am the Son of God . If you believe on Me as such , your faithshall be quickened . You shall see that the heavens are opened , and are neverto be closed . I have opened them to you . The 143 angels of God are ascending , bearing the prayers of the needy and distressedto the Father above , and descending , bringing blessing and hope , courage , help , and life , to the children of men . The angels of God are ever passing from earth to heaven , and from heaven toearth . The miracles of Christ for the afflicted and suffering were wroughtby the power of God through the ministration of the angels . And it isthrough Christ , by the ministration of His heavenly messengers , that everyblessing comes from God to us . In taking upon Himself humanity , our Saviourunites His interests with those of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam , while through His divinity He grasps the throne of God . And thus Christ isthe medium of communication of men with God , and of God with men . ( 144 ) Chapter 15 At the Marriage Feast [ This chapter is based on John 2 : 1 - 11 . ] Jesus did not begin His ministry by some great work before the Sanhedrin atJerusalem . At a household gathering in a little Galilean village His powerwas put forth to add to the joy of a wedding feast . Thus He showed Hissympathy with men , and His desire to minister to their happiness . In thewilderness of temptation He Himself had drunk the cup of woe . He came forthto give to men the cup of blessing , by His benediction to hallow therelations of human life . From the Jordan , Jesus had returned to Galilee . There was to be a marriageat Cana , a little town not far from Nazareth ; the parties were relatives ofJoseph and Mary ; and Jesus , knowing of this family gathering , went to Cana , and with His disciples was invited to the feast . Again He met His mother , from whom He had for some time been separated . Maryhad heard of the manifestation at the Jordan , at His baptism . The tidingshad been carried to Nazareth , and had brought to her mind afresh the scenesthat for so many years had been hidden in her heart . In common with allIsrael , Mary was deeply stirred by the mission of John the Baptist . Well sheremembered the prophecy given at his birth . Now his connection with Jesuskindled her hopes 145 anew . But tidings had reached her also of the mysterious departure of Jesusto the wilderness , and she was oppressed with troubled forebodings . From the day when she heard the angel ' s announcement in the home at NazarethMary had treasured every evidence that Jesus was the Messiah . His sweet , unselfish life assured her that He could be no other than the Sent of God . Yet there came to her also doubts and disappointments , and she had longedfor the time when His glory should be revealed . Death had separated her fromJoseph , who had shared her knowledge of the mystery of the birth of Jesus . Now there was no one to whom she could confide her hopes and fears . The pasttwo months had been very sorrowful . She had been parted from Jesus , in whosesympathy she found comfort ; she pondered upon the words of Simeon , " A swordshall pierce through thy own soul also " ( Luke 2 : 35 ) ; she recalled the threedays of agony when she thought Jesus lost to her forever ; and with ananxious heart she awaited His return . At the marriage feast she meets Him , the same tender , dutiful son . Yet He isnot the same . His countenance is changed . It bears the traces of Hisconflict in the wilderness , and a new ｅxpression of dignity and power givesevidence of His heavenly mission . With Him is a group of young men , whoseeyes follow Him with reverence , and who call Him Master . These companionsrecount to Mary what they have seen and heard at the baptism and elsewhere . They conclude by declaring , " We have found Him , of whom Moses in the law , and the prophets , did write . " John 1 : 45 . As the guests assemble , many seem to be preoccupied with some topic ofabsorbing interest . A suppressed excitement pervades the company . Littlegroups converse together in eager but quiet tones , and wondering glances areturned upon the Son of Mary . As Mary had heard the disciples ' testimony inregard to Jesus , she had been gladdened with the assurance that herlong - cherished hopes were not in vain . Yet she would have been more thanhuman if there had not mingled with this holy joy a trace of the fondmother ' s natural pride . As she saw the many glances bent upon Jesus , shelonged to have Him prove to the company that He was really the Honored ofGod . She hoped there might be opportunity for Him to work a miracle beforethem . It was the custom of the times for marriage festivities to continue severaldays . on this occasion , before the feast ended it was found that the supplyof wine had failed . This discovery caused much perplexity and regret . It wasunusual to dispense with wine on festive occasions , and 146 its absence would seem to indicate a want of hospitality . As a relative ofthe parties , Mary had assisted in the arrangements for the feast , and shenow spoke to Jesus , saying , " They have no wine . " These words were asuggestion that He might supply their need . But Jesus answered , " Woman , whathave I to do with thee ? Mine hour is not yet come . " This answer , abrupt as it seems to us , expressed no coldness or discourtesy . The Saviour ' s form of address to His mother was in accordance with Orientalcustom . It was used toward persons to whom it was desired to show respect . Every act of Christ ' s earthly life was in harmony with the precept HeHimself had given , " Honor thy father and thy mother . " Ex . 20 : 12 . on thecross , in His last act of tenderness toward His mother , Jesus againaddressed her in the same way , as He committed her to the care of Hisbest - loved disciple . Both at the marriage feast and upon the cross , the loveexpressed in tone and look and manner interpreted His words . At His visit to the temple in His boyhood , as the mystery of His lifeworkopened before Him , Christ had said to Mary , " Wist ye not that I must beabout My Father ' s business ? " Luke 2 : 49 . These words 147 struck the keynote of His whole life and ministry . Everything was held inabeyance to His work , the great work of redemption which He had come intothe world to accomplish . Now He repeated the lesson . There was danger thatMary would regard her relationship to Jesus as giving her a special claimupon Him , and the right , in some degree , to direct Him in His mission . Forthirty years He had been to her a loving and obedient son , and His love wasunchanged ; but He must now go about His Father ' s work . As Son of the MostHigh , and Saviour of the world , no earthly ties must hold Him from Hismission , or influence His conduct . He must stand free to do the will of God . This lesson is also for us . The claims of God are paramount even to the tiesof human relationship . No earthly attraction should turn our feet from thepath in which He bids us walk . The only hope of redemption for our fallen race is in Christ ; Mary couldfind salvation only through the Lamb of God . In herself she possessed nomerit . Her connection with Jesus placed her in no different spiritualrelation to Him from that of any other human soul . This is indicated in theSaviour ' s words . He makes clear the distinction between His relation to heras the Son of man and as the Son of God . The tie of kinship between them inno way placed her on an equality with Him . The words , " Mine hour is not yet come , " point to the fact that every act ofChrist ' s life on earth was in fulfillment of the plan that had existed fromthe days of eternity . Before He came to earth , the plan lay out before Him , perfect in all its details . But as He walked among men , He was guided , stepby step , by the Father ' s will . He did not hesitate to act at the appointedtime . With the same submission He waited until the time had come . In saying to Mary that His hour had not yet come , Jesus was replying to herunspoken thought , -- to the expectation she cherished in common with herpeople . She hoped that He would reveal Himself as the Messiah , and take thethrone of Israel . But the time had not come . Not as a King , but as " a Man ofSorrows , and acquainted with grief , " had Jesus accepted the lot of humanity . But though Mary had not a right conception of Christ ' s mission , she trustedHim implicitly . To this faith Jesus responded . It was to honor Mary ' s trust , and to strengthen the faith of His disciples , that the first miracle wasperformed . The disciples were to encounter many and great temptations tounbelief . To them the prophecies had made it 148 clear beyond all controversy that Jesus was the Messiah . They looked for thereligious leaders to receive Him with confidence even greater than theirown . They declared among the people the wonderful works of Christ and theirown confidence in His mission , but they were amazed and bitterlydisappointed by the unbelief , the deep - seated prejudice , and the enmity toJesus , displayed by the priests and rabbis . The Saviour ' s early miraclesstrengthened the disciples to stand against this opposition . In nowise disconcerted by the words of Jesus , Mary said to those serving attable , " Whatsoever He saith unto you , do it . " Thus she did what she could toprepare the way for the work of Christ . Beside the doorway stood six large stone water jars , and Jesus bade theservants fill these with water . It was done . Then as the wine was wanted forimmediate use , He said , " Draw out now , and bear unto the governor of thefeast . " Instead of the water with which the vessels had been filled , thereflowed forth wine . Neither the ruler of the feast nor the guests generallywere aware that the supply of wine had failed . Upon tasting that which theservants brought , the ruler found it superior to any he had ever beforedrunk , and very different from that served at the beginning of the feast . Turning to the bridegroom , he said , " Every man at the beginning doth setforth good wine ; and when men have well drunk , then that which is worse : butthou hast kept the good wine until now . " As men set forth the best wine first , then afterward that which is worse , sodoes the world with its gifts . That which it offers may please the eye andfascinate the senses , but it proves to be unsatisfying . The wine turns tobitterness , the gaiety to gloom . That which was begun with songs and mirthends in weariness and disgust . But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh andnew . The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to givesatisfaction and joy . Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiverto appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord . He gives grace for grace . There can be no failure of supply . If you abide in Him , the fact that youreceive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow . The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God ' s dealing with thechildren of faith . With every fresh revelation of His love , He declares tothe receptive heart , " Believest thou ? thou shalt see greater things thanthese . " John 1 : 50 . The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol . The water representedbaptism into His death ; the wine , the shedding of His blood 149 for the sins of the world . The water to fill the jars was brought by humanhands , but the word of Christ alone could impart to it life - giving virtue . So with the rites which point to the Saviour ' s death . It is only by thepower of Christ , working through faith , that they have efficacy to nourishthe soul . The word of Christ supplied ample provision for the feast . So abundant isthe provision of His grace to blot out the iniquities of men , and to renewand sustain the soul . At the first feast He attended with His disciples , Jesus gave them the cupthat symbolized His work for their salvation . At the last supper He gave itagain , in the institution of that sacred rite by which His death was to beshown forth " till He come . " 1 Cor . 11 : 26 . And the sorrow of the disciples atparting from their Lord was comforted with the promise of reunion , as Hesaid , " I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine , until that daywhen I drink it new with you in My Father ' s kingdom . " Matt . 26 : 29 . The wine which Christ provided for the feast , and that which He gave to thedisciples as a symbol of His own blood , was the pure juice of the grape . Tothis the prophet Isaiah refers when he speaks of the new wine " in thecluster , " and says , " Destroy it not ; for a blessing is in it . " Isa . 65 : 8 . It was Christ who in the Old Testament gave the warning to Israel , " Wine isa mocker , strong drink is raging : and whosoever is deceived thereby is notwise . " Prov . 20 : 1 . And He Himself provided no such beverage . Satan temptsmen to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritualperceptions , but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature intosubjection . His whole life was an example of self - denial . In order to breakthe power of appetite , He suffered in our behalf the severest test thathumanity could endure . It was Christ who directed that John the Baptistshould drink neither wine nor strong drink . It was He who enjoined similarabstinence upon the wife of Manoah . And He pronounced a curse upon the manwho should put the bottle to his neighbor ' s lips . Christ did not contradictHis own teaching . The unfermented wine which He provided for the weddingguests was a wholesome and refreshing drink . Its effect was to bring thetaste into harmony with a healthful appetite . As the guests at the feast remarked upon the quality of the wine , inquirieswere made that drew from the servants an account of the 150 miracle . The company were for a time too much amazed to think of Him who hadperformed the wonderful work . When at length they looked for Him , it wasfound that He had withdrawn so quietly as to be unnoticed even by Hisdisciples . The attention of the company was now turned to the disciples . For the firsttime they had the opportunity of acknowledging their faith in Jesus . Theytold what they had seen and heard at the Jordan , and there was kindled inmany hearts the hope that God had raised up a deliverer for His people . Thenews of the miracle spread through all that region , and was carried toJerusalem . With new interest the priests and elders searched the propheciespointing to Christ ' s coming . There was eager desire to learn the mission ofthis new teacher , who appeared among the people in so unassuming a manner . The ministry of Christ was in marked contrast to that of the Jewish elders . Their regard for tradition and formalism had destroyed all real freedom ofthought or action . They lived in continual dread of defilement . To avoidcontact with the " unclean , " they kept aloof , not only from the Gentiles , butfrom the majority of their own people , seeking neither to benefit them norto win their friendship . By dwelling constantly on these matters , they haddwarfed their minds and narrowed the orbit of their lives . Their exampleencouraged egotism and intolerance among all classes of the people . Jesus began the work of reformation by coming into close sympathy withhumanity . While He showed the greatest reverence for the law of God , Herebuked the pretentious piety of the Pharisees , and tried to free the peoplefrom the senseless rules that bound them . He was seeking to break down thebarriers which separated the different classes of society , that He mightbring men together as children of one family . His attendance at the marriagefeast was designed to be a step toward effecting this . God had directed John the Baptist to dwell in the wilderness , that he mightbe shielded from the influence of the priests and rabbis , and be preparedfor a special mission . But the austerity and isolation of his life were notan example for the people . John himself had not directed his hearers toforsake their former duties . He bade them give evidence of their repentanceby faithfulness to God in the place where He had called them . Jesus reproved self - indulgence in all its forms , yet He was social in Hisnature . He accepted the hospitality of all classes , visiting the homes 151 of the rich and the poor , the learned and the ignorant , and seeking toelevate their thoughts from questions of commonplace life to those thingsthat are spiritual and eternal . He gave no license to dissipation , and noshadow of worldly levity marred His conduct ; yet He found pleasure in scenesof innocent happiness , and by His presence sanctioned the social gathering . A Jewish marriage was an impressive occasion , and its joy was notdispleasing to the Son of man . By attending this feast , Jesus honoredmarriage as a divine institution . In both the Old and the New Testament , the marriage relation is employed torepresent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and Hispeople . To the mind of Jesus the gladness of the wedding festivities pointedforward to the rejoicing of that day when He shall bring home His bride tothe Father ' s house , and the redeemed with the Redeemer shall sit down to themarriage supper of the Lamb . He says , " As the bridegroom rejoiceth over thebride , so shall thy God rejoice over thee . " " Thou shalt no more be termedForsaken ; . . . but thou shalt be called My Delight ; . . . for the Lorddelighteth in thee . " " He will rejoice over thee with joy ; He will rest inHis love , He will joy over thee with singing . " Isa . 62 : 5 , 4 , margin ; Zeph . 3 : 17 . When the vision of heavenly things was granted to John the apostle , hewrote : " I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude , and as the voiceof many waters , and as the voice of mighty thunderings , saying , Alleluia : for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth . Let us be glad and rejoice , and givehonor to Him : for the marriage of the Lamb is come , and His wife hath madeherself ready . " " Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supperof the Lamb . " Rev . 19 : 6 , 7 , 9 . Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom . He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desiredtheir good . He sought them in the public streets , in private houses , on theboats , in the synagogue , by the shores of the lake , and at the marriagefeast . He met them at their daily vocations , and manifested an interest intheir secular affairs . He carried His instruction into the household , bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divinepresence . His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts . He oftenrepaired to the mountains for solitary prayer , but this was a preparationfor His labor among men in active life . From these seasons He came forth torelieve the sick , to instruct the ignorant , and to break the chains from thecaptives of Satan . 152 It was by personal contact and association that Jesus trained His disciples . Sometimes He taught them , sitting among them on the mountainside ; sometimesbeside the sea , or walking with them by the way , He revealed the mysteriesof the kingdom of God . He did not sermonize as men do today . Wherever heartswere open to receive the divine message , He unfolded the truths of the wayof salvation . He did not command His disciples to do this or that , but said , " Follow Me . " on His journeys through country and cities He took them withHim , that they might see how He taught the people . He linked their interestwith His , and they united with Him in the work . The example of Christ in linking Himself with the interests of humanityshould be followed by all who preach His word , and by all who have receivedthe gospel of His grace . We are not to renounce social communion . We shouldnot seclude ourselves from others . In order to reach all classes , we mustmeet them where they are . They will seldom seek us of their own accord . Notalone from the pulpit are the hearts of men touched by divine truth . Thereis another field of labor , humbler , it may be , but fully as promising . It isfound in the home of the lowly , and in the mansion of the great ; at thehospitable board , and in gatherings for innocent social enjoyment . As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a mere loveof pleasure , to unite with them in folly . Such associations can result onlyin harm . We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds , oursilence or our presence . Wherever we go , we are to carry Jesus with us , andto reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour . But those who try topreserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose preciousopportunities of doing good . Through the social relations , Christianitycomes in contact with the world . Everyone who has received the divineillumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light oflife . We should all become witnesses for Jesus . Social power , sanctified by thegrace of Christ , must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour . Let theworld see that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests , but thatwe desire others to share our blessings and privileges . Let them see thatour religion does not make us unsympathetic or exacting . Let all who professto have found Christ , minister as He did for the benefit of men . We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are agloomy , unhappy people . If our eyes are fixed on Jesus , we shall 153 see a compassionate Redeemer , and shall catch light from His countenance . Wherever His Spirit reigns , there peace abides . And there will be joy also , for there is a calm , holy trust in God . Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that , though human , theyare partakers of the divine nature . They are not statues , but living men andwomen . Their hearts , refreshed by the dews of divine grace , open and expandto the Sun of Righteousness . The light that shines upon them they reflectupon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ . ( 154 ) Chapter 16 In His Temple [ This chapter is based on John 2 : 12 - 22 . ] " After this He went down to Capernaum , He , and His mother , and His brethren , and His disciples : and they continued there not many days . And the Jews ' Passover was at hand , and Jesus went up to Jerusalem . " In this journey , Jesus joined one of the large companies that were makingtheir way to the capital . He had not yet publicly announced His mission , andHe mingled unnoticed with the throng . Upon these occasions , the coming ofthe Messiah , to which such prominence had been given by the ministry ofJohn , was often the theme of conversation . The hope of national greatnesswas dwelt upon with kindling enthusiasm . Jesus knew that this hope was to bedisappointed , for it was founded on a misinterpretation of the Scriptures . With deep earnestness He explained the prophecies , and tried to arouse thepeople to a closer study of God ' s word . The Jewish leaders had instructed the people that at Jerusalem they were tobe taught to worship God . Here during the Passover week large numbersassembled , coming from all parts of Palestine , and even from distant lands . The temple courts were filled with a promiscuous throng . Many were unable tobring with them the sacrifices that were to be 155 offered up as typifying the one great Sacrifice . For the convenience ofthese , animals were bought and sold in the outer court of the temple . Hereall classes of people assembled to purchase their offerings . Here allforeign money was exchanged for the coin of the sanctuary . Every Jew was required to pay yearly a half shekel as " a ransom for hissoul ;" and the money thus collected was used for the support of the temple . Ex . 30 : 12 - 16 . Besides this , large sums were brought as freewill offerings , to be deposited in the temple treasury . And it was required that all foreigncoin should be changed for a coin called the temple shekel , which wasaccepted for the service of the sanctuary . The money changing gaveopportunity for fraud and extortion , and it had grown into a disgracefultraffic , which was a source of revenue to the priests . The dealers demanded exorbitant prices for the animals sold , and they sharedtheir profits with the priests and rulers , who thus enriched themselves atthe expense of the people . The worshipers had been taught to believe that ifthey did not offer sacrifice , the blessing of God would not rest on theirchildren or their lands . Thus a high price for the animals could be secured ; for after coming so far , the people would not return to their homes withoutperforming the act of devotion for which they had come . A great number of sacrifices were offered at the time of the Passover , andthe sales at the temple were very large . The consequent confusion indicateda noisy cattle market rather than the sacred temple of God . There could beheard sharp bargaining , the lowing of cattle , the bleating of sheep , thecooing of doves , mingled with the chinking of coin and angry disputation . Sogreat was the confusion that the worshipers were disturbed , and the wordsaddressed to the Most High were drowned in the uproar that invaded thetemple . The Jews were exceedingly proud of their piety . They rejoiced overtheir temple , and regarded a word spoken in its disfavor as blasphemy ; theywere very rigorous in the performance of ceremonies connected with it ; butthe love of money had overruled their scruples . They were scarcely aware howfar they had wandered from the original purpose of the service instituted byGod Himself . When the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai , the place was consecrated by Hispresence . Moses was commanded to put bounds around the mount and sanctifyit , and the word of the Lord was heard in 156 warning : " Take heed to yourselves , that ye go not up into the mount , ortouch the border of it : whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put todeath : there shall not an hand touch it , but he shall surely be stoned , orshot through ; whether it be beast or man , it shall not live . " Ex . 19 : 12 , 13 . Thus was taught the lesson that wherever God manifests His presence , theplace is holy . The precincts of God ' s temple should have been regarded assacred . But in the strife for gain , all this was lost sight of . The priests and rulers were called to be the representatives of God to thenation ; they should have corrected the abuses of the temple 157 court . They should have given to the people an example of integrity andcompassion . Instead of studying their own profit , they should haveconsidered the situation and needs of the worshipers , and should have beenready to assist those who were not able to buy the required sacrifices . Butthis they did not do . Avarice had hardened their hearts . There came to this feast those who were suffering , those who were in wantand distress . The blind , the lame , the deaf , were there . Some were broughton beds . Many came who were too poor to purchase the humblest offering forthe Lord , too poor even to buy food with which to satisfy their own hunger . These were greatly distressed by the statements of the priests . The priestsboasted of their piety ; they claimed to be the guardians of the people ; butthey were without sympathy or compassion . The poor , the sick , the dying , made their vain plea for favor . Their suffering awakened no pity in thehearts of the priests . As Jesus came into the temple , He took in the whole scene . He saw the unfairtransactions . He saw the distress of the poor , who thought that withoutshedding of blood there would be no forgiveness for their sins . He saw theouter court of His temple converted into a place of unholy traffic . Thesacred enclosure had become one vast exchange . Christ saw that something must be done . Numerous ceremonies were enjoinedupon the people without the proper instruction as to their import . Theworshipers offered their sacrifices without understanding that they weretypical of the only perfect Sacrifice . And among them , unrecognized andunhonored , stood the one symbolized by all their service . He had givendirections in regard to the offerings . He understood their symbolical value , and He saw that they were now perverted and misunderstood . Spiritual worshipwas fast disappearing . No link bound the priests and rulers to their God . Christ ' s work was to establish an altogether different worship . With searching glance , Christ takes in the scene before Him as He standsupon the steps of the temple court . With prophetic eye He looks intofuturity , and sees not only years , but centuries and ages . He sees howpriests and rulers will turn the needy from their right , and forbid that thegospel shall be preached to the poor . He sees how the love of God will beconcealed from sinners , and men will make merchandise of His grace . As Hebeholds the scene , indignation , authority , and power are expressed in Hiscountenance . The attention of the people is attracted to Him . The eyes ofthose engaged in their unholy traffic 158 are riveted upon His face . They cannot withdraw their gaze . They feel thatthis Man reads their inmost thoughts , and discovers their hidden motives . Some attempt to conceal their faces , as if their evil deeds were writtenupon their countenances , to be scanned by those searching eyes . The confusion is hushed . The sound of traffic and bargaining has ceased . Thesilence becomes painful . A sense of awe overpowers the assembly . It is as ifthey were arraigned before the tribunal of God to answer for their deeds . Looking upon Christ , they behold divinity flash through the garb ofhumanity . The Majesty of heaven stands as the Judge will stand at the lastday , -- not now encircled with the glory that will then attend Him , but withthe same power to read the soul . His eye sweeps over the multitude , takingin every individual . His form seems to rise above them in commandingdignity , and a divine light illuminates His countenance . He speaks , and Hisclear , ringing voice -- the same that upon Mount Sinai proclaimed the law thatpriests and rulers are transgressing -- is heard echoing through the arches ofthe temple : " Take these things hence ; make not My Father ' s house an house ofmerchandise . " Slowly descending the steps , and raising the scourge of cords gathered up onentering the enclosure , He bids the bargaining company depart from theprecincts of the temple . With a zeal and severity He has never beforemanifested , He overthrows the tables of the money - changers . The coin falls , ringing sharply upon the marble pavement . None presume to question Hisauthority . None dare stop to gather up their ill - gotten gain . Jesus does notsmite them with the whip of cords , but in His hand that simple scourge seemsterrible as a flaming sword . Officers of the temple , speculating priests , brokers and cattle traders , with their sheep and oxen , rush from the place , with the one thought of escaping from the condemnation of His presence . A panic sweeps over the multitude , who feel the overshadowing of Hisdivinity . Cries of terror escape from hundreds of blanched lips . Even thedisciples tremble . They are awestruck by the words and manner of Jesus , sounlike His usual demeanor . They remember that it is written of Him , " Thezeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up . " Ps . 69 : 9 . Soon the tumultuous throngwith their merchandise are far removed from the temple of the Lord . Thecourts are free from unholy traffic , and a deep silence and solemnitysettles upon the scene of confusion . 161 The presence of the Lord , that of old sanctified the mount , has now madesacred the temple reared in His honor . In the cleansing of the temple , Jesus was announcing His mission as theMessiah , and entering upon His work . That temple , erected for the abode ofthe divine Presence , was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and forthe world . From eternal ages it was God ' s purpose that every created being , from the bright and holy seraph to man , should be a temple for theindwelling of the Creator . Because of sin , humanity ceased to be a templefor God . Darkened and defiled by evil , the heart of man no longer revealedthe glory of the Divine one . But by the incarnation of the Son of God , thepurpose of Heaven is fulfilled . God dwells in humanity , and through savinggrace the heart of man becomes again His temple . God designed that thetemple at Jerusalem should be a continual witness to the high destiny opento every soul . But the Jews had not understood the significance of thebuilding they regarded with so much pride . They did not yield themselves asholy temples for the Divine Spirit . The courts of the temple at Jerusalem , filled with the tumult of unholy traffic , represented all too truly thetemple of the heart , defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholythoughts . In cleansing the temple from the world ' s buyers and sellers , Jesusannounced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin , -- fromthe earthly desires , the selfish lusts , the evil habits , that corrupt thesoul . " The Lord , whom ye seek , shall suddenly come to His temple , even theMessenger of the covenant , whom ye delight in : behold , He shall come , saiththe Lord of hosts . But who may abide the day of His coming ? and who shallstand when He appeareth ? for He is like a refiner ' s fire , and like fullers ' soap : and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver : and He shallpurify the sons of Levi , and purge them as gold and silver . " Mal . 3 : 1 - 3 . " Know ye not that ye are the temple of God , and that the Spirit of Goddwelleth in you ? If any man defile the temple of God , him shall God destroy ; for the temple of God is holy , which temple ye are . " 1 Cor . 3 : 16 , 17 . No mancan of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of theheart . only Christ can cleanse the soul temple . But He will not force anentrance . He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old ; but He says , " Behold , I stand at the door , and knock : if any man hear My voice , and openthe door , I will come in to him . " Rev . 3 : 20 . He will come , not for one daymerely ; for He says , " I will dwell in them , and walk in them ; . . . and theyshall 162 be My people . " " He will subdue our iniquities ; and Thou wilt cast all theirsins into the depths of the sea . " 2 Cor . 6 : 16 ; Micah 7 : 19 . His presence willcleanse and sanctify the soul , so that it may be a holy temple unto theLord , and " an habitation of God through the Spirit . " Eph . 2 : 21 , 22 . Overpowered with terror , the priests and rulers had fled from the templecourt , and from the searching glance that read their hearts . In their flightthey met others on their way to the temple , and bade them turn back , tellingthem what they had seen and heard . Christ looked upon the fleeing men withyearning pity for their fear , and their ignorance of what constituted trueworship . In this scene He saw symbolized the dispersion of the whole Jewishnation for their wickedness and impenitence . And why did the priests flee from the temple ? Why did they not stand theirground ? He who commanded them to go was a carpenter ' s son , a poor Galilean , without earthly rank or power . Why did they not resist Him ? Why did theyleave the gain so ill acquired , and flee at the command of one whose outwardappearance was so humble ? Christ spoke with the authority of a king , and in His appearance , and in thetones of His voice , there was that which they had no power to resist . At theword of command they realized , as they had never realized before , their trueposition as hypocrites and robbers . When divinity flashed through humanity , not only did they see indignation on Christ ' s countenance ; they realized theimport of His words . They felt as if before the throne of the eternal Judge , with their sentence passed on them for time and for eternity . For a timethey were convinced that Christ was a prophet ; and many believed Him to bethe Messiah . The Holy Spirit flashed into their minds the utterances of theprophets concerning Christ . Would they yield to this conviction ? Repent they would not . They knew that Christ ' s sympathy for the poor hadbeen aroused . They knew that they had been guilty of extortion in theirdealings with the people . Because Christ discerned their thoughts they hatedHim . His public rebuke was humiliating to their pride , and they were jealousof His growing influence with the people . They determined to challenge Himas to the power by which He had driven them forth , and who gave Him thispower . Slowly and thoughtfully , but with hate in their hearts , they returned to thetemple . But what a change had taken place during their absence ! 163 When they fled , the poor remained behind ; and these were now looking toJesus , whose countenance expressed His love and sympathy . With tears in Hiseyes , He said to the trembling ones around Him : Fear not ; I will deliverthee , and thou shalt glorify Me . For this cause came I into the world . The people pressed into Christ ' s presence with urgent , pitiful appeals : Master , bless me . His ear heard every cry . With pity exceeding that of atender mother He bent over the suffering little ones . All receivedattention . Everyone was healed of whatever disease he had . The dumb openedtheir lips in praise ; the blind beheld the face of their Restorer . Thehearts of the sufferers were made glad . As the priests and temple officials witnessed this great work , what arevelation to them were the sounds that fell on their ears ! The people wererelating the story of the pain they had suffered , of their disappointedhopes , of painful days and sleepless nights . When the last spark of hopeseemed to be dead , Christ had healed them . The burden was so heavy , onesaid ; but I have found a helper . He is the Christ of God , and I will devotemy life to His service . Parents said to their children , He has saved yourlife ; lift up your voice and praise Him . The voices of children and youth , fathers and mothers , friends and spectators , blended in thanksgiving andpraise . Hope and gladness filled their hearts . Peace came to their minds . They were restored soul and body , and they returned home , proclaimingeverywhere the matchless love of Jesus . At the crucifixion of Christ , those who had thus been healed did not joinwith the rabble throng in crying , " Crucify Him , crucify Him . " Theirsympathies were with Jesus ; for they had felt His great sympathy andwonderful power . They knew Him to be their Saviour ; for He had given themhealth of body and soul . They listened to the preaching of the apostles , andthe entrance of God ' s word into their hearts gave them understanding . Theybecame agents of God ' s mercy , and instruments of His salvation . The crowd that had fled from the temple court after a time slowly driftedback . They had partially recovered from the panic that had seized them , buttheir faces expressed irresolution and timidity . They looked with amazementon the works of Jesus , and were convicted that in Him the propheciesconcerning the Messiah were fulfilled . The sin of the desecration of thetemple rested , in a great degree , upon the priests . It 164 was by their arrangement that the court had been turned into a market place . The people were comparatively innocent . They were impressed by the divineauthority of Jesus ; but with them the influence of the priests and rulerswas paramount . They regarded Christ ' s mission as an innovation , andquestioned His right to interfere with what was permitted by the authoritiesof the temple . They were offended because the traffic had been interrupted , and they stifled the convictions of the Holy Spirit . Above all others the priests and rulers should have seen in Jesus theanointed of the Lord ; for in their hands were the sacred scrolls thatdescribed His mission , and they knew that the cleansing of the temple was amanifestation of more than human power . Much as they hated Jesus , they couldnot free themselves from the thought that He might be a prophet sent by Godto restore the sanctity of the temple . With a deference born of this fear , they went to Him with the inquiry , " What sign showest Thou unto us , seeingthat Thou doest these things ? " Jesus had shown them a sign . In flashing light into their hearts , and indoing before them the works which the Messiah was to do , He had givenconvincing evidence of His character . Now when they asked for a sign , Heanswered them by a parable , showing that He read their malice , and saw towhat lengths it would lead them . " Destroy this temple , " He said , " and inthree days I will raise it up . " In these words His meaning was twofold . He referred not only to thedestruction of the Jewish temple and worship , but to His own death , -- thedestruction of the temple of His body . This the Jews were already plotting . As the priests and rulers returned to the temple , they had proposed to killJesus , and thus rid themselves of the troubler . Yet when He set before themtheir purpose , they did not understand Him . They took His words as applyingonly to the temple at Jerusalem , and with indignation exclaimed , " Forty andsix years was this temple in building , and wilt Thou rear it up in threedays ? " Now they felt that Jesus had justified their unbelief , and they wereconfirmed in their rejection of Him . Christ did not design that His words should be understood by the unbelievingJews , nor even by His disciples at this time . He knew that they would bemisconstrued by His enemies , and would be turned against Him . At His trialthey would be brought as an accusation , and on Calvary they would be flungat Him as a taunt . But to explain them now would give His disciples aknowledge of His sufferings , and bring 165 upon them sorrow which as yet they were not able to bear . And an explanationwould prematurely disclose to the Jews the result of their prejudice andunbelief . Already they had entered upon a path which they would steadilypursue until He should be led as a lamb to the slaughter . It was for the sake of those who should believe on Him that these words ofChrist were spoken . He knew that they would be repeated . Being spoken at thePassover , they would come to the ears of thousands , and be carried to allparts of the world . After He had risen from the dead , their meaning would bemade plain . To many they would be conclusive evidence of His divinity . Because of their spiritual darkness , even the disciples of Jesus oftenfailed of comprehending His lessons . But many of these lessons were madeplain to them by subsequent events . When He walked no more with them , Hiswords were a stay to their hearts . As referring to the temple at Jerusalem , the Saviour ' s words , " Destroy thistemple , and in three days I will raise it up , " had a deeper meaning than thehearers perceived . Christ was the foundation and life of the temple . Itsservices were typical of the sacrifice of the Son of God . The priesthood wasestablished to represent the mediatorial character and work of Christ . Theentire plan of sacrificial worship was a foreshadowing of the Saviour ' sdeath to redeem the world . There would be no efficacy in these offeringswhen the great event toward which they had pointed for ages was consummated . Since the whole ritual economy was symbolical of Christ , it had no valueapart from Him . When the Jews sealed their rejection of Christ by deliveringHim to death , they rejected all that gave significance to the temple and itsservices . Its sacredness had departed . It was doomed to destruction . Fromthat day sacrificial offerings and the service connected with them weremeaningless . Like the offering of Cain , they did not express faith in theSaviour . In putting Christ to death , the Jews virtually destroyed theirtemple . When Christ was crucified , the inner veil of the temple was rent intwain from top to bottom , signifying that the great final sacrifice had beenmade , and that the system of sacrificial offerings was forever at an end . " In three days I will raise it up . " In the Saviour ' s death the powers ofdarkness seemed to prevail , and they exulted in their victory . But from therent sepulcher of Joseph , Jesus came forth a conqueror . " Having spoiledprincipalities and powers , He made a show of them openly , triumphing overthem . " Col . 2 : 15 . By virtue of His death and resurrection 166 He became the minister of the " true tabernacle , which the Lord pitched , andnot man . " Heb . 8 : 2 . Men reared the Jewish tabernacle ; men builded the Jewishtemple ; but the sanctuary above , of which the earthly was a type , was builtby no human architect . " Behold the Man whose name is The Branch ; . . . Heshall build the temple of the Lord ; and He shall bear the glory , and shallsit and rule upon His throne ; and He shall be a priest upon His throne . " Zech . 6 : 12 , 13 . The sacrificial service that had pointed to Christ passed away ; but the eyesof men were turned to the true sacrifice for the sins of the world . Theearthly priesthood ceased ; but we look to Jesus , the minister of the newcovenant , and " to the blood of sprinkling , that speaketh better things thanthat of Abel . " " The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest , while as the first tabernacle was yet standing : . . . but Christ being comean high priest of good things to come , by a greater and more perfecttabernacle , not made with hands , . . . by His own blood He entered in onceinto the holy place , having obtained eternal redemption for us . " Heb . 12 : 24 ; 9 : 8 - 12 . " Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto Godby Him , seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them . " Heb . 7 : 25 . Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenlytemple ; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be invisible tohuman sight , yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby . They wouldrealize no break in their communion , and no diminution of power because ofthe Saviour ' s absence . While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above , He isstill by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth . He is withdrawnfrom the eye of sense , but His parting promise is fulfilled , " Lo , I am withyou alway , even unto the end of the world . " Matt . 28 : 20 . While He delegatesHis power to inferior ministers , His energizing presence is still with Hischurch . " Seeing then that we have a great high priest , . . . Jesus , the Son of God , let us hold fast our profession . For we have not an high priest which cannotbe touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was in all pointstempted like as we are , yet without sin . Let us therefore come boldly untothe throne of grace , that we may obtain mercy , and find grace to help intime of need . " Heb 4 : 14 - 16 . ( 167 ) Chapter 17 Nicodemus [ This chapter is based on John 3 : 1 - 17 . ] Nicodemus held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation . He was highlyeducated , and possessed talents of no ordinary character , and he was anhonored member of the national council . With others , he had been stirred bythe teaching of Jesus . Though rich , learned , and honored , he had beenstrangely attracted by the humble Nazarene . The lessons that had fallen fromthe Saviour ' s lips had greatly impressed him , and he desired to learn moreof these wonderful truths . Christ ' s exercise of authority in the cleansing of the temple had roused thedetermined hatred of the priests and rulers . They feared the power of thisstranger . Such boldness on the part of an obscure Galilean was not to betolerated . They were bent on putting an end to His work . But not all wereagreed in this purpose . There were some that feared to oppose one who was soevidently moved upon by the Spirit of God . They remembered how prophets hadbeen slain for rebuking the sins of the leaders in Israel . They knew thatthe bondage of the Jews to a heathen nation was the result of theirstubbornness in rejecting reproofs from God . They feared that in plottingagainst Jesus the priests and rulers were following in the steps of theirfathers , and would bring fresh calamities upon the nation . Nicodemus sharedthese feelings . In a 168 council of the Sanhedrin , when the course to be pursued toward Jesus wasconsidered , Nicodemus advised caution and moderation . He urged that if Jesuswas really invested with authority from God , it would be perilous to rejectHis warnings . The priests dared not disregard this counsel , and for the timethey took no open measures against the Saviour . Since hearing Jesus , Nicodemus had anxiously studied the prophecies relatingto the Messiah ; and the more he searched , the stronger was his convictionthat this was the one who was to come . With many others in Israel he hadbeen greatly distressed by the profanation of the temple He was a witness ofthe scene when Jesus drove out the buyers and the sellers ; he beheld thewonderful manifestation of divine power ; he saw the Saviour receiving thepoor and healing the sick ; he saw their looks of joy , and heard their wordsof praise ; and he could not doubt that Jesus of Nazareth was the Sent ofGod . He greatly desired an interview with Jesus , but shrank from seeking Himopenly . It would be too humiliating for a ruler of the Jews to acknowledgehimself in sympathy with a teacher as yet so little known . And should hisvisit come to the knowledge of the Sanhedrin , it would draw upon him theirscorn and denunciation . He resolved upon a secret interview , excusing thison the ground that if he were to go openly , others might follow his example . Learning by special inquiry the Saviour ' s place of retirement in the Mountof Olives , he waited until the city was hushed in slumber , and then soughtHim . In the presence of Christ , Nicodemus felt a strange timidity , which heendeavored to conceal under an air of composure and dignity . " Rabbi , " hesaid , " we know that Thou art a teacher come from God : for no man can dothese miracles that Thou doest , except God be with him . " By speaking ofChrist ' s rare gifts as a teacher , and also of His wonderful power to performmiracles , he hoped to pave the way for his interview . His words weredesigned to express and to invite confidence ; but they really expressedunbelief . He did not acknowledge Jesus to be the Messiah , but only a teachersent from God . Instead of recognizing this salutation , Jesus bent His eyes upon thespeaker , as if reading his very soul . In His infinite wisdom He saw beforeHim a seeker after truth . He knew the object of this visit , and with adesire to deepen the conviction already resting upon His listener ' s mind , Hecame directly to the point , saying solemnly , yet kindly , " Verily , verily , Isay unto thee , Except a man be born from above , he cannot see the kingdom ofGod . " John 3 : 3 , margin . 171 Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him , but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth . He said toNicodemus , It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritualregeneration . You need not to have your curiosity satisfied , but to have anew heart . You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciateheavenly things . Until this change takes place , making all things new , itwill result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or Mymission . Nicodemus had heard the preaching of John the Baptist concerning repentanceand baptism , and pointing the people to one who should baptize with the HolySpirit . He himself had felt that there was a lack of spirituality among theJews , that , to a great degree , they were controlled by bigotry and worldlyambition . He had hoped for a better state of things at the Messiah ' s coming . Yet the heart - searching message of the Baptist had failed to work in himconviction of sin . He was a strict Pharisee , and prided himself on his goodworks . He was widely esteemed for his benevolence and his liberality insustaining the temple service , and he felt secure of the favor of God . Hewas startled at the thought of a kingdom too pure for him to see in hispresent state . The figure of the new birth , which Jesus had used , was not wholly unfamiliarto Nicodemus . Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were oftencompared to children just born . Therefore he must have perceived that thewords of Christ were not to be taken in a literal sense . But by virtue ofhis birth as an Israelite he regarded himself as sure of a place in thekingdom of God . He felt that he needed no change . Hence his surprise at theSaviour ' s words . He was irritated by their close application to himself . Thepride of the Pharisee was struggling against the honest desire of the seekerafter truth . He wondered that Christ should speak to him as He did , notrespecting his position as ruler in Israel . Surprised out of his self - possession , he answered Christ in words full ofirony , " How can a man be born when he is old ? " Like many others when cuttingtruth is brought home to the conscience , he revealed the fact that thenatural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God . There is in himnothing that responds to spiritual things ; for spiritual things arespiritually discerned . But the Saviour did not meet argument with argument . Raising His hand withsolemn , quiet dignity , He pressed the truth home with greater 172 assurance , " Verily , verily , I say unto thee , Except a man be born of waterand of the Spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of God . " Nicodemus knewthat Christ here referred to water baptism and the renewing of the heart bythe Spirit of God . He was convinced that he was in the presence of the onewhom John the Baptist had foretold . Jesus continued : " That which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that whichis born of the Spirit is spirit . " By nature the heart is evil , and " who canbring a clean thing out of an unclean ? not one . " Job 14 : 4 . No humaninvention can find a remedy for the sinning soul . " The carnal mind is enmityagainst God : for it is not subject to the law of God , neither indeed canbe . " " Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts , murders , adulteries , fornications , thefts , false witness , blasphemies . " Rom . 8 : 7 ; Matt . 15 : 19 . The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can becomepure . He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the lawis attempting an impossibility . There is no safety for one who has merely alegal religion , a form of godliness . The Christian ' s life is not amodification or improvement of the old , but a transformation of nature . There is a death to self and sin , and a new life altogether . This change canbe brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit . Nicodemus was still perplexed , and Jesus used the wind to illustrate Hismeaning : " The wind bloweth where it listeth , and thou hearest the soundthereof , but canst not tell whence it cometh , and whither it goeth : so iseveryone that is born of the Spirit . " The wind is heard among the branches of the trees , rustling the leaves andflowers ; yet it is invisible , and no man knows whence it comes or whither itgoes . So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart . It can no more beexplained than can the movements of the wind . A person may not be able totell the exact time or place , or to trace all the circumstances in theprocess of conversion ; but this does not prove him to be unconverted . By anagency as unseen as the wind , Christ is constantly working upon the heart . Little by little , perhaps unconsciously to the receiver , impressions aremade that tend to draw the soul to Christ . These may be received throughmeditating upon Him , through reading the Scriptures , or through hearing theword from the living preacher . Suddenly , as the Spirit comes with moredirect appeal , the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus . By many this iscalled sudden conversion ; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spiritof God , -- a patient , protracted process . 173 While the wind is itself invisible , it produces effects that are seen andfelt . So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in everyact of him who has felt its saving power . When the Spirit of God takespossession of the heart , it transforms the life . Sinful thoughts are putaway , evil deeds are renounced ; love , humility , and peace take the place ofanger , envy , and strife . Joy takes the place of sadness , and the countenancereflects the light of heaven . No one sees the hand that lifts the burden , orbeholds the light descend from the courts above . The blessing comes when byfaith the soul surrenders itself to God . Then that power which no human eyecan see creates a new being in the image of God . It is impossible for finite minds to comprehend the work of redemption . Itsmystery exceeds human knowledge ; yet he who passes from death to liferealizes that it is a divine reality . The beginning of redemption we mayknow here through a personal experience . Its results reach through theeternal ages . While Jesus was speaking , some gleams of truth penetrated the ruler ' s mind . The softening , subduing influence of the Holy Spirit impressed his heart . Yet he did not fully understand the Saviour ' s words . He was not so muchimpressed by the necessity of the new birth as by the manner of itsaccomplishment . He said wonderingly , " How can these things be ? " " Art thou a master of Israel , and knowest not these things ? " Jesus asked . Surely one entrusted with the religious instruction of the people should notbe ignorant of truths so important . His words conveyed the lesson thatinstead of feeling irritated over the plain words of truth , Nicodemus shouldhave had a very humble opinion of himself , because of his spiritualignorance . Yet Christ spoke with such solemn dignity , and both look and toneexpressed such earnest love , that Nicodemus was not offended as he realizedhis humiliating condition . But as Jesus explained that His mission on earth was to establish aspiritual instead of a temporal kingdom , His hearer was troubled . Seeingthis , Jesus added , " If I have told you earthly things , and ye believe not , how shall ye believe , if I tell you of heavenly things ? " If Nicodemus couldnot receive Christ ' s teaching , illustrating the work of grace upon theheart , how could he comprehend the nature of His glorious heavenly kingdom ? Not discerning the nature of Christ ' s work on earth , he could not understandHis work in heaven . The Jews whom Jesus had driven from the temple claimed to be children ofAbraham , but they fled from the Saviour ' s presence because 174 they could not endure the glory of God which was manifested in Him . Thusthey gave evidence that they were not fitted by the grace of God toparticipate in the sacred services of the temple . They were zealous tomaintain an appearance of holiness , but they neglected holiness of heart . While they were sticklers for the letter of the law , they were constantlyviolating its spirit . Their great need was that very change which Christ hadbeen explaining to Nicodemus , -- a new moral birth , a cleansing from sin , anda renewing of knowledge and holiness . There was no excuse for the blindness of Israel in regard to the work ofregeneration . Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit , Isaiah had written , " We are all as an unclean thing , and all our righteousnesses are as filthyrags . " David had prayed , " Create in me a clean heart , O God ; and renew aright spirit within me . " And through Ezekiel the promise had been given , " Anew heart also will I give you , and a new spirit will I put within you : andI will take away the stony heart out of your flesh , and I will give you anheart of flesh . And I will put My Spirit within you , and cause you to walkin My statutes . " Isa . 64 : 6 ; Ps . 51 : 10 ; Ezek . 36 : 26 , 27 . Nicodemus had read these scriptures with a clouded mind ; but he now began tocomprehend their meaning . He saw that the most rigid obedience to the mereletter of the law as applied to the outward life could entitle no man toenter the kingdom of heaven . In the estimation of men , his life had beenjust and honorable ; but in the presence of Christ he felt that his heart wasunclean , and his life unholy . Nicodemus was being drawn to Christ . As the Saviour explained to himconcerning the new birth , he longed to have this change wrought in himself . By what means could it be accomplished ? Jesus answered the unspokenquestion : " As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness , even so mustthe Son of man be lifted up : that whosoever believeth in Him should notperish , but have eternal life . " Here was ground with which Nicodemus was familiar . The symbol of theuplifted serpent made plain to him the Saviour ' s mission . When the people ofIsrael were dying from the sting of the fiery serpents , God directed Mosesto make a serpent of brass , and place it on high in the midst of thecongregation . Then the word was sounded throughout the encampment that allwho would look upon the serpent should live . The people well knew that initself the serpent had no power to help them . It was a symbol of Christ . Asthe image made in the likeness of the 175 destroying serpents was lifted up for their healing , so one made " in thelikeness of sinful flesh " was to be their Redeemer . Rom . 8 : 3 . Many of theIsraelites regarded the sacrificial service as having in itself virtue toset them free from sin . God desired to teach them that it had no more valuethan that serpent of brass . It was to lead their minds to the Saviour . Whether for the healing of their wounds or the pardon of their sins , theycould do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God . They were to look and live . Those who had been bitten by the serpents might have delayed to look . Theymight have questioned how there could be efficacy in that brazen symbol . They might have demanded a scientific explanation . But no explanation wasgiven . They must accept the word of God to them through Moses . To refuse tolook was to perish . Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened . We must lookand live . Nicodemus received the lesson , and carried it with him . Hesearched the Scriptures in a new way , not for the discussion of a theory , but in order to receive life for the soul . He began to see the kingdom ofheaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit . There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taughtto Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent . They depend on their obedience to thelaw of God to commend them to His favor . When they are bidden to look toJesus , and believe that He saves them solely through His grace , theyexclaim , " How can these things be ? " Like Nicodemus , we must be willing to enter into life in the same way as thechief of sinners . Than Christ , " there is none other name under heaven givenamong men , whereby we must be saved . " Acts 4 : 12 . Through faith we receivethe grace of God ; but faith is not our Saviour . It earns nothing . It is thehand by which we lay hold upon Christ , and appropriate His merits , theremedy for sin . And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit ofGod . The Scripture says of Christ , " Him hath God exalted with His right handto be a Prince and a Saviour , for to give repentance to Israel , andforgiveness of sins . " Acts 5 : 31 . Repentance comes from Christ as truly asdoes pardon . How , then , are we to be saved ? " As Moses lifted up the serpent in thewilderness , " so the Son of man has been lifted up , and everyone who has beendeceived and bitten by the serpent may look and live . " Behold the Lamb ofGod , which taketh away the sin of the 176 world . " John 1 : 29 . The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God . His love is drawing us to Himself . If we do not resist this drawing , weshall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that havecrucified the Saviour . Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a newlife in the soul . The thoughts and desires are brought into obedience to thewill of Christ . The heart , the mind , are created anew in the image of Himwho works in us to subdue all things to Himself . Then the law of God iswritten in the mind and heart , and we can say with Christ , " I delight to doThy will , O my God . " Ps . 40 : 8 . In the interview with Nicodemus , Jesus unfolded the plan of salvation , andHis mission to the world . In none of His subsequent discourses did Heexplain so fully , step by step , the work necessary to be done in the heartsof all who would inherit the kingdom of heaven . At the very beginning of Hisministry He opened the truth to a member of the Sanhedrin , to the mind thatwas most receptive , and to an appointed teacher of the people . But theleaders of Israel did not welcome the light . Nicodemus hid the truth in hisheart , and for three years there was little apparent fruit . But Jesus was acquainted with the soil into which He cast the seed . Thewords spoken at night to one listener in the lonely mountain were not lost . For a time Nicodemus did not publicly acknowledge Christ , but he watched Hislife , and pondered His teachings . In the Sanhedrin council he repeatedlythwarted the schemes of the priests to destroy Him . When at last Jesus waslifted up on the cross , Nicodemus remembered the teaching upon Olivet : " AsMoses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness , even so must the Son of manbe lifted up : that whosoever believeth 177 in Him should not perish , but have eternal life . " The light from that secretinterview illumined the cross upon Calvary , and Nicodemus saw in Jesus theworld ' s Redeemer . After the Lord ' s ascension , when the disciples were scattered bypersecution , Nicodemus came boldly to the front . He employed his wealth insustaining the infant church that the Jews had expected to be blotted out atthe death of Christ . In the time of peril he who had been so cautious andquestioning was firm as a rock , encouraging the faith of the disciples , andfurnishing means to carry forward the work of the gospel . He was scorned andpersecuted by those who had paid him reverence in other days . He became poorin this world ' s goods ; yet he faltered not in the faith which had itsbeginning in that night conference with Jesus . Nicodemus related to John the story of that interview , and by his pen it wasrecorded for the instruction of millions . The truths there taught are asimportant today as they were on that solemn night in the shadowy mountain , when the Jewish ruler came to learn the way of life from the lowly Teacherof Galilee . ( 178 ) Chapter 18 " He Must Increase " [ This chapter is based on John 3 : 22 - 36 . ] For a time the Baptist ' s influence over the nation had been greater thanthat of its rulers , priests , or princes . If he had announced himself as theMessiah , and raised a revolt against Rome , priests and people would haveflocked to his standard . Every consideration that appeals to the ambition ofthe world ' s conquerors Satan had stood ready to urge upon John the Baptist . But with the evidence before him of his power , he had steadfastly refusedthe splendid bribe . The attention which was fixed upon him he had directedto Another . Now he saw the tide of popularity turning away from himself to the Saviour . Day by day the crowds about him lessened . When Jesus came from Jerusalem tothe region about Jordan , the people flocked to hear Him . The number of Hisdisciples increased daily . Many came for baptism , and while Christ Himselfdid not baptize , He sanctioned the administration of the ordinance by Hisdisciples . Thus He set His seal upon the mission of His forerunner . But thedisciples of John looked with jealousy upon the growing popularity of Jesus . They stood ready to criticize His work , and it was not long before theyfound occasion . A question arose between them and the Jews as to whetherbaptism availed to cleanse the soul from sin ; they maintained that thebaptism of Jesus differed essentially from that of John . Soon they were indispute with Christ ' s disciples in regard to the form of words proper to useat baptism , and finally as to the right of the latter to baptize at all . 179 The disciples of John came to him with their grievances , saying , " Rabbi , Hethat was with thee beyond Jordan , to whom thou bearest witness , behold , thesame baptizeth , and all men come to Him . " Through these words , Satan broughttemptation upon John . Though John ' s mission seemed about to close , it wasstill possible for him to hinder the work of Christ . If he had sympathizedwith himself , and expressed grief or disappointment at being superseded , hewould have sown the seeds of dissension , would have encouraged envy andjealousy , and would seriously have impeded the progress of the gospel . John had by nature the faults and weaknesses common to humanity , but thetouch of divine love had transformed him . He dwelt in an atmosphereuncontaminated with selfishness and ambition , and far above the miasma ofjealousy . He manifested no sympathy with the dissatisfaction of hisdisciples , but showed how clearly he understood his relation to the Messiah , and how gladly he welcomed the one for whom he had prepared the way . He said , " A man can receive nothing , except it be given him from heaven . Yeyourselves bear me witness , that I said , I am not the Christ , but that I amsent before Him . He that hath the bride is the bridegroom : but the friend ofthe bridegroom , which standeth and heareth him , rejoiceth greatly because ofthe bridegroom ' s voice . " John represented himself as the friend who acted asa messenger between the betrothed parties , preparing the way for themarriage . When the bridegroom had received his bride , the mission of thefriend was fulfilled . He rejoiced in the happiness of those whose union hehad promoted . So John had been called to direct the people to Jesus , and itwas his joy to witness the success of the Saviour ' s work . He said , " This myjoy therefore is fulfilled . He must increase , but I must decrease . " Looking in faith to the Redeemer , John had risen to the height ofself - abnegation . He sought not to attract men to himself , but to lift theirthoughts higher and still higher , until they should rest upon the Lamb ofGod . He himself had been only a voice , a cry in the wilderness . Now with joyhe accepted silence and obscurity , that the eyes of all might be turned tothe Light of life . Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seekhonor for themselves . Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ . No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel . They will recognizethat it is their work to proclaim , as did John the Baptist , 180 " Behold the Lamb of God , which taketh away the sin of the world . " John 1 : 29 . They will lift up Jesus , and with Him humanity will be lifted up . " Thussaith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity , whose name is Holy ; Idwell in the high and holy place , with him also that is of a contrite andhumble spirit , to revive the spirit of the humble , and to revive the heartof the contrite ones . " Isa . 57 : 15 . The soul of the prophet , emptied of self , was filled with the light of thedivine . As he witnessed to the Saviour ' s glory , his words were almost acounterpart of those that Christ Himself had spoken in His interview withNicodemus . John said , " He that cometh from above is above all : he that is ofthe earth is earthly , and speaketh of the earth : He that cometh from heavenis above all . . . . For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God : forGod giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him . " Christ could say , " I seeknot Mine own will , but the will of the Father which hath sent Me . " John 5 : 30 . To Him it is declared , " Thou hast loved righteousness , and hatediniquity ; therefore God , even Thy God , hath anointed Thee with the oil ofgladness above Thy fellows . " Heb . 1 : 9 . The Father " giveth not the Spirit bymeasure unto Him . " 181 So with the followers of Christ . We can receive of heaven ' s light only as weare willing to be emptied of self . We cannot discern the character of God , or accept Christ by faith , unless we consent to the bringing into captivityof every thought to the obedience of Christ . To all who do this the HolySpirit is given without measure . In Christ " dwelleth all the fullness of theGodhead bodily , and in Him ye are made full . " Col . 2 : 9 , 10 , R . V . The disciples of John had declared that all men were coming to Christ ; butwith clearer insight , John said , " No man receiveth His witness ;" so few wereready to accept Him as the Saviour from sin . But " he that hath received Hiswitness hath set his seal to this , that God is true . " John 3 : 33 , R . V . " Hethat believeth on the Son hath everlasting life . " No need of disputation asto whether Christ ' s baptism or John ' s purified from sin . It is the grace ofChrist that gives life to the soul . Apart from Christ , baptism , like anyother service , is a worthless form . " He that believeth not the Son shall notsee life . " The success of Christ ' s work , which the Baptist had received with such joy , was reported also to the authorities at Jerusalem . The priests and rabbishad been jealous of John ' s influence as they saw the people leaving thesynagogues and flocking to the wilderness ; but here was one who had stillgreater power to attract the multitudes . Those leaders in Israel were notwilling to say with John , " He must increase , but I must decrease . " Theyarose with a new determination to put an end to the work that was drawingthe people away from them . Jesus knew that they would spare no effort to create a division between Hisown disciples and those of John . He knew that the storm was gathering whichwould sweep away one of the greatest prophets ever given to the world . Wishing to avoid all occasion for misunderstanding or dissension , He quietlyceased His labors , and withdrew to Galilee . We also , while loyal to truth , should try to avoid all that may lead to discord and misapprehension . Forwhenever these arise , they result in the loss of souls . Whenevercircumstances occur that threaten to cause division , we should follow theexample of Jesus and of John the Baptist . John had been called to lead out as a reformer . Because of this , hisdisciples were in danger of fixing their attention upon him , feeling thatthe success of the work depended upon his labors , and losing sight of thefact that he was only an instrument through which God had wrought . But thework of John was not sufficient to lay the foundation of the 182 Christian church . When he had fulfilled his mission , another work was to bedone , which his testimony could not accomplish . His disciples did notunderstand this . When they saw Christ coming in to take the work , they werejealous and dissatisfied . The same dangers still exist . God calls a man to do a certain work ; and whenhe has carried it as far as he is qualified to take it , the Lord brings inothers , to carry it still farther . But , like John ' s disciples , many feelthat the success of the work depends on the first laborer . Attention isfixed upon the human instead of the divine , jealousy comes in , and the workof God is marred . The one thus unduly honored is tempted to cherishself - confidence . He does not realize his dependence on God . The people aretaught to rely on man for guidance , and thus they fall into error , and areled away from God . The work of God is not to bear the image and superscription of man . Fromtime to time the Lord will bring in different agencies , through whom Hispurpose can best be accomplished . Happy are they who are willing for self tobe humbled , saying with John the Baptist , " He must increase , but I mustdecrease . " ( 183 ) Chapter 19 At Jacob ' s Well [ This chapter is based on John 4 : 1 - 42 . ] On the way to Galilee Jesus passed through Samaria . It was noon when Hereached the beautiful Vale of Shechem . At the opening of this valley wasJacob ' s well . Wearied with His journey , He sat down here to rest while Hisdisciples went to buy food . The Jews and the Samaritans were bitter enemies , and as far as possibleavoided all dealing with each other . To trade with the Samaritans in case ofnecessity was indeed counted lawful by the rabbis ; but all socialintercourse with them was condemned . A Jew would not borrow from aSamaritan , nor receive a kindness , not even a morsel of bread or a cup ofwater . The disciples , in buying food , were acting in harmony with the customof their nation . But beyond this they did not go . To ask a favor of theSamaritans , or in any way seek to benefit them , did not enter into thethought of even Christ ' s disciples . As Jesus sat by the well side , He was faint from hunger and thirst . Thejourney since morning had been long , and now the sun of noontide beat uponHim . His thirst was increased by the thought of the cool , refreshing waterso near , yet inaccessible to Him ; for He had no rope nor water jar , and thewell was deep . The lot of humanity was His , and He waited for someone tocome to draw . A woman of Samaria approached , and seeming unconscious of His presence , filled her pitcher with water . As she turned to go away , Jesus asked her fora drink . Such a favor no Oriental would withhold . In the East , water wascalled " the gift of God . " To offer a drink to the thirsty traveler was heldto be a duty so sacred that the Arabs of 184 the desert would go out of their way in order to perform it . The hatredbetween Jews and Samaritans prevented the woman from offering a kindness toJesus ; but the Saviour was seeking to find the key to this heart , and withthe tact born of divine love , He asked , not offered , a favor . The offer of akindness might have been rejected ; but trust awakens trust . The King ofheaven came to this outcast soul , asking a service at her hands . He who madethe ocean , who controls the waters of the great deep , who opened the springsand channels of the earth , rested from His weariness at Jacob ' s well , andwas dependent upon a stranger ' s kindness for even the gift of a drink ofwater . The woman saw that Jesus was a Jew . In her surprise she forgot to grant Hisrequest , but tried to learn the reason for it . " How is it , " she said , " thatThou , being a Jew , askest drink of me , which am a woman of Samaria ? " Jesus answered , " If thou knewest the gift of God , and who it is that saithto thee , Give Me to drink ; thou wouldest have asked of Him , and He wouldhave given thee living water . " You wonder that I should ask of you even sosmall a favor as a draught of water from the well at our feet . Had you askedof Me , I would have given you to drink of the water of everlasting life . The woman had not comprehended the words of Christ , but she felt theirsolemn import . Her light , bantering manner began to change . Supposing thatJesus spoke of the well before them , she said , " Sir , Thou hast nothing todraw with , and the well is deep : from whence then hast Thou that livingwater ? Art Thou greater than our father Jacob , which gave us the well , anddrank thereof himself ? " She saw before her only a thirsty traveler , waywornand dusty . In her mind she compared Him with the honored patriarch Jacob . She cherished the feeling , which is so natural , that no other well could beequal to that provided by the fathers . She was looking backward to thefathers , forward to the Messiah ' s coming , while the Hope of the fathers , theMessiah Himself , was beside her , and she knew Him not . How many thirstingsouls are today close by the living fountain , yet looking far away for thewellsprings of life ! " Say not in thine heart , Who shall ascend into heaven ? ( that is , to bring Christ down from above : ) or , Who shall descend into thedeep ? ( that is , to bring up Christ again from the dead . ) . . . The word isnigh thee , even in thy mouth , and in thy heart : . . . if thou shalt confesswith thy mouth the Lord Jesus , and shalt believe in thine heart that Godhath raised Him from the dead , thou shalt be saved . " Rom . 10 : 6 - 9 . 187 Jesus did not immediately answer the question in regard to Himself , but withsolemn earnestness He said , " Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirstagain : but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall neverthirst ; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of waterspringing up into everlasting life . " He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drinkonly to thirst again . Everywhere men are unsatisfied . They long forsomething to supply the need of the soul . only one can meet that want . Theneed of the world , " The Desire of all nations , " is Christ . The divine gracewhich He alone can impart , is as living water , purifying , refreshing , andinvigorating the soul . Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draft of the water of lifewould suffice the receiver . He who tastes of the love of Christ willcontinually long for more ; but he seeks for nothing else . The riches , honors , and pleasures of the world do not attract him . The constant cry ofhis heart is , More of Thee . And He who reveals to the soul its necessity iswaiting to satisfy its hunger and thirst . Every human resource anddependence will fail . The cisterns will be emptied , the pools become dry ; but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain . We may drink , and drinkagain , and ever find a fresh supply . He in whom Christ dwells has withinhimself the fountain of blessing , --" a well of water springing up intoeverlasting life . " From this source he may draw strength and gracesufficient for all his needs . As Jesus spoke of the living water , the woman looked upon Him with wonderingattention . He had aroused her interest , and awakened a desire for the giftof which He spoke . She perceived that it was not the water of Jacob ' s wellto which He referred ; for of this she used continually , drinking , andthirsting again . " Sir , " she said , " give me this water , that I thirst not , neither come hither to draw . " Jesus now abruptly turned the conversation . Before this soul could receivethe gift He longed to bestow , she must be brought to recognize her sin andher Saviour . He " saith unto her , Go , call thy husband , and come hither . " Sheanswered , " I have no husband . " Thus she hoped to prevent all questioning inthat direction . But the Saviour continued , " Thou hast well said , I have nohusband : for thou hast had five husbands ; and he whom thou now hast is notthy husband : in that saidst thou truly . " The listener trembled . A mysterious hand was turning the pages of her lifehistory , bringing to view that which she had hoped to keep forever 188 hidden . Who was He that could read the secrets of her life ? There came toher thoughts of eternity , of the future Judgment , when all that is nowhidden shall be revealed . In its light , conscience was awakened . She could deny nothing ; but she tried to evade all mention of a subject sounwelcome . With deep reverence , she said , " Sir , I perceive that Thou art aprophet . " Then , hoping to silence conviction , she turned to points ofreligious controversy . If this was a prophet , surely He could give herinstruction concerning these matters that had been so long disputed . Patiently Jesus permitted her to lead the conversation whither she would . Meanwhile He watched for the opportunity of again bringing the truth home toher heart . " Our fathers worshiped in this mountain , " she said , " and ye say , that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship . " Just in sightwas Mount Gerizim . Its temple was demolished , and only the altar remained . The place of worship had been a subject of contention between the Jews andthe Samaritans . Some of the ancestors of the latter people had once belongedto Israel ; but because of their sins , the Lord suffered them to be overcomeby an idolatrous nation . For many generations they were intermingled withidolaters , whose religion gradually contaminated their own . It is true theyheld that their idols were only to remind them of the living God , the Rulerof the universe ; nevertheless the people were led to reverence their gravenimages . When the temple at Jerusalem was rebuilt in the days of Ezra , the Samaritanswished to join the Jews in its erection . This privilege was refused them , and a bitter animosity sprang up between the two peoples . The Samaritansbuilt a rival temple on Mount Gerizim . Here they worshiped in accordancewith the Mosaic ritual , though they did not wholly renounce idolatry . Butdisasters attended them , their temple was destroyed by their enemies , andthey seemed to be under a curse ; yet they still clung to their traditionsand their forms of worship . They would not acknowledge the temple atJerusalem as the house of God , nor admit that the religion of the Jews wassuperior to their own . In answer to the woman , Jesus said , " Believe Me , the hour cometh , when yeshall neither in this mountain , nor yet at Jerusalem , worship the Father . Yeworship ye know not what : we know what we worship : for salvation is of theJews . " Jesus had shown that He was free from Jewish prejudice against theSamaritans . Now He sought to break down 189 the prejudice of this Samaritan against the Jews . While referring to thefact that the faith of the Samaritans was corrupted with idolatry , Hedeclared that the great truths of redemption had been committed to the Jews , and that from among them the Messiah was to appear . In the Sacred Writingsthey had a clear presentation of the character of God and the principles ofHis government . Jesus classed Himself with the Jews as those to whom God hadgiven a knowledge of Himself . He desired to lift the thoughts of His hearer above matters of form andceremony , and questions of controversy . " The hour cometh , " He said , " and nowis , when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and intruth : for the Father seeketh such to worship Him . God is a Spirit : and theythat worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth . " Here is declared the same truth that Jesus had revealed to Nicodemus when Hesaid , " Except a man be born from above , he cannot see the kingdom of God . " John 3 : 3 , margin . Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are menbrought into communion with heaven . Religion is not to be confined toexternal forms and ceremonies . The religion that comes from God is the onlyreligion that will lead to God . In order to serve Him aright , we must beborn of the divine Spirit . This will purify the heart and renew the mind , giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God . It will give us awilling obedience to all His requirements . This is true worship . It is thefruit of the working of the Holy Spirit . By the Spirit every sincere prayeris indited , and such prayer is acceptable to God . Wherever a soul reachesout after God , there the Spirit ' s working is manifest , and God will revealHimself to that soul . For such worshipers He is seeking . He waits to receivethem , and to make them His sons and daughters . As the woman talked with Jesus , she was impressed with His words . Never hadshe heard such sentiments from the priests of her own people or from theJews . As the past of her life had been spread out before her , she had beenmade sensible of her great want . She realized her soul thirst , which thewaters of the well of Sychar could never satisfy . Nothing that had hithertocome in contact with her had so awakened her to a higher need . Jesus hadconvinced her that He read the secrets of her life ; yet she felt that He washer friend , pitying and loving her . While the very purity of His presencecondemned her sin , He had spoken no word of denunciation , but had told herof His grace , that could renew 190 the soul . She began to have some conviction of His character . The questionarose in her mind , Might not this be the long - looked - for Messiah ? She saidto Him , " I know that Messias cometh , which is called Christ : when He iscome , He will tell us all things . " Jesus answered , " I that speak unto theeam He . " As the woman heard these words , faith sprang up in her heart . She acceptedthe wonderful announcement from the lips of the divine Teacher . This woman was in an appreciative state of mind . She was ready to receivethe noblest revelation ; for she was interested in the Scriptures , and theHoly Spirit had been preparing her mind to receive more light . She hadstudied the Old Testament promise , " The Lord thy God will raise up unto theea Prophet from the midst of thee , of thy brethren , like unto me ; unto Him yeshall hearken . " Deut . 18 : 15 . She longed to understand this prophecy . Lightwas already flashing into her mind . The water of life , the spiritual lifewhich Christ gives to every thirsty soul , had begun to spring up in herheart . The Spirit of the Lord was working with her . The plain statement made by Christ to this woman could not have been made tothe self - righteous Jews . Christ was far more reserved when He spoke to them . That which had been withheld from the Jews , and which the disciples wereafterward enjoined to keep secret , was revealed to her . Jesus saw that shewould make use of her knowledge in bringing others to share His grace . When the disciples returned from their errand , they were surprised to findtheir Master speaking with the woman . He had not taken the refreshingdraught that He desired , and He did not stop to eat the food His discipleshad brought . When the woman had gone , the disciples entreated Him to eat . They saw Him silent , absorbed , as in rapt meditation . His face was beamingwith light , and they feared to interrupt His communion with heaven . But theyknew that He was faint and weary , and thought it their duty to remind Him ofHis physical necessities . Jesus recognized their loving interest , and Hesaid , " I have meat to eat that ye know not of . " The disciples wondered who could have brought Him food ; but He explained , " My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me , and to accomplish His work . " John 4 : 34 , R . V . As His words to the woman had aroused her conscience , Jesusrejoiced . He saw her drinking of the water 191 of life , and His own hunger and thirst were satisfied . The accomplishment ofthe mission which He had left heaven to perform strengthened the Saviour forHis labor , and lifted Him above the necessities of humanity . To minister toa soul hungering and thirsting for the truth was more grateful to Him thaneating or drinking . It was a comfort , a refreshment , to Him . Benevolence wasthe life of His soul . Our Redeemer thirsts for recognition . He hungers for the sympathy and loveof those whom He has purchased with His own blood . He longs withinexpressible desire that they should come to Him and have life . As themother watches for the smile of recognition from her little child , whichtells of the dawning of intelligence , so does Christ watch for theｅxpression of grateful love , which shows that spiritual life is begun in thesoul . The woman had been filled with joy as she listened to Christ ' s words . Thewonderful revelation was almost overpowering . Leaving her waterpot , shereturned to the city , to carry the message to others . Jesus knew why she hadgone . Leaving her waterpot spoke unmistakably as to the effect of His words . It was the earnest desire of her soul to obtain the living water ; and sheforgot her errand to the well , she forgot the Saviour ' s thirst , which shehad purposed to supply . With heart overflowing with gladness , she hastenedon her way , to impart to others the precious light she had received . " Come , see a man , which told me all things that ever I did , " she said to themen of the city . " Is not this the Christ ? " Her words touched their hearts . There was a new ｅxpression on her face , a change in her whole appearance . They were interested to see Jesus . " Then they went out of the city , and cameunto Him . " As Jesus still sat at the well side , He looked over the fields of grain thatwere spread out before Him , their tender green touched by the goldensunlight . Pointing His disciples to the scene , He employed it as a symbol : " Say not ye , There are yet four months , and then cometh harvest ? behold , Isay unto you , Lift up your eyes , and look on the fields ; for they are whitealready to harvest . " And as He spoke , He looked on the groups that werecoming to the well . It was four months to the time for harvesting the grain , but here was a harvest ready for the reaper . " He that reapeth , " He said , " receiveth wages , and gathereth fruit unto lifeeternal : that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice 192 together . And herein is that saying true , one soweth , and another reapeth . " Here Christ points out the sacred service owed to God by those who receivethe gospel . They are to be His living agencies . He requires their individualservice . And whether we sow or reap , we are working for God . one scattersthe seed ; another gathers in the harvest ; and both the sower and the reaperreceive wages . They rejoice together in the reward of their labor . Jesus said to the disciples , " I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed nolabor : other men labored , and ye are entered into their labors . " The Saviourwas here looking forward to the great ingathering on the day of Pentecost . The disciples were not to regard this as the result of their own efforts . They were entering into other men ' s labors . Ever since the fall of AdamChrist had been committing the seed of the word to His chosen servants , tobe sown in human hearts . And an unseen agency , even an omnipotent power , hadworked silently but effectually to produce the harvest . The dew and rain andsunshine of God ' s grace had been given , to refresh and nourish the seed oftruth . Christ was about to water the seed with His own blood . His discipleswere privileged to be laborers together with God . They were coworkers withChrist and with the holy men of old . By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit atPentecost , thousands were to be converted in a day . This was the result ofChrist ' s sowing , the harvest of His work . In the words spoken to the woman at the well , good seed had been sown , andhow quickly the harvest was received . The Samaritans came and heard Jesus , and believed on Him . Crowding about Him at the well , they plied Him withquestions , and eagerly received His explanations of many things that hadbeen obscure to them . As they listened , their perplexity began to clearaway . They were like a people in great darkness tracing up a sudden ray oflight till they had found the day . But they were not satisfied with thisshort conference . They were anxious to hear more , and to have their friendsalso listen to this wonderful teacher . They invited Him to their city , andbegged Him to remain with them . For two days He tarried in Samaria , and manymore believed on Him . The Pharisees despised the simplicity of Jesus . They ignored His miracles , and demanded a sign that He was the Son of God . But the Samaritans asked nosign , and Jesus performed no miracles among them , save in revealing thesecrets of her life to the woman at the well . Yet many received Him . Intheir new joy they said to the woman , 193 " Now we believe , not because of thy saying : for we have heard Him ourselves , and know that this is indeed the Christ , the Saviour of the world . " The Samaritans believed that the Messiah was to come as the Redeemer , notonly of the Jews , but of the world . The Holy Spirit through Moses hadforetold Him as a prophet sent from God . Through Jacob it had been declaredthat unto Him should the gathering of the people be ; and through Abraham , that in Him all the nations of the earth should be blessed . on thesescriptures the people of Samaria based their faith in the Messiah . The factthat the Jews had misinterpreted the later prophets , attributing to thefirst advent the glory of Christ ' s second coming , had led the Samaritans todiscard all the sacred writings except those given through Moses . But as theSaviour swept away these false interpretations , many accepted the laterprophecies and the words of Christ Himself in regard to the kingdom of God . Jesus had begun to break down the partition wall between Jew and Gentile , and to preach salvation to the world . Though He was a Jew , He mingled freelywith the Samaritans , setting at nought the Pharisaic customs of His nation . In face of their prejudices He accepted the hospitality of this despisedpeople . He slept under their roofs , ate with them at theirtables , -- partaking of the food prepared and served by their hands , -- taughtin their streets , and treated them with the utmost kindness and courtesy . In the temple at Jerusalem a low wall separated the outer court from allother portions of the sacred building . Upon this wall were inscriptions indifferent languages , stating that none but Jews were allowed to pass thisboundary . Had a Gentile presumed to enter the inner enclosure , he would havedesecrated the temple , and would have paid the penalty with his life . ButJesus , the originator of the temple and its service , drew the Gentiles toHim by the tie of human sympathy , while His divine grace brought to them thesalvation which the Jews rejected . The stay of Jesus in Samaria was designed to be a blessing to His disciples , who were still under the influence of Jewish bigotry . They felt that loyaltyto their own nation required them to cherish enmity toward the Samaritans . They wondered at the conduct of Jesus . They could not refuse to follow Hisexample , and during the two days in Samaria , fidelity to Him kept theirprejudices under control ; yet in heart they were unreconciled . They wereslow to learn that their contempt and 194 hatred must give place to pity and sympathy . But after the Lord ' s ascension , His lessons came back to them with a new meaning . After the outpouring ofthe Holy Spirit , they recalled the Saviour ' s look , His words , the respectand tenderness of His bearing toward these despised strangers . When Peterwent to preach in Samaria , he brought the same spirit into his own work . When John was called to Ephesus and Smyrna , he remembered the experience atShechem , and was filled with gratitude to the divine Teacher , who , foreseeing the difficulties they must meet , had given them help in His ownexample . The Saviour is still carrying forward the same work as when He proffered thewater of life to the woman of Samaria . Those who call themselves Hisfollowers may despise and shun the outcast ones ; but no circumstance ofbirth or nationality , no condition of life , can turn away His love from thechildren of men . To every soul , however sinful , Jesus says , If thou hadstasked of Me , I would have given thee living water . The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down , and presented only to aselect few , who , we suppose , will do us honor if they accept it . The messageis to be given to all . Wherever hearts are open to receive the truth , Christis ready to instruct them . He reveals to them the Father , and the worshipacceptable to Him who reads the heart . For such He uses no parables . Tothem , as to the woman at the well , He says , " I that speak unto thee am He . " When Jesus sat down to rest at Jacob ' s well , He had come from Judea , whereHis ministry had produced little fruit . He had been rejected by the priestsand rabbis , and even the people who professed to be His disciples had failedof perceiving His divine character . He was faint and weary ; yet He did notneglect the opportunity of speaking to one woman , though she was a stranger , an alien from Israel , and living in open sin . The Saviour did not wait for congregations to assemble . Often He began Hislessons with only a few gathered about Him , but one by one the passers - bypaused to listen , until a multitude heard with wonder and awe the words ofGod through the heaven - sent Teacher . The worker for Christ should not feelthat he cannot speak with the same earnestness to a few hearers as to alarger company . There may be only one to hear the message ; but who can tellhow far - reaching will be its influence ? It seemed a small matter , even toHis disciples , for the Saviour to spend 195 His time upon a woman of Samaria . But He reasoned more earnestly andeloquently with her than with kings , councilors , or high priests . Thelessons He gave to that woman have been repeated to the earth ' s remotestbounds . As soon as she had found the Saviour the Samaritan woman brought others toHim . She proved herself a more effective missionary than His own disciples . The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to indicate that it was an encouragingfield . Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future . They did not see that right around them was a harvest to be gathered . Butthrough the woman whom they despised , a whole cityful were brought to hearthe Saviour . She carried the light at once to her countrymen . This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ . Every truedisciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary . He who drinks ofthe living water becomes a fountain of life . The receiver becomes a giver . The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert , welling upto refresh all , and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink ofthe water of life . ( 196 ) Chapter 20 " Except Ye See Signs and Wonders " [ This chapter is based on John 4 : 43 - 54 . ] The Galileans who returned from the Passover brought back the report of thewonderful works of Jesus . The judgment passed upon His acts by thedignitaries at Jerusalem opened His way in Galilee . Many of the peoplelamented the abuse of the temple and the greed and arrogance of the priests . They hoped that this Man , who had put the rulers to flight , might be thelooked - for Deliverer . Now tidings had come that seemed to confirm theirbrightest anticipations . It was reported that the prophet had declaredHimself to be the Messiah . But the people of Nazareth did not believe on Him . For this reason , Jesusdid not visit Nazareth on His way to Cana . The Saviour declared to Hisdisciples that a prophet has no honor in his own country . Men estimatecharacter by that which they themselves are capable of appreciating . Thenarrow and worldly - minded judged of Christ by His humble birth , His lowlygarb , and daily toil . They could not appreciate the purity of that spiritupon which was no stain of sin . The news of Christ ' s return to Cana soon spread throughout Galilee , bringinghope to the suffering and distressed . In Capernaum the tidings attracted theattention of a Jewish nobleman who was an officer in the 197 king ' s service . A son of the officer was suffering from what seemed to be anincurable disease . Physicians had given him up to die ; but when the fatherheard of Jesus , he determined to seek help from Him . The child was very low , and , it was feared , might not live till his return ; yet the nobleman feltthat he must present the case in person . He hoped that a father ' s prayersmight awaken the sympathy of the Great Physician . On reaching Cana he found a throng surrounding Jesus . With an anxious hearthe pressed through to the Saviour ' s presence . His faith faltered when he sawonly a plainly dressed man , dusty and worn with travel . He doubted that thisPerson could do what he had come to ask of Him ; yet he secured an interviewwith Jesus , told his errand , and besought the Saviour to accompany him tohis home . But already his 198 sorrow was known to Jesus . Before the officer had left his home , the Saviourhad beheld his affliction . But He knew also that the father had , in his own mind , made conditionsconcerning his belief in Jesus . Unless his petition should be granted , hewould not receive Him as the Messiah . While the officer waited in an agonyof suspense , Jesus said , " Except ye see signs and wonders , ye will notbelieve . " Notwithstanding all the evidence that Jesus was the Christ , the petitionerhad determined to make his belief in Him conditional on the granting of hisown request . The Saviour contrasted this questioning unbelief with thesimple faith of the Samaritans , who asked for no miracle or sign . His word , the ever - present evidence of His divinity , had a convincing power thatreached their hearts . Christ was pained that His own people , to whom theSacred Oracles had been committed , should fail to hear the voice of Godspeaking to them in His Son . Yet the nobleman had a degree of faith ; for he had come to ask what seemedto him the most precious of all blessings . Jesus had a greater gift tobestow . He desired , not only to heal the child , but to make the officer andhis household sharers in the blessings of salvation , and to kindle a lightin Capernaum , which was so soon to be the field of His own labors . But thenobleman must realize his need before he would desire the grace of Christ . This courtier represented many of his nation . They were interested in Jesusfrom selfish motives . They hoped to receive some special benefit through Hispower , and they staked their faith on the granting of this temporal favor ; but they were ignorant as to their spiritual disease , and saw not their needof divine grace . Like a flash of light , the Saviour ' s words to the nobleman laid bare hisheart . He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish . Hisvacillating faith appeared to him in its true character . In deep distress herealized that his doubt might cost the life of his son . He knew that he wasin the presence of one who could read the thoughts , and to whom all thingswere possible . In an agony of supplication he cried , " Sir , come down ere mychild die . " His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob , when , wrestlingwith the Angel , he cried , " I will not let Thee go , except Thou bless me . " Gen . 32 : 26 . Like Jacob he prevailed . The Saviour cannot withdraw from the soul thatclings to Him , pleading its great need . " Go thy way , " He said ; " thy sonliveth . " The nobleman left the Saviour ' s presence with a peace 199 and joy he had never known before . Not only did he believe that his sonwould be restored , but with strong confidence he trusted in Christ as theRedeemer . At the same hour the watchers beside the dying child in the home atCapernaum beheld a sudden and mysterious change . The shadow of death waslifted from the sufferer ' s face . The flush of fever gave place to the softglow of returning health . The dim eyes brightened with intelligence , andstrength returned to the feeble , emaciated frame . No signs of his maladylingered about the child . His burning flesh had become soft and moist , andhe sank into a quiet sleep . The fever had left him in the very heat of theday . The family were amazed , and great was the rejoicing . Cana was not so far from Capernaum but that the officer might have reachedhis home on the evening after his interview with Jesus ; but he did nothasten on the homeward journey . It was not until the next morning that hereached Capernaum . What a homecoming was that ! When he went to find Jesus , his heart was heavy with sorrow . The sunshine seemed cruel to him , the songsof the birds a mockery . How different his feelings now ! All nature wears anew aspect . He sees with new eyes . As he journeys in the quiet of the earlymorning , all nature seems to be praising God with him . While he is stillsome distance from his own dwelling , servants come out to meet him , anxiousto relieve the suspense they are sure he must feel . He shows no surprise atthe news they bring , but with a depth of interest they cannot know he asksat what hour the child began to mend . They answer , " Yesterday at the seventhhour the fever left him . " At the very moment when the father ' s faith graspedthe assurance , " Thy son liveth , " divine love touched the dying child . 200 The father hurries on to greet his son . He clasps him to his heart as onerestored from the dead , and thanks God again and again for this wonderfulrestoration . The nobleman longed to know more of Christ . As he afterward heard Histeaching , he and all his household became disciples . Their affliction wassanctified to the conversion of the entire family . Tidings of the miraclespread ; and in Capernaum , where so many of His mighty works were performed , the way was prepared for Christ ' s personal ministry . He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us . But like the afflicted father , we are often led to seek Jesus by the desirefor some earthly good ; and upon the granting of our request we rest ourconfidence in His love . The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing thanwe ask ; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evilof our own hearts , and our deep need of His grace . He desires us to renouncethe selfishness that leads us to seek Him . Confessing our helplessness andbitter need , we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love . The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he shouldbelieve ; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heardand the blessing granted . This lesson we also have to learn . Not because wesee or feel that God hears us are we to believe . We are to trust in Hispromises . When we come to Him in faith , every petition enters the heart ofGod . When we have asked for His blessing , we should believe that we receiveit , and thank Him that we have received it . Then we are to go about ourduties , assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most . When we have learned to do this , we shall know that our prayers areanswered . God will do for us " exceeding abundantly , " " according to theriches of His glory , " and " the working of His mighty power . " Eph . 3 : 20 , 16 ; 1 : 19 . ( 201 ) Chapter 21 Bethesda and the Sanhedrin [ This chapter is based on John 5 . ] " Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool , which is called inthe Hebrew tongue Bethesda , having five porches . In these lay a greatmultitude of impotent folk , of blind , halt , withered , waiting for the movingof the water . " At certain seasons the waters of this pool were agitated , and it wascommonly believed that this was the result of supernatural power , and thatwhoever first after the troubling of the pool stepped into the waters , wouldbe healed of whatever disease he had . Hundreds of sufferers visited theplace ; but so great was the crowd when the water was troubled that theyrushed forward , trampling underfoot men , women , and children , weaker thanthemselves . Many could not get near the pool . Many who had succeeded inreaching it died upon its brink . Shelters had been erected about the place , that the sick might be protected from the heat by day and the chilliness ofthe night . There were some who spent the night in these porches , creeping tothe edge of the pool day after day , in the vain hope of relief . Jesus was again at Jerusalem . Walking alone , in apparent meditation andprayer , He came to the pool . He saw the wretched sufferers watching for thatwhich they supposed to be their only chance of cure . He longed to exerciseHis healing power , and make every sufferer whole . But it was the Sabbathday . Multitudes were going to the temple for worship , 202 and He knew that such an act of healing would so excite the prejudice of theJews as to cut short His work . But the Saviour saw one case of supreme wretchedness . It was that of a manwho had been a helpless cripple for thirty - eight years . His disease was in agreat degree the result of his own sin , and was looked upon as a judgmentfrom God . Alone and friendless , feeling that he was shut out from God ' smercy , the sufferer had passed long years of misery . At the time when it wasexpected that the waters would be troubled , those who pitied hishelplessness would bear him to the porches . But at the favored moment he hadno one to help him in . He had seen the rippling of the water , but had neverbeen able to get farther than the edge of the pool . Others stronger than hewould plunge in before him . He could not contend successfully with theselfish , scrambling crowd . His persistent efforts toward the one object , andhis anxiety and continual disappointment , were fast wearing away the remnantof his strength . The sick man was lying on his mat , and occasionally lifting his head to gazeat the pool , when a tender , compassionate face bent over him , and the words , " Wilt thou be made whole ? " arrested his attention . Hope came to his heart . He felt that in some way he was to have help . But the glow of encouragementsoon faded . He remembered how often he had tried to reach the pool , and nowhe had little prospect of living till it should again be troubled . He turnedaway wearily , saying , " Sir , I have no man , when the water is troubled , toput me into the pool : but while I am coming , another steppeth down beforeme . " Jesus does not ask this sufferer to exercise faith in Him . He simply says , " Rise , take up thy bed , and walk . " But the man ' s faith takes hold 203 upon that word . Every nerve and muscle thrills with new life , and healthfulaction comes to his crippled limbs . Without question he sets his will toobey the command of Christ , and all his muscles respond to his will . Springing to his feet , he finds himself an active man . Jesus had given him no assurance of divine help . The man might have stoppedto doubt , and lost his one chance of healing . But he believed Christ ' s word , and in acting upon it he received strength . Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing . By sin we have beensevered from the life of God . Our souls are palsied . Of ourselves we are nomore capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable ofwalking . There are many who realize their helplessness , and who long forthat spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God ; they arevainly striving to obtain it . In despair they cry , " O wretched man that Iam ! who shall deliver me from this body of death ? " Rom . 7 : 24 , margin . Letthese desponding , struggling ones look up . The Saviour is bending over thepurchase of His blood , saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity , " Wiltthou be made whole ? " He bids you arise in health and peace . Do not wait tofeel that you are made whole . Believe His word , and it will be fulfilled . Put your will on the side of Christ . Will to serve Him , and in acting uponHis word you will receive strength . Whatever may be the evil practice , themaster passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body , Christ is able and longs to deliver . He will impart life to the soul that is " dead in trespasses . " Eph . 2 : 1 . He will set free the captive that is held byweakness and misfortune and the chains of sin . The restored paralytic stooped to take up his bed , which was only a rug anda blanket , and as he straightened himself again with a sense of delight , helooked around for his Deliverer ; but Jesus was lost in the crowd . The manfeared that he would not know Him if he should see Him again . As he hurriedon his way with firm , free step , praising God and rejoicing in his new - foundstrength , he met several of the Pharisees , and immediately told them of hiscure . He was surprised at the coldness with which they listened to hisstory . With lowering brows they interrupted him , asking why he was carrying his bedon the Sabbath day . They sternly reminded him that it was not lawful to bearburdens on the Lord ' s day . In his joy the man had forgotten that it was theSabbath ; yet he felt no condemnation for obeying the command of one who hadsuch power from God . He 204 answered boldly , " He that made me whole , the same said unto me , Take up thybed , and walk . " They asked who it was that had done this , but he could nottell . These rulers knew well that only one had shown Himself able to performthis miracle ; but they wished for direct proof that it was Jesus , that theymight condemn Him as a Sabbath - breaker . In their judgment He had not onlybroken the law in healing the sick man on the Sabbath , but had committedsacrilege in bidding him bear away his bed . The Jews had so perverted the law that they made it a yoke of bondage . Theirmeaningless requirements had become a byword among other nations . Especiallywas the Sabbath hedged in by all manner of senseless restrictions . It wasnot to them a delight , the holy of the Lord , and honorable . The scribes andPharisees had made its observance an intolerable burden . A Jew was notallowed to kindle a fire nor even to light a candle on the Sabbath . As aconsequence the people were dependent upon the Gentiles for many serviceswhich their rules forbade them to do for themselves . They did not reflectthat if these acts were sinful , those who employed others to perform themwere as guilty as if they had done the work themselves . They thought thatsalvation was restricted to the Jews , and that the condition of all others , being already hopeless , could be made no worse . But God has given nocommandments which cannot be obeyed by all . His laws sanction nounreasonable or selfish restrictions . In the temple Jesus met the man who had been healed . He had come to bring asin offering and also a thank offering for the great mercy he had received . Finding him among the worshipers , Jesus made Himself known , with the warningwords , " Behold , thou art made whole : sin no more , lest a worse thing comeunto thee . " The healed man was overjoyed at meeting his Deliverer . Ignorant of theenmity toward Jesus , he told the Pharisees who had questioned him , that thiswas He who had performed the cure . " Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus , and sought to slay Him , because He had done these things on the Sabbathday . " Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin to answer the charge ofSabbathbreaking . Had the Jews at this time been an independent nation , sucha charge would have served their purpose for putting Him to death . Thistheir subjection to the Romans prevented . The Jews had not the power toinflict capital punishment , and the accusations brought against 205 Christ would have no weight in a Roman court . There were other objects , however , which they hoped to secure . Notwithstanding their efforts tocounteract His work , Christ was gaining , even in Jerusalem , an influenceover the people greater than their own . Multitudes who were not interestedin the harangues of the rabbis were attracted by His teaching . They couldunderstand His words , and their hearts were warmed and comforted . He spokeof God , not as an avenging judge , but as a tender father , and He revealedthe image of God as mirrored in Himself . His words were like balm to thewounded spirit . Both by His words and by His works of mercy He was breakingthe oppressive power of the old traditions and man - made commandments , andpresenting the love of God in its exhaustless fullness . In one of the earliest prophecies of Christ it is written , " The sceptershall not depart from Judah , nor a lawgiver from between his feet , untilShiloh come ; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be . " Gen . 49 : 10 . The people were gathering to Christ . The sympathetic hearts of the multitudeaccepted lessons of love and benevolence in preference to the rigidceremonies required by the priests . If the priests and rabbis had notinterposed , His teaching would have wrought such a reformation as this worldhas never witnessed . But in order to maintain their own power , these leadersdetermined to break down the influence of Jesus . His arraignment before theSanhedrin , and an open condemnation of His teachings , would aid in effectingthis ; for the people still had great reverence for their religious leaders . Whoever dared to condemn the rabbinical requirements , or attempt to lightenthe burdens they had brought upon the people , was regarded as guilty , notonly of blasphemy , but of treason . on this ground the rabbis hoped to excitesuspicion of Christ . They represented Him as trying to overthrow theestablished customs , thus causing division among the people , and preparingthe way for complete subjugation by the Romans . But the plans which these rabbis were working so zealously to fulfilloriginated in another council than that of the Sanhedrin . After Satan hadfailed to overcome Christ in the wilderness , he combined his forces tooppose Him in His ministry , and if possible to thwart His work . What hecould not accomplish by direct , personal effort , he determined to effect bystrategy . No sooner had he withdrawn from the conflict in the wildernessthan in council with his confederate angels he matured his plans for stillfurther blinding the minds of the Jewish people , that 206 they might not recognize their Redeemer . He planned to work through hishuman agencies in the religious world , by imbuing them with his own enmityagainst the champion of truth . He would lead them to reject Christ and tomake His life as bitter as possible , hoping to discourage Him in Hismission . And the leaders in Israel became instruments of Satan in warringagainst the Saviour . Jesus had come to " magnify the law , and make it honorable . " He was not tolessen its dignity , but to exalt it . The scripture says , " He shall not failnor be discouraged , till He have set judgment in the earth . " Isa . 42 : 21 , 4 . He had come to free the Sabbath from those burdensome requirements that hadmade it a curse instead of a blessing . For this reason He had chosen the Sabbath upon which to perform the act ofhealing at Bethesda . He could have healed the sick man as well on any otherday of the week ; or He might simply have cured him , without bidding him bearaway his bed . But this would not have given Him the opportunity He desired . A wise purpose underlay every act of Christ ' s life on earth . Everything Hedid was important in itself and in its teaching . Among the afflicted ones atthe pool He selected the worst case upon whom to exercise His healing power , and bade the man carry his bed through the city in order to publish thegreat work that had been wrought upon him . This would raise the question ofwhat it was lawful to do on the Sabbath , and would open the way for Him todenounce the restrictions of the Jews in regard to the Lord ' s day , and todeclare their traditions void . Jesus stated to them that the work of relieving the afflicted was in harmonywith the Sabbath law . It was in harmony with the work of God ' s angels , whoare ever descending and ascending between heaven and earth to minister tosuffering humanity . Jesus declared , " My Father worketh hitherto , and Iwork . " All days are God ' s , in which to carry out His plans for the humanrace . If the Jews ' interpretation of the law was correct , then Jehovah wasat fault , whose work has quickened and upheld every living thing since firstHe laid the foundations of the earth ; then He who pronounced His work good , and instituted the Sabbath to commemorate its completion , must put a periodto His labor , and stop the never - ending routine of the universe . Should God forbid the sun to perform its office upon the Sabbath , cut offits genial rays from warming the earth and nourishing vegetation ? Must thesystem of worlds stand still through that holy day ? Should He 207 command the brooks to stay from watering the fields and forests , and bid thewaves of the sea still their ceaseless ebbing and flowing ? Must the wheatand corn stop growing , and the ripening cluster defer its purple bloom ? Mustthe trees and flowers put forth no bud nor blossom on the Sabbath ? In such a case , men would miss the fruits of the earth , and the blessingsthat make life desirable . Nature must continue her unvarying course . Godcould not for a moment stay His hand , or man would faint and die . And manalso has a work to perform on this day . The necessities of life must beattended to , the sick must be cared for , the wants of the needy must besupplied . He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve suffering onthe Sabbath . God ' s holy rest day was made for man , and acts of mercy are inperfect harmony with its intent . God does not desire His creatures to sufferan hour ' s pain that may be relieved upon the Sabbath or any other day . The demands upon God are even greater upon the Sabbath than upon other days . His people then leave their usual employment , and spend the time inmeditation and worship . They ask more favors of Him on the Sabbath than uponother days . They demand His special attention . They crave His choicestblessings . God does not wait for the Sabbath to pass before He grants theserequests . Heaven ' s work never ceases , and men should never rest from doinggood . The Sabbath is not intended to be a period of useless inactivity . Thelaw forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord ; the toil that gains alivelihood must cease ; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawfulupon that day ; but as God ceased His labor of creating , and rested upon theSabbath and blessed it , so man is to leave the occupations of his dailylife , and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest , to worship , and toholy deeds . The work of Christ in healing the sick was in perfect accordwith the law . It honored the Sabbath . Jesus claimed equal rights with God in doing a work equally sacred , and ofthe same character with that which engaged the Father in heaven . But thePharisees were still more incensed . He had not only broken the law , according to their understanding , but in calling God " His own Father " haddeclared Himself equal with God . John 5 : 18 , R . V . The whole nation of the Jews called God their Father , therefore they wouldnot have been so enraged if Christ had represented Himself as standing inthe same relation to God . But they accused Him of 208 blasphemy , showing that they understood Him as making this claim in thehighest sense . These adversaries of Christ had no arguments with which to meet the truthsHe brought home to their consciences . They could only cite their customs andtraditions , and these seemed weak and vapid when compared with the argumentsJesus had drawn from the word of God and the unceasing round of nature . Hadthe rabbis felt any desire to receive light , they would have been convincedthat Jesus spoke the truth . But they evaded the points He made concerningthe Sabbath , and sought to stir up anger against Him because He claimed tobe equal with God . The fury of the rulers knew no bounds . Had they notfeared the people , the priests and rabbis would have slain Jesus on thespot . But the popular sentiment in His favor was strong . Many recognized inJesus the friend who had healed their diseases and comforted their sorrows , and they justified His healing of the sufferer at Bethesda . So for the timethe leaders were obliged to restrain their hatred . Jesus repelled the charge of blasphemy . My authority , He said , for doing thework of which you accuse Me , is that I am the Son of God , one with Him innature , in will , and in purpose . In all His works of creation andprovidence , I co - operate with God . " The Son can do nothing of Himself , butwhat He seeth the Father do . " The priests and rabbis were taking the Son ofGod to task for the very work He had been sent into the world to do . Bytheir sins they had separated themselves from God , and in their pride weremoving independently of Him . They felt sufficient in themselves for allthings , and realized no need of a higher wisdom to direct their acts . Butthe Son of God was surrendered to the Father ' s will , and dependent upon Hispower . So utterly was Christ emptied of self that He made no plans forHimself . He accepted God ' s plans for Him , and day by day the Father unfoldedHis plans . So should we depend upon God , that our lives may be the simpleoutworking of His will . When Moses was about to build the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God , hewas directed to make all things according to the pattern shown him in themount . Moses was full of zeal to do God ' s work ; the most talented , skillfulmen were at hand to carry out his suggestions . Yet he was not to make abell , a pomegranate , a tassel , a fringe , a curtain , or any vessel of thesanctuary , except according to the pattern shown him . God called him intothe mount , and revealed to him the heavenly things . The Lord covered himwith His own glory , that he might see 209 the pattern , and according to it all things were made . So to Israel , whom Hedesired to make His dwelling place , He had revealed His glorious ideal ofcharacter . The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was givenfrom Sinai , and when the Lord passed by before Moses and proclaimed , " TheLord , The Lord God , merciful and gracious , long - suffering , and abundant ingoodness and truth , keeping mercy for thousands , forgiving iniquity andtransgression and sin . " Ex . 34 : 6 , 7 . Israel had chosen their own ways . They had not builded according to thepattern ; but Christ , the true temple for God ' s indwelling , molded everydetail of His earthly life in harmony with God ' s ideal . He said , " I delightto do Thy will , O My God : yea , Thy law is within My heart . " Ps . 40 : 8 . So ourcharacters are to be builded " for an habitation of God through the Spirit . " Eph . 2 : 22 . And we are to " make all things according to the pattern , " evenHim who " suffered for us , leaving us an example , that ye should follow Hissteps . " Heb . 8 : 5 ; 1 Peter 2 : 21 . The words of Christ teach that we should regard ourselves as inseparablybound to our Father in heaven . Whatever our position , we are dependent uponGod , who holds all destinies in His hands . He has appointed us our work , andhas endowed us with faculties and means for that work . So long as wesurrender the will to God , and trust in His strength and wisdom , we shall beguided in safe paths , to fulfill our appointed part in His great plan . Butthe one who depends upon his own wisdom and power is separating himself fromGod . Instead of working in unison with Christ , he is fulfilling the purposeof the enemy of God and man . The Saviour continued : " What things soever He [ the Father ] doeth , these alsodoeth the Son likewise . . . . As the Father raiseth up the dead , andquickeneth them ; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will . " The Sadduceesheld that there would be no resurrection of the body ; but Jesus tells themthat one of the greatest works of His Father is raising the dead , and thatHe Himself has power to do the same work . " The hour is coming , and now is , when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God : and they that hearshall live . " The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead . Christdeclares that even now the power which gives life to the dead is among them , and they are to behold its manifestation . This same resurrection power isthat which gives life to the soul " dead in trespasses and sins . " Eph . 2 : 1 . That spirit of life in Christ Jesus , " the power of His resurrection , " setsmen " free from 210 the law of sin and death . " Phil . 3 : 10 ; Rom . 8 : 2 . The dominion of evil isbroken , and through faith the soul is kept from sin . He who opens his heartto the Spirit of Christ becomes a partaker of that mighty power which shallbring forth his body from the grave . The humble Nazarene asserts His real nobility . He rises above humanity , throws off the guise of sin and shame , and stands revealed , the Honored ofthe angels , the Son of God , one with the Creator of the universe . Hishearers are spellbound . No man has ever spoken words like His , or bornehimself with such a kingly majesty . His utterances are clear and plain , fully declaring His mission , and the duty of the world . " For the Fatherjudgeth no man , but hath committed all judgment unto the Son : that all menshould honor the Son , even as they honor the Father . He that honoreth notthe Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him . . . . For as the Fatherhath life in Himself ; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself ; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also , because He is the Sonof man . " The priests and rulers had set themselves up as judges to condemn Christ ' swork , but He declared Himself their judge , and the judge of all the earth . The world has been committed to Christ , and through Him has come everyblessing from God to the fallen race . He was the Redeemer before as afterHis incarnation . As soon as there was sin , there was a Saviour . He has givenlight and life to all , and according to the measure of light given , each isto be judged . And He who has given the light , He who has followed the soulwith tenderest entreaty , seeking to win it from sin to holiness , is in oneits advocate and judge . From the opening of the great controversy in heaven , Satan has maintained his cause through deception ; and Christ has beenworking to unveil his schemes and to break his power . It is He who hasencountered the deceiver , and who through all the ages has been seeking towrest the captives from his grasp , who will pass judgment upon every soul . And God " hath given Him authority to execute judgment also , because He isthe Son of man . " Because He has tasted the very dregs of human afflictionand temptation , and understands the frailties and sins of men ; because inour behalf He has victoriously withstood the temptations of Satan , and willdeal justly and tenderly with the souls that His own blood has been pouredout to save , -- because of this , the Son of man is appointed to execute thejudgment . But Christ ' s mission was not for judgment , but for salvation . " God sent notHis Son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the 211 world through Him might be saved . " John 3 : 17 . And before the Sanhedrin Jesusdeclared , " He that heareth My word , and believeth Him that sent Me , hatheternal life , and cometh not into judgment , but hath passed out of deathinto life . " John 5 : 24 , R . V . Bidding His hearers marvel not , Christ opened before them , in still widerview , the mystery of the future . " The hour cometh , " He said , " in which allthat are in the tombs shall hear His voice , and shall come forth ; they thathave done good , unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done ill , unto the resurrection of judgment . " John 5 : 28 , 29 , R . V . This assurance of the future life was that for which Israel had so longwaited , and which they had hoped to receive at the Messiah ' s advent . Theonly light that can lighten the gloom of the grave was shining upon them . But self - will is blind . Jesus had violated the traditions of the rabbis , anddisregarded their authority , and they would not believe . The time , the place , the occasion , the intensity of feeling that pervadedthe assembly , all combined to make the words of Jesus before the Sanhedrinthe more impressive . The highest religious authorities of the nation wereseeking the life of Him who declared Himself the restorer of Israel . TheLord of the Sabbath was arraigned before an earthly tribunal to answer thecharge of breaking the Sabbath law . When He so fearlessly declared Hismission , His judges looked upon Him with astonishment and rage ; but Hiswords were unanswerable . They could not condemn Him . He denied the right ofthe priests and rabbis to question Him , or to interfere with His work . Theywere invested with no such authority . Their claims were based upon their ownpride and arrogance . He refused to plead guilty of their charges , or to becatechized by them . Instead of apologizing for the act of which they complained , or explainingHis purpose in doing it , Jesus turned upon the rulers , and the accusedbecame the accuser . He rebuked them for the hardness of their hearts , andtheir ignorance of the Scriptures . He declared that they had rejected theword of God , inasmuch as they had rejected Him whom God had sent . " Ye searchthe Scriptures , because ye think that in them ye have eternal life ; andthese are they which bear witness of Me . " John 5 : 39 , R . V . In every page , whether history , or precept , or prophecy , the Old TestamentScriptures are irradiated with the glory of the Son of God . So far as it wasof divine institution , the entire system of Judaism was a compacted prophecyof the gospel . To Christ " give all the prophets witness . " Acts 10 : 43 . Fromthe promise given to Adam , down through 212 the patriarchal line and the legal economy , heaven ' s glorious light madeplain the footsteps of the Redeemer . Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem , theShiloh to come , as future things swept before them in mysterious procession . In every sacrifice Christ ' s death was shown . In every cloud of incense Hisrighteousness ascended . By every jubilee trumpet His name was sounded . Inthe awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt . The Jews had the Scriptures in their possession , and supposed that in theirmere outward knowledge of the word they had eternal life . But Jesus said , " Ye have not His word abiding in you . " Having rejected Christ in His word , they rejected Him in person . " Ye will not come to Me , " He said , " that yemight have life . " The Jewish leaders had studied the teachings of the prophets concerning thekingdom of the Messiah ; but they had done this , not with a sincere desire toknow the truth , but with the purpose of finding evidence to sustain theirambitious hopes . When Christ came in a manner contrary to theirexpectations , they would not receive Him ; and in order to justifythemselves , they tried to prove Him a deceiver . When once they had set theirfeet in this path , it was easy for Satan to strengthen their opposition toChrist . The very words that should have been received as evidence of Hisdivinity were interpreted against Him . Thus they turned the truth of Godinto a lie , and the more directly the Saviour spoke to them in His works ofmercy , the more determined they were in resisting the light . Jesus said , " I receive not honor from men . " It was not the influence of theSanhedrin , it was not their sanction He desired . He could receive no honorfrom their approbation . He was invested with the honor and authority ofHeaven . Had He desired it , angels would have come to do Him homage ; theFather would again have testified to His divinity . But for their own sake , for the sake of the nation whose leaders they were , He desired the Jewishrulers to discern His character , and receive the blessings He came to bringthem . " I am come in My Father ' s name , and ye receive Me not : if another shall comein his own name , him ye will receive . " Jesus came by the authority of God , bearing His image , fulfilling His word , and seeking His glory ; yet He wasnot accepted by the leaders in Israel ; but when others should come , assumingthe character of Christ , but actuated by their own will and seeking theirown glory , they would be received . And why ? Because he who is seeking hisown glory appeals to the desire for self - exaltation in others . To suchappeals the Jews could respond . 213 They would receive the false teacher because he flattered their pride bysanctioning their cherished opinions and traditions . But the teaching ofChrist did not coincide with their ideas . It was spiritual , and demanded thesacrifice of self ; therefore they would not receive it . They were notacquainted with God , and to them His voice through Christ was the voice of astranger . Is not the same thing repeated in our day ? Are there not many , evenreligious leaders , who are hardening their hearts against the Holy Spirit , making it impossible for them to recognize the voice of God ? Are they notrejecting the word of God , that they may keep their own traditions ? " Had ye believed Moses , " said Jesus , " ye would have believed Me : for hewrote of Me . But if ye believe not his writings , how shall ye believe Mywords ? " It was Christ who had spoken to Israel through Moses . If they hadlistened to the divine voice that spoke through their great leader , theywould have recognized it in the teachings of Christ . Had they believedMoses , they would have believed Him of whom Moses wrote . Jesus knew that the priests and rabbis were determined to take His life ; yetHe clearly explained to them His unity with the Father , and His relation tothe world . They saw that their opposition to Him was without excuse , yettheir murderous hatred was not quenched . Fear seized them as they witnessedthe convincing power that attended His ministry ; but they resisted Hisappeals , and locked themselves in darkness . They had signally failed to subvert the authority of Jesus or to alienatethe respect and attention of the people , many of whom were convicted by Hiswords . The rulers themselves had felt deep condemnation as He had pressedtheir guilt home upon their consciences ; yet this only made them the morebitter against Him . They were determined to take His life . They sentmessengers all over the country to warn the people against Jesus as animpostor . Spies were sent to watch Him , and report what He said and did . Theprecious Saviour was now most surely standing under the shadow of the cross . ( 214 ) Chapter 22 Imprisonment and Death of John [ This chapter is based on Matt . 11 : 1 - 11 ; 14 : 1 - 11 ; Mark 6 : 17 - 28 ; Luke 7 : 19 - 28 . ] John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ ' s kingdom , and he wasfirst also in suffering . From the free air of the wilderness and the vastthrongs that had hung upon his words , he was now shut in by the walls of adungeon cell . He had become a prisoner in the fortress of Herod Antipas . Inthe territory east of Jordan , which was under the dominion of Antipas , muchof John ' s ministry had been spent . Herod himself had listened to thepreaching of the Baptist . The dissolute king had trembled under the call torepentance . " Herod feared John , knowing that he was a just man and an holy ;. . . and when he heard him , he did many things , and heard him gladly . " Johndealt with him faithfully , denouncing his iniquitous alliance with Herodias , his brother ' s wife . For a time Herod feebly sought to break the chain oflust that bound him ; but Herodias fastened him the more firmly in her toils , and found revenge upon the Baptist by inducing Herod to cast him intoprison . The life of John had been one of active labor , and the gloom and inaction ofhis prison life weighed heavily upon him . As week after week passed , bringing no change , despondency and doubt crept over him . His disciples didnot forsake him . They were allowed access to the prison , and they broughthim tidings of the works of Jesus , and told how the people were flocking toHim . But they questioned why , if this 215 new teacher was the Messiah , He did nothing to effect John ' s release . Howcould He permit His faithful herald to be deprived of liberty and perhaps oflife ? These questions were not without effect . Doubts which otherwise would neverhave arisen were suggested to John . Satan rejoiced to hear the words ofthese disciples , and to see how they bruised the soul of the Lord ' smessenger . Oh , how often those who think themselves the friends of a goodman , and who are eager to show their fidelity to him , prove to be his mostdangerous enemies ! How often , instead of strengthening his faith , theirwords depress and dishearten ! Like the Saviour ' s disciples , John the Baptist did not understand the natureof Christ ' s kingdom . He expected Jesus to take the throne of David ; and astime passed , and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority , John becameperplexed and troubled . He had declared to the people that in order for theway to be prepared before the Lord , the prophecy of Isaiah must befulfilled ; the mountains and hills must be brought low , the crooked madestraight , and the rough places plain . He had looked for the high places ofhuman pride and power to be cast down . He had pointed to the Messiah as theOne whose fan was in His hand , and who would thoroughly purge His floor , whowould gather the wheat into His garner , and burn up the chaff withunquenchable fire . Like the prophet Elijah , in whose spirit and power he hadcome to Israel , he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God thatanswereth by fire . In his mission the Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity , both in high places and in low . He had dared to face King Herod with theplain rebuke of sin . He had not counted his life dear unto himself , that hemight fulfill his appointed work . And now from his dungeon he watched forthe Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor , andto deliver the poor and him that cried . But Jesus seemed to content Himselfwith gathering disciples about Him , and healing and teaching the people . Hewas eating at the tables of the publicans , while every day the Roman yokerested more heavily upon Israel , while King Herod and his vile paramourworked their will , and the cries of the poor and suffering went up toheaven . 216 To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming . Therewere hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit , and theshadow of a terrible fear crept over him . Could it be that thelong - hoped - for Deliverer had not yet appeared ? Then what meant the messagethat he himself had been impelled to bear ? John had been bitterlydisappointed in the result of his mission . He had expected that the messagefrom God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days ofJosiah and of Ezra ( 2 Chronicles 34 ; Nehemiah 8 , 9 ) ; that there would follow a deep - seated work of repentance andreturning unto the Lord . For the success of this mission his whole life hadbeen sacrificed . Had it been in vain ? John was troubled to see that through love for him , his own disciples werecherishing unbelief in regard to Jesus . Had his work for them beenfruitless ? Had he been unfaithful in his mission , that he was now cut offfrom labor ? If the promised Deliverer had appeared , and John had been foundtrue to his calling , would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor ' s power , and set free His herald ? But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ . The memory of thevoice from heaven and the descending dove , the spotless purity of Jesus , thepower of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into theSaviour ' s presence , and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures , -- allwitnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised one . John would not discuss his doubts and anxieties with his companions . Hedetermined to send a message of inquiry to Jesus . This he entrusted to twoof his disciples , hoping that an interview with the Saviour would confirmtheir faith , and bring assurance to their brethren . And he longed for someword from Christ spoken directly for himself . The disciples came to Jesus with their message , " Art Thou He that shouldcome , or do we look for another ? " How short the time since the Baptist had pointed to Jesus , and proclaimed , " Behold the Lamb of God , which taketh away the sin of the world . " " He it is , who coming after me is preferred before me . " John 1 : 29 , 27 . And now thequestion , " Art Thou He that should come ? " It was keenly bitter anddisappointing to human nature . If John , the faithful forerunner , failed todiscern Christ ' s mission , what could be expected from the self - seekingmultitude ? The Saviour did not at once answer the disciples ' question . As they stoodwondering at His silence , the sick and afflicted were coming to Him to behealed . The blind were groping their way through the crowd ; 217 diseased ones of all classes , some urging their own way , some borne by theirfriends , were eagerly pressing into the presence of Jesus . The voice of themighty Healer penetrated the deaf ear . A word , a touch of His hand , openedthe blind eyes to behold the light of day , the scenes of nature , the facesof friends , and the face of the Deliverer . Jesus rebuked disease andbanished fever . His voice reached the ears of the dying , and they arose inhealth and vigor . Paralyzed demoniacs obeyed His word , their madness leftthem , and they worshiped Him . While He healed their diseases , He taught thepeople . The poor peasants and laborers , who were shunned by the rabbis asunclean , gathered close about Him , and He spoke to them the words of eternallife . Thus the day wore away , the disciples of John seeing and hearing all . Atlast Jesus called them to Him , and bade them go and tell John what they hadwitnessed , adding , " Blessed is he , whosoever shall find none occasion ofstumbling in Me . " Luke 7 : 23 , R . V . The evidence of His divinity was seen inits adaptation to the needs of suffering humanity . His glory was shown inHis condescension to our low estate . The disciples bore the message , and it was enough . John recalled theprophecy concerning the Messiah , " The Lord hath anointed Me to preach goodtidings unto the meek ; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted , toproclaim liberty to the captives , and the opening of the prison to them thatare bound ; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord . " Isa . 61 : 1 , 2 . Theworks of Christ not only declared Him to be the Messiah , but showed in whatmanner His kingdom was to be established . To John was opened the same truththat had come to Elijah in the desert , when " a great and strong wind rentthe mountains , and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord ; but the Lordwas not in the wind : and after the wind an earthquake ; but the Lord was notin the earthquake : and after the earthquake a fire ; but the Lord was not inthe fire : " and after the fire , God spoke to the prophet by " a still smallvoice . " 1 Kings 19 : 11 , 12 . So Jesus was to do His work , not with the clashof arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms , but through speaking tothe hearts of men by a life of mercy and self - sacrifice . 218 The principle of the Baptist ' s own life of self - abnegation was the principleof the Messiah ' s kingdom . John well knew how foreign all this was to theprinciples and hopes of the leaders in Israel . That which was to himconvincing evidence of Christ ' s divinity would be no evidence to them . Theywere looking for a Messiah who had not been promised . John saw that theSaviour ' s mission could win from them only hatred and condemnation . He , theforerunner , was but drinking of the cup which Christ Himself must drain toits dregs . The Saviour ' s words , " Blessed is he , whosoever shall find none occasion ofstumbling in Me , " were a gentle reproof to John . It was not lost upon him . Understanding more clearly now the nature of Christ ' s mission , he yieldedhimself to God for life or for death , as should best serve the interests ofthe cause he loved . After the messengers had departed , Jesus spoke to the people concerningJohn . The Saviour ' s heart went out in sympathy to the faithful witness nowburied in Herod ' s dungeon . He would not leave the people to conclude thatGod had forsaken John , or that his faith had failed in the day of trial . " What went ye out into the wilderness to see ? " He said . " A reed shaken withthe wind ? " The tall reeds that grew beside the Jordan , bending before every breeze , were fitting representatives of the rabbis who had stood as critics andjudges of the Baptist ' s mission . They were swayed this way and that by thewinds of popular opinion . They would not humble themselves to receive theheart - searching message of the Baptist , yet for fear of the people theydared not openly oppose his work . But God ' s messenger was of no such cravenspirit . The multitudes who were gathered about Christ had been witnesses tothe work of John . They had heard his fearless rebuke of sin . To theself - righteous Pharisees , the priestly Sadducees , King Herod and his court , princes and soldiers , publicans and peasants , John had spoken with equalplainness . He was no trembling reed , swayed by the winds of human praise orprejudice . In the prison he was the same in his loyalty to God and his zealfor righteousness as when he preached God ' s message in the wilderness . Inhis faithfulness to principle he was as firm as a rock . Jesus continued , " But what went ye out for to see ? A man clothed in softraiment ? Behold , they which are gorgeously appareled , and live delicately , are in kings ' courts . " John had been called to reprove the sins and excessesof his time , and his plain dress and self - denying life 219 were in harmony with the character of his mission . Rich apparel and theluxuries of this life are not the portion of God ' s servants , but of thosewho live " in kings ' courts , " the rulers of this world , to whom pertain itspower and its riches . Jesus wished to direct attention to the contrastbetween the clothing of John , and that worn by the priests and rulers . Theseofficials arrayed themselves in rich robes and costly ornaments . They loveddisplay , and hoped to dazzle the people , and thus command greaterconsideration . They were more anxious to gain the admiration of men than toobtain the purity of heart which would win the approval of God . Thus theyrevealed that their allegiance was not given to God , but to the kingdom ofthis world . " But what , " said Jesus , " went ye out for to see ? A prophet ? yea , I say untoyou , and more than a prophet . For this is he , of whom it is written , -- " Behold , I send My messenger before Thy face , Which shall prepare Thy way before Thee . " Verily I say unto you , Among them that are born of women there hath notrisen a greater than John the Baptist . " In the announcement to Zachariasbefore the birth of John , the angel had declared , " He shall be great in thesight of the Lord . " Luke 1 : 15 . In the estimation of Heaven , what is it thatconstitutes greatness ? Not that which the world accounts greatness ; notwealth , or rank , or noble descent , or intellectual gifts , in themselvesconsidered . If intellectual greatness , apart from any higher consideration , is worthy of honor , then our homage is due to Satan , whose intellectualpower no man has ever equaled . But when perverted to self - serving , thegreater the gift , the greater curse it becomes . It is moral worth that Godvalues . Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most . John was great inthe sight of the Lord , when , before the messengers from the Sanhedrin , before the people , and before his own disciples , he refrained from seekinghonor for himself , but pointed all to Jesus as the Promised one . Hisunselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type ofnobility ever revealed in man . The witness borne of him after his death , by those who had heard histestimony to Jesus , was , " John did no miracle : but all things that Johnspake of this Man were true . " John 10 : 41 . It was not given to John to calldown fire from heaven , or to raise the dead , as Elijah did , nor 220 to wield Moses ' rod of power in the name of God . He was sent to herald theSaviour ' s advent , and to call upon the people to prepare for His coming . Sofaithfully did he fulfill his mission , that as the people recalled what hehad taught them of Jesus , they could say , " All things that John spake ofthis Man were true . " Such witness to Christ every disciple of the Master iscalled upon to bear . As the Messiah ' s herald , John was " much more than a prophet . " For whileprophets had seen from afar Christ ' s advent , to John it was given to beholdHim , to hear the testimony from heaven to His Messiahship , and to presentHim to Israel as the Sent of God . Yet Jesus said , " He that is least in thekingdom of heaven is greater than he . " The prophet John was the connecting link between the two dispensations . AsGod ' s representative he stood forth to show the relation of the law and theprophets to the Christian dispensation . He was the lesser light , which wasto be followed by a greater . The mind of John was illuminated by the HolySpirit , that he might shed light upon his people ; but no other light everhas shone or ever will shine so clearly upon fallen man as that whichemanated from the teaching and example of Jesus . Christ and His mission hadbeen but dimly understood as typified in the shadowy sacrifices . Even Johnhad not fully comprehended the future , immortal life through the Saviour . Aside from the joy that John found in his mission , his life had been one ofsorrow . His voice had been seldom heard except in the wilderness . His was alonely lot . And he was not permitted to see the result of his own labors . Itwas not his privilege to be with Christ and witness the manifestation ofdivine power attending the greater light . It was not for him to see theblind restored to sight , the sick healed , and the dead raised to life . Hedid not behold the light that shone through every word of Christ , sheddingglory upon the promises of prophecy . The least disciple who saw Christ ' smighty works and heard His words was in this sense more highly privilegedthan John the Baptist , and therefore is said to have been greater than he . Through the vast throngs that had listened to John ' s preaching , his fame hadspread throughout the land . A deep interest was felt as to the result of hisimprisonment . Yet his blameless life , and the strong public sentiment in hisfavor , led to the belief that no violent measures would be taken againsthim . Herod believed John to be a prophet of God , and he fully intended 221 to set him at liberty . But he delayed his purpose from fear of Herodias . Herodias knew that by direct measures she could never win Herod ' s consent tothe death of John , and she resolved to accomplish her purpose by stratagem . On the king ' s birthday an entertainment was to be given to the officers ofstate and the nobles of the court . There would be feasting and drunkenness . Herod would thus be thrown off his guard , and might then be influencedaccording to her will . When the great day arrived , and the king with his lords was feasting anddrinking , Herodias sent her daughter into the banqueting hall to dance forthe entertainment of the guests . Salome was in the first flush of womanhood , and her voluptuous beauty captivated the senses of the lordly revelers . Itwas not customary for the ladies of the court to appear at thesefestivities , and a flattering compliment was paid to Herod when thisdaughter of Israel ' s priests and princes danced for the amusement of hisguests . The king was dazed with wine . Passion held sway , and reason was dethroned . He saw only the hall of pleasure , with its reveling guests , the banquettable , the sparkling wine and the flashing lights , and the young girldancing before him . In the recklessness of the moment , he desired to makesome display that would exalt him before the great men of his realm . With anoath he promised to give the daughter of Herodias whatever she might ask , even to the half of his kingdom . Salome hastened to her mother , to know what she should ask . The answer wasready , -- the head of John the Baptist . Salome knew not of the thirst forrevenge in her mother ' s heart , and she shrank from presenting the request ; but the determination of Herodias prevailed . The girl returned with theterrible petition , " I will that thou forthwith give me in a charger the headof John the Baptist . " Mark 6 : 25 , R . V . Herod was astonished and confounded . The riotous mirth ceased , and anominous silence settled down upon the scene of revelry . The king washorror - stricken at the thought of taking the life of John . Yet his word waspledged , and he was unwilling to appear fickle or rash . The oath had beenmade in honor of his guests , and if one of them had offered a word againstthe fulfillment of his promise , he would gladly have spared the prophet . Hegave them opportunity to speak in the prisoner ' s behalf . They had traveledlong distances in order to hear the preaching of John , and they knew him tobe a man without crime , and a servant of God . But though shocked at thegirl ' s demand , they were 222 too besotted to interpose a remonstrance . No voice was raised to save thelife of Heaven ' s messenger . These men occupied high positions of trust inthe nation , and upon them rested grave responsibilities ; yet they had giventhemselves up to feasting and drunkenness until the senses were benumbed . Their heads were turned with the giddy scene of music and dancing , andconscience lay dormant . By their silence they pronounced the sentence ofdeath upon the prophet of God to satisfy the revenge of an abandoned woman . Herod waited in vain to be released from his oath ; then he reluctantlycommanded the execution of the prophet . Soon the head of John was brought inbefore the king and his guests . Forever sealed were those lips that hadfaithfully warned Herod to turn from his life of sin . Never more would thatvoice be heard calling men to repentance . The revels of one night had costthe life of one of the greatest of the prophets . Oh , how often has the life of the innocent been sacrificed through theintemperance of those who should have been guardians of justice ! He who putsthe intoxicating cup to his lips makes himself responsible for all theinjustice he may commit under its besotting power . By benumbing his senseshe makes it impossible for him to judge calmly or to have a clear perceptionof right and wrong . He opens the way for Satan to work through him inoppressing and destroying the innocent . " Wine is a mocker , strong drink israging : and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise . " Prov . 20 : 1 . Thus itis that " judgment is turned away backward , . . . and he that departeth fromevil maketh himself a prey . " Isa . 59 : 14 , 15 . Those who have jurisdictionover the lives of their fellow men should be held guilty of a crime whenthey yield to intemperance . All who execute the laws should be lawkeepers . They should be men of self - control . They need to have full command of theirphysical , mental , and moral powers , that they may possess vigor ofintellect , and a high sense of justice . The head of John the Baptist was carried to Herodias , who received it withfiendish satisfaction . She exulted in her revenge , and flattered herselfthat Herod ' s conscience would no longer be troubled . But no happinessresulted to her from her sin . Her name became notorious and abhorred , whileHerod was more tormented by remorse than he had been by the warnings of theprophet . The influence of John ' s teachings was not silenced ; it was toextend to every generation till the close of time . 223 Herod ' s sin was ever before him . He was constantly seeking to find relieffrom the accusings of a guilty conscience . His confidence in John wasunshaken . As he recalled his life of self - denial , his solemn , earnestappeals , his sound judgment in counsel , and then remembered how he had cometo his death , Herod could find no rest . Engaged in the affairs of the state , receiving honors from men , he bore a smiling face and dignified mien , whilehe concealed an anxious heart , ever oppressed with the fear that a curse wasupon him . Herod had been deeply impressed by the words of John , that nothing can behidden from God . He was convinced that God was present in every place , thatHe had witnessed the revelry of the banqueting room , that He had heard thecommand to behead John , and had seen the exultation of Herodias , and theinsult she offered to the severed head of her reprover . And many things thatHerod had heard from the lips of the prophet now spoke to his consciencemore distinctly than had the preaching in the wilderness . When Herod heard of the works of Christ , he was exceedingly troubled . Hethought that God had raised John from the dead , and sent him forth withstill greater power to condemn sin . He was in constant fear that John wouldavenge his death by passing condemnation upon him and his house . Herod wasreaping that which God had declared to be the result of a course of sin , --" atrembling heart , and failing of eyes , and sorrow of mind : and thy life shallhang in doubt before thee ; and thou shalt fear day and night , and shalt havenone assurance of thy life : in the morning thou shalt say , Would God it wereeven ! and at even thou shalt say , Would God it were morning ! for the fear ofthine heart wherewith thou shalt fear , and for the sight of thine eyes whichthou shalt see . " Deut . 28 : 65 - 67 . The sinner ' s own thoughts are his accusers ; and there can be no torture keener than the stings of a guilty conscience , which give him no rest day nor night . To many minds a deep mystery surrounds the fate of John the Baptist . Theyquestion why he should have been left to languish and die in prison . Themystery of this dark providence our human vision cannot penetrate ; but itcan never shake our confidence in God when we remember that John was but asharer in the sufferings of Christ . All who follow Christ will wear thecrown of sacrifice . They will surely be misunderstood by selfish men , andwill be made a mark for the fierce assaults of Satan . It is this principleof self - sacrifice that his kingdom is established to destroy , and he willwar against it wherever manifested . 224 The childhood , youth , and manhood of John had been characterized by firmnessand moral power . When his voice was heard in the wilderness saying , " Prepareye the way of the Lord , make His paths straight " ( Matt . 3 : 3 ) , Satan fearedfor the safety of his kingdom . The sinfulness of sin was revealed in such amanner that men trembled . Satan ' s power over many who had been under hiscontrol was broken . He had been unwearied in his efforts to draw away theBaptist from a life of unreserved surrender to God ; but he had failed . Andhe had failed to overcome Jesus . In the temptation in the wilderness , Satanhad been defeated , and his rage was great . Now he determined to bring sorrowupon Christ by striking John . The one whom he could not entice to sin hewould cause to suffer . Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant . He knew that John would bearthe test . Gladly would the Saviour have come to John , to brighten thedungeon gloom with His own presence . But He was not to place Himself in thehands of enemies and imperil His own mission . Gladly would He have deliveredHis faithful servant . But for the sake of thousands who in after years mustpass from prison to death , John was to drink the cup of martyrdom . As thefollowers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells , or perish by the sword , the rack , or the fagot , apparently forsaken by God and man , what a stay totheir hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist , to whosefaithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness , had passed through a similarexperience ! Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God ' s messenger ; butthat life which " is hid with Christ in God , " the destroyer could not reach . Col . 3 : 3 . He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ , but he hadfailed of conquering John . Death itself only placed him forever beyond thepower of temptation . In this warfare , Satan was revealing his own character . Before the witnessing universe he made manifest his enmity toward God andman . Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John , he was not forsaken . Hehad always the companionship of heavenly angels , who opened to him theprophecies concerning Christ , and the precious promises of Scripture . Thesewere his stay , as they were to be the stay of God ' s people through thecoming ages . To John the Baptist , as to those that came after him , was giventhe assurance , " Lo , I am with you all the days , even unto the end . " Matt . 28 : 20 , R . V . , margin . God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led , ifthey could see the end from the beginning , and discern the glory 225 of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co - workers with Him . Not Enoch , who was translated to heaven , not Elijah , who ascended in a chariot of fire , was greater or more honored than John the Baptist , who perished alone in thedungeon . " Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ , not only to believeon Him , but also to suffer for His sake . " Phil . 1 : 29 . And of all the giftsthat Heaven can bestow upon men , fellowship with Christ in His sufferings isthe most weighty trust and the highest honor . ( 231 ) Chapter 23 " The Kingdom of God Is at Hand " " Jesus came into Galilee , preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God , andsaying , The time is fulfilled , and the kingdom of God is at hand : repent ye , and believe the gospel . " Mark 1 : 14 , 15 . The Messiah ' s coming had been first announced in Judea . In the temple atJerusalem the birth of the forerunner had been foretold to Zacharias as heministered before the altar . on the hills of Bethlehem the angels hadproclaimed the birth of Jesus . To Jerusalem the magi had come in search ofHim . In the temple Simeon and Anna had testified to His divinity . " Jerusalem , and all Judea " had listened to the preaching of John theBaptist ; and the deputation from the Sanhedrin , with the multitude , hadheard his testimony concerning Jesus . In Judea , Christ had received Hisfirst disciples . Here much of His early ministry had been spent . Theflashing forth of His divinity in the cleansing of the temple , His miraclesof healing , and the lessons of divine truth that fell from His lips , allproclaimed that which after the healing at Bethesda He had declared beforethe Sanhedrin , -- His Sonship to the Eternal . If the leaders in Israel had received Christ , He would have honored them asHis messengers to carry the gospel to the world . To them first was given theopportunity to become heralds of the kingdom and grace 232 of God . But Israel knew not the time of her visitation . The jealousy anddistrust of the Jewish leaders had ripened into open hatred , and the heartsof the people were turned away from Jesus . The Sanhedrin had rejected Christ ' s message and was bent upon His death ; therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem , from the priests , the temple , thereligious leaders , the people who had been instructed in the law , and turnedto another class to proclaim His message , and to gather out those who shouldcarry the gospel to all nations . As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authoritiesin the days of Christ , so it has been rejected in every succeedinggeneration . Again and again the history of Christ ' s withdrawal from Judeahas been repeated . When the Reformers preached the word of God , they had nothought of separating themselves from the established church ; but thereligious leaders would not tolerate the light , and those that bore it wereforced to seek another class , who were longing for the truth . In our day fewof the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit . Few are listening for the voice of God , and ready to accept truth inwhatever guise it may be presented . Often those who follow in the steps ofthe Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love , in orderto declare the plain teaching of the word of God . And many times those whoare seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the churchof their fathers , that they may render obedience . The people of Galilee were despised by the rabbis of Jerusalem as rude andunlearned , yet they presented a more favorable field for the Saviour ' s work . They were more earnest and sincere ; less under the control of bigotry ; theirminds were more open for the reception of truth . In going to Galilee , Jesuswas not seeking seclusion or isolation . The province was at this time thehome of a crowded population , with a much larger admixture of people ofother nations than was found in Judea . As Jesus traveled through Galilee , teaching and healing , multitudes flockedto Him from the cities and villages . Many came even from Judea and theadjoining provinces . Often He was obliged to hide Himself from the people . The enthusiasm ran so high that it was necessary to take precautions lestthe Roman authorities should be aroused to fear an insurrection . Neverbefore had there been such a period as this for the world . Heaven wasbrought down to men . Hungering and thirsting souls that had waited long forthe redemption of Israel now feasted upon the grace of a merciful Saviour . 233 The burden of Christ ' s preaching was , " The time is fulfilled , and thekingdom of God is at hand ; repent ye , and believe the gospel . " Thus thegospel message , as given by the Saviour Himself , was based on theprophecies . The " time " which He declared to be fulfilled was the period madeknown by the angel Gabriel to Daniel . " Seventy weeks , " said the angel , " aredetermined upon thy people and upon thy holy city , to finish thetransgression , and to make an end of sins , and to make reconciliation foriniquity , and to bring in everlasting righteousness , and to seal up thevision and prophecy , and to anoint the most holy . " Dan . 9 : 24 . A day inprophecy stands for a year . See Num . 14 : 34 ; Ezek . 4 : 6 . The seventy weeks , orfour hundred and ninety days , represent four hundred and ninety years . Astarting point for this period is given : " Know therefore and understand , that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to buildJerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks , and threescoreand two weeks , " sixty - nine weeks , or four hundred and eighty - three years . Dan . 9 : 25 . The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem , as completed bythe decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus ( see Ezra 6 : 14 ; 7 : 1 , 9 , margin ) , wentinto effect in the autumn of B . C . 457 . From this time four hundred andeighty - three years extend to the autumn of A . D . 27 . According to theprophecy , this period was to reach to the Messiah , the Anointed one . In A . D . 27 , Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit , andsoon afterward began His ministry . Then the message was proclaimed . " Thetime is fulfilled . " Then , said the angel , " He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [ seven years ] . " For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry , the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews ; for three and a halfyears by Christ Himself ; and afterward by the apostles . " In the midst of theweek He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease . " Dan . 9 : 27 . Inthe spring of A . D . 31 , Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary . Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain , showing that the sacrednessand significance of the sacrificial service had departed . The time had comefor the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease . The one week -- seven years -- ended in A . D . 34 . Then by the stoning of Stephenthe Jews finally sealed their rejection of the gospel ; the disciples whowere scattered abroad by persecution " went everywhere preaching the word "( Acts 8 : 4 ) ; and shortly after , Saul the persecutor was converted , and becamePaul , the apostle to the Gentiles . 234 The time of Christ ' s coming , His anointing by the Holy Spirit , His death , and the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles , were definitely pointed out . It was the privilege of the Jewish people to understand these prophecies , and to recognize their fulfillment in the mission of Jesus . Christ urgedupon His disciples the importance of prophetic study . Referring to theprophecy given to Daniel in regard to their time , He said , " Whoso readeth , let him understand . " Matt . 24 : 15 . After His resurrection He explained to thedisciples in " all the prophets " " the things concerning Himself . " Luke 24 : 27 . The Saviour had spoken through all the prophets . " The Spirit of Christ whichwas in them " " testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ , and the glorythat should follow . " 1 Peter 1 : 11 . It was Gabriel , the angel next in rank to the Son of God , who came with thedivine message to Daniel . It was Gabriel , " His angel , " whom Christ sent toopen the future to the beloved John ; and a blessing is pronounced on thosewho read and hear the words of the prophecy , and keep the things writtentherein . Rev . 1 : 3 . " The Lord God will do nothing , but He revealeth His secret unto His servantsand prophets . " While " the secret things belong unto the Lord our God , "" those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our childrenforever . " Amos 3 : 7 ; Deut . 29 : 29 . God has given these things to us , and Hisblessing will attend the reverent , prayerful study of the propheticscriptures . As the message of Christ ' s first advent announced the kingdom of His grace , so the message of His second advent announces the kingdom of His glory . Andthe second message , like the first , is based on the prophecies . The words ofthe angel to Daniel relating to the last days were to be understood in thetime of the end . At that time , " many shall run to and fro , and knowledgeshall be increased . " " The wicked shall do wickedly : and none of the wickedshall understand ; but the wise shall understand . " Dan . 12 : 4 , 10 . The SaviourHimself has given signs of His coming , and He says , " When ye see thesethings come to pass , know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand . " " Andtake heed to yourselves , lest at any time your hearts be overcharged withsurfeiting , and drunkenness , and cares of this life , and so that day comeupon you unawares . " " Watch ye therefore , and pray always , that ye may beaccounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass , and tostand before the Son of man . " Luke 21 : 31 , 34 , 36 . 235 We have reached the period foretold in these scriptures . The time of the endis come , the visions of the prophets are unsealed , and their solemn warningspoint us to our Lord ' s coming in glory as near at hand . The Jews misinterpreted and misapplied the word of God , and they knew notthe time of their visitation . The years of the ministry of Christ and Hisapostles , -- the precious last years of grace to the chosen people , -- theyspent in plotting the destruction of the Lord ' s messengers . Earthlyambitions absorbed them , and the offer of the spiritual kingdom came to themin vain . So today the kingdom of this world absorbs men ' s thoughts , and theytake no note of the rapidly fulfilling prophecies and the tokens of theswift - coming kingdom of God . " But ye , brethren , are not in darkness , that that day should overtake you asa thief . Ye are all the children of light , and the children of the day : weare not of the night , nor of darkness . " While we are not to know the hour ofour Lord ' s return , we may know when it is near . " Therefore let us not sleep , as do others ; but let us watch and be sober . " 1 Thess . 5 : 4 - 6 . ( 236 ) Chapter 24 " Is Not This the Carpenter ' s Son ? " [ This chapter is based on Luke 4 : 16 - 30 . ] Across the bright days of Christ ' s ministry in Galilee , one shadow lay . Thepeople of Nazareth rejected Him . " Is not this the carpenter ' s son ? " theysaid . During His childhood and youth , Jesus had worshiped among His brethren inthe synagogue at Nazareth . Since the opening of His ministry He had beenabsent from them , but they had not been ignorant of what had befallen Him . As He again appeared among them , their interest and expectation were excitedto the highest pitch . Here were the familiar forms and faces of those whomHe had known from infancy . Here were His mother , His brothers and sisters , and all eyes were turned upon Him as He entered the synagogue upon theSabbath day , and took His place among the worshipers . In the regular service for the day , the elder read from the prophets , andexhorted the people still to hope for the Coming one , who would bring in aglorious reign , and banish all oppression . He sought to encourage hishearers by rehearsing the evidence that the Messiah ' s coming was near . Hedescribed the glory of His advent , keeping prominent the thought that Hewould appear at the head of armies to deliver Israel . When a rabbi was present at the synagogue , he was expected to deliver thesermon , and any Israelite might give the reading from the prophets . Uponthis Sabbath Jesus was requested to take part in the service . He " stood upto read . And there was delivered unto Him a roll of the prophet Isaiah . " Luke 4 : 16 , 17 , R . V . , margin . The scripture which He read was one that wasunderstood as referring to the Messiah : 237 " The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me , Because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor ; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted , To preach deliverance to the captives , And recovering of sight to the blind , To set at liberty them that are bruised , To preach the acceptable year of the Lord . " " And He closed the roll , and gave it back to the attendant : . . . and theeyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him . . . . And all bare Himwitness , and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of Hismouth . " Luke 4 : 20 - 22 , R . V . , margin . Jesus stood before the people as a living expositor of the propheciesconcerning Himself . Explaining the words He had read , He spoke of theMessiah as a reliever of the oppressed , a liberator of captives , a healer ofthe afflicted , restoring sight to the blind , and revealing to the world thelight of truth . His impressive manner and the wonderful import of His wordsthrilled the hearers with a power they had never felt before . The tide ofdivine influence broke every barrier down ; like Moses , they beheld theInvisible . As their hearts were moved upon by the Holy Spirit , theyresponded with fervent amens and praises to the Lord . But when Jesus announced , " This day is this scripture fulfilled in yourears , " they were suddenly recalled to think of themselves , and of the claimsof Him who had been addressing them . They , Israelites , children of Abraham , had been represented as in bondage . They had been addressed as prisoners tobe delivered from the power of evil ; as in darkness , and needing the lightof truth . Their pride was offended , and their fears were roused . The wordsof Jesus indicated that His work for them was to be altogether differentfrom what they desired . Their deeds might be investigated too closely . Notwithstanding their exactness in outward ceremonies , they shrank frominspection by those clear , searching eyes . Who is this Jesus ? they questioned . He who had claimed for Himself the gloryof the Messiah was the son of a carpenter , and had worked at His trade withHis father Joseph . They had seen Him toiling up and down the hills , theywere acquainted with His brothers and sisters , and knew His life and labors . They had seen Him develop from childhood to youth , and from youth tomanhood . Although His life had been spotless , they would not believe that Hewas the Promised one . 238 What a contrast between His teaching in regard to the new kingdom and thatwhich they had heard from their elder ! Jesus had said nothing of deliveringthem from the Romans . They had heard of His miracles , and had hoped that Hispower would be exercised for their advantage , but they had seen noindication of such purpose . As they opened the door to doubt , their hearts became so much the harder forhaving been momentarily softened . Satan was determined that blind eyesshould not that day be opened , nor souls bound in slavery be set at liberty . With intense energy he worked to fasten them in unbelief . They made noaccount of the sign already given , when they had been stirred by theconviction that it was their Redeemer who addressed them . But Jesus now gave them an evidence of His divinity by revealing theirsecret thoughts . " He said unto them , Doubtless ye will say unto Me thisparable , Physician , heal thyself : whatsoever we have heard done atCapernaum , do also here in Thine own country . And He said , Verily I say untoyou , No prophet is acceptable in his own country . But of a truth I say untoyou , There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah , when the heavenwas shut up three years and six months , when there came a great famine overall the land ; and unto none of them was Elijah sent , but only to Zarephath , in the land of Sidon , unto a woman that was a widow . And there were manylepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet ; and none of them wascleansed , but only Naaman , the Syrian . " Luke 4 : 23 - 27 , R . V . By this relation of events in the lives of the prophets , Jesus met thequestionings of His hearers . The servants whom God had chosen for a specialwork were not allowed to labor for a hardhearted and unbelieving people . Butthose who had hearts to feel and faith to believe were especially favoredwith evidences of His power through the prophets . In the days of Elijah , Israel had departed from God . They clung to their sins , and rejected thewarnings of the Spirit through the Lord ' s messengers . Thus they cutthemselves off from the channel by which God ' s blessing could come to them . The Lord passed by the homes of Israel , and found a refuge for His servantin a heathen land , with a woman who did not belong to the chosen people . Butthis woman was favored because she had followed the light she had received , and her heart was open to the greater light that God sent her through Hisprophet . 239 It was for the same reason that in Elisha ' s time the lepers of Israel werepassed by . But Naaman , a heathen nobleman , had been faithful to hisconvictions of right , and had felt his great need of help . He was in acondition to receive the gifts of God ' s grace . He was not only cleansed fromhis leprosy , but blessed with a knowledge of the true God . Our standing before God depends , not upon the amount of light we havereceived , but upon the use we make of what we have . Thus even the heathenwho choose the right as far as they can distinguish it are in a morefavorable condition than are those who have had great light , and profess toserve God , but who disregard the light , and by their daily life contradicttheir profession . The words of Jesus to His hearers in the synagogue struck at the root oftheir self - righteousness , pressing home upon them the bitter truth that theyhad departed from God and forfeited their claim to be His people . Every wordcut like a knife as their real condition was set before them . They nowscorned the faith with which Jesus had at first inspired them . They wouldnot admit that He who had sprung from poverty and lowliness was other than acommon man . Their unbelief bred malice . Satan controlled them , and in wrath they criedout against the Saviour . They had turned from Him whose mission 240 it was to heal and restore ; now they manifested the attributes of thedestroyer . When Jesus referred to the blessings given to the Gentiles , the fiercenational pride of His hearers was aroused , and His words were drowned in atumult of voices . These people had prided themselves on keeping the law ; butnow that their prejudices were offended , they were ready to commit murder . The assembly broke up , and laying hands upon Jesus , they thrust Him from thesynagogue , and out of the city . All seemed eager for His destruction . Theyhurried Him to the brow of a precipice , intending to cast Him down headlong . Shouts and maledictions filled the air . Some were casting stones at Him , when suddenly He disappeared from among them . The heavenly messengers whohad been by His side in the synagogue were with Him in the midst of thatmaddened throng . They shut Him in from His enemies , and conducted Him to aplace of safety . So angels protected Lot , and led him out safely from the midst of Sodom . Sothey protected Elisha in the little mountain city . When the encircling hillswere filled with the horses and chariots of the king of Syria , and the greathost of his armed men , Elisha beheld the nearer hill slopes covered with thearmies of God , -- horses and chariots of fire round about the servant of theLord . So , in all ages , angels have been near to Christ ' s faithful followers . Thevast confederacy of evil is arrayed against all who would overcome ; butChrist would have us look to the things which are not seen , to the armies ofheaven encamped about all who love God , to deliver them . From what dangers , seen and unseen , we have been preserved through the interposition of theangels , we shall never know , until in the light of eternity we see theprovidences of God . Then we shall know that the whole family of heaven wasinterested in the family here below , and that messengers from the throne ofGod attended our steps from day to day . When Jesus in the synagogue read from the prophecy , He stopped short of thefinal specification concerning the Messiah ' s work . Having read the words , " To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord , " He omitted the phrase , " andthe day of vengeance of our God . " Isa . 61 : 2 . This was just as much truth aswas the first of the prophecy , and by His silence Jesus did not deny thetruth . But this last ｅxpression was that upon which His hearers delighted todwell , and which they were desirous of fulfilling . They denounced judgmentsagainst the heathen , not discerning 241 that their own guilt was even greater than that of others . They themselveswere in deepest need of the mercy they were so ready to deny to the heathen . That day in the synagogue , when Jesus stood among them , was theiropportunity to accept the call of Heaven . He who " delighteth in mercy "( Micah 7 : 18 ) would fain have saved them from the ruin which their sins wereinviting . Not without one more call to repentance could He give them up . Toward theclose of His ministry in Galilee , He again visited the home of Hischildhood . Since His rejection there , the fame of His preaching and Hismiracles had filled the land . None now could deny that He possessed morethan human power . The people of Nazareth knew that He went about doing good , and healing all that were oppressed by Satan . About them were whole villageswhere there was not a moan of sickness in any house ; for He had passedthrough them , and healed all their sick . The mercy revealed in every act ofHis life testified to His divine anointing . Again as they listened to His words the Nazarenes were moved by the DivineSpirit . But even now they would not admit that this Man , who had beenbrought up among them , was other or greater than themselves . Still thererankled the bitter memory that while He had claimed for Himself to be thePromised one , He had really denied them a place with Israel ; for He hadshown them to be less worthy of God ' s favor than a heathen man and woman . Hence though they questioned , " Whence hath this Man this wisdom , and thesemighty works ? " they would not receive Him as the Christ of God . Because oftheir unbelief , the Saviour could not work many miracles among them . only afew hearts were open to His blessing , and reluctantly He departed , never toreturn . Unbelief , having once been cherished , continued to control the men ofNazareth . So it controlled the Sanhedrin and the nation . With priests andpeople , the first rejection of the demonstration of the Holy Spirit ' s powerwas the beginning of the end . In order to prove that their first resistancewas right , they continued ever after to cavil at the words of Christ . Theirrejection of the Spirit culminated in the cross of Calvary , in thedestruction of their city , in the scattering of the nation to the winds ofheaven . Oh , how Christ longed to open to Israel the precious treasures of the truth ! But such was their spiritual blindness that it was impossible to 242 reveal to them the truths relating to His kingdom . They clung to their creedand their useless ceremonies when the truth of Heaven awaited theiracceptance . They spent their money for chaff and husks , when the bread oflife was within their reach . Why did they not go to the word of God , andsearch diligently to know whether they were in error ? The Old TestamentScriptures stated plainly every detail of Christ ' s ministry , and again andagain He quoted from the prophets , and declared , " This day is this scripturefulfilled in your ears . " If they had honestly searched the Scriptures , bringing their theories to the test of God ' s word , Jesus need not have weptover their impenitence . He need not have declared , " Behold , your house isleft unto you desolate . " Luke 13 : 35 . They might have been acquainted withthe evidence of His Messiahship , and the calamity that laid their proud cityin ruins might have been averted . But the minds of the Jews had becomenarrowed by their unreasoning bigotry . The lessons of Christ revealed theirdeficiencies of character , and demanded repentance . If they accepted Histeachings , their practices must be changed , and their cherished hopesrelinquished . In order to be honored by Heaven , they must sacrifice thehonor of men . If they obeyed the words of this new rabbi , they must gocontrary to the opinions of the great thinkers and teachers of the time . Truth was unpopular in Christ ' s day . It is unpopular in our day . It has beenunpopular ever since Satan first gave man a disrelish for it by presentingfables that lead to self - exaltation . Do we not today meet theories anddoctrines that have no foundation in the word of God ? Men cling astenaciously to them as did the Jews to their traditions . The Jewish leaders were filled with spiritual pride . Their desire for theglorification of self manifested itself even in the service of thesanctuary . They loved the highest seats in the synagogue . They lovedgreetings in the market places , and were gratified with the sound of theirtitles on the lips of men . As real piety declined , they became more jealousfor their traditions and ceremonies . Because their understanding was darkened by selfish prejudice , they couldnot harmonize the power of Christ ' s convicting words with the humility ofHis life . They did not appreciate the fact that real greatness can dispensewith outward show . This Man ' s poverty seemed wholly inconsistent with Hisclaim to be the Messiah . They questioned , If He was what He claimed to be , why was He so unpretending ? If He was satisfied to be without the force ofarms , what would become of their 243 nation ? How could the power and glory so long anticipated bring the nationsas subjects to the city of the Jews ? Had not the priests taught that Israelwas to bear rule over all the earth ? and could it be possible that the greatreligious teachers were in error ? But it was not simply the absence of outward glory in His life that led theJews to reject Jesus . He was the embodiment of purity , and they were impure . He dwelt among men an example of spotless integrity . His blameless lifeflashed light upon their hearts . His sincerity revealed their insincerity . It made manifest the hollowness of their pretentious piety , and discoverediniquity to them in its odious character . Such a light was unwelcome . If Christ had called attention to the Pharisees , and had extolled theirlearning and piety , they would have hailed Him with joy . But when He spokeof the kingdom of heaven as a dispensation of mercy for all mankind , He waspresenting a phase of religion they would not tolerate . Their own exampleand teaching had never been such as to make the service of God seemdesirable . When they saw Jesus giving attention to the very ones they hatedand repulsed , it stirred up the worst passions of their proud hearts . Notwithstanding their boast that under the " Lion of the tribe of Judah "( Rev . 5 : 5 ) , Israel should be exalted to pre - eminence over all nations , theycould have borne the disappointment of their ambitious hopes better thanthey could bear Christ ' s reproof of their sins , and the reproach they felteven from the presence of His purity . ( 244 ) Chapter 25 The Call by the Sea [ This chapter is based on Matt . 4 : 18 - 22 ; Mark 1 : 16 - 20 ; Luke 5 : 1 - 11 . ] Day was breaking over the Sea of Galilee . The disciples , weary with a nightof fruitless toil , were still in their fishing boats on the lake . Jesus hadcome to spend a quiet hour by the waterside . In the early morning He hopedfor a little season of rest from the multitude that followed Him day afterday . But soon the people began to gather about Him . Their numbers rapidlyincreased , so that He was pressed upon all sides . Meanwhile the discipleshad come to land . In order to escape the pressure of the multitude , Jesusstepped into Peter ' s boat , and bade him pull out a little from the shore . Here Jesus could be better seen and heard by all , and from the boat Hetaught the multitude on the beach . What a scene was this for angels to contemplate ; their glorious Commander , sitting in a fisherman ' s boat , swayed to and fro by the restless waves , andproclaiming the good news of salvation to the listening throng that werepressing down to the water ' s edge ! He who was the Honored of heaven wasdeclaring the great things of His kingdom in the open air , to the commonpeople . Yet He could have had no more fitting scene for His labors . Thelake , the mountains , the spreading 245 fields , the sunlight flooding the earth , all furnished objects to illustrateHis lessons and impress them upon the mind . And no lesson of Christ ' s fellfruitless . Every message from His lips came to some soul as the word ofeternal life . Every moment added to the multitude upon the shore . Aged men leaning upontheir staffs , hardy peasants from the hills , fishermen from their toil onthe lake , merchants and rabbis , the rich and learned , old and young , bringing their sick and suffering ones , pressed to hear the words of thedivine Teacher . To such scenes as this the prophets had looked forward , andthey wrote : " The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali , Toward the sea , beyond Jordan , Galilee of the Gentiles , The people which sat in darkness Saw a great light , And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death , To them did light spring up . " R . V . Beside the throng on the shores of Gennesaret , Jesus in His sermon by thesea had other audiences before His mind . Looking down the ages , He saw Hisfaithful ones in prison and judgment hall , in temptation and loneliness andaffliction . Every scene of joy and conflict and perplexity was open beforeHim . In the words spoken to those gathered about Him , He was speaking alsoto these other souls the very words that would come to them as a message ofhope in trial , of comfort in sorrow , and heavenly light in darkness . Throughthe Holy Spirit , that voice which was speaking from the fisherman ' s boat onthe Sea of Galilee , would be heard speaking peace to human hearts to theclose of time . The discourse ended , Jesus turned to Peter , and bade him launch out into thesea , and let down his net for a draught . But Peter was disheartened . Allnight he had taken nothing . During the lonely hours he had thought of thefate of John the Baptist , who was languishing alone in his dungeon . He hadthought of the prospect before Jesus and His followers , of the ill successof the mission to Judea , and the malice of the priests and rabbis . Even hisown occupation had failed him ; and as he watched by the empty nets , thefuture had seemed dark with discouragement . " Master , " he said , " we havetoiled all the night , and have taken nothing : nevertheless at Thy word Iwill let down the net . " 246 Night was the only favorable time for fishing with nets in the clear watersof the lake . After toiling all night without success , it seemed hopeless tocast the net by day ; but Jesus had given the command , and love for theirMaster moved the disciples to obey . Simon and his brother together let downthe net . As they attempted to draw it in , so great was the quantity of fishenclosed that it began to break . They were obliged to summon James and Johnto their aid . When the catch was secured , both the boats were so heavilyladen that they were in danger of sinking . But Peter was unmindful now of boats or lading . This miracle , above anyother he had ever witnessed , was to him a manifestation of divine power . InJesus he saw one who held all nature under His control . The presence ofdivinity revealed his own unholiness . Love for his Master , shame for his ownunbelief , gratitude for the condescension of Christ , above all , the sense ofhis uncleanness in the presence of infinite purity , overwhelmed him . Whilehis companions were securing the contents of the net , Peter fell at theSaviour ' s feet , exclaiming , " Depart from me ; for I am a sinful man , O Lord . " It was the same presence of divine holiness that had caused the prophetDaniel to fall as one dead before the angel of God . He said , " My comelinesswas turned in me into corruption , and I retained no strength . " So whenIsaiah beheld the glory of the Lord , he exclaimed , " Woe is me ! for I amundone ; because I am a man of unclean lips , and I dwell in the midst of apeople of unclean lips : for mine eyes have seen the King , the Lord ofhosts . " Dan . 10 : 8 ; Isa . 6 : 5 . Humanity , with its weakness and sin , wasbrought in contrast with the perfection of divinity , and he felt altogetherdeficient and unholy . Thus it has been with all who have been granted a viewof God ' s greatness and majesty . Peter exclaimed , " Depart from me ; for I am a sinful man ;" yet he clung tothe feet of Jesus , feeling that he could not be parted from Him . The Saviouranswered , " Fear not ; from henceforth thou shalt catch men . " It was afterIsaiah has beheld the holiness of God and his own unworthiness that he wasentrusted with the divine message . It was after Peter had been led toself - renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the callto his work for Christ . Until this time none of the disciples had fully united as colaborers withJesus . They had witnessed many of His miracles , and had listened to Histeaching ; but they had not entirely forsaken their former employment . 249 The imprisonment of John the Baptist had been to them all a bitterdisappointment . If such were to be the outcome of John ' s mission , they couldhave little hope for their Master , with all the religious leaders combinedagainst Him . Under the circumstances it was a relief to them to return for ashort time to their fishing . But now Jesus called them to forsake theirformer life , and unite their interests with His . Peter had accepted thecall . Upon reaching the shore , Jesus bade the three other disciples , " FollowMe , and I will make you fishers of men . " Immediately they left all , andfollowed Him . Before asking them to leave their nets and fishing boats , Jesus had giventhem the assurance that God would supply their needs . The use of Peter ' sboat for the work of the gospel had been richly repaid . He who is " rich untoall that call upon Him , " has said , " Give , and it shall be given unto you ; good measure , pressed down , and shaken together , and running over . " Rom . 10 : 12 ; Luke 6 : 38 . In this measure He had rewarded the disciple ' s service . And every sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensedaccording to " the exceeding riches of His grace . " Eph . 3 : 20 ; 2 : 7 . During that sad night on the lake , when they were separated from Christ , thedisciples were pressed hard by unbelief , and weary with fruitless toil . ButHis presence kindled their faith , and brought them joy and success . So it iswith us ; apart from Christ , our work is fruitless , and it is easy todistrust and murmur . But when He is near , and we labor under His direction , we rejoice in the evidence of His power . It is Satan ' s work to discouragethe soul ; it is Christ ' s work to inspire with faith and hope . The deeper lesson which the miracle conveyed for the disciples is a lessonfor us also , -- that He whose word could gather the fishes from the sea couldalso impress human hearts , and draw them by the cords of His love , so thatHis servants might become " fishers of men . " They were humble and unlearned men , those fishers of Galilee ; but Christ , the light of the world , was abundantly able to qualify them for the positionfor which He had chosen them . The Saviour did not despise education ; forwhen controlled by the love of God , and devoted to His service , intellectualculture is a blessing . But He passed by the wise men of His time , becausethey were so self - confident that they could not sympathize with sufferinghumanity , and become colaborers with the Man of Nazareth . In their bigotrythey scorned to be taught by Christ . The Lord Jesus seeks the co - operationof those who will become unobstructed 250 channels for the communication of His grace . The first thing to be learnedby all who would become workers together with God is the lesson ofself - distrust ; then they are prepared to have imparted to them the characterof Christ . This is not to be gained through education in the most scientificschools . It is the fruit of wisdom that is obtained from the divine Teacheralone . Jesus chose unlearned fishermen because they had not been schooled in thetraditions and erroneous customs of their time . They were men of nativeability , and they were humble and teachable , -- men whom He could educate forHis work . In the common walks of life there is many a man patiently treadingthe round of daily toil , unconscious that he possesses powers which , ifcalled into action , would raise him to an equality with the world ' s mosthonored men . The touch of a skillful hand is needed to arouse those dormantfaculties . It was such men that Jesus called to be His colaborers ; and Hegave them the advantage of association with Himself . Never had the world ' sgreat men such a teacher . When the disciples came forth from the Saviour ' straining , they were no longer ignorant and uncultured . They had become likeHim in mind and character , and men took knowledge of them that they had beenwith Jesus . It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely , butto impart that vitalizing energy which is received through the contact ofmind with mind , and soul with soul . It is only life that can beget life . What privilege , then , was theirs who for three years were in daily contactwith that divine life from which has flowed every life - giving impulse thathas blessed the world ! Above all his companions , John the beloved discipleyielded himself to the power of that wondrous life . He says , " The life wasmanifested , and we have seen it , and bear witness , and show unto you thateternal life , which was with the Father , and was manifested unto us . " " OfHis fullness have all we received , and grace for grace . " 1 John 1 : 2 ; John 1 : 16 . In the apostles of our Lord there was nothing to bring glory to themselves . It was evident that the success of their labors was due only to God . Thelives of these men , the characters they developed , and the mighty work thatGod wrought through them , are a testimony to what He will do for all who areteachable and obedient . He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good . There isno limit to the usefulness of one who , by putting self aside , 251 makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart , and lives alife wholly consecrated to God . If men will endure the necessary discipline , without complaining or fainting by the way , God will teach them hour byhour , and day by day . He longs to reveal His grace . If His people willremove the obstructions , He will pour forth the waters of salvation inabundant streams through the human channels . If men in humble life wereencouraged to do all the good they could do , if restraining hands were notlaid upon them to repress their zeal , there would be a hundred workers forChrist where now there is one . God takes men as they are , and educates them for His service , if they willyield themselves to Him . The Spirit of God , received into the soul , willquicken all its faculties . Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit , the mindthat is devoted unreservedly to God develops harmoniously , and isstrengthened to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of God . The weak , vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness . Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and Hisdisciple that the Christian becomes like Him in mind and character . Througha connection with Christ he will have clearer and broader views . Hisdiscernment will be more penetrative , his judgment better balanced . He wholongs to be of service to Christ is so quickened by the life - giving power ofthe Sun of Righteousness that he is enabled to bear much fruit to the gloryof God . Men of the highest education in the arts and sciences have learned preciouslessons from Christians in humble life who were designated by the world asunlearned . But these obscure disciples had obtained an education in thehighest of all schools . They had sat at the feet of Him who spoke as " neverman spake . " ( 252 ) Chapter 26 At Capernaum At Capernaum Jesus dwelt in the intervals of His journeys to and fro , and itcame to be known as " His own city . " It was on the shores of the Sea ofGalilee , and near the borders of the beautiful plain of Gennesaret , if notactually upon it . The deep depression of the lake gives to the plain that skirts its shoresthe genial climate of the south . Here in the days of Christ flourished thepalm tree and the olive , here were orchards and vineyards , green fields , andbrightly blooming flowers in rich luxuriance , all watered by living streamsbursting from the cliffs . The shores of the lake , and the hills that at alittle distance encircle it , were dotted with towns and villages . The lakewas covered with fishing boats . Everywhere was the stir of busy , activelife . Capernaum itself was well adapted to be the center of the Saviour ' s work . Being on the highway from Damascus to Jerusalem and Egypt , and to theMediterranean Sea , it was a great thoroughfare of travel . People from manylands passed through the city , or tarried for rest in their journeyings toand fro . Here Jesus could meet all nations and all ranks , the rich and greatas well as the poor and lowly , and His lessons would be carried to othercountries and into many households . 253 Investigation of the prophecies would thus be excited , attention would bedirected to the Saviour , and His mission would be brought before the world . Notwithstanding the action of the Sanhedrin against Jesus , the peopleeagerly awaited the development of His mission . All heaven was astir withinterest . Angels were preparing the way for His ministry , moving upon men ' shearts , and drawing them to the Saviour . In Capernaum the nobleman ' s son whom Christ had healed was a witness to Hispower . And the court official and his household joyfully testified of theirfaith . When it was known that the Teacher Himself was among them , the wholecity was aroused . Multitudes flocked to His presence . on the Sabbath thepeople crowded the synagogue until great numbers had to turn away , unable tofind entrance . All who heard the Saviour " were astonished at His doctrine : for His word waswith power . " " He taught them as one having authority , and not as thescribes . " Luke 4 : 32 ; Matt . 7 : 29 . The teaching of the scribes and elders wascold and formal , like a lesson learned by rote . To them the word of Godpossessed no vital power . Their own ideas and traditions were substitutedfor its teaching . In the accustomed round of service they professed toexplain the law , but no inspiration from God stirred their own hearts or thehearts of their hearers . Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among theJews . It was His work to present the truth . His words shed a flood of lightupon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets , and the Scriptures came tomen as a new revelation . Never before had His hearers perceived such a depthof meaning in the word of God . Jesus met the people on their own ground , as one who was acquainted withtheir perplexities . He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the mostdirect and simple way . His language was pure , refined , and clear as arunning stream . His voice was as music to those who had listened to themonotonous tones of the rabbis . But while His teaching was simple , He spokeas one having authority . This characteristic set His teaching in contrastwith that of all others . The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy , as ifthe Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly theopposite . The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty . But Jesustaught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority . Whatever His subject , it was presented with power , as if His words could not be controverted . 254 Yet He was earnest , rather than vehement . He spoke as one who had a definitepurpose to fulfill . He was bringing to view the realities of the eternalworld . In every theme God was revealed . Jesus sought to break the spell ofinfatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things . He placed the thingsof this life in their true relation , as subordinate to those of eternalinterest ; but He did not ignore their importance . He taught that heaven andearth are linked together , and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares menbetter to perform the duties of everyday life . He spoke as one familiar withheaven , conscious of His relationship to God , yet recognizing His unity withevery member of the human family . His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience . He knew " how tospeak a word in season to him that is weary " ( Isa . 50 : 4 ) ; for grace waspoured upon His lips , that He might convey to men in the most attractive waythe treasures of truth . He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds , andsurprise them with illustrations that won their attention . Through theimagination He reached the heart . His illustrations were taken from thethings of daily life , and although they were simple , they had in them awonderful depth of meaning . The birds of the air , the lilies of the field , the seed , the shepherd and the sheep , -- with these objects Christ illustratedimmortal truth ; and ever afterward , when His hearers chanced to see thesethings of nature , they recalled His words . Christ ' s illustrations constantlyrepeated His lessons . Christ never flattered men . He never spoke that which would exalt theirfancies and imaginations , nor did He praise them for their cleverinventions ; but deep , unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching , and foundthat it tested their wisdom . They marveled at the spiritual truth expressedin the simplest language . The most highly educated were charmed with Hiswords , and the uneducated were always profited . He had a message for theilliterate ; and He made even the heathen to understand that He had a messagefor them . His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubledhearts . Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with anatmosphere of peace . The beauty of His countenance , the loveliness of Hischaracter , above all , the love expressed in look and tone , drew to Him allwho were not hardened in unbelief . Had it not been for the sweet , sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word , He would not haveattracted the large congregations that He did . The afflicted ones who cameto Him felt that He linked His 255 interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend , and they desired toknow more of the truths He taught . Heaven was brought near . They longed toabide in His presence , that the comfort of His love might be with themcontinually . Jesus watched with deep earnestness the changing countenances of Hishearers . The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him greatsatisfaction . As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul , breaking throughthe barriers of selfishness , and working contrition , and finally gratitude , the Saviour was made glad . When His eye swept over the throng of listeners , and He recognized among them the faces He had before seen , His countenancelighted up with joy . He saw in them hopeful subjects for His kingdom . Whenthe truth , plainly spoken , touched some cherished idol , He marked the changeof countenance , the cold , forbidding look , which told that the light wasunwelcome . When He saw men refuse the message of peace , His heart waspierced to the very depths . Jesus in the synagogue spoke of the kingdom He had come to establish , and ofHis mission to set free the captives of Satan . He was interrupted by ashriek of terror . A madman rushed forward from among the people , crying out , " Let us alone ; what have we to do with Thee , Thou Jesus of Nazareth ? artThou come to destroy us ? I know Thee who Thou art ; the Holy one of God . " All was now confusion and alarm . The attention of the people was divertedfrom Christ , and His words were unheeded . This was Satan ' s purpose inleading his victim to the synagogue . But Jesus rebuked the demon , saying , " Hold thy peace , and come out of him . And when the devil had thrown him inthe midst , he came out of him , and hurt him not . " The mind of this wretched sufferer had been darkened by Satan , but in theSaviour ' s presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom . He was roused tolong for freedom from Satan ' s control ; but the demon resisted the power ofChrist . When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help , the evil spirit putwords into his mouth , and he cried out in an agony of fear . The demoniacpartially comprehended that he was in the presence of one who could set himfree ; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty hand , another ' swill held him , another ' s words found utterance through him . The conflictbetween the power of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible . 256 He who had conquered Satan in the wilderness of temptation was again broughtface to face with His enemy . The demon exerted all his power to retaincontrol of his victim . To lose ground here would be to give Jesus a victory . It seemed that the tortured man must lose his life in the struggle with thefoe that had been the ruin of his manhood . But the Saviour spoke withauthority , and set the captive free . The man who had been possessed stoodbefore the wondering people happy in the freedom of self - possession . Eventhe demon had testified to the divine power of the Saviour . The man praised God for his deliverance . The eye that had so lately glaredwith the fire of insanity , now beamed with intelligence , and overflowed withgrateful tears . The people were dumb with amazement . As soon as theyrecovered speech they exclaimed , one to another , " What is this ? a newteaching ! with authority He commandeth even the unclean spirits , and theyobey Him . " Mark 1 : 27 , R . V . The secret cause of the affliction that had made this man a fearfulspectacle to his friends and a burden to himself was in his own life . He hadbeen fascinated by the pleasures of sin , and had thought to make life agrand carnival . He did not dream of becoming a terror to the world and thereproach of his family . He thought his time could be spent in innocentfolly . But once in the downward path , his feet rapidly descended . Intemperance and frivolity perverted the noble attributes of his nature , andSatan took absolute control of him . Remorse came too late . When he would have sacrificed wealth and pleasure toregain his lost manhood , he had become helpless in the grasp of the evilone . He had placed himself on the enemy ' s ground , and Satan had takenpossession of all his faculties . The tempter had allured him with manycharming presentations ; but when once the wretched man was in his power , thefiend became relentless in his cruelty , and terrible in his angryvisitations . So it will be with all who yield to evil ; the fascinatingpleasure of their early career ends in the darkness of despair or themadness of a ruined soul . The same evil spirit that tempted Christ in the wilderness , and thatpossessed the maniac of Capernaum , controlled the unbelieving Jews . But withthem he assumed an air of piety , seeking to deceive them as to their motivesin rejecting the Saviour . Their condition was more hopeless than that of thedemoniac , for they felt no need of Christ and were therefore held fast underthe power of Satan . 257 The period of Christ ' s personal ministry among men was the time of greatestactivity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness . For ages Satan with hisevil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and the souls of men , tobring upon them sin and suffering ; then he had charged all this misery uponGod . Jesus was revealing to men the character of God . He was breakingSatan ' s power , and setting his captives free . New life and love and powerfrom heaven were moving upon the hearts of men , and the prince of evil wasaroused to contend for the supremacy of his kingdom . Satan summoned all hisforces , and at every step contested the work of Christ . So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy betweenrighteousness and sin . While new life and light and power are descendingfrom on high upon the disciples of Christ , a new life is springing up frombeneath , and energizing the agencies of Satan . Intensity is takingpossession of every earthly element . With a subtlety gained throughcenturies of conflict , the prince of evil works under a disguise . He appearsclothed as an angel of light , and multitudes are " giving heed to seducingspirits , and doctrines of devils . " 1 Tim . 4 : 1 . In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless toresist the work of Satan . They were neglecting the only means by which theycould have withstood evil spirits . It was by the word of God that Christovercame the wicked one . The leaders of Israel professed to be theexpositors of God ' s word , but they had studied it only to sustain theirtraditions , and enforce their man - made observances . By their interpretationthey made it express sentiments that God had never given . Their mysticalconstruction made indistinct that which He had made plain . They disputedover insignificant technicalities , and practically denied the most essentialtruths . Thus infidelity was sown broadcast . God ' s word was robbed of itspower , and evil spirits worked their will . 258 History is repeating . With the open Bible before them , and professing toreverence its teachings , many of the religious leaders of our time aredestroying faith in it as the word of God . They busy themselves withdissecting the word , and set their own opinions above its plaineststatements . In their hands God ' s word loses its regenerating power . This iswhy infidelity runs riot , and iniquity is rife . When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible , he directs men to othersources for light and power . Thus he insinuates himself . Those who turn fromthe plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God ' s HolySpirit are inviting the control of demons . Criticism and speculationconcerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism andtheosophy -- those modernized forms of ancient heathenism -- to gain a footholdeven in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ . Side by side with the preaching of the gospel , agencies are at work whichare but the medium of lying spirits . Many a man tampers with these merelyfrom curiosity , but seeing evidence of the working of a more than humanpower , he is lured on and on , until he is controlled by a will stronger thanhis own . He cannot escape from its mysterious power . The defenses of the soul are broken down . He has no barrier against sin . When once the restraints of God ' s word and His Spirit are rejected , no manknows to what depths of degradation he may sink . Secret sin or masterpassion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum . Yet his condition is not hopeless . The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christovercame , -- the power of the word . God does not control our minds without ourconsent ; but if we desire to know and to do His will , His promises are ours : " Ye shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free . " " If any manwilleth to do His will , he shall know of the teaching . " John 8 : 32 ; 7 : 17 , R . V . Through faith in these promises , every man may be delivered from thesnares of error and the control of sin . Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him . Nonehave fallen so low , none are so vile , but that they can find deliverance inChrist . The demoniac , in place of prayer , could utter only the words ofSatan ; yet the heart ' s unspoken appeal was heard . No cry from a soul inneed , though it fail of utterance in words , will be unheeded . Those who willconsent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not leftto the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own 259 nature . They are invited by the Saviour , " Let him take hold of My strength , that he may make peace with Me ; and he shall make peace with Me . " Isa . 27 : 5 . The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion , but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power . The Lordsays , " Shall the prey be taken from the mighty , or the lawful captivedelivered ? . . . Thus saith the Lord , Even the captives of the mighty shallbe taken away , and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered : for I willcontend with him that contendeth with thee , and I will save thy children . " Isa . 49 : 24 , 25 . While the congregation in the synagogue were still spellbound with awe , Jesus withdrew to the home of Peter for a little rest . But here also ashadow had fallen . The mother of Peter ' s wife lay sick , stricken with a " great fever . " Jesus rebuked the disease , and the sufferer arose , andministered to the wants of the Master and His disciples . Tidings of the work of Christ spread rapidly throughout Capernaum . For fearof the rabbis , the people dared not come for healing upon the Sabbath ; butno sooner had the sun disappeared below the horizon than there was a greatcommotion . From the homes , the shops , the market places , the inhabitants ofthe city pressed toward the humble dwelling that sheltered Jesus . The sickwere brought upon couches , they came leaning upon staffs , or , supported byfriends , they tottered feebly into the Saviour ' s presence . Hour after hour they came and went ; for none could know whether tomorrowwould find the Healer still among them . Never before had Capernaum witnesseda day like this . The air was filled with the voice of triumph and shouts ofdeliverance . The Saviour was joyful in the joy He had awakened . As Hewitnessed the sufferings of those who had come to Him , His heart was stirredwith sympathy , and He rejoiced in His power to restore them to health andhappiness . Not until the last sufferer had been relieved did Jesus cease His work . Itwas far into the night when the multitude departed , and silence settled downupon the home of Simon . The long , exciting day was past , and Jesus soughtrest . But while the city was still wrapped in slumber , the Saviour , " risingup a great while before day , . . . went out , and departed into a solitaryplace , and there prayed . " Thus were spent the days in the earthly life of Jesus . He often dismissedHis disciples to visit their homes and rest ; but He gently resisted theirefforts to draw Him away from His labors . All day He toiled , 260 teaching the ignorant , healing the sick , giving sight to the blind , feedingthe multitude ; and at the eventide or in the early morning , He went away tothe sanctuary of the mountains for communion with His Father . Often Hepassed the entire night in prayer and meditation , returning at daybreak toHis work among the people . Early in the morning , Peter and his companions came to Jesus , saying thatalready the people of Capernaum were seeking Him . The disciples had beenbitterly disappointed at the reception which Christ had met hitherto . Theauthorities at Jerusalem were seeking to murder Him ; even His own townsmenhad tried to take His life ; but at Capernaum He was welcomed with joyfulenthusiasm , and the hopes of the disciples kindled anew . It might be thatamong the liberty - loving Galileans were to be found the supporters of thenew kingdom . But with surprise they heard Christ ' s words , " I must preach thekingdom of God to other cities also : for therefore am I sent . " In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum , there was danger that theobject of His mission would be lost sight of . Jesus was not satisfied toattract attention to Himself merely as a wonder worker or a healer ofphysical diseases . He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour . Whilethe people were eager to believe that He had come as a king , to establish anearthly reign , He desired to turn their minds away from the earthly to thespiritual . Mere worldly success would interfere with His work . And the wonder of the careless crowd jarred upon His spirit . In His life noself - assertion mingled . The homage which the world gives to position , orwealth , or talent , was foreign to the Son of man . None of the means that menemploy to win allegiance or command homage did Jesus use . Centuries beforeHis birth , it had been prophesied of Him , 261 " He shall not cry , nor lift up , nor cause His voice to be heard in thestreet . A bruised reed shall He not break , and the dimly burning flax shallHe not quench : He shall bring forth judgment unto truth . He shall not failnor be discouraged , till He have set judgment in the earth . " Isa . 42 : 2 - 4 , margin . The Pharisees sought distinction by their scrupulous ceremonialism , and theostentation of their worship and charities . They proved their zeal forreligion by making it the theme of discussion . Disputes between opposingsects were loud and long , and it was not unusual to hear on the streets thevoice of angry controversy from learned doctors of the law . In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus . In that life no noisydisputation , no ostentatious worship , no act to gain applause , was everwitnessed . Christ was hid in God , and God was revealed in the character ofHis Son . To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to bedirected , and their homage to be given . The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor , to dazzlethe senses with His glory . It is written of Christ , " His going forth isprepared as the morning . " Hosea 6 : 3 . Quietly and gently the daylight breaksupon the earth , dispelling the shadow of darkness , and waking the world tolife . So did the Sun of Righteousness arise , " with healing in His wings . " Mal . 4 : 2 . ( 262 ) Chapter 27 " Thou Canst Make Me Clean " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 8 : 2 - 4 ; 9 : 1 - 8 , 32 - 34 ; Mark 1 : 40 - 45 ; 2 : 1 - 12 ; Luke 5 : 12 - 28 . ] Of all diseases known in the East the leprosy was most dreaded . Itsincurable and contagious character , and its horrible effect upon itsvictims , filled the bravest with fear . Among the Jews it was regarded as ajudgment on account of sin , and hence was called " the stroke , " " the fingerof God . " Deep - rooted , ineradicable , deadly , it was looked upon as a symbolof sin . By the ritual law , the leper was pronounced unclean . Like onealready dead , he was shut out from the habitations of men . Whatever hetouched was unclean . The air was polluted by his breath . one who wassuspected of having the disease must present himself to the priests , whowere to examine and decide his case . If pronounced a leper , he was isolatedfrom his family , cut off from the congregation of Israel , and was doomed toassociate with those only who were similarly afflicted . The law wasinflexible in its requirement . Even kings and rulers were not exempt . Amonarch who was attacked by this terrible disease must yield up the scepter , and flee from society . Away from his friends and his kindred , the leper must bear the curse of hismalady . He was obliged to publish his own calamity , to rend his garments , and sound the alarm , warning all to flee from his contaminating presence . The cry , " Unclean ! unclean ! " coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile , was a signal heard with fear and abhorrence . In the region of Christ ' s ministry , there were many of these sufferers , andthe news of His work reached them , kindling a gleam of hope . But since thedays of Elisha the prophet , such a thing had never been known 263 as the cleansing of one upon whom this disease had fastened . They dared notexpect Jesus to do for them what He had never done for any man . There wasone , however , in whose heart faith began to spring up . Yet the man knew nothow to reach Jesus . Debarred as he was from contact with his fellow men , howcould he present himself to the Healer ? And he questioned if Christ wouldheal him . Would He stoop to notice one believed to be suffering under thejudgment of God ? Would He not , like the Pharisees , and even the physicians , pronounce a curse upon him , and warn him to flee from the haunts of men ? Hethought of all that had been told him of Jesus . Not one who had sought Hishelp had been turned away . The wretched man determined to find the Saviour . Though shut out from the cities , it might be that he could cross His path insome byway along the mountain roads , or find Him as He was teaching outsidethe towns . The difficulties were great , but this was his only hope . The leper is guided to the Saviour . Jesus is teaching beside the lake , andthe people are gathered about Him . Standing afar off , the leper catches afew words from the Saviour ' s lips . He sees Him laying His hands upon thesick . He sees the lame , the blind , the paralytic , and those dying of variousmaladies rise up in health , praising God for their deliverance . Faithstrengthens in his heart . He draws nearer and yet nearer to the gatheredthrong . The restrictions laid upon him , the safety of the people , and thefear with which all men regard him are forgotten . He thinks only of theblessed hope of healing . He is a loathsome spectacle . The disease has made frightful inroads , and hisdecaying body is horrible to look upon . At sight of him the people fall backin terror . They crowd upon one another in their eagerness to escape fromcontact with him . Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus , but invain . He neither sees nor hears them . Their ｅxpressions of loathing are lostupon him . He sees only the Son of God . He hears only the voice that speakslife to the dying . Pressing to Jesus , he casts himself at His feet with thecry , " Lord , if Thou wilt , Thou canst make me clean . " Jesus replied , " I will ; be thou made clean , " and laid His hand upon him . Matt . 8 : 3 , R . V . Immediately a change passed over the leper . His flesh became healthy , thenerves sensitive , the muscles firm . The rough , scaly surface peculiar toleprosy disappeared , and a soft glow , like that upon the skin of a healthychild , took its place . 264 Jesus charged the man not to make known the work that had been wrought , butstraightway to present himself with an offering at the temple . Such anoffering could not be accepted until the priests had made examination andpronounced the man wholly free from the disease . However unwilling theymight be to perform this service , they could not evade an examination anddecision of the case . The words of Scripture show with what urgency Christ enjoined upon the manthe necessity of silence and prompt action . " He straitly charged him , andforthwith sent him away ; and saith unto him , See thou say nothing to anyman : but go thy way , show thyself to the priest , and offer for thy cleansingthose things which Moses commanded , for a testimony unto them . " Had thepriests known the facts concerning the healing of the leper , their hatred ofChrist might have led them to render a dishonest sentence . Jesus desired theman to present himself at the temple before any rumors concerning themiracle had reached them . Thus an impartial decision could be secured , andthe restored leper would be permitted to unite once more with his family andfriends . There were other objects which Christ had in view in enjoining silence onthe man . The Saviour knew that His enemies were ever seeking to limit Hiswork , and to turn the people from Him . He knew that if the healing of theleper were noised abroad , other sufferers from this terrible disease wouldcrowd about Him , and the cry would be raised that the people would becontaminated by contact with them . Many of the lepers would not so use thegift of health as to make it a blessing to themselves or to others . And bydrawing the lepers about Him , He would give occasion for the charge that Hewas breaking down the restrictions of the ritual law . Thus His work inpreaching the gospel would be hindered . The event justified Christ ' s warning . A multitude of people had witnessedthe healing of the leper , and they were eager to learn of the priests ' decision . When the man returned to his friends , there was great 265 excitement . Notwithstanding the caution of Jesus , the man made no furthereffort to conceal the fact of his cure . It would indeed have been impossibleto conceal it , but the leper published the matter abroad . Conceiving that itwas only the modesty of Jesus which laid this restriction upon him , he wentabout proclaiming the power of this Great Healer . He did not understand thatevery such manifestation made the priests and elders more determined todestroy Jesus . The restored man felt that the boon of health was veryprecious . He rejoiced in the vigor of manhood , and in his restoration to hisfamily and society , and felt it impossible to refrain from giving glory tothe Physician who had made him whole . But his act in blazing abroad thematter resulted in hindering the Saviour ' s work . It caused the people toflock to Him in such multitudes that He was forced for a time to cease Hislabors . Every act of Christ ' s ministry was far - reaching in its purpose . Itcomprehended more than appeared in the act itself . So in the case of theleper . While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him , He yearned to blessthose who came not . While He drew the publicans , the heathen , and theSamaritans , He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in byprejudice and tradition . He left untried no means by which they might bereached . In sending the healed leper to the priests , He gave them atestimony calculated to disarm their prejudices . The Pharisees had asserted that Christ ' s teaching was opposed to the lawwhich God had given through Moses ; but His direction to the cleansed leperto present an offering according to the law disproved this charge . It wassufficient testimony for all who were willing to be convinced . The leaders at Jerusalem had sent out spies to find some pretext for puttingChrist to death . He responded by giving them an evidence of His love forhumanity , His respect for the law , and His power to deliver from sin anddeath . Thus He bore witness of them : " They have rewarded Me evil for good , and hatred for My love . " Ps . 109 : 5 . He who on the mount gave the precept , " Love your enemies , " Himself exemplified the principle , not rendering " evilfor evil , or railing for railing : but contrariwise blessing . " Matt . 5 : 44 ; 1 Peter 3 : 9 . The same priests who condemned the leper to banishment certified his cure . This sentence , publicly pronounced and registered , was a standing testimonyfor Christ . And as the healed man was reinstated in the congregation ofIsrael , upon the priests ' own assurance that there 266 was not a taint of the disease upon him , he himself was a living witness forhis Benefactor . Joyfully he presented his offering , and magnified the nameof Jesus . The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour . Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by thelight . Rejected , it would pass away , never to return . By many the light wasrejected ; yet it was not given in vain . Many hearts were moved that for atime made no sign . During the Saviour ' s life , His mission seemed to callforth little response of love from the priests and teachers ; but after Hisascension " a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith . " Acts 6 : 7 . The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is anillustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin . The man who came toJesus was " full of leprosy . " Its deadly poison permeated his whole body . Thedisciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him ; for he whotouched a leper became himself unclean . But in laying His hand upon theleper , Jesus received no defilement . His touch imparted life - giving power . The leprosy was cleansed . Thus it is with the leprosy of sin , -- deep - rooted , deadly , and impossible to be cleansed by human power . " The whole head issick , and the whole heart faint . From the sole of the foot even unto thehead there is no soundness in it ; but wounds , and bruises , and putrefyingsores . " Isa . 1 : 5 , 6 . But Jesus , coming to dwell in humanity , receives nopollution . His presence has healing virtue for the sinner . Whoever will fallat His feet , saying in faith , " Lord , if Thou wilt , Thou canst make meclean , " shall hear the answer , " I will ; be thou made clean . " Matt . 8 : 2 , 3 , R . V . In some instances of healing , Jesus did not at once grant the blessingsought . But in the case of leprosy , no sooner was the appeal made than itwas granted . When we pray for earthly blessings , the answer to our prayermay be delayed , or God may give us something other than we ask , but not sowhen we ask for deliverance from sin . It is His will to cleanse us from sin , to make us His children , and to enable us to live a holy life . Christ " gaveHimself for our sins , that He might deliver us from this present evil world , according to the will of God and our Father . " Gal . 1 : 4 . And " this is theconfidence that we have in Him , that , if we ask anything according to Hiswill , He heareth us : and if we know that He hear us , whatsoever we ask , weknow that we have the petitions that we desired of Him . " 1 John 5 : 14 , 15 . " If we confess our sins , He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins , andto cleanse us from all unrighteousness . " 1 John 1 : 9 . 267 In the healing of the paralytic at Capernaum , Christ again taught the sametruth . It was to manifest His power to forgive sins that the miracle wasperformed . And the healing of the paralytic also illustrates other precioustruths . It is full of hope and encouragement , and from its connection withthe caviling Pharisees it has a lesson of warning as well . Like the leper , this paralytic had lost all hope of recovery . His diseasewas the result of a life of sin , and his sufferings were embittered byremorse . He had long before appealed to the Pharisees and doctors , hopingfor relief from mental suffering and physical pain . But they coldlypronounced him incurable , and abandoned him to the wrath of God . ThePharisees regarded affliction as an evidence of divine displeasure , and theyheld themselves aloof from the sick and the needy . Yet often these very oneswho exalted themselves as holy were more guilty than the sufferers theycondemned . The palsied man was entirely helpless , and , seeing no prospect of aid fromany quarter , he had sunk into despair . Then he heard of the wonderful worksof Jesus . He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had beenhealed ; even lepers had been cleansed . And the friends who reported thesethings encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could becarried to Jesus . But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease hadbeen brought upon him . He feared that the pure Physician would not toleratehim in His presence . Yet it was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from theburden of sin . If he could see Jesus , and receive the assurance offorgiveness and peace with Heaven , he would be content to live or die , according to God ' s will . The cry of the dying man was , Oh that I might comeinto His presence ! There was no time to lose ; already his wasted flesh wasshowing signs of decay . He besought his friends to carry him on his bed toJesus , and this they gladly undertook to do . But so dense was the crowd thathad assembled in and about the house where the Saviour was , that it wasimpossible for the sick man and his friends to reach Him , or even to comewithin hearing of His voice . Jesus was teaching in the house of Peter . According to their custom , Hisdisciples sat close about Him , and " there were Pharisees and doctors of thelaw sitting by , which were come out of every town of Galilee , and Judea , andJerusalem . " These had come as spies , seeking an accusation against Jesus . Outside of these officials thronged the promiscuous multitude , the eager , the reverent , the curious , and the unbelieving . Different 268 nationalities and all grades of society were represented . " And the power ofthe Lord was present to heal . " The Spirit of life brooded over the assembly , but Pharisees and doctors did not discern its presence . They felt no senseof need , and the healing was not for them . " He hath filled the hungry withgood things ; and the rich He hath sent empty away . " Luke 1 : 53 . Again and again the bearers of the paralytic tried to push their way throughthe crowd , but in vain . The sick man looked about him in unutterableanguish . When the longed - for help was so near , how could he relinquish hope ? At his suggestion his friends bore him to the top of the house and , breakingup the roof , let him down at the feet of Jesus . The discourse wasinterrupted . The Saviour looked upon the mournful countenance , and saw thepleading eyes fixed upon Him . He understood the case ; He had drawn toHimself that perplexed and doubting spirit . While the paralytic was yet athome , the Saviour had brought conviction to his conscience . When he repentedof his sins , and believed in the power of Jesus to make him whole , thelife - giving mercies of the Saviour had first blessed his longing heart . Jesus had watched the first glimmer of faith grow into a belief that He wasthe sinner ' s only helper , and had seen it grow stronger with every effort tocome into His presence . Now , in words that fell like music on the sufferer ' s ear , the Saviour said , " Son , be of good cheer ; thy sins be forgiven thee . " The burden of despair rolls from the sick man ' s soul ; the peace offorgiveness rests upon his spirit , and shines out upon his countenance . Hisphysical pain is gone , and his whole being is transformed . The helplessparalytic is healed ! the guilty sinner is pardoned ! In simple faith he accepted the words of Jesus as the boon of new life . Heurged no further request , but lay in blissful silence , too happy for words . The light of heaven irradiated his countenance , and the people looked withawe upon the scene . The rabbis had waited anxiously to see what disposition Christ would make ofthis case . They recollected how the man had appealed to them for help , andthey had refused him hope or sympathy . Not satisfied with this , they haddeclared that he was suffering the curse of God for his sins . These thingscame fresh to their minds when they saw the sick man before them . Theymarked the interest with which all were watching the scene , and they felt aterrible fear of losing their own influence over the people . 269 These dignitaries did not exchange words together , but looking into oneanother ' s faces they read the same thought in each , that something must bedone to arrest the tide of feeling . Jesus had declared that the sins of theparalytic were forgiven . The Pharisees caught at these words as blasphemy , and conceived that they could present this as a sin worthy of death . Theysaid in their hearts , " He blasphemeth : who can forgive sins but one , evenGod ? " Mark 2 : 7 , R . V . Fixing His glance upon them , beneath which they cowered , and drew back , Jesus said , " Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts ? For whether is easier , to say , Thy sins be forgiven thee ; or to say , Arise , and walk ? But that yemay know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins , " He said , turning to the paralytic , " Arise , take up thy bed , and go unto thine house . " Then he who had been borne on a litter to Jesus rises to his feet with theelasticity and strength of youth . The life - giving blood bounds through hisveins . Every organ of his body springs into sudden activity . The glow ofhealth succeeds the pallor of approaching death . " And immediately he arose , took up the bed , and went forth before them all ; insomuch that they were allamazed , and glorified God , saying , We never saw it on this fashion . " Oh , wondrous love of Christ , stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted ! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity ! Oh , marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men ! Who can doubt themessage of salvation ? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionateRedeemer ? It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to thatdecaying body . The same voice that spoke life to man created from 270 the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic . And the samepower that gave life to the body had renewed the heart . He who at thecreation " spake , and it was , " who " commanded , and it stood fast , " ( Ps . 33 : 9 ) , had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins . The healingof the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart . Christbade the paralytic arise and walk , " that ye may know , " He said , " that theSon of man hath power on earth to forgive sins . " The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body . Thespiritual healing was followed by physical restoration . This lesson shouldnot be overlooked . There are today thousands suffering from physicaldisease , who , like the paralytic , are longing for the message , " Thy sins areforgiven . " The burden of sin , with its unrest and unsatisfied desires , isthe foundation of their maladies . They can find no relief until they come tothe Healer of the soul . The peace which He alone can give , would impartvigor to the mind , and health to the body . Jesus came to " destroy the works of the devil . " " In Him was life , " and Hesays , " I am come that they might have life , and that they might have it moreabundantly . " He is " a quickening spirit . " 1 John 3 : 8 ; John 1 : 4 ; 10 : 10 ; 1 Cor . 15 : 45 . And He still has the same life - giving power as when on earth Hehealed the sick , and spoke forgiveness to the sinner . He " forgiveth allthine iniquities , " He " healeth all thy diseases . " Ps . 103 : 3 . The effect produced upon the people by the healing of the paralytic was asif heaven had opened , and revealed the glories of the better world . As theman who had been cured passed through the multitude , blessing God at everystep , and bearing his burden as if it were a feather ' s weight , the peoplefell back to give him room , and with awe - stricken faces gazed upon him , whispering softly among themselves , " We have seen strange things today . " The Pharisees were dumb with amazement and overwhelmed with defeat . They sawthat here was no opportunity for their jealousy to inflame the multitude . The wonderful work wrought upon the man whom they had given over to thewrath of God had so impressed the people that the rabbis were for the timeforgotten . They saw that Christ possessed a power which they had ascribed toGod alone ; yet the gentle dignity of His manner was in marked contrast totheir own haughty bearing . They were disconcerted and abashed , recognizing , but not confessing , the presence of a superior being . The stronger theevidence that Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins , the more firmly 271 they entrenched themselves in unbelief . From the home of Peter , where theyhad seen the paralytic restored by His word , they went away to invent newschemes for silencing the Son of God . Physical disease , however malignant and deep - seated , was healed by the powerof Christ ; but the disease of the soul took a firmer hold upon those whoclosed their eyes against the light . Leprosy and palsy were not so terribleas bigotry and unbelief . In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when hereturned to his family , carrying with ease the couch upon which he had beenslowly borne from their presence but a short time before . They gatheredround with tears of joy , scarcely daring to believe their eyes . He stoodbefore them in the full vigor of manhood . Those arms that they had seenlifeless were quick to obey his will . The flesh that had been shrunken andleaden - hued was now fresh and ruddy . He walked with a firm , free step . Joyand hope were written in every lineament of his countenance ; and anｅxpression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin andsuffering . Glad thanksgiving went up from that home , and God was glorifiedthrough His Son , who had restored hope to the hopeless , and strength to thestricken one . This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives forJesus . No doubt dimmed their faith , no unbelief marred their fealty to Himwho had brought light into their darkened home . ( 272 ) Chapter 28 Levi - Matthew [ This chapter is based on Matt . 9 : 9 - 17 ; Mark 2 : 14 - 22 ; Luke 5 : 27 - 39 . ] Of the Roman officials in Palestine , none were more hated than thepublicans . The fact that the taxes were imposed by a foreign power was acontinual irritation to the Jews , being a reminder that their independencehad departed . And the taxgatherers were not merely the instruments of Romanoppression ; they were extortioners on their own account , enrichingthemselves at the expense of the people . A Jew who accepted this office atthe hands of the Romans was looked upon as betraying the honor of hisnation . He was despised as an apostate , and was classed with the vilest ofsociety . To this class belonged Levi - Matthew , who , after the four disciples atGennesaret , was the next to be called to Christ ' s service . The Pharisees hadjudged Matthew according to his employment , but Jesus saw in this man aheart open for the reception of truth . Matthew had listened to the Saviour ' steaching . As the convicting Spirit of God revealed his sinfulness , he longedto seek help from Christ ; but he was accustomed to the exclusiveness of therabbis , and had no thought that this Great Teacher would notice him . 273 Sitting at his toll booth one day , the publican saw Jesus approaching . Greatwas his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself , " Follow Me . " Matthew " left all , rose up , and followed Him . " There was no hesitation , noquestioning , no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged forpoverty and hardship . It was enough for him that he was to be with Jesus , that he might listen to His words , and unite with Him in His work . So it was with the disciples previously called . When Jesus bade Peter andhis companions follow Him , immediately they left their boats and nets . Someof these disciples had friends dependent on them for support ; but when theyreceived the Saviour ' s invitation , they did not hesitate , and inquire , Howshall I live , and sustain my family ? They were obedient to the call ; andwhen afterward Jesus asked them , " When I sent you without purse , and scrip , and shoes , lacked ye anything ? " they could answer , " Nothing . " Luke 22 : 35 . To Matthew in his wealth , and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty , the sametest was brought ; the same consecration was made by each . At the moment ofsuccess , when the nets were filled with fish , and the impulses of the oldlife were strongest , Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all forthe work of the gospel . So every soul is tested as to whether the desire fortemporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest . Principle is always exacting . No man can succeed in the service of Godunless his whole heart is in the work and he counts all things but loss forthe excellency of the knowledge of Christ . No man who makes any reserve canbe the disciple of Christ , much less can he be His colaborer . When menappreciate the great salvation , the self - sacrifice seen in Christ ' s lifewill be seen in theirs . Wherever He leads the way , they will rejoice tofollow . The calling of Matthew to be one of Christ ' s disciples excited greatindignation . For a religious teacher to choose a publican as one of hisimmediate attendants was an offense against the religious , social , andnational customs . By appealing to the prejudices of the people the Phariseeshoped to turn the current of popular feeling against Jesus . Among the publicans a widespread interest was created . Their hearts weredrawn toward the divine Teacher . In the joy of his new discipleship , Matthewlonged to bring his former associates to Jesus . Accordingly 274 he made a feast at his own house , and called together his relatives andfriends . Not only were publicans included , but many others who were ofdoubtful reputation , and were proscribed by their more scrupulous neighbors . The entertainment was given in honor of Jesus , and He did not hesitate toaccept the courtesy . He well knew that this would give offense to thePharisaic party , and would also compromise Him in the eyes of the people . But no question of policy could influence His movements . With Him externaldistinctions weighed nothing . That which appealed to His heart was a soulthirsting for the water of life . Jesus sat as an honored guest at the table of the publicans , by His sympathyand social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity ; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence . Upon their thirsty heartsHis words fell with blessed , life - giving power . New impulses were awakened , and the possibility of a new life opened to these outcasts of society . At such gatherings as this , not a few were impressed by the Saviour ' steaching who did not acknowledge Him until after His ascension . When 275 the Holy Spirit was poured out , and three thousand were converted in a day , there were among them many who first heard the truth at the table of thepublicans , and some of these became messengers of the gospel . To Matthewhimself the example of Jesus at the feast was a constant lesson . Thedespised publican became one of the most devoted evangelists , in his ownministry following closely in his Master ' s steps . When the rabbis learned of the presence of Jesus at Matthew ' s feast , theyseized the opportunity of accusing Him . But they chose to work through thedisciples . By arousing their prejudices they hoped to alienate them fromtheir Master . It was their policy to accuse Christ to the disciples , and thedisciples to Christ , aiming their arrows where they would be most likely towound . This is the way in which Satan has worked ever since the disaffectionin heaven ; and all who try to cause discord and alienation are actuated byhis spirit . " Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners ? " questioned the enviousrabbis . Jesus did not wait for His disciples to answer the charge , but Himselfreplied : " They that be whole need not a physician , but they that are sick . But go ye and learn what that meaneth , I will have mercy , and not sacrifice : for I am not come to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance . " ThePharisees claimed to be spiritually whole , and therefore in no need of aphysician , while they regarded the publicans and Gentiles as perishing fromdiseases of the soul . Then was it not His work , as a physician , to go to thevery class that needed His help ? But although the Pharisees thought so highly of themselves , they were reallyin a worse condition than the ones they despised . The publicans were lessbigoted and self - sufficient , and thus were more open to the influence oftruth . Jesus said to the rabbis , " Go ye and learn what that meaneth , I willhave mercy , and not sacrifice . " Thus He showed that while they claimed toexpound the word of God , they were wholly ignorant of its spirit . The Pharisees were silenced for the time , but only became more determined intheir enmity . They next sought out the disciples of John the Baptist , andtried to set them against the Saviour . These Pharisees had not accepted themission of the Baptist . They had pointed in scorn to his abstemious life , his simple habits , his coarse garments , and had declared him a fanatic . Because he denounced their hypocrisy , they had resisted his words , and hadtried to stir up the people against him . The 276 Spirit of God had moved upon the hearts of these scorners , convicting themof sin ; but they had rejected the counsel of God , and had declared that Johnwas possessed of a devil . Now when Jesus came mingling with the people , eating and drinking at theirtables , they accused Him of being a glutton and a winebibber . The very oneswho made this charge were themselves guilty . As God is misrepresented , andclothed by Satan with his own attributes , so the Lord ' s messengers werefalsified by these wicked men . The Pharisees would not consider that Jesus was eating with publicans andsinners in order to bring the light of heaven to those who sat in darkness . They would not see that every word dropped by the divine Teacher was aliving seed that would germinate and bear fruit to the glory of God . Theyhad determined not to accept the light ; and although they had opposed themission of the Baptist , they were now ready to court the friendship of hisdisciples , hoping to secure their co - operation against Jesus . Theyrepresented that Jesus was setting at nought the ancient traditions ; andthey contrasted the austere piety of the Baptist with the course of Jesus infeasting with publicans and sinners . The disciples of John were at this time in great sorrow . It was before theirvisit to Jesus with John ' s message . Their beloved teacher was in prison , andthey passed their days in mourning . And Jesus was making no effort torelease John , and even appeared to cast discredit on his teaching . If Johnhad been sent by God , why did Jesus and His disciples pursue a course sowidely different ? The disciples of John had not a clear understanding of Christ ' s work ; theythought there might be some foundation for the charges of the Pharisees . They observed many of the rules prescribed by the rabbis , and even hoped tobe justified by the works of the law . Fasting was practiced by the Jews asan act of merit , and the most rigid among them fasted two days in everyweek . The Pharisees and John ' s disciples were fasting when the latter cameto Jesus with the inquiry , " Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft , but Thydisciples fast not ? " Very tenderly Jesus answered them . He did not try to correct their erroneousconception of fasting , but only to set them right in regard to His ownmission . And He did this by employing the same figure that the Baptisthimself had used in his testimony to Jesus . John had said , " He that hath thebride is the bridegroom : but the friend of the bridegroom , which standethand heareth him , rejoiceth greatly because of 277 the bridegroom ' s voice : this my joy therefore is fulfilled . " John 3 : 29 . Thedisciples of John could not fail to recall these words of their teacher , as , taking up the illustration , Jesus said , " Can ye make the children of thebridechamber fast , while the bridegroom is with them ? " The Prince of heaven was among His people . The greatest gift of God had beengiven to the world . Joy to the poor ; for Christ had come to make them heirsof His kingdom . Joy to the rich ; for He would teach them how to secureeternal riches . Joy to the ignorant ; He would make them wise unto salvation . Joy to the learned ; He would open to them deeper mysteries than they hadever fathomed ; truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the worldwould be opened to men by the Saviour ' s mission . John the Baptist had rejoiced to behold the Saviour . What occasion forrejoicing had the disciples who were privileged to walk and talk with theMajesty of heaven ! This was not a time for them to mourn and fast . They mustopen their hearts to receive the light of His glory , that they might shedlight upon those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death . It was a bright picture which the words of Christ had called up , but acrossit lay a heavy shadow , which His eye alone discerned . " The days will come , " He said , " when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them , and then shallthey fast in those days . " When they should see their Lord betrayed andcrucified , the disciples would mourn and fast . In His last words to them inthe upper chamber , He said , " A little while , and ye shall not see Me : andagain , a little while , and ye shall see Me . Verily , verily , I say unto you , That ye shall weep and lament , but the world shall rejoice : and ye shall besorrowful , but your sorrow shall be turned into joy . " John 16 : 19 , 20 . When He should come forth from the tomb , their sorrow would be turned tojoy . After His ascension He was to be absent in person ; but through theComforter He would still be with them , and they were not to spend their timein mourning . This was what Satan wanted . He desired them to give the worldthe impression that they had been deceived and disappointed ; but by faiththey were to look to the sanctuary above , where Jesus was ministering forthem ; they were to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit , His representative , and to rejoice in the light of His presence . Yet days of temptation andtrial would come , when they would be brought into conflict with the rulersof this world , and the leaders of the kingdom of darkness ; when Christ wasnot personally 278 with them , and they failed to discern the Comforter , then it would be morefitting for them to fast . The Pharisees sought to exalt themselves by their rigorous observance offorms , while their hearts were filled with envy and strife . " Behold , " saysthe Scripture , " ye fast for strife and debate , and to smite with the fist ofwickedness : ye shall not fast as ye do this day , to make your voice to beheard on high . Is it such a fast that I have chosen ? a day for a man toafflict his soul ? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush , and to spreadsackcloth and ashes under him ? wilt thou call this a fast , and an acceptableday to the Lord ? " Isa . 58 : 4 , 5 . The true fast is no mere formal service . The Scripture describes the fastthat God has chosen , --" to loose the bands of wickedness , to undo the heavyburdens , and to let the oppressed go free , and that ye break every yoke ;" to " draw out thy soul to the hungry , and satisfy the afflicted soul . " Isa . 58 : 6 , 10 . Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work ofChrist . His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of theworld . Whether fasting in the wilderness of temptation or eating with thepublicans at Matthew ' s feast , He was giving His life for the redemption ofthe lost . Not in idle mourning , in mere bodily humiliation and multitudinoussacrifices , is the true spirit of devotion manifested , but it is shown inthe surrender of self in willing service to God and man . Continuing His answer to the disciples of John , Jesus spoke a parable , saying , " No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old ; if otherwise , then both the new maketh a rent , and the piece that was taken out of the newagreeth not with the old . " The message of John the Baptist was not to beinterwoven with tradition and superstition . An attempt to blend the pretenseof the Pharisees with the devotion of John would only make more evident thebreach between them . Nor could the principles of Christ ' s teaching be united with the forms ofPharisaism . Christ was not to close up the breach that had been made by theteachings of John . He would make more distinct the separation between theold and the new . Jesus further illustrated this fact , saying , " No manputteth new wine into old bottles ; else the new wine will burst the bottles , and be spilled , and the bottles shall perish . " The skin bottles which wereused as vessels to contain the new wine , after a time became dry andbrittle , and were then worthless to serve the same purpose again . In thisfamiliar illustration Jesus presented the condition of the Jewish leaders . Priests and scribes and rulers were 279 fixed in a rut of ceremonies and traditions . Their hearts had becomecontracted , like the dried - up wine skins to which He had compared them . While they remained satisfied with a legal religion , it was impossible forthem to become the depositaries of the living truth of heaven . They thoughttheir own righteousness all - sufficient , and did not desire that a newelement should be brought into their religion . The good will of God to menthey did not accept as something apart from themselves . They connected itwith their own merit because of their good works . The faith that works bylove and purifies the soul could find no place for union with the religionof the Pharisees , made up of ceremonies and the injunctions of men . Theeffort to unite the teachings of Jesus with the established religion wouldbe vain . The vital truth of God , like fermenting wine , would burst the old , decaying bottles of the Pharisaical tradition . The Pharisees thought themselves too wise to need instruction , too righteousto need salvation , too highly honored to need the honor that comes fromChrist . The Saviour turned away from them to find others who would receivethe message of heaven . In the untutored fishermen , in the publican at themarket place , in the woman of Samaria , in the common people who heard Himgladly , He found His new bottles for the new wine . The instrumentalities tobe used in the gospel work are those souls who gladly receive the lightwhich God sends them . These are His agencies for imparting the knowledge oftruth to the world . If through the grace of Christ His people will becomenew bottles , He will fill them with new wine . The teaching of Christ , though it was represented by the new wine , was not anew doctrine , but the revelation of that which had been taught from thebeginning . But to the Pharisees the truth of God had lost its originalsignificance and beauty . To them Christ ' s teaching was new in almost everyrespect , and it was unrecognized and unacknowledged . Jesus pointed out the power of false teaching to destroy the appreciationand desire for truth . " No man , " He said , " having drunk old wine straightwaydesireth new : for he saith , The old is better . " All the truth that has beengiven to the world through patriarchs and prophets shone out in new beautyin the words of Christ . But the scribes and Pharisees had no desire for theprecious new wine . Until emptied of the old traditions , customs , andpractices , they had no place in mind or heart for the teachings of Christ . They clung to the dead forms , and turned away from the living truth and thepower of God . 280 It was this that proved the ruin of the Jews , and it will prove the ruin ofmany souls in our own day . Thousands are making the same mistake as did thePharisees whom Christ reproved at Matthew ' s feast . Rather than give up somecherished idea , or discard some idol of opinion , many refuse the truth whichcomes down from the Father of light . They trust in self , and depend upontheir own wisdom , and do not realize their spiritual poverty . They insist onbeing saved in some way by which they may perform some important work . Whenthey see that there is no way of weaving self into the work , they reject thesalvation provided . A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ ; for it is a loveless , Christless religion . Fasting or prayer that is actuated by a self - justifyingspirit is an abomination in the sight of God . The solemn assembly forworship , the round of religious ceremonies , the external humiliation , theimposing sacrifice , proclaim that the doer of these things regards himselfas righteous , and as entitled to heaven ; but it is all a deception . Our ownworks can never purchase salvation . As it was in the days of Christ , so it is now ; the Pharisees do not knowtheir spiritual destitution . To them comes the message , " Because thousayest , I am rich , and increased with goods , and have need of nothing ; andknowest not that thou art wretched , and miserable , and poor , and blind , andnaked : I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire , that thou mayestbe rich ; and white raiment , that thou mayest be clothed , and that the shameof thy nakedness do not appear . " Rev . 3 : 17 , 18 . Faith and love are the goldtried in the fire . But with many the gold has become dim , and the richtreasure has been lost . The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robeunworn , a fountain untouched . To them it is said , " I have somewhat againstthee , because thou hast left thy first love . Remember therefore from whencethou art fallen , and repent , and do the first works ; or else I will comeunto thee quickly , and will remove thy candlestick out of his place , exceptthou repent . " Rev . 2 : 4 , 5 . " The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a broken and a contrite heart , OGod , Thou wilt not despise . " Ps . 51 : 17 . Man must be emptied of self beforehe can be , in the fullest sense , a believer in Jesus . When self isrenounced , then the Lord can make man a new creature . New bottles cancontain the new wine . The love of Christ will animate the believer with newlife . In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith thecharacter of Christ will be manifest . ( 281 ) Chapter 29 The Sabbath The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation . As ordained for man , it had itsorigin when " the morning stars sang together , and all the sons of Godshouted for joy . " Job 38 : 7 . Peace brooded over the world ; for earth was inharmony with heaven . " God saw everything that He had made , and , behold , itwas very good ;" and He rested in the joy of His completed work . Gen . 1 : 31 . Because He had rested upon the Sabbath , " God blessed the seventh day , andsanctified it , "-- set it apart to a holy use . He gave it to Adam as a day ofrest . It was a memorial of the work of creation , and thus a sign of God ' spower and His love . The Scripture says , " He hath made His wonderful works tobe remembered . " " The things that are made , " declare " the invisible things ofHim since the creation of the world , " " even His everlasting power anddivinity . " Gen . 2 : 3 ; Ps . 111 : 4 ; Rom . 1 : 20 , R . V . All things were created by the Son of God . " In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God . . . . All things were made by Him ; and withoutHim was not anything made that was made . " John 1 : 1 - 3 . And since the Sabbathis a memorial of the work of creation , it is a token of the love and powerof Christ . The Sabbath calls our thoughts to nature , and brings us into communion withthe Creator . In the song of the bird , the sighing of the trees , and themusic of the sea , we still may hear His voice who talked 282 with Adam in Eden in the cool of the day . And as we behold His power innature we find comfort , for the word that created all things is that whichspeaks life to the soul . He " who commanded the light to shine out ofdarkness , hath shined in our hearts , to give the light of the knowledge ofthe glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ . " 2 Cor . 4 : 6 . It was this thought that awoke the song , -- " Thou , Lord , hast made me glad through Thy work ; I will triumph in the works of Thy hands . O Lord , how great are Thy works ! And Thy thoughts are very deep . " Ps . 92 : 4 , 5 . And the Holy Spirit through the prophet Isaiah declares : " To whom then willye liken God ? or what likeness will ye compare unto Him ? . . . Have ye notknown ? have ye not heard ? hath it not been told you from the beginning ? haveye not understood from the foundations of the earth ? It is He that sittethupon the circle of the earth , and the inhabitants thereof are asgrasshoppers ; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain , and spreadeththem out as a tent to dwell in . . . . To whom then will ye liken Me , orshall I be equal ? saith the Holy one . Lift up your eyes on high , and beholdwho hath created these things , that bringeth out their host by number : Hecalleth them all by names by the greatness of His might , for that He isstrong in power ; not one faileth . Why sayest thou , O Jacob , and speakest , OIsrael , My way is hid from the Lord , and my judgment is passed over from myGod ? Hast thou not known ? hast thou not heard , that the everlasting God , theLord , the Creator of the ends of the earth , fainteth not , neither is weary ? . . . He giveth power to the faint ; and to them that have no 283 might He increaseth strength . " " Fear thou not ; for I am with thee : be notdismayed ; for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee ; yea , I will help thee ; yea , I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness . " " Look untoMe , and be ye saved , all the ends of the earth : for I am God , and there isnone else . " This is the message written in nature , which the Sabbath isappointed to keep in memory . When the Lord bade Israel hallow His Sabbaths , He said , " They shall be a sign between Me and you , that ye may know that Iam Jehovah your God . " Isa . 40 : 18 - 29 ; 41 : 10 ; 45 : 22 ; Ezek . 20 : 20 , R . V . The Sabbath was embodied in the law given from Sinai ; but it was not thenfirst made known as a day of rest . The people of Israel had a knowledge ofit before they came to Sinai . on the way thither the Sabbath was kept . Whensome profaned it , the Lord reproved them , saying , " How long refuse ye tokeep My commandments and My laws ? " Ex . 16 : 28 . The Sabbath was not for Israel merely , but for the world . It had been madeknown to man in Eden , and , like the other precepts of the Decalogue , it isof imperishable obligation . Of that law of which the fourth commandmentforms a part , Christ declares , " Till heaven and earth pass , one jot or onetittle shall in nowise pass from the law . " So long as the heavens and theearth endure , the Sabbath will continue as a sign of the Creator ' s power . And when Eden shall bloom on earth again , God ' s holy rest day will behonored by all beneath the sun . " From one Sabbath to another " theinhabitants of the glorified new earth shall go up " to worship before Me , saith the Lord . " Matt . 5 : 18 ; Isa . 66 : 23 . No other institution which was committed to the Jews tended so fully todistinguish them from surrounding nations as did the Sabbath . God designedthat its observance should designate them as His worshipers . It was to be atoken of their separation from idolatry , and their connection with the trueGod . But in order to keep the Sabbath holy , men must themselves be holy . Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ . When the command was given to Israel , " Remember the Sabbath day , to keep itholy , " the Lord said also to them , " Ye shall be holy men unto Me . " Ex . 20 : 8 ; 22 : 31 . only thus could the Sabbath distinguish Israel as the worshipers ofGod . As the Jews departed from God , and failed to make the righteousness ofChrist their own by faith , the Sabbath lost its significance to them . Satanwas seeking to exalt himself and to draw men away from Christ , and he workedto pervert the Sabbath , because it is the sign of the 284 power of Christ . The Jewish leaders accomplished the will of Satan bysurrounding God ' s rest day with burdensome requirements . In the days ofChrist the Sabbath had become so perverted that its observance reflected thecharacter of selfish and arbitrary men rather than the character of theloving heavenly Father . The rabbis virtually represented God as giving lawswhich it was impossible for men to obey . They led the people to look uponGod as a tyrant , and to think that the observance of the Sabbath , as Herequired it , made men hard - hearted and cruel . It was the work of Christ toclear away these misconceptions . Although the rabbis followed Him withmerciless hostility , He did not even appear to conform to theirrequirements , but went straight forward , keeping the Sabbath according tothe law of God . Upon one Sabbath day , as the Saviour and His disciples returned from theplace of worship , they passed through a field of ripening grain . Jesus hadcontinued His work to a late hour , and while passing through the fields , thedisciples began to gather the heads of grain , and to eat the kernels afterrubbing them in their hands . on any other day this act would have excited nocomment , for one passing through a field of grain , an orchard , or avineyard , was at liberty to gather what he desired to eat . See Deut . 23 : 24 , 25 . But to do this on the Sabbath was held to be an act of desecration . Notonly was the gathering of the grain a kind of reaping , but the rubbing of itin the hands was a kind of threshing . Thus , in the opinion of the rabbis , there was a double offense . The spies at once complained to Jesus , saying , " Behold , Thy disciples dothat which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day . " When accused of Sabbathbreaking at Bethesda , Jesus defended Himself byaffirming His Sonship to God , and declaring that He worked in harmony withthe Father . Now that the disciples are attacked , He cites 285 His accusers to examples from the Old Testament , acts performed on theSabbath by those who were in the service of God . The Jewish teachers prided themselves on their knowledge of the Scriptures , and in the Saviour ' s answer there was an implied rebuke for their ignoranceof the Sacred Writings . " Have ye not read so much as this , " He said , " whatDavid did , when himself was an hungered , and they which were with him ; howhe went into the house of God , and did take and eat the shewbread , . . . which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone ? " " And He said untothem , The Sabbath was made for man , and not man for the Sabbath . " " Have yenot read in the law , how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the templeprofane the Sabbath , and are blameless ? But I say unto you , That in thisplace is one greater than the temple . " " The Son of man is Lord also of theSabbath . " Luke 6 : 3 , 4 ; Mark 2 : 27 , 28 ; Matt . 12 : 5 , 6 . If it was right for David to satisfy his hunger by eating of the bread thathad been set apart to a holy use , then it was right for the disciples tosupply their need by plucking the grain upon the sacred hours of theSabbath . Again , the priests in the temple performed greater labor on theSabbath than upon other days . The same labor in secular business would besinful ; but the work of the priests was in the service of God . They wereperforming those rites that pointed to the redeeming power of Christ , andtheir labor was in harmony with the object of the Sabbath . But now ChristHimself had come . The disciples , in doing the work of Christ , were engagedin God ' s service , and that which was necessary for the accomplishment ofthis work it was right to do on the Sabbath day . Christ would teach His disciples and His enemies that the service of God isfirst of all . The object of God ' s work in this world is the redemption ofman ; therefore that which is necessary to be done on the Sabbath in theaccomplishment of this work is in accord with the Sabbath law . Jesus thencrowned His argument by declaring Himself the " Lord of the Sabbath , "-- Oneabove all question and above all law . This infinite Judge acquits thedisciples of blame , appealing to the very statutes they are accused ofviolating . Jesus did not let the matter pass with administering a rebuke to Hisenemies . He declared that in their blindness they had mistaken the object ofthe Sabbath . He said , " If ye had known what this meaneth , I will have mercy , and not sacrifice , ye would not have condemned the guiltless . " Matt . 12 : 7 . Their many heartless rites could not supply the 286 lack of that truthful integrity and tender love which will ever characterizethe true worshiper of God . Again Christ reiterated the truth that the sacrifices were in themselves ofno value . They were a means , and not an end . Their object was to direct mento the Saviour , and thus to bring them into harmony with God . It is theservice of love that God values . When this is lacking , the mere round ofceremony is an offense to Him . So with the Sabbath . It was designed to bringmen into communion with God ; but when the mind was absorbed with wearisomerites , the object of the Sabbath was thwarted . Its mere outward observancewas a mockery . Upon another Sabbath , as Jesus entered a synagogue . He saw there a man whohad a withered hand . The Pharisees watched Him , eager to see what He woulddo . The Saviour well knew that in healing on the Sabbath He would beregarded as a transgressor , but He did not hesitate to break down the wallof traditional requirements that barricaded the Sabbath . Jesus bade theafflicted man stand forth , and then asked , " It is lawful to do good on theSabbath days , or to do evil ? to save life , or to kill ? " It was a maxim amongthe Jews that a failure to do good , when one had opportunity , was to doevil ; to neglect to save life was to kill . Thus Jesus met the rabbis ontheir own ground . " But they held their peace . And when He had looked roundabout on them with anger , being grieved for the hardness of their hearts , Hesaith unto the man , Stretch forth thine hand . And he stretched it out : andhis hand was restored whole as the other . " Mark 3 : 4 , 5 . When questioned , " Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days ? " Jesus answered , " What man shall there be among you , that shall have one sheep , and if itfall into a pit on the Sabbath day , will he not lay hold on it , and lift itout ? How much then is a man better than a sheep ? Wherefore it is lawful todo well on the Sabbath days . " Matt . 12 : 10 - 12 . The spies dared not answer Christ in the presence of the multitude , for fearof involving themselves in difficulty . They knew that He had spoken thetruth . Rather than violate their traditions , they would leave a man tosuffer , while they would relieve a brute because of the loss to the owner ifit were neglected . Thus greater care was shown for a dumb animal than forman , who is made in the image of God . This illustrates the working of allfalse religions . They originate in man ' s desire to exalt himself above God , but they result in degrading man 287 below the brute . Every religion that wars against the sovereignty of Goddefrauds man of the glory which was his at the creation , and which is to berestored to him in Christ . Every false religion teaches its adherents to becareless of human needs , sufferings , and rights . The gospel places a highvalue upon humanity as the purchase of the blood of Christ , and it teaches atender regard for the wants and woes of man . The Lord says , " I will make aman more precious than fine gold ; even a man than the golden wedge ofOphir . " Isa . 13 : 12 . When Jesus turned upon the Pharisees with the question whether it was lawfulon the Sabbath day to do good or to do evil , to save life or to kill , Heconfronted them with their own wicked purposes . They were hunting His lifewith bitter hatred , while He was saving life and bringing happiness tomultitudes . Was it better to slay upon the Sabbath , as they were planning todo , than to heal the afflicted , as He had done ? Was it more righteous tohave murder in the heart upon God ' s holy day than love to all men , whichfinds ｅxpression in deeds of mercy ? In the healing of the withered hand , Jesus condemned the custom of the Jews , and left the fourth commandment standing as God had given it . " It is lawfulto do well on the Sabbath days , " He declared . By sweeping away the senselessrestrictions of the Jews , Christ honored the Sabbath , while those whocomplained of Him were dishonoring God ' s holy day . Those who hold that Christ abolished the law teach that He broke the Sabbathand justified His disciples in doing the same . Thus they are really takingthe same ground as did the caviling Jews . In this they contradict thetestimony of Christ Himself , who declared , " I have kept My Father ' scommandments , and abide in His love . " John 15 : 10 . Neither the Saviour norHis followers broke the law of the Sabbath . Christ was a livingrepresentative of the law . No violation of its holy precepts was found inHis life . Looking upon a nation of witnesses who were seeking occasion tocondemn Him , He could say unchallenged , " Which of you convicteth Me of sin ? " John 8 : 46 , R . V . The Saviour had not come to set aside what patriarchs and prophets hadspoken ; for He Himself had spoken through these representative men . All thetruths of God ' s word came from Him . But these priceless gems had been placedin false settings . Their precious light had been made to minister to error . God desired them to be removed from their 288 settings of error and replaced in the framework of truth . This work only adivine hand could accomplish . By its connection with error , the truth hadbeen serving the cause of the enemy of God and man . Christ had come to placeit where it would glorify God , and work the salvation of humanity . " The Sabbath was made for man , and not man for the Sabbath , " Jesus said . Theinstitutions that God has established are for the benefit of mankind . " Allthings are for your sakes . " " Whether Paul , or Apollos , or Cephas , or theworld , or life , or death , or things present , or things to come ; all areyours ; and ye are Christ ' s ; and Christ is God ' s . " 2 Cor . 4 : 15 ; 1 Cor . 3 : 22 , 23 . The law of Ten Commandments , of whichthe Sabbath forms a part , God gave to His people as a blessing . " The Lordcommanded us , " said Moses , " to do all these statutes , to fear the Lord ourGod , for our good always , that He might preserve us alive . " Deut . 6 : 24 . Andthrough the psalmist the message was given to Israel , " Serve the Lord withgladness : come before His presence with singing . Know ye that the Lord He isGod : it is He that hath made us , and not we ourselves ; we are His people , and the sheep of His pasture . Enter into His gates with thanksgiving , andinto His courts with praise . " Ps . 100 : 2 - 4 . And of all who keep " the Sabbathfrom polluting it , " the Lord declares , " Even them will I bring to My holymountain , and make them joyful in My house of prayer . " Isa . 56 : 6 , 7 . " Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath . " These words are fullof instruction and comfort . Because the Sabbath was made for man , it is theLord ' s day . It belongs to Christ . For " all things were made by Him ; andwithout Him was not anything made that was made . " John 1 : 3 . Since He madeall things , He made the Sabbath . By Him it was set apart as a memorial ofthe work of creation . It points to Him as both the Creator and theSanctifier . It declares that He who created all things in heaven and inearth , and by whom all things hold together , is the head of the church , andthat by His power we are reconciled to God . For , speaking of Israel , Hesaid , " I gave them My Sabbaths , to be a sign between Me and them , that theymight know that I am the Lord that sanctify them , "-- make them holy . Ezek . 20 : 12 . Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ ' s power to make us holy . And itis given to all whom Christ makes holy . As a sign of His sanctifying power , the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israelof God . 289 And the Lord says , " If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath , from doingthy pleasure on My holy day ; and call the Sabbath a delight , the holy of theLord , honorable ; . . . then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord . " Isa . 58 : 13 , 14 . To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ ' s creative andredeeming power , it will be a delight . Seeing Christ in it , they delightthemselves in Him . The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as anevidence of His mighty power in redemption . While it calls to mind the lostpeace of Eden , it tells of peace restored through the Saviour . And everyobject in nature repeats His invitation , " Come unto Me , all ye that laborand are heavy - laden , and I will give you rest . " Matt 11 : 28 . ( 290 ) Chapter 30 " He Ordained Twelve " [ This chapter is based on Mark 3 : 13 - 19 ; Luke 6 : 12 - 16 . ] " And He goeth up into a mountain , and calleth unto Him whom He would : andthey came unto Him . And He ordained twelve , that they should be with Him , and that He might send them forth to preach . " It was beneath the sheltering trees of the mountainside , but a littledistance from the Sea of Galilee , that the twelve were called to theapostolate , and the Sermon on the Mount was given . The fields and hills werethe favorite resorts of Jesus , and much of His teaching was given under theopen sky , rather than in the temple or the synagogues . No synagogue couldhave received the throngs that followed Him ; but not for this reason onlydid He choose to teach in the fields and groves . Jesus loved the scenes ofnature . To Him each quiet retreat was a sacred temple . It was under the trees of Eden that the first dwellers on earth had chosentheir sanctuary . There Christ had communed with the father of mankind . Whenbanished from Paradise , our first parents still worshiped in the fields andgroves , and there Christ met them with the gospel of His grace . It wasChrist who spoke with Abraham under the 291 oaks at Mamre ; with Isaac as he went out to pray in the fields at theeventide ; with Jacob on the hillside at Bethel ; with Moses among themountains of Midian ; and with the boy David as he watched his flocks . It wasat Christ ' s direction that for fifteen centuries the Hebrew people had lefttheir homes for one week every year , and had dwelt in booths formed from thegreen branches " of goodly trees , branches of palm trees , and boughs of thicktrees , and willows of the brook . " Lev . 23 : 40 . In training His disciples , Jesus chose to withdraw from the confusion of thecity to the quiet of the fields and hills , as more in harmony with thelessons of self - abnegation He desired to teach them . And during His ministryHe loved to gather the people about Him under the blue heavens , on somegrassy hillside , or on the beach beside the lake . Here , surrounded by theworks of His own creation , He could turn the thoughts of His hearers fromthe artificial to the natural . In the growth and development of nature wererevealed the principles of His kingdom . As men should lift up their eyes tothe hills of God , and behold the wonderful works of His hands , they couldlearn precious lessons of divine truth . Christ ' s teaching would be repeatedto them in the things of nature . So it is with all who go into the fieldswith Christ in their hearts . They will feel themselves surrounded with aholy influence . The things of nature take up the parables of our Lord , andrepeat His counsels . By communion with God in nature , the mind is uplifted , and the heart finds rest . The first step was now to be taken in the organization of the church thatafter Christ ' s departure was to be His representative on earth . No costlysanctuary was at their command , but the Saviour led His disciples to theretreat He loved , and in their minds the sacred experiences of that day wereforever linked with the beauty of mountain and vale and sea . Jesus had called His disciples that He might send them forth as Hiswitnesses , to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of Him . Their office was the most important to which human beings had ever beencalled , and was second only to that of Christ Himself . They were to beworkers together with God for the saving of the world . As in the OldTestament the twelve patriarchs stand as representatives of Israel , so thetwelve apostles were to stand as representatives of the gospel church . The Saviour knew the character of the men whom He had chosen ; all theirweaknesses and errors were open before Him ; He knew the 292 perils through which they must pass , the responsibility that would rest uponthem ; and His heart yearned over these chosen ones . Alone upon a mountainnear the Sea of Galilee He spent the entire night in prayer for them , whilethey were sleeping at the foot of the mountain . With the first light of dawnHe summoned them to meet Him ; for He had something of importance tocommunicate to them . These disciples had been for some time associated with Jesus in activelabor . John and James , Andrew and Peter , with Philip , Nathanael , andMatthew , had been more closely connected with Him than the others , and hadwitnessed more of His miracles . Peter , James , and John stood in still nearerrelationship to Him . They were almost constantly with Him , witnessing Hismiracles , and hearing His words . John pressed into still closer intimacywith Jesus , so that he is distinguished as the one whom Jesus loved . TheSaviour loved them all , but John ' s was the most receptive spirit . He wasyounger than the others , and with more of the child ' s confiding trust heopened his heart to Jesus . Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ , andthrough him the Saviour ' s deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to Hispeople . At the head of one of the groups into which the apostles are divided standsthe name of Philip . He was the first disciple to whom Jesus addressed thedistinct command , " Follow Me . " Philip was of Bethsaida , the city of Andrewand Peter . He had listened to the teaching of John the Baptist , and hadheard his announcement of Christ as the Lamb of God . Philip was a sincereseeker for truth , but he was slow of heart to believe . Although he hadjoined himself to Christ , yet his announcement of Him to Nathanael showsthat he was not fully convinced of the divinity of Jesus . Though Christ hadbeen proclaimed by the voice from heaven as the Son of God , to Philip He was " Jesus of Nazareth , the son of Joseph . " John 1 : 45 . Again , when the fivethousand were 293 fed , Philip ' s lack of faith was shown . It was to test him that Jesusquestioned , " Whence shall we buy bread , that these may eat ? " Philip ' s answerwas on the side of unbelief : " Two hundred pennyworth of bread is notsufficient for them , that every one of them may take a little . " John 6 : 5 , 7 . Jesus was grieved . Although Philip had seen His works and felt His power , yet he had not faith . When the Greeks inquired of Philip concerning Jesus , he did not seize upon the opportunity of introducing them to the Saviour , but he went to tell Andrew . Again , in those last hours before thecrucifixion , the words of Philip were such as to discourage faith . WhenThomas said to Jesus , " Lord , we know not whither Thou goest ; and how can weknow the way ? " the Saviour answered , " I am the Way , the Truth , and the Life . . . . If ye had known Me , ye should have known My Father also . " From Philipcame the response of unbelief : " Lord , show us the Father , and it sufficethus . " John 14 : 5 - 8 . So slow of heart , so weak in faith , was that disciple whofor three years had been with Jesus . In happy contrast to Philip ' s unbelief was the childlike trust of Nathanael . He was a man of intensely earnest nature , one whose faith took hold uponunseen realities . Yet Philip was a student in the school of Christ , and thedivine Teacher bore patiently with his unbelief and dullness . When the HolySpirit was poured out upon the disciples , Philip became a teacher after thedivine order . He knew whereof he spoke , and he taught with an assurance thatcarried conviction to the hearers . While Jesus was preparing the disciples for their ordination , one who hadnot been summoned urged his presence among them . It was Judas Iscariot , aman who professed to be a follower of Christ . He now came forward , soliciting a place in this inner circle of disciples . With great earnestnessand apparent sincerity he declared , " Master , I will follow Theewhithersoever Thou goest . " Jesus neither repulsed nor welcomed him , bututtered only the mournful words : " The foxes have holes , and the birds of theair have nests ; but the Son of man 294 hath not where to lay His head . " Matt . 8 : 19 , 20 . Judas believed Jesus to bethe Messiah ; and by joining the apostles , he hoped to secure a high positionin the new kingdom . This hope Jesus designed to cut off by the statement ofHis poverty . The disciples were anxious that Judas should become one of their number . Hewas of commanding appearance , a man of keen discernment and executiveability , and they commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist Himin His work . They were surprised that Jesus received him so coolly . The disciples had been much disappointed that Jesus had not tried to securethe co - operation of the leaders in Israel . They felt that it was a mistakenot to strengthen His cause by securing the support of these influentialmen . If He had repulsed Judas , they would , in their own minds , havequestioned the wisdom of their Master . The after history of Judas would showthem the danger of allowing any worldly consideration to have weight indeciding the fitness of men for the work of God . The co - operation of suchmen as the disciples were anxious to secure would have betrayed the workinto the hands of its worst enemies . Yet when Judas joined the disciples , he was not insensible to the beauty ofthe character of Christ . He felt the influence of that divine power whichwas drawing souls to the Saviour . He who came not to break the bruised reednor quench the smoking flax would not repulse this soul while even onedesire was reaching toward the light . The Saviour read the heart of Judas ; He knew the depths of iniquity to which , unless delivered by the grace ofGod , Judas would sink . In connecting this man with Himself , He placed himwhere he might , day by day , be brought in contact with the outflowing of Hisown unselfish love . If he would open his heart to Christ , divine grace wouldbanish the demon of selfishness , and even Judas might become a subject ofthe kingdom of God . God takes men as they are , with the human elements in their character , andtrains them for His service , if they will be disciplined and learn of Him . They are not chosen because they are perfect , but notwithstanding theirimperfections , that through the knowledge and practice of the truth , throughthe grace of Christ , they may become transformed into His image . Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples . He listened tothe same precious lessons . But the practice of the truth , 295 which Christ required , was at variance with the desires and purposes ofJudas , and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom fromHeaven . How tenderly the Saviour dealt with him who was to be His betrayer ! In Histeaching , Jesus dwelt upon principles of benevolence that struck at the veryroot of covetousness . He presented before Judas the heinous character ofgreed , and many a time the disciple realized that his character had beenportrayed , and his sin pointed out ; but he would not confess and forsake hisunrighteousness . He was self - sufficient , and instead of resistingtemptation , he continued to follow his fraudulent practices . Christ wasbefore him , a living example of what he must become if he reaped the benefitof the divine mediation and ministry ; but lesson after lesson fell unheededon the ears of Judas . Jesus dealt him no sharp rebuke for his covetousness , but with divinepatience bore with this erring man , even while giving him evidence that Heread his heart as an open book . He presented before him the highestincentives for right doing ; and in rejecting the light of Heaven , Judaswould be without excuse . Instead of walking in the light , Judas chose to retain his defects . Evildesires , revengeful passions , dark and sullen thoughts , were cherished , until Satan had full control of the man . Judas became a representative ofthe enemy of Christ . When he came into association with Jesus , he had some precious traits ofcharacter that might have been made a blessing to the church . If he had beenwilling to wear the yoke of Christ , he might have been among the chief ofthe apostles ; but he hardened his heart when his defects were pointed out , and in pride and rebellion chose his own selfish ambitions , and thusunfitted himself for the work that God would have given him to do . All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service . Even John , who came into closest association with the meek and lowly one , was not himself naturally meek and yielding . He and his brother were called " the sons of thunder . " While they were with Jesus , any slight shown to Himaroused their indignation and combativeness . Evil temper , revenge , thespirit of criticism , were all in the beloved disciple . He was proud , andambitious to be first in the kingdom of God . But day by day , in contrastwith his own violent spirit , he beheld the tenderness and forbearance ofJesus , and heard His lessons of humility and patience . He opened his heartto the divine influence , 296 and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Saviour ' s words . Self was hidin Christ . He learned to wear the yoke of Christ and to bear His burden . Jesus reproved His disciples , He warned and cautioned them ; but John and hisbrethren did not leave Him ; they chose Jesus , notwithstanding the reproofs . The Saviour did not withdraw from them because of their weakness and errors . They continued to the end to share His trials and to learn the lessons ofHis life . By beholding Christ , they became transformed in character . The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition . There were thepublican , Levi - Matthew , and the fiery zealot Simon , the uncompromising haterof the authority of Rome ; the generous , impulsive Peter , and themean - spirited Judas ; Thomas , truehearted , yet timid and fearful , Philip , slow of heart , and inclined to doubt , and the ambitious , outspoken sons ofZebedee , with their brethren . These were brought together , with theirdifferent faults , all with inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil ; butin and through Christ they were to dwell in the family of God , learning tobecome one in faith , in doctrine , in spirit . They would have their tests , their grievances , their differences of opinion ; but while Christ was abidingin the heart , there could be no dissension . His love would lead to love forone another ; the lessons of the Master would lead to the harmonizing of alldifferences , bringing the disciples into unity , till they would be of onemind and one judgment . Christ is the great center , and they would approachone another just in proportion as they approached the center . When Jesus had ended His instruction to the disciples , He gathered thelittle band close about Him , and kneeling in the midst of them , and layingHis hands upon their heads , He offered a prayer dedicating them to Hissacred work . Thus the Lord ' s disciples were ordained to the gospel ministry . As His representatives among men , Christ does not choose angels who havenever fallen , but human beings , men of like passions with those they seek tosave . Christ took upon Himself humanity , that He might reach humanity . Divinity needed humanity ; for it required both the divine and the human tobring salvation to the world . Divinity needed humanity , that humanity mightafford a channel of communication between God and man . So with the servantsand messengers of Christ . Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself , to restore him to the likeness of God , and enable him to do the work of God ; but this 297 does not make the human agency unessential . Humanity lays hold upon divinepower , Christ dwells in the heart by faith ; and through co - operation withthe divine , the power of man becomes efficient for good . He who called the fisherman of Galilee is still calling men to His service . And He is just as willing to manifest His power through us as through thefirst disciples . However imperfect and sinful we may be , the Lord holds outto us the offer of partnership with Himself , of apprenticeship to Christ . Heinvites us to come under the divine instruction , that , uniting with Christ , we may work the works of God . " We have this treasure in earthen vessels , that the exceeding greatness ofthe power may be of God , and not from ourselves . " 2 Cor . 4 : 7 , R . V . This iswhy the preaching of the gospel was committed to erring men rather than tothe angels . It is manifest that the power which works through the weaknessof humanity is the power of God ; and thus we are encouraged to believe thatthe power which can help others as weak as ourselves can help us . And thosewho are themselves " compassed with infirmity " should be able to " havecompassion on the ignorant , and on them that are out of the way . " Heb . 5 : 2 . Having been in peril themselves , they are acquainted with the dangers anddifficulties of the way , and for this reason are called to reach out forothers in like peril . There are souls perplexed with doubt , burdened withinfirmities , weak in faith , and unable to grasp the Unseen ; but a friendwhom they can see , coming to them in Christ ' s stead , can be a connectinglink to fasten their trembling faith upon Christ . We are to be laborers together with the heavenly angels in presenting Jesusto the world . With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for ourco - operation ; for man must be the channel to communicate with man . And whenwe give ourselves to Christ in wholehearted devotion , angels rejoice thatthey may speak through our voices to reveal God ' s love . ( 298 ) Chapter 31 The Sermon on the Mount [ This chapter is based on Matt . 5 ; 6 ; 7 . ] Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words . He did notchoose for His audience those only who knew the way of life . It was His workto reach the multitudes who were in ignorance and error . He gave His lessonsof truth where they could reach the darkened understanding . He Himself wasthe Truth , standing with girded loins and hands ever outstretched to bless , and in words of warning , entreaty , and encouragement , seeking to uplift allwho would come unto Him . The Sermon on the Mount , though given especially to the disciples , wasspoken in the hearing of the multitude . After the ordination of theapostles , Jesus went with them to the seaside . Here in the early morning thepeople had begun to assemble . Besides the usual crowds from the Galileantowns , there were people from Judea , and even from Jerusalem itself ; fromPerea , from Decapolis , from Idumea , away to the south of Judea ; and fromTyre and Sidon , the Phoenician cities on the shore of the Mediterranean . " When they had heard what great things He did , " they " came to hear Him , andto be healed of their diseases : . . . there went virtue out of Him , andhealed them all . " Mark 3 : 8 ; Luke 6 : 17 - 19 . The narrow beach did not afford even standing room within reach of His voicefor all who desired to hear Him , and Jesus led the way back to themountainside . Reaching a level space that offered a pleasant gathering placefor the vast assembly , He seated Himself on the grass , and the disciples andthe multitude followed His example . 299 The disciples ' place was always next to Jesus . The people constantly pressedupon Him , yet the disciples understood that they were not to be crowded awayfrom His presence . They sat close beside Him , that they might not lose aword of His instruction . They were attentive listeners , eager to understandthe truths they were to make known to all lands and all ages . With a feeling that something more than usual might be expected , they nowpressed about their Master . They believed that the kingdom was soon to beestablished , and from the events of the morning they gathered assurance thatsome announcement concerning it was about to be made . A feeling ofexpectancy pervaded the multitude also , and eager faces gave evidence of thedeep interest . As the people sat upon the green hillside , awaiting the wordsof the divine Teacher , their hearts were filled with thoughts of futureglory . There were scribes and Pharisees who looked forward to the day whenthey should have dominion over the hated Romans , and possess the riches andsplendor of the world ' s great empire . The poor peasants and fishermen hopedto hear the assurance that their wretched hovels , the scanty food , the lifeof toil , and fear of want were to be exchanged for mansions of plenty anddays of ease . In place of the one coarse garment which was their covering byday , and their blanket at night , they hoped that Christ would give them therich and costly robes of their conquerors . All hearts thrilled with theproud hope that Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as thechosen of the Lord , and Jerusalem exalted as the head of a universalkingdom . Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness . In the Sermon on theMount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education , and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His owncharacter . Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people . He saw the misery of the world on account of sin , yet He did not presentbefore them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness . He taught them ofsomething infinitely better than they had known . Without combating theirideas of the kingdom of God , He told them the conditions of entrancetherein , leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature . Thetruths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude thatfollowed Him . We no less than they need to learn the foundation principlesof the kingdom of God . Christ ' s first words to the people on the mount were words of blessing . Happy are they , He said , who recognize their spiritual poverty , and 300 feel their need of redemption . The gospel is to be preached to the poor . Notto the spiritually proud , those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing , is it revealed , but to those who are humble and contrite . one fountain onlyhas been opened for sin , a fountain for the poor in spirit . The proud heart strives to earn salvation ; but both our title to heaven andour fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ . The Lord can donothing toward the recovery of man until , convinced of his own weakness , andstripped of all self - sufficiency , he yields himself to the control of God . Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow . From the soulthat feels his need , nothing is withheld . He has unrestricted access to Himin whom all fullness dwells . " For thus saith the high and lofty one thatinhabiteth eternity , whose name is Holy ; I dwell in the high and holy place , with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit , to revive the spiritof the humble , and to revive the heart of the contrite ones . " Isa . 57 : 15 . " Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted . " By these wordsChrist does not teach that mourning in itself has power to remove the guiltof sin . He gives no sanction to pretense or to voluntary humility . Themourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation . While we sorrow on account of sin , we are to rejoice in the preciousprivilege of being children of God . We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences toourselves ; but this is not repentance . Real sorrow for sin is the result ofthe working of the Holy Spirit . The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of theheart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour , and brings us in contritionto the foot of the cross . By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh ; and as welook upon Him whom we have pierced , we mourn for the sins that have broughtanguish upon Him . Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin . The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness ; but it is the strengthwhich binds the penitent to the Infinite one with links that cannot bebroken . It shows that the angels of God are bringing back to the soul thegraces that were lost through hardness of heart and transgression . The tearsof the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine ofholiness . This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in thesoul . only acknowledge thine iniquity , that thou hast transgressed againstthe Lord thy God ;" " and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you : for Iam merciful , saith the Lord . " Jer . 3 : 13 , 12 . " Unto them that mourn in Zion , " He has appointed to give 301 " beauty for ashes , the oil of joy for mourning , the garment of praise forthe spirit of heaviness . " Isa . 61 : 3 . And for those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort . Thebitterness of grief and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin . Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters , that by His grace we may overcome our faults . Unknown chapters in regard toourselves are opened to us , and the test comes , whether we will accept thereproof and the counsel of God . When brought into trial , we are not to fretand complain . We should not rebel , or worry ourselves out of the hand ofChrist . We are to humble the soul before God . The ways of the Lord areobscure to him who desires to see things in a light pleasing to himself . They appear dark and joyless to our human nature . But God ' s ways are ways ofmercy and the end is salvation . Elijah knew not what he was doing when inthe desert he said that he had had enough of life , and prayed that he mightdie . The Lord in His mercy did not take him at his word . There was yet agreat work for Elijah to do ; and when his work was done , he was not toperish in discouragement and solitude in the wilderness . Not for him thedescent into the dust of death , but the ascent in glory , with the convoy ofcelestial chariots , to the throne on high . God ' s word for the sorrowing is , " I have seen his ways , and will heal him : Iwill lead him also , and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners . " " Iwill turn their mourning into joy , and will comfort them , and make themrejoice from their sorrow . " Isa . 57 : 18 ; Jer . 31 : 13 . " Blessed are the meek . " The difficulties we have to encounter may be verymuch lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ . If we possessthe humility of our Master , we shall rise above the slights , the rebuffs , the annoyances , to which we are daily exposed , and they will cease to cast agloom over the spirit . The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian isself - control . He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm andtrustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection ofcharacter . Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to thefollowers of Christ ; it is the token of their connection with the courtsabove . " Though the Lord be high , yet hath He respect unto the lowly . " Ps . 138 : 6 . Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regardedby God . They may be looked upon with scorn by the world , but they are ofgreat value in His sight . Not only the wise , the great , the beneficent , willgain a passport to the heavenly courts ; not only 302 the busy worker , full of zeal and restless activity . No ; the poor in spirit , who crave the presence of an abiding Christ , the humble in heart , whosehighest ambition is to do God ' s will , -- these will gain an abundant entrance . They will be among that number who have washed their robes and made themwhite in the blood of the Lamb . " Therefore are they before the throne ofGod , and serve Him day and night in His temple : and He that sitteth on thethrone shall dwell among them . " Rev . 7 : 15 . " Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness . " The senseof unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness , and this desire will not be disappointed . Those who make room in theirhearts for Jesus will realize His love . All who long to bear the likeness ofthe character of God shall be satisfied . The Holy Spirit never leavesunassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus . He takes of the things ofChrist and shows them unto him . If the eye is kept fixed on Christ , the workof the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image . The pureelement of love will expand the soul , giving it a capacity for higherattainments , for increased knowledge of heavenly things , so that it will notrest short of the fullness . " Blessed are they which do hunger and thirstafter righteousness ; for they shall be filled . " The merciful shall find mercy , and the pure in heart shall see God . Everyimpure thought defiles the soul , impairs the moral sense , and tends toobliterate the impressions of the Holy Spirit . It dims the spiritual vision , so that men cannot behold God . The Lord may and does forgive the repentingsinner ; but though forgiven , the soul is marred . All impurity of speech orof thought must be shunned by him who would have clear discernment ofspiritual truth . But the words of Christ cover more than freedom from sensual impurity , morethan freedom from that ceremonial defilement which the Jews so rigorouslyshunned . Selfishness prevents us from beholding God . The self - seeking spiritjudges of God as altogether such a one as itself . Until we have renouncedthis , we cannot understand Him who is love . only the unselfish heart , thehumble and trustful spirit , shall see God as " merciful and gracious , long - suffering , and abundant in goodness and truth . " Ex . 34 : 6 . " Blessed are the peacemakers . " The peace of Christ is born of truth . It isharmony with God . The world is at enmity with the law of God ; 305 sinners are at enmity with their Maker ; and as a result they are at enmitywith one another . But the psalmist declares , " Great peace have they whichlove Thy law : and nothing shall offend them . " Ps . 119 : 165 . Men cannotmanufacture peace . Human plans for the purification and uplifting ofindividuals or of society will fail of producing peace , because they do notreach the heart . The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace isthe grace of Christ . When this is implanted in the heart , it will cast outthe evil passions that cause strife and dissension . " Instead of the thornshall come up the fir tree , and instead of the brier shall come up themyrtle tree ;" and life ' s desert " shall rejoice , and blossom as the rose . " Isa . 55 : 13 ; 35 : 1 . The multitudes were amazed at this teaching , which was so at variance withthe precepts and example of the Pharisees . The people had come to think thathappiness consisted in the possession of the things of this world , and thatfame and the honor of men were much to be coveted . It was very pleasing tobe called " Rabbi , " and to be extolled as wise and religious , having theirvirtues paraded before the public . This was regarded as the crown ofhappiness . But in the presence of that vast throng , Jesus declared thatearthly gain and honor were all the reward such persons would ever receive . He spoke with certainty , and a convincing power attended His words . Thepeople were silenced , and a feeling of fear crept over them . They looked atone another doubtfully . Who of them would be saved if this Man ' s teachingswere true ? Many were convicted that this remarkable Teacher was actuated bythe Spirit of God , and that the sentiments He uttered were divine . After explaining what constitutes true happiness , and how it may beobtained , Jesus more definitely pointed out the duty of His disciples , asteachers chosen of God to lead others into the path of righteousness andeternal life . He knew that they would often suffer from disappointment anddiscouragement , that they would meet with decided opposition , that theywould be insulted , and their testimony rejected . Well He knew that in thefulfillment of their mission , the humble men who listened so attentively toHis words were to bear calumny , torture , imprisonment , and death , and Hecontinued : " Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness ' sake : for theirsis the kingdom of heaven . Blessed are ye , when men shall revile you , andpersecute you , and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely , for Mysake . Rejoice , and be exceeding glad : for great is your 306 reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were beforeyou . " The world loves sin , and hates righteousness , and this was the cause of itshostility to Jesus . All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianitya disturbing element . The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness thatcovers their sins , and the need of reform is made manifest . While those whoyield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves , thosewho cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives . Thus strife is created , and Christ ' s followers are accused as troublers ofthe people . But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world ' senmity . They are bearing the reproach of Christ . They are treading the paththat has been trodden by the noblest of the earth . Not with sorrow , but withrejoicing , should they meet persecution . Each fiery trial is God ' s agent fortheir refining . Each is fitting them for their work as colaborers with Him . Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness , and eachwill add to the joy of their final triumph . Having this in view , the test oftheir faith and patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded andavoided . Anxious to fulfill their obligation to the world , fixing theirdesire upon the approval of God , His servants are to fulfill every duty , irrespective of the fear or the favor of men . " Ye are the salt of the earth , " Jesus said . Do not withdraw yourselves fromthe world in order to escape persecution . You are to abide among men , thatthe savor of the divine love may be as salt to preserve the world fromcorruption . Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channelsthrough which God ' s blessing flows . Were those who serve God removed fromthe earth , and His Spirit withdrawn from among men , this world would be leftto desolation and destruction , the fruit of Satan ' s dominion . Though thewicked know it not , they owe even the blessings of this life to thepresence , in the world , of God ' s people whom they despise and oppress . Butif Christians are such in name only , they are like the salt that has lostits savor . They have no influence for good in the world . Through theirmisrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers . " Ye are the light of the world . " The Jews thought to confine the benefits ofsalvation to their own nation ; but Christ showed them that 307 salvation is like the sunshine . It belongs to the whole world . The religionof the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book , nor withinthe walls of a church . It is not to be brought out occasionally for our ownbenefit , and then to be carefully laid aside again . It is to sanctify thedaily life , to manifest itself in every business transaction and in all oursocial relations . True character is not shaped from without , and put on ; it radiates fromwithin . If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness , theprinciples of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts . Ourprofession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion , but it is ourpractical piety that holds forth the word of truth . The consistent life , theholy conversation , the unswerving integrity , the active , benevolent spirit , the godly example , -- these are the mediums through which light is conveyed tothe world . Jesus had not dwelt on the specifications of the law , but He did not leaveHis hearers to conclude that He had come to set aside its requirements . Heknew that spies stood ready to seize upon every word that might be wrestedto serve their purpose . He knew the prejudice that existed in the minds ofmany of His hearers , and He said nothing to unsettle their faith in thereligion and institutions that had been committed to them through Moses . Christ Himself had given both the moral and the ceremonial law . He did notcome to destroy confidence in His own instruction . It was because of Hisgreat reverence for the law and the prophets that He sought to break throughthe wall of traditional requirements which hemmed in the Jews . While He setaside their false interpretations of the law , He carefully guarded Hisdisciples against yielding up the vital truths committed to the Hebrews . The Pharisees prided themselves on their obedience to the law ; yet they knewso little of its principles through everyday practice that to them theSaviour ' s words sounded like heresy . As He swept away the rubbish underwhich the truth had been buried , they thought He was sweeping away the truthitself . They whispered to one another that He was making light of the law . He read their thoughts , and answered them , saying , -- " Think not that I am come to destroy the law , or the prophets : I am not cometo destroy , but to fulfill . " Here Jesus refutes the charge of the Pharisees . His mission to the world is to vindicate the sacred claims of that law whichthey charge Him with breaking . If the law 308 of God could have been changed or abrogated , then Christ need not havesuffered the consequences of our transgression . He came to explain therelation of the law to man , and to illustrate its precepts by His own lifeof obedience . God has given us His holy precepts , because He loves mankind . To shield usfrom the results of transgression , He reveals the principles ofrighteousness . The law is an ｅxpression of the thought of God ; when receivedin Christ , it becomes our thought . It lifts us above the power of naturaldesires and tendencies , above temptations that lead to sin . God desires usto be happy , and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them wemight have joy . When at Jesus ' birth the angels sang , -- " Glory to God in the highest , And on earth peace , good will toward men " ( Luke 2 : 14 ) , they were declaring the principles of the law which He had come to magnifyand make honorable . When the law was proclaimed from Sinai , God made known to men the holinessof His character , that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of theirown . The law was given to convict them of sin , and reveal their need of aSaviour . It would do this as its principles were applied to the heart by theHoly Spirit . This work it is still to do . In the life of Christ theprinciples of the law are made plain ; and as the Holy Spirit of God touchesthe heart , as the light of Christ reveals to men their need of His cleansingblood and His justifying righteousness , the law is still an agent inbringing us to Christ , that we may be justified by faith . " The law of theLord is perfect , converting the soul . " Ps . 19 : 7 . " Till heaven and earth pass , " said Jesus , one jot or one tittle shall innowise pass from the law , till all be fulfilled . " The sun shining in theheavens , the solid earth upon which you dwell , are God ' s witnesses that Hislaw is changeless and eternal . Though they may pass away , the divineprecepts shall endure . " It is easier for heaven and earth to pass , than onetittle of the law to fail . " Luke 16 : 17 . The system of types that pointed toJesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death ; but the preceptsof the Decalogue are as immutable as the throne of God . Since " the law of the Lord is perfect , " every variation from it must beevil . Those who disobey the commandments of God , and teach others 309 to do so , are condemned by Christ . The Saviour ' s life of obediencemaintained the claims of the law ; it proved that the law could be kept inhumanity , and showed the excellence of character that obedience woulddevelop . All who obey as He did are likewise declaring that the law is " holy , and just , and good . " Rom . 7 : 12 . on the other hand , all who breakGod ' s commandments are sustaining Satan ' s claim that the law is unjust , andcannot be obeyed . Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary , and cast dishonor upon God . They are the children of the wicked one , who wasthe first rebel against God ' s law . To admit them into heaven would againbring in the elements of discord and rebellion , and imperil the well - beingof the universe . No man who willfully disregards one principle of the lawshall enter the kingdom of heaven . The rabbis counted their righteousness a passport to heaven ; but Jesusdeclared it to be insufficient and unworthy . External ceremonies and atheoretical knowledge of truth constituted Pharisaical righteousness . Therabbis claimed to be holy through their own efforts in keeping the law ; buttheir works had divorced righteousness from religion . While they werepunctilious in ritual observances , their lives were immoral and debased . Their so - called righteousness could never enter the kingdom of heaven . The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ ' s day was that a mereassent to the truth constitutes righteousness . In all human experience atheoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient forthe saving of the soul . It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness . A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies ahatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life . The darkest chapters ofhistory are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigotedreligionists . The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham , and boastedof their possession of the oracles of God ; yet these advantages did notpreserve them from selfishness , malignity , greed for gain , and the basesthypocrisy . They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world , but their so - called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory . The same danger still exists . Many take it for granted that they areChristians , simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets . Butthey have not brought the truth into practical life . They have not believedand loved it , therefore they have not received the power and 310 grace that come through sanctification of the truth . Men may profess faithin the truth ; but if it does not make them sincere , kind , patient , forbearing , heavenly - minded , it is a curse to its possessors , and throughtheir influence it is a curse to the world . The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to therevealed will of God . Sinful men can become righteous only as they havefaith in God and maintain a vital connection with Him . Then true godlinesswill elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life . Then the external forms ofreligion accord with the Christian ' s internal purity . Then the ceremoniesrequired in the service of God are not meaningless rites , like those of thehypocritical Pharisees . Jesus takes up the commandments separately , and explains the depth andbreadth of their requirement . Instead of removing one jot of their force , Heshows how far - reaching their principles are , and exposes the fatal mistakeof the Jews in their outward show of obedience . He declares that by the evilthought or the lustful look the law of God is transgressed . one who becomesa party to the least injustice is breaking the law and degrading his ownmoral nature . Murder first exists in the mind . He who gives hatred a placein his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer , and hisofferings are abhorrent to God . The Jews cultivated a spirit of retaliation . In their hatred of the Romansthey gave utterance to hard denunciations , and pleased the wicked one bymanifesting his attributes . Thus they were training themselves to do theterrible deeds to which he led them on . In the religious life of thePharisees there was nothing to recommend piety to the Gentiles . Jesus badethem not to deceive themselves with the thought that they could in heartrise up against their oppressors , and cherish the longing to avenge theirwrongs . It is true there is an indignation that is justifiable , even in thefollowers of Christ . When they see that God is dishonored , and His servicebrought into disrepute , when they see the innocent oppressed , a righteousindignation stirs the soul . Such anger , born of sensitive morals , is not asin . But those who at any supposed provocation feel at liberty to indulgeanger or resentment are opening the heart to Satan . Bitterness and animositymust be banished from the soul if we would be in harmony with heaven . The Saviour goes farther than this . He says , " If thou bring thy gift to thealtar , and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee ; leavethere thy gift before the altar , and go thy way ; first be 311 reconciled to thy brother , and then come and offer thy gift . " Many arezealous in religious services , while between them and their brethren areunhappy differences which they might reconcile . God requires them to do allin their power to restore harmony . Until they do this , He cannot accepttheir services . The Christian ' s duty in this matter is clearly pointed out . God pours His blessings upon all . " He maketh His sun to rise on the evil andon the good , and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust . " He is " kindunto the unthankful and to the evil . " Luke 6 : 35 . He bids us to be like Him . " Bless them that curse you , " said Jesus ; " do good to them that hate you , . . . that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven . " These arethe principles of the law , and they are the wellsprings of life . God ' s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought canreach . " Be ye therefore perfect , even as your Father which is in heaven isperfect . " This command is a promise . The plan of redemption contemplates ourcomplete recovery from the power of Satan . Christ always separates thecontrite soul from sin . He came to destroy the works of the devil , and Hehas made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentantsoul , to keep him from sinning . The tempter ' s agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act . Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ makingexcuses for their deformity of character . It is these excuses that lead tosin . There is no excuse for sinning . A holy temper , a Christlike life , isaccessible to every repenting , believing child of God . The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness . As the Son of man wasperfect in His life , so His followers are to be perfect in their life . Jesuswas in all things made like unto His brethren . He became flesh , even as weare . He was hungry and thirsty and weary . He was sustained by food andrefreshed by sleep . He shared the lot of man ; yet He was the blameless Sonof God . He was God in the flesh . His character is to be ours . The Lord saysof those who believe in Him , " I will dwell in them , and walk in them ; and Iwill be their God , and they shall be My people . " 2 Cor . 6 : 16 . Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw , the base resting on the earth , and thetopmost round reaching to the gate of heaven , to the very threshold ofglory . If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth , weshould have been lost . But Christ reaches us where we are . He took ournature and overcame , that we through taking His 312 nature might overcome . Made " in the likeness of sinful flesh " ( Rom . 8 : 3 ) , Helived a sinless life . Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne ofheaven , while by His humanity He reaches us . He bids us by faith in Himattain to the glory of the character of God . Therefore are we to be perfect , even as our " Father which is in heaven is perfect . " Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists , and had pointed to God asits source . Now He turned to practical duties . In almsgiving , in prayer , infasting , He said , let nothing be done to attract attention or win praise toself . Give in sincerity , for the benefit of the suffering poor . In prayer , let the soul commune with God . In fasting , go not with the head bowed down , and heart filled with thoughts of self . The heart of the Pharisee is abarren and profitless soil , in which no seeds of divine life can flourish . It is he who yields himself most unreservedly to God that will render Himthe most acceptable service . For through fellowship with God men becomeworkers together with Him in presenting His character in humanity . The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense . " Thy Fatherwhich seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly . " By the life we livethrough the grace of Christ the character is formed . The original lovelinessbegins to be restored to the soul . The attributes of the character of Christare imparted , and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth . The facesof men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven . They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven . For these souls thekingdom of God has begun . They have Christ ' s joy , the joy of being ablessing to humanity . They have the honor of being accepted for the Master ' suse ; they are trusted to do His work in His name . " No man can serve two masters . " We cannot serve God with a divided heart . Bible religion is not one influence among many others ; its influence is tobe supreme , pervading and controlling every other . It is not to be like adash of color brushed here and there upon the canvas , but it is to pervadethe whole life , as if the canvas were dipped into the color , until everythread of the fabric were dyed a deep , unfading hue . " If therefore thine eye be single , thy whole body shall be full of light . But if thine eye be evil , thy whole body shall be full of darkness . " Purityand steadfastness of purpose are the conditions of receiving light from God . He who desires to know the truth must be willing to accept all that itreveals . He can make no compromise with error . To be 313 wavering and halfhearted in allegiance to truth is to choose the darkness oferror and satanic delusion . Worldly policy and the undeviating principles of righteousness do not blendinto each other imperceptibly , like the colors of the rainbow . Between thetwo a broad , clear line is drawn by the eternal God . The likeness of Christstands out as distinct from that of Satan as midday in contrast withmidnight . And only those who live the life of Christ are His co - workers . Ifone sin is cherished in the soul , or one wrong practice retained in thelife , the whole being is contaminated . The man becomes an instrument ofunrighteousness . All who have chosen God ' s service are to rest in His care . Christ pointed tothe birds flying in the heavens , to the flowers of the field , and bade Hishearers consider these objects of God ' s creation . " Are not ye of much morevalue than they ? " He said . Matt . 6 : 26 , R . V . The measure of divine attentionbestowed on any object is proportionate to its rank in the scale of being . The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence . The flowers of thefield , the grass that carpets the earth , share the notice and care of ourheavenly Father . The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies , making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon . How muchmore does He care for man , who is the image and glory of God . He longs tosee His children reveal a character after His similitude . As the sunbeamimparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints , so does God impartto the soul the beauty of His own character . All who choose Christ ' s kingdom of love and righteousness and peace , makingits interest paramount to all other , are linked to the world above , andevery blessing needed for this life is theirs . In the book of God ' sprovidence , the volume of life , we are each given a page . That page containsevery particular of our history ; even the hairs of the head are numbered . God ' s children are never absent from His mind . " Be not therefore anxious for the morrow . " Matt . 6 : 34 , R . V . We are tofollow Christ day by day . God does not bestow help for tomorrow . He does notgive His children all the directions for their life journey at once , lestthey should become confused . He tells them just as much as they can rememberand perform . The strength and wisdom imparted are for the present emergency . " If any of you lack wisdom , "-- for today , --" let him ask of God , that givethto all men liberally , and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given him . " James 1 : 5 . 314 " Judge not , that ye be not judged . " Do not think yourself better than othermen , and set yourself up as their judge . Since you cannot discern motive , you are incapable of judging another . In criticizing him , you are passingsentence upon yourself ; for you show that you are a participant with Satan , the accuser of the brethren . The Lord says , " Examine yourselves , whether yebe in the faith ; prove your own selves . " This is our work . " If we wouldjudge ourselves , we should not be judged . " 2 Cor . 13 : 5 ; 1 Cor . 11 : 31 . The good tree will produce good fruit . If the fruit is unpalatable andworthless , the tree is evil . So the fruit borne in the life testifies as tothe condition of the heart and the excellence of the character . Good workscan never purchase salvation , but they are an evidence of the faith thatacts by love and purifies the soul . And though the eternal reward is notbestowed because of our merit , yet it will be in proportion to the work thathas been done through the grace of Christ . Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom , and showed them to bethe great rule of life . To impress the lesson He adds an illustration . It isnot enough , He says , for you to hear My words . By obedience you must makethem the foundation of your character . Self is but shifting sand . If youbuild upon human theories and inventions , your house will fall . By the windsof temptation , the tempests of trial , it will be swept away . But theseprinciples that I have given will endure . Receive Me ; build on My words . " Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine , and doeth them , shallbe likened unto a wise man , which built his house upon the rock : and therain descended , and the floods came , and the winds blew , and beat upon thathouse ; and it fell not : for it was founded upon the rock . " Matt . 7 : 24 , 25 , R . V . ( 315 ) Chapter 32 The Centurion [ This chapter is based on Matt . 8 : 5 - 13 ; Luke 7 : 1 - 17 . ] Christ had said to the nobleman whose son He healed , " Except ye see signsand wonders , ye will not believe . " John 4 : 48 . He was grieved that His ownnation should require these outward signs of His Messiahship . Again andagain He had marveled at their unbelief . But He marveled at the faith of thecenturion who came to Him . The centurion did not question the Saviour ' spower . He did not even ask Him to come in person to perform the miracle . " Speak the word only , " he said , " and my servant shall be healed . " The centurion ' s servant had been stricken with palsy , and lay at the pointof death . Among the Romans the servants were slaves , bought and sold in themarket places , and treated with abuse and cruelty ; but the centurion wastenderly attached to his servant , and greatly desired his recovery . Hebelieved that Jesus could heal him . He had not seen the Saviour , but thereports he heard had inspired him with faith . Notwithstanding the formalismof the Jews , this Roman was convinced that their religion was superior tohis own . Already he had broken through the barriers of national prejudiceand hatred that separated the conquerors from the conquered people . He hadmanifested respect for the service of God , and had shown kindness to theJews as His worshipers . In the teaching of Christ , as it had been reportedto him , he found that which met the need of the soul . All that was spiritualwithin him responded to the Saviour ' s words . But he felt unworthy to comeinto the presence of Jesus , and he appealed to the Jewish elders to makerequest for the healing of his servant . They were acquainted with the 316 Great Teacher , and would , he thought , know how to approach Him so as to winHis favor . As Jesus entered Capernaum , He was met by a delegation of the elders , whotold Him of the centurion ' s desire . They urged " that he was worthy for whomHe should do this : for he loveth our nation , and he hath built us asynagogue . " Jesus immediately set out for the officer ' s home ; but , pressed by themultitude , He advanced slowly . The news of His coming preceded Him , and thecenturion , in his self - distrust , sent Him the message , " Lord , trouble notThyself : for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof . " Butthe Saviour kept on His way , and the centurion , venturing at last toapproach Him , completed the message , saying , " Neither thought I myselfworthy to come unto Thee ;" " but speak the word only , and my servant shall behealed . For I am a man under authority , having soldiers under me : and I sayto this man , Go , and he goeth ; and to another , Come , and he cometh ; and tomy servant , Do this , and he doeth it . " As I represent the power of Rome , andmy soldiers recognize my authority as supreme , so dost Thou represent thepower of the Infinite God , and all created things obey Thy word . Thou canstcommand the disease to depart , and it shall obey Thee . Thou canst summon Thyheavenly messengers , and they shall impart healing virtue . Speak but theword , and my servant shall be healed . " When Jesus heard these things , He marveled at him , and turned Him about , and said unto the people that followed Him , I say unto you , I have not foundso great faith , no , not in Israel . " And to the centurion He said , " As thouhast believed , so be it done unto thee . And his servant was healed in theselfsame hour . " The Jewish elders who recommended the centurion to Christ had 317 shown how far they were from possessing the spirit of the gospel . They didnot recognize that our great need is our only claim on God ' s mercy . In theirself - righteousness they commended the centurion because of the favor he hadshown to " our nation . " But the centurion said of himself , " I am not worthy . " His heart had been touched by the grace of Christ . He saw his ownunworthiness ; yet he feared not to ask help . He trusted not to his owngoodness ; his argument was his great need . His faith took hold upon Christin His true character . He did not believe in Him merely as a worker ofmiracles , but as the friend and Saviour of mankind . It is thus that every sinner may come to Christ . " Not by works ofrighteousness which we have done , but according to His mercy He saved us . " Titus 3 : 5 . When Satan tells you that you are a sinner , and cannot hope toreceive blessing from God , tell him that Christ came into the world to savesinners . We have nothing to recommend us to God ; but the plea that we mayurge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition that makes His redeemingpower a necessity . Renouncing all self - dependence , we may look to the crossof Calvary and say , -- " In my hand no price I bring ; Simply to Thy cross I cling . " The Jews had been instructed from childhood concerning the work of theMessiah . The inspired utterances of patriarchs and prophets and the symbolicteaching of the sacrificial service had been theirs . But they haddisregarded the light ; and now they saw in Jesus nothing to be desired . Butthe centurion , born in heathenism , educated in the idolatry of imperialRome , trained as a soldier , seemingly cut off from spiritual life by hiseducation and surroundings , and still further shut out by the bigotry of theJews , and by the contempt of his own countrymen for the people ofIsrael , -- this man perceived the truth to which the children of Abraham wereblinded . He did not wait to see whether the Jews themselves would receivethe one who claimed to be their Messiah . As the " light , which lighteth everyman that cometh into the world " ( John 1 : 9 ) had shone upon him , he had , though afar off , discerned the glory of the Son of God . To Jesus this was an earnest of the work which the gospel was to accomplishamong the Gentiles . With joy He looked forward to the gathering of soulsfrom all nations to His kingdom . With deep sadness He pictured to the Jewsthe result of their rejection of His grace : " I 318 say unto you , That many shall come from the east and west , and shall sitdown with Abraham , and Isaac , and Jacob , in the kingdom of heaven . But thechildren of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness : there shallbe weeping and gnashing of teeth . " Alas , how many are still preparing forthe same fatal disappointment ! While souls in heathen darkness accept Hisgrace , how many there are in Christian lands upon whom the light shines onlyto be disregarded . More than twenty miles from Capernaum , on a tableland overlooking the wide , beautiful plain of Esdraelon , lay the village of Nain , and thither Jesusnext bent His steps . Many of His disciples and others were with Him , and allalong the way the people came , longing for His words of love and pity , bringing their sick for His healing , and ever with the hope that He whowielded such wondrous power would make Himself known as the King of Israel . A multitude thronged His steps , and it was a glad , expectant company thatfollowed Him up the rocky path toward the gate of the mountain village . As they draw near , a funeral train is seen coming from the gates . With slow , sad steps it is proceeding to the place of burial . on an open bier carriedin front is the body of the dead , and about it are the mourners , filling theair with their wailing cries . All the people of the town seem to havegathered to show their respect for the dead and their sympathy with thebereaved . It was a sight to awaken sympathy . The deceased was the only son of hismother , and she a widow . The lonely mourner was following to the grave hersole earthly support and comfort . " When the Lord saw her , He had compassionon her . " As she moved on blindly , weeping , noting not His presence , He cameclose beside her , and gently said , " Weep not . " Jesus was about to change hergrief to joy , yet He could not forbear this ｅxpression of tender sympathy . " He came and touched the bier ;" to Him even contact with death could impartno defilement . The bearers stood still , and the lamentations of the mournersceased . The two companies gathered about the bier , hoping against hope . onewas present who had banished disease and vanquished demons ; was death alsosubject to His power ? In clear , authoritative voice the words are spoken , " Young man , I say untothee , Arise . " That voice pierces the ears of the dead . The young man openshis eyes . Jesus takes him by the hand , and lifts him up . His gaze falls uponher who has been weeping beside him , and mother and son unite in a long , clinging , joyous embrace . The multitude 319 look on in silence , as if spellbound . " There came a fear on all . " Hushed andreverent they stood for a little time , as if in the very presence of God . Then they " glorified God , saying , That a great prophet is risen up among us ; and , That God hath visited His people . " The funeral train returned to Nainas a triumphal procession . " And this rumor of Him went forth throughout allJudea , and throughout all the region round about . " He who stood beside the sorrowing mother at the gate of Nain , watches withevery mourning one beside the bier . He is touched with sympathy for ourgrief . His heart , that loved and pitied , is a heart of unchangeabletenderness . His word , that called the dead to life , is no less efficaciousnow than when spoken to the young man of Nain . He says , " All power is givenunto Me in heaven and in earth . " Matt . 28 : 18 . That power is not diminishedby the lapse of years , nor exhausted by the ceaseless activity of Hisoverflowing grace . To all who believe on Him He is still a living Saviour . 320 Jesus changed the mother ' s grief to joy when He gave back her son ; yet theyouth was but called forth to this earthly life , to endure its sorrows , itstoils , and its perils , and to pass again under the power of death . But Jesuscomforts our sorrow for the dead with a message of infinite hope : " I am Hethat liveth , and was dead ; and , behold , I am alive forevermore , . . . andhave the keys of hell and of death . " " Forasmuch then as the children arepartakers of flesh and blood , He also Himself likewise took part of thesame ; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death , that is , the devil ; and deliver them who through fear of death were alltheir lifetime subject to bondage . " Rev . 1 : 18 ; Heb . 2 : 14 , 15 . Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of God bids them live . He cannot hold in spiritual death one soul who in faith receives Christ ' sword of power . God is saying to all who are dead in sin , " Awake thou thatsleepest , and arise from the dead . " Eph . 5 : 14 . That word is eternal life . Asthe word of God which bade the first man live , still gives us life ; asChrist ' s word , " Young man , I say unto thee , Arise , " gave life to the youthof Nain , so that word , " Arise from the dead , " is life to the soul thatreceives it . God " hath delivered us from the power of darkness , and hathtranslated us into the kingdom of His dear Son . " Col . 1 : 13 . It is alloffered us in His word . If we receive the word , we have the deliverance . And " if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you , He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodiesby His Spirit that dwelleth in you . " " For the Lord Himself shall descendfrom heaven with a shout , with the voice of the Archangel , and with thetrump of God : and the dead in Christ shall rise first : then we which arealive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds , tomeet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever be with the Lord . " Rom . 8 : 11 ; 1 Thess . 4 : 16 , 17 . This is the word of comfort wherewith He bids us comfortone another . ( 321 ) Chapter 33 Who Are My Brethren ? [ This chapter is based on Matt . 12 : 22 - 50 ; Mark 3 : 20 - 35 . ] The sons of Joseph were far from being in sympathy with Jesus in His work . The reports that reached them in regard to His life and labors filled themwith astonishment and dismay . They heard that He devoted entire nights toprayer , that through the day He was thronged by great companies of people , and did not give Himself time so much as to eat . His friends felt that Hewas wearing Himself out by His incessant labor ; they were unable to accountfor His attitude toward the Pharisees , and there were some who feared thatHis reason was becoming unsettled . His brothers heard of this , and also of the charge brought by the Phariseesthat He cast out devils through the power of Satan . They felt keenly thereproach that came upon them through their relation to Jesus . They knew whata tumult His words and works created , and were not only alarmed at His boldstatements , but indignant at His denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees . They decided that He must be persuaded or constrained to cease this mannerof labor , and they induced Mary to unite with them , thinking that throughHis love for her they might prevail upon Him to be more prudent . It was just before this that Jesus had a second time performed the miracleof healing a man possessed , blind and dumb , and the Pharisees had reiteratedthe charge , " He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils . " Matt . 9 : 34 . Christ told them plainly that in attributing the 322 work of the Holy Spirit to Satan , they were cutting themselves off from thefountain of blessing . Those who had spoken against Jesus Himself , notdiscerning His divine character , might receive forgiveness ; for through theHoly Spirit they might be brought to see their error and repent . Whateverthe sin , if the soul repents and believes , the guilt is washed away in theblood of Christ ; but he who rejects the work of the Holy Spirit is placinghimself where repentance and faith cannot come to him . It is by the Spiritthat God works upon the heart ; when men willfully reject the Spirit , anddeclare It to be from Satan , they cut off the channel by which God cancommunicate with them . When the Spirit is finally rejected , there is no morethat God can do for the soul . The Pharisees to whom Jesus spoke this warning did not themselves believethe charge they brought against Him . There was not one of those dignitariesbut had felt drawn toward the Saviour . They had heard the Spirit ' s voice intheir own hearts declaring Him to be the Anointed of Israel , and urging themto confess themselves His disciples . In the light of His presence they hadrealized their unholiness , and had longed for a righteousness which theycould not create . But after their rejection of Him it would be toohumiliating to receive Him as the Messiah . Having set their feet in the pathof unbelief , they were too proud to confess their error . And in order toavoid acknowledging the truth , they tried with desperate violence to disputethe Saviour ' s teaching . The evidence of His power and mercy exasperatedthem . They could not prevent the Saviour from working miracles , they couldnot silence His teaching ; but they did everything in their power tomisrepresent Him and to falsify His words . Still the convicting Spirit ofGod followed them , and they had to build up many barriers in order towithstand its power . The mightiest agency that can be brought to bear uponthe human heart was striving with them , but they would not yield . It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts . He sendsthem light to correct their errors , and to lead them in safe paths ; it is bythe rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and the hearthardened . Often the process is gradual , and almost imperceptible . Lightcomes to the soul through God ' s word , through His servants , or by the directagency of His Spirit ; but when one ray of light is disregarded , there is apartial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions , and the second revealing oflight is less clearly discerned . So the darkness increases , until it isnight in the soul . Thus it had been with 323 these Jewish leaders . They were convinced that a divine power attendedChrist , but in order to resist the truth , they attributed the work of theHoly Spirit to Satan . In doing this they deliberately chose deception ; theyyielded themselves to Satan , and henceforth they were controlled by hispower . Closely connected with Christ ' s warning in regard to the sin against theHoly Spirit is a warning against idle and evil words . The words are anindication of that which is in the heart . " Out of the abundance of the heartthe mouth speaketh . " But the words are more than an indication of character ; they have power to react on the character . Men are influenced by their ownwords . Often under a momentary impulse , prompted by Satan , they giveutterance to jealousy or evil surmising , expressing that which they do notreally believe ; but the ｅxpression reacts on the thoughts . They are deceivedby their words , and come to believe that true which was spoken at Satan ' sinstigation . Having once expressed an opinion or decision , they are oftentoo proud to retract it , and try to prove themselves in the right , untilthey come to believe that they are . It is dangerous to utter a word ofdoubt , dangerous to question and criticize divine light . The habit ofcareless and irreverent criticism reacts upon the character , in fosteringirreverence and unbelief . Many a man indulging this habit has gone onunconscious of danger , until he was ready to criticize and reject the workof the Holy Spirit . Jesus said , " Every idle word that men shall speak , theyshall give account thereof in the day of judgment . For by thy words thoushalt be justified , and by thy words thou shalt be condemned . " Then He added a warning to those who had been impressed by His words , whohad heard Him gladly , but who had not surrendered themselves for theindwelling of the Holy Spirit . It is not only by resistance but by neglectthat the soul is destroyed . " When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man , " said Jesus , " he walketh through dry places , seeking rest , and findeth none . Then he saith , I will return into my house from whence I came out ; and whenhe is come , he findeth it empty , swept , and garnished . Then goeth he , andtaketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself , and theyenter in and dwell there . " There were many in Christ ' s day , as there are today , over whom the controlof Satan for the time seemed broken ; through the grace of God they were setfree from the evil spirits that had held dominion over 324 the soul . They rejoiced in the love of God ; but , like the stony - groundhearers of the parable , they did not abide in His love . They did notsurrender themselves to God daily , that Christ might dwell in the heart ; andwhen the evil spirit returned , with " seven other spirits more wicked thanhimself , " they were wholly dominated by the power of evil . When the soul surrenders itself to Christ , a new power takes possession ofthe new heart . A change is wrought which man can never accomplish forhimself . It is a supernatural work , bringing a supernatural element intohuman nature . The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress , which He holds in a revolted world , and He intends that no authority shallbe known in it but His own . A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenlyagencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan . But unless we do yieldourselves to the control of Christ , we shall be dominated by the wicked one . We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the twogreat powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world . It is notnecessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom ofdarkness in order to come under its dominion . We have only to neglect toally ourselves with the kingdom of light . If we do not co - operate with theheavenly agencies , Satan will take possession of the heart , and will make ithis abiding place . The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christin the heart through faith in His righteousness . Unless we become vitallyconnected with God , we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self - love , self - indulgence , and temptation to sin . We may leave off many bad habits , for the time we may part company with Satan ; but without a vital connectionwith God , through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment , weshall be overcome . Without a personal acquaintance with Christ , and acontinual communion , we are at the mercy of the enemy , and shall do hisbidding in the end . " The last state of that man is worse than the first . Even so , " said Jesus , " shall it be also unto this wicked generation . " There are none so hardenedas those who have slighted the invitation of mercy , and done despite to theSpirit of grace . The most common manifestation of the sin against the HolySpirit is in persistently slighting Heaven ' s invitation to repent . Everystep in the rejection of Christ is a step toward the rejection of salvation , and toward the sin against the Holy Spirit . In rejecting Christ the Jewish people committed the unpardonable sin ; and byrefusing the invitation of mercy , we may commit the same 325 error . We offer insult to the Prince of life , and put Him to shame beforethe synagogue of Satan and before the heavenly universe when we refuse tolisten to His delegated messengers , and instead listen to the agents ofSatan , who would draw the soul away from Christ . So long as one does this , he can find no hope or pardon , and he will finally lose all desire to bereconciled to God . While Jesus was still teaching the people , His disciples brought the messagethat His mother and His brothers were without , and desired to see Him . Heknew what was in their hearts , and " He answered and said unto him that toldHim , Who is My mother ? and who are My brethren ? And He stretched forth Hishand toward His disciples , and said , Behold My mother and My brethren ! Forwhosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven , the same is Mybrother , and sister , and mother . " All who would receive Christ by faith were united to Him by a tie closerthan that of human kinship . They would become one with Him , as He was onewith the Father . As a believer and doer of His words , His mother was morenearly and savingly related to Him than through her natural relationship . His brothers would receive no benefit from their connection with Him unlessthey accepted Him as their personal Saviour . What a support Christ would have found in His earthly relatives if they hadbelieved in Him as one from heaven , and had co - operated with Him in doingthe work of God ! Their unbelief cast a shadow over the earthly life ofJesus . It was a part of the bitterness of that cup of woe which He drainedfor us . 326 The enmity kindled in the human heart against the gospel was keenly felt bythe Son of God , and it was most painful to Him in His home ; for His ownheart was full of kindness and love , and He appreciated tender regard in thefamily relation . His brothers desired that He should concede to their ideas , when such a course would have been utterly out of harmony with His divinemission . They looked upon Him as in need of their counsel . They judged Himfrom their human point of view , and thought that if He would speak only suchthings as would be acceptable to the scribes and Pharisees , He would avoidthe disagreeable controversy that His words aroused . They thought that Hewas beside Himself in claiming divine authority , and in placing Himselfbefore the rabbis as a reprover of their sins . They knew that the Phariseeswere seeking occasion to accuse Him , and they felt that He had given themsufficient occasion . With their short measuring line they could not fathom the mission which Hecame to fulfill , and therefore could not sympathize with Him in His trials . Their coarse , unappreciative words showed that they had no true perceptionof His character , and did not discern that the divine blended with thehuman . They often saw Him full of grief ; but instead of comforting Him , their spirit and words only wounded His heart . His sensitive nature wastortured , His motives were misunderstood , His work was uncomprehended . His brothers often brought forward the philosophy of the Pharisees , whichwas threadbare and hoary with age , and presumed to think that they couldteach Him who understood all truth , and comprehended all mysteries . Theyfreely condemned that which they could not understand . Their reproachesprobed Him to the quick , and His soul was wearied and distressed . Theyavowed faith in God , and thought they were vindicating God , when God waswith them in the flesh , and they knew Him not . These things made His path a thorny one to travel . So pained was Christ bythe misapprehension in His own home that it was a relief to Him to go whereit did not exist . There was one home that He loved to visit , -- the home ofLazarus , and Mary , and Martha ; for in the atmosphere of faith and love Hisspirit had rest . Yet there were none on earth who could comprehend Hisdivine mission , or know the burden which He bore in behalf of humanity . Often He could find relief only in being alone , and communing with Hisheavenly Father . 327 Those who are called to suffer for Christ ' s sake , who have to enduremisapprehension and distrust , even in their own home , may find comfort inthe thought that Jesus has endured the same . He is moved with compassion forthem . He bids them find companionship in Him , and relief where He found it , in communion with the Father . Those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour are not left as orphans , to bear the trials of life alone . He receives them as members of theheavenly family ; He bids them call His Father their Father . They are His " little ones , " dear to the heart of God , bound to Him by the most tender andabiding ties . He has toward them an exceeding tenderness , as far surpassingwhat our father or mother has felt toward us in our helplessness as thedivine is above the human . Of Christ ' s relation to His people , there is a beautiful illustration in thelaws given to Israel . When through poverty a Hebrew had been forced to partwith his patrimony , and to sell himself as a bondservant , the duty ofredeeming him and his inheritance fell to the one who was nearest of kin . See Lev . 25 : 25 , 47 - 49 ; Ruth 2 : 20 . So the work of redeeming us and ourinheritance , lost through sin , fell upon Him who is " near of kin " unto us . It was to redeem us that He became our kinsman . Closer than father , mother , brother , friend , or lover is the Lord our Saviour . " Fear not , " He says , " forI have redeemed thee , I have called thee by thy name ; thou art Mine . " " Sincethou wast precious in My sight , thou hast been honorable , and I have lovedthee : therefore will I give men for thee , and people for thy life . " Isa . 43 : 1 , 4 . Christ loves the heavenly beings that surround His throne ; but what shallaccount for the great love wherewith He has loved us ? We cannot understandit , but we can know it true in our own experience . And if we do hold therelation of kinship to Him , with what tenderness should we regard those whoare brethren and sisters of our Lord ! Should we not be quick to recognizethe claims of our divine relationship ? Adopted into the family of God , should we not honor our Father and our kindred ? ( 328 ) Chapter 34 The Invitation [ This chapter is based on Matt . 11 : 28 - 30 . ] " Come unto Me , all ye that labor and are heavy - laden , and I will give yourest . " These words of comfort were spoken to the multitude that followed Jesus . TheSaviour had said that only through Himself could men receive a knowledge ofGod . He had spoken of His disciples as the ones to whom a knowledge ofheavenly things had been given . But He left none to feel themselves shut outfrom His care and love . All who labor and are heavy - laden may come unto Him . Scribes and rabbis , with their punctilious attention to religious forms , hada sense of want that rites of penance could never satisfy . Publicans andsinners might pretend to be content with the sensual and earthly , but intheir hearts were distrust and fear . Jesus looked upon the distressed andheart burdened , those whose hopes were blighted , and who with earthly joyswere seeking to quiet the longing of the soul , and He invited all to findrest in Him . Tenderly He bade the toiling people , " Take My yoke upon you , and learn ofMe ; for I am meek and lowly in heart : and ye shall find rest unto yoursouls . " In these words Christ is speaking to every human being . Whether they know itor not , all are weary and heavy - laden . All are weighed down with burdensthat only Christ can remove . The heaviest burden that we bear is the burdenof sin . If we were left to bear this burden , it 329 would crush us . But the Sinless one has taken our place . " The Lord hath laidon Him the iniquity of us all . " Isa . 53 : 6 . He has borne the burden of ourguilt . He will take the load from our weary shoulders . He will give us rest . The burden of care and sorrow also He will bear . He invites us to cast allour care upon Him ; for He carries us upon His heart . The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne . He looks upon everysoul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour . He knows byexperience what are the weaknesses of humanity , what are our wants , andwhere lies the strength of our temptations ; for He was in all points temptedlike as we are , yet without sin . He is watching over you , trembling child ofGod . Are you tempted ? He will deliver . Are you weak ? He will strengthen . Areyou ignorant ? He will enlighten . Are you wounded ? He will heal . The Lord " telleth the number of the stars ;" and yet " He healeth the broken in heart , and bindeth up their wounds . " Ps . 147 : 4 , 3 . " Come unto Me , " is Hisinvitation . Whatever your anxieties and trials , spread out your case beforethe Lord . Your spirit will be braced for endurance . The way will be openedfor you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty . Theweaker and more helpless you know yourself to be , the stronger will youbecome in His strength . The heavier your burdens , the more blessed the restin casting them upon the Burden Bearer . The rest that Christ offers dependsupon conditions , but these conditions are plainly specified . They are thosewith which all can comply . He tells us just how His rest is to be found . " Take My yoke upon you , " Jesus says . The yoke is an instrument of service . Cattle are yoked for labor , and the yoke is essential that they may laboreffectually . By this illustration Christ teaches us that we are called toservice as long as life shall last . We are to take upon us His yoke , that wemay be co - workers with Him . The yoke that binds to service is the law of God . The great law of loverevealed in Eden , proclaimed upon Sinai , and in the new covenant written inthe heart , is that which binds the human worker to the will of God . If wewere left to follow our own inclinations , to go just where our will wouldlead us , we should fall into Satan ' s ranks and become possessors of hisattributes . Therefore God confines us to His will , which is high , and noble , and elevating . He desires that we shall patiently and wisely take up theduties of service . The yoke of service Christ Himself has borne in humanity . He said , " I delight to do Thy will , O My God : yea , Thy law is within Myheart . " Ps . 40 : 8 . " I came down 330 from heaven , not to do Mine own will , but the will of Him that sent Me . " John 6 : 38 . Love for God , zeal for His glory , and love for fallen humanity , brought Jesus to earth to suffer and to die . This was the controlling powerof His life . This principle He bids us adopt . There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because theyseek to reach the world ' s standard . They have chosen its service , acceptedits perplexities , adopted its customs . Thus their character is marred , andtheir life made a weariness . In order to gratify ambition and worldlydesires , they wound the conscience , and bring upon themselves an additionalburden of remorse . The continual worry is wearing out the life forces . OurLord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage . He invites them toaccept His yoke ; He says , " My yoke is easy , and My burden is light . " He bidsthem seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness , and His promise isthat all things needful to them for this life shall be added . Worry isblind , and cannot discern the future ; but Jesus sees the end from thebeginning . In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief . Ourheavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us , of which we knownothing . Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honorof God supreme will find perplexities vanish , and a plain path before theirfeet . " Learn of Me , " says Jesus ; " for I am meek and lowly in heart : and ye shallfind rest . " We are to enter the school of Christ , to learn from Him meeknessand lowliness . Redemption is that process by which the soul is trained forheaven . This training means a knowledge of Christ . It means emancipationfrom ideas , habits , and practices that have been gained in the school of theprince of darkness . The soul must be delivered from all that is opposed toloyalty to God . In the heart of Christ , where reigned perfect harmony with God , there wasperfect peace . He was never elated by applause , nor dejected by censure ordisappointment . Amid the greatest opposition and the most cruel treatment , He was still of good courage . But many who profess to be His followers havean anxious , troubled heart , because they are afraid to trust themselves withGod . They do not make a complete surrender to Him ; for they shrink from theconsequences that such a surrender may involve . Unless they do make thissurrender , they cannot find peace . It is the love of self that brings unrest . When we are born from above , thesame mind will be in us that was in Jesus , the mind that led 331 Him to humble Himself that we might be saved . Then we shall not be seekingthe highest place . We shall desire to sit at the feet of Jesus , and learn ofHim . We shall understand that the value of our work does not consist inmaking a show and noise in the world , and in being active and zealous in ourown strength . The value of our work is in proportion to the impartation ofthe Holy Spirit . Trust in God brings holier qualities of mind , so that inpatience we may possess our souls . The yoke is placed upon the oxen to aid them in drawing the load , to lightenthe burden . So with the yoke of Christ . When our will is swallowed up in thewill of God , and we use His gifts to bless others , we shall find life ' sburden light . He who walks in the way of God ' s commandments is walking incompany with Christ , and in His love the heart is at rest . When Mosesprayed , " Show me now Thy way , that I may know Thee , " the Lord answered him , " My presence shall go with thee , and I will give thee rest . " And through theprophets the message was given , " Thus saith the Lord , Stand ye in the ways , and see , and ask for the old paths , where is the good way , and walk therein , and ye shall find rest for your souls . " Ex . 33 : 13 , 14 ; Jer . 6 : 16 . And Hesays , " O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments ! then had thy peacebeen as a river , and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea . " Isa . 48 : 18 . Those who take Christ at His word , and surrender their souls to His keeping , their lives to His ordering , will find peace and quietude . Nothing of theworld can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence . Inperfect acquiescence there is perfect rest . The Lord says , " Thou wilt keephim in perfect peace , whose mind is stayed on Thee : because he trusteth inThee . " Isa . 26 : 3 . Our lives may seem a tangle ; but as we commit ourselves tothe wise Master Worker , He will bring out the pattern of life and characterthat will be to His own glory . And that character which expresses theglory -- character -- of Christ will be received into the Paradise of God . Arenovated race shall walk with Him in white , for they are worthy . As through Jesus we enter into rest , heaven begins here . We respond to Hisinvitation , Come , learn of Me , and in thus coming we begin the life eternal . Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ . The longer we arein the heaven of bliss , the more and still more of glory will be opened tous ; and the more we know of God , the more intense will be our happiness . Aswe walk with Jesus in this life , we may be filled with His love , satisfiedwith His presence . All that human 332 nature can bear , we may receive here . But what is this compared with thehereafter ? There " are they before the throne of God , and serve Him day andnight in His temple : and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell amongthem . They shall hunger no more , neither thirst any more ; neither shall thesun light on them , nor any heat . For the Lamb which is in the midst of thethrone shall feed them , and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters : and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes . " Rev . 7 : 15 - 17 . ( 333 ) Chapter 35 " Peace , Be Still " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 8 : 23 - 34 ; Mark 4 : 35 - 41 ; 5 : 1 - 20 ; Luke 8 : 22 - 39 . ] It had been an eventful day in the life of Jesus . Beside the Sea of GalileeHe had spoken His first parables , by familiar illustrations again explainingto the people the nature of His kingdom and the manner in which it was to beestablished . He had likened His own work to that of the sower ; thedevelopment of His kingdom to the growth of the mustard seed and the effectof leaven in the measure of meal . The great final separation of therighteous and the wicked He had pictured in the parables of the wheat andtares and the fishing net . The exceeding preciousness of the truths Hetaught had been illustrated by the hidden treasure and the pearl of greatprice , while in the parable of the householder He taught His disciples howthey were to labor as His representatives . All day He had been teaching and healing ; and as evening came on the crowdsstill pressed upon Him . Day after day He had ministered to them , scarcelypausing for food or rest . The malicious criticism and misrepresentation withwhich the Pharisees constantly pursued Him made His labors much more severeand harassing ; and now the close of the day found Him so utterly weariedthat He determined to seek retirement in some solitary place across thelake . The eastern shore of Gennesaret was not uninhabited , for there were townshere and there beside the lake ; yet it was a desolate region when 334 compared with the western side . It contained a population more heathen thanJewish , and had little communication with Galilee . Thus it offered Jesus theseclusion He sought , and He now bade His disciples accompany Him thither . After He had dismissed the multitude , they took Him , even " as He was , " intothe boat , and hastily set off . But they were not to depart alone . There wereother fishing boats lying near the shore , and these were quickly crowdedwith people who followed Jesus , eager still to see and hear Him . The Saviour was at last relieved from the pressure of the multitude , and , overcome with weariness and hunger , He lay down in the stern of the boat , and soon fell asleep . The evening had been calm and pleasant , and quietrested upon the lake ; but suddenly darkness overspread the sky , the windswept wildly down the mountain gorges along the eastern shore , and a fiercetempest burst upon the lake . The sun had set , and the blackness of night settled down upon the stormysea . The waves , lashed into fury by the howling winds , dashed fiercely overthe disciples ' boat , and threatened to engulf it . Those hardy fishermen hadspent their lives upon the lake , and had guided their craft safely throughmany a storm ; but now their strength and skill availed nothing . They werehelpless in the grasp of the tempest , and hope failed them as they saw thattheir boat was filling . Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves , they had forgotten that Jesuswas on board . Now , seeing their labor vain and only death before them , theyremembered at whose command they had set out to cross the sea . In Jesus wastheir only hope . In their helplessness and despair they cried , " Master , Master ! " But the dense darkness hid Him from their sight . Their voices weredrowned by the roaring of the tempest , and there was no reply . Doubt andfear assailed them . Had Jesus forsaken them ? Was He who had conquereddisease and demons , and even death , powerless to help His disciples now ? WasHe unmindful of them in their distress ? Again they call , but there is no answer except the shrieking of the angryblast . Already their boat is sinking . A moment , and apparently they will beswallowed up by the hungry waters . Suddenly a flash of lightning pierces the darkness , and they see Jesus lyingasleep , undisturbed by the tumult . In amazement and despair they exclaim , " Master , carest Thou not that we perish ? " How can He rest so peacefully , while they are in danger and battling with death ? 335 Their cry arouses Jesus . As the lightning ' s glare reveals Him , they see thepeace of heaven in His face ; they read in His glance self - forgetful , tenderlove , and , their hearts turning to Him , cry , " Lord , save us : we perish . " Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded . As the disciples grasp their oarsto make a last effort , Jesus rises . He stands in the midst of His disciples , while the tempest rages , the waves break over them , and the lightningilluminates His countenance . He lifts His hand , so often employed in deedsof mercy , and says to the angry sea , " Peace , be still . " The storm ceases . The billows sink to rest . The clouds roll away , and thestars shine forth . The boat rests upon a quiet sea . Then turning to Hisdisciples , Jesus asks sorrowfully , " Why are ye fearful ? have ye not yetfaith ? " Mark 4 : 40 , R . V . A hush fell upon the disciples . Even Peter did not attempt to express theawe that filled his heart . The boats that had set out to accompany Jesus hadbeen in the same peril with that of the disciples . Terror and despair hadseized their occupants ; but the command of Jesus brought quiet to the sceneof tumult . The fury of the storm had driven the boats into close proximity , and all on board beheld the miracle . In the calm that followed , fear wasforgotten . The people whispered among themselves , " What manner of man isthis , that even the winds and the sea obey Him ? " 336 When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm , He was in perfect peace . Therewas no trace of fear in word or look , for no fear was in His heart . But Herested not in the possession of almighty power . It was not as the " Master ofearth and sea and sky " that He reposed in quiet . That power He had laiddown , and He says , " I can of Mine own self do nothing . " John 5 : 30 . Hetrusted in the Father ' s might . It was in faith -- faith in God ' s love andcare -- that Jesus rested , and the power of that word which stilled the stormwas the power of God . As Jesus rested by faith in the Father ' s care , so we are to rest in the careof our Saviour . If the disciples had trusted in Him , they would have beenkept in peace . Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief . Intheir efforts to save themselves , they forgot Jesus ; and it was only when , in despair of self - dependence , they turned to Him that He could give themhelp . How often the disciples ' experience is ours ! When the tempests of temptationgather , and the fierce lightnings flash , and the waves sweep over us , webattle with the storm alone , forgetting that there is one who can help us . We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost , and we are ready toperish . Then we remember Jesus , and if we call upon Him to save us , we shallnot cry in vain . Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief andself - confidence , He never fails to give us the help we need . Whether on theland or on the sea , if we have the Saviour in our hearts , there is no needof fear . Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life , and willdeliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best . There is another spiritual lesson in this miracle of the stilling of thetempest . Every man ' s experience testifies to the truth of the words ofScripture , " The wicked are like the troubled sea , when it cannot rest . . . . There is no peace , saith my God , to the wicked . " Isa . 57 : 20 , 21 . Sin hasdestroyed our peace . While self is unsubdued , we can find no rest . Themasterful passions of the heart no human power can control . We are ashelpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm . But He whospoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for everysoul . However fierce the tempest , those who turn to Jesus with the cry , " Lord , save us , " will find deliverance . His grace , that reconciles the soulto God , quiets the strife of human passion , and in His love the heart is atrest . " He maketh the storm a calm , so that the waves thereof are still . Thenare they glad because they be quiet ; 337 so He bringeth them unto their desired haven . " Ps . 107 : 29 , 30 . " Beingjustified by faith , we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ . "" The work of righteousness shall be peace ; and the effect of righteousnessquietness and assurance forever . " Rom . 5 : 1 ; Isa . 32 : 17 . In the early morning the Saviour and His companions came to shore , and thelight of the rising sun touched sea and land as with the benediction ofpeace . But no sooner had they stepped upon the beach than their eyes weregreeted by a sight more terrible than the fury of the tempest . From somehiding place among the tombs , two madmen rushed upon them as if to tear themin pieces . Hanging about these men were parts of chains which they hadbroken in escaping from confinement . Their flesh was torn and bleeding wherethey had cut themselves with sharp stones . Their eyes glared out from theirlong and matted hair , the very likeness of humanity seemed to have beenblotted out by the demons that possessed them , and they looked more likewild beasts than like men . The disciples and their companions fled in terror ; but presently theynoticed that Jesus was not with them , and they turned to look for Him . Hewas standing where they had left Him . He who had stilled the tempest , whohad before met Satan and conquered him , did not flee before these demons . When the men , gnashing their teeth , and foaming at the mouth , approachedHim , Jesus raised that hand which had beckoned the waves to rest , and themen could come no nearer . They stood raging but helpless before Him . With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of them . His wordspenetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men . They 338 realized dimly that one was near who could save them from the tormentingdemons . They fell at the Saviour ' s feet to worship Him ; but when their lipswere opened to entreat His mercy , the demons spoke through them , cryingvehemently , " What have I to do with Thee , Jesus , Thou Son of God most high ? I beseech Thee , torment me not . " Jesus asked , " What is thy name ? " And the answer was , " My name is Legion : forwe are many . " Using the afflicted men as mediums of communication , theybesought Jesus not to send them out of the country . Upon a mountainside notfar distant a great herd of swine was feeding . Into these the demons askedto be allowed to enter , and Jesus suffered them . Immediately a panic seizedthe herd . They rushed madly down the cliff , and , unable to check themselvesupon the shore , plunged into the lake , and perished . Meanwhile a marvelous change had come over the demoniacs . Light had shoneinto their minds . Their eyes beamed with intelligence . The countenances , solong deformed into the image of Satan , became suddenly mild , thebloodstained hands were quiet , and with glad voices the men praised God fortheir deliverance . From the cliff the keepers of the swine had seen all that had occurred , andthey hurried away to publish the news to their employers and to all thepeople . In fear and amazement the whole population flocked to meet Jesus . The two demoniacs had been the terror of the country . No one had been safeto pass the place where they were ; for they would rush upon every travelerwith the fury of demons . Now these men were clothed and in their right mind , sitting at the feet of Jesus , listening to His words , and glorifying thename of Him who had made them whole . But the people who beheld thiswonderful scene did not rejoice . The loss of the swine seemed to them ofgreater moment than the deliverance of these captives of Satan . It was in mercy to the owners of the swine that this loss had been permittedto come upon them . They were absorbed in earthly things , and cared not forthe great interests of spiritual life . Jesus desired to break the spell ofselfish indifference , that they might accept His grace . 339 But regret and indignation for their temporal loss blinded their eyes to theSaviour ' s mercy . The manifestation of supernatural power aroused the superstitions of thepeople , and excited their fears . Further calamities might follow from havingthis Stranger among them . They apprehended financial ruin , and determined tobe freed from His presence . Those who had crossed the lake with Jesus toldof all that had happened on the preceding night , of their peril in thetempest , and how the wind and the sea had been stilled . But their words werewithout effect . In terror the people thronged about Jesus , beseeching Him todepart from them , and He complied , taking ship at once for the oppositeshore . The people of Gergesa had before them the living evidence of Christ ' s powerand mercy . They saw the men who had been restored to reason ; but they wereso fearful of endangering their earthly interests that He who had vanquishedthe prince of darkness before their eyes was treated as an intruder , and theGift of heaven was turned from their doors . We have not the opportunity ofturning from the person of Christ as had the Gergesenes ; but still there aremany who refuse to obey His word , because obedience would involve thesacrifice of some worldly interest . Lest His presence shall cause thempecuniary loss , many reject His grace , and drive His Spirit from them . But far different was the feeling of the restored demoniacs . They desiredthe company of their deliverer . In His presence they felt secure from thedemons that had tormented their lives and wasted their manhood . As Jesus wasabout to enter the boat , they kept close to His side , knelt at His feet , andbegged Him to keep them near Him , where they might ever listen to His words . But Jesus bade them go home and tell what great things the Lord had done forthem . Here was a work for them to do , -- to go to a heathen home , and tell of theblessing they had received from Jesus . It was hard for them to be separatedfrom the Saviour . Great difficulties were sure to beset them in associationwith their heathen countrymen . And their long isolation from society seemedto have disqualified them for the work He had indicated . But as soon asJesus pointed out their duty they were ready to obey . Not only did they telltheir own households and neighbors about Jesus , but they went throughoutDecapolis , everywhere declaring His power to save , and describing how He hadfreed them from the demons . In doing this work they could receive a greater 340 blessing than if , merely for benefit to themselves , they had remained in Hispresence . It is in working to spread the good news of salvation that we arebrought near to the Saviour . The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom Christ sent topreach the gospel in the region of Decapolis . For a few moments only thesemen had been privileged to hear the teachings of Christ . Not one sermon fromHis lips had ever fallen upon their ears . They could not instruct the peopleas the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do . But theybore in their own persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah . Theycould tell what they knew ; what they themselves had seen , and heard , andfelt of the power of Christ . This is what everyone can do whose heart hasbeen touched by the grace of God . John , the beloved disciple , wrote : " Thatwhich was from the beginning , which we have heard , which we have seen withour eyes , which we have looked upon , and our hands have handled , of the Wordof life ; . . . that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you . " 1 John 1 : 1 - 3 . As witnesses for Christ , we are to tell what we know , whatwe ourselves have seen and heard and felt . If we have been following Jesusstep by step , we shall have something right to the point to tell concerningthe way in which He has led us . We can tell how we have tested His promise , and found the promise true . We can bear witness to what we have known of thegrace of Christ . This is the witness for which our Lord calls , and for wantof which the world is perishing . Though the people of Gergesa had not received Jesus , He did not leave themto the darkness they had chosen . When they bade Him depart from them , theyhad not heard His words . They were ignorant of that which they wererejecting . Therefore He again sent the light to them , and by those to whomthey would not refuse to listen . In causing the destruction of the swine , it was Satan ' s purpose to turn thepeople away from the Saviour , and prevent the preaching of the gospel inthat region . But this very occurrence roused the whole country as nothingelse could have done , and directed attention to Christ . Though the SaviourHimself departed , the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to Hispower . Those who had been mediums of the prince of darkness became channelsof light , messengers of the Son of God . Men marveled as they listened to thewondrous news . A door was opened to the gospel throughout that region . WhenJesus returned to Decapolis , the people flocked about Him , and for three 341 days , not merely the inhabitants of one town , but thousands from all thesurrounding region , heard the message of salvation . Even the power of demonsis under the control of our Saviour , and the working of evil is overruledfor good . The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson for the disciples . It showed the depths of degradation to which Satan is seeking to drag thewhole human race , and the mission of Christ to set men free from his power . Those wretched beings , dwelling in the place of graves , possessed by demons , in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts , represent whathumanity would become if given up to satanic jurisdiction . Satan ' s influenceis constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses , control the mind forevil , and incite to violence and crime . He weakens the body , darkens theintellect , and debases the soul . Whenever men reject the Saviour ' sinvitation , they are yielding themselves to Satan . Multitudes in everydepartment in life , in the home , in business , and even in the church , aredoing this today . It is because of this that violence and crime haveoverspread the earth , and moral darkness , like the pall of death , enshroudsthe habitations of men . Through his specious temptations Satan leads men toworse and worse evils , till utter depravity and ruin are the result . Theonly safeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus . Beforemen and angels Satan has been revealed as man ' s enemy and destroyer ; Christ , as man ' s friend and deliverer . His Spirit will develop in man all that willennoble the character and dignify the nature . It will build man up for theglory of God in body and soul and spirit . " For God hath not given us thespirit of fear ; but of power , and of love , and of a sound mind . " 2 Tim . 1 : 7 . He has called us " to the obtaining of the glory "-- character --" of our LordJesus Christ ;" has called us to be " conformed to the image of His Son . " 2 Thess . 2 : 14 ; Rom . 8 : 29 . And souls that have been degraded into instruments of Satan are stillthrough the power of Christ transformed into messengers of righteousness , and sent forth by the Son of God to tell what " great things the Lord hathdone for thee , and hath had compassion on thee . " ( 342 ) Chapter 36 The Touch of Faith [ This chapter is based on Matt . 9 : 18 - 26 ; Mark 5 : 21 - 43 ; Luke 8 : 40 - 56 . ] Returning from Gergesa to the western shore , Jesus found a multitudegathered to receive Him , and they greeted Him with joy . He remained by theseaside for a time , teaching and healing , and then repaired to the house ofLevi - Matthew to meet the publicans at the feast . Here Jairus , the ruler ofthe synagogue , found Him . This elder of the Jews came to Jesus in great distress , and cast himself atHis feet , exclaiming , " My little daughter lieth at the point of death : Ipray Thee , come and lay Thy hands on her , that she may be healed ; and sheshall live . " Jesus set out at once with the ruler for his home . Though the disciples hadseen so many of His works of mercy , they were surprised at His compliancewith the entreaty of the haughty rabbi ; yet they accompanied their Master , and the people followed , eager and expectant . The ruler ' s house was not far distant , but Jesus and His companions advancedslowly , for the crowd pressed Him on every side . The anxious father wasimpatient of delay ; but Jesus , pitying the people , stopped now and then torelieve some suffering one , or to comfort a troubled heart . While they were still on the way , a messenger pressed through the crowd , bearing to Jairus the news that his daughter was dead , and it was useless totrouble the Master further . The word caught the ear of 343 Jesus . " Fear not , " He said ; " believe only , and she shall be made whole . " Jairus pressed closer to the Saviour , and together they hurried to theruler ' s home . Already the hired mourners and flute players were there , filling the air with their clamor . The presence of the crowd , and the tumultjarred upon the spirit of Jesus . He tried to silence them , saying , " Why makeye this ado , and weep ? the damsel is not dead , but sleepeth . " They wereindignant at the words of the Stranger . They had seen the child in theembrace of death , and they laughed Him to scorn . Requiring them all to leavethe house , Jesus took with Him the father and mother of the maiden , and thethree disciples , Peter , James , and John , and together they entered thechamber of death . Jesus approached the bedside , and , taking the child ' s hand in His own , Hepronounced softly , in the familiar language of her home , the words , " Damsel , I say unto thee , arise . " Instantly a tremor passed through the unconscious form . The pulses of lifebeat again . The lips unclosed with a smile . The eyes opened widely as iffrom sleep , and the maiden gazed with wonder on the group beside her . Shearose , and her parents clasped her in their arms , and wept for joy . On the way to the ruler ' s house , Jesus had met , in the crowd , a poor womanwho for twelve years had suffered from a disease that made her life aburden . She had spent all her means upon physicians and remedies , only to bepronounced incurable . But her hopes revived when she heard of the cures thatChrist performed . She felt assured that if she could only go to Him shewould be healed . In weakness and suffering she came to the seaside where Hewas teaching , and tried to press through the crowd , but in vain . Again shefollowed Him from the house of Levi - Matthew , but was still unable to reachHim . She had begun to despair , when , in making His way through themultitude , He came near where she was . The golden opportunity had come . She was in the presence of the GreatPhysician ! But amid the confusion she could not speak to Him , nor catch morethan a passing glimpse of His figure . Fearful of losing her one chance ofrelief , she pressed forward , saying to herself , " If I may but touch Hisgarment , I shall be whole . " As He was passing , she reached forward , andsucceeded in barely touching the border of His garment . But in that momentshe knew that she was healed . In that one touch she was concentrated thefaith of her life , and instantly her pain and feebleness gave place to thevigor of perfect health . 344 With a grateful heart she then tried to withdraw from the crowd ; butsuddenly Jesus stopped , and the people halted with Him . He turned , andlooking about asked in a voice distinctly heard above the confusion of themultitude , " Who touched Me ? " The people answered this query with a look ofamazement . Jostled upon all sides , and rudely pressed hither and thither , asHe was , it seemed a strange inquiry . Peter , ever ready to speak , said , " Master , the multitude throng Thee andpress Thee , and sayest Thou , Who touched Me ? " Jesus answered , " Somebody hathtouched Me : for I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me . " The Saviour coulddistinguish the touch of faith from the casual contact of the carelessthrong . Such trust should not be passed without comment . He would speak tothe humble woman words of comfort that would be to her a wellspring ofjoy , -- words that would be a blessing to His followers to the close of time . Looking toward the woman , Jesus insisted on knowing who had touched Him . Finding concealment vain , she came forward tremblingly , 347 and cast herself at His feet . With grateful tears she told the story of hersuffering , and how she had found relief . Jesus gently said , " Daughter , be ofgood comfort : thy faith hath made thee whole ; go in peace . " He gave noopportunity for superstition to claim healing virtue for the mere act oftouching His garments . It was not through the outward contact with Him , butthrough the faith which took hold on His divine power , that the cure waswrought . The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ realized no accession ofvital power . But when the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch Him , believing that she would be made whole , she felt the healing virtue . So inspiritual things . To talk of religion in a casual way , to pray without soulhunger and living faith , avails nothing . A nominal faith in Christ , whichaccepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world , can never bring healing tothe soul . The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assentto the truth . He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercisefaith , cannot receive blessing from God . It is not enough to believe aboutChrist ; we must believe in Him . The only faith that will benefit us is thatwhich embraces Him as a personal Saviour ; which appropriates His merits toourselves . Many hold faith as an opinion . Saving faith is a transaction bywhich those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation withGod . Genuine faith is life . A living faith means an increase of vigor , aconfiding trust , by which the soul becomes a conquering power . After healing the woman , Jesus desired her to acknowledge the blessing shehad received . The gifts which the gospel offers are not to be secured bystealth or enjoyed in secret . So the Lord calls upon us for confession ofHis goodness . " Ye are My witnesses , saith the Lord , that I am God . " Isa . 43 : 12 . Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven ' s chosen agency for revealingChrist to the world . We are to acknowledge His grace as made known throughthe holy men of old ; but that which will be most effectual is the testimonyof our own experience . We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselvesthe working of a power that is divine . Every individual has a life distinctfrom all others , and an experience differing essentially from theirs . Goddesires that our praise shall ascend to Him , marked by our ownindividuality . These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory ofHis grace , when supported by a Christ - like life , have an irresistible powerthat works for the salvation of souls . 348 When the ten lepers came to Jesus for healing , He bade them go and showthemselves to the priest . on the way they were cleansed , but only one ofthem returned to give Him glory . The others went their way , forgetting Himwho had made them whole . How many are still doing the same thing ! The Lordworks continually to benefit mankind . He is ever imparting His bounties . Heraises up the sick from beds of languishing , He delivers men from perilwhich they do not see , He commissions heavenly angels to save them fromcalamity , to guard them from " the pestilence that walketh in darkness " and " the destruction that wasteth at noonday " ( Ps . 91 : 6 ) ; but their hearts areunimpressed . He has given all the riches of heaven to redeem them , and yetthey are unmindful of His great love . By their ingratitude they close theirhearts against the grace of God . Like the heath in the desert they know notwhen good cometh , and their souls inhabit the parched places of thewilderness . It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory . Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more . There isgreater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive fromGod than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience ofothers . The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a wateredgarden . His health shall spring forth speedily ; his light shall rise inobscurity , and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him . Let us thenremember the loving - kindness of the Lord , and the multitude of His tendermercies . Like the people of Israel , let us set up our stones of witness , andinscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us . And aswe review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage , let us , out of heartsmelted with gratitude , declare , " What shall I render unto the Lord for allHis benefits toward me ? I will take the cup of salvation , and call upon thename of the Lord . I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence ofall His people . " Ps . 116 : 12 - 14 . ( 349 ) Chapter 37 The First Evangelists [ This chapter is based on Matt . 10 ; Mark 6 : 7 - 11 ; Luke 9 : 1 - 6 . ] The apostles were members of the family of Jesus , and they had accompaniedHim as He traveled on foot through Galilee . They had shared with Him thetoils and hardships that overtook them . They had listened to His discourses , they had walked and talked with the Son of God , and from His dailyinstruction they had learned how to work for the elevation of humanity . AsJesus ministered to the vast multitudes that gathered about Him , Hisdisciples were in attendance , eager to do His bidding and to lighten Hislabor . They assisted in arranging the people , bringing the afflicted ones tothe Saviour , and promoting the comfort of all . They watched for interestedhearers , explained the Scriptures to them , and in various ways worked fortheir spiritual benefit . They taught what they had learned of Jesus , andwere every day obtaining a rich experience . But they needed also anexperience in laboring alone . They were still in need of much instruction , great patience and tenderness . Now , while He was personally with them , topoint out their errors , and counsel and correct them , the Saviour sent themforth as His representatives . While they had been with Him , the disciples had often been perplexed by theteaching of the priests and Pharisees , but they had brought theirperplexities to Jesus . He had set before them the truths of Scripture incontrast with tradition . Thus He had strengthened their confidence in God ' sword , and in a great measure had set them free from their fear of the rabbisand their bondage to tradition . In the 350 training of the disciples the example of the Saviour ' s life was far moreeffective than any mere doctrinal instruction . When they were separated fromHim , every look and tone and word came back to them . Often when in conflictwith the enemies of the gospel , they repeated His words , and as they sawtheir effect upon the people , they rejoiced greatly . Calling the twelve about Him , Jesus bade them go out two and two through thetowns and villages . None were sent forth alone , but brother was associatedwith brother , friend with friend . Thus they could help and encourage eachother , counseling and praying together , each one ' s strength supplementingthe other ' s weakness . In the same manner He afterward sent forth theseventy . It was the Saviour ' s purpose that the messengers of the gospelshould be associated in this way . In our own time evangelistic work would befar more successful if this example were more closely followed . The disciples ' message was the same as that of John the Baptist and ofChrist Himself : " The kingdom of heaven is at hand . " They were to enter intono controversy with the people as to whether Jesus of Nazareth was theMessiah ; but in His name they were to do the same works of mercy as He haddone . He bade them , " Heal the sick , cleanse the lepers , raise the dead , castout devils : freely ye have received , freely give . " During His ministry Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than topreaching . His miracles testified to the truth of His words , that He camenot to destroy but to save . His righteousness went before Him , and the gloryof the Lord was His rearward . Wherever He went , the tidings of His mercypreceded Him . Where He had passed , the objects of His compassion wererejoicing in health , and making trial of their new - found powers . Crowds werecollecting around them to hear from their lips the works that the Lord hadwrought . His voice was the first sound that many had ever heard , His namethe first word they had ever spoken , His face the first they had ever lookedupon . Why should they not love Jesus , and sound His praise ? As He passedthrough the towns and cities He was like a vital current , diffusing life andjoy wherever He went . The followers of Christ are to labor as He did . We are to feed the hungry , clothe the naked , and comfort the suffering and afflicted . We are tominister to the despairing , and inspire hope in the hopeless . And to us alsothe promise will be fulfilled , " Thy righteousness shall go before thee ; theglory of the Lord shall be thy rearward . " Isa . 58 : 8 . The love of Christ , manifested in unselfish ministry , will be more effective in reforming theevildoer than will the sword or the court of 351 justice . These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker , but theloving missionary can do more than this . Often the heart will harden underreproof ; but it will melt under the love of Christ . The missionary cannotonly relieve physical maladies , but he can lead the sinner to the GreatPhysician , who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin . Through Hisservants , God designs that the sick , the unfortunate , those possessed ofevil spirits , shall hear His voice . Through His human agencies He desires tobe a Comforter such as the world knows not . The disciples on their first missionary tour were to go only to " the lostsheep of the house of Israel . " If they had now preached the gospel to theGentiles or the Samaritans , they would have lost their influence with theJews . By exciting the prejudice of the Pharisees they would have involvedthemselves in controversy which would have discouraged them at the outset oftheir labors . Even the apostles were slow to understand that the gospel wasto be carried to all nations . Until they themselves could grasp this truththey were not prepared to labor for the Gentiles . If the Jews would receivethe gospel , God purposed to make them His messengers to the Gentiles . Therefore they were first to hear the message . All over the field of Christ ' s labor there were souls awakened to theirneed , and hungering and thirsting for the truth . The time had come to sendthe tidings of His love to these longing hearts . To all these the discipleswere to go as His representatives . The believers would thus be led to lookupon them as divinely appointed teachers , and when the Saviour should betaken from them they would not be left without instructors . On this first tour the disciples were to go only where Jesus had been beforethem , and had made friends . Their preparation for the journey was to be ofthe simplest kind . Nothing must be allowed to divert their minds from theirgreat work , or in any way excite opposition and close the door for furtherlabor . They were not to adopt the dress of the religious teachers , nor useany guise in apparel to distinguish them from the humble peasants . They werenot to enter into the synagogues and call the people together for publicservice ; their efforts were to be put forth in house - to - house labor . Theywere not to waste time in needless salutations , or in going from house tohouse for entertainment . But in every place they were to accept thehospitality of those who were worthy , those who would welcome them heartilyas if entertaining Christ Himself . They were to enter the dwelling with thebeautiful salutation , " Peace be to this house . " Luke 10 : 5 . That home wouldbe blessed by their prayers , their 352 songs of praise , and the opening of the Scriptures in the family circle . These disciples were to be heralds of the truth , to prepare the way for thecoming of their Master . The message they had to bear was the word of eternallife , and the destiny of men depended upon their reception or rejection ofit . To impress the people with its solemnity , Jesus bade His disciples , " Whosoever shall not receive you , nor hear your words , when ye depart out ofthat house or city , shake off the dust of your feet . Verily I say unto you , It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day ofjudgment , than for that city . " Now the Saviour ' s eye penetrates the future ; He beholds the broader fieldsin which , after His death , the disciples are to be witnesses for Him . Hisprophetic glance takes in the experience of His servants through all theages till He shall come the second time . He shows His followers theconflicts they must meet ; He reveals the character and plan of the battle . He lays open before them the perils they must encounter , the self - denialthat will be required . He desires them to count the cost , that they may notbe taken unawares by the enemy . Their warfare is not to be waged againstflesh and blood , but " against the principalities , against the powers , against the world rulers of this darkness , against the spiritual hosts ofwickedness in the heavenly places . " Eph . 6 : 12 , R . V . They are to contendwith supernatural forces , but they are assured of supernatural help . All theintelligences of heaven are in this army . And more than angels are in theranks . The Holy Spirit , the representative of the Captain of the Lord ' shost , comes down to direct the battle . Our infirmities may be many , our sinsand mistakes grievous ; but the grace of God is for all who seek it withcontrition . The power of Omnipotence is enlisted in behalf of those whotrust in God . 353 " Behold , " said Jesus , " I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves : beye therefore wise as serpents , and harmless as doves . " Christ Himself didnot suppress one word of truth , but He spoke it always in love . He exercisedthe greatest tact , and thoughtful , kind attention in His intercourse withthe people . He was never rude , never needlessly spoke a severe word , nevergave needless pain to a sensitive soul . He did not censure human weakness . He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy , unbelief , and iniquity , but tears were inHis voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes . He wept over Jerusalem , thecity He loved , that refused to receive Him , the Way , the Truth , and theLife . They rejected Him , the Saviour , but He regarded them with pityingtenderness , and sorrow so deep that it broke His heart . Every soul wasprecious in His eyes . While He always bore Himself with divine dignity , Hebowed with tenderest regard to every member of the family of God . In all menHe saw fallen souls whom it was His mission to save . The servants of Christ are not to act out the dictates of the natural heart . They need to have close communion with God , lest , under provocation , selfrise up , and they pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting , thatare not as dew or the still showers that refresh the withering plants . Thisis what Satan wants them to do ; for these are his methods . It is the dragonthat is wroth ; it is the spirit of Satan that is revealed in anger andaccusing . But God ' s servants are to be representatives of Him . He desiresthem to deal only in the currency of heaven , the truth that bears His ownimage and superscription . The power by which they are to overcome evil isthe power of Christ . The glory of Christ is their strength . They are to fixtheir eyes upon His loveliness . Then they can present the gospel with divinetact and gentleness . And the spirit that is kept gentle under provocationwill speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument , however forcible . Those who are brought in controversy with the enemies of truth have to meet , not only men , but Satan and his agents . Let them remember the Saviour ' swords , " Behold , I send you forth as lambs among wolves . " Luke 10 : 3 . Let themrest in the love of God , and the spirit will be kept calm , even underpersonal abuse . The Lord will clothe them with a divine panoply . His HolySpirit will influence the mind and heart , so that their voices shall notcatch the notes of the baying of the wolves . 354 Continuing His instruction to His disciples , Jesus said , " Beware of men . " They were not to put implicit confidence in those who knew not God , and opento them their counsels ; for this would give Satan ' s agents an advantage . Man ' s inventions often counterwork God ' s plans . Those who build the templeof the Lord are to build according to the pattern shown in the mount , -- thedivine similitude . God is dishonored and the gospel is betrayed when Hisservants depend on the counsel of men who are not under the guidance of theHoly Spirit . Worldly wisdom is foolishness with God . Those who rely upon itwill surely err . " They will deliver you up to councils , . . . yea and before governors andkings shall ye be brought for My sake , for a testimony to them and to theGentiles . " Matt . 10 : 17 , 18 , R . V . Persecution will spread the light . Theservants of Christ will be brought before the great men of the world , who , but for this , might never hear the gospel . The truth has been misrepresentedto these men . They have listened to false charges concerning the faith ofChrist ' s disciples . Often their only means of learning its real character isthe testimony of those who are brought to trial for their faith . Underexamination these are required to answer , and their judges to listen to thetestimony borne . God ' s grace will be dispensed to His servants to meet theemergency . " It shall be given you , " says Jesus , " in that same hour what yeshall speak . For it is not ye that speak , but the Spirit of your Fatherwhich speaketh in you . " As the Spirit of God illuminates the minds of Hisservants , the truth will be presented in its divine power and preciousness . Those who reject the truth will stand to accuse and oppress the disciples . But under loss and suffering , even unto death , the Lord ' s children are toreveal the meekness of their divine Example . Thus will be seen the contrastbetween Satan ' s agents and the representatives of Christ . The Saviour willbe lifted up before the rulers and the people . The disciples were not endowed with the courage and fortitude of the martyrsuntil such grace was needed . Then the Saviour ' s promise was fulfilled . WhenPeter and John testified before the Sanhedrin council , men " marveled ; andthey took knowledge of them , that they had been with Jesus . " Acts 4 : 13 . OfStephen it is written that " all that sat in the council , looking steadfastlyon him , saw his face as it had been the face of an angel . " Men " were notable to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake . " Acts 6 : 15 , 10 . And Paul , writing of his own trial at the court of the Caesars , says , " At myfirst defense no one took my 355 part , but all forsook me . . . . But the Lord stood by me , and strengthenedme ; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed , and that all theGentiles might hear : and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion . " 2 Tim . 4 : 16 , 17 , R . V . The servants of Christ were to prepare no set speech to present when broughtto trial . Their preparation was to be made day by day in treasuring up theprecious truths of God ' s word , and through prayer strengthening their faith . When they were brought into trial , the Holy Spirit would bring to theirremembrance the very truths that would be needed . A daily , earnest striving to know God , and Jesus Christ whom He has sent , would bring power and efficiency to the soul . The knowledge obtained bydiligent searching of the Scriptures would be flashed into the memory at theright time . But if any had neglected to acquaint themselves with the wordsof Christ , if they had never tested the power of His grace in trial , theycould not expect that the Holy Spirit would bring His words to theirremembrance . They were to serve God daily with undivided affection , and thentrust Him . So bitter would be the enmity to the gospel that even the tenderest earthlyties would be disregarded . The disciples of Christ would be betrayed todeath by the members of their own households . " Ye shall be hated of all menfor My name ' s sake , " He added ; " but he that shall endure unto the end , thesame shall be saved . " Mark 13 : 13 . But He bade them not to expose themselvesunnecessarily to persecution . He Himself often left one field of labor foranother , in order to escape from those who were seeking His life . When Hewas rejected at Nazareth , and His own townsmen tried to kill Him , He wentdown to Capernaum , and there the people were astonished at His teaching ;" for His word was with power . " Luke 4 : 32 . So His servants were not to bediscouraged by persecution , but to seek a place where they could still laborfor the salvation of souls . The servant is not above his master . The Prince of heaven was calledBeelzebub , and His disciples will be misrepresented in like manner . Butwhatever the danger , Christ ' s followers must avow their principles . Theyshould scorn concealment . They cannot remain uncommitted until assured ofsafety in confessing the truth . They are set as watchmen , to warn men oftheir peril . The truth received from Christ must be imparted to all , freelyand openly . Jesus said , " What I tell you in darkness , that speak ye inlight : and what ye hear in the ear , that preach ye upon the housetops . " 356 Jesus Himself never purchased peace by compromise . His heart overflowed withlove for the whole human race , but He was never indulgent to their sins . Hewas too much their friend to remain silent while they were pursuing a coursethat would ruin their souls , -- the souls He had purchased with His own blood . He labored that man should be true to himself , true to his higher andeternal interest . The servants of Christ are called to the same work , andthey should beware lest , in seeking to prevent discord , they surrender thetruth . They are to " follow after the things which make for peace " ( Rom . 14 : 19 ) ; but real peace can never be secured by compromising principle . Andno man can be true to principle without exciting opposition . A Christianitythat is spiritual will be opposed by the children of disobedience . But Jesusbade His disciples , " Fear not them which kill the body , but are not able tokill the soul . " Those who are true to God need not fear the power of men northe enmity of Satan . In Christ their eternal life is secure . Their only fearshould be lest they surrender the truth , and thus betray the trust withwhich God has honored them . It is Satan ' s work to fill men ' s hearts with doubt . He leads them to lookupon God as a stern judge . He tempts them to sin , and then to regardthemselves as too vile to approach their heavenly Father or to excite Hispity . The Lord understands all this . Jesus assures His disciples of God ' ssympathy for them in their needs and weaknesses . Not a sigh is breathed , nota pain felt , not a grief pierces the soul , but the throb vibrates to theFather ' s heart . The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place , not in a state ofinactivity , not in silence and solitude , but surrounded by ten thousandtimes ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy intelligences , allwaiting to do His will . Through channels which we cannot discern He is inactive communication with every part of His dominion . But it is in thisspeck of a world , in the souls that He gave His only - begotten Son to save , that His interest and the interest of all heaven is centered . God is bendingfrom His throne to hear the cry of the oppressed . To every sincere prayer Heanswers , " Here am I . " He uplifts the distressed and downtrodden . In all ourafflictions He is afflicted . In every temptation and every trial the angelof His presence is near to deliver . Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father ' s notice . Satan ' shatred against God leads him to hate every object of the Saviour ' s care . Heseeks to mar the handiwork of God , and he delights in destroying 357 even the dumb creatures . It is only through God ' s protecting care that thebirds are preserved to gladden us with their songs of joy . But He does notforget even the sparrows . " Fear ye not therefore , ye are of more value thanmany sparrows . " Jesus continues : As you confess Me before men , so I will confess you beforeGod and the holy angels . You are to be My witnesses upon earth , channelsthrough which My grace can flow for the healing of the world . So I will beyour representative in heaven . The Father beholds not your faulty character , but He sees you as clothed in My perfection . I am the medium through whichHeaven ' s blessings shall come to you . And everyone who confesses Me bysharing My sacrifice for the lost shall be confessed as a sharer in theglory and joy of the redeemed . He who would confess Christ must have Christ abiding in him . He cannotcommunicate that which he has not received . The disciples might speakfluently on doctrines , they might repeat the words of Christ Himself ; butunless they possessed Christlike meekness and love , they were not confessingHim . A spirit contrary to the spirit of Christ would deny Him , whatever theprofession . Men may deny Christ by evilspeaking , by foolish talking , bywords that are untruthful or unkind . They may deny Him by shunning life ' sburdens , by the pursuit of sinful pleasure . They may deny Him by conformingto the world , by uncourteous behavior , by the love of their own opinions , byjustifying self , by cherishing doubt , borrowing trouble , and dwelling indarkness . In all these ways they declare that Christ is not in them . And " whosoever shall deny Me before men , " He says , " him will I also deny beforeMy Father which is in heaven . " The Saviour bade His disciples not to hope that the world ' s enmity to thegospel would be overcome , and that after a time its opposition would cease . He said , " I came not to send peace , but a sword . " This creating of strife isnot the effect of the gospel , but the result of opposition to it . Of allpersecution the hardest to bear is variance in the home , the estrangement ofdearest earthly friends . But Jesus declares , " He that loveth father ormother more than Me is not worthy of Me : and he that loveth son or daughtermore than Me is not worthy of Me . And he that taketh not his cross , andfolloweth after Me , is not worthy of Me . " The mission of Christ ' s servants is a high honor , and a sacred trust . " Hethat receiveth you , " He says , " receiveth Me , and he that receiveth 358 Me receiveth Him that sent Me . " No act of kindness shown to them in His namewill fail to be recognized and rewarded . And in the same tender recognitionHe includes the feeblest and lowliest of the family of God : " Whosoever shallgive to drink unto one of these little ones "-- those who are as children intheir faith and their knowledge of Christ --" a cup of cold water only in thename of a disciple , verily I say unto you , he shall in nowise lose hisreward . " Thus the Saviour ended His instruction . In the name of Christ the chosentwelve went out , as He had gone , " to preach the gospel to the poor , . . . toheal the brokenhearted , to preach deliverance to the captives , andrecovering of sight to the blind , to set at liberty them that are bruised , to preach the acceptable year of the Lord . " Luke 4 : 18 , 19 . ( 359 ) Chapter 38 Come Rest Awhile [ This chapter is based on Matt . 14 : 1 , 2 , 12 , 13 ; Mark 6 : 30 - 32 ; Luke 9 : 7 - 10 . ] On returning from their missionary tour , " the apostles gathered themselvestogether unto Jesus , and told Him all things , both what they had done , andwhat they had taught . And He said unto them , Come ye yourselves apart into adesert place , and rest awhile : for there were many coming and going , andthey had no leisure so much as to eat . " The disciples came to Jesus and told Him all things . Their intimaterelationship with Him encouraged them to lay before Him their favorable andunfavorable experiences , their joy at seeing results from their labors , andtheir sorrow at their failures , their faults , and their weaknesses . They hadcommitted errors in their first work as evangelists , and as they franklytold Christ of their experiences , He saw that they needed much instruction . He saw , too , that they had become weary in their labors , and that theyneeded to rest . But where they then were they could not obtain the needed privacy ; " forthere were many coming and going , and they had no leisure so much as toeat . " The people were thronging after Christ , anxious to be healed , andeager to listen to His words . Many felt drawn to Him ; for He seemed to themto be the fountain of all blessings . Many of those who then thronged aboutChrist to receive the precious boon of health accepted Him as their Saviour . Many others , afraid then to confess Him , because of the Pharisees , wereconverted at the descent 360 of the Holy Spirit , and , before the angry priests and rulers , acknowledgedHim as the Son of God . But now Christ longed for retirement , that He might be with His disciples ; for He had much to say to them . In their work they had passed through thetest of conflict , and had encountered opposition in various forms . Hithertothey had consulted Christ in everything ; but for some time they had beenalone , and at times they had been much troubled to know what to do . They hadfound much encouragement in their work ; for Christ did not send them awaywithout His Spirit , and by faith in Him they worked many miracles ; but theyneeded now to feed on the Bread of Life . They needed to go to a place ofretirement , where they could hold communion with Jesus and receiveinstruction for future work . " And He said unto them , Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place , andrest awhile . " Christ is full of tenderness and compassion for all in Hisservice . He would show His disciples that God does not require sacrifice , but mercy . They had been putting their whole souls into labor for thepeople , and this was exhausting their physical and mental strength . It wastheir duty to rest . As the disciples had seen the success of their labors , they were in dangerof taking credit to themselves , in danger of cherishing spiritual pride , andthus falling under Satan ' s temptations . A great work was before them , andfirst of all they must learn that their strength was not in self , but inGod . Like Moses in the wilderness of Sinai , like David among the hills ofJudea , or Elijah by the brook Cherith , the disciples needed to come apartfrom the scenes of their busy activity , to commune with Christ , with nature , and with their own hearts . While the disciples had been absent on their missionary tour , Jesus hadvisited other towns and villages , preaching the gospel of the kingdom . Itwas about this time that He received tidings of the Baptist ' s death . Thisevent brought vividly before Him the end to which His own steps weretending . The shadows were gathering thickly about His path . Priests andrabbis were watching to compass His death , spies hung upon His steps , and onevery hand plots for His ruin were multiplying . News of the preaching of theapostles throughout Galilee reached Herod , calling his attention to Jesusand His work . " This is John the Baptist , " he said ; " he is risen from thedead ;" and he expressed a desire to see Jesus . Herod was in constant fearlest a revolution might be secretly carried forward , with the object ofunseating him from the throne , and breaking the Roman yoke from the Jewishnation . Among the people the spirit 361 of discontent and insurrection was rife . It was evident that Christ ' s publiclabors in Galilee could not be long continued . The scenes of His sufferingwere drawing near , and He longed to be apart for a season from the confusionof the multitude . With saddened hearts the disciples of John had borne his mutilated body toits burial . Then they " went and told Jesus . " These disciples had beenenvious of Christ when He seemed to be drawing the people away from John . They had sided with the Pharisees in accusing Him when He sat with thepublicans at Matthew ' s feast . They had doubted His divine mission because Hedid not set the Baptist at liberty . But now that their teacher was dead , andthey longed for consolation in their great sorrow , and for guidance as totheir future work , they came to Jesus , and united their interest with His . They too needed a season of quiet for communion with the Saviour . Near Bethsaida , at the northern end of the lake , was a lonely region , nowbeautiful with the fresh green of spring , that offered a welcome retreat toJesus and His disciples . For this place they set out , going in their boatacross the water . Here they would be away from the thoroughfares of travel , and the bustle and agitation of the city . The scenes of nature were inthemselves a rest , a change grateful to the senses . Here they could listento the words of Christ without hearing the angry interruptions , the retortsand accusations of the scribes and Pharisees . Here they could enjoy a shortseason of precious fellowship in the society of their Lord . The rest which Christ and His disciples took was not self - indulgent rest . The time they spent in retirement was not devoted to pleasure seeking . Theytalked together regarding the work of God , and the possibility of bringinggreater efficiency to the work . The disciples had been with Christ , andcould understand Him ; to them He need not talk in parables . He correctedtheir errors , and made plain to them the right way of approaching thepeople . He opened more fully to them the precious treasures of divine truth . They were vitalized by divine power , and inspired with hope and courage . Though Jesus could work miracles , and had empowered His disciples to workmiracles , He directed His worn servants to go apart into the country andrest . When He said that the harvest was great , and the laborers were few , Hedid not urge upon His disciples the necessity of ceaseless toil , but said , " Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest , that He will send forth laborersinto His harvest . " Matt . 9 : 38 . God has 362 appointed to every man his work , according to his ability ( Eph . 4 : 11 - 13 ) , and He would not have a few weighted with responsibilities while others haveno burden , no travail of soul . Christ ' s words of compassion are spoken to His workers today just as surelyas they were spoken to His disciples . " Come ye yourselves apart , . . . andrest awhile , " He says to those who are worn and weary . It is not wise to bealways under the strain of work and excitement , even in ministering to men ' sspiritual needs ; for in this way personal piety is neglected , and the powersof mind and soul and body are overtaxed . Self - denial is required of thedisciples of Christ , and sacrifices must be made ; but care must also beexercised lest through their overzeal Satan take advantage of the weaknessof humanity , and the work of God be marred . In the estimation of the rabbis it was the sum of religion to be always in abustle of activity . They depended upon some outward performance to showtheir superior piety . Thus they separated their souls from God , and builtthemselves up in self - sufficiency . The same dangers still exist . As activityincreases and men become successful in doing any work for God , there isdanger of trusting to human plans and methods . There is a tendency to prayless , and to have less faith . Like the disciples , we are in danger of losingsight of our dependence on God , and seeking to make a savior of ouractivity . We need to look constantly to Jesus , realizing that it is Hispower which does the work . While we are to labor earnestly for the salvationof the lost , we must also take time for meditation , for prayer , and for thestudy of the word of God . only the work accomplished with much prayer , andsanctified by the merit of Christ , will in the end prove to have beenefficient for good . No other life was ever so crowded with labor and responsibility as was thatof Jesus ; yet how often He was found in prayer ! How constant was Hiscommunion with God ! Again and again in the history of His earthly life arefound records such as these : " Rising up a great while before day , He wentout , and departed into a solitary place , and there prayed . " " Greatmultitudes came together to hear , and to be healed by Him of theirinfirmities . And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness , and prayed . " " Andit came to pass in those days , that He went out into a mountain to pray , andcontinued all night in prayer to God . " Mark 1 : 35 ; Luke 5 : 15 , 16 ; 6 : 12 . In a life wholly devoted to the good of others , the Saviour found 363 it necessary to withdraw from the thoroughfares of travel and from thethrong that followed Him day after day . He must turn aside from a life ofceaseless activity and contact with human needs , to seek retirement andunbroken communion with His Father . As one with us , a sharer in our needsand weaknesses , He was wholly dependent upon God , and in the secret place ofprayer He sought divine strength , that He might go forth braced for duty andtrial . In a world of sin Jesus endured struggles and torture of soul . Incommunion with God He could unburden the sorrows that were crushing Him . Here He found comfort and joy . In Christ the cry of humanity reached the Father of infinite pity . As a manHe supplicated the throne of God till His humanity was charged with aheavenly current that should connect humanity with divinity . Throughcontinual communion He received life from God , that He might impart life tothe world . His experience is to be ours . " Come ye yourselves apart , " He bids us . If we would give heed to His word , we should be stronger and more useful . The disciples sought Jesus , and toldHim all things ; and He encouraged and instructed them . If today we wouldtake time to go to Jesus and tell Him our needs , we should not bedisappointed ; He would be at our right hand to help us . We need moresimplicity , more trust and confidence in our Saviour . He whose name iscalled " The mighty God , The everlasting Father , The Prince of Peace ;" He ofwhom it is written , " The government shall be upon His shoulder , " is theWonderful Counselor . We are invited to ask wisdom of Him . He " giveth to allmen liberally , and upbraideth not . " Isa . 9 : 6 ; James 1 : 5 . In all who are under the training of God is to be revealed a life that isnot in harmony with the world , its customs , or its practices ; and everyoneneeds to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will ofGod . We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart . When every othervoice is hushed , and in quietness we wait before Him , the silence of thesoul makes more distinct the voice of God . He bids us , " Be still , and knowthat I am God . " Ps . 46 : 10 . Here alone can true rest be found . And this isthe effectual preparation for all who labor for God . Amid the hurryingthrong , and the strain of life ' s intense activities , the soul that is thusrefreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace . The lifewill breathe out fragrance , and will reveal a divine power that will reachmen ' s hearts . ( 364 ) Chapter 39 " Give Ye Them to Eat " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 14 : 13 - 21 ; Mark 6 : 32 - 44 ; Luke 9 : 10 - 17 ; John 6 : 1 - 13 . ] Christ had retired to a secluded place with His disciples , but this rareseason of peaceful quietude was soon broken . The disciples thought they hadretired where they would not be disturbed ; but as soon as the multitudemissed the divine Teacher , they inquired , " Where is He ? " Some among them hadnoticed the direction in which Christ and His disciples had gone . Many wentby land to meet them , while others followed in their boats across the water . The Passover was at hand , and , from far and near , bands of pilgrims on theirway to Jerusalem gathered to see Jesus . Additions were made to their number , until there were assembled five thousand men besides women and children . Before Christ reached the shore , a multitude were waiting for Him . But Helanded unobserved by them , and spent a little time apart with the disciples . From the hillside He looked upon the moving multitude , and His heart wasstirred with sympathy . Interrupted as He was , and robbed of His rest , He wasnot impatient . He saw a greater necessity demanding His attention as Hewatched the people coming and still coming . He " was moved with compassiontoward them , because they were as sheep not having a shepherd . " Leaving Hisretreat , He found a convenient place where He could minister to them . Theyreceived no help from 365 the priests and rulers ; but the healing waters of life flowed from Christ asHe taught the multitude the way of salvation . The people listened to the words of mercy flowing so freely from the lips ofthe Son of God . They heard the gracious words , so simple and so plain thatthey were as the balm of Gilead to their souls . The healing of His divinehand brought gladness and life to the dying , and ease and health to thosesuffering with disease . The day seemed to them like heaven upon earth , andthey were utterly unconscious of how long it had been since they had eatenanything . At length the day was far spent . The sun was sinking in the west , and yetthe people lingered . Jesus had labored all day without food or rest . He waspale from weariness and hunger , and the disciples besought Him to cease fromHis toil . But He could not withdraw Himself from the multitude that pressedupon Him . The disciples finally came to Him , urging that for their own sake the peopleshould be sent away . Many had come from far , and had eaten nothing sincemorning . In the surrounding towns and villages they might be able to buyfood . But Jesus said , " Give ye them to eat , " and then , turning to Philip , questioned , " Whence shall we buy bread , that these may eat ? " This He said totest the faith of the disciple . Philip looked over the sea of heads , andthought how impossible it would be to provide food to satisfy the wants ofsuch a crowd . He answered that two hundred pennyworth of bread would not benearly enough to divide among them , so that each might have a little . Jesusinquired how much food could be found among the company . " There is a ladhere , " said Andrew , " which hath five barley loaves , and two small fishes ; but what are they among so many ? " Jesus directed that these be brought toHim . Then He bade the disciples seat the people on the grass in parties offifty or a hundred , to preserve order , and that all might witness what Hewas about to do . When this was accomplished , Jesus took the food , " andlooking up to heaven , He blessed , and brake , and gave the loaves to Hisdisciples , and the disciples to the multitude . " " And they did all eat , andwere filled . And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments , and ofthe fishes . " He who taught the people the way to secure peace and happiness was just asthoughtful of their temporal necessities as of their spiritual need . Thepeople were weary and faint . There were mothers with babes in their arms , and little children clinging to their skirts . Many had been standing forhours . They had been so intensely interested 366 in Christ ' s words that they had not once thought of sitting down , and thecrowd was so great that there was danger of their trampling on one another . Jesus would give them a chance to rest , and He bade them sit down . There wasmuch grass in the place , and all could rest in comfort . Christ never worked a miracle except to supply a genuine necessity , andevery miracle was of a character to lead the people to the tree of life , whose leaves are for the healing of the nations . The simple food 367 passed round by the hands of the disciples contained a whole treasure oflessons . It was humble fare that had been provided ; the fishes and barleyloaves were the daily food of the fisher folk about the Sea of Galilee . Christ could have spread before the people a rich repast , but food preparedmerely for the gratification of appetite would have conveyed no lesson fortheir good . Christ taught them in this lesson that the natural provisions ofGod for man had been perverted . And never did people enjoy the luxuriousfeasts prepared for the gratification of perverted taste as this peopleenjoyed the rest and the simple food which Christ provided so far from humanhabitations . If men today were simple in their habits , living in harmony with nature ' slaws , as did Adam and Eve in the beginning , there would be an abundantsupply for the needs of the human family . There would be fewer imaginarywants , and more opportunities to work in God ' s ways . But selfishness and theindulgence of unnatural taste have brought sin and misery into the world , from excess on the one hand , and from want on the other . Jesus did not seek to attract the people to Him by gratifying the desire forluxury . To that great throng , weary and hungry after the long , exciting day , the simple fare was an assurance not only of His power , but of His tendercare for them in the common needs of life . The Saviour has not promised Hisfollowers the luxuries of the world ; their fare may be plain , and evenscanty ; their lot may be shut in by poverty ; but His word is pledged thattheir need shall be supplied , and He has promised that which is far betterthan worldly good , -- the abiding comfort of His own presence . In feeding the five thousand , Jesus lifts the veil from the world of nature , and reveals the power that is constantly exercised for our good . In theproduction of earth ' s harvests God is working a miracle every day . Throughnatural agencies the same work is accomplished that was wrought in thefeeding of the multitude . Men prepare the soil and sow the seed , but it isthe life from God that causes the seed to germinate . It is God ' s rain andair and sunshine that cause it to put forth , " first the blade , then the ear , after that the full corn in the ear . " Mark 4 : 28 . It is God who is every dayfeeding millions from earth ' s harvest fields . Men are called upon toco - operate with God in the care of the grain and the preparation of theloaf , and because of this they lose sight of the divine agency . They do notgive God the glory due unto 368 His holy name . The working of His power is ascribed to natural causes or tohuman instrumentality . Man is glorified in place of God , and His graciousgifts are perverted to selfish uses , and made a curse instead of a blessing . God is seeking to change all this . He desires that our dull senses shall bequickened to discern His merciful kindness and to glorify Him for theworking of His power . He desires us to recognize Him in His gifts , that theymay be , as He intended , a blessing to us . It was to accomplish this purposethat the miracles of Christ were performed . After the multitude had been fed , there was an abundance of food left . ButHe who had all the resources of infinite power at His command said , " Gatherup the fragments that remain , that nothing be lost . " These words meant morethan putting the bread into the baskets . The lesson was twofold . Nothing isto be wasted . We are to let slip no temporal advantage . We should neglectnothing that will tend to benefit a human being . Let everything be gatheredup that will relieve the necessity of earth ' s hungry ones . And there shouldbe the same carefulness in spiritual things . When the baskets of fragmentswere collected , the people thought of their friends at home . They wantedthem to share in the bread that Christ had blessed . The contents of thebaskets were distributed among the eager throng , and were carried away intoall the region round about . So those who were at the feast were to give toothers the bread that comes down from heaven , to satisfy the hunger of thesoul . They were to repeat what they had learned of the wonderful things ofGod . Nothing was to be lost . Not one word that concerned their eternalsalvation was to fall useless to the ground . The miracle of the loaves teaches a lesson of dependence upon God . WhenChrist fed the five thousand , the food was not nigh at hand . Apparently Hehad no means at His command . Here He was , with five thousand men , besideswomen and children , in the wilderness . He had not invited the largemultitude to follow Him ; they came without invitation or command ; but Heknew that after they had listened so long to His instruction , they wouldfeel hungry and faint ; for He was one with them in their need of food . Theywere far from home , and the night was close at hand . Many of them werewithout means to purchase food . He who for their sake had fasted forty daysin the wilderness would not suffer them to return fasting to their homes . The providence of God had placed Jesus where He was ; and He depended on Hisheavenly Father for the means to relieve the necessity . 369 And when we are brought into strait places , we are to depend on God . We areto exercise wisdom and judgment in every action of life , that we may not , byreckless movements , place ourselves in trial . We are not to plunge intodifficulties , neglecting the means God has provided , and misusing thefaculties He has given us . Christ ' s workers are to obey His instructionsimplicitly . The work is God ' s , and if we would bless others His plans mustbe followed . Self cannot be made a center ; self can receive no honor . If weplan according to our own ideas , the Lord will leave us to our own mistakes . But when , after following His directions , we are brought into strait places , He will deliver us . We are not to give up in discouragement , but in everyemergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at Hiscommand . Often we shall be surrounded with trying circumstances , and then , in the fullest confidence , we must depend upon God . He will keep every soulthat is brought into perplexity through trying to keep the way of the Lord . Christ has bidden us , through the prophet , " Deal thy bread to the hungry , " and " satisfy the afflicted soul ;" " when thou seest the naked , that thoucover him , " and " bring the poor that are cast out to thy house . " Isa . 58 : 7 - 10 . He has bidden us , " Go ye into all the world , and preach the gospelto every creature . " Mark 16 : 15 . But how often our hearts sink , and faithfails us , as we see how great is the need , and how small the means in ourhands . Like Andrew looking upon the five barley loaves and the two littlefishes , we exclaim , " What are they among so many ? " Often we hesitate , unwilling to give all that we have , fearing to spend and to be spent forothers . But Jesus has bidden us , " Give ye them to eat . " His command is apromise ; and behind it is the same power that fed the multitude beside thesea . In Christ ' s act of supplying the temporal necessities of a hungry multitudeis wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for all His workers . Christ receivedfrom the Father ; He imparted to the disciples ; they imparted to themultitude ; and the people to one another . So all who are united to Christwill receive from Him the bread of life , the heavenly food , and impart it toothers . In full reliance upon God , Jesus took the small store of loaves ; andalthough there was but a small portion for His own family of disciples , Hedid not invite them to eat , but began to distribute to them , bidding themserve the people . The food multiplied in His hands ; and the hands of thedisciples , reaching out to Christ Himself the Bread of 370 Life , were never empty . The little store was sufficient for all . After thewants of the people had been supplied , the fragments were gathered up , andChrist and His disciples ate together of the precious , Heaven - supplied food . The disciples were the channel of communication between Christ and thepeople . This should be a great encouragement to His disciples today . Christis the great center , the source of all strength . His disciples are toreceive their supplies from Him . The most intelligent , the most spirituallyminded , can bestow only as they receive . Of themselves they can supplynothing for the needs of the soul . We can impart only that which we receivefrom Christ ; and we can receive only as we impart to others . As we continueimparting , we continue to receive ; and the more we impart , the more we shallreceive . Thus we may be constantly believing , trusting , receiving , andimparting . The work of building up the kingdom of Christ will go forward , though to allappearance it moves slowly and impossibilities seem to testify againstadvance . The work is of God , and He will furnish means , and will sendhelpers , true , earnest disciples , whose hands also will be filled with foodfor the starving multitude . God is not unmindful of those who labor in loveto give the word of life to perishing souls , who in their turn reach forththeir hands for food for other hungry souls . In our work for God there is danger of relying too largely upon what manwith his talents and ability can do . Thus we lose sight of the one MasterWorker . Too often the worker for Christ fails to realize his personalresponsibility . He is in danger of shifting his burden upon organizations , instead of relying upon Him who is the source of all strength . It is a greatmistake to trust in human wisdom or numbers in the work of God . Successfulwork for Christ depends not so much on numbers or talent as upon pureness ofpurpose , the true simplicity of earnest , dependent faith . Personalresponsibilities must be borne , personal duties must be taken up , personalefforts must be made for those who do not know Christ . In the place ofshifting your responsibility upon someone whom you think more richly endowedthan you are , work according to your ability . When the question comes home to your heart , " Whence shall we buy bread , thatthese may eat ? " let not your answer be the response of unbelief . When thedisciples heard the Saviour ' s direction , " Give ye them to eat , " all thedifficulties arose in their minds . They questioned , 371 Shall we go away into the villages to buy food ? So now , when the people aredestitute of the bread of life , the Lord ' s children question , Shall we sendfor someone from afar , to come and feed them ? But what said Christ ? " Makethe men sit down , " and He fed them there . So when you are surrounded bysouls in need , know that Christ is there . Commune with Him . Bring yourbarley loaves to Jesus . The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work ; butif we will move forward in faith , believing in the all - sufficient power ofGod , abundant resources will open before us . If the work be of God , HeHimself will provide the means for its accomplishment . He will rewardhonest , simple reliance upon Him . The little that is wisely and economicallyused in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act ofimparting . In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remainedundiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied . If we go to theSource of all strength , with our hands of faith outstretched to receive , weshall be sustained in our work , even under the most forbiddingcircumstances , and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life . The Lord says , " Give , and it shall be given unto you . " " He that sowethsparingly shall reap also sparingly ; and he that soweth with blessings shallreap also with blessings . . . . And God is able to make all grace aboundunto you ; that ye , having always all sufficiency in everything , may aboundunto every good work ; as it is written , -- " He hath scattered abroad , he hath given to the poor : His righteousness abideth forever . " And He that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food , shall supplyand multiply your seed for sowing , and increase the fruits of yourrighteousness : ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality , whichworketh through us thanksgiving to God . " Luke 6 : 38 ; 2 Cor . 9 : 6 - 11 , R . V . , margin . ( 377 ) Chapter 40 A Night on the Lake [ This chapter is based on Matt . 14 : 22 - 33 ; Mark 6 : 45 - 52 ; John 6 : 14 - 21 . ] Seated upon the grassy plain , in the twilight of the spring evening , thepeople ate of the food that Christ had provided . The words they had heardthat day had come to them as the voice of God . The works of healing they hadwitnessed were such as only divine power could perform . But the miracle ofthe loaves appealed to everyone in that vast multitude . All were sharers inits benefit . In the days of Moses , God had fed Israel with manna in thedesert ; and who was this that had fed them that day but He whom Moses hadforetold ? No human power could create from five barley loaves and two smallfishes food sufficient to feed thousands of hungry people . And they said oneto another , " This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into theworld . " All day the conviction has strengthened . That crowning act is assurance thatthe long - looked - for Deliverer is among them . The hopes of the people risehigher and higher . This is He who will make Judea an earthly paradise , aland flowing with milk and honey . He can satisfy every desire . He can breakthe power of the hated Romans . He can deliver Judah and Jerusalem . He canheal the soldiers who are wounded in battle . He can supply whole armies withfood . He can conquer the nations , and give to Israel the long - soughtdominion . 378 In their enthusiasm the people are ready at once to crown Him king . They seethat He makes no effort to attract attention or secure honor to Himself . Inthis He is essentially different from the priests and rulers , and they fearthat He will never urge His claim to David ' s throne . Consulting together , they agree to take Him by force , and proclaim Him the king of Israel . Thedisciples unite with the multitude in declaring the throne of David therightful inheritance of their Master . It is the modesty of Christ , they say , that causes Him to refuse such honor . Let the people exalt their Deliverer . Let the arrogant priests and rulers be forced to honor Him who comes clothedwith the authority of God . They eagerly arrange to carry out their purpose ; but Jesus sees what is onfoot , and understands , as they cannot , what would be the result of such amovement . Even now the priests and rulers are hunting His life . They accuseHim of drawing the people away from them . Violence and insurrection wouldfollow an effort to place Him on the throne , and the work of the spiritualkingdom would be hindered . Without delay the movement must be checked . Calling His disciples , Jesus bids them take the boat and return at once toCapernaum , leaving Him to dismiss the people . Never before had a command from Christ seemed so impossible of fulfillment . The disciples had long hoped for a popular movement to place Jesus on thethrone ; they could not endure the thought that all this enthusiasm shouldcome to nothing . The multitudes that were assembling to keep the Passoverwere anxious to see the new prophet . To His followers this seemed the goldenopportunity to establish their beloved Master on the throne of Israel . Inthe glow of this new ambition it was hard for them to go away by themselves , and leave Jesus alone upon that desolate shore . They protested against thearrangement ; but Jesus now spoke with an authority He had never beforeassumed toward them . They knew that further opposition on their part wouldbe useless , and in silence they turned toward the sea . Jesus now commands the multitude to disperse ; and His manner is so decisivethat they dare not disobey . The words of praise and exaltation die on theirlips . In the very act of advancing to seize Him their steps are stayed , andthe glad , eager look fades from their countenances . In that throng are menof strong mind and firm determination ; but the kingly bearing of Jesus , andHis few quiet words of command , quell the tumult , and frustrate theirdesigns . They recognize 379 in Him a power above all earthly authority , and without a question theysubmit . When left alone , Jesus " went up into a mountain apart to pray . " For hours Hecontinued pleading with God . Not for Himself but for men were those prayers . He prayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission , that Satan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment . The Saviour knew that His days of personal ministry on earth were nearlyended , and that few would receive Him as their Redeemer . In travail andconflict of soul He prayed for His disciples . They were to be grievouslytried . Their long - cherished hopes , based on a popular delusion , were to bedisappointed in a most painful and humiliating manner . In the place of Hisexaltation to the throne of David they were to witness His crucifixion . Thiswas to be indeed His true coronation . But they did not discern this , and inconsequence strong temptations would come to them , which it would bedifficult for them to recognize as temptations . Without the Holy Spirit toenlighten the mind and enlarge the comprehension the faith of the discipleswould fail . It was painful to Jesus that their conceptions of His kingdomwere , to so great a degree , limited to worldly aggrandizement and honor . Forthem the burden was heavy upon His heart , and He poured out Hissupplications with bitter agony and tears . The disciples had not put off immediately from the land , as Jesus directedthem . They waited for a time , hoping that He would come to 380 them . But as they saw that darkness was fast gathering , they " entered into aship , and went over the sea toward Capernaum . " They had left Jesus withdissatisfied hearts , more impatient with Him than ever before sinceacknowledging Him as their Lord . They murmured because they had not beenpermitted to proclaim Him king . They blamed themselves for yielding soreadily to His command . They reasoned that if they had been more persistentthey might have accomplished their purpose . Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts . Love of honor hadblinded them . They knew that Jesus was hated by the Pharisees , and they wereeager to see Him exalted as they thought He should be . To be united with ateacher who could work mighty miracles , and yet to be reviled as deceivers , was a trial they could ill endure . Were they always to be accountedfollowers of a false prophet ? Would Christ never assert His authority asking ? Why did not He who possessed such power reveal Himself in His truecharacter , and make their way less painful ? Why had He not saved John theBaptist from a violent death ? Thus the disciples reasoned until they broughtupon themselves great spiritual darkness . They questioned , Could Jesus be animpostor , as the Pharisees asserted ? The disciples had that day witnessed the wonderful works of Christ . It hadseemed that heaven had come down to the earth . The memory of that precious , glorious day should have filled them with faith and hope . Had they , out ofthe abundance of their hearts , been conversing together in regard to thesethings , they would not have entered into temptation . But theirdisappointment had absorbed their thoughts . The words of Christ , " Gather upthe fragments , . . . that nothing be lost , " were unheeded . Those were hoursof large blessing to the disciples , but they had forgotten it all . They werein the midst of troubled waters . Their thoughts were stormy andunreasonable , and the Lord gave them something else to afflict their soulsand occupy their minds . God often does this when men create burdens andtroubles for themselves . The disciples had no need to make trouble . Alreadydanger was fast approaching . A violent tempest had been stealing upon them , and they were unprepared forit . It was a sudden contrast , for the day had been perfect ; and when thegale struck them , they were afraid . They forgot their disaffection , theirunbelief , their impatience . Everyone worked to keep the boat from sinking . It was but a short distance by sea from Bethsaida to the point where theyexpected to meet Jesus , and in ordinary weather the journey required but afew hours ; but now they were driven farther 381 and farther from the point they sought . Until the fourth watch of the nightthey toiled at the oars . Then the weary men gave themselves up for lost . Instorm and darkness the sea had taught them their own helplessness , and theylonged for the presence of their Master . Jesus had not forgotten them . The Watcher on the shore saw thosefear - stricken men battling with the tempest . Not for a moment did He losesight of His disciples . With deepest solicitude His eyes followed thestorm - tossed boat with its precious burden ; for these men were to be thelight of the world . As a mother in tender love watches her child , so thecompassionate Master watched His disciples . When their hearts were subdued , their unholy ambition quelled , and in humility they prayed for help , it wasgiven them . At the moment when they believe themselves lost , a gleam of light reveals amysterious figure approaching them upon the water . But they know not that itis Jesus . The one who has come for their help they count as an enemy . Terroroverpowers them . The hands that have grasped the oars with muscles like ironlet go their hold . The boat rocks at the will of the waves ; all eyes areriveted on this vision of a man walking upon the white - capped billows of thefoaming sea . They think it a phantom that omens their destruction , and they cry out forfear . Jesus advances as if He would pass them ; but they recognize Him , andcry out , entreating His help . Their beloved Master turns , His voice silencestheir fear , " Be of good cheer : it is I ; be not afraid . " As soon as they could credit the wondrous fact , Peter was almost besidehimself with joy . As if he could scarcely yet believe , he cried out , " Lord , if it be Thou , bid me come unto Thee on the water . And He said , Come . " Looking unto Jesus , Peter walks securely ; but as in self - satisfaction heglances back toward his companions in the boat , his eyes are turned from theSaviour . The wind is boisterous . The waves roll high , and come directlybetween him and the Master ; and he is afraid . For a moment Christ is hiddenfrom his view , and his faith gives way . He begins to sink . But while thebillows talk with death , Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters , andfixing them upon Jesus , cries , " Lord , save me . " Immediately Jesus grasps theoutstretched hand , saying , " O thou of little faith , wherefore didst thoudoubt ? " Walking side by side , Peter ' s hand in that of his Master , they stepped intothe boat together . But Peter was now subdued and silent . He had no reason toboast over his fellows , for through unbelief and self - exaltation 382 he had very nearly lost his life . When he turned his eyes from Jesus , hisfooting was lost , and he sank amid the waves . When trouble comes upon us , how often we are like Peter ! We look upon thewaves , instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour . Our footstepsslide , and the proud waters go over our souls . Jesus did not bid Peter cometo Him that he should perish ; He does not call us to follow Him , and thenforsake us . " Fear not , " He says ; " for I have redeemed thee , I have calledthee by thy name ; thou art Mine . When thou passest through the waters , Iwill be with thee ; and through the rivers , they shall not overflow thee : when thou walkest through the fire , thou shalt not be burned ; neither shallthe flame kindle upon thee . For I am the Lord thy God , the Holy one ofIsrael , thy Saviour . " Isa . 43 : 1 - 3 . Jesus read the character of His disciples . He knew how sorely their faithwas to be tried . In this incident on the sea He desired to reveal to Peterhis own weakness , -- to show that his safety was in constant dependence upondivine power . Amid the storms of temptation he could walk safely only as inutter self - distrust he should rely upon the Saviour . It was on the pointwhere he thought himself strong that Peter was weak ; and not until hediscerned his weakness could he realize his need of dependence upon Christ . Had he learned the lesson that Jesus sought to teach him in that experienceon the sea , he would not have failed when the great test came upon him . Day by day God instructs His children . By the circumstances of the dailylife He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider stage to whichHis providence has appointed them . It is the issue of the daily test thatdetermines their victory or defeat in life ' s great crisis . Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will beovercome by temptation . We may now suppose that our feet stand secure , andthat we shall never be moved . We may say with confidence , " I know in whom Ihave believed ; nothing can shake my faith in God and in His word . " But Satanis planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits ofcharacter , and to blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects . onlythrough realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can wewalk securely . No sooner had Jesus taken His place in the boat than the wind ceased , " andimmediately the ship was at the land whither they went . " The night of horrorwas succeeded by the light of dawn . The disciples , and others who also wereon board , bowed at the feet of Jesus with thankful hearts , saying , " Of atruth Thou art the Son of God ! " ( 383 ) Chapter 41 The Crisis in Galilee [ This chapter is based on John 6 : 22 - 71 . ] When Christ forbade the people to declare Him king , He knew that a turningpoint in His history was reached . Multitudes who desired to exalt Him to thethrone today would turn from Him tomorrow . The disappointment of theirselfish ambition would turn their love to hatred , and their praise tocurses . Yet knowing this , He took no measures to avert the crisis . From thefirst He had held out to His followers no hope of earthly rewards . To onewho came desiring to become His disciple He had said , " The foxes have holes , and the birds of the air have nests ; but the Son of man hath not where tolay His head . " Matt . 8 : 20 . If men could have had the world with Christ , multitudes would have proffered Him their allegiance ; but such service Hecould not accept . Of those now connected with Him there were many who hadbeen attracted by the hope of a worldly kingdom . These must be undeceived . The deep spiritual teaching in the miracle of the loaves had not beencomprehended . This was to be made plain . And this new revelation would bringwith it a closer test . The miracle of the loaves was reported far and near , and very early nextmorning the people flocked to Bethsaida to see Jesus . They came in greatnumbers , by land and sea . Those who had left Him the preceding nightreturned , expecting to find Him still there ; for there had been no boat bywhich He could pass to the other side . But their search was fruitless , andmany repaired to Capernaum , still seeking Him . 384 Meanwhile He had arrived at Gennesaret , after an absence of but one day . Assoon as it was known that He had landed , the people " ran through that wholeregion round about , and began to carry about in beds those that were sick , where they heard He was . " Mark 6 : 55 . After a time He went to the synagogue , and there those who had come fromBethsaida found Him . They learned from His disciples how He had crossed thesea . The fury of the storm , and the many hours of fruitless rowing againstadverse winds , the appearance of Christ walking upon the water , the fearsthus aroused , His reassuring words , the adventure of Peter and its result , with the sudden stilling of the tempest and landing of the boat , were allfaithfully recounted to the wondering crowd . Not content with this , however , many gathered about Jesus , questioning , " Rabbi , when camest Thou hither ? " They hoped to receive from His own lips a further account of the miracle . Jesus did not gratify their curiosity . He sadly said , " Ye seek Me , notbecause ye saw the miracles , but because ye did eat of the loaves , and werefilled . " They did not seek Him from any worthy motive ; but as they had beenfed with the loaves , they hoped still to receive temporal benefit byattaching themselves to Him . The Saviour bade them , " Labor not for the meatwhich perisheth , but for that meat which endureth unto 385 everlasting life . " Seek not merely for material benefit . Let it not be thechief effort to provide for the life that now is , but seek for spiritualfood , even that wisdom which will endure unto everlasting life . This the Sonof God alone can give ; " for Him hath God the Father sealed . " For the moment the interest of the hearers was awakened . They exclaimed , " What shall we do , that we might work the works of God ? " They had beenperforming many and burdensome works in order to recommend themselves toGod ; and they were ready to hear of any new observance by which they couldsecure greater merit . Their question meant , What shall we do that we maydeserve heaven ? What is the price we are required to pay in order to obtainthe life to come ? " Jesus answered and said unto them , This is the work of God , that ye believeon Him whom He hath sent . " The price of heaven is Jesus . The way to heavenis through faith in " the Lamb of God , which taketh away the sin of theworld . " John 1 : 29 . But the people did not choose to receive this statement of divine truth . Jesus had done the very work which prophecy had foretold that the Messiahwould do ; but they had not witnessed what their selfish hopes had picturedas His work . Christ had indeed once fed the multitude with barley loaves ; but in the days of Moses Israel had been fed with manna forty years , and fargreater blessings were expected from the Messiah . Their dissatisfied heartsqueried why , if Jesus could perform so many wondrous works as they hadwitnessed , could He not give health , strength , and riches to all His people , free them from their oppressors , and exalt them to power and honor ? The factthat He claimed to be the Sent of God , and yet refused to be Israel ' s king , was a mystery which they could not fathom . His refusal was misinterpreted . Many concluded that He dared not assert His claims because He Himselfdoubted as to the divine character of His mission . Thus they opened theirhearts to unbelief , and the seed which Satan had sown bore fruit of itskind , in misunderstanding and defection . Now , half mockingly , a rabbi questioned , " What sign showest Thou then , thatwe may see , and believe Thee ? what dost Thou work ? Our fathers did eat mannain the desert ; as it is written , He gave them bread from heaven to eat . " The Jews honored Moses as the giver of the manna , ascribing praise to theinstrument , and losing sight of Him by whom the work had been accomplished . Their fathers had murmured against Moses , and had doubted and denied hisdivine mission . Now in the same spirit the 386 children rejected the one who bore the message of God to themselves . " Thensaid Jesus unto them , Verily , verily , I say unto you , Moses gave you notthat bread from heaven . " The giver of the manna was standing among them . Itwas Christ Himself who had led the Hebrews through the wilderness , and haddaily fed them with the bread from heaven . That food was a type of the realbread from heaven . The life - giving Spirit , flowing from the infinitefullness of God , is the true manna . Jesus said , " The bread of God is thatwhich cometh down out of heaven , and giveth life unto the world . " John 6 : 33 , R . V . Still thinking that it was temporal food to which Jesus referred , some ofHis hearers exclaimed , " Lord , evermore give us this bread . " Jesus then spokeplainly : " I am the bread of life . " The figure which Christ used was a familiar one to the Jews . Moses , by theinspiration of the Holy Spirit , had said , " Man doth not live by bread only , but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord . " And theprophet Jeremiah had written , " Thy words were found , and I did eat them ; andThy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart . " Deut . 8 : 3 ; Jer . 15 : 16 . The rabbis themselves had a saying , that the eating of bread , in itsspiritual significance , was the study of the law and the practice of goodworks ; and it was often said that at the Messiah ' s coming all Israel wouldbe fed . The teaching of the prophets made plain the deep spiritual lesson inthe miracle of the loaves . This lesson Christ was seeking to open to Hishearers in the synagogue . Had they understood the Scriptures , they wouldhave understood His words when He said , " I am the bread of life . " only theday before , the great multitude , when faint and weary , had been fed by thebread which He had given . As from that bread they had received physicalstrength and refreshment , so from Christ they might receive spiritualstrength unto eternal life . " He that cometh to Me , " He said , " shall neverhunger ; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst . " But He added , " Yealso have seen Me , and believe not . " They had seen Christ by the witness of the Holy Spirit , by the revelation ofGod to their souls . The living evidences of His power had been before themday after day , yet they asked for still another sign . Had this been given , they would have remained as unbelieving as before . If they were notconvinced by what they had seen and heard , it was useless to show them moremarvelous works . Unbelief will ever find excuse for doubt , and will reasonaway the most positive proof . Again Christ appealed to those stubborn hearts . " Him that cometh 387 to Me I will in nowise cast out . " All who received Him in faith , He said , should have eternal life . Not one could be lost . No need for Pharisees andSadducees to dispute concerning the future life . No longer need men mourn inhopeless grief over their dead . " This is the will of Him that sent Me , thateveryone which seeth the Son , and believeth on Him , may have everlastinglife : and I will raise him up at the last day . " But the leaders of the people were offended , " and they said , Is not thisJesus , the son of Joseph , whose father and mother we know ? how is it thenthat He saith , I came down from heaven ? " They tried to arouse prejudice byreferring scornfully to the lowly origin of Jesus . They contemptuouslyalluded to His life as a Galilean laborer , and to His family as being poorand lowly . The claims of this uneducated carpenter , they said , were unworthyof their attention . And on account of His mysterious birth they insinuatedthat He was of doubtful parentage , thus representing the human circumstancesof His birth as a blot upon His history . Jesus did not attempt to explain the mystery of His birth . He made no answerto the questionings in regard to His having come down from heaven , as He hadmade none to the questions concerning His crossing the sea . He did not callattention to the miracles that marked His life . Voluntarily He had madeHimself of no reputation , and taken upon Him the form of a servant . But Hiswords and works revealed His character . All whose hearts were open to divineillumination would recognize in Him " the only - begotten of the Father , fullof grace and truth . " John 1 : 14 . The prejudice of the Pharisees lay deeper than their questions wouldindicate ; it had its root in the perversity of their hearts . Every word andact of Jesus aroused antagonism in them ; for the spirit which they cherishedcould find in Him no answering chord . " No man can come to Me , except the Father which hath sent Me draw him : and Iwill raise him up at the last day . It is written in the prophets , And theyshall be all taught of God . Every man therefore that hath heard , and hathlearned of the Father , cometh unto Me . " None will ever come to Christ , savethose who respond to the drawing of the Father ' s love . But God is drawingall hearts unto Him , and only those who resist His drawing will refuse tocome to Christ . In the words , " They shall be all taught of God , " Jesus referred to theprophecy of Isaiah : " All thy children shall be taught of the Lord ; and greatshall be the peace of thy children . " Isa . 54 : 13 . This scripture 388 the Jews appropriated to themselves . It was their boast that God was theirteacher . But Jesus showed how vain is this claim ; for He said , " Every mantherefore that hath heard , and hath learned of the Father , cometh unto Me . " Only through Christ could they receive a knowledge of the Father . Humanitycould not endure the vision of His glory . Those who had learned of God hadbeen listening to the voice of His Son , and in Jesus of Nazareth they wouldrecognize Him who through nature and revelation has declared the Father . " Verily , verily , I say unto you , He that believeth on Me hath everlastinglife . " Through the beloved John , who listened to these words , the HolySpirit declared to the churches , " This is the record , that God hath given tous eternal life , and this life is in His Son . He that hath the Son hathlife . " 1 John 5 : 11 , 12 . And Jesus said , " I will raise him up at the lastday . " Christ became one flesh with us , in order that we might become onespirit with Him . It is by virtue of this union that we are to come forthfrom the grave , -- not merely as a manifestation of the power of Christ , butbecause , through faith , His life has become ours . Those who see Christ inHis true character , and receive Him into the heart , have everlasting life . It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us ; and the Spirit of God , received into the heart by faith , is the beginning of the life eternal . The people had referred Christ to the manna which their fathers ate in thewilderness , as if the furnishing of that food was a greater miracle thanJesus had performed ; but He shows how meager was that gift when comparedwith the blessings He had come to bestow . The manna could sustain only thisearthly existence ; it did not prevent the approach of death , nor insureimmortality ; but the bread of heaven would nourish the soul unto everlastinglife . The Saviour said , " I am that bread of life . Your fathers did eat mannain the wilderness , and are dead . This is the bread which cometh down fromheaven , that a man may eat thereof , and not die . I am the living bread whichcame down from heaven : if any man eat of this bread , he shall live forever . " To this figure Christ now adds another . only through dying could He impartlife to men , and in the words that follow He points to His death as themeans of salvation . He says , " The bread that I will give is My flesh , whichI will give for the life of the world . " The Jews were about to celebrate the Passover at Jerusalem , in commemorationof the night of Israel ' s deliverance , when the destroying angel smote thehomes of Egypt . In the paschal lamb God desired them 389 to behold the Lamb of God , and through the symbol receive Him who gaveHimself for the life of the world . But the Jews had come to make the symbolall - important , while its significance was unnoticed . They discerned not theLord ' s body . The same truth that was symbolized in the paschal service wastaught in the words of Christ . But it was still undiscerned . Now the rabbis exclaimed angrily , " How can this Man give us His flesh toeat ? " They affected to understand His words in the same literal sense as didNicodemus when he asked , " How can a man be born when he is old ? " John 3 : 4 . To some extent they comprehended the meaning of Jesus , but they were notwilling to acknowledge it . By misconstruing His words , they hoped toprejudice the people against Him . Christ did not soften down His symbolical representation . He reiterated thetruth in yet stronger language : " Verily , verily , I say unto you , Except yeeat the flesh of the Son of man , and drink His blood , ye have no life inyou . Whoso eateth My flesh , and drinketh My blood , hath eternal life ; and Iwill raise him up at the last day . For My flesh is meat indeed , and My bloodis drink indeed . He that eateth My flesh , and drinketh My blood , dwelleth inMe , and I in him . " To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ is to receive Him as apersonal Saviour , believing that He forgives our sins , and that we arecomplete in Him . It is by beholding His love , by dwelling upon it , bydrinking it in , that we are to become partakers of His nature . What food isto the body , Christ must be to the soul . Food cannot benefit us unless weeat it , unless it becomes a part of our being . So Christ is of no value tous if we do not know Him as a personal Saviour . A theoretical knowledge willdo us no good . We must feed upon Him , receive Him into the heart , so thatHis life becomes our life . His love , His grace , must be assimilated . But even these figures fail to present the privilege of the believer ' srelation to Christ . Jesus said , " As the living Father hath sent Me , and Ilive by the Father : so he that eateth Me , even he shall live by Me . " As theSon of God lived by faith in the Father , so are we to live by faith inChrist . So fully was Jesus surrendered to the will of God that the Fatheralone appeared in His life . Although tempted in all points like as we are , He stood before the world untainted by the evil that surrounded Him . Thus wealso are to overcome as Christ overcame . Are you a follower of Christ ? Then all that is written concerning thespiritual life is written for you , and may be attained through unitingyourself 390 to Jesus . Is your zeal languishing ? has your first love grown cold ? Acceptagain of the proffered love of Christ . Eat of His flesh , drink of His blood , and you will become one with the Father and with the Son . The unbelieving Jews refused to see any except the most literal meaning inthe Saviour ' s words . By the ritual law they were forbidden to taste blood , and they now construed Christ ' s language into a sacrilegious speech , anddisputed over it among themselves . Many even of the disciples said , " This isan hard saying ; who can hear it ? " The Saviour answered them : " Doth this offend you ? What and if ye shall seethe Son of man ascend up where He was before ? It is the spirit thatquickeneth ; the flesh profiteth nothing : the words that I speak unto you , they are spirit , and they are life . " The life of Christ that gives life to the world is in His word . It was byHis word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons ; by His word Hestilled the sea , and raised the dead ; and the people bore witness that Hisword was with power . He spoke the word of God , as He had spoken through allthe prophets and teachers of the Old Testament . The whole Bible is amanifestation of Christ , and the Saviour desired to fix the faith of Hisfollowers on the word . When His visible presence should be withdrawn , theword must be their source of power . Like their Master , they were to live " byevery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God . " Matt . 4 : 4 . As our physical life is sustained by food , so our spiritual life issustained by the word of God . And every soul is to receive life from God ' sword for himself . As we must eat for ourselves in order to receivenourishment , so we must receive the word for ourselves . We are not to obtainit merely through the medium of another ' s mind . We should carefully studythe Bible , asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit , that we may understandHis word . We should take one verse , and concentrate the mind on the task ofascertaining the thought which God has put in that verse for us . We shoulddwell upon the thought until it becomes our own , and we know " what saith theLord . " In His promises and warnings , Jesus means me . God so loved the world , thatHe gave His only - begotten Son , that I by believing in Him , might not perish , but have everlasting life . The experiences related in God ' s word are to bemy experiences . Prayer and promise , precept and warning , are mine . " I amcrucified with Christ : nevertheless I live ; yet not I , but Christ liveth inme : and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of theSon of God , who loved me , and gave Himself 391 for me . " Gal . 2 : 20 . As faith thus receives and assimilates the principles oftruth , they become a part of the being and the motive power of the life . Theword of God , received into the soul , molds the thoughts , and enters into thedevelopment of character . By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith , we shall bestrengthened . God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering , thirsting people . They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour . As theyfeed upon His word , they find that it is spirit and life . The word destroysthe natural , earthly nature , and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus . TheHoly Spirit comes to the soul as a Comforter . By the transforming agency ofHis grace , the image of God is reproduced in the disciple ; he becomes a newcreature . Love takes the place of hatred , and the heart receives the divinesimilitude . This is what it means to live " by every word that proceedeth outof the mouth of God . " This is eating the Bread that comes down from heaven . Christ had spoken a sacred , eternal truth regarding the relation betweenHimself and His followers . He knew the character of those who claimed to beHis disciples , and His words tested their faith . He declared that they wereto believe and act upon His teaching . All who received Him would partake ofHis nature , and be conformed to His character . This involved therelinquishment of their cherished ambitions . It required the completesurrender of themselves to Jesus . They were called to becomeself - sacrificing , meek and lowly in heart . They must walk in the narrow pathtraveled by the Man of Calvary , if they would share in the gift of life andthe glory of heaven . The test was too great . The enthusiasm of those who had sought to take Himby force and make Him king grew cold . This discourse in the synagogue , theydeclared , had opened their eyes . Now they were undeceived . In their mindsHis words were a direct confession that He was not the Messiah , and that noearthly rewards were to be realized from connection with Him . They hadwelcomed His miracle - working power ; they were eager to be freed from diseaseand suffering ; but they would not come into sympathy with Hisself - sacrificing life . They cared not for the mysterious spiritual kingdomof which He spoke . The insincere , the selfish , who had sought Him , no longerdesired Him . If He would not devote His power and influence to obtainingtheir freedom from the Romans , they would have nothing to do with Him . Jesus told them plainly , " There are some of you that believe not ;" adding , " Therefore said I unto you , that no man can come unto Me , 392 except it were given unto him of My Father . " He wished them to understandthat if they were not drawn to Him it was because their hearts were not opento the Holy Spirit . " The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spiritof God : for they are foolishness unto him : neither can he know them , becausethey are spiritually discerned . " 1 Cor . 2 : 14 . It is by faith that the soulbeholds the glory of Jesus . This glory is hidden , until , through the HolySpirit , faith is kindled in the soul . By the public rebuke of their unbelief these disciples were still furtheralienated from Jesus . They were greatly displeased , and wishing to wound theSaviour and gratify the malice of the Pharisees , they turned their backsupon Him , and left Him with disdain . They had made their choice , -- had takenthe form without the spirit , the husk without the kernel . Their decision wasnever afterward reversed ; for they walked no more with Jesus . " Whose fan is in His hand , and He will throughly purge His floor , and gatherHis wheat into the garner . " Matt . 3 : 12 . This was one of the times ofpurging . By the words of truth , the chaff was being separated from thewheat . Because they were too vain and self - righteous to receive reproof , tooworld - loving to accept a life of humility , many turned away from Jesus . Manyare still doing the same thing . Souls are tested today as were thosedisciples in the synagogue at Capernaum . When truth is brought home to theheart , they see that their lives are not in accordance with the will of God . They see the need of an entire change in themselves ; but they are notwilling to take up the self - denying work . Therefore they are angry whentheir sins are discovered . They go away offended , even as the disciples leftJesus , murmuring , " This is an hard saying ; who can hear it ? " Praise and flattery would be pleasing to their ears ; but the truth isunwelcome ; they cannot hear it . When the crowds follow , and the multitudesare fed , and the shouts of triumph are heard , their voices are loud inpraise ; but when the searching of God ' s Spirit reveals their sin , and bidsthem leave it , they turn their backs upon the truth , and walk no more withJesus . As those disaffected disciples turned away from Christ , a different spirittook control of them . They could see nothing attractive in Him whom they hadonce found so interesting . They sought out His enemies , for they were inharmony with their spirit and work . They misinterpreted His words , falsifiedHis statements , and impugned His motives . They sustained their course bygathering up every item that could be 393 turned against Him ; and such indignation was stirred up by these falsereports that His life was in danger . The news spread swiftly that by His own confession Jesus of Nazareth was notthe Messiah . And thus in Galilee the current of popular feeling was turnedagainst Him , as , the year before , it had been in Judea . Alas for Israel ! They rejected their Saviour , because they longed for a conqueror who wouldgive them temporal power . They wanted the meat which perishes , and not thatwhich endures unto everlasting life . With a yearning heart , Jesus saw those who had been His disciples departingfrom Him , the Life and the Light of men . The consciousness that Hiscompassion was unappreciated , His love unrequited , His mercy slighted , Hissalvation rejected , filled Him with sorrow that was inexpressible . It wassuch developments as these that made Him a man of sorrows , and acquaintedwith grief . Without attempting to hinder those who were leaving Him , Jesus turned to thetwelve and said , " Will ye also go away ? " Peter replied by asking , " Lord , to whom shall we go ? " " Thou hast the wordsof eternal life , " he added . " And we believe and are sure that Thou art thatChrist , the Son of the living God . " " To whom shall we go ? " The teachers of Israel were slaves to formalism . ThePharisees and Sadducees were in constant contention . To leave Jesus was tofall among sticklers for rites and ceremonies , and ambitious men who soughttheir own glory . The disciples had found more peace and joy since they hadaccepted Christ than in all their previous lives . How could they go back tothose who had scorned and persecuted the Friend of sinners ? They had longbeen looking for the Messiah ; now He had come , and they could not turn fromHis presence to those who were hunting His life , and had persecuted them forbecoming His followers . " To whom shall we go ? " Not from the teaching of Christ , His lessons of loveand mercy , to the darkness of unbelief , the wickedness of the world . Whilethe Saviour was forsaken by many who had witnessed His wonderful works , Peter expressed the faith of the disciples , --" Thou art that Christ . " Thevery thought of losing this anchor of their souls filled them with fear andpain . To be destitute of a Saviour was to be adrift on a dark and stormysea . Many of the words and acts of Jesus appear mysterious to finite minds , butevery word and act had its definite purpose in the work for our redemption ; each was calculated to produce its own result . If we 394 were capable of understanding His purposes , all would appear important , complete , and in harmony with His mission . While we cannot now comprehend the works and ways of God , we can discern Hisgreat love , which underlies all His dealings with men . He who lives near toJesus will understand much of the mystery of godliness . He will recognizethe mercy that administers reproof , that tests the character , and brings tolight the purpose of the heart . When Jesus presented the testing truth that caused so many of His disciplesto turn back , He knew what would be the result of His words ; but He had apurpose of mercy to fulfill . He foresaw that in the hour of temptation everyone of His beloved disciples would be severely tested . His agony inGethsemane , His betrayal and crucifixion , would be to them a most tryingordeal . Had no previous test been given , many who were actuated by merelyselfish motives would have been connected with them . When their Lord wascondemned in the judgment hall ; when the multitude who had hailed Him astheir king hissed at Him and reviled Him ; when the jeering crowd cried , " Crucify Him ! "-- when their worldly ambitions were disappointed , theseself - seeking ones would , by renouncing their allegiance to Jesus , havebrought upon the disciples a bitter , heart - burdening sorrow , in addition totheir grief and disappointment in the ruin of their fondest hopes . In thathour of darkness , the example of those who turned from Him might havecarried others with them . But Jesus brought about this crisis while by Hispersonal presence He could still strengthen the faith of His true followers . Compassionate Redeemer , who in the full knowledge of the doom that awaitedHim , tenderly smoothed the way for the disciples , prepared them for theircrowning trial , and strengthened them for the final test ! ( 395 ) Chapter 42 Tradition [ This chapter is based on Matt . 15 : 1 - 20 ; Mark 7 : 1 - 23 . ] The scribes and Pharisees , expecting to see Jesus at the Passover , had laida trap for Him . But Jesus , knowing their purpose , had absented Himself fromthis gathering . " Then came together unto Him the Pharisees , and certain ofthe scribes . " As He did not go to them , they came to Him . For a time it hadseemed that the people of Galilee would receive Jesus as the Messiah , andthat the power of the hierarchy in that region would be broken . The missionof the twelve , indicating the extension of Christ ' s work , and bringing thedisciples more directly into conflict with the rabbis , had excited anew thejealousy of the leaders at Jerusalem . The spies they sent to Capernaum inthe early part of His ministry , who had tried to fix on Him the charge ofSabbathbreaking , had been put to confusion ; but the rabbis were bent oncarrying out their purpose . Now another deputation was sent to watch Hismovements , and find some accusation against Him . As before , the ground of complaint was His disregard of the traditionalprecepts that encumbered the law of God . These were professedly designed toguard the observance of the law , but they were regarded as more sacred thanthe law itself . When they came in collision with the commandments given fromSinai , preference was given to the rabbinical precepts . Among the observances most strenuously enforced was that of ceremonialpurification . A neglect of the forms to be observed before eating 396 was accounted a heinous sin , to be punished both in this world and in thenext ; and it was regarded as a virtue to destroy the transgressor . The rules in regard to purification were numberless . The period of alifetime was scarcely sufficient for one to learn them all . The life ofthose who tried to observe the rabbinical requirements was one long struggleagainst ceremonial defilement , an endless round of washings andpurifications . While the people were occupied with trifling distinctions , and observances which God had not required , their attention was turned awayfrom the great principles of His law . Christ and His disciples did not observe these ceremonial washings , and thespies made this neglect the ground of their accusation . They did not , however , make a direct attack on Christ , but came to Him with criticism ofHis disciples . In the presence of the multitude they said , " Why do Thydisciples transgress the tradition of the elders ? for they wash not theirhands when they eat bread . " Whenever the message of truth comes home to souls with special power , Satanstirs up his agents to start a dispute over some minor question . Thus heseeks to attract attention from the real issue . Whenever a good work isbegun , there are cavilers ready to enter into dispute over forms ortechnicalities , to draw minds away from the living realities . When itappears that God is about to work in a special manner for His people , letthem not be enticed into a controversy that will work only ruin of souls . The questions that most concern us are , Do I believe with saving faith onthe Son of God ? Is my life in harmony with the divine law ? " He thatbelieveth on the Son hath everlasting life : and he that believeth not theSon shall not see life . " " And hereby we do know that we know Him , if we keepHis commandments . " John 3 : 36 ; 1 John 2 : 3 . Jesus made no attempt to defend Himself or His disciples . He made noreference to the charges against Him , but proceeded to show the spirit thatactuated these sticklers for human rites . He gave them an example of whatthey were repeatedly doing , and had done just before coming in search ofHim . " Full well ye reject the commandment of God , " He said , " that ye maykeep your own tradition . For Moses said , Honor thy father and thy mother ; and , Whoso curseth father or mother , let him die the death : but ye say , If aman shall say to his father or mother , It is Corban , that is to say , a gift , by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me ; he shall be free . And yesuffer him no more to do aught for his father or his mother . " They set asidethe fifth commandment as of 397 no consequence , but were very exact in carrying out the traditions of theelders . They taught the people that the devotion of their property to thetemple was a duty more sacred than even the support of their parents ; andthat , however great the necessity , it was sacrilege to impart to father ormother any part of what had been thus consecrated . An undutiful child hadonly to pronounce the word " Corban " over his property , thus devoting it toGod , and he could retain it for his own use during his lifetime , and afterhis death it was to be appropriated to the temple service . Thus he was atliberty , both in life and in death , to dishonor and defraud his parents , under cover of a pretended devotion to God . Never , by word or deed , did Jesus lessen man ' s obligation to present giftsand offerings to God . It was Christ who gave all the directions of the lawin regard to tithes and offerings . When on earth He commended the poor womanwho gave her all to the temple treasury . But the apparent zeal for God onthe part of the priests and rabbis was a pretense to cover their desire forself - aggrandizement . The people were deceived by them . They were bearingheavy burdens which God had not imposed . Even the disciples of Christ werenot wholly free from the yoke that had been bound upon them by inheritedprejudice and rabbinical authority . Now , by revealing the true spirit of therabbis , Jesus sought to free from the bondage of tradition all who werereally desirous of serving God . " Ye hypocrites , " He said , addressing the wily spies , " well did Esaiasprophesy of you , saying , This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth , and honoreth Me with their lips ; but their heart is far from Me . But in vainthey do worship Me , teaching for doctrines the commandments of men . " Thewords of Christ were an arraignment of the whole system of Pharisaism . Hedeclared that by placing their requirements above the divine precepts therabbis were setting themselves above God . The deputies from Jerusalem were filled with rage . They could not accuseChrist as a violator of the law given from Sinai , for He spoke as itsdefender against their traditions . The great precepts of the law , which Hehad presented , appeared in striking contrast to the petty rules that men haddevised . To the multitude , and afterward more fully to His disciples , Jesus explainedthat defilement comes not from without , but from within . Purity and impuritypertain to the soul . It is the evil deed , the evil word , the evil thought , the transgression of the law of God , not the neglect of external , man - madeceremonies , that defiles a man . 398 The disciples noted the rage of the spies as their false teaching wasexposed . They saw the angry looks , and heard the half - muttered words ofdissatisfaction and revenge . Forgetting how often Christ had given evidencethat He read the heart as an open book , they told Him of the effect of Hiswords . Hoping that He might conciliate the enraged officials , they said toJesus , " Knowest Thou that the Pharisees were offended , after they heard thissaying ? " He answered , " Every plant , which My heavenly Father hath not planted , shallbe rooted up . " The customs and traditions so highly valued by the rabbiswere of this world , not from heaven . However great their authority with thepeople , they could not endure the testing of God . Every human invention thathas been substituted for the commandments of God will be found worthless inthat day when " God shall bring every work into judgment , with every secretthing , whether it be good , or whether it be evil . " Eccl . 12 : 14 . The substitution of the precepts of men for the commandments of God has notceased . Even among Christians are found institutions and usages that have nobetter foundation than the traditions of the fathers . Such institutions , resting upon mere human authority , have supplanted those of divineappointment . Men cling to their traditions , and revere their customs , andcherish hatred against those who seek to show them their error . In this day , when we are bidden to call attention to the commandments of God and thefaith of Jesus , we see the same enmity as was manifested in the days ofChrist . Of the remnant people of God it is written , " The dragon was wrothwith the woman , and went to make war with the remnant of her seed , whichkeep the commandments of God , and have the testimony of Jesus Christ . " Rev . 12 : 17 . But " every plant , which My heavenly Father hath not planted , shall be rootedup . " In place of the authority of the so - called fathers of the church , Godbids us accept the word of the eternal Father , the Lord of heaven and earth . Here alone is truth unmixed with error . David said , " I have moreunderstanding than all my teachers : for Thy testimonies are my meditation . Iunderstand more than the ancients , because I keep Thy precepts . " Ps . 119 : 99 , 100 . Let all who accept human authority , the customs of the church , or thetraditions of the fathers , take heed to the warning conveyed in the words ofChrist , " In vain they do worship Me , teaching for doctrines the commandmentsof men . " ( 399 ) Chapter 43 Barriers Broken Down [ This chapter is based on Matt . 15 : 21 - 28 ; Mark 7 : 24 - 30 . ] After the encounter with the Pharisees , Jesus withdrew from Capernaum , andcrossing Galilee , repaired to the hill country on the borders of Phoenicia . Looking westward , He could see , spread out upon the plain below , the ancientcities of Tyre and Sidon , with their heathen temples , their magnificentpalaces and marts of trade , and the harbors filled with shipping . Beyond wasthe blue expanse of the Mediterranean , over which the messengers of thegospel were to bear its glad tidings to the centers of the world ' s greatempire . But the time was not yet . The work before Him now was to prepare Hisdisciples for their mission . In coming to this region He hoped to find theretirement He had failed to secure at Bethsaida . Yet this was not His onlypurpose in taking this journey . " Behold , a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders , and cried , saying , Have mercy on me , O Lord , Thou Son of David ; my daughter is grievously vexedwith a devil . " Matt . 15 : 22 , R . V . The people of this district were of theold Canaanite race . They were idolaters , and were despised and hated by theJews . To this class belonged the woman who now came to Jesus . She was aheathen , and was therefore excluded from the advantages which the Jews dailyenjoyed . There 400 were many Jews living among the Phoenicians , and the tidings of Christ ' swork had penetrated to this region . Some of the people had listened to Hiswords and had witnessed His wonderful works . This woman had heard of theprophet , who , it was reported , healed all manner of diseases . As she heardof His power , hope sprang up in her heart . Inspired by a mother ' s love , shedetermined to present her daughter ' s case to Him . It was her resolutepurpose to bring her affliction to Jesus . He must heal her child . She hadsought help from the heathen gods , but had obtained no relief . And at timesshe was tempted to think , What can this Jewish teacher do for me ? But theword had come , He heals all manner of diseases , whether those who come toHim for help are rich or poor . She determined not to lose her only hope . Christ knew this woman ' s situation . He knew that she was longing to see Him , and He placed Himself in her path . By ministering to her sorrow , He couldgive a living representation of the lesson He designed to teach . For this Hehad brought His disciples into this region . He desired them to see theignorance existing in cities and villages close to the land of Israel . Thepeople who had been given every opportunity to understand the truth werewithout a knowledge of the needs of those around them . No effort was made tohelp souls in darkness . The partition wall which Jewish pride had erected , shut even the disciples from sympathy with the heathen world . But thesebarriers were to be broken down . Christ did not immediately reply to the woman ' s request . He received thisrepresentative of a despised race as the Jews would have done . In this Hedesigned that His disciples should be impressed with the cold and heartlessmanner in which the Jews would treat such a case , as evinced by Hisreception of the woman , and the compassionate manner in which He would havethem deal with such distress , as manifested by His subsequent granting ofher petition . But although Jesus did not reply , the woman did not lose faith . As He passedon , as if not hearing her , she followed Him , continuing her supplications . Annoyed by her importunities , the disciples asked Jesus to send her away . They saw that their Master treated her with indifference , and they thereforesupposed that the prejudice of the Jews against the Canaanites was pleasingto Him . But it was a pitying Saviour to whom the woman made her plea , and inanswer to the request of the disciples , Jesus said , " I am not sent but untothe lost sheep of the house 401 of Israel . " Although this answer appeared to be in accordance with theprejudice of the Jews , it was an implied rebuke to the disciples , which theyafterward understood as reminding them of what He had often told them , -- thatHe came to the world to save all who would accept Him . The woman urged her case with increased earnestness , bowing at Christ ' sfeet , and crying , " Lord , help me . " Jesus , still apparently rejecting herentreaties , according to the unfeeling prejudice of the Jews , answered , " Itis not meet to take the children ' s bread , and to cast it to dogs . " This wasvirtually asserting that it was not just to lavish the blessings brought tothe favored people of God upon strangers and aliens from Israel . This answerwould have utterly discouraged a less earnest seeker . But the woman saw thather opportunity had come . Beneath the apparent refusal of Jesus , she saw acompassion that He could not hide . " Truth , Lord , " she answered , " yet thedogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters ' table . " While thechildren of the household eat at the father ' s table , even the dogs are notleft unfed . They have a right to the crumbs that fall from the tableabundantly supplied . So while there were many blessings given to Israel , wasthere not also a blessing for her ? She was looked upon as a dog , and had shenot then a dog ' s claim to a crumb from His bounty ? Jesus had just departed from His field of labor because the scribes andPharisees were seeking to take His life . They murmured and complained . Theymanifested unbelief and bitterness , and refused the salvation so freelyoffered them . Here Christ meets one of an unfortunate and despised race , that has not been favored with the light of God ' s word ; yet she yields atonce to the divine influence of Christ , and has implicit faith in Hisability to grant the favor she asks . She begs for the crumbs that fall fromthe Master ' s table . If she may have the privilege of a dog , she is willingto be regarded as a dog . She has no national or religious prejudice or prideto influence her course , and she immediately acknowledges Jesus as theRedeemer , and as being able to do all that she asks of Him . The Saviour is satisfied . He has tested her faith in Him . By His dealingswith her , He has shown that she who has been regarded as an outcast fromIsrael is no longer an alien , but a child in God ' s household . As a child itis her privilege to share in the Father ' s gifts . Christ now grants herrequest , and finishes the lesson to the disciples . Turning to her with alook of pity and love , He says , " O woman , great is thy faith : 402 be it unto thee even as thou wilt . " From that hour her daughter becamewhole . The demon troubled her no more . The woman departed , acknowledging herSaviour , and happy in the granting of her prayer . This was the only miracle that Jesus wrought while on this journey . It wasfor the performance of this act that He went to the borders of Tyre andSidon . He wished to relieve the afflicted woman , and at the same time toleave an example in His work of mercy toward one of a despised people forthe benefit of His disciples when He should no longer be with them . Hewished to lead them from their Jewish exclusiveness to be interested inworking for others besides their own people . Jesus longed to unfold the deep mysteries of the truth which had been hidfor ages , that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs with the Jews , and " partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel . " Eph . 3 : 6 . This truth thedisciples were slow to learn , and the divine Teacher gave them lesson uponlesson . In rewarding the faith of the centurion at Capernaum , and preachingthe gospel to the inhabitants of Sychar , He had already given evidence thatHe did not share the intolerance of the Jews . But the Samaritans had someknowledge of God ; and the centurion had shown kindness to Israel . Now Jesusbrought the disciples in contact with a heathen , whom they regarded ashaving no reason above any of her people , to expect favor from Him . He wouldgive an example of how such a one should be treated . The disciples hadthought that He dispensed too freely the gifts of His grace . He would showthat His love was not to be circumscribed to race or nation . When He said , " I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house ofIsrael , " He stated the truth , and in His work for the Canaanite woman He wasfulfilling His commission . This woman was one of the lost sheep that Israelshould have rescued . It was their appointed work , the work which they hadneglected , that Christ was doing . This act opened the minds of the disciples more fully to the labor that laybefore them among the Gentiles . They saw a wide field of usefulness outsideof Judea . They saw souls bearing sorrows unknown to those more highlyfavored . Among those whom they had been taught to despise were souls longingfor help from the mighty Healer , hungering for the light of truth , which hadbeen so abundantly given to the Jews . Afterward , when the Jews turned still more persistently from the disciples , because they declared Jesus to be the Saviour of the world , 403 and when the partition wall between Jew and Gentile was broken down by thedeath of Christ , this lesson , and similar ones which pointed to the gospelwork unrestricted by custom or nationality , had a powerful influence uponthe representatives of Christ , in directing their labors . The Saviour ' s visit to Phoenicia and the miracle there performed had a yetwider purpose . Not alone for the afflicted woman , nor even for His disciplesand those who received their labors , was the work accomplished ; but also " that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ , the Son of God ; and thatbelieving ye might have life through His name . " John 20 : 31 . The sameagencies that barred men away from Christ eighteen hundred years ago are atwork today . The spirit which built up the partition wall between Jew andGentile is still active . Pride and prejudice have built strong walls ofseparation between different classes of men . Christ and His mission havebeen misrepresented , and multitudes feel that they are virtually shut awayfrom the ministry of the gospel . But let them not feel that they are shutaway from Christ . There are no barriers which man or Satan can erect butthat faith can penetrate . In faith the woman of Phoenicia flung herself against the barriers that hadbeen piled up between Jew and Gentile . Against discouragement , regardless ofappearances that might have led her to doubt , she trusted the Saviour ' slove . It is thus that Christ desires us to trust in Him . The blessings ofsalvation are for every soul . Nothing but his own choice can prevent any manfrom becoming a partaker of the promise in Christ by the gospel . Caste is hateful to God . He ignores everything of this character . In Hissight the souls of all men are of equal value . He " hath made of one bloodall nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth , and hathdetermined the times before appointed , and the bounds of their habitation ; that they should seek the Lord , if haply they might feel after Him , and findHim , though He be not far from every one of us . " Without distinction of age , or rank , or nationality , or religious privilege , all are invited to comeunto Him and live . " Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed . Forthere is no difference . " " There is neither Jew nor Greek , there is neitherbond nor free . " " The rich and poor meet together : the Lord is the Maker ofthem all . " " The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him . Forwhosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved . " Acts 17 : 26 , 27 ; Gal . 3 : 28 ; Prov . 22 : 2 ; Rom . 10 : 11 - 13 . ( 404 ) Chapter 44 The True Sign [ This chapter is based on Matt . 15 : 29 - 39 ; 16 : 1 - 12 ; Mark 7 : 31 - 37 ; 8 : 1 - 21 . ] " Again He went out from the borders of Tyre , and came through Sidon unto theSea of Galilee , through the midst of the borders of Decapolis . " Mark 7 : 31 , R . V . It was in the region of Decapolis that the demoniacs of Gergesa had beenhealed . Here the people , alarmed at the destruction of the swine , hadconstrained Jesus to depart from among them . But they had listened to themessengers He left behind , and a desire was aroused to see Him . As He cameagain into that region , a crowd gathered about Him , and a deaf , stammeringman was brought to Him . Jesus did not , according to His custom , restore theman by a word only . Taking him apart from the multitude , He put His fingersin his ears , and touched his tongue ; looking up to heaven , He sighed atthought of the ears that would not be open to the truth , the tongues thatrefused to acknowledge the Redeemer . At the word , " Be opened , " the man ' sspeech was restored , and , disregarding the command to tell no man , hepublished abroad the story of his cure . Jesus went up into a mountain , and there the multitude flocked to Him , bringing their sick and lame , and laying them at His feet . He healed themall ; and the people , heathen as they were , glorified the God of Israel . Forthree days they continued to throng about the Saviour , sleeping at night inthe open air , and through the day pressing eagerly to hear the words ofChrist , and to see His works . At the end of three 405 days their food was spent . Jesus would not send them away hungry , and Hecalled upon His disciples to give them food . Again the disciples revealedtheir unbelief . At Bethsaida they had seen how , with Christ ' s blessing , their little store availed for the feeding of the multitude ; yet they didnot now bring forward their all , trusting His power to multiply it for thehungry crowds . Moreover , those whom He fed at Bethsaida were Jews ; thesewere Gentiles and heathen . Jewish prejudice was still strong in the heartsof the disciples , and they answered Jesus , " Whence can a man satisfy thesemen with bread here in the wilderness ? " But obedient to His word theybrought Him what they had , -- seven loaves and two fishes . The multitude werefed , seven large baskets of fragments remaining . Four thousand men , besideswomen and children , were thus refreshed , and Jesus sent them away with gladand grateful hearts . Then taking a boat with His disciples , He crossed the lake to Magdala , atthe southern end of the plain of Gennesaret . In the border of Tyre and SidonHis spirit had been refreshed by the confiding trust of the Syrophoenicianwoman . The heathen people of Decapolis had received Him with gladness . Nowas He landed once more in Galilee , where His power had been most strikinglymanifested , where most of His works of mercy had been performed , and Histeaching given , He was met with contemptuous unbelief . A deputation of Pharisees had been joined by representatives from the richand lordly Sadducees , the party of the priests , the skeptics and aristocracyof the nation . The two sects had been at bitter enmity . The Sadduceescourted the favor of the ruling power in order to maintain their ownposition and authority . The Pharisees , on the other hand , fostered thepopular hatred against the Romans , longing for the time when they couldthrow off the yoke of the conqueror . But Pharisee and Sadducee now unitedagainst Christ . Like seeks like ; and evil , wherever it exists , leagues withevil for the destruction of the good . 406 Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Christ , asking for a sign fromheaven . When in the days of Joshua Israel went out to battle with theCanaanites at Bethhoron , the sun had stood still at the leader ' s commanduntil victory was gained ; and many similar wonders had been manifest intheir history . Some such sign was demanded of Jesus . But these signs werenot what the Jews needed . No mere external evidence could benefit them . Whatthey needed was not intellectual enlightenment , but spiritual renovation . " O ye hypocrites , " said Jesus , " ye can discern the face of the sky , "-- bystudying the sky they could foretell the weather , --" but can ye not discernthe signs of the times ? " Christ ' s own words , spoken with the power of theHoly Spirit that convicted them of sin , were the sign that God had given fortheir salvation . And signs direct from heaven had been given to attest themission of Christ . The song of the angels to the shepherds , the star thatguided the wise men , the dove and the voice from heaven at His baptism , werewitnesses for Him . " And He sighed deeply in His spirit , and saith , Why doth this generationseek after a sign ? " " There shall no sign be given unto it , but the sign ofthe prophet Jonas . " As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly ofthe whale , Christ was to be the same time " in the heart of the earth . " Andas the preaching of Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites , so Christ ' s preachingwas a sign to His generation . But what a contrast in the reception of theword ! The people of the great heathen city trembled as they heard thewarning from God . Kings and nobles humbled themselves ; the high and thelowly together cried to the God of heaven , and His mercy was granted untothem . " The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation , " Christ had said , " and shall condemn it : because they repented at thepreaching of Jonas ; and , behold , a greater than Jonas is here . " Matt . 12 : 40 , 41 . Every miracle that Christ performed was a sign of His divinity . He was doingthe very work that had been foretold of the Messiah ; but to the Phariseesthese works of mercy were a positive offense . The Jewish leaders looked withheartless indifference on human suffering . In many cases their selfishnessand oppression had caused the affliction that Christ relieved . Thus Hismiracles were to them a reproach . That which led the Jews to reject the Saviour ' s work was the highestevidence of His divine character . The greatest significance of His miraclesis seen in the fact that they were for the blessing of humanity . 407 The highest evidence that He came from God is that His life revealed thecharacter of God . He did the works and spoke the words of God . Such a lifeis the greatest of all miracles . When the message of truth is presented in our day , there are many who , likethe Jews , cry , Show us a sign . Work us a miracle . Christ wrought no miracleat the demand of the Pharisees . He wrought no miracle in the wilderness inanswer to Satan ' s insinuations . He does not impart to us power to vindicateourselves or to satisfy the demands of unbelief and pride . But the gospel isnot without a sign of its divine origin . Is it not a miracle that we canbreak from the bondage of Satan ? Enmity against Satan is not natural to thehuman heart ; it is implanted by the grace of God . When one who has beencontrolled by a stubborn , wayward will is set free , and yields himselfwholeheartedly to the drawing of God ' s heavenly agencies , a miracle iswrought ; so also when a man who has been under strong delusion comes tounderstand moral truth . Every time a soul is converted , and learns to loveGod and keep His commandments , the promise of God is fulfilled , " A new heartalso will I give you , and a new spirit will I put within you . " Ezek . 36 : 26 . The change in human hearts , the transformation of human characters , is amiracle that reveals an ever - living Saviour , working to rescue souls . Aconsistent life in Christ is a great miracle . In the preaching of the wordof God , the sign that should be manifest now and always is the presence ofthe Holy Spirit , to make the word a regenerating power to those that hear . This is God ' s witness before the world to the divine mission of His Son . Those who desired a sign from Jesus had so hardened their hearts in unbeliefthat they did not discern in His character the likeness of God . They wouldnot see that His mission was in fulfillment of the Scriptures . In theparable of the rich man and Lazarus , Jesus said to the Pharisees , " If theyhear not Moses and the prophets , neither will they be persuaded , though onerose from the dead . " Luke 16 : 31 . No sign that could be given in heaven orearth would benefit them . Jesus " sighed deeply in His spirit , " and , turning from the group ofcavilers , re - entered the boat with His disciples . In sorrowful silence theyagain crossed the lake . They did not , however , return to the place they hadleft , but directed their course toward Bethsaida , near where the fivethousand had been fed . Upon reaching the farther side , Jesus said , " Takeheed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the 408 Sadducees . " The Jews had been accustomed since the days of Moses to put awayleaven from their houses at the Passover season , and they had thus beentaught to regard it as a type of sin . Yet the disciples failed to understandJesus . In their sudden departure from Magdala they had forgotten to takebread , and they had with them only one loaf . To this circumstance theyunderstood Christ to refer , warning them not to buy bread of a Pharisee or aSadducee . Their lack of faith and spiritual insight had often led them tosimilar misconception of His words . Now Jesus reproved them for thinkingthat He who had fed thousands with a few fishes and barley loaves could inthat solemn warning have referred merely to temporal food . There was dangerthat the crafty reasoning of the Pharisees and the Sadducees would leavenHis disciples with unbelief , causing them to think lightly of the works ofChrist . The disciples were inclined to think that their Master should have grantedthe demand for a sign in the heavens . They believed that He was fully ableto do this , and that such a sign would put His enemies to silence . They didnot discern the hypocrisy of these cavilers . Months afterward , " when there were gathered together an innumerablemultitude of people , insomuch that they trode one upon another , " Jesusrepeated the same teaching . " He began to say unto His disciples first ofall , Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees , which is hypocrisy . " Luke 12 : 1 . The leaven placed in the meal works imperceptibly , changing the whole massto its own nature . So if hypocrisy is allowed to exist in the heart , itpermeates the character and the life . A striking example of the hypocrisy ofthe Pharisees , Christ had already rebuked in denouncing the practice of " Corban , " by which a neglect of filial duty was concealed under a pretenseof liberality to the temple . The scribes and Pharisees were insinuatingdeceptive principles . They concealed the real tendency of their doctrines , and improved every occasion to instill them artfully into the minds of theirhearers . These false principles , when once accepted , worked like leaven inthe meal , permeating and transforming the character . It was this deceptiveteaching that made it so hard for the people to receive the words of Christ . The same influences are working today through those who try to explain thelaw of God in such a way as to make it conform to their practices . Thisclass do not attack the law openly , but put forward 409 speculative theories that undermine its principles . They explain it so as todestroy its force . The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was the product of self - seeking . Theglorification of themselves was the object of their lives . It was this thatled them to pervert and misapply the Scriptures , and blinded them to thepurpose of Christ ' s mission . This subtle evil even the disciples of Christwere in danger of cherishing . Those who classed themselves with thefollowers of Jesus , but who had not left all in order to become Hisdisciples , were influenced in a great degree by the reasoning of thePharisees . They were often vacillating between faith and unbelief , and theydid not discern the treasures of wisdom hidden in Christ . Even thedisciples , though outwardly they had left all for Jesus ' sake , had not inheart ceased to seek great things for themselves . It was this spirit thatprompted the strife as to who should be greatest . It was this that camebetween them and Christ , making them so little in sympathy with His missionof self - sacrifice , so slow to comprehend the mystery of redemption . Asleaven , if left to complete its work , will cause corruption and decay , sodoes the self - seeking spirit , cherished , work the defilement and ruin of thesoul . Among the followers of our Lord today , as of old , how widespread is thissubtle , deceptive sin ! How often our service to Christ , our communion withone another , is marred by the secret desire to exalt self ! How ready thethought of self - gratulation , and the longing for human approval ! It is thelove of self , the desire for an easier way than God has appointed that leadsto the substitution of human theories and traditions for the divineprecepts . To His own disciples the warning words of Christ are spoken , " Takeheed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees . " The religion of Christ is sincerity itself . Zeal for God ' s glory is themotive implanted by the Holy Spirit ; and only the effectual working of theSpirit can implant this motive . only the power of God can banishself - seeking and hypocrisy . This change is the sign of His working . When thefaith we accept destroys selfishness and pretense , when it leads us to seekGod ' s glory and not our own , we may know that it is of the right order . " Father , glorify Thy name " ( John 12 : 28 ) , was the keynote of Christ ' s life , and if we follow Him , this will be the keynote of our life . He commands usto " walk , even as He walked ;" and " hereby we do know that we know Him , if wekeep His commandments . " 1 John 2 : 6 , 3 . ( 410 ) Chapter 45 The Foreshadowing of the Cross [ This chapter is based on Matt . 16 : 13 - 28 ; Mark 8 : 27 - 38 ; Luke 9 : 18 - 27 . ] The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close . Before Him , in vividoutline , lay the scenes whither His feet were tending . Even before He tookhumanity upon Him , He saw the whole length of the path He must travel inorder to save that which was lost . Every pang that rent His heart , everyinsult that was heaped upon His head , every privation that He was called toendure , was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe , and stepped down from the throne , to clothe His divinity with humanity . Thepath from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes . He knew the anguishthat would come upon Him . He knew it all , and yet He said , " Lo , I come : inthe volume of the Book it is written of Me , I delight to do Thy will , O MyGod : yea , Thy law is within My heart . " Ps . 40 : 7 , 8 . Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission . His earthly life , so fullof toil and self - sacrifice , was cheered by the prospect that He would nothave all this travail for nought . By giving His life for the life of men , Hewould win back the world to its loyalty to God . Although the baptism ofblood must first be received ; although the sins of the world were to weighupon His innocent soul ; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was uponHim ; yet for the joy that was set before Him , He chose to endure the cross , and despised the shame . From the chosen companions of His ministry the scenes that lay before Himwere as yet hidden ; but the time was near when they must 411 behold His agony . They must see Him whom they had loved and trusted , delivered into the hands of His enemies , and hung upon the cross of Calvary . Soon He must leave them to face the world without the comfort of His visiblepresence . He knew how bitter hate and unbelief would persecute them , and Hedesired to prepare them for their trials . Jesus and His disciples had now come into one of the towns about CaesareaPhilippi . They were beyond the limits of Galilee , in a region where idolatryprevailed . Here the disciples were withdrawn from the controlling influenceof Judaism , and brought into closer contact with the heathen worship . Aroundthem were represented forms of superstition that existed in all parts of theworld . Jesus desired that a view of these things might lead them to feeltheir responsibility to the heathen . During His stay in this region , Heendeavored to withdraw from teaching the people , and to devote Himself morefully to His disciples . He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him . But first Hewent away alone , and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receiveHis words . Upon joining them , He did not at once communicate that which Hedesired to impart . Before doing this , He gave them an opportunity ofconfessing their faith in Him that they might be strengthened for the comingtrial . He asked , " Whom do men say that I the Son of man am ? " Sadly the disciples were forced to acknowledge that Israel had failed torecognize their Messiah . Some indeed , when they saw His miracles , haddeclared Him to be the Son of David . The multitudes that had been fed atBethsaida had desired to proclaim Him king of Israel . Many were ready toaccept Him as a prophet ; but they did not believe Him to be the Messiah . Jesus now put a second question , relating to the disciples themselves : " Butwhom say ye that I am ? " Peter answered , " Thou art the Christ , the Son of theliving God . " From the first , Peter had believed Jesus to be the Messiah . Many others whohad been convicted by the preaching of John the Baptist , and had acceptedChrist , began to doubt as to John ' s mission when he was imprisoned and putto death ; and they now doubted that Jesus was the Messiah , for whom they hadlooked so long . Many of the disciples who had ardently expected Jesus totake His place on David ' s throne left Him when they perceived that He had nosuch intention . But Peter and his 412 companions turned not from their allegiance . The vacillating course of thosewho praised yesterday and condemned today did not destroy the faith of thetrue follower of the Saviour . Peter declared , " Thou art the Christ , the Sonof the living God . " He waited not for kingly honors to crown his Lord , butaccepted Him in His humiliation . Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve . Yet the disciples were stillfar from understanding Christ ' s mission . The opposition andmisrepresentation of the priests and rulers , while it could not turn themaway from Christ , still caused them great perplexity . They did not see theirway clearly . The influence of their early training , the teaching of therabbis , the power of tradition , still intercepted their view of truth . Fromtime to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them , yet oftenthey were like men groping among shadows . But on this day , before they werebrought face to face with the great trial of their faith , the Holy Spiritrested upon them in power . For a little time their eyes were turned awayfrom " the things which are seen , " to behold " the things which are not seen . " 2 Cor . 4 : 18 . Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of theSon of God . Jesus answered Peter , saying , " Blessed art thou , Simon Bar - jona : for fleshand blood hath not revealed it unto thee , but My Father which is in heaven . " The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer ' sfaith . It is that which Christ Himself has declared to be eternal life . Butthe possession of this knowledge was no ground for self - glorification . Through no wisdom or goodness of his own had it been revealed to Peter . Never can humanity , of itself , attain to a knowledge of the divine . " It isas high as heaven ; what canst thou do ? deeper than hell ; what canst thouknow ? " Job 11 : 8 . only the spirit of adoption can reveal to us the deepthings of God , which " eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , neither have enteredinto the heart of man . " " God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit : forthe Spirit searcheth all things , yea , the deep things of God . " 1 Cor . 2 : 9 , 10 . " The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him ;" andthe fact that Peter discerned the glory of Christ was an evidence that hehad been " taught of God . " Ps . 25 : 14 ; John 6 : 45 . Ah , indeed , " blessed artthou , Simon Bar - jona : for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee . " Jesus continued : " I say also unto thee , That thou art Peter , and upon thisrock I will build My church ; and the gates of hell shall not prevail 413 against it . " The word Peter signifies a stone , -- a rolling stone . Peter wasnot the rock upon which the church was founded . The gates of hell didprevail against him when he denied his Lord with cursing and swearing . Thechurch was built upon one against whom the gates of hell could not prevail . Centuries before the Saviour ' s advent Moses had pointed to the Rock ofIsrael ' s salvation . The psalmist had sung of " the Rock of my strength . " Isaiah had written , " Thus saith the Lord God , Behold , I lay in Zion for afoundation a stone , a tried stone , a precious cornerstone , a surefoundation . " Deut . 32 : 4 ; Ps . 62 : 7 ; Isa . 28 : 16 . Peter himself , writing byinspiration , applies this prophecy to Jesus . He says , " If ye have tastedthat the Lord is gracious : unto whom coming , a living stone , rejected indeedof men , but with God elect , precious , ye also , as living stones , are builtup a spiritual house . " 1 Peter 2 : 3 - 5 , R . V . " Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid , which is Jesus Christ . " 1 Cor . 3 : 11 . " Upon this rock , " said Jesus , " I will build My church . " In thepresence of God , and all the heavenly intelligences , in the presence of theunseen army of hell , Christ founded His church upon the living Rock . ThatRock is Himself , -- His own body , for us broken and bruised . Against thechurch built upon this foundation , the gates of hell shall not prevail . How feeble the church appeared when Christ spoke these words ! There was onlya handful of believers , against whom all the power of demons and evil menwould be directed ; yet the followers of Christ were not to fear . Built uponthe Rock of their strength , they could not be overthrown . For six thousand years , faith has builded upon Christ . For six thousandyears the floods and tempests of satanic wrath have beaten upon the Rock ofour salvation ; but it stands unmoved . Peter had expressed the truth which is the foundation of the church ' s faith , and Jesus now honored him as the representative of the whole body ofbelievers . He said , " I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom ofheaven : and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven : and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven . " " The keys of the kingdom of heaven " are the words of Christ . All the wordsof Holy Scripture are His , and are here included . These words have power toopen and to shut heaven . They declare the conditions 414 upon which men are received or rejected . Thus the work of those who preachGod ' s word is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death . Theirs is amission weighted with eternal results . The Saviour did not commit the work of the gospel to Peter individually . Ata later time , repeating the words that were spoken to Peter , He applied themdirectly to the church . And the same in substance was spoken also to thetwelve as representatives of the body of believers . If Jesus had delegatedany special authority to one of the disciples above the others , we shouldnot find them so often contending as to who should be the greatest . Theywould have submitted to the wish of their Master , and honored the one whomHe had chosen . Instead of appointing one to be their head , Christ said to the disciples , " Be not ye called Rabbi ;" " neither be ye called masters : for one is yourMaster , even Christ . " Matt . 23 : 8 , 10 . " The head of every man is Christ . " God , who put all things under theSaviour ' s feet , " gave Him to be the head over all things to the church , which is His body , the fullness of Him that filleth all in all . " 1 Cor . 11 : 3 ; Eph . 1 : 22 , 23 . The church is built upon Christ as its foundation ; itis to obey Christ as its head . It is not to depend upon man , or becontrolled by man . Many claim that a position of trust in the church givesthem authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shalldo . This claim God does not sanction . The Saviour declares , " All ye arebrethren . " All are exposed to temptation , and are liable to error . Upon nofinite being can we depend for guidance . The Rock of faith is the livingpresence of Christ in the church . Upon this the weakest may depend , andthose who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest , unless they make Christ their efficiency . " Cursed be the man that trustethin man , and maketh flesh his arm . " The Lord " is the Rock , His work isperfect . " " Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him . " Jer . 17 : 5 ; Deut . 32 : 4 ; Ps . 2 : 12 . After Peter ' s confession , Jesus charged the disciples to tell no man that Hewas the Christ . This charge was given because of the determined oppositionof the scribes and Pharisees . More than this , the people , and even thedisciples , had so false a conception of the Messiah that a publicannouncement of Him would give them no true idea of His character or Hiswork . But day by day He was revealing Himself to them as the Saviour , andthus He desired to give them a true conception of Him as the Messiah . 415 The disciples still expected Christ to reign as a temporal prince . AlthoughHe had so long concealed His design , they believed that He would not alwaysremain in poverty and obscurity ; the time was near when He would establishHis kingdom . That the hatred of the priests and rabbis would never beovercome , that Christ would be rejected by His own nation , condemned as adeceiver , and crucified as a malefactor , -- such a thought the disciples hadnever entertained . But the hour of the power of darkness was drawing on , andJesus must open to His disciples the conflict before them . He was sad as Heanticipated the trial . Hitherto He had refrained from making known to them anything relative to Hissufferings and death . In His conversation with Nicodemus He had said , " AsMoses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness , even so must the Son of manbe lifted up : that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish , but haveeternal life . " John 3 : 14 , 15 . But the disciples did not hear this , and hadthey heard , would not have understood . But now they have been with Jesus , listening to His words , beholding His works , until , notwithstanding thehumility of His surroundings , and the opposition of priests and people , theycan join in the testimony of Peter , " Thou art the Christ , the Son of theliving God . " Now the time has come for the veil that hides the future to bewithdrawn . " From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples , howthat He must go unto Jerusalem , and suffer many things of the elders andchief priests and scribes , and be killed , and be raised again the thirdday . " Speechless with grief and amazement , the disciples listened . Christ hadaccepted Peter ' s acknowledgment of Him as the Son of God ; and now His wordspointing to His suffering and death seemed incomprehensible . Peter could notkeep silent . He laid hold upon his Master , as if to draw Him back from Hisimpending doom , exclaiming , " Be it far from Thee , Lord : this shall not beunto Thee . " Peter loved his Lord ; but Jesus did not commend him for thus manifesting thedesire to shield Him from suffering . Peter ' s words were not such as would bea help and solace to Jesus in the great trial before Him . They were not inharmony with God ' s purpose of grace toward a lost world , nor with the lessonof self - sacrifice that Jesus had come to teach by His own example . Peter didnot desire to see the cross in the work of Christ . The impression which hiswords would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to makeon the minds of His followers , and the Saviour was moved to utter one of thesternest rebukes 416 that ever fell from His lips : " Get thee behind Me , Satan : thou art anoffense unto Me : for thou savorest not the things that be of God , but thosethat be of men . " Satan was trying to discourage Jesus , and turn Him from His mission ; andPeter , in his blind love , was giving voice to the temptation . The prince ofevil was the author of the thought . His instigation was behind thatimpulsive appeal . In the wilderness , Satan had offered Christ the dominionof the world on condition of forsaking the path of humiliation andsacrifice . Now he was presenting the same temptation to the disciple ofChrist . He was seeking to fix Peter ' s gaze upon the earthly glory , that hemight not behold the cross to which Jesus desired to turn his eyes . Andthrough Peter , Satan was again pressing the temptation upon Jesus . But theSaviour heeded it not ; His thought was for His disciple . Satan hadinterposed between Peter and his Master , that the heart of the disciplemight not be touched at the vision of Christ ' s humiliation for him . Thewords of Christ were spoken , not to Peter , but to the one who was trying toseparate him from his Redeemer . " Get thee behind Me , Satan . " No longerinterpose between Me and My erring servant . Let Me come face to face withPeter , that I may reveal to him the mystery of My love . It was to Peter a bitter lesson , and one which he learned but slowly , thatthe path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation . The discipleshrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering . But in the heat of thefurnace fire he was to learn its blessing . Long afterward , when his activeform was bowed with the burden of years and labors , he wrote , " Beloved , think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you , asthough some strange thing happened unto you : but rejoice , inasmuch as ye arepartakers of Christ ' s sufferings ; that , when His glory shall be revealed , yemay be glad also with exceeding joy . " 1 Peter 4 : 12 , 13 . Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self - abnegationwas an example of what theirs should be . Calling about Him , with thedisciples , the people who had been lingering near , He said , " If any man willcome after Me , let him deny himself , and take up his cross daily , and followMe . " The cross was associated with the power of Rome . It was the instrumentof the most cruel and humiliating form of death . The lowest criminals wererequired to bear the cross to the place of execution ; and often as it wasabout to be laid upon their shoulders , they resisted with desperateviolence , until they were overpowered , and 417 the instrument of torture was bound upon them . But Jesus bade His followerstake up the cross and bear it after Him . To the disciples His words , thoughdimly comprehended , pointed to their submission to the most bitterhumiliation , -- submission even unto death for the sake of Christ . No morecomplete self - surrender could the Saviour ' s words have pictured . But allthis He had accepted for them . Jesus did not count heaven a place to bedesired while we were lost . He left the heavenly courts for a life ofreproach and insult , and a death of shame . He who was rich in heaven ' spriceless treasure , became poor , that through His poverty we might be rich . We are to follow in the path He trod . Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self . He who is achild of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain letdown to save the world , one with Christ in His plan of mercy , going forthwith Him to seek and save the lost . The Christian is ever to realize that hehas consecrated himself to God , and that in character he is to reveal Christto the world . The self - sacrifice , the sympathy , the love , manifested in thelife of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God . " Whosoever will save his life shall lose it ; but whosoever shall lose hislife for My sake and the gospel ' s , the same shall save it . " Selfishness isdeath . No organ of the body could live should it confine its service toitself . The heart , failing to send its lifeblood to the hand and the head , would quickly lose its power . As our lifeblood , so is the love of Christdiffused through every part of His mystical body . We are members one ofanother , and the soul that refuses to impart will perish . And " what is a manprofited , " said Jesus , " if he shall gain the whole world , and lose his ownsoul ? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul ? " Beyond the poverty and humiliation of the present , He pointed the disciplesto His coming in glory , not in the splendor of an earthly throne , but withthe glory of God and the hosts of heaven . And then , He said , " He shallreward every man according to his works . " Then for their encouragement Hegave the promise , " Verily I say unto you , There be some standing here , whichshall not taste of death , till they see the Son of man coming in Hiskingdom . " But the disciples did not comprehend His words . The glory seemedfar away . Their eyes were fixed upon the nearer view , the earthly life ofpoverty , humiliation , and suffering . Must their glowing expectations of theMessiah ' s kingdom be relinquished ? Were they not to see their Lord exaltedto the throne of 418 David ? Could it be that Christ was to live a humble , homeless wanderer , tobe despised , rejected , and put to death ? Sadness oppressed their hearts , forthey loved their Master . Doubt also harassed their minds , for it seemedincomprehensible that the Son of God should be subjected to such cruelhumiliation . They questioned why He should voluntarily go to Jerusalem tomeet the treatment which He had told them He was there to receive . How couldHe resign Himself to such a fate , and leave them in greater darkness thanthat in which they were groping before He revealed Himself to them ? In the region of Caesarea Philippi , Christ was out of the reach of Herod andCaiaphas , the disciples reasoned . He had nothing to fear from the hatred ofthe Jews or from the power of the Romans . Why not work there , at a distancefrom the Pharisees ? Why need He give Himself up to death ? If He was to die , how was it that His kingdom was to be established so firmly that the gatesof hell should not prevail against it ? To the disciples this was indeed amystery . They were even now journeying along the shores of the Sea of Galilee towardthe city where all their hopes were to be crushed . They dared notremonstrate with Christ , but they talked together in low , sorrowful tones inregard to what the future would be . Even amid their questionings they clungto the thought that some unforeseen circumstance might avert the doom whichseemed to await their Lord . Thus they sorrowed and doubted , hoped andfeared , for six long , gloomy days . ( 419 ) Chapter 46 He Was Transfigured [ This chapter is based on Matt . 17 : 1 - 8 ; Mark 9 : 2 - 8 ; Luke 9 : 28 - 36 . ] Evening is drawing on as Jesus calls to His side three of His disciples , Peter , James , and John , and leads them across the fields , and far up arugged path , to a lonely mountainside . The Saviour and His disciples havespent the day in traveling and teaching , and the mountain climb adds totheir weariness . Christ has lifted burdens from mind and body of manysufferers ; He has sent the thrill of life through their enfeebled frames ; but He also is compassed with humanity , and with His disciples He is weariedwith the ascent . The light of the setting sun still lingers on the mountain top , and gildswith its fading glory the path they are traveling . But soon the light diesout from hill as well as valley , the sun disappears behind the westernhorizon , and the solitary travelers are wrapped in the darkness of night . The gloom of their surroundings seems in harmony with their sorrowful lives , around which the clouds are gathering and thickening . The disciples do not venture to ask Christ whither He is going , or for whatpurpose . He has often spent entire nights in the mountains in prayer . Hewhose hand formed mountain and valley is at home with nature , and enjoys itsquietude . The disciples follow where Christ leads the way ; yet they wonderwhy their Master should lead them up this toilsome ascent when they areweary , and when He too is in need of rest . Presently Christ tells them that they are now to go no farther . Stepping alittle aside from them , the Man of Sorrows pours out His 420 supplications with strong crying and tears . He prays for strength to endurethe test in behalf of humanity . He must Himself gain a fresh hold onOmnipotence , for only thus can He contemplate the future . And He pours outHis heart longings for His disciples , that in the hour of the power ofdarkness their faith may not fail . The dew is heavy upon His bowed form , butHe heeds it not . The shadows of night gather thickly about Him , but Heregards not their gloom . So the hours pass slowly by . At first the disciplesunite their prayers with His in sincere devotion ; but after a time they areovercome with weariness , and , even while trying to retain their interest inthe scene , they fall asleep . Jesus has told them of His sufferings ; He hastaken them with Him that they might unite with Him in prayer ; even now He ispraying for them . The Saviour has seen the gloom of His disciples , and haslonged to lighten their grief by an assurance that their faith has not beenin vain . Not all , even of the twelve , can receive the revelation He desiresto give . only the three who are to witness His anguish in Gethsemane havebeen chosen to be with Him on the mount . Now the burden of His prayer isthat they may be given a manifestation 421 of the glory He had with the Father before the world was , that His kingdommay be revealed to human eyes , and that His disciples may be strengthened tobehold it . He pleads that they may witness a manifestation of His divinitythat will comfort them in the hour of His supreme agony with the knowledgethat He is of a surety the Son of God and that His shameful death is a partof the plan of redemption . His prayer is heard . While He is bowed in lowliness upon the stony ground , suddenly the heavens open , the golden gates of the city of God are thrownwide , and holy radiance descends upon the mount , enshrouding the Saviour ' sform . Divinity from within flashes through humanity , and meets the glorycoming from above . Arising from His prostrate position , Christ stands ingodlike majesty . The soul agony is gone . His countenance now shines " as thesun , " and His garments are " white as the light . " The disciples , awaking , behold the flood of glory that illuminates themount . In fear and amazement they gaze upon the radiant form of theirMaster . As they become able to endure the wondrous light , they see thatJesus is not alone . Beside Him are two heavenly beings , in close conversewith Him . They are Moses , who upon Sinai had talked with God ; and Elijah , towhom the high privilege was given -- granted to but one other of the sons ofAdam -- never to come under the power of death . Upon Mount Pisgah fifteen centuries before , Moses had stood gazing upon theLand of Promise . But because of his sin at Meribah , it was not for him toenter there . Not for him was the joy of leading the host of Israel into theinheritance of their fathers . His agonized entreaty , " I pray Thee , let me goover , and see the good land that is beyond Jordan , that goodly mountain , andLebanon " ( Deut . 3 : 25 ) , was refused . The hope that for forty years hadlighted up the darkness of the desert wanderings must be denied . Awilderness grave was the goal of those years of toil and heart - burdeningcare . But He who is " able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we askor think " ( Eph . 3 : 20 ) , had in this measure answered His servant ' s prayer . Moses passed under the dominion of death , but he was not to remain in thetomb . Christ Himself called him forth to life . Satan the tempter had claimedthe body of Moses because of his sin ; but Christ the Saviour brought himforth from the grave . Jude 9 . Moses upon the mount of transfiguration was a witness to Christ ' s victoryover sin and death . He represented those who shall come forth 422 from the grave at the resurrection of the just . Elijah , who had beentranslated to heaven without seeing death , represented those who will beliving upon the earth at Christ ' s second coming , and who will be " changed , in a moment , in the twinkling of an eye , at the last trump ;" when " thismortal must put on immortality , " and " this corruptible must put onincorruption . " 1 Cor . 15 : 51 - 53 . Jesus was clothed with the light of heaven , as He will appear when He shall come " the second time without sin untosalvation . " For He will come " in the glory of His Father with the holyangels . " Heb . 9 : 28 ; Mark 8 : 38 . The Saviour ' s promise to the disciples wasnow fulfilled . Upon the mount the future kingdom of glory was represented inminiature , -- Christ the King , Moses a representative of the risen saints , andElijah of the translated ones . The disciples do not yet comprehend the scene ; but they rejoice that thepatient Teacher , the meek and lowly one , who has wandered to and fro ahelpless stranger , is honored by the favored ones of heaven . They believethat Elijah has come to announce the Messiah ' s reign , and that the kingdomof Christ is about to be set up on the earth . The memory of their fear anddisappointment they would banish forever . Here , where the glory of God isrevealed , they long to tarry . Peter exclaims , " Master , it is good for us tobe here : and let us make three tabernacles ; one for Thee , and one for Moses , and one for Elias . " The disciples are confident that Moses and Elijah havebeen sent to protect their Master , and to establish His authority as king . But before the crown must come the cross . Not the inauguration of Christ asking , but the decease to be accomplished at Jerusalem , is the subject oftheir conference with Jesus . Bearing the weakness of humanity , and burdenedwith its sorrow and sin , Jesus walked alone in the midst of men . As thedarkness of the coming trial pressed upon Him , He was in loneliness ofspirit , in a world that knew Him not . Even His loved disciples , absorbed intheir own doubt and sorrow and ambitious hopes , had not comprehended themystery of His mission . He had dwelt amid the love and fellowship of heaven ; but in the world that He had created , He was in solitude . Now heaven hadsent its messengers to Jesus ; not angels , but men who had endured sufferingand sorrow , and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the trial of Hisearthly life . Moses and Elijah had been colaborers with Christ . They hadshared His longing for the salvation of men . Moses had pleaded for Israel : " Yet now , if Thou wilt forgive their sin --; and if not , blot me , I prayThee , out of Thy book which Thou hast written . " Ex . 32 : 32 . Elijah 425 had known loneliness of spirit , as for three years and a half of famine hehad borne the burden of the nation ' s hatred and its woe . Alone he had stoodfor God upon Mount Carmel . Alone he had fled to the desert in anguish anddespair . These men , chosen above every angel around the throne , had come tocommune with Jesus concerning the scenes of His suffering , and to comfortHim with the assurance of the sympathy of heaven . The hope of the world , thesalvation of every human being , was the burden of their interview . Through being overcome with sleep , the disciples heard little of what passedbetween Christ and the heavenly messengers . Failing to watch and pray , theyhad not received that which God desired to give them , -- a knowledge of thesufferings of Christ , and the glory that should follow . They lost theblessing that might have been theirs through sharing His self - sacrifice . Slow of heart to believe were these disciples , little appreciative of thetreasure with which Heaven sought to enrich them . Yet they received great light . They were assured that all heaven knew of thesin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ . They were given a clearerinsight into the work of the Redeemer . They saw with their eyes and heardwith their ears things that were beyond the comprehension of man . They were " eyewitnesses of His majesty " ( 2 Peter 1 : 16 ) , and they realized that Jesuswas indeed the Messiah , to whom patriarchs and prophets had witnessed , andthat He was recognized as such by the heavenly universe . While they were still gazing on the scene upon the mount , " a bright cloudovershadowed them : and behold a voice out of the cloud , which said , This isMy beloved Son , in whom I am well pleased ; hear ye Him . " As they beheld thecloud of glory , brighter than that which went before the tribes of Israel inthe wilderness ; as they heard the voice of God speak in awful majesty thatcaused the mountain to tremble , the disciples fell smitten to the earth . They remained prostrate , their faces hidden , till Jesus came near , andtouched them , dispelling their fears with His well - known voice , " Arise , andbe not afraid . " Venturing to lift up their eyes , they saw that the heavenlyglory had passed away , the forms of Moses and Elijah had disappeared . Theywere upon the mount , alone with Jesus . ( 426 ) Chapter 47 Ministry [ This chapter is based on Matt . 17 : 9 - 21 ; Mark 9 : 9 - 29 ; Luke 9 : 37 - 45 . ] The entire night had been passed in the mountain ; and as the sun arose , Jesus and His disciples descended to the plain . Absorbed in thought , thedisciples were awed and silent . Even Peter had not a word to say . Gladlywould they have lingered in that holy place which had been touched with thelight of heaven , and where the Son of God had manifested His glory ; butthere was work to be done for the people , who were already searching far andnear for Jesus . At the foot of the mountain a large company had gathered , led hither by thedisciples who had remained behind , but who knew whither Jesus had resorted . As the Saviour drew near , He charged His three companions to keep silenceconcerning what they had witnessed , saying , " Tell the vision to no man , until the Son of man be risen again from the dead . " The revelation made tothe disciples was to be pondered in their own hearts , not to be publishedabroad . To relate it to the multitudes would excite only ridicule or idlewonder . And even the nine apostles would not understand the scene untilafter Christ had risen from the dead . How slow of comprehension even thethree favored disciples were , is seen in the fact that notwithstanding allthat Christ had said of what was before Him , they queried among themselveswhat the rising from the dead 427 should mean . Yet they asked no explanation from Jesus . His words in regardto the future had filled them with sorrow ; they sought no further revelationconcerning that which they were fain to believe might never come to pass . As the people on the plain caught sight of Jesus , they ran to meet Him , greeting Him with ｅxpressions of reverence and joy . Yet His quick eyediscerned that they were in great perplexity . The disciples appearedtroubled . A circumstance had just occurred that had caused them bitterdisappointment and humiliation . While they were waiting at the foot of the mountain , a father had brought tothem his son , to be delivered from a dumb spirit that tormented him . Authority over unclean spirits , to cast them out , had been conferred on thedisciples when Jesus sent out the twelve to preach through Galilee . As theywent forth strong in faith , the evil spirits had obeyed their word . Now inthe name of Christ they commanded the torturing spirit to leave his victim ; but the demon only mocked them by a fresh display of his power . Thedisciples , unable to account for their defeat , felt that they were bringingdishonor upon themselves and their Master . And in the crowd there werescribes who made the most of this opportunity to humiliate them . Pressingaround the disciples , they plied them with questions , seeking to prove thatthey and their Master were deceivers . Here , the rabbis triumphantlydeclared , was an evil spirit that neither the disciples nor Christ Himselfcould conquer . The people were inclined to side with the scribes , and afeeling of contempt and scorn pervaded the crowd . But suddenly the accusations ceased . Jesus and the three disciples were seenapproaching , and with a quick revulsion of feeling the people turned to meetthem . The night of communion with the heavenly glory had left its trace uponthe Saviour and His companions . Upon their countenances was a light thatawed the beholders . The scribes drew back in fear , while the people welcomedJesus . As if He had been a witness of all that had occurred , the Saviour came tothe scene of conflict , and fixing His gaze upon the scribes inquired , " Whatquestion ye with them ? " But the voices so bold and defiant before were now silent . A hush had fallenupon the entire company . Now the afflicted father made his way through thecrowd , and falling at the feet of Jesus , poured out the story of his troubleand disappointment . 428 " Master , " he said , " I have brought unto Thee my son , which hath a dumbspirit ; and wheresoever he taketh him , he teareth him : . . . and I spake toThy disciples that they should cast him out ; and they could not . " Jesus looked about Him upon the awe - stricken multitude , the cavilingscribes , the perplexed disciples . He read the unbelief in every heart ; andin a voice filled with sorrow He exclaimed , " O faithless generation , howlong shall I be with you ? how long shall I suffer you ? " Then He bade thedistressed father , " Bring thy son hither . " The boy was brought , and as the Saviour ' s eyes fell upon him , the evilspirit cast him to the ground in convulsions of agony . He lay wallowing andfoaming , rending the air with unearthly shrieks . Again the Prince of life and the prince of the powers of darkness had met onthe field of battle , -- Christ in fulfillment of His mission to " preachdeliverance to the captives , . . . to set at liberty them that are bruised "( Luke 4 : 18 ) , Satan seeking to hold his victim under his control . Angels oflight and the hosts of evil angels , unseen , were pressing near to behold theconflict . For a moment , Jesus permitted the evil spirit to display hispower , that the beholders might comprehend the deliverance about to bewrought . The multitude looked on with bated breath , the father in an agony of hopeand fear . Jesus asked , " How long is it ago since this came unto him ? " Thefather told the story of long years of suffering , and then , as if he couldendure no more , exclaimed , " If Thou canst do anything , have compassion onus , and help us . " " If Thou canst ! " Even now the father questioned the powerof Christ . Jesus answers , " If thou canst believe , all things are possible to him thatbelieveth . " There is no lack of power on the part of Christ ; the healing ofthe son depends upon the father ' s faith . With a burst of tears , realizinghis own weakness , the father casts himself upon Christ ' s mercy , with thecry , " Lord , I believe ; help Thou mine unbelief . " Jesus turns to the suffering one , and says , " Thou dumb and deaf spirit , Icharge thee , come out of him , and enter no more into him . " There is a cry , an agonized struggle . The demon , in passing , seems about to rend the lifefrom his victim . Then the boy lies motionless , and apparently lifeless . Themultitude whisper , " He is dead . " But Jesus takes him by the hand , andlifting him up , presents him , in perfect soundness of mind and body , to hisfather . Father and son praise the name of 429 their Deliverer . The multitude are " amazed at the mighty power of God , " while the scribes , defeated and crestfallen , turn sullenly away . " If Thou canst do anything , have compassion on us , and help us . " How many asin - burdened soul has echoed that prayer . And to all , the pitying Saviour ' sanswer is , " If thou canst believe , all things are possible to him thatbelieveth . " It is faith that connects us with heaven , and brings us strengthfor coping with the powers of darkness . In Christ , God has provided meansfor subduing every sinful trait , and resisting every temptation , howeverstrong . But many feel that they lack faith , and therefore they remain awayfrom Christ . Let these souls , in their helpless unworthiness , castthemselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour . Look not to self , but to Christ . He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walkedamong men is the same mighty Redeemer today . Faith comes by the word of God . Then grasp His promise , " Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out . " John 6 : 37 . Cast yourself at His feet with the cry , " Lord , I believe ; helpThou mine unbelief . " You can never perish while you do this -- never . In a brief space of time the favored disciples have beheld the extreme ofglory and of humiliation . They have seen humanity as transfigured into theimage of God , and as debased into the likeness of Satan . From the mountainwhere He has talked with the heavenly messengers , and has been proclaimedthe Son of God by the voice from the radiant glory , they have seen Jesusdescend to meet that most distressing and revolting spectacle , the maniacboy , with distorted countenance , gnashing his teeth in spasms of agony thatno human power could relieve . And this mighty Redeemer , who but a few hoursbefore stood glorified before His wondering disciples , stoops to lift thevictim of Satan from the earth where he is wallowing , and in health of mindand body restores him to his father and his home . It was an object lesson of redemption , -- the Divine one from the Father ' sglory stooping to save the lost . It represented also the disciples ' mission . Not alone upon the mountaintop with Jesus , in hours of spiritualillumination , is the life of Christ ' s servants to be spent . There is workfor them down in the plain . Souls whom Satan has enslaved are waiting forthe word of faith and prayer to set them free . The nine disciples were yet pondering upon the bitter fact of their ownfailure ; and when Jesus was once more alone with them , they questioned , " Whycould not we cast him out ? " Jesus answered them , 430 " Because of your unbelief : for verily I say unto you , If ye have faith as agrain of mustard seed , ye shall say unto this mountain , Remove hence toyonder place ; and it shall remove ; and nothing shall be impossible unto you . Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting . " Their unbelief , that shut them out from deeper sympathy with 431 Christ , and the carelessness with which they regarded the sacred workcommitted to them , had caused their failure in the conflict with the powersof darkness . The words of Christ pointing to His death had brought sadness and doubt . Andthe selection of the three disciples to accompany Jesus to the mountain hadexcited the jealousy of the nine . Instead of strengthening their faith byprayer and meditation on the words of Christ , they had been dwelling ontheir discouragements and personal grievances . In this state of darknessthey had undertaken the conflict with Satan . In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the work in adifferent spirit . Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer andfasting , and humiliation of heart . They must be emptied of self , and befilled with the Spirit and power of God . Earnest , persevering supplicationto God in faith -- faith that leads to entire dependence upon God , andunreserved consecration to His work -- can alone avail to bring men the HolySpirit ' s aid in the battle against principalities and powers , the rulers ofthe darkness of this world , and wicked spirits in high places . " If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed , " said Jesus , " ye shall sayunto this mountain , Remove hence to yonder place ; and it shall remove . " Though the grain of mustard seed is so small , it contains that samemysterious life principle which produces growth in the loftiest tree . Whenthe mustard seed is cast into the ground , the tiny germ lays hold of everyelement that God has provided for its nutriment , and it speedily develops asturdy growth . If you have faith like this , you will lay hold upon God ' sword , and upon all the helpful agencies He has appointed . Thus your faithwill strengthen , and will bring to your aid the power of heaven . Theobstacles that are piled by Satan across your path , though apparently asinsurmountable as the eternal hills , shall disappear before the demand offaith . " Nothing shall be impossible unto you . " ( 432 ) Chapter 48 Who Is the Greatest ? [ This chapter is based on Matt . 17 : 22 - 27 ; 18 : 1 - 20 ; Mark 9 : 30 - 50 ; Luke 9 : 46 - 48 . ] On returning to Capernaum , Jesus did not repair to the well - known resortswhere He had taught the people , but with His disciples quietly sought thehouse that was to be His temporary home . During the remainder of His stay inGalilee it was His object to instruct the disciples rather than to labor forthe multitudes . On the journey through Galilee , Christ had again tried to prepare the mindsof His disciples for the scenes before Him . He told them that He was to goup to Jerusalem to be put to death and to rise again . And He added thestrange and solemn announcement that He was to be betrayed into the hands ofHis enemies . The disciples did not even now comprehend His words . Althoughthe shadow of a great sorrow fell upon them , a spirit of rivalry found aplace in their hearts . They disputed among themselves which should beaccounted greatest in the kingdom . This strife they thought to conceal fromJesus , and they did not , as usual , press close to His side , but loiteredbehind , so that He was in advance of them as they entered Capernaum . Jesusread their thoughts , and He longed to counsel and instruct them . But forthis He awaited a quiet hour , when their hearts should be open to receiveHis words . Soon after they reached the town , the collector of the temple revenue cameto Peter with the question , " Doth not your Master pay tribute ? " 433 This tribute was not a civil tax , but a religious contribution , which everyJew was required to pay annually for the support of the temple . A refusal topay the tribute would be regarded as disloyalty to the temple , -- in theestimation of the rabbis a most grievous sin . The Saviour ' s attitude towardthe rabbinical laws , and His plain reproofs to the defenders of tradition , afforded a pretext for the charge that He was seeking to overthrow thetemple service . Now His enemies saw an opportunity of casting discredit uponHim . In the collector of the tribute they found a ready ally . Peter saw in the collector ' s question an insinuation touching Christ ' sloyalty to the temple . Zealous for his Master ' s honor , he hastily answered , without consulting Him , that Jesus would pay the tribute . But Peter only partially comprehended the purpose of his questioner . Therewere some classes who were held to be exempt from the payment of thetribute . In the time of Moses , when the Levites were set apart for theservice of the sanctuary , they were given no inheritance among the people . The Lord said , " Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren ; theLord is his inheritance . " Deut . 10 : 9 . In the days of Christ the priests andLevites were still regarded as especially devoted to the temple , and werenot required to make the annual contribution for its support . Prophets alsowere exempted from this payment . In requiring the tribute from Jesus , therabbis were setting aside His claim as a prophet or teacher , and weredealing with Him as with any commonplace person . A refusal on His part topay the tribute would be represented as disloyalty to the temple ; while , onthe other hand , the payment of it would be taken as justifying theirrejection of Him as a prophet . Only a little before , Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God ; but henow missed an opportunity of setting forth the character of his Master . Byhis answer to the collector , that Jesus would pay the tribute , he hadvirtually sanctioned the false conception of Him to which the priests andrulers were trying to give currency . When Peter entered the house , the Saviour made no reference to what hadtaken place , but inquired , " What thinkest thou , Simon ? of whom do the kingsof the earth take custom or tribute ? of their own children , or ofstrangers ? " Peter answered , " Of strangers . " And Jesus said , " Then are thechildren free . " While the people of a country are taxed for the maintenanceof their king , the monarch ' s own children are exempt . So Israel , theprofessed people of God , were required to 434 maintain His service ; but Jesus , the Son of God , was under no suchobligation . If priests and Levites were exempt because of their connectionwith the temple , how much more He to whom the temple was His Father ' s house . If Jesus had paid the tribute without a protest , He would virtually haveacknowledged the justice of the claim , and would thus have denied Hisdivinity . But while He saw good to meet the demand , He denied the claim uponwhich it was based . In providing for the payment of the tribute He gaveevidence of His divine character . It was made manifest that He was one withGod , and therefore was not under tribute as a mere subject of the kingdom . " Go thou to the sea , " He directed Peter , " and cast an hook , and take up thefish that first cometh up ; and when thou hast opened his mouth , thou shaltfind a piece of money : that take , and give unto them for Me and thee . " Though He had clothed His divinity with humanity , in this miracle Herevealed His glory . It was evident that this was He who through David haddeclared , " Every beast of the forest is Mine , and the cattle upon a thousandhills . I know all the fowls of the mountains ; and the wild beasts of thefield are Mine . If I were hungry , I would not tell thee : for the world isMine , and the fullness thereof . " Ps . 50 : 10 - 12 . While Jesus made it plain that He was under no obligation to pay thetribute , He entered into no controversy with the Jews in regard to thematter ; for they would have misinterpreted His words , and turned themagainst Him . Lest He should give offense by withholding the tribute , He didthat which He could not justly be required to do . This lesson would be ofgreat value to His disciples . Marked changes were soon to take place intheir relation to the temple service , and Christ taught them not to placethemselves needlessly in antagonism to established order . So far aspossible , they were to avoid giving occasion for misinterpretation of theirfaith . While Christians are not to sacrifice one principle of truth , theyshould avoid controversy whenever it is possible to do so . When Christ and the disciples were alone in the house , while Peter was goneto the sea , Jesus called the others to Him , and asked , " What was it that yedisputed among yourselves by the way ? " The presence of Jesus , and Hisquestion , put the matter in an entirely different light from that in whichit had appeared to them while they were contending 435 by the way . Shame and self - condemnation kept them silent . Jesus had toldthem that He was to die for their sake , and their selfish ambition was inpainful contrast to His unselfish love . When Jesus told them that He was to be put to death and to rise again , Hewas trying to draw them into conversation in regard to the great test oftheir faith . Had they been ready to receive what He desired to make known tothem , they would have been saved bitter anguish and despair . His words wouldhave brought consolation in the hour of bereavement and disappointment . Butalthough He had spoken so plainly of what awaited Him , His mention of thefact that He was soon to go to Jerusalem again kindled their hope that thekingdom was about to be set up . This had led to questioning as to who shouldfill the highest offices . on Peter ' s return from the sea , the disciples toldhim of the Saviour ' s question , and at last one ventured to ask Jesus , " Whois the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ? " The Saviour gathered His disciples about Him , and said to them , " If any mandesire to be first , the same shall be last of all , and servant of all . " There was in these words a solemnity and impressiveness which the discipleswere far from comprehending . That which Christ discerned they could not see . They did not understand the nature of Christ ' s kingdom , and this ignorancewas the apparent cause of their contention . But the real cause lay deeper . By explaining the nature of the kingdom , Christ might for the time havequelled their strife ; but this would not have touched the underlying cause . Even after they had received the fullest knowledge , any question ofprecedence might have renewed the trouble . Thus disaster would have beenbrought to the church after Christ ' s departure . The strife for the highestplace was the outworking of that same spirit which was the beginning of thegreat controversy in the worlds above , and which had brought Christ fromheaven to die . There rose up before Him a vision of Lucifer , the " son of themorning , " in glory surpassing all the angels that surround the throne , andunited in closest ties to the Son of God . Lucifer had said , " I will be likethe Most High " ( Isa . 14 : 12 , 14 ) ; and the desire for self - exaltation hadbrought strife into the heavenly courts , and had banished a multitude of thehosts of God . Had Lucifer really desired to be like the Most High , he wouldnever have deserted his appointed place in heaven ; for the spirit of theMost High is manifested in unselfish ministry . Lucifer desired God ' s power , but not His character . He sought for himself the highest 436 place , and every being who is actuated by his spirit will do the same . Thusalienation , discord , and strife will be inevitable . Dominion becomes theprize of the strongest . The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force ; everyindividual regards every other as an obstacle in the way of his ownadvancement , or a steppingstone on which he himself may climb to a higherplace . While Lucifer counted it a thing to be grasped to be equal with God , Christ , the Exalted one , " made Himself of no reputation , and took upon Him the formof a servant , and was made in the likeness of men : and being found infashion as a man , He humbled Himself , and became obedient unto death , eventhe death of the cross . " Phil . 2 : 7 , 8 . Now the cross was just before Him ; and His own disciples were so filled with self - seeking -- the very principleof Satan ' s kingdom -- that they could not enter into sympathy with their Lord , or even understand Him as He spoke of His humiliation for them . Very tenderly , yet with solemn emphasis , Jesus tried to correct the evil . Heshowed what is the principle that bears sway in the kingdom of heaven , andin what true greatness consists , as estimated by the standard of the courtsabove . Those who were actuated by pride and love of distinction werethinking of themselves , and of the rewards they were to have , rather thanhow they were to render back to God the gifts they had received . They wouldhave no place in the kingdom of heaven , for they were identified with theranks of Satan . Before honor is humility . To fill a high place before men , Heaven choosesthe worker who , like John the Baptist , takes a lowly place before God . Themost childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God . The heavenlyintelligences can co - operate with him who is seeking , not to exalt self , butto save souls . He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will pleadfor it ; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that willstrengthen and uplift the soul . From communion with Christ he will go forthto work for those who are perishing in their sins . He is anointed for hismission ; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wisewould fail . But when men exalt themselves , feeling that they are a necessity for thesuccess of God ' s great plan , the Lord causes them to be set aside . It ismade evident that the Lord is not dependent upon them . The work does notstop because of their removal from it , but goes forward with greater power . 437 It was not enough for the disciples of Jesus to be instructed as to thenature of His kingdom . What they needed was a change of heart that wouldbring them into harmony with its principles . Calling a little child to Him , Jesus set him in the midst of them ; then tenderly folding the little one inHis arms He said , " Except ye be converted , and become as little children , yeshall not enter into the kingdom of heaven . " The simplicity , theself - forgetfulness , and the confiding love of a little child are theattributes that Heaven values . These are the characteristics of realgreatness . Again Jesus explained to the disciples that His kingdom is not characterizedby earthly dignity and display . At the feet of Jesus all these distinctionsare forgotten . The rich and the poor , the learned and the ignorant , meettogether , with no thought of caste or worldly preeminence . All meet asblood - bought souls , alike dependent upon one who has redeemed them to God . The sincere , contrite soul is precious in the sight of God . He places Hisown signet upon men , not by their rank , not by their wealth , not by theirintellectual greatness , but by their oneness with Christ . The Lord of gloryis satisfied with those who are meek and lowly in heart . " Thou hast alsogiven me , " said David , " the shield of Thy salvation : . . . and Thygentleness "-- as an element in the human character --" hath made me great . " Ps . 18 : 35 . " Whosoever shall receive one of such children in My name , " said Jesus , " receiveth Me : and whosoever shall receive Me , receiveth not Me , but Himthat sent Me . " " Thus saith the Lord , The heaven is My throne , and the earthis My footstool : . . . but to this man will I look , even to him that is poorand of a contrite spirit , and trembleth at My word . " Isa . 66 : 1 , 2 . The Saviour ' s words awakened in the disciples a feeling of self - distrust . Noone had been specially pointed out in the reply ; but John was led toquestion whether in one case his action had been right . With the spirit of achild he laid the matter before Jesus . " Master , " he said , " we saw onecasting out devils in Thy name , and he followeth not us : and we forbade him , because he followeth not us . " James and John had thought that in checking this man they had had in viewtheir Lord ' s honor ; they began to see that they were jealous for their own . They acknowledged their error , and accepted the reproof of Jesus , " Forbidhim not : for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name , that canlightly speak evil of Me . " None who showed 438 themselves in any way friendly to Christ were to be repulsed . There weremany who had been deeply moved by the character and the work of Christ , andwhose hearts were opening to Him in faith ; and the disciples , who could notread motives , must be careful not to discourage these souls . When Jesus wasno longer personally among them , and the work was left in their hands , theymust not indulge a narrow , exclusive spirit , but manifest the samefar - reaching sympathy which they had seen in their Master . The fact that one does not in all things conform to our personal ideas oropinions will not justify us in forbidding him to labor for God . Christ isthe Great Teacher ; we are not to judge or to command , but in humility eachis to sit at the feet of Jesus , and learn of Him . Every soul whom God hasmade willing is a channel through which Christ will reveal His pardoninglove . How careful we should be lest we discourage one of God ' s lightbearers , and thus intercept the rays that He would have shine to the world ! Harshness or coldness shown by a disciple toward one whom Christ wasdrawing -- such an act as that of John in forbidding one to work miracles inChrist ' s name -- might result in turning the feet into the path of the enemy , and causing the loss of a soul . Rather than for one to do this , said Jesus , " it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck , and hewere cast into the sea . " And He added , " If thy hand cause thee to stumble , cut it off : it is good for thee to enter into life maimed , rather thanhaving thy two hands to go into hell , into the unquenchable fire . And if thyfoot cause thee to stumble , cut it off : it is good for thee to enter intolife halt , rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell . " Mark 9 : 43 - 45 , R . V . Why this earnest language , than which none can be stronger ? Because " the Sonof man is come to save that which was lost . " Shall His disciples show lessregard for the souls of their fellow men than the Majesty of heaven hasshown ? Every soul has cost an infinite price , and how terrible is the sin ofturning one soul away from Christ , so that for him the Saviour ' s love andhumiliation and agony shall have been in vain . " Woe unto the world because of occasions of stumbling ! for it must needs bethat the occasions come . " Matt . 18 : 7 , R . V . The world , inspired by Satan , will surely oppose the followers of Christ , and seek to destroy their faith ; but woe to him who has taken Christ ' s name , and yet is found 439 doing this work . Our Lord is put to shame by those who claim to serve Him , but who misrepresent His character ; and multitudes are deceived , and ledinto false paths . Any habit or practice that would lead into sin , and bring dishonor uponChrist , would better be put away , whatever the sacrifice . That whichdishonors God cannot benefit the soul . The blessing of heaven cannot attendany man in violating the eternal principles of right . And one sin cherishedis sufficient to work the degradation of the character , and to misleadothers . If the foot or the hand would be cut off , or even the eye would beplucked out , to save the body from death , how much more earnest should we beto put away sin , that brings death to the soul ! In the ritual service , salt was added to every sacrifice . This , like theoffering of incense , signified that only the righteousness of Christ couldmake the service acceptable to God . Referring to this practice , Jesus said , " Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt . " " Have salt in yourselves , andhave peace one with another . " All who would present themselves " a livingsacrifice , holy , acceptable unto God " ( Rom . 12 : 1 ) , must receive the savingsalt , the righteousness of our Saviour . Then they become " the salt of theearth , " restraining evil among men , as salt preserves from corruption . Matt . 5 : 13 . But if the salt has lost its savor ; if there is only a profession ofgodliness , without the love of Christ , there is no power for good . The lifecan exert no saving influence upon the world . Your energy and efficiency inthe upbuilding of My kingdom , Jesus says , depend upon your receiving of MySpirit . You must be partakers of My grace , in order to be a savor of lifeunto life . Then there will be no rivalry , no self - seeking , no desire for thehighest place . You will have that love which seeks not her own , butanother ' s wealth . Let the repenting sinner fix his eyes upon " the Lamb of God , which takethaway the sin of the world " ( John 1 : 29 ) ; and by beholding , he becomeschanged . His fear is turned to joy , his doubts to hope . Gratitude springsup . The stony heart is broken . A tide of love sweeps into the soul . Christis in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life . When we seeJesus , a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief , working to save the lost , slighted , scorned , derided , driven from city to city till His mission wasaccomplished ; when we behold Him in Gethsemane , sweating great drops ofblood , and on the cross dying in agony , -- when we see this , self will nolonger clamor to be recognized . Looking unto Jesus , we shall be ashamed ofour coldness , our lethargy , our self - seeking . 440 We shall be willing to be anything or nothing , so that we may do heartservice for the Master . We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus , toendure trial , shame , or persecution for His dear sake . " We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak , and notto please ourselves . " Rom . 15 : 1 . No soul who believes in Christ , though hisfaith may be weak , and his steps wavering as those of a little child , is tobe lightly esteemed . By all that has given us advantage over another , -- be iteducation and refinement , nobility of character , Christian training , religious experience , -- we are in debt to those less favored ; and , so far aslies in our power , we are to minister unto them . If we are strong , we are tostay up the hands of the weak . Angels of glory , that do always behold theface of the Father in heaven , joy in ministering to His little ones . Trembling souls , who have many objectionable traits of character , are theirspecial charge . Angels are ever present where they are most needed , withthose who have the hardest battle with self to fight , and whose surroundingsare the most discouraging . And in this ministry Christ ' s true followers willco - operate . If one of these little ones shall be overcome , and commit a wrong againstyou , then it is your work to seek his restoration . Do not wait for him tomake the first effort for reconciliation . " How think ye ? " said Jesus ; " if aman have an hundred sheep , and one of them be gone astray , doth he not leavethe ninety and nine , and goeth into the mountains , and seeketh that which isgone astray ? And if so be that he find it , verily I say unto you , herejoiceth more of that sheep , than of the ninety and nine which went notastray . Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven , thatone of these little ones should perish . " In the spirit of meekness , " considering thyself , lest thou also be tempted , "( Gal . 6 : 1 ) , go to the erring one , and " tell him his fault between thee andhim alone . " Do not put him to shame by exposing his fault to others , norbring dishonor upon Christ by making public the sin or error of one whobears His name . Often the truth must be plainly spoken to the erring ; hemust be led to see his error , that he may reform . But you are not to judgeor to condemn . Make no attempt at self - justification . Let all your effort befor his recovery . In treating the wounds of the soul , there is need of themost delicate touch , the finest sensibility . only the love that flows fromthe Suffering one of Calvary can avail here . With pitying tenderness , letbrother deal with brother , knowing that if you succeed , you will " save asoul from death , " and " hide a multitude of sins . " James 5 : 20 . 441 But even this effort may be unavailing . Then , said Jesus , " take with theeone or two more . " It may be that their united influence will prevail wherethat of the first was unsuccessful . Not being parties to the trouble , theywill be more likely to act impartially , and this fact will give theircounsel greater weight with the erring one . If he will not hear them , then , and not till then , the matter is to bebrought before the whole body of believers . Let the members of the church , as the representatives of Christ , unite in prayer and loving entreaty thatthe offender may be restored . The Holy Spirit will speak through Hisservants , pleading with the wanderer to return to God . Paul the apostle , speaking by inspiration , says , " As though God did beseech you by us : we prayyou in Christ ' s stead , be ye reconciled to God . " 2 Cor . 5 : 20 . He who rejectsthis united overture has broken the tie that binds him to Christ , and thushas severed himself from the fellowship of the church . Henceforth , saidJesus , " let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican . " But he isnot to be regarded as cut off from the mercy of God . Let him not be despisedor neglected by his former brethren , but be treated with tenderness andcompassion , as one of the lost sheep that Christ is still seeking to bringto His fold . Christ ' s instruction as to the treatment of the erring repeats in morespecific form the teaching given to Israel through Moses : " Thou shalt nothate thy brother in thine heart : thou shalt in anywise rebuke thy neighbor , that thou bear not sin for him . " Lev . 19 : 17 , margin . That is , if oneneglects the duty Christ has enjoined , of trying to restore those who are inerror and sin , he becomes a partaker in the sin . For evils that we mighthave checked , we are just as responsible as if we were guilty of the actsourselves . But it is to the wrongdoer himself that we are to present the wrong . We arenot to make it a matter of comment and criticism among ourselves ; nor evenafter it is told to the church , are we at liberty to repeat it to others . Aknowledge of the faults of Christians will be only a cause of stumbling tothe unbelieving world ; and by dwelling upon these things , we ourselves canreceive only harm ; for it is by beholding that we become changed . While weseek to correct the errors of a brother , the Spirit of Christ will lead usto shield him , as far as possible , from the criticism of even his ownbrethren , and how much more from the censure of the unbelieving world . Weourselves are erring , and need Christ ' s pity and forgiveness , and just as wewish Him to deal with us , He bids us deal with one another . 442 " Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven : and whatsoeverye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven . " You are acting as theambassadors of heaven , and the issues of your work are for eternity . But we are not to bear this great responsibility alone . Wherever His word isobeyed with a sincere heart , there Christ abides . Not only is He present inthe assemblies of the church , but wherever disciples , however few , meet inHis name , there also He will be . And He says , " If two of you shall agree onearth as touching anything that they shall ask , it shall be done for them ofMy Father which is in heaven . " Jesus says , " My Father which is in heaven , " as reminding His disciples thatwhile by His humanity He is linked with them , a sharer in their trials , andsympathizing with them in their sufferings , by His divinity He is connectedwith the throne of the Infinite . Wonderful assurance ! The heavenlyintelligences unite with men in sympathy and labor for the saving of thatwhich was lost . And all the power of heaven is brought to combine with humanability in drawing souls to Christ . ( 447 ) Chapter 49 At the Feast of Tabernacles [ This chapter is based on John 7 : 1 - 15 , 37 - 39 . ] Three times a year the Jews were required to assemble at Jerusalem forreligious purposes . Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud , Israel ' s invisibleLeader had given the directions in regard to these gatherings . During thecaptivity of the Jews , they could not be observed ; but when the people wererestored to their own land , the observance of these memorials was once morebegun . It was God ' s design that these anniversaries should call Him to theminds of the people . But with few exceptions , the priests and leaders of thenation had lost sight of this purpose . He who had ordained these nationalassemblies and understood their significance witnessed their perversion . The Feast of Tabernacles was the closing gathering of the year . It was God ' sdesign that at this time the people should reflect on His goodness andmercy . The whole land had been under His guidance , receiving His blessing . Day and night His watchcare had continued . The sun and rain had caused theearth to produce her fruits . From the valleys and plains of Palestine theharvest had been gathered . The olive berries had been picked , and theprecious oil stored in bottles . The palm had yielded her store . The purpleclusters of the vine had been trodden in the wine press . 448 The feast continued for seven days , and for its celebration the inhabitantsof Palestine , with many from other lands , left their homes , and came toJerusalem . From far and near the people came , bringing in their hands atoken of rejoicing . Old and young , rich and poor , all brought some gift as atribute of thanksgiving to Him who had crowned the year with His goodness , and made His paths drop fatness . Everything that could please the eye , andgive ｅxpression to the universal joy , was brought from the woods ; the citybore the appearance of a beautiful forest . This feast was not only the harvest thanksgiving , but the memorial of God ' sprotecting care over Israel in the wilderness . In commemoration of theirtent life , the Israelites during the feast dwelt in booths or tabernacles ofgreen boughs . These were erected in the streets , in the courts of thetemple , or on the housetops . The hills and valleys surrounding Jerusalemwere also dotted with these leafy dwellings , and seemed to be alive withpeople . With sacred song and thanksgiving the worshipers celebrated this occasion . Alittle before the feast was the Day of Atonement , when , after confession oftheir sins , the people were declared to be at peace with Heaven . Thus theway was prepared for the rejoicing of the feast . " O give thanks unto theLord ; for He is good : for His mercy endureth forever " ( Ps . 106 : 1 ) rosetriumphantly , while all kinds of music , mingled with shouts of hosanna , accompanied the united singing . The temple was the center of the universaljoy . Here was the pomp of the sacrificial ceremonies . Here , ranged on eitherside of the white marble steps of the sacred building , the choir of Levitesled the service of song . The multitude of worshipers , waving their branchesof palm and myrtle , took up the strain , and echoed the chorus ; and again themelody was caught up by voices near and afar off , till the encircling hillswere vocal with praise . At night the temple and its court blazed with artificial light . The music , the waving of palm branches , the glad hosannas , the great concourse ofpeople , over whom the light streamed from the hanging lamps , the array ofthe priests , and the majesty of the ceremonies , combined to make a scenethat deeply impressed the beholders . But the most impressive ceremony of thefeast , one that called forth greatest rejoicing , was one commemorating anevent in the wilderness sojourn . At the first dawn of day , the priests sounded a long , shrill blast upontheir silver trumpets , and the answering trumpets , and the glad shouts ofthe people from their booths , echoing over hill and valley , welcomed 449 the festal day . Then the priest dipped from the flowing waters of the Kedrona flagon of water , and , lifting it on high , while the trumpets weresounding , he ascended the broad steps of the temple , keeping time with themusic with slow and measured tread , chanting meanwhile , " Our feet shallstand within thy gates , O Jerusalem . " Ps . 122 : 2 . He bore the flagon to the altar , which occupied a central position in thecourt of the priests . Here were two silver basins , with a priest standing ateach one . The flagon of water was poured into one , and a flagon of wine intothe other ; and the contents of both flowed into a pipe which communicatedwith the Kedron , and was conducted to the Dead Sea . This display of theconsecrated water represented the fountain that at the command of God hadgushed from the rock to quench the thirst of the children of Israel . Thenthe jubilant strains rang forth , " The Lord Jehovah is my strength and mysong ;" " therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells ofsalvation . " Isa . 12 : 2 , 3 . 450 As the sons of Joseph made preparation to attend the Feast of Tabernacles , they saw that Christ made no movement signifying His intention of attending . They watched Him with anxiety . Since the healing at Bethesda He had notattended the national gatherings . To avoid useless conflict with the leadersat Jerusalem , He had restricted His labors to Galilee . His apparent neglectof the great religious assemblies , and the enmity manifested toward Him bythe priests and rabbis , were a cause of perplexity to the people about Him , and even to His own disciples and His kindred . In His teachings He had dweltupon the blessings of obedience to the law of God , and yet He Himself seemedto be indifferent to the service which had been divinely established . Hismingling with publicans and others of ill repute , His disregard of therabbinical observances , and the freedom with which He set aside thetraditional requirements concerning the Sabbath , all seeming to place Him inantagonism to the religious authorities , excited much questioning . Hisbrothers thought it a mistake for Him to alienate the great and learned menof the nation . They felt that these men must be in the right , and that Jesuswas at fault in placing Himself in antagonism to them . But they hadwitnessed His blameless life , and though they did not rank themselves withHis disciples , they had been deeply impressed by His works . His popularityin Galilee was gratifying to their ambition ; they still hoped that He wouldgive an evidence of His power which would lead the Pharisees to see that Hewas what He claimed to be . What if He were the Messiah , the Prince ofIsrael ! They cherished this thought with proud satisfaction . So anxious were they about this that they urged Christ to go to Jerusalem . " Depart hence , " they said , " and go into Judea , that Thy disciples also maysee the works that Thou doest . For there is no man that doeth anything insecret , and he himself seeketh to be known openly . If Thou do these things , show Thyself to the world . " The " if " expressed doubt and unbelief . Theyattributed cowardice and weakness to Him . If He knew that He was theMessiah , why this strange reserve and inaction ? If He really possessed suchpower , why not go boldly to Jerusalem , and assert His claims ? Why notperform in Jerusalem the wonderful works reported of Him in Galilee ? Do nothide in secluded provinces , they said , and perform your mighty works for thebenefit of ignorant peasants and fishermen . Present yourself at the capital , win the support of the priests and rulers , and unite the nation inestablishing the new kingdom . 451 These brothers of Jesus reasoned from the selfish motive so often found inthe hearts of those ambitious for display . This spirit was the ruling spiritof the world . They were offended because , instead of seeking a temporalthrone , Christ had declared Himself to be the bread of life . They weregreatly disappointed when so many of His disciples forsook Him . Theythemselves turned from Him to escape the cross of acknowledging what Hisworks revealed -- that He was the Sent of God . " Then Jesus said unto them , My time is not yet come : but your time is alwayready . The world cannot hate you ; but Me it hateth , because I testify of it , that the works thereof are evil . Go ye up unto this feast : I go not up yetunto this feast ; for My time is not yet full come . When He had said thesewords unto them , He abode still in Galilee . " His brothers had spoken to Himin a tone of authority , prescribing the course He should pursue . He casttheir rebuke back to them , classing them not with His self - denyingdisciples , but with the world . " The world cannot hate you , " He said , " but Meit hateth , because I testify of it , that the works thereof are evil . " Theworld does not hate those who are like it in spirit ; it loves them as itsown . The world for Christ was not a place of ease and self - aggrandizement . He wasnot watching for an opportunity to seize its power and its glory . It heldout no such prize for Him . It was the place into which His Father had sentHim . He had been given for the life of the world , to work out the great planof redemption . He was accomplishing His work for the fallen race . But He wasnot to be presumptuous , not to rush into danger , not to hasten a crisis . Each event in His work had its appointed hour . He must wait patiently . Heknew that He was to receive the world ' s hatred ; He knew that His work wouldresult in His death ; but to prematurely expose Himself would not be the willof His Father . From Jerusalem the report of Christ ' s miracles had spread wherever the Jewswere dispersed ; and although for many months He had been absent from thefeasts , the interest in Him had not abated . Many from all parts of the worldhad come up to the Feast of Tabernacles in the hope of seeing Him . At thebeginning of the feast many inquiries were made for Him . The Pharisees andrulers looked for Him to come , hoping for an opportunity to condemn Him . They anxiously inquired , " Where is He ? " but no one knew . The thought of Himwas uppermost in all minds . Through fear of the priests and rulers , nonedared acknowledge 452 Him as the Messiah , but everywhere there was quiet yet earnest discussionconcerning Him . Many defended Him as one sent from God , while othersdenounced Him as a deceiver of the people . Meanwhile Jesus had quietly arrived at Jerusalem . He had chosen anunfrequented route by which to go , in order to avoid the travelers who weremaking their way to the city from all quarters . Had He joined any of thecaravans that went up to the feast , public attention would have beenattracted to Him on His entrance into the city , and a popular demonstrationin His favor would have aroused the authorities against Him . It was to avoidthis that He chose to make the journey alone . In the midst of the feast , when the excitement concerning Him was at itsheight , He entered the court of the temple in the presence of the multitude . Because of His absence from the feast , it had been urged that He dared notplace Himself in the power of the priests and rulers . All were surprised atHis presence . Every voice was hushed . All wondered at the dignity andcourage of His bearing in the midst of powerful enemies who were thirstingfor His life . Standing thus , the center of attraction to that vast throng , Jesus addressedthem as no man had ever done . His words showed a knowledge 453 of the laws and institutions of Israel , of the sacrificial service and theteachings of the prophets , far exceeding that of the priests and rabbis . Hebroke through the barriers of formalism and tradition . The scenes of thefuture life seemed outspread before Him . As one who beheld the Unseen , Hespoke of the earthly and the heavenly , the human and the divine , withpositive authority . His words were most clear and convincing ; and again , asat Capernaum , the people were astonished at His teaching ; " for His word waswith power . " Luke 4 : 32 . Under a variety of representations He warned Hishearers of the calamity that would follow all who rejected the blessings Hecame to bring them . He had given them every possible proof that He cameforth from God , and made every possible effort to bring them to repentance . He would not be rejected and murdered by His own nation if He could savethem from the guilt of such a deed . All wondered at His knowledge of the law and the prophecies ; and thequestion passed from one to another , " How knoweth this Man letters , havingnever learned ? " No one was regarded as qualified to be a religious teacherunless he had studied in the rabbinical schools , and both Jesus and John theBaptist had been represented as ignorant because they had not received thistraining . Those who heard them were astonished at their knowledge of theScriptures , " having never learned . " Of men they had not , truly ; but the Godof heaven was their teacher , and from Him they had received the highest kindof wisdom . As Jesus spoke in the temple court , the people were held spellbound . Thevery men who were the most violent against Him felt themselves powerless todo Him harm . For the time , all other interests were forgotten . Day after day He taught the people , until the last , " that great day of thefeast . " The morning of this day found the people wearied from the longseason of festivity . Suddenly Jesus lifted up His voice , in tones that rangthrough the courts of the temple : " If any man thirst , let him come unto Me , and drink . He that believeth onMe , as the scripture hath said , out of his belly shall flow rivers of livingwater . " The condition of the people made this appeal very forcible . They hadbeen engaged in a continued scene of pomp and festivity , their eyes had beendazzled with light and color , and their ears regaled with the richest music ; but there had been nothing in all this round of ceremonies to meet the wantsof the spirit , nothing to 454 satisfy the thirst of the soul for that which perishes not . Jesus invitedthem to come and drink of the fountain of life , of that which would be inthem a well of water , springing up unto everlasting life . The priest had that morning performed the ceremony which commemorated thesmiting of the rock in the wilderness . That rock was a symbol of Him who byHis death would cause living streams of salvation to flow to all who areathirst . Christ ' s words were the water of life . There in the presence of theassembled multitude He set Himself apart to be smitten , that the water oflife might flow to the world . In smiting Christ , Satan thought to destroythe Prince of life ; but from the smitten rock there flowed living water . AsJesus thus spoke to the people , their hearts thrilled with a strange awe , and many were ready to exclaim , with the woman of Samaria , " Give me thiswater , that I thirst not . " John 4 : 15 . Jesus knew the wants of the soul . Pomp , riches , and honor cannot satisfy theheart . " If any man thirst , let him come unto Me . " The rich , the poor , thehigh , the low , are alike welcome . He promises to relieve the burdened mind , to comfort the sorrowing , and to give hope to the despondent . Many of thosewho heard Jesus were mourners over disappointed hopes , many were nourishinga secret grief , many were seeking to satisfy their restless longing with thethings of the world and the praise of men ; but when all was gained , theyfound that they had toiled only to reach a broken cistern , from which theycould not quench their thirst . Amid the glitter of the joyous scene theystood , dissatisfied and sad . That sudden cry , " If any man thirst , " startledthem from their sorrowful meditation , and as they listened to the words thatfollowed , their minds kindled with a new hope . The Holy Spirit presented thesymbol before them until they saw in it the offer of the priceless gift ofsalvation . The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going forth , and it appealsto us with even greater power than to those who heard it in the temple onthat last day of the feast . The fountain is open for all . The weary andexhausted ones are offered the refreshing draught of eternal life . Jesus isstill crying , " If any man thirst , let him come unto Me , and drink . " " Let himthat is athirst come . And whosoever will , let him take the water of lifefreely . " " Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall neverthirst ; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of waterspringing up into everlasting life . " Rev . 22 : 17 ; John 4 : 14 . ( 455 ) Chapter 50 Among Snares [ This chapter is based on John 7 : 16 - 36 , 40 - 53 ; 8 : 1 - 11 . ] All the while Jesus was at Jerusalem during the feast He was shadowed byspies . Day after day new schemes to silence Him were tried . The priests andrulers were watching to entrap Him . They were planning to stop Him byviolence . But this was not all . They wanted to humble this Galilean rabbibefore the people . On the first day of His presence at the feast , the rulers had come to Him , demanding by what authority He taught . They wished to divert attention fromHim to the question of His right to teach , and thus to their own importanceand authority . " My teaching is not Mine , " said Jesus , " but His that sent Me . If any manwilleth to do His will , he shall know of the teaching , whether it be of God , or whether I speak from Myself . " John 7 : 16 , 17 , R . V . The question of thesecavilers Jesus met , not by answering the cavil , but by opening up truthvital to the salvation of the soul . The perception and appreciation oftruth , He said , depends less upon the mind than upon the heart . Truth mustbe received into the soul ; it claims the homage of the will . If truth couldbe submitted to the reason alone , pride would be no hindrance in the way ofits reception . But it is to be received through the work of grace in theheart ; and its reception depends upon the renunciation of every sin that theSpirit of God reveals . Man ' s advantages for obtaining a knowledge of thetruth , however great these may be , will prove of no benefit to him unlessthe heart is open to receive 456 the truth , and there is a conscientious surrender of every habit andpractice that is opposed to its principles . To those who thus yieldthemselves to God , having an honest desire to know and to do His will , thetruth is revealed as the power of God for their salvation . These will beable to distinguish between him who speaks for God , and him who speaksmerely from himself . The Pharisees had not put their will on the side ofGod ' s will . They were not seeking to know the truth , but to find some excusefor evading it ; Christ showed that this was why they did not understand Histeaching . He now gave a test by which the true teacher might be distinguished from thedeceiver : " He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory : but he thatseeketh the glory of Him that sent him , the same is true , and nounrighteousness is in him . " John 7 : 18 , R . V . He that seeketh his own gloryis speaking only from himself . The spirit of self - seeking betrays itsorigin . But Christ was seeking the glory of God . He spoke the words of God . This was the evidence of His authority as a teacher of the truth . Jesus gave the rabbis an evidence of His divinity by showing that He readtheir hearts . Ever since the healing at Bethesda they had been plotting Hisdeath . Thus they were themselves breaking the law which they professed to bedefending . " Did not Moses give you the law , " He said , " and yet none of youkeepeth the law ? Why go ye about to kill Me ? " Like a swift flash of light these words revealed to the rabbis the pit ofruin into which they were about to plunge . For an instant they were filledwith terror . They saw that they were in conflict with Infinite Power . Butthey would not be warned . In order to maintain their influence with thepeople , their murderous designs must be concealed . Evading the question ofJesus , they exclaimed , " Thou hast a devil : who goeth about to kill Thee ? " They insinuated that the wonderful works of Jesus were instigated by an evilspirit . To this insinuation Christ gave no heed . He went on to show that His work ofhealing at Bethesda was in harmony with the Sabbath law , and that it wasjustified by the interpretation which the Jews themselves put upon the law . He said , " Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision ; . . . and ye on theSabbath day circumcise a man . " According to the law , every child must becircumcised on the eighth day . Should the appointed time fall upon theSabbath , the rite must then be performed . How much more must it be inharmony with the 457 spirit of the law to make a man " every whit whole on the Sabbath day . " AndHe warned them to " judge not according to the appearance , but judgerighteous judgment . " The rulers were silenced ; and many of the people exclaimed , " Is not this He , whom they seek to kill ? But , lo , He speaketh boldly , and they say nothingunto Him . Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ ? " Many among Christ ' s hearers who were dwellers at Jerusalem , and who were notignorant of the plots of the rulers against Him , felt themselves drawn toHim by an irresistible power . The conviction pressed upon them that He wasthe Son of God . But Satan was ready to suggest doubt ; and for this the waywas prepared by their own erroneous ideas of the Messiah and His coming . Itwas generally believed that Christ would be born at Bethlehem , but thatafter a time He would disappear , and at His second appearance none wouldknow whence He came . There were not a few who held that the Messiah wouldhave no natural relationship to humanity . And because the popular conceptionof the glory of the Messiah was not met by Jesus of Nazareth , many gave heedto the suggestion , " Howbeit we know this Man whence He is : but when Christcometh , no man knoweth whence He is . " While they were thus wavering between doubt and faith , Jesus took up theirthoughts and answered them : " Ye both know Me , and ye know whence I am : and Iam not come of Myself , but He that sent Me is true , whom ye know not . " Theyclaimed a knowledge of what the origin of Christ should be , but they were inutter ignorance of it . If they had lived in accordance with the will of God , they would have known His Son when He was manifested to them . The hearers could not but understand Christ ' s words . Clearly they were arepetition of the claim He had made in the presence of the Sanhedrin manymonths before , when He declared Himself the Son of God . As the rulers thentried to compass His death , so now they sought to take Him ; but they wereprevented by an unseen power , which put a limit to their rage , saying tothem , Thus far shalt thou go , and no farther . Among the people many believed on Him , and they said , " When Christ cometh , will He do more miracles than these which this Man hath done ? " The leadersof the Pharisees , who were anxiously watching the course of events , caughtthe ｅxpressions of sympathy among the throng . Hurrying away to the chiefpriests , they laid their plans to arrest Him . 458 They arranged , however , to take Him when He was alone ; for they dared notseize Him in the presence of the people . Again Jesus made it manifest thatHe read their purpose . " Yet a little while am I with you , " He said , " andthen I go unto Him that sent Me . Ye shall seek Me , and shall not find Me : and where I am , thither ye cannot come . " Soon He would find a refuge beyondthe reach of their scorn and hate . He would ascend to the Father , to beagain the Adored of the angels ; and thither His murderers could never come . Sneeringly the rabbis said , " Whither will He go , that we shall not find Him ? will He go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles , and teach the Gentiles ? " Little did these cavilers dream that in their mocking words they werepicturing the mission of the Christ ! All day long He had stretched forth Hishands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people ; yet He would be found ofthem that sought Him not ; among a people that had not called upon His nameHe would be manifest . Rom . 10 : 20 , 21 . Many who were convinced that Jesus was the Son of God were misled by thefalse reasoning of the priests and rabbis . These teachers had repeated withgreat effect the prophecies concerning the Messiah , that He would " reign inMount Zion , and in Jerusalem , and before His ancients gloriously ;" that Hewould " have dominion also from sea to sea , and from the river unto the endsof the earth . " Isa . 24 : 23 ; Ps . 72 : 8 . Then they made contemptuous comparisonsbetween the glory here pictured and the humble appearance of Jesus . The verywords of prophecy were so perverted as to sanction error . Had the people insincerity studied the word for themselves , they would not have been misled . The sixty - first chapter of Isaiah testifies that Christ was to do the verywork He did . Chapter fifty - three sets forth His rejection and sufferings inthe world , and chapter fifty - nine describes the character of the priests andrabbis . God does not compel men to give up their unbelief . Before them are light anddarkness , truth and error . It is for them to decide which they will accept . The human mind is endowed with power to discriminate between right andwrong . God designs that men shall not decide from impulse , but from weightof evidence , carefully comparing scripture with scripture . Had the Jews laidby their prejudice and compared written prophecy with the factscharacterizing the life of Jesus , they would have perceived a beautifulharmony between the prophecies and their fulfillment in the life andministry of the lowly Galilean . 459 Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews . Religious teachersread the Bible in the light of their own understanding and traditions ; andthe people do not search the Scriptures for themselves , and judge forthemselves as to what is truth ; but they yield up their judgment , and committheir souls to their leaders . The preaching and teaching of His word is oneof the means that God has ordained for diffusing light ; but we must bringevery man ' s teaching to the test of Scripture . Whoever will prayerfullystudy the Bible , desiring to know the truth , that he may obey it , willreceive divine enlightenment . He will understand the Scriptures . " If any manwilleth to do His will , he shall know of the teaching . " John 7 : 17 , R . V . On the last day of the feast , the officers sent out by the priests andrulers to arrest Jesus , returned without Him . They were angrily questioned , " Why have ye not brought Him ? " With solemn countenance they answered , " Neverman spake like this Man . " Hardened as were their hearts , they were melted by His words . While He wasspeaking in the temple court , they had lingered near , to catch somethingthat might be turned against Him . But as they listened , the purpose forwhich they had been sent was forgotten . They stood as men entranced . Christrevealed Himself to their souls . They saw that which priests and rulerswould not see , -- humanity flooded with the glory of divinity . They returned , so filled with this thought , so impressed by His words , that to the inquiry , " Why have ye not brought Him ? " they could only reply , " Never man spake likethis Man . " The priests and rulers , on first coming into the presence of Christ , hadfelt the same conviction . Their hearts were deeply moved , and the thoughtwas forced upon them , " Never man spake like this Man . " But they had stifledthe conviction of the Holy Spirit . Now , enraged that even the instruments ofthe law should be influenced by the hated Galilean , they cried , " Are ye alsodeceived ? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him ? Butthis people who knoweth not the law are cursed . " Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask , " Is it true ? " but , " By whom is it advocated ? " Multitudes estimate it by the numbers who acceptit ; and the question is still asked , " Have any of the learned men orreligious leaders believed ? " Men are no more favorable to real godliness nowthan in the days of Christ . They are just as intently seeking earthly good , to the neglect of eternal riches ; and it is not an 460 argument against the truth , that large numbers are not ready to accept it , or that it is not received by the world ' s great men , or even by thereligious leaders . Again the priests and rulers proceeded to lay plans for arresting Jesus . Itwas urged that if He were longer left at liberty , He would draw the peopleaway from the established leaders , and the only safe course was to silenceHim without delay . In the full tide of their discussion , they were suddenlychecked . Nicodemus questioned , " Doth our law judge any man , before it hearhim , and know what he doeth ? " Silence fell on the assembly . The words ofNicodemus came home to their consciences . They could not condemn a manunheard . But it was not for this reason alone that the haughty rulersremained silent , gazing at him who had dared to speak in favor of justice . They were startled and chagrined that one of their own number had been sofar impressed by the character of Jesus as to speak a word in His defense . Recovering from their astonishment , they addressed Nicodemus with cuttingsarcasm , " Art thou also of Galilee ? Search and look : for out of Galileeariseth no prophet . " Yet the protest resulted in staying the proceedings of the council . Therulers were unable to carry out their purpose and condemn Jesus without ahearing . Defeated for the time , " every man went unto his own house . Jesuswent unto the Mount of Olives . " From the excitement and confusion of the city , from the eager crowds and thetreacherous rabbis , Jesus turned away to the quiet of the olive groves , where He could be alone with God . But in the early morning He returned tothe temple , and as the people gathered about Him , He sat down and taughtthem . He was soon interrupted . A group of Pharisees and scribes approached Him , dragging with them a terror - stricken woman , whom with hard , eager voicesthey accused of having violated the seventh commandment . Having pushed herinto the presence of Jesus , they said to Him , with a hypocritical show ofrespect , " Moses in the law commanded us , that such should be stoned : butwhat sayest Thou ? " Their pretended reverence veiled a deep - laid plot for His ruin . They hadseized upon this opportunity to secure His condemnation , thinking thatwhatever decision He might make , they would find occasion to accuse Him . Should He acquit the woman , He might be charged with despising the law ofMoses . Should He declare her worthy of death , 461 He could be accused to the Romans as one who was assuming authority thatbelonged only to them . Jesus looked for a moment upon the scene , -- the trembling victim in hershame , the hard - faced dignitaries , devoid of even human pity . His spirit ofstainless purity shrank from the spectacle . Well He knew for what purposethis case had been brought to Him . He read the heart , and knew the characterand life history of everyone in His presence . These would - be guardians ofjustice had themselves led their victim into sin , that they might lay asnare for Jesus . Giving no sign that He had heard their question , Hestooped , and fixing His eyes upon the ground , began to write in the dust . Impatient at His delay and apparent indifference , the accusers drew nearer , urging the matter upon His attention . But as their eyes , following those ofJesus , fell upon the pavement at His feet , their countenances changed . There , traced before them , were the guilty secrets of their own lives . Thepeople , looking on , saw the sudden change of ｅxpression , and pressed forwardto discover what it was that they were regarding with such astonishment andshame . With all their professions of reverence for the law , these rabbis , inbringing the charge against the woman , were disregarding its provisions . Itwas the husband ' s duty to take action against her , and the guilty partieswere to be punished equally . The action of the accusers was whollyunauthorized . Jesus , however , met them on their own ground . The lawspecified that in punishment by stoning , the witnesses in the case should bethe first to cast a stone . Now rising , and fixing His eyes upon the plottingelders , Jesus said , " He that is without sin among you , let him first cast astone at her . " And stooping down , He continued writing on the ground . He had not set aside the law given through Moses , nor infringed upon theauthority of Rome . The accusers had been defeated . Now , their robe ofpretended holiness torn from them , they stood , guilty and condemned , in thepresence of Infinite Purity . They trembled lest the hidden iniquity of theirlives should be laid open to the multitude ; and one by one , with bowed headsand downcast eyes , they stole away , leaving their victim with the pityingSaviour . Jesus arose , and looking at the woman said , " Woman , where are those thineaccusers ? hath no man condemned thee ? She said , No man , Lord . And Jesus saidunto her , Neither do I condemn thee : go , and sin no more . " 462 The woman had stood before Jesus , cowering with fear . His words , " He that iswithout sin among you , let him first cast a stone , " had come to her as adeath sentence . She dared not lift her eyes to the Saviour ' s face , butsilently awaited her doom . In astonishment she saw her accusers departspeechless and confounded ; then those words of hope fell upon her ear , " Neither do I condemn thee : go , and sin no more . " Her heart was melted , andshe cast herself at the feet of Jesus , sobbing out her grateful love , andwith bitter tears confessing her sins . This was to her the beginning of a new life , a life of purity and peace , devoted to the service of God . In the uplifting of this fallen soul , Jesusperformed a greater miracle than in healing the most grievous physicaldisease ; He cured the spiritual malady which is unto death everlasting . Thispenitent woman became one of His most steadfast followers . Withself - sacrificing love and devotion she repaid His forgiving mercy . In His act of pardoning this woman and encouraging her to live a betterlife , the character of Jesus shines forth in the beauty of perfectrighteousness . While He does not palliate sin , nor lessen the sense ofguilt , He seeks not to condemn , but to save . The world had for this erringwoman only contempt and scorn ; but Jesus speaks words of comfort and hope . The Sinless one pities the weakness of the sinner , and reaches to her ahelping hand . While the hypocritical Pharisees denounce , Jesus bids her , " Go , and sin no more . " It is not Christ ' s follower that , with averted eyes , turns from the erring , leaving them unhindered to pursue their downward course . Those who areforward in accusing others , and zealous in bringing them to justice , areoften in their own lives more guilty than they . Men hate the sinner , whilethey love the sin . Christ hates the sin , but loves the sinner . This will bethe spirit of all who follow Him . Christian love is slow to censure , quickto discern penitence , ready to forgive , to encourage , to set the wanderer inthe path of holiness , and to stay his feet therein . ( 463 ) Chapter 51 " The Light of Life " [ This chapter is based on John 8 : 12 - 59 ; 9 . ] Then spake Jesus again unto them , saying , I am the light of the world : hethat followeth Me shall not walk in darkness , but shall have the light oflife . " When He spoke these words , Jesus was in the court of the temple speciallyconnected with the services of the Feast of Tabernacles . In the center ofthis court rose two lofty standards , supporting lampstands of great size . After the evening sacrifice , all the lamps were kindled , shedding theirlight over Jerusalem . This ceremony was in commemoration of the pillar oflight that guided Israel in the desert , and was also regarded as pointing tothe coming of the Messiah . At evening when the lamps were lighted , the courtwas a scene of great rejoicing . Gray - haired men , the priests of the templeand the rulers of the people , united in the festive dances to the sound ofinstrumental music and the chants of the Levites . In the illumination of Jerusalem , the people expressed their hope of theMessiah ' s coming to shed His light upon Israel . But to Jesus the scene had awider meaning . As the radiant lamps of the temple lighted up all about them , so Christ , the source of spiritual light , illumines the darkness of theworld . Yet the symbol was imperfect . That great light which His own hand hadset in the heavens was a truer representation of the glory of His mission . It was morning ; the sun had just risen above the Mount of Olives , and itsrays fell with dazzling brightness on the marble palaces , and 464 lighted up the gold of the temple walls , when Jesus , pointing to it , said , " I am the light of the world . " By one who listened to these words , they were long afterward re - echoed inthat sublime passage , " In Him was life ; and the life was the light of men . And the light shineth in the darkness ; and the darkness apprehended it not . "" That was the true light , which lighteth every man that cometh into theworld . " John 1 : 4 , 5 , R . V . , 9 . And long after Jesus had ascended to heaven , Peter also , writing under the illumination of the divine Spirit , recalledthe symbol Christ had used : " We have also a more sure word of prophecy ; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed , as unto a light that shineth in adark place , until the day dawn , and the daystar arise in your hearts . " 2 Peter 1 : 19 . In the manifestation of God to His people , light had ever been a symbol ofHis presence . At the creative word in the beginning , light had shone out ofdarkness . Light had been enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and thepillar of fire by night , leading the vast armies of Israel . Light blazedwith awful grandeur about the Lord on Mount Sinai . Light rested over themercy seat in the tabernacle . Light filled the temple of Solomon at itsdedication . Light shone on the hills of Bethlehem when the angels broughtthe message of redemption to the watching shepherds . God is light ; and in the words , " I am the light of the world , " Christdeclared His oneness with God , and His relation to the whole human family . It was He who at the beginning had caused " the light to shine out ofdarkness . " 2 Cor . 4 : 6 . He is the light of sun and moon and star . He was thespiritual light that in symbol and type and prophecy had shone upon Israel . But not to the Jewish nation alone was the light given . As the sunbeamspenetrate to the remotest corners of the earth , so does the light of the Sunof Righteousness shine upon every soul . " That was the true light , which lighteth every man that cometh into theworld . " The world has had its great teachers , men of giant intellect andwonderful research , men whose utterances have stimulated thought , and openedto view vast fields of knowledge ; and these men have been honored as guidesand benefactors of their race . But there is one who stands higher than they . " As many as received Him , to them gave He power to become the sons of God . "" No man hath seen God at any time ; the only - begotten Son , which is in thebosom of the Father , He hath declared Him . " John 1 : 12 , 18 . We can trace theline of the world ' s great teachers as far back as human records extend ; butthe 465 Light was before them . As the moon and the stars of the solar system shineby the reflected light of the sun , so , as far as their teaching is true , dothe world ' s great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness . Every gem of thought , every flash of the intellect , is from the Light of theworld . In these days we hear much about " higher education . " The true " highereducation " is that imparted by Him " in whom are hid all the treasures ofwisdom and knowledge . " " In Him was life ; and the life was the light of men . " Col . 2 : 3 ; John 1 : 4 . " He that followeth Me , " said Jesus , " shall not walk indarkness , but shall have the light of life . " In the words , " I am the light of the world , " Jesus declared Himself theMessiah . The aged Simeon , in the temple where Christ was now teaching , hadspoken of Him as " a light to lighten the Gentiles , and the glory of Thypeople Israel . " Luke 2 : 32 . In these words he was applying to Him a prophecyfamiliar to all Israel . By the prophet Isaiah , the Holy Spirit had declared , " It is too light a thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up thetribes of Jacob , and to restore the preserved of Israel : I will also giveThee for a light to the Gentiles , that Thou mayest be My salvation unto theend of the earth . " Isa . 49 : 6 , R . V . This prophecy was generally understoodas spoken of the Messiah , and when Jesus said , " I am the light of theworld , " the people could not fail to recognize His claim to be the PromisedOne . To the Pharisees and rulers this claim seemed an arrogant assumption . That aman like themselves should make such pretensions they could not tolerate . Seeming to ignore His words , they demanded , " Who art Thou ? " They were bentupon forcing Him to declare Himself the Christ . His appearance and His workwere so at variance with the expectations of the people , that , as His wilyenemies believed , a direct announcement of Himself as the Messiah wouldcause Him to be rejected as an impostor . But to their question , " Who art Thou ? " Jesus replied , " Even that which Ihave also spoken unto you from the beginning . " John 8 : 25 , R . V . That whichhad been revealed in His words was revealed also in His character . He wasthe embodiment of the truths He taught . " I do nothing of Myself , " Hecontinued ; " but as My Father hath taught Me , I speak these things . And Hethat sent Me is with Me : the Father hath not left Me alone ; for I do alwaysthose things that please Him . " He did not attempt to prove His Messianicclaim , but showed His unity with God . If their minds had been open to God ' slove , they would have received Jesus . 466 Among His hearers many were drawn to Him in faith , and to them He said , " ifye continue in My word , then are ye My disciples indeed ; and ye shall knowthe truth , and the truth shall make you free . " These words offended the Pharisees . The nation ' s long subjection to aforeign yoke , they disregarded , and angrily exclaimed , " We be Abraham ' sseed , and were never in bondage to any man : how sayest Thou , Ye shall bemade free ? " Jesus looked upon these men , the slaves of malice , whosethoughts were bent upon revenge , and sadly answered , " Verily , verily , I sayunto you , Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin . " They were in theworst kind of bondage , -- ruled by the spirit of evil . Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control ofanother power . He is not his own . He may talk of freedom , but he is in themost abject slavery . He is not allowed to see the beauty of truth , for hismind is under the control of Satan . While he flatters himself that he isfollowing the dictates of his own judgment , he obeys the will of the princeof darkness . Christ came to break the shackles of sin - slavery from the soul . " If the Son therefore shall make you free , ye shall be free indeed . " " Thelaw of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus " sets us " free from the law of sinand death . " Rom . 8 : 2 . In the work of redemption there is no compulsion . No external force isemployed . Under the influence of the Spirit of God , man is left free tochoose whom he will serve . In the change that takes place when the soulsurrenders to Christ , there is the highest sense of freedom . The expulsionof sin is the act of the soul itself . True , we have no power to freeourselves from Satan ' s control ; but when we desire to be set free from sin , and in our great need cry out for a power out of and above ourselves , thepowers of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit , andthey obey the dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God . The only condition upon which the freedom of man is possible is that ofbecoming one with Christ . " The truth shall make you free ;" and Christ is thetruth . Sin can triumph only by enfeebling the mind , and destroying theliberty of the soul . Subjection to God is restoration to one ' s self , -- to thetrue glory and dignity of man . The divine law , to which we are brought intosubjection , is " the law of liberty . " James 2 : 12 . The Pharisees had declared themselves the children of Abraham . Jesus toldthem that this claim could be established only by doing the works ofAbraham . The true children of Abraham would live , as he did , a life ofobedience to God . They would not try to kill one who was speaking the truththat was given Him from God . In plotting 467 against Christ , the rabbis were not doing the works of Abraham . A merelineal descent from Abraham was of no value . Without a spiritual connectionwith him , which would be manifested in possessing the same spirit , and doingthe same works , they were not his children . This principle bears with equal weight upon a question that has longagitated the Christian world , -- the question of apostolic succession . Descentfrom Abraham was proved , not by name and lineage , but by likeness ofcharacter . So the apostolic succession rests not upon the transmission ofecclesiastical authority , but upon spiritual relationship . A life actuatedby the apostles ' spirit , the belief and teaching of the truth they taught , this is the true evidence of apostolic succession . This is what constitutesmen the successors of the first teachers of the gospel . Jesus denied that the Jews were children of Abraham . He said , " Ye do thedeeds of your father . " In mockery they answered , " We be not born offornication ; we have one Father , even God . " These words , in allusion to thecircumstances of His birth , were intended as a thrust against Christ in thepresence of those who were beginning to believe on Him . Jesus gave no heedto the base insinuation , but said , " If God were your Father , ye would loveMe : for I proceeded forth and came from God . " Their works testified of their relationship to him who was a liar and amurderer . " Ye are of your father the devil , " said Jesus , " and the lusts ofyour father it is your will to do . He was a murderer from the beginning , andstood not in the truth , because there is no truth in him . . . . Because Isay the truth , ye believe Me not . " John 8 : 44 , 45 , R . V . The fact that Jesusspoke the truth , and that with certainty , was why He was not received by theJewish leaders . It was the truth that offended these self - righteous men . Thetruth exposed the fallacy of error ; it condemned their teaching andpractice , and it was unwelcome . They would rather close their eyes to thetruth than humble themselves to confess that they had been in error . Theydid not love the truth . They did not desire it , even though it was truth . " Which of you convicteth [ Revised Version ] Me of sin ? And if I say thetruth , why do ye not believe Me ? " Day by day for three years His enemies hadbeen following Christ , trying to find some stain in His character . Satan andall the confederacy of evil had been seeking to overcome Him ; but they hadfound nothing in Him by which to gain an advantage . Even the devils wereforced to confess , " Thou art the Holy one of God . " Mark 1 : 24 . Jesus livedthe law in the sight of heaven , in the 468 sight of unfallen worlds , and in the sight of sinful men . Before angels , men , and demons , He had spoken , unchallenged , words that from any other lipswould have been blasphemy : " I do always those things that please Him . " The fact that although they could find no sin in Christ the Jews would notreceive Him proved that they themselves had no connection with God . They didnot recognize His voice in the message of His Son . They thought themselvespassing judgment on Christ ; but in rejecting Him they were pronouncingsentence upon themselves . " He that is of God , " said Jesus , " heareth God ' swords : ye therefore hear them not , because ye are not of God . " The lesson is true for all time . Many a man who delights to quibble , tocriticize , seeking for something to question in the word of God , thinks thathe is thereby giving evidence of independence of thought , and mentalacuteness . He supposes that he is sitting in judgment on the Bible , when intruth he is judging himself . He makes it manifest that he is incapable ofappreciating truths that originate in heaven , and that compass eternity . Inpresence of the great mountain of God ' s righteousness , his spirit is notawed . He busies himself with hunting for sticks and straws , and in thisbetrays a narrow and earthly nature , a heart that is fast losing itscapacity to appreciate God . He whose heart has responded to the divine touchwill be seeking for that which will increase his knowledge of God , and willrefine and elevate the character . As a flower turns to the sun , that thebright rays may touch it with tints of beauty , so will the soul turn to theSun of Righteousness , that heaven ' s light may beautify the character withthe graces of the character of Christ . Jesus continued , drawing a sharp contrast between the position of the Jewsand that of Abraham : " Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day : and he sawit , and was glad . " Abraham had greatly desired to see the promised Saviour . He offered up themost earnest prayer that before his death he might behold the Messiah . Andhe saw Christ . A supernatural light was given him , and he acknowledgedChrist ' s divine character . He saw His day , and was glad . He was given a viewof the divine sacrifice for sin . Of this sacrifice he had an illustration inhis own experience . The command came to him , " Take now thy son , thine onlyson Isaac , whom thou lovest , . . . and offer him . . . for a burntoffering . " Gen . 22 : 2 . 469 Upon the altar of sacrifice he laid the son of promise , the son in whom hishopes were centered . Then as he waited beside the altar with knife upraisedto obey God , he heard a voice from heaven saying , " Lay not thine hand uponthe lad , neither do thou anything unto him : for now I know that thou fearestGod , seeing thou hast not withheld thy son , thine only son from Me . " Gen . 22 : 12 . This terrible ordeal was imposed upon Abraham that he might see theday of Christ , and realize the great love of God for the world , so greatthat to raise it from its degradation , He gave His only - begotten Son to amost shameful death . Abraham learned of God the greatest lesson ever given to mortal . His prayerthat he might see Christ before he should die was answered . He saw Christ ; he saw all that mortal can see , and live . By making an entire surrender , hewas able to understand the vision of Christ , which had been given him . Hewas shown that in giving His only - begotten Son to save sinners from eternalruin , God was making a greater and more wonderful sacrifice than ever mancould make . Abraham ' s experience answered the question : " Wherewith shall I come beforethe Lord , and bow myself before the high God ? Shall I come before Him withburnt offerings , with calves of a year old ? Will the Lord be pleased withthousands of rams , or with ten thousands of rivers of oil ? shall I give myfirst - born for my transgression , the fruit of my body for the sin of mysoul ? " Micah 6 : 6 , 7 . In the words of Abraham , " My son , God will provideHimself a lamb for a burnt offering , " ( Gen . 22 : 8 ) , and in God ' s provision ofa sacrifice instead of Isaac , it was declared that no man could makeexpiation for himself . The pagan system of sacrifice was wholly unacceptableto God . No father was to offer up his son or his daughter for a sinoffering . The Son of God alone can bear the guilt of the world . Through his own suffering , Abraham was enabled to behold the Saviour ' smission of sacrifice . But Israel would not understand that which was sounwelcome to their proud hearts . Christ ' s words concerning Abraham conveyedto His hearers no deep significance . The Pharisees saw in them only freshground for caviling . They retorted with a sneer , as if they would proveJesus to be a madman , " Thou art not yet fifty years old , and hast Thou seenAbraham ? " With solemn dignity Jesus answered , " Verily , verily , I say unto you , BeforeAbraham was , I Am . " Silence fell upon the vast assembly . The name of God , given to Moses toexpress the idea of the eternal presence , had been claimed as 470 His own by this Galilean Rabbi . He had announced Himself to be theself - existent one , He who had been promised to Israel , " whose goings forthhave been from of old , from the days of eternity . " Micah 5 : 2 , margin . Again the priests and rabbis cried out against Jesus as a blasphemer . Hisclaim to be one with God had before stirred them to take His life , and a fewmonths later they plainly declared , " For a good work we stone Thee not ; butfor blasphemy ; and because that Thou , being a man , makest Thyself God . " John 10 : 33 . Because He was , and avowed Himself to be , the Son of God , they werebent on destroying Him . Now many of the people , siding with the priests andrabbis , took up stones to cast at Him . " But Jesus hid Himself , and went outof the temple , going through the midst of them , and so passed by . " The Light was shining in darkness ; but " the darkness apprehended it not . " John 1 : 5 , R . V . " As Jesus passed by , He saw a man which was blind from his birth . And Hisdisciples asked Him , saying , Master , who did sin , this man , or his parents , that he was born blind ? Jesus answered , Neither hath this man sinned , norhis parents : but that the works of God should be made manifest in him . . . . When He had thus spoken , He spat on the ground , and made clay of thespittle , and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay , and saidunto him , Go , wash in the pool of Siloam , ( which is by interpretation , Sent ) . He went his way therefore , and washed , and came seeing . " 471 It was generally believed by the Jews that sin is punished in this life . Every affliction was regarded as the penalty of some wrongdoing , either ofthe sufferer himself or of his parents . It is true that all sufferingresults from the transgression of God ' s law , but this truth had becomeperverted . Satan , the author of sin and all its results , had led men to lookupon disease and death as proceeding from God , -- as punishment arbitrarilyinflicted on account of sin . Hence one upon whom some great affliction orcalamity had fallen had the additional burden of being regarded as a greatsinner . Thus the way was prepared for the Jews to reject Jesus . He who " hath borneour griefs , and carried our sorrows " was looked upon by the Jews as " stricken , smitten of God , and afflicted ;" and they hid their faces fromHim . Isa . 53 : 4 , 3 . God had given a lesson designed to prevent this . The history of Job hadshown that suffering is inflicted by Satan , and is overruled by God forpurposes of mercy . But Israel did not understand the lesson . The same errorfor which God had reproved the friends of Job was repeated by the Jews intheir rejection of Christ . The belief of the Jews in regard to the relation of sin and suffering washeld by Christ ' s disciples . While Jesus corrected their error , He did notexplain the cause of the man ' s affliction , but told them what would be theresult . Because of it the works of God would be made manifest . " As long as Iam in the world , " He said , " I am the light of the world . " Then havinganointed the eyes of the blind man , He sent him to wash in the pool ofSiloam , and the man ' s sight was restored . Thus Jesus answered the questionof the disciples in a practical way , as He usually answered questions put toHim from curiosity . The disciples were not called upon to discuss thequestion as to who had sinned or had not sinned , but to understand the powerand mercy of God in giving sight to the blind . It was evident that there wasno healing virtue in the clay , or in the pool wherein the blind man was sentto wash , but that the virtue was in Christ . The Pharisees could not but be astonished at the cure . Yet they were morethan ever filled with hatred ; for the miracle had been performed on theSabbath day . The neighbors of the young man , and those who knew him before in hisblindness , said , " Is not this he that sat and begged ? " They looked upon himwith doubt ; for when his eyes were opened , his countenance was changed andbrightened , and he appeared like another man . From 472 one to another the question passed . Some said , " This is he ;" others , " He islike him . " But he who had received the great blessing settled the questionby saying , " I am he . " He then told them of Jesus , and by what means he hadbeen healed , and they inquired , " Where is He ? He said , I know not . " Then they brought him before a council of the Pharisees . Again the man wasasked how he had received his sight . " He said unto them , He put clay uponmine eyes , and I washed , and do see . Therefore said some of the Pharisees , This man is not of God , because He keepeth not the Sabbath day . " ThePharisees hoped to make Jesus out to be a sinner , and therefore not theMessiah . They knew not that it was He who had made the Sabbath and knew allits obligation , who had healed the blind man . They appeared wonderfullyzealous for the observance of the Sabbath , yet were planning murder on thatvery day . But many were greatly moved at hearing of this miracle , and wereconvicted that He who had opened the eyes of the blind was more than acommon man . In answer to the charge that Jesus was a sinner because He keptnot the Sabbath day , they said , " How can a man that is a sinner do suchmiracles ? " Again the rabbis appealed to the blind man , " What sayest thou of Him , thatHe hath opened thine eyes ? He said , He is a prophet . " The Pharisees thenasserted that he had not been born blind and received his sight . They calledfor his parents , and asked them , saying , " Is this your son , who ye say wasborn blind ? " There was the man himself , declaring that he had been blind , and had had hissight restored ; but the Pharisees would rather deny the evidence of theirown senses than admit that they were in error . So powerful is prejudice , sodistorting is Pharisaical righteousness . The Pharisees had one hope left , and that was to intimidate the man ' sparents . With apparent sincerity they asked , " How then doth he now see ? " Theparents feared to compromise themselves ; for it had been declared thatwhoever should acknowledge Jesus as the Christ should be " put out of thesynagogue ;" that is , should be excluded from the synagogue for thirty days . During this time no child could be circumcised nor dead be lamented in theoffender ' s home . The sentence was regarded as a great calamity ; and if itfailed to produce repentance , a far heavier penalty followed . The great workwrought for their son had brought conviction to the parents , yet theyanswered , " We know that this is our son , and that he was born blind : but bywhat means he now 473 seeth , we know not ; or who hath opened his eyes , we know not : he is of age ; ask him : he shall speak for himself . " Thus they shifted all responsibilityfrom themselves to their son ; for they dared not confess Christ . The dilemma in which the Pharisees were placed , their questioning andprejudice , their unbelief in the facts of the case , were opening the eyes ofthe multitude , especially of the common people . Jesus had frequently wroughtHis miracles in the open street , and His work was always of a character torelieve suffering . The question in many minds was , Would God do such mightyworks through an impostor , as the Pharisees insisted that Jesus was ? Thecontroversy was becoming very earnest on both sides . The Pharisees saw that they were giving publicity to the work done by Jesus . They could not deny the miracle . The blind man was filled with joy andgratitude ; he beheld the wondrous things of nature , and was filled withdelight at the beauty of earth and sky . He freely related his experience , and again they tried to silence him , saying , " Give God the praise : we knowthat this Man is a sinner . " That is , Do not say again that this Man gave yousight ; it is God who has done this . The blind man answered , " Whether He be a sinner or no , I know not : one thingI know , that , whereas I was blind , now I see . " Then they questioned again , " What did He to thee ? how opened He thine eyes ? " With many words they tried to confuse him , so that he might think himselfdeluded . Satan and his evil angels were on the side of the Pharisees , andunited their energies and subtlety with man ' s reasoning in order tocounteract the influence of Christ . They blunted the convictions that weredeepening in many minds . Angels of God were also on the ground to strengthenthe man who had had his sight restored . 474 The Pharisees did not realize that they had to deal with any other than theuneducated man who had been born blind ; they knew not Him with whom theywere in controversy . Divine light shone into the chambers of the blind man ' ssoul . As these hypocrites tried to make him disbelieve , God helped him toshow , by the vigor and pointedness of his replies , that he was not to beensnared . He answered , " I have told you already , and ye did not hear : wherefore would ye hear it again ? will ye also be His disciples ? Then theyreviled him , and said , Thou art His disciple ; but we are Moses ' disciples . We know that God spake unto Moses : as for this fellow , we know not fromwhence He is . " The Lord Jesus knew the ordeal through which the man was passing , and Hegave him grace and utterance , so that he became a witness for Christ . Heanswered the Pharisees in words that were a cutting rebuke to hisquestioners . They claimed to be the expositors of Scripture , the religiousguides of the nation ; and yet here was one performing miracles , and theywere confessedly ignorant as to the source of His power , and as to Hischaracter and claims . " Why herein is a marvelous thing , " said the man , " thatye know not from whence He is , and yet He hath opened mine eyes . Now we knowthat God heareth not sinners : but if any man be a worshiper of God , anddoeth His will , him He heareth . Since the world began was it not heard thatany man opened the eyes of one that was born blind . If this Man were not ofGod , He could do nothing . " The man had met his inquisitors on their own ground . His reasoning wasunanswerable . The Pharisees were astonished , and they held theirpeace , -- spellbound before his pointed , determined words . For a few momentsthere was silence . Then the frowning priests and rabbis gathered about themtheir robes , as though they feared contamination from contact with him ; theyshook off the dust from their feet , and hurled denunciations againsthim , --" Thou wast altogether born in sins , and dost thou teach us ? " And theyexcommunicated him . Jesus heard what had been done ; and finding him soon after , He said , " Dostthou believe on the Son of God ? " For the first time the blind man looked upon the face of his Restorer . Before the council he had seen his parents troubled and perplexed ; he hadlooked upon the frowning faces of the rabbis ; now his eyes rested upon theloving , peaceful countenance of Jesus . Already , at great cost to himself , hehad acknowledged Him as a delegate of divine power ; now a higher revelationwas granted him . 475 To the Saviour ' s question , " Dost thou believe on the Son of God ? " the blindman replied by asking , " Who is He , Lord , that I might believe on Him ? " AndJesus said , " Thou hast both seen Him , and it is He that talketh with thee . " The man cast himself at the Saviour ' s feet in worship . Not only had hisnatural sight been restored , but the eyes of his understanding had beenopened . Christ had been revealed to his soul , and he received Him as theSent of God . A group of Pharisees had gathered near , and the sight of them brought to themind of Jesus the contrast ever manifest in the effect of His words andworks . He said , " For judgment I am come into this world , that they which seenot might see ; and that they which see might be made blind . " Christ had cometo open the blind eyes , to give light to them that sit in darkness . He haddeclared Himself to be the light of the world , and the miracle justperformed was in attestation of His mission . The people who beheld theSaviour at His advent were favored with a fuller manifestation of the divinepresence than the world had ever enjoyed before . The knowledge of God wasrevealed more perfectly . But in this very revelation , judgment was passingupon men . Their character was tested , their destiny determined . The manifestation of divine power that had given to the blind man bothnatural and spiritual sight had left the Pharisees in yet deeper darkness . Some of His hearers , feeling that Christ ' s words applied to them , inquired , " Are we blind also ? " Jesus answered , " If ye were blind , ye should have nosin . " If God had made it impossible for you to see the truth , your ignorancewould involve no guilt . " But now ye say , We see . " You believe yourselvesable to see , and reject the means through which alone you could receivesight . To all who realized their need , Christ came with infinite help . Butthe Pharisees would confess no need ; they refused to come to Christ , andhence they were left in blindness , -- a blindness for which they werethemselves guilty . Jesus said , " Your sin remaineth . " ( 476 ) Chapter 52 The Divine Shepherd [ This chapter is based on John 10 : 1 - 30 . ] " I am the Good Shepherd : the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep . "" I am the Good Shepherd , and know My sheep , and am known of Mine . As theFather knoweth Me , even so know I the Father : and I lay down My life for thesheep . " Again Jesus found access to the minds of His hearers by the pathway of theirfamiliar associations . He had likened the Spirit ' s influence to the cool , refreshing water . He had represented Himself as the light , the source oflife and gladness to nature and to man . Now in a beautiful pastoral pictureHe represents His relation to those that believe on Him . No picture was morefamiliar to His hearers than this , and Christ ' s words linked it forever withHimself . Never could the disciples look on the shepherds tending theirflocks without recalling the Saviour ' s lesson . They would see Christ in eachfaithful shepherd . They would see themselves in each helpless and dependentflock . This figure the prophet Isaiah had applied to the Messiah ' s mission , in thecomforting words , " O Zion , that bringest good tidings , get thee up into thehigh mountain ; O Jerusalem , that bringest good tidings , lift up thy voicewith strength ; lift it up , be not afraid ; say unto the cities of Judah , Behold your God ! . . . He shall feed His flock like a shepherd : He shallgather the lambs with His arm , and carry them in His bosom . " Isa . 40 : 9 - 11 . David had sung , " The Lord is my shepherd ; 477 I shall not want . " Ps . 23 : 1 . And the Holy Spirit through Ezekiel haddeclared : " I will set up one Shepherd over them , and He shall feed them . " " Iwill seek that which was lost , and bring again that which was driven away , and will bind up that which was broken , and will strengthen that which wassick . " " And I will make with them a covenant of peace . " " And they shall nomore be a prey to the heathen ; . . . but they shall dwell safely , and noneshall make them afraid . " Ezek . 34 : 23 , 16 , 25 , 28 . Christ applied these prophecies to Himself , and He showed the contrastbetween His own character and that of the leaders in Israel . The Phariseeshad just driven one from the fold , because he dared to bear witness to thepower of Christ . They had cut off a soul whom the True Shepherd was drawingto Himself . In this they had shown themselves ignorant of the work committedto them , and unworthy of their trust as shepherds of the flock . Jesus nowset before them the contrast between them and the Good Shepherd , and Hepointed to Himself as the real keeper of the Lord ' s flock . Before doingthis , however , He speaks of Himself under another figure . He said , " He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold , but climbethup some other way , the same is a thief and a robber . But he that entereth inby the door is the shepherd of the sheep . " The Pharisees did not discernthat these words were spoken against them . When they reasoned in theirhearts as to the meaning , Jesus told them plainly , " I am the door : by Me ifany man enter in , he shall be saved , and shall go in and out , and findpasture . The thief cometh not , but for to steal , and to kill , and todestroy : I am come that they might have life , and that they might have itmore abundantly . " Christ is the door to the fold of God . Through this door all His children , from the earliest times , have found entrance . In Jesus , as shown in types , as shadowed in symbols , as manifested in the revelation of the prophets , asunveiled in the lessons given to His disciples , and in the miracles wroughtfor the sons of men , they have beheld " the Lamb of God , which taketh awaythe sin of the world " ( John 1 : 29 ) , and through Him they are brought withinthe fold of His grace . Many have come presenting other objects for the faithof the world ; ceremonies and systems have been devised by which men hope toreceive justification and peace with God , and thus find entrance to Hisfold . But the only door is Christ , and all who have interposed something totake the place 478 of Christ , all who have tried to enter the fold in some other way , arethieves and robbers . The Pharisees had not entered by the door . They had climbed into the fold byanother way than Christ , and they were not fulfilling the work of the trueshepherd . The priests and rulers , the scribes and Pharisees , destroyed theliving pastures , and defiled the wellsprings of the water of life . Faithfully do the words of inspiration describe those false shepherds : " Thediseased have ye not strengthened , neither have ye healed that which wassick , neither have ye bound up that which was broken , neither have yebrought again that which was driven away ; . . . but with force and withcruelty have ye ruled them . " Ezek . 34 : 4 . In all ages , philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the worldtheories by which to satisfy the soul ' s need . Every heathen nation has hadits great teachers and religious systems offering some other means ofredemption than Christ , turning the eyes of men away from the Father ' s face , and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing . The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own , both bycreation and by redemption . And these false teachers rob man as well . Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions , in thebondage of slavish fear , of stolid indifference , toiling like beasts ofburden , bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here , and with only a dull fearof the hereafter . It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can upliftthe soul . The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son willstir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can . Christcame that He might re - create the image of God in man ; and whoever turns menaway from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development ; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life . He is athief and a robber . " He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep . " Christ isboth the door and the shepherd . He enters in by Himself . It is through Hisown sacrifice that He becomes the shepherd of the sheep . " To Him the porteropeneth ; and the sheep hear His voice : and He calleth His own sheep by name , and leadeth them out . And when He putteth forth His own sheep , He goethbefore them , and the sheep follow Him : for they know His voice . " Of all creatures the sheep is one of the most timid and helpless , and in theEast the shepherd ' s care for his flock is untiring and incessant . 479 Anciently as now there was little security outside of the walled towns . Marauders from the roving border tribes , or beasts of prey from their hidingplaces in the rocks , lay in wait to plunder the flocks . The shepherd watchedhis charge , knowing that it was at the peril of his own life . Jacob , whokept the flocks of Laban in the pasture grounds of Haran , describing his ownunwearied labor , said , " In the day the drought consumed me , and the frost bynight ; and my sleep departed from mine eyes . " Gen . 31 : 40 . And it was whileguarding his father ' s sheep that the boy David , single - handed , encounteredthe lion and the bear , and rescued from their teeth the stolen lamb . As the shepherd leads his flock over the rocky hills , through forest andwild ravines , to grassy nooks by the riverside ; as he watches them on themountains through the lonely night , shielding from robbers , caring tenderlyfor the sickly and feeble , his life comes to be one with theirs . A strongand tender attachment unites him to the objects of his care . However largethe flock , the shepherd knows every sheep . Every one has its name , andresponds to the name at the shepherd ' s call . As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep , so does the divine Shepherd know Hisflock that are scattered throughout the world . " Ye My flock , the flock of Mypasture , are men , and I am your God , saith the Lord God . " Jesus says , " Ihave called thee by thy name ; thou art Mine . " " I have graven thee upon thepalms of My hands . " Ezek . 34 : 31 ; Isa . 43 : 1 ; 49 : 16 . Jesus knows us individually , and is touched with the feeling of ourinfirmities . He knows us all by name . He knows the very house in which welive , the name of each occupant . He has at times given directions to Hisservants to go to a certain street in a certain city , to such a house , tofind one of His sheep . 480 Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whomthe Saviour died . The distress of every one touches His heart . The cry foraid reaches His ear . He came to draw all men unto Himself . He bids them , " Follow Me , " and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come toHim . Many refuse to be drawn . Jesus knows who they are . He also knows whogladly hear His call , and are ready to come under His pastoral care . Hesays , " My sheep hear My voice , and I know them , and they follow Me . " Hecares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth . " He calleth His own sheep by name , and leadeth them out . . . . And the sheepfollow Him : for they know His voice . " The Eastern shepherd does not drivehis sheep . He depends not upon force or fear ; but going before , he callsthem . They know his voice , and obey the call . So does the Saviour - Shepherdwith His sheep . The Scripture says , " Thou leddest Thy people like a flock bythe hand of Moses and Aaron . " Through the prophet , Jesus declares , " I haveloved thee with an everlasting love : therefore with loving - kindness have Idrawn thee . " He compels none to follow Him . " I drew them , " He says , " withcords of a man , with bands of love . " Ps . 77 : 20 ; Jer . 31 : 3 ; Hosea 11 : 4 . It is not the fear of punishment , or the hope of everlasting reward , thatleads the disciples of Christ to follow Him . They behold the Saviour ' smatchless love , revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth , from the mangerof Bethlehem to Calvary ' s cross , and the sight of Him attracts , it softensand subdues the soul . Love awakens in the heart of the beholders . They hearHis voice , and they follow Him . As the shepherd goes before his sheep , himself first encountering the perilsof the way , so does Jesus with His people . " When He putteth forth His ownsheep , He goeth before them . " The way to heaven is consecrated by theSaviour ' s footprints . The path may be steep and rugged , but Jesus hastraveled that way ; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns , to make thepathway easier for us . Every burden that we are called to bear He Himselfhas borne . Though now He has ascended to the presence of God , and shares the throne ofthe universe , Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature . Today thesame tender , sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity . Todaythe hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly Hispeople that are in the world . " And they shall never perish , neither shallany man pluck them out of My hand . " 483 The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight thanthe whole world . The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvarythat one might be saved in His kingdom . He will never abandon one for whomHe has died . Unless His followers choose to leave Him , He will hold themfast . Through all our trials we have a never - failing Helper . He does not leave usalone to struggle with temptation , to battle with evil , and be finallycrushed with burdens and sorrow . Though now He is hidden from mortal sight , the ear of faith can hear His voice saying , Fear not ; I am with you . " I amHe that liveth , and was dead ; and , behold , I am alive forevermore . " Rev . 1 : 18 . I have endured your sorrows , experienced your struggles , encounteredyour temptations . I know your tears ; I also have wept . The griefs that lietoo deep to be breathed into any human ear , I know . Think not that you aredesolate and forsaken . Though your pain touch no responsive chord in anyheart on earth , look unto Me , and live . " The mountains shall depart , and thehills be removed ; but My kindness shall not depart from thee , neither shallthe covenant of My peace be removed , saith the Lord that hath mercy onthee . " Isa . 54 : 10 . However much a shepherd may love his sheep , he loves his sons and daughtersmore . Jesus is not only our shepherd ; He is our " everlasting Father . " And Hesays , " I know Mine own , and Mine own know Me , even as the Father knoweth Me , and I know the Father . " John 10 : 14 , 15 , R . V . What a statement is this ! -- theonly - begotten Son , He who is in the bosom of the Father , He whom God hasdeclared to be " the Man that is My fellow " ( Zech . 13 : 7 ) , -- the communionbetween Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion betweenChrist and His children on the earth ! Because we are the gift of His Father , and the reward of His work , Jesusloves us . He loves us as His children . Reader , He loves you . Heaven itselfcan bestow nothing greater , nothing better . Therefore trust . Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by falseshepherds . Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture werescattered among wolves , and He said , " Other sheep I have , which are not ofthis fold : them also I must bring , and they shall hear My voice ; and theyshall become one flock , one shepherd . " John 10 : 16 , R . V . " Therefore doth My Father love Me , because I lay down My life , that I mighttake it again . " That is , My Father has so loved you , that 484 He even loves Me more for giving My life to redeem you . In becoming yoursubstitute and surety , by surrendering My life , by taking your liabilities , your transgressions , I am endeared to My Father . " I lay down My life , that I might take it again . No man taketh it from Me , but I lay it down of Myself . I have power to lay it down , and I have powerto take it again . " While as a member of the human family He was mortal , asGod He was the fountain of life for the world . He could have withstood theadvances of death , and refused to come under its dominion ; but voluntarilyHe laid down His life , that He might bring life and immortality to light . Hebore the sin of the world , endured its curse , yielded up His life as asacrifice , that men might not eternally die . " Surely He hath borne ourgriefs , and carried our sorrows . . . . He was wounded for ourtransgressions , He was bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of ourpeace was upon Him ; and with His stripes we are healed . All we like sheephave gone astray ; we have turned every one to his own way ; and the Lord hathlaid on Him the iniquity of us all . " Isa . 53 : 4 - 6 . ( 485 ) Chapter 53 The Last Journey From Galilee [ This chapter is based on Luke 9 : 51 - 56 ; 10 : 1 - 24 . ] As the close of His ministry drew near , there was a change in Christ ' smanner of labor . Heretofore He had sought to shun excitement and publicity . He had refused the homage of the people , and had passed quickly from placeto place when the popular enthusiasm in His favor seemed kindling beyondcontrol . Again and again He had commanded that none should declare Him to bethe Christ . At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles His journey to Jerusalem was madeswiftly and secretly . When urged by His brothers to present Himself publiclyas the Messiah , His answer was , " My time is not yet come . " John 7 : 6 . He madeHis way to Jerusalem unobserved , and entered the city unannounced , andunhonored by the multitude . But not so with His last journey . He had leftJerusalem for a season because of the malice of the priests and rabbis . ButHe now set out to return , traveling in the most public manner , by acircuitous route , and preceded by such an announcement of His coming as Hehad never made before . He was going forward to the scene of His greatsacrifice , and to this the attention of the people must be directed . " As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness , even so must the Son ofman be lifted up . " John 3 : 14 . As the eyes of all Israel had been directed tothe uplifted serpent , the symbol appointed for their healing , so all eyesmust be drawn to Christ , the sacrifice that brought salvation to the lostworld . It was a false conception of the Messiah ' s work , and a lack of faith 486 in the divine character of Jesus , that had led His brothers to urge Him topresent Himself publicly to the people at the Feast of Tabernacles . Now , ina spirit akin to this , the disciples would have prevented Him from makingthe journey to Jerusalem . They remembered His words concerning what was tobefall Him there , they knew the deadly hostility of the religious leaders , and they would fain have dissuaded their Master from going thither . To the heart of Christ it was a bitter task to press His way against thefears , disappointment , and unbelief of His beloved disciples . It was hard tolead them forward to the anguish and despair that awaited them at Jerusalem . And Satan was at hand to press his temptations upon the Son of man . Whyshould He now go to Jerusalem , to certain death ? All around Him were soulshungering for the bread of life . on every hand were suffering ones waitingfor His word of healing . The work to be wrought by the gospel of His gracewas but just begun . And He was full of the vigor of manhood ' s prime . Why notgo forward to the vast fields of the world with the words of His grace , thetouch of His healing power ? Why not take to Himself the joy of giving lightand gladness to those darkened and sorrowing millions ? Why leave the harvestgathering to His disciples , so weak in faith , so dull of understanding , soslow to act ? Why face death now , and leave the work in its infancy ? The foewho in the wilderness had confronted Christ assailed Him now with fierce andsubtle temptations . Had Jesus yielded for a moment , had He changed Hiscourse in the least particular to save Himself , Satan ' s agencies would havetriumphed , and the world would have been lost . But Jesus had " steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem . " The one law ofHis life was the Father ' s will . In the visit to the temple in His boyhood , He had said to Mary , " Wist ye not that I must be about My Father ' sbusiness ? " Luke 2 : 49 . At Cana , when Mary desired Him to reveal Hismiraculous power , His answer was , " Mine hour is not yet come . " John 2 : 4 . With the same words He replied to His brothers when they urged Him to go tothe feast . But in God ' s great plan the hour had been appointed for theoffering of Himself for the sins of men , and that hour was soon to strike . He would not fail nor falter . His steps are turned toward Jerusalem , whereHis foes have long plotted to take His life ; now He will lay it down . He setHis face steadfastly to go to persecution , denial , rejection , condemnation , and death . And He " sent messengers before His face : and they went , and entered into avillage of the Samaritans , to make ready for Him . " But 487 the people refused to receive Him , because He was on His way to Jerusalem . This they interpreted as meaning that Christ showed a preference for theJews , whom they hated with intense bitterness . Had He come to restore thetemple and worship upon Mount Gerizim , they would gladly have received Him ; but He was going to Jerusalem , and they would show Him no hospitality . Little did they realize that they were turning from their doors the bestgift of heaven . Jesus invited men to receive Him , He asked favors at theirhands , that He might come near to them , to bestow the richest blessings . Forevery favor manifested toward Him , He requited a more precious grace . Butall was lost to the Samaritans because of their prejudice and bigotry . James and John , Christ ' s messengers , were greatly annoyed at the insultshown to their Lord . They were filled with indignation because He had beenso rudely treated by the Samaritans whom He was honoring by His presence . They had recently been with Him on the mount of transfiguration , and hadseen Him glorified by God , and honored by Moses and Elijah . This manifestdishonor on the part of the Samaritans , should not , they thought , be passedover without marked punishment . Coming to Christ , they reported to Him the words of the people , telling Himthat they had even refused to give Him a night ' s lodging . They thought thata grievous wrong had been done Him , and seeing Mount Carmel in the distance , where Elijah had slain the false prophets , they said , " Wilt Thou that wecommand fire to come down from heaven , and consume them , even as Elias did ? " They were surprised to see that Jesus was pained by their words , and stillmore surprised as His rebuke fell upon their ears , " Ye know not what mannerof spirit ye are of . For the Son of man is not come to destroy men ' s lives , but to save them . " And He went to another village . It is no part of Christ ' s mission to compel men to receive Him . It is Satan , and men actuated by his spirit , that seek to compel the conscience . Under apretense of zeal for righteousness , men who are confederate with evil angelsbring suffering upon their fellow men , in order to convert them to theirideas of religion ; but Christ is ever showing mercy , ever seeking to win bythe revealing of His love . He can admit no rival in the soul , nor accept ofpartial service ; but He desires only voluntary service , the willingsurrender of the heart under the constraint of love . There can be no moreconclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the dispositionto hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work , or who actcontrary to our ideas . 488 Every human being , in body , soul , and spirit , is the property of God . Christdied to redeem all . Nothing can be more offensive to God than for men , through religious bigotry , to bring suffering upon those who are thepurchase of the Saviour ' s blood . " And He arose from thence , and cometh into the coasts of Judea by thefarther side of Jordan : and the people resort unto Him again ; and , as He waswont , He taught them again . " Mark 10 : 1 . A considerable part of the closing months of Christ ' s ministry was spent inPerea , the province on " the farther side of Jordan " from Judea . Here themultitude thronged His steps , as in His early ministry in Galilee , and muchof His former teaching was repeated . As He had sent out the twelve , so He " appointed seventy others , and sentthem two and two before His face into every city and place , whither HeHimself was about to come . " Luke 10 : 1 , R . V . These disciples had been forsome time with Him , in training for their work . When the twelve were sentout on their first separate mission , other disciples accompanied Jesus inHis journey through Galilee . Thus they had the privilege of intimateassociation with Him , and direct personal instruction . Now this largernumber also were to go forth on a separate mission . The directions to the seventy were similar to those that had been given tothe twelve ; but the command to the twelve , not to enter into any city of theGentiles or of the Samaritans , was not given to the seventy . Though Christhad just been repulsed by the Samaritans , His love toward them wasunchanged . When the seventy went forth in His name , they visited , first ofall , the cities of Samaria . The Saviour ' s own visit to Samaria , and later , the commendation of the goodSamaritan , and the grateful joy of that leper , a Samaritan , who alone of theten returned to give thanks to Christ , were full of significance to thedisciples . The lesson sank deep into their hearts . In His commission tothem , just before His ascension , Jesus mentioned Samaria with Jerusalem andJudea as the places where they were first to preach the gospel . Thiscommission His teaching had prepared them to fulfill . When in their Master ' sname they went to Samaria , they found the people ready to receive them . TheSamaritans had heard of Christ ' s words of commendation and His works ofmercy for men of their nation . They saw that , notwithstanding their rudetreatment of Him , He had only thoughts of love toward them , and their heartswere won . After His ascension they welcomed the Saviour ' s messengers , andthe disciples gathered a precious harvest from among those who had once beentheir bitterest enemies . 489 " A bruised reed shall He not break , and the dimly burning flax shall He notquench : He shall bring forth judgment unto truth . " " And in His name shallthe Gentiles trust . " Isa . 42 : 3 , margin ; Matt . 12 : 21 . In sending out the seventy , Jesus bade them , as He had bidden the twelve , not to urge their presence where they were unwelcome . " Into whatsoever cityye enter , and they receive you not , " He said , " go your ways out into thestreets of the same , and say , Even the very dust of your city , whichcleaveth on us , we do wipe off against you : notwithstanding be ye sure ofthis , that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you . " They were not to dothis from motives of resentment or through wounded dignity , but to show howgrievous a thing it is to refuse the Lord ' s message or His messengers . Toreject the Lord ' s servants is to reject Christ Himself . " I say unto you , " Jesus added , " that it shall be more tolerable in that dayfor Sodom , than for that city . " Then His mind reverted to the Galilean townswhere so much of His ministry had been spent . In deeply sorrowful accents Heexclaimed , " Woe unto thee , Chorazin ! woe unto thee , Bethsaida ! for if themighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon , which have been done in you , they had a great while ago repented , sitting in sackcloth and ashes . But itshall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment , than for you . And thou , Capernaum , which art exalted to heaven , shalt be thrust down tohell . " To those busy towns about the Sea of Galilee , heaven ' s richest blessings hadbeen freely offered . Day after day the Prince of life had gone in and outamong them . The glory of God , which prophets and kings had longed to see , had shone upon the multitudes that thronged the Saviour ' s steps . Yet theyhad refused the heavenly Gift . With a great show of prudence the rabbis had warned the people againstreceiving the new doctrines taught by this new teacher ; for His theories andpractices were contrary to the teachings of the fathers . The people gavecredence to what the priests and Pharisees taught , in place of seeking tounderstand the word of God for themselves . They honored the priests andrulers instead of honoring God , and rejected the truth that they might keeptheir own traditions . Many had been impressed and almost persuaded ; but theydid not act upon their convictions , and were not reckoned on the side ofChrist . Satan presented his temptations , until the light appeared asdarkness . Thus many rejected the truth that would have proved the saving ofthe soul . The True Witness says , " Behold , I stand at the door , and knock . " Rev . 3 : 20 . Every warning , reproof , and entreaty in the word of God or 490 through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart . It is the voiceof Jesus asking for entrance . With every knock unheeded , the disposition toopen becomes weaker . The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregardedtoday , will not be as strong tomorrow . The heart becomes less impressible , and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life , and ofthe great eternity beyond . Our condemnation in the judgment will not resultfrom the fact that we have been in error , but from the fact that we haveneglected heaven - sent opportunities for learning what is truth . Like the apostles , the seventy had received supernatural endowments as aseal of their mission . When their work was completed , they returned withjoy , saying , " Lord , even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name . " Jesus answered , " I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven . " The scenes of the past and the future were presented to the mind of Jesus . He beheld Lucifer as he was first cast out from the heavenly places . Helooked forward to the scenes of His own agony , when before all the worldsthe character of the deceiver should be unveiled . He heard the cry , " It isfinished " ( John 19 : 30 ) , announcing that the redemption of the lost race wasforever made certain , that heaven was made eternally secure against theaccusations , the deceptions , the pretensions , that Satan would instigate . Beyond the cross of Calvary , with its agony and shame , Jesus looked forwardto the great final day , when the prince of the power of the air will meethis destruction in the earth so long marred by his rebellion . Jesus beheldthe work of evil forever ended , and the peace of God filling heaven andearth . Henceforward Christ ' s followers were to look upon Satan as a conquered foe . Upon the cross , Jesus was to gain the victory for them ; that victory Hedesired them to accept as their own . " Behold , " He said , " I give unto youpower to tread on serpents and scorpions , and over all the power of theenemy : and nothing shall by any means hurt you . " The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contritesoul . Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection willChrist permit to pass under the enemy ' s power . The Saviour is by the side ofHis tempted and tried ones . With Him there can be no such thing as failure , loss , impossibility , or defeat ; we can do all things through Him whostrengthens us . When temptations and trials 493 come , do not wait to adjust all the difficulties , but look to Jesus , yourhelper . There are Christians who think and speak altogether too much about the powerof Satan . They think of their adversary , they pray about him , they talkabout him , and he looms up greater and greater in their imagination . It istrue that Satan is a powerful being ; but , thank God , we have a mightySaviour , who cast out the evil one from heaven . Satan is pleased when wemagnify his power . Why not talk of Jesus ? Why not magnify His power and Hislove ? The rainbow of promise encircling the throne on high is an everlastingtestimony that " God so loved the world , that He gave His only - begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish , but have everlastinglife . " John 3 : 16 . It testifies to the universe that God will never forsakeHis people in their struggle with evil . It is an assurance to us of strengthand protection as long as the throne itself shall endure . Jesus added , " Notwithstanding in this rejoice not , that the spirits aresubject unto you ; but rather rejoice , because your names are written inheaven . " Rejoice not in the possession of power , lest you lose sight of yourdependence upon God . Be careful lest self - sufficiency come in , and you workin your own strength , rather than in the spirit and strength of your Master . Self is ever ready to take the credit if any measure of success attends thework . Self is flattered and exalted , and the impression is not made uponother minds that God is all and in all . The apostle Paul says , " When I amweak , then am I strong . " 2 Cor . 12 : 10 . When we have a realization of ourweakness , we learn to depend upon a power not inherent . Nothing can take sostrong a hold on the heart as the abiding sense of our responsibility toGod . Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as asense of the pardoning love of Christ . We are to come in touch with God , then we shall be imbued with His Holy Spirit , that enables us to come intouch with our fellow men . Then rejoice that through Christ you have becomeconnected with God , members of the heavenly family . While you look higherthan yourself , you will have a continual sense of the weakness of humanity . The less you cherish self , the more distinct and full will be yourcomprehension of the excellence of your Saviour . The more closely youconnect yourself with the source of light and power , the greater light willbe shed upon you , and the greater power will be yours to work for God . Rejoice that you are one with God , one with Christ , and with the wholefamily of heaven . 494 As the seventy listened to the words of Christ , the Holy Spirit wasimpressing their minds with living realities , and writing truth upon thetablets of the soul . Though multitudes surrounded them , they were as thoughshut in with God . Knowing that they had caught the inspiration of the hour , Jesus " rejoiced inspirit , and said , I thank Thee , O Father , Lord of heaven and earth , thatThou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent , and hast revealed themunto babes : even so , Father ; for so it seemed good in Thy sight . All thingsare delivered to Me of My Father : and no man knoweth who the Son is , but theFather , and who the Father is , but the Son , and he to whom the Son willreveal Him . " The honored men of the world , the so - called great and wise men , with alltheir boasted wisdom , could not comprehend the character of Christ . Theyjudged Him from outward appearance , from the humiliation that came upon Himas a human being . But to fishermen and publicans it had been given to seethe Invisible . Even the disciples failed of understanding all that Jesusdesired to reveal to them ; but from time to time , as they surrenderedthemselves to the Holy Spirit ' s power , their minds were illuminated . Theyrealized that the mighty God , clad in the garb of humanity , was among them . Jesus rejoiced that though this knowledge was not possessed by the wise andprudent , it had been revealed to these humble men . Often as He had presentedthe Old Testament Scriptures , and showed their application to Himself andHis work of atonement , they had been awakened by His Spirit , and lifted intoa heavenly atmosphere . Of the spiritual truths spoken by the prophets theyhad a clearer understanding than had the original writers themselves . Hereafter they would read the Old Testament Scriptures , not as the doctrinesof the scribes and Pharisees , not as the utterances of wise men who weredead , but as a new revelation from God . They beheld Him " whom the worldcannot receive , because it seeth Him not , neither knoweth Him : but ye knowHim ; for He dwelleth with you , and shall be in you . " John 14 : 17 . The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is bykeeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ . The soul mustbe cleansed from vanity and pride , and vacated of all that has held it inpossession , and Christ must be enthroned within . Human science is toolimited to comprehend the atonement . The plan of redemption is sofar - reaching that philosophy cannot explain it . It will 495 ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom . Thescience of salvation cannot be explained ; but it can be known by experience . Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of theSaviour . Full of instruction were the lessons which Christ taught as He slowly madeHis way from Galilee toward Jerusalem . Eagerly the people listened to Hiswords . In Perea as in Galilee the people were less under the control ofJewish bigotry than in Judea , and His teaching found a response in theirhearts . During these last months of His ministry , many of Christ ' s parables werespoken . The priests and rabbis pursued Him with ever - increasing bitterness , and His warnings to them He veiled in symbols . They could not mistake Hismeaning , yet they could find in His words nothing on which to ground anaccusation against Him . In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican , theself - sufficient prayer , " God , I thank Thee that I am not as the rest ofmen , " stood out in sharp contrast to the penitent ' s plea , " Be merciful to methe sinner . " Luke 18 : 11 , 13 , R . V . , margin . Thus Christ rebuked thehypocrisy of the Jews . And under the figures of the barren fig tree and thegreat supper He foretold the doom about to fall upon the impenitent nation . Those who had scornfully rejected the invitation to the gospel feast heardHis warning words : " I say unto you , That none of those men which were biddenshall taste of My supper . " Luke 14 : 24 . Very precious was the instruction given to the disciples . The parable of theimportunate widow and the friend asking for bread at midnight gave new forceto His words , " Ask , and it shall be given you ; seek , and ye shall find ; knock , and it shall be opened unto you . " Luke 11 : 9 . And often their waveringfaith was strengthened by the memory that Christ had said , " Shall not God dojustice for His elect , which cry to Him day and night , and He islong - suffering over them ? I say unto you , that He will do them justicespeedily . " Luke 18 : 7 , 8 , R . V . , margin . The beautiful parable of the lost sheep Christ repeated . And He carried itslesson still farther , as He told of the lost piece of silver and theprodigal son . The force of these lessons the disciples could not then fullyappreciate ; but after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit , as they saw theingathering of the Gentiles and the envious anger of the Jews , they betterunderstood the lesson of the prodigal son , and could enter into the joy ofChrist ' s words , " It was meet that we should make merry , 496 and be glad ;" " for this my son was dead , and is alive again ; he was lost , and is found . " Luke 15 : 32 , 24 . And as they went out in their Master ' s name , facing reproach and poverty and persecution , they often strengthened theirhearts by repeating His injunction , spoken on this last journey , " Fear not , little flock ; for it is your Father ' s good pleasure to give you the kingdom . Sell that ye have , and give alms ; provide yourselves bags which wax not old , a treasure in the heavens that faileth not , where no thief approacheth , neither moth corrupteth . For where your treasure is , there will your heartbe also . " Luke 12 : 32 - 34 . ( 497 ) Chapter 54 The Good Samaritan [ This chapter is based on Luke 10 : 25 - 37 . ] In the story of the good Samaritan , Christ illustrates the nature of truereligion . He shows that it consists not in systems , creeds , or rites , but inthe performance of loving deeds , in bringing the greatest good to others , ingenuine goodness . As Christ was teaching the people , " a certain lawyer stood up , and temptedHim , saying , Master , what shall I do to inherit eternal life ? " Withbreathless attention the large congregation awaited the answer . The priestsand rabbis had thought to entangle Christ by having the lawyer ask thisquestion . But the Saviour entered into no controversy . He required theanswer from the questioner himself . " What is written in the law ? " He said ;" how readest thou ? " The Jews still accused Jesus of lightly regarding thelaw given from Sinai ; but He turned the question of salvation upon thekeeping of God ' s commandments . The lawyer said , " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , andwith all thy soul , and with all thy strength , and with all thy mind ; and thyneighbor as thyself . " Jesus said , " Thou hast answered right : this do , andthou shalt live . " The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees . He had been studying the Scriptures with a desire to learn their realmeaning . He had a vital interest in the matter , and had asked in sincerity , " What shall I do ? " In his answer as to the requirements 498 of the law , he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualisticprecepts . For these he claimed no value , but presented the two greatprinciples on which hang all the law and the prophets . This answer , beingcommended by Christ , placed the Saviour on vantage ground with the rabbis . They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced byan expositor of the law . " This do , and thou shalt live , " Jesus said . He presented the law as a divineunity , and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep oneprecept , and break another ; for the same principle runs through them all . Man ' s destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law . Supremelove to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought outin the life . The lawyer found himself a lawbreaker . He was convicted under Christ ' ssearching words . The righteousness of the law , which he claimed tounderstand , he had not practiced . He had not manifested love toward hisfellow man . Repentance was demanded ; but instead of repenting , he tried tojustify himself . Rather than acknowledge the truth , he sought to show howdifficult of fulfillment the commandment is . Thus he hoped both to parryconviction and to vindicate himself in the eyes of the people . The Saviour ' swords had shown that his question was needless , since he had been able toanswer it himself . Yet he put another question , saying , " Who is myneighbor ? " Among the Jews this question caused endless dispute . They had no doubt as tothe heathen and the Samaritans ; these were strangers and enemies . But whereshould the distinction be made among the people of their own nation , andamong the different classes of society ? Whom should the priest , the rabbi , the elder , regard as neighbor ? They spent their lives in a round ofceremonies to make themselves pure . Contact with the ignorant and carelessmultitude , they taught , would cause defilement that would require wearisomeeffort to remove . Were they to regard the " unclean " as neighbors ? Again Jesus refused to be drawn into controversy . He did not denounce thebigotry of those who were watching to condemn Him . But by a simple story Heheld up before His hearers such a picture of the outflowing of heaven - bornlove as touched all hearts , and drew from the lawyer a confession of thetruth . The way to dispel darkness is to admit light . The best way to deal witherror is to present truth . It is the revelation of God ' s love that makesmanifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self . 499 " A certain man , " said Jesus , " was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho ; andhe fell among robbers , which both stripped him and beat him , and departed , leaving him half dead . And by chance a certain priest was going down thatway : and when he saw him , he passed by on the other side . And in like mannera Levite also , when he came to the place , and saw him , passed by on theother side . " Luke 10 : 30 - 32 , R . V . This was no imaginary scene , but an actualoccurrence , which was known to be exactly as represented . The priest and theLevite who had passed by on the other side were in the company that listenedto Christ ' s words . In journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho , the traveler had to pass through aportion of the wilderness of Judea . The road led down a wild , rocky ravine , which was infested by robbers , and was often the scene of violence . It washere that the traveler was attacked , stripped of all that was valuable , wounded and bruised , and left half dead by the wayside . As he lay thus , thepriest came that way ; but he merely glanced toward the wounded man . Then theLevite appeared . Curious to know what had happened , he stopped and looked atthe sufferer . He was convicted of what he ought to do ; but it was not anagreeable duty . He wished that he had not come that way , so that he need nothave seen the wounded man . He persuaded himself that the case was no concernof his . Both these men were in sacred office , and professed to expound theScriptures . They were of the class specially chosen to be representatives ofGod to the people . They were to " have compassion on the ignorant , and onthem that are out of the way " ( Heb . 5 : 2 ) , that they might lead 500 men to understand God ' s great love toward humanity . The work they werecalled to do was the same that Jesus had described as His own when He said , " The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me , because He hath anointed Me to preachthe gospel to the poor ; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted , to preachdeliverance to the captives , and recovering of sight to the blind , to set atliberty them that are bruised . " Luke 4 : 18 . The angels of heaven look upon the distress of God ' s family upon the earth , and they are prepared to co - operate with men in relieving oppression andsuffering . God in His providence had brought the priest and the Levite alongthe road where the wounded sufferer lay , that they might see his need ofmercy and help . All heaven watched to see if the hearts of these men wouldbe touched with pity for human woe . The Saviour was the one who hadinstructed the Hebrews in the wilderness ; from the pillar of cloud and offire He had taught a very different lesson from that which the people werenow receiving from their priests and teachers . The merciful provisions ofthe law extended even to the lower animals , which cannot express in wordstheir want and suffering . Directions had been given to Moses for thechildren of Israel to this effect : " If thou meet thine enemy ' s ox or his assgoing astray , thou shalt surely bring it back to him again . If thou see theass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden , and wouldest forbear tohelp him , thou shalt surely help with him . " Ex . 23 : 4 , 5 . But in the manwounded by robbers , Jesus presented the case of a brother in suffering . Howmuch more should their hearts have been moved with pity for him than for abeast of burden ! The message had been given them through Moses that the Lordtheir God , " a great God , a mighty , and a terrible , " " doth execute thejudgment of the fatherless and widow , and loveth the stranger . " Wherefore Hecommanded , " Love ye therefore the stranger . " " Thou shalt love him asthyself . " Deut . 10 : 17 - 19 ; Lev . 19 : 34 . Job had said , " The stranger did not lodge in the street : but I opened mydoors to the traveler . " And when the two angels in the guise of men came toSodom , Lot bowed himself with his face toward the ground , and said , " Beholdnow , my lords , turn in , I pray you , into your servant ' s house , and tarry allnight . " Job 31 : 32 ; Gen . 19 : 2 . With all these lessons the priest and theLevite were familiar , but they had not brought them into practical life . Trained in the school of national bigotry , they had become selfish , narrow , and exclusive . When they looked upon the wounded man , they could not tellwhether he was of their nation or not . They thought he might be of theSamaritans , and they turned away . 503 In their action , as Christ had described it , the lawyer saw nothing contraryto what he had been taught concerning the requirements of the law . But nowanother scene was presented : A certain Samaritan , in his journey , came where the sufferer was , and whenhe saw him , he had compassion on him . He did not question whether thestranger was a Jew or a Gentile . If a Jew , the Samaritan well knew that , were their condition reversed , the man would spit in his face , and pass himby with contempt . But he did not hesitate on account of this . He did notconsider that he himself might be in danger of violence by tarrying in theplace . It was enough that there was before him a human being in need andsuffering . He took off his own garment with which to cover him . The oil andwine provided for his own journey he used to heal and refresh the woundedman . He lifted him on his own beast , and moved slowly along with even pace , so that the stranger might not be jarred , and made to suffer increased pain . He brought him to an inn , and cared for him through the night , watching himtenderly . In the morning , as the sick man had improved , the Samaritanventured to go on his way . But before doing this , he placed him in the careof the innkeeper , paid the charges , and left a deposit for his benefit ; andnot satisfied even with this , he made provision for any further need , sayingto the host , " Take care of him ; and whatsoever thou spendest more , when Icome again , I will repay thee . " The story ended , Jesus fixed His eyes upon the lawyer , in a glance thatseemed to read his soul , and said , " Which of these three , thinkest thou , proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers ? " Luke 10 : 36 , R . V . The lawyer would not , even now , take the name Samaritan upon his lips , andhe made answer , " He that showed mercy on him . " Jesus said , " Go , and do thoulikewise . " Thus the question , " Who is my neighbor ? " is forever answered . Christ hasshown that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith towhich we belong . It has no reference to race , color , or class distinction . Our neighbor is every person who needs our help . Our neighbor is every soulwho is wounded and bruised by the adversary . Our neighbor is everyone who isthe property of God . In the story of the good Samaritan , Jesus gave a picture of Himself and Hismission . Man had been deceived , bruised , robbed , and ruined by Satan , andleft to perish ; but the Saviour had compassion on our 504 helpless condition . He left His glory , to come to our rescue . He found usready to die , and He undertook our case . He healed our wounds . He covered uswith His robe of righteousness . He opened to us a refuge of safety , and madecomplete provision for us at His own charges . He died to redeem us . Pointingto His own example , He says to His followers , " These things I command you , that ye love one another . " " As I have loved you , that ye also love oneanother . " John 15 : 17 ; 13 : 34 . The lawyer ' s question to Jesus had been , " What shall I do ? " And Jesus , recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness , had said , " Thisdo , and thou shalt live . " The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kindand loving heart , and in this had proved himself a doer of the law . Christbade the lawyer , " Go , and do thou likewise . " Doing , and not saying merely , is expected of the children of God . " He that saith he abideth in Him oughthimself also so to walk , even as He walked . " 1 John 2 : 6 . The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from thelips of Jesus . Selfishness and cold formality have well - nigh extinguishedthe fire of love , and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant thecharacter . Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact thatChristians are to represent Christ . Unless there is practical self - sacrificefor the good of others , in the family circle , in the neighborhood , in thechurch , and wherever we may be , then whatever our profession , we are notChristians . Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity , and He asks us tobecome one with Him for the saving of humanity . " Freely ye have received , " He says , " freely give . " Matt . 10 : 8 . Sin is the greatest of all evils , and itis ours to pity and help the sinner . There are many who err , and who feeltheir shame and their folly . They are hungry for words of encouragement . They look upon their mistakes and errors , until they are driven almost todesperation . These souls we are not to neglect . If we are Christians , weshall not pass by on the other side , keeping as far as possible from thevery ones who most need our help . When we see human beings in distress , whether through affliction or through sin , we shall never say , This does notconcern me . " Ye which are spiritual , restore such an one in the spirit of meekness . " Gal . 6 : 1 . By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy . Speak wordsof faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised andwounded one . Many , many , have fainted and become discouraged 505 in the great struggle of life , when one word of kindly cheer would havestrengthened them to overcome . Never should we pass by one suffering soulwithout seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comfortedof God . All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law , -- the principlethat is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan , and made manifest inthe life of Jesus . His character reveals the true significance of the law , and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves . And when thechildren of God manifest mercy , kindness , and love toward all men , they alsoare witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven . They are bearingtestimony to the fact that " the law of the Lord is perfect , converting thesoul . " Ps . 19 : 7 . And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the lawwhich he professes to revere . For the spirit we manifest toward our brethrendeclares what is our spirit toward God . The love of God in the heart is theonly spring of love toward our neighbor . " If a man say , I love God , andhateth his brother , he is a liar : for he that loveth not his brother whom hehath seen , how can he love God whom he hath not seen ? " Beloved , " if we loveone another , God dwelleth in us , and His love is perfected in us . " 1 John 4 : 20 , 12 . ( 506 ) Chapter 55 Not With Outward Show [ This chapter is based on Luke 17 : 20 - 22 . ] Some of the Pharisees had come to Jesus demanding " when the kingdom of Godshould come . " More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gavethe message that like a trumpet call had sounded through the land , " Thekingdom of heaven is at hand . " Matt . 3 : 2 . And as yet these Pharisees saw noindication of the establishment of the kingdom . Many of those who rejectedJohn , and at every step had opposed Jesus , were insinuating that His missionhad failed . Jesus answered , " The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show ; [ margin ] : neither shall they say , Lo here ! or , lo there ! for , behold , the kingdom ofGod is within you . " The kingdom of God begins in the heart . Look not here orthere for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming . " The days will come , " He said , turning to His disciples , " when ye shalldesire to see one of the days of the Son of man , and ye shall not see it . " Because it is not attended by worldly pomp , you are in danger of failing todiscern the glory of My mission . You do not realize how great is yourpresent privilege in having among you , though veiled in humanity , Him who isthe life and the light of men . The days will come when you will look backwith longing upon the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with theSon of God . Because of their selfishness and earthliness , even the disciples of Jesus 507 could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal untothem . It was not until after Christ ' s ascension to His Father , and theoutpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers , that the disciples fullyappreciated the Saviour ' s character and mission . After they had received thebaptism of the Spirit , they began to realize that they had been in the verypresence of the Lord of glory . As the sayings of Christ were brought totheir remembrance , their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies , andto understand the miracles which He had wrought . The wonders of His lifepassed before them , and they were as men awakened from a dream . Theyrealized that " the Word was made flesh , and dwelt among us , ( and we beheldHis glory , the glory as of the only - begotten of the Father , ) full of graceand truth . " John 1 : 14 . Christ had actually come from God to a sinful worldto save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam . The disciples now seemed , tothemselves , of much less importance than before they realized this . Theynever wearied of rehearsing His words and works . His lessons , which they hadbut dimly understood , now came to them as a fresh revelation . The Scripturesbecame to them a new book . As the disciples searched the prophecies that testified of Christ , they werebrought into fellowship with the Deity , and learned of Him who had ascendedto heaven to complete the work He had begun on earth . They recognized thefact that in Him dwelt knowledge which no human being , unaided by divineagency , could comprehend . They needed the help of Him whom kings , prophets , and righteous men had foretold . With amazement they read and reread theprophetic delineations of His character and work . How dimly had theycomprehended the prophetic scriptures ! how slow they had been in taking inthe great truths which testified of Christ ! Looking upon Him in Hishumiliation , as He walked a man among men , they had not understood themystery of His incarnation , the dual character of His nature . Their eyeswere holden , so that they did not fully recognize divinity in humanity . Butafter they were illuminated by the Holy Spirit , how they longed to see Himagain , and to place themselves at His feet ! How they wished that they mightcome to Him , and have Him explain the scriptures which they could notcomprehend ! How attentively would they listen to His words ! What had Christmeant when He said , " I have yet many things to say unto you , but ye cannotbear them now "? John 16 : 12 . How eager they were to know it all ! They grievedthat their faith had been so 508 feeble , that their ideas had been so wide of the mark , that they had sofailed of comprehending the reality . A herald had been sent from God to proclaim the coming of Christ , and tocall the attention of the Jewish nation and of the world to His mission , that men might prepare for His reception . The wonderful personage whom Johnhad announced had been among them for more than thirty years , and they hadnot really known Him as the one sent from God . Remorse took hold of thedisciples because they had allowed the prevailing unbelief to leaven theiropinions and becloud their understanding . The Light of this dark world hadbeen shining amid its gloom , and they had failed to comprehend whence wereits beams . They asked themselves why they had pursued a course that made itnecessary for Christ to reprove them . They often repeated His conversations , and said , Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition ofpriests and rabbis to confuse our senses , so that we did not comprehend thata greater than Moses was among us , that one wiser than Solomon wasinstructing us ? How dull were our ears ! how feeble was our understanding ! Thomas would not believe until he had thrust his finger into the wound madeby the Roman soldiers . Peter had denied Him in His humiliation andrejection . These painful remembrances came before them in distinct lines . They had been with Him , but they had not known or appreciated Him . But howthese things now stirred their hearts as they recognized their unbelief ! As priests and rulers combined against them , and they were brought beforecouncils and thrust into prison , the followers of Christ rejoiced " that theywere counted worthy to suffer shame for His name . " Acts 5 : 41 . They rejoicedto prove , before men and angels , that they recognized the glory of Christ , and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things . It is as true now as in apostolic days , that without the illumination of thedivine Spirit , humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ . The truth andthe work of God are unappreciated by a world - loving and compromisingChristianity . Not in the ways of ease , of earthly honor or worldlyconformity , are the followers of the Master found . They are far in advance , in the paths of toil , and humiliation , and reproach , in the front of thebattle " against the principalities , against the powers , against the worldrulers of this darkness , against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in theheavenly places . " Eph . 6 : 12 , R . V . And now , as in 509 Christ ' s day , they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by thepriests and Pharisees of their time . The kingdom of God comes not with outward show . The gospel of the grace ofGod , with its spirit of self - abnegation , can never be in harmony with thespirit of the world . The two principles are antagonistic . " The natural manreceiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolishness untohim : neither can he know them , because they are spiritually discerned . " 1 Cor . 2 : 14 . But today in the religious world there are multitudes who , as they believe , are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly andtemporal dominion . They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms ofthis world , the ruler in its courts and camps , its legislative halls , itspalaces and market places . They expect Him to rule through legal enactments , enforced by human authority . Since Christ is not now here in person , theythemselves will undertake to act in His stead , to execute the laws of Hiskingdom . The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in thedays of Christ . They would have received Jesus , had He been willing toestablish a temporal dominion , to enforce what they regarded as the laws ofGod , and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of Hisauthority . But He said , " My kingdom is not of this world . " John 18 : 36 . Hewould not accept the earthly throne . The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive ; on everyhand were crying abuses , -- extortion , intolerance , and grinding cruelty . Yetthe Saviour attempted no civil reforms . He attacked no national abuses , norcondemned the national enemies . He did not interfere with the authority oradministration of those in power . He who was our example kept aloof fromearthly governments . Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men , butbecause the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures . To beefficient , the cure must reach men individually , and must regenerate theheart . Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies , not bythe patronage of worldly great men , is the kingdom of Christ established , but by the implanting of Christ ' s nature in humanity through the work of theHoly Spirit . " As many as received Him , to them gave He power to become thesons of God , even to them that believe on His name : which were born , not ofblood , nor of the will of the flesh , nor of the will of man , but of God . " John 1 : 12 , 13 . Here is the only power that 510 can work the uplifting of mankind . And the human agency for theaccomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word ofGod . When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth , that populous , wealthy , and wicked city , polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism , he said , " Idetermined not to know anything among you , save Jesus Christ , and Himcrucified . " 1 Cor . 2 : 2 . Writing afterward to some of those who had beencorrupted by the foulest sins , he could say , " But ye are washed , but ye aresanctified , but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus , and by theSpirit of our God . " " I thank my God always on your behalf , for the grace ofGod which is given you by Jesus Christ . " 1 Cor . 6 : 11 ; 1 : 4 . Now , as in Christ ' s day , the work of God ' s kingdom lies not with those whoare clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws , but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritualtruths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul : " I amcrucified with Christ : nevertheless I live ; yet not I , but Christ liveth inme . " Gal . 2 : 20 . Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men . Hesaid , " Now then we are ambassadors for Christ , as though God did beseech youby us : we pray you in Christ ' s stead , be ye reconciled to God . " 2 Cor . 5 : 20 . ( 511 ) Chapter 56 Blessing the Children [ This chapter is based on Matt . 19 : 13 - 15 ; Mark 10 : 13 - 16 ; Luke 18 : 15 - 17 . ] Jesus was ever a lover of children . He accepted their childish sympathy andtheir open , unaffected love . The grateful praise from their pure lips wasmusic in His ears , and refreshed His spirit when oppressed by contact withcrafty and hypocritical men . Wherever the Saviour went , the benignity of Hiscountenance , and His gentle , kindly manner won the love and confidence ofchildren . Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi , that he might lay his hands upon them in blessing ; but the Saviour ' sdisciples thought His work too important to be interrupted in this way . Whenthe mothers came to Him with their little ones , the disciples looked on themwith disfavor . They thought these children too young to be benefited by avisit to Jesus , and concluded that He would be displeased at their presence . But it was the disciples with whom He was displeased . The Saviour understoodthe care and burden of the mothers who were seeking to train their childrenaccording to the word of God . He had heard their prayers . He Himself haddrawn them into His presence . One mother with her child had left her home to find Jesus . on the way shetold a neighbor her errand , and the neighbor wanted to have Jesus bless herchildren . Thus several mothers came together , with their little ones . Someof the children had passed beyond the years of 512 infancy to childhood and youth . When the mothers made known their desire , Jesus heard with sympathy the timid , tearful request . But He waited to seehow the disciples would treat them . When He saw them send the mothers away , thinking to do Him a favor , He showed them their error , saying , " Suffer thelittle children to come unto Me , and forbid them not : for of such is thekingdom of God . " He took the children in His arms , He laid His hands uponthem , and gave them the blessing for which they came . The mothers were comforted . They returned to their homes strengthened andblessed by the words of Christ . They were encouraged to take up their burdenwith new cheerfulness , and to work hopefully for their children . The mothersof today are to receive His words with the same faith . Christ is as verily apersonal Saviour today as when He lived a man among men . He is as verily thehelper of mothers today as when He gathered the little ones to His arms inJudea . The children of our hearths are as much the purchase of His blood aswere the children of long ago . Jesus knows the burden of every mother ' s heart . He who had a mother thatstruggled with poverty and privation sympathizes with every mother in herlabors . He who made a long journey in order to relieve the anxious heart ofa Canaanite woman will do as much for the mothers of today . He who gave backto the widow of Nain her only son , and who in His agony upon the crossremembered His own mother , is touched today by the mother ' s sorrow . In everygrief and every need He will give comfort and help . Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities . They will find gracesufficient to aid them in the management of their children . The gates areopen for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Saviour ' s feet . Hewho said , " Suffer the little children to come unto Me , and forbid them not , " still invites the mothers to lead up their little ones to be blessed by Him . Even the babe in its mother ' s arms may dwell as under the shadow of theAlmighty through the faith of the praying mother . John the Baptist wasfilled with the Holy Spirit from his birth . If we will live in communionwith God , we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones , evenfrom their earliest moments . In the children who were brought in contact with Him , Jesus saw the men andwomen who should be heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdom , and someof whom would become martyrs for His sake . 515 He knew that these children would listen to Him and accept Him as theirRedeemer far more readily than would grown - up people , many of whom were theworldly - wise and hardhearted . In His teaching He came down to their level . He , the Majesty of heaven , did not disdain to answer their questions , andsimplify His important lessons to meet their childish understanding . Heplanted in their minds the seeds of truth , which in after years would springup , and bear fruit unto eternal life . It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings ofthe gospel ; their hearts are open to divine influences , and strong to retainthe lessons received . The little children may be Christians , having anexperience in accordance with their years . They need to be educated inspiritual things , and parents should give them every advantage , that theymay form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ . Fathers and mothers should look upon their children as younger members ofthe Lord ' s family , committed to them to educate for heaven . The lessons thatwe ourselves learn from Christ we should give to our children , as the youngminds can receive them , little by little opening to them the beauty of theprinciples of heaven . Thus the Christian home becomes a school , where theparents serve as underteachers , while Christ Himself is the chiefinstructor . In working for the conversion of our children , we should not look forviolent emotion as the essential evidence of conviction of sin . Nor is itnecessary to know the exact time when they are converted . We should teachthem to bring their sins to Jesus , asking His forgiveness , and believingthat He pardons and receives them as He received the children when He waspersonally on earth . As the mother teaches her children to obey her because they love her , she isteaching them the first lessons in the Christian life . The mother ' s loverepresents to the child the love of Christ , and the little ones who trustand obey their mother are learning to trust and obey the Saviour . Jesus was the pattern for children , and He was also the father ' s example . Hespoke as one having authority , and His word was with power ; yet in all Hisintercourse with rude and violent men He did not use one unkind ordiscourteous ｅxpression . The grace of Christ in the heart will impart aheaven - born dignity and sense of propriety . It will soften whatever isharsh , and subdue all that is coarse and unkind . It will lead fathers andmothers to treat their children as intelligent beings , as they themselveswould like to be treated . 516 Parents , in the training of your children , study the lessons that God hasgiven in nature . If you would train a pink , or rose , or lily , how would youdo it ? Ask the gardener by what process he makes every branch and leaf toflourish so beautifully , and to develop in symmetry and loveliness . He willtell you that it was by no rude touch , no violent effort ; for this wouldonly break the delicate stems . It was by little attentions , often repeated . He moistened the soil , and protected the growing plants from the fierceblasts and from the scorching sun , and God caused them to flourish and toblossom into loveliness . In dealing with your children , follow the method ofthe gardener . By gentle touches , by loving ministrations , seek to fashiontheir characters after the pattern of the character of Christ . Encourage the ｅxpression of love toward God and toward one another . Thereason why there are so many hardhearted men and women in the world is thattrue affection has been regarded as weakness , and has been discouraged andrepressed . The better nature of these persons was stifled in childhood ; andunless the light of divine love shall melt away their cold selfishness , their happiness will be forever ruined . If we wish our children to possessthe tender spirit of Jesus , and the sympathy that angels manifest for us , wemust encourage the generous , loving impulses of childhood . Teach the children to see Christ in nature . Take them out into the open air , under the noble trees , into the garden ; and in all the wonderful works ofcreation teach them to see an ｅxpression of His love . Teach them that Hemade the laws which govern all living things , that He has made laws for us , and that these laws are for our happiness and joy . Do 517 not weary them with long prayers and tedious exhortations , but throughnature ' s object lessons teach them obedience to the law of God . As you win their confidence in you as followers of Christ , it will be easyto teach them of the great love wherewith He has loved us . As you try tomake plain the truths of salvation , and point the children to Christ as apersonal Saviour , angels will be by your side . The Lord will give to fathersand mothers grace to interest their little ones in the precious story of theBabe of Bethlehem , who is indeed the hope of the world . When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him , Hewas speaking to His followers in all ages , -- to officers of the church , toministers , helpers , and all Christians . Jesus is drawing the children , andHe bids us , Suffer them to come ; as if He would say , They will come if youdo not hinder them . Let not your un - Christlike character misrepresent Jesus . Do not keep thelittle ones away from Him by your coldness and harshness . Never give themcause to feel that heaven will not be a pleasant place to them if you arethere . Do not speak of religion as something that children cannotunderstand , or act as if they were not expected to accept Christ in theirchildhood . Do not give them the false impression that the religion of Christis a religion of gloom , and that in coming to the Saviour they must give upall that makes life joyful . As the Holy Spirit moves upon the hearts of the children , co - operate withHis work . Teach them that the Saviour is calling them , that nothing can giveHim greater joy than for them to give themselves to Him in the bloom andfreshness of their years . The Saviour regards with infinite tenderness the souls whom He has purchasedwith His own blood . They are the claim of His love . He looks upon them withunutterable longing . His heart is drawn out , not only to the best - behavedchildren , but to those who have by inheritance objectionable traits ofcharacter . Many parents do not understand how much they are responsible forthese traits in their children . They have not the tenderness and wisdom todeal with the erring ones whom they have made what they are . But Jesus looksupon these children with pity . He traces from cause to effect . The Christian worker may be Christ ' s agent in drawing these children to theSaviour . By wisdom and tact he may bind them to his heart , he may give themcourage and hope , and through the grace of Christ may see them transformedin character , so that of them it may be said , " Of such is the kingdom ofGod . " ( 518 ) Chapter 57 one Thing Thou Lackest " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 19 : 16 - 22 ; Mark 10 : 17 - 22 ; Luke 18 : 18 - 23 . ] And when He was gone forth into the way , there came one running , and kneeledto Him , and asked Him , Good Master , what shall I do that I may inheriteternal life ? " The young man who asked this question was a ruler . He had great possessions , and occupied a position of responsibility . He saw the love that Christmanifested toward the children brought to Him ; he saw how tenderly Hereceived them , and took them up in His arms , and his heart kindled with lovefor the Saviour . He felt a desire to be His disciple . He was so deeply movedthat as Christ was going on His way , he ran after Him , and kneeling at Hisfeet , asked with sincerity and earnestness the question so important to hissoul and to the soul of every human being , " Good Master , what shall I dothat I may inherit eternal life ? " " Why callest thou Me good ? " said Christ , " there is none good but one , thatis , God . " Jesus desired to test the ruler ' s sincerity , and to draw from himthe way in which he regarded Him as good . Did he realize that the one towhom he was speaking was the Son of God ? What was the true sentiment of hisheart ? This ruler had a high estimate of his own righteousness . He did not reallysuppose that he was defective in anything , yet he was not altogethersatisfied . He felt the want of something that he did not possess . Could notJesus bless him as He blessed the little children , and satisfy his soulwant ? In reply to this question Jesus told him that obedience to the commandmentsof God was necessary if he would obtain eternal life ; and He quoted severalof the commandments which show man ' s duty to his 519 fellow men . The ruler ' s answer was positive : " All these things have I keptfrom my youth up : what lack I yet ? " Christ looked into the face of the young man , as if reading his life andsearching his character . He loved him , and He hungered to give him thatpeace and grace and joy which would materially change his character . onething thou lackest , " He said ; " go thy way , sell whatsoever thou hast , andgive to the poor , and thou shalt have treasure in heaven : and come , take upthe cross , and follow Me . " Christ was drawn to this young man . He knew him to be sincere in hisassertion , " All these things have I kept from my youth . " The Redeemer longedto create in him that discernment which would enable him to see thenecessity of heart devotion and Christian goodness . He longed to see in hima humble and contrite heart , conscious of the supreme love to be given toGod , and hiding its lack in the perfection of Christ . Jesus saw in this ruler just the help He needed if the young man wouldbecome a colaborer with Him in the work of salvation . If he would placehimself under Christ ' s guidance , he would be a power for good . In a markeddegree the ruler could have represented Christ ; for he possessedqualifications , which , if he were united with the Saviour , would enable himto become a divine force among men . Christ , seeing into his character , lovedhim . Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler ' s heart ; for love begetslove . Jesus longed to see him a co - worker with Him . He longed to make himlike Himself , a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected . Helonged to develop the excellence of his character , and sanctify it to theMaster ' s use . If the ruler had then given himself to Christ , he would havegrown in the atmosphere of His presence . If he had made this choice , howdifferent would have been his future ! one thing thou lackest , " Jesus said . " If thou wilt be perfect , go and sellthat thou hast , and give to the poor , and thou shalt have treasure inheaven : and come and follow Me . " Christ read the ruler ' s heart . only onething he lacked , but that was a vital principle . He needed the love of Godin the soul . This lack , unless supplied , would prove fatal to him ; his wholenature would become corrupted . By indulgence , selfishness would strengthen . That he might receive the love of God , his supreme love of self must besurrendered . Christ gave this man a test . He called upon him to choose between theheavenly treasure and worldly greatness . The heavenly treasure was assuredhim if he would follow Christ . But self must yield ; his will must be giveninto Christ ' s control . The very holiness of God was 520 offered to the young ruler . He had the privilege of becoming a son of God , and a coheir with Christ to the heavenly treasure . But he must take up thecross , and follow the Saviour in the path of self - denial . Christ ' s words were verily to the ruler the invitation , " Choose you this daywhom ye will serve . " Joshua 24 : 15 . The choice was left with him . Jesus wasyearning for his conversion . He had shown him the plague spot in hischaracter , and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young manweighed the question ! If he decided to follow Christ , he must obey His wordsin everything . He must turn from his ambitious projects . With what earnest , anxious longing , what soul hunger , did the Saviour look at the young man , hoping that he would yield to the invitation of the Spirit of God ! Christ made the only terms which could place the ruler where he wouldperfect a Christian character . His words were words of wisdom , though theyappeared severe and exacting . In accepting and obeying them was the ruler ' sonly hope of salvation . His exalted position and his possessions wereexerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character . If cherished , theywould supplant God in his affections . To keep back little or much from Godwas to retain that which would lessen his moral strength and efficiency ; forif the things of this world are cherished , however uncertain and unworthythey may be , they will become all - absorbing . The ruler was quick to discern all that Christ ' s words involved , and hebecame sad . If he had realized the value of the offered gift , quickly wouldhe have enrolled himself as one of Christ ' s followers . He was a member ofthe honored council of the Jews , and Satan was tempting him with flatteringprospects of the future . He wanted the heavenly treasure , but he wanted alsothe temporal advantages his riches would bring him . He was sorry that suchconditions existed ; he desired eternal life , but he was not willing to makethe sacrifice . The cost of eternal life seemed too great , and he went awaysorrowful ; " for he had great possessions . " His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception . He showed thatriches were his idol . He could not keep the commandments of God while theworld was first in his affections . He loved the gifts of God more than heloved the Giver . Christ had offered the young man fellowship with Himself . " Follow Me , " He said . But the Saviour was not so much to him as his own nameamong men or his possessions . To give up his earthly treasure , that wasseen , for the heavenly treasure , that was unseen , was too great a risk . Herefused the offer of eternal life , and went away , and ever after the worldwas to receive his worship . 523 Thousands are passing through this ordeal , weighing Christ against theworld ; and many choose the world . Like the young ruler , they turn from theSaviour , saying in their hearts , I will not have this Man as my leader . Christ ' s dealing with the young man is presented as an object lesson . Godhas given us the rule of conduct which every one of His servants mustfollow . It is obedience to His law , not merely a legal obedience , but anobedience which enters into the life , and is exemplified in the character . God has set His own standard of character for all who would become subjectsof His kingdom . only those who will become co - workers with Christ , onlythose who will say , Lord , all I have and all I am is Thine , will beacknowledged as sons and daughters of God . All should consider what it meansto desire heaven , and yet to turn away because of the conditions laid down . Think of what it means to say " No " to Christ . The ruler said , No , I cannotgive You all . Do we say the same ? The Saviour offers to share with us thework God has given us to do . He offers to use the means God has given us , tocarry forward His work in the world . only in this way can He save us . The ruler ' s possessions were entrusted to him that he might prove himself afaithful steward ; he was to dispense these goods for the blessing of thosein need . So God now entrusts men with means , with talents and opportunities , that they may be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering . He whouses his entrusted gifts as God designs becomes a co - worker with theSaviour . He wins souls to Christ , because he is a representative of Hischaracter . To those who , like the young ruler , are in high positions of trust and havegreat possessions , it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up all in orderto follow Christ . But this is the rule of conduct for all who would becomeHis disciples . Nothing short of obedience can be accepted . Self - surrender isthe substance of the teachings of Christ . Often it is presented and enjoinedin language that seems authoritative , because there is no other way to saveman than to cut away those things which , if entertained , will demoralize thewhole being . When Christ ' s followers give back to the Lord His own , they are accumulatingtreasure which will be given to them when they shall hear the words , " Welldone , good and faithful servant ; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord . "" Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross , despising theshame , and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God . " Matt . 25 : 23 ; Heb . 12 : 2 . The joy of seeing souls redeemed , souls eternally saved , is thereward of all that put their feet in the footprints of Him who said , " FollowMe . " ( 524 ) Chapter 58 " Lazarus , Come Forth " [ This chapter is based on Luke 10 : 38 - 42 ; John 11 : 1 - 44 . ] Among the most steadfast of Christ ' s disciples was Lazarus of Bethany . Fromtheir first meeting his faith in Christ had been strong ; his love for Himwas deep , and he was greatly beloved by the Saviour . It was for Lazarus thatthe greatest of Christ ' s miracles was performed . The Saviour blessed all whosought His help ; He loves all the human family , but to some He is bound bypeculiarly tender associations . His heart was knit by a strong bond ofaffection to the family at Bethany , and for one of them His most wonderfulwork was wrought . At the home of Lazarus , Jesus had often found rest . The Saviour had no homeof His own ; He was dependent on the hospitality of His friends anddisciples , and often , when weary , thirsting for human fellowship , He hadbeen glad to escape to this peaceful household , away from the suspicion andjealousy of the angry Pharisees . Here He found a sincere welcome , and pure , holy friendship . Here He could speak with simplicity and perfect freedom , knowing that His words would be understood and treasured . Our Saviour appreciated a quiet home and interested listeners . He longed forhuman tenderness , courtesy , and affection . Those who received the heavenlyinstruction He was always ready to impart were greatly blessed . As themultitudes followed Christ through the open 525 fields , He unfolded to them the beauties of the natural world . He sought toopen the eyes of their understanding , that they might see how the hand ofGod upholds the world . In order to call out an appreciation of God ' sgoodness and benevolence , He called the attention of His hearers to thegently falling dew , to the soft showers of rain and the bright sunshine , given alike to good and evil . He desired men to realize more fully theregard that God bestows on the human instrumentalities He has created . Butthe multitudes were slow of hearing , and in the home at Bethany Christ foundrest from the weary conflict of public life . Here He opened to anappreciative audience the volume of Providence . In these private interviewsHe unfolded to His hearers that which He did not attempt to tell to themixed multitude . He needed not to speak to His friends in parables . As Christ gave His wonderful lessons , Mary sat at His feet , a reverent anddevoted listener . on one occasion , Martha , perplexed with the care ofpreparing the meal , went to Christ , saying , " Lord , dost Thou not care thatmy sister hath left me to serve alone ? bid her therefore that she help me . " This was the time of Christ ' s first visit to Bethany . The Saviour and Hisdisciples had just made the toilsome journey on foot from Jericho . Marthawas anxious to provide for their comfort , and in her anxiety she forgot thecourtesy due to her Guest . Jesus answered her with mild and patient words , " Martha , Martha , thou art careful and troubled about many things : but onething is needful : and Mary hath chosen that good part , which shall not betaken away from her . " Mary was storing her mind with the precious wordsfalling from the Saviour ' s lips , words that were more precious to her thanearth ' s most costly jewels . The one thing " that Martha needed was a calm , devotional spirit , a deeperanxiety for knowledge concerning the future , immortal life , and the gracesnecessary for spiritual advancement . She needed less anxiety for the thingswhich pass away , and more for those things which endure forever . Jesus wouldteach His children to seize every opportunity of gaining that knowledgewhich will make them wise unto salvation . The cause of Christ needs careful , energetic workers . There is a wide field for the Marthas , with their zeal inactive religious work . But let them first sit with Mary at the feet ofJesus . Let diligence , promptness , and energy be sanctified by the grace ofChrist ; then the life will be an unconquerable power for good . Sorrow entered the peaceful home where Jesus had rested . Lazarus wasstricken with sudden illness , and his sisters sent to the Saviour , 526 saying , " Lord , behold , he whom Thou lovest is sick . " They saw the violenceof the disease that had seized their brother , but they knew that Christ hadshown Himself able to heal all manner of diseases . They believed that Hewould sympathize with them in their distress ; therefore they made no urgentdemand for His immediate presence , but sent only the confiding message , " Hewhom Thou lovest is sick . " They thought that He would immediately respond totheir message , and be with them as soon as He could reach Bethany . Anxiously they waited for a word from Jesus . As long as the spark of lifewas yet alive in their brother , they prayed and watched for Jesus to come . But the messenger returned without Him . Yet he brought the message , " Thissickness is not unto death , " and they clung to the hope that Lazarus wouldlive . Tenderly they tried to speak words of hope and encouragement to thealmost unconscious sufferer . When Lazarus died , they were bitterlydisappointed ; but they felt the sustaining grace of Christ , and this keptthem from reflecting any blame on the Saviour . When Christ heard the message , the disciples thought He received it coldly . He did not manifest the sorrow they expected Him to show . Looking up tothem , He said , " This sickness is not unto death , but for the glory of God , that the Son of God might be glorified thereby . " For two days He remained inthe place where He was . This delay was a mystery to the disciples . What acomfort His presence would be to the afflicted household ! they thought . Hisstrong affection for the family at Bethany was well known to the disciples , and they were surprised that He did not respond to the sad message , " He whomThou lovest is sick . " During the two days Christ seemed to have dismissed the message from Hismind ; for He did not speak of Lazarus . The disciples thought of John theBaptist , the forerunner of Jesus . They had wondered why Jesus , with thepower to perform wonderful miracles , had permitted John to languish inprison , and to die a violent death . Possessing such power , why did notChrist save John ' s life ? This question had often been asked by thePharisees , who presented it as an unanswerable argument against Christ ' sclaim to be the Son of God . The Saviour had warned His disciples of trials , losses , and persecution . Would He forsake them in trial ? Some questioned ifthey had mistaken His mission . All were deeply troubled . After waiting for two days , Jesus said to the disciples , " Let us go intoJudea again . " The disciples questioned why , if Jesus were going to Judea , Hehad waited two days . But anxiety for Christ and for themselves 527 was now uppermost in their minds . They could see nothing but danger in thecourse He was about to pursue . " Master , " they said , " the Jews of late soughtto stone Thee ; and goest Thou thither again ? Jesus answered , Are there nottwelve hours in the day ? " I am under the guidance of My Father ; as long as Ido His will , My life is safe . My twelve hours of day are not yet ended . Ihave entered upon the last remnant of My day ; but while any of this remains , I am safe . " If any man walk in the day , " He continued , " he stumbleth not , because heseeth the light of this world . " He who does the will of God , who walks inthe path that God has marked out , cannot stumble and fall . The light ofGod ' s guiding Spirit gives him a clear perception of his duty , and leads himaright till the close of his work . " But if a man walk in the night , hestumbleth , because there is no light in him . " He who walks in a path of hisown choosing , where God has not called him , will stumble . For him day isturned into night , and wherever he may be , he is not secure . " These things said He : and after that He saith unto them , Our friend Lazarussleepeth ; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep . " " Our friend Lazarussleepeth . " How touching the words ! how full of sympathy ! In the thought ofthe peril their Master was about to incur by going to Jerusalem , thedisciples had almost forgotten the bereaved family at Bethany . But not soChrist . The disciples felt rebuked . They had been disappointed becauseChrist did not respond more promptly to the message . They had been temptedto think that He had not the tender love for Lazarus and his sisters thatthey had thought He had , or He would have hastened back with the messenger . But the words , " Our friend Lazarus sleepeth , " awakened right feelings intheir minds . They were convinced that Christ had not forgotten His sufferingfriends . " Then said His disciples , Lord , if he sleep , he shall do well . Howbeit Jesusspake of his death : but they thought that He had spoken of taking of rest insleep . " Christ represents death as a sleep to His believing children . Theirlife is hid with Christ in God , and until the last trump shall sound thosewho die will sleep in Him . " Then said Jesus unto them plainly , Lazarus is dead . And I am glad for yoursakes that I was not there , to the intent ye may believe ; nevertheless letus go unto him . " Thomas could see nothing but death in store for his Masterif he went to Judea ; but he girded up his spirit , and said to the otherdisciples , " Let us also go , that we may die with Him . " He knew the hatred ofthe Jews toward Christ . It was their 528 purpose to compass His death , but this purpose had not succeeded , becausesome of His allotted time still remained . During this time Jesus had theguardianship of heavenly angels ; and even in the regions of Judea , where therabbis were plotting how they might take Him and put Him to death , no harmcould come to Him . The disciples marveled at Christ ' s words when He said , " Lazarus is dead . AndI am glad . . . that I was not there . " Did the Saviour by His own choiceavoid the home of His suffering friends ? Apparently Mary and Martha and thedying Lazarus were left alone . But they were not alone . Christ beheld thewhole scene , and after the death of Lazarus the bereaved sisters were upheldby His grace . Jesus witnessed the sorrow of their rent hearts , as theirbrother wrestled with his strong foe , death . He felt every pang of anguish , as He said to His disciples , " Lazarus is dead . " But Christ had not only theloved ones at Bethany to think of ; He had the training of His disciples toconsider . They were to be His representatives to the world , that theFather ' s blessing might embrace all . For their sake He permitted Lazarus todie . Had He restored him from illness to health , the miracle that is themost positive evidence of His divine character , would not have beenperformed . Had Christ been in the sickroom , Lazarus would not have died ; for Satanwould have had no power over him . Death could not have aimed his dart atLazarus in the presence of the Life - giver . Therefore Christ remained away . He suffered the enemy to exercise his power , that He might drive him back , aconquered foe . He permitted Lazarus to pass under the dominion of death ; andthe suffering sisters saw their brother laid in the grave . Christ knew thatas they looked on the dead face of their brother their faith in theirRedeemer would be severely tried . But He knew that because of the strugglethrough which they were now passing their faith would shine forth with fargreater power . He suffered every pang of sorrow that they endured . He lovedthem no less because He tarried ; but He knew that for them , for Lazarus , forHimself , and for His disciples , a victory was to be gained . " For your sakes , " " to the intent ye may believe . " To all who are reachingout to feel the guiding hand of God , the moment of greatest discouragementis the time when divine help is nearest . They will look back withthankfulness upon the darkest part of their way . " The Lord knoweth how todeliver the godly , " 2 Peter 2 : 9 . From every temptation and every trial Hewill bring them forth with firmer faith and a richer experience . 529 In delaying to come to Lazarus , Christ had a purpose of mercy toward thosewho had not received Him . He tarried , that by raising Lazarus from the deadHe might give to His stubborn , unbelieving people another evidence that Hewas indeed " the resurrection , and the life . " He was loath to give up allhope of the people , the poor , wandering sheep of the house of Israel . Hisheart was breaking because of their impenitence . In His mercy He purposed togive them one more evidence that He was the Restorer , the one who alonecould bring life and immortality to light . This was to be an evidence thatthe priests could not misinterpret . This was the reason of His delay ingoing to Bethany . This crowning miracle , the raising of Lazarus , was to setthe seal of God on His work and on His claim to divinity . On His journey to Bethany , Jesus , according to His custom , ministered to thesick and the needy . Upon reaching the town He sent a messenger to thesisters with the tidings of His arrival . Christ did not at once enter thehouse , but remained in a quiet place by the wayside . The great outwarddisplay observed by the Jews at the death of friends or relatives was not inharmony with the spirit of Christ . He heard the sound of wailing from thehired mourners , and He did not wish to meet the sisters in the scene ofconfusion . Among the mourning friends were relatives of the family , some ofwhom held high positions of responsibility in Jerusalem . Among these weresome of Christ ' s bitterest enemies . Christ knew their purposes , andtherefore He did not at once make Himself known . The message was given to Martha so quietly that others in the room did nothear . Absorbed in her grief , Mary did not hear the words . Rising at once , Martha went out to meet her Lord , but thinking that she had gone to theplace where Lazarus was buried , Mary sat still in her sorrow , making nooutcry . Martha hastened to meet Jesus , her heart agitated by conflicting emotions . In His expressive face she read the same tenderness and love that had alwaysbeen there . Her confidence in Him was unbroken , but she thought of herdearly loved brother , whom Jesus also had loved . With grief surging in herheart because Christ had not come before , yet with hope that even now Hewould do something to comfort them , she said , " Lord , if Thou hadst beenhere , my brother had not died . " Over and over again , amid the tumult made bythe mourners , the sisters had repeated these words . With human and divine pity Jesus looked into her sorrowful , careworn 530 face . Martha had no inclination to recount the past ; all was expressed bythe pathetic words , " Lord , if Thou hadst been here , my brother had notdied . " But looking into that face of love , she added , " I know , that evennow , whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God , God will give it Thee . " Jesus encouraged her faith , saying , " Thy brother shall rise again . " Hisanswer was not intended to inspire hope of an immediate change . He carriedMartha ' s thoughts beyond the present restoration of her brother , and fixedthem upon the resurrection of the just . This He did that she might see inthe resurrection of Lazarus a pledge of the resurrection of all therighteous dead , and an assurance that it would be accomplished by theSaviour ' s power . Martha answered , " I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at thelast day . " Still seeking to give a true direction to her faith , Jesus declared , " I amthe resurrection , and the life . " In Christ is life , original , unborrowed , underived . " He that hath the Son hath life . " 1 John 5 : 12 . The divinity ofChrist is the believer ' s assurance of eternal life . " He that believeth inMe , " said Jesus , " though he were dead , yet shall he live : and whosoeverliveth and believeth in Me shall never die . Believest thou this ? " Christhere looks forward to the time of His second coming . Then the righteous deadshall be raised incorruptible , and the living righteous shall be translatedto heaven without seeing death . The miracle which Christ was about toperform , in raising Lazarus from the dead , would represent the resurrectionof all the righteous dead . By His word and His works He declared Himself theAuthor of the resurrection . He who Himself was soon to die upon the crossstood with the keys of death , a conqueror of the grave , and asserted Hisright and power to give eternal life . To the Saviour ' s words , " Believest thou ? " Martha responded , " Yea , Lord : Ibelieve that Thou art the Christ , the Son of God , which should come into theworld . " She did not comprehend in all their significance the words spoken byChrist , but she confessed her faith in His divinity , and her confidence thatHe was able to perform whatever it pleased Him to do . " And when she had so said , she went her way , and called Mary her sistersecretly , saying , The Master is come , and calleth for thee . " She deliveredher message as quietly as possible ; for the priests and rulers were preparedto arrest Jesus when opportunity offered . The cries of the mournersprevented her words from being heard . 533 On hearing the message , Mary rose hastily , and with an eager look on herface left the room . Thinking that she had gone to the grave to weep , themourners followed her . When she reached the place where Jesus was waiting , she knelt at His feet , and said with quivering lips , " Lord , if Thou hadstbeen here , my brother had not died . " The cries of the mourners were painfulto her ; for she longed for a few quiet words alone with Jesus . But she knewof the envy and jealousy cherished in the hearts of some present againstChrist , and she was restrained from fully expressing her grief . " When Jesus therefore saw her weeping , and the Jews also weeping which camewith her , He groaned in the spirit , and was troubled . " He read the hearts ofall assembled . He saw that with many , what passed as a demonstration ofgrief was only pretense . He knew that some in the company , now manifestinghypocritical sorrow , would erelong be planning the death , not only of themighty miracle worker , but of the one to be raised from the dead . Christcould have stripped from them their robe of pretended sorrow . But Herestrained His righteous indignation . The words He could in all truth havespoken , He did not speak , because of the loved one kneeling at His feet insorrow , who truly believed in Him . " Where have ye laid him ? " He asked , " They said unto Him , Lord , come andsee . " Together they proceeded to the grave . It was a mournful scene . Lazarushad been much beloved , and his sisters wept for him with breaking hearts , while those who had been his friends mingled their tears with those of thebereaved sisters . In view of this human distress , and of the fact that theafflicted friends could mourn over the dead while the Saviour of the worldstood by , --" Jesus wept . " Though He was the Son of God , yet He had takenhuman nature upon Him , and He was moved by human sorrow . His tender , pityingheart is ever awakened to sympathy by suffering . He weeps with those thatweep , and rejoices with those that rejoice . But it was not only because of His human sympathy with Mary and Martha thatJesus wept . In His tears there was a sorrow as high above human sorrow asthe heavens are higher than the earth . Christ did not weep for Lazarus ; forHe was about to call him from the grave . He wept because many of those nowmourning for Lazarus would soon plan the death of Him who was theresurrection and the life . But how unable were the unbelieving Jews rightlyto interpret His tears ! Some , who 534 could see nothing more than the outward circumstances of the scene beforeHim as a cause for His grief , said softly , " Behold how He loved him ! " Others , seeking to drop the seed of unbelief into the hearts of thosepresent , said derisively , " Could not this Man , which opened the eyes of theblind , have caused that even this man should not have died ? " If it were inChrist ' s power to save Lazarus , why then did He suffer him to die ? With prophetic eye Christ saw the enmity of the Pharisees and the Sadducees . He knew that they were premeditating His death . He knew that some of thosenow apparently so sympathetic would soon close against themselves the doorof hope and the gates of the city of God . A scene was about to take place , in His humiliation and crucifixion , that would result in the destruction ofJerusalem , and at that time none would make lamentation for the dead . Theretribution that was coming upon Jerusalem was plainly portrayed before Him . He saw Jerusalem compassed by the Roman legions . He knew that many nowweeping for Lazarus would die in the siege of the city , and in their deaththere would be no hope . It was not only because of the scene before Him that Christ wept . The weightof the grief of ages was upon Him . He saw the terrible effects of thetransgression of God ' s law . He saw that in the history of the world , beginning with the death of Abel , the conflict between good and evil hadbeen unceasing . Looking down the years to come , He saw the suffering andsorrow , tears and death , that were to be the lot of men . His heart waspierced with the pain of the human family of all ages and in all lands . Thewoes of the sinful race were heavy upon His soul , and the fountain of Histears was broken up as He longed to relieve all their distress . " Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself cometh to the grave . " Lazarus hadbeen laid in a cave in a rock , and a massive stone had been placed beforethe entrance . " Take ye away the stone , " Christ said . Thinking that He onlywished to look upon the dead , Martha objected , saying that the body had beenburied four days , and corruption had already begun its work . This statement , made before the raising of Lazarus , left no room for Christ ' s enemies to saythat a deception had been practiced . In the past the Pharisees hadcirculated false statements regarding the most wonderful manifestations ofthe power of God . When Christ raised to life the daughter of Jairus , He hadsaid , " The damsel is not dead , but sleepeth . " Mark 5 : 39 . As she had beensick only 535 a short time , and was raised immediately after death , the Pharisees declaredthat the child had not been dead ; that Christ Himself had said she was onlyasleep . They had tried to make it appear that Christ could not cure disease , that there was foul play about His miracles . But in this case , none coulddeny that Lazarus was dead . When the Lord is about to do a work , Satan moves upon someone to object . " Take ye away the stone , " Christ said . As far as possible , prepare the wayfor My work . But Martha ' s positive and ambitious nature asserted itself . Shewas unwilling that the decomposing body should be brought to view . The humanheart is slow to understand Christ ' s words , and Martha ' s faith had notgrasped the true meaning of His promise . Christ reproved Martha , but His words were spoken with the utmostgentleness . " Said I not unto thee , that , if thou wouldest believe , thoushouldest see the glory of God ? " Why should you doubt in regard to My power ? Why reason in opposition to My requirements ? You have My word . If you willbelieve , you shall see the glory of God . Natural impossibilities cannotprevent the work of the Omnipotent one . Skepticism and unbelief are nothumility . Implicit belief in Christ ' s word is true humility , trueself - surrender . " Take ye away the stone . " Christ could have commanded the stone to remove , and it would have obeyed His voice . He could have bidden the angels who wereclose by His side to do this . At His bidding , invisible hands would haveremoved the stone . But it was to be taken away by human hands . Thus Christwould show that humanity is to co - operate with divinity . What human powercan do divine power is not summoned to do . God does not dispense with man ' said . He strengthens him , co - operating with him as he uses the powers andcapabilities given him . The command is obeyed . The stone is rolled away . Everything is done openlyand deliberately . All are given a chance to see that no deception ispracticed . There lies the body of Lazarus in its rocky grave , cold andsilent in death . The cries of the mourners are hushed . Surprised andexpectant , the company stand around the sepulcher , waiting to see what is tofollow . Calmly Christ stands before the tomb . A sacred solemnity rests upon allpresent . Christ steps closer to the sepulcher . Lifting His eyes to heaven , He says , " Father , I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me . " Not long beforethis , Christ ' s enemies had accused Him of blasphemy , and had taken up stonesto cast at Him because He claimed to be the Son of 536 God . They accused Him of performing miracles by the power of Satan . But hereChrist claims God as His Father , and with perfect confidence declares thatHe is the Son of God . In all that He did , Christ was co - operating with His Father . Ever He hadbeen careful to make it evident that He did not work independently ; it wasby faith and prayer that He wrought His miracles . Christ desired all to knowHis relationship with His Father . " Father , " He said , " I thank Thee that Thouhast heard Me . And I knew that Thou hearest Me always : but because of thepeople which stand by I said it , that they may believe that Thou hast sentMe . " Here the disciples and the people were to be given the most convincingevidence in regard to the relationship existing between Christ and God . Theywere to be shown that Christ ' s claim was not a deception . " And when He thus had spoken , He cried with a loud voice , Lazarus , comeforth . " His voice , clear and penetrating , pierces the ear of the dead . As Hespeaks , divinity flashes through humanity . In His face , which is lighted upby the glory of God , the people see the assurance of His power . Every eye isfastened on the entrance to the cave . Every ear is bent to catch theslightest sound . With intense and painful interest all wait for the test ofChrist ' s divinity , the evidence that is to substantiate His claim to be theSon of God , or to extinguish the hope forever . There is a stir in the silent tomb , and he who was dead stands at the doorof the sepulcher . His movements are impeded by the graveclothes in which hewas laid away , and Christ says to the astonished spectators , " Loose him , andlet him go . " Again they are shown that the human worker is to co - operatewith God . Humanity is to work for humanity . Lazarus is set free , and standsbefore the company , not as one emaciated from disease , and with feeble , tottering limbs , but as a man in the prime of life , and in the vigor of anoble manhood . His eyes beam with intelligence and with love for hisSaviour . He casts himself in adoration at the feet of Jesus . The beholders are at first speechless with amazement . Then there follows aninexpressible scene of rejoicing and thanksgiving . The sisters receive theirbrother back to life as the gift of God , and with joyful tears they brokenlyexpress their thanks to the Saviour . But while brother , sisters , and friendsare rejoicing in this reunion , Jesus withdraws from the scene . When theylook for the Life - giver , He is not to be found . ( 537 ) Chapter 59 Priestly Plottings [ This chapter is based on John 11 : 47 - 54 . ] Bethany was so near Jerusalem that the news of the raising of Lazarus wassoon carried to the city . Through spies who had witnessed the miracle theJewish rulers were speedily in possession of the facts . A meeting of theSanhedrin was at once called to decide as to what should be done . Christ hadnow fully made manifest His control of death and the grave . That mightymiracle was the crowning evidence offered by God to men that He had sent HisSon into the world for their salvation . It was a demonstration of divinepower sufficient to convince every mind that was under the control of reasonand enlightened conscience . Many who witnessed the resurrection of Lazaruswere led to believe on Jesus . But the hatred of the priests against Him wasintensified . They had rejected all lesser evidence of His divinity , and theywere only enraged at this new miracle . The dead had been raised in the fulllight of day , and before a crowd of witnesses . No artifice could explainaway such evidence . For this very reason the enmity of the priests grewdeadlier . They were more than ever determined to put a stop to Christ ' swork . The Sadducees , though not favorable to Christ , had not been so full ofmalignity toward Him as were the Pharisees . Their hatred had not been sobitter . But they were now thoroughly alarmed . They did not 538 believe in a resurrection of the dead . Producing so - called science , they hadreasoned that it would be an impossibility for a dead body to be brought tolife . But by a few words from Christ their theory had been overthrown . Theywere shown to be ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God . They could see no possibility of removing the impression made on the peopleby the miracle . How could men be turned away from Him who had prevailed torob the grave of its dead ? Lying reports were put in circulation , but themiracle could not be denied , and how to counteract its effect they knew not . Thus far the Sadducees had not encouraged the plan of putting Christ todeath . But after the resurrection of Lazarus they decided that only by Hisdeath could His fearless denunciations against them be stopped . The Pharisees believed in the resurrection , and they could not but see thatthis miracle was an evidence that the Messiah was among them . But they hadever opposed Christ ' s work . From the first they had hated Him because He hadexposed their hypocritical pretensions . He had torn aside the cloak ofrigorous rites under which their moral deformity was hidden . The purereligion that He taught had condemned their hollow professions of piety . They thirsted to be revenged upon Him for His pointed rebukes . They hadtried to provoke Him to say or do something that would give them occasion tocondemn Him . Several times they had attempted to stone Him , but He hadquietly withdrawn , and they had lost sight of Him . The miracles He performed on the Sabbath were all for the relief of theafflicted , but the Pharisees had sought to condemn Him as a Sabbathbreaker . They had tried to arouse the Herodians against Him . They represented that Hewas seeking to set up a rival kingdom , and consulted with them how todestroy Him . To excite the Romans against Him , they had represented Him astrying to subvert their authority . They had tried every pretext to cut Himoff from influencing the people . But so far their attempts had been foiled . The multitudes who witnessed His works of mercy and heard His pure and holyteachings knew that these were not the deeds and words of a Sabbathbreakeror blasphemer . Even the officers sent by the Pharisees had been soinfluenced by His words that they could not lay hands on Him . In desperationthe Jews had finally passed an edict that any man who professed faith inJesus should be cast out of the synagogue . So , as the priests , the rulers , and the elders gathered for consultation , itwas their fixed determination to silence Him who did such marvelous 539 works that all men wondered . Pharisees and Sadducees were more nearly unitedthan ever before . Divided hitherto , they became one in their opposition toChrist . Nicodemus and Joseph had , in former councils , prevented thecondemnation of Jesus , and for this reason they were not now summoned . Therewere present at the council other influential men who believed on Jesus , buttheir influence prevailed nothing against that of the malignant Pharisees . Yet the members of the council were not all agreed . The Sanhedrin was not atthis time a legal assembly . It existed only by tolerance . Some of its numberquestioned the wisdom of putting Christ to death . They feared that thiswould excite an insurrection among the people , causing the Romans towithhold further favors from the priesthood , and to take from them the powerthey still held . The Sadducees were united in their hatred of Christ , yetthey were inclined to be cautious in their movements , fearing that theRomans would deprive them of their high standing . In this council , assembled to plan the death of Christ , the Witness waspresent who heard the boastful words of Nebuchadnezzar , who witnessed theidolatrous feast of Belshazzar , who was present when Christ in Nazarethannounced Himself the Anointed one . This Witness was now impressing therulers with the work they were doing . Events in the life of Christ rose upbefore them with a distinctness that alarmed them . They remembered the scenein the temple , when Jesus , then a child of twelve , stood before the learneddoctors of the law , asking them questions at which they wondered . Themiracle just performed bore witness that Jesus was none other than the Sonof God . In their true significance , the Old Testament Scriptures regardingChrist flashed before their minds . Perplexed and troubled , the rulers asked , " What do we ? " There was a division in the council . Under the impression ofthe Holy Spirit , the priests and rulers could not banish the conviction thatthey were fighting against God . While the council was at the height of its perplexity , Caiaphas the highpriest arose . Caiaphas was a proud and cruel man , overbearing andintolerant . Among his family connections were Sadducees , proud , bold , reckless , full of ambition and cruelty , which they hid under a cloak ofpretended righteousness . Caiaphas had studied the prophecies , and althoughignorant of their true meaning , he spoke with great authority and assurance : " Ye know nothing at all , nor consider that it is expedient for us , that oneman should die for the people , and that the whole nation 540 perish not . " Even if Jesus were innocent , urged the high priest , He must beput out of the way . He was troublesome , drawing the people to Himself , andlessening the authority of the rulers . He was only one ; it was better thatHe should die than that the authority of the rulers should be weakened . Ifthe people were to lose confidence in their rulers , the national power wouldbe destroyed . Caiaphas urged that after this miracle the followers of Jesuswould likely rise in revolt . The Romans will then come , he said , and willclose our temple , and abolish our laws , destroying us as a nation . What isthe life of this Galilean worth in comparison with the life of the nation ? If He stands in the way of Israel ' s well - being , is it not doing God aservice to remove Him ? Better that one man perish than that the whole nationbe destroyed . In declaring that one man should die for the nation , Caiaphas indicated thathe had some knowledge of the prophecies , although it was very limited . ButJohn , in his account of this scene , takes up the prophecy , and shows itsbroad and deep significance . He says , " And not for that nation only , butthat also He should gather together in one the children of God that werescattered abroad . " How blindly did the haughty Caiaphas acknowledge theSaviour ' s mission ! On the lips of Caiaphas this most precious truth was turned into a lie . Thepolicy he advocated was based on a principle borrowed from heathenism . Amongthe heathen , the dim consciousness that one was to die for the human racehad led to the offering of human sacrifices . So Caiaphas proposed by thesacrifice of Jesus to save the guilty nation , not from transgression , but intransgression , that they might continue in sin . And by his reasoning hethought to silence the remonstrances of those who might dare to say that asyet nothing worthy of death had been found in Jesus . At this council Christ ' s enemies had been deeply convicted . The Holy Spirithad impressed their minds . But Satan strove to gain control of them . Heurged upon their notice the grievances they had suffered on account ofChrist . How little He had honored their righteousness . He presented arighteousness far greater , which all who would be children of God mustpossess . Taking no notice of their forms and ceremonies , He had encouragedsinners to go directly to God as a merciful Father , and make known theirwants . Thus , in their opinion , He had set aside the priesthood . He hadrefused to acknowledge the theology of the rabbinical schools . He hadexposed the evil practices of the priests , 541 and had irreparably hurt their influence . He had injured the effect of theirmaxims and traditions , declaring that though they strictly enforced theritual law , they made void the law of God . All this Satan now brought totheir minds . Satan told them that in order to maintain their authority , they must putJesus to death . This counsel they followed . The fact that they might losethe power they then exercised , was , they thought , sufficient reason forcoming to some decision . With the exception of a few who dared not speaktheir minds , the Sanhedrin received the words of Caiaphas as the words ofGod . Relief came to the council ; the discord ceased . They resolved to putChrist to death at the first favorable opportunity . In rejecting the proofof the divinity of Jesus , these priests and rulers had locked themselves inimpenetrable darkness . They had come wholly under the sway of Satan , to behurried by him over the brink of eternal ruin . Yet such was their deceptionthat they were well pleased with themselves . They regarded themselves aspatriots , who were seeking the nation ' s salvation . The Sanhedrin feared , however , to take rash measures against Jesus , lest thepeople should become incensed , and the violence meditated toward Him shouldfall upon themselves . on this account the council delayed to execute thesentence they had pronounced . The Saviour understood the plotting of thepriests . He knew that they longed to remove Him , and that their purposewould soon be accomplished . But it was not His place to hasten the crisis , and He withdrew from that region , taking the disciples with Him . Thus by Hisown example Jesus again enforced the instruction He had given to thedisciples , " When they persecute you in this city , flee ye into another . " Matt . 10 : 23 . There was a wide field in which to work for the salvation ofsouls ; and unless loyalty to Him required it , the Lord ' s servants were notto imperil their lives . Jesus had now given three years of public labor to the world . His example ofself - denial and disinterested benevolence was before them . His life ofpurity , of suffering and devotion , was known to all . Yet this short periodof three years was as long as the world could endure the presence of itsRedeemer . His life had been one of persecution and insult . Driven from Bethlehem by ajealous king , rejected by His own people at Nazareth , condemned to deathwithout a cause at Jerusalem , Jesus , with His few faithful followers , founda temporary asylum in a strange city . He who 542 was ever touched by human woe , who healed the sick , restored sight to theblind , hearing to the deaf , and speech to the dumb , who fed the hungry andcomforted the sorrowful , was driven from the people He had labored to save . He who walked upon the heaving billows , and by a word silenced their angryroaring , who cast out devils that in departing acknowledged Him to be theSon of God , who broke the slumbers of the dead , who held thousands entrancedby His words of wisdom , was unable to reach the hearts of those who wereblinded by prejudice and hatred , and who stubbornly rejected the light . ( 547 ) Chapter 60 The Law of the New Kingdom [ This chapter is based on Matt . 20 : 20 - 28 ; Mark 10 : 32 - 45 ; Luke 18 : 31 - 34 . ] The time of the Passover was drawing near , and again Jesus turned towardJerusalem . In His heart was the peace of perfect oneness with the Father ' swill , and with eager steps He pressed on toward the place of sacrifice . Buta sense of mystery , of doubt and fear , fell upon the disciples . The Saviour " went before them : and they were amazed ; and as they followed , they wereafraid . " Again Christ called the twelve about Him , and with greater definiteness thanever before , He opened to them His betrayal and sufferings . " Behold , " Hesaid , " we go up to Jerusalem , and all things that are written by theprophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished . For He shall bedelivered unto the Gentiles , and shall be mocked , and spitefully entreated , and spitted on : and they shall scourge Him , and put Him to death : and thethird day He shall rise again . And they understood none of these things : andthis saying was hid from them , neither knew they the things which werespoken . " Had they not just before proclaimed everywhere , " The kingdom of heaven is athand "? Had not Christ Himself promised that many should sit down withAbraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God ? Had He not promised toall who had left aught for His sake a hundredfold in this life , and a partin His kingdom ? And had He not given to the twelve the special promise ofpositions of high honor in His kingdom , -- to sit on thrones judging thetwelve tribes of Israel ? Even 548 now He had said that all things written in the prophets concerning Himshould be fulfilled . And had not the prophets foretold the glory of theMessiah ' s reign ? In the light of these thoughts , His words in regard tobetrayal , persecution , and death seemed vague and shadowy . Whateverdifficulties might intervene , they believed that the kingdom was soon to beestablished . John , the son of Zebedee , had been one of the first two disciples who hadfollowed Jesus . He and his brother James had been among the first group whohad left all for His service . Gladly they had forsaken home and friends thatthey might be with Him ; they had walked and talked with Him ; they had beenwith Him in the privacy of the home , and in the public assemblies . He hadquieted their fears , delivered them from danger , relieved their sufferings , comforted their grief , and with patience and tenderness had taught them , till their hearts seemed linked with His , and in the ardor of their lovethey longed to be nearest to Him in His kingdom . At every possibleopportunity , John took his place next the Saviour , and James longed to behonored with as close connection with Him . Their mother was a follower of Christ , and had ministered to Him freely ofher substance . With a mother ' s love and ambition for her sons , she covetedfor them the most honored place in the new kingdom . For this she encouragedthem to make request . Together the mother and her sons came to Jesus , asking that He would grant apetition on which their hearts were set . " What would ye that I should do for you ? " He questioned . The mother answered , " Grant that these my two sons may sit , the one on Thyright hand , and the other on the left , in Thy kingdom . " Jesus bears tenderly with them , not rebuking their selfishness in seekingpreference above their brethren . He reads their hearts , He knows the depthof their attachment to Him . Their love is not a mere human affection ; thoughdefiled by the earthliness of its human channel , it is an outflowing fromthe fountain of His own redeeming love . He will not rebuke , but deepen andpurify . He said , " Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of , andto be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with ? " They recall Hismysterious words , pointing to trial and suffering , yet answer confidently , " We are able . " They would count it highest honor to prove their loyalty bysharing all that is to befall their Lord . " Ye shall drink indeed of My cup , and be baptized with the baptism that I ambaptized with , " He said ; before Him a cross instead of a 549 throne , two malefactors His companions at His right hand and His left . Johnand James were to share with their Master in suffering ; the one , first ofthe brethren to perish with the sword ; the other , longest of all to enduretoil , and reproach , and persecution . " But to sit on My right hand , and on My left , " He continued , " is not Mine togive , but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father . " In the kingdom of God , position is not gained through favoritism . It is notearned , nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal . It is the resultof character . The crown and the throne are the tokens of a conditionattained ; they are the tokens of self - conquest through our Lord JesusChrist . Long afterward , when the disciple had been brought into sympathy with Christthrough the fellowship of His sufferings , the Lord revealed to John what isthe condition of nearness in His kingdom . " To him that overcometh , " Christsaid , " will I grant to sit with Me in My throne , even as I also overcame , and am set down with My Father in His throne . " " Him that overcometh will Imake a pillar in the temple of My God , and he shall go no more out : and Iwill write upon him the name of My God , . . . and I will write upon him Mynew name . " Rev . 3 : 21 , 12 . So Paul the apostle wrote , " I am now ready to beoffered , and the time of my departure is at hand . I have fought a goodfight , I have finished my course , I have kept the faith : henceforth there islaid up for me a crown of righteousness , which the Lord , the righteousJudge , shall give me at that day . " 2 Tim . 4 : 6 - 8 . The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk mostdeeply of the spirit of His self - sacrificing love , -- love that " vaunteth notitself , is not puffed up , . . . seeketh not her own , is not easily provoked , thinketh no evil " ( 1 Cor . 13 : 4 , 5 ) , -- love that moves the disciple , as itmoved our Lord , to give all , to live and labor and sacrifice , even untodeath , for the saving of humanity . This spirit was made manifest in the lifeof Paul . He said , " For to me to live is Christ ;" for his life revealedChrist to men ; " and to die is gain , "-- gain to Christ ; death itself wouldmake manifest the power of His grace , and gather souls to Him . " Christ shallbe magnified in my body , " he said , " whether it be by life or by death . " Phil . 1 : 21 , 20 . When the ten heard of the request of James and John , they were muchdispleased . The highest place in the kingdom was just what every one of themwas seeking for himself , and they were angry that the two disciples hadgained a seeming advantage over them . 550 Again the strife as to which should be greatest seemed about to be renewed , when Jesus , calling them to Him , said to the indignant disciples , " Ye knowthat they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordshipover them ; and their great ones exercise authority upon them . But so shallit not be among you . " In the kingdoms of the world , position meant self - aggrandizement . The peoplewere supposed to exist for the benefit of the ruling classes . Influence , wealth , education , were so many means of gaining control of the masses forthe use of the leaders . The higher classes were to think , decide , enjoy , andrule ; the lower were to obey and serve . Religion , like all things else , wasa matter of authority . The people were expected to believe and practice astheir superiors directed . The right of man as man , to think and act forhimself , was wholly unrecognized . Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles . He called men , not to authority , but to service , the strong to bear the infirmities of theweak . Power , position , talent , education , placed their possessor under thegreater obligation to serve his fellows . To even the lowliest of Christ ' sdisciples it is said , " All things are for your sakes . " 2 Cor . 4 : 15 . " The Son of man came not to be ministered unto , but to minister , and to giveHis life a ransom for many . " Among His disciples Christ was in every sense acaretaker , a burden bearer . He shared their poverty , He practicedself - denial on their account , He went before them to smooth the moredifficult places , and soon He would consummate His work on earth by layingdown His life . The principle on which Christ acted is to actuate the membersof the church which is His body . The plan and ground of salvation is love . In the kingdom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example He hasgiven , and act as shepherds of His flock . The words of Paul reveal the true dignity and honor of the Christian life : " Though I be free from all men , yet have I made myself servant unto all , "" not seeking mine own profit , but the profit of many , that they may besaved . " 1 Cor . 9 : 19 ; 10 : 33 . In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled . No one is tocontrol another ' s mind , to judge for another , or to prescribe his duty . Godgives to every soul freedom to think , and to follow his own convictions . " Every one of us shall give account of himself to God . " No one has a rightto merge his own individuality in that of another . In all matters whereprinciple is involved , " let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind . " Rom . 14 : 12 , 5 . In Christ ' s kingdom there is no lordly 551 oppression , no compulsion of manner . The angels of heaven do not come to theearth to rule , and to exact homage , but as messengers of mercy , toco - operate with men in uplifting humanity . The principles and the very words of the Saviour ' s teaching , in their divinebeauty , dwelt in the memory of the beloved disciple . To his latest days theburden of John ' s testimony to the churches was , " This is the message that yeheard from the beginning , that we should love one another . " " Hereby perceivewe the love of God , because He laid down His life for us : and we ought tolay down our lives for the brethren . " 1 John 3 : 11 , 16 . This was the spirit that pervaded the early church . After the outpouring ofthe Holy Spirit , " the multitude of them that believed were of one heart andof one soul : neither said any of them that aught of the things which hepossessed was his own . " " Neither was there any among them that lacked . " " Andwith great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the LordJesus : and great grace was upon them all . " Acts 4 : 32 , 34 , 33 . ( 552 ) Chapter 61 Zacchaeus [ This chapter is based on Luke 19 : 1 - 10 . ] On the way to Jerusalem " Jesus entered and passed through Jericho . " A fewmiles from the Jordan , on the western edge of the valley that here spreadout into a plain , the city lay in the midst of tropic verdure and luxurianceof beauty . With its palm trees and rich gardens watered by living springs , it gleamed like an emerald in the setting of limestone hills and desolateravines that interposed between Jerusalem and the city of the plain . Many caravans on their way to the feast passed through Jericho . Theirarrival was always a festive season , but now a deeper interest stirred thepeople . It was known that the Galilean Rabbi who had so lately broughtLazarus to life was in the throng ; and though whispers were rife as to theplottings of the priests , the multitudes were eager to do Him homage . Jericho was one of the cities anciently set apart for the priests , and atthis time large numbers of priests had their residence there . But the cityhad also a population of a widely different character . It was a great centerof traffic , and Roman officials and soldiers , with strangers from differentquarters , were found there , while the collection of customs made it the homeof many publicans . " The chief among the publicans , " Zacchaeus , was a Jew , and detested by hiscountrymen . His rank and wealth were the reward of a calling 553 they abhorred , and which was regarded as another name for injustice andextortion . Yet the wealthy customs officer was not altogether the hardenedman of the world that he seemed . Beneath the appearance of worldliness andpride was a heart susceptible to divine influences . Zacchaeus had heard ofJesus . The report of one who had borne Himself with kindness and courtesytoward the proscribed classes had spread far and wide . In this chief of thepublicans was awakened a longing for a better life . only a few miles fromJericho , John the Baptist had preached at the Jordan , and Zacchaeus hadheard of the call to repentance . The instruction to the publicans , " Exact nomore than that which is appointed you " ( Luke 3 : 13 ) , though outwardlydisregarded , had impressed his mind . He knew the Scriptures , and wasconvicted that his practice was wrong . Now , hearing the words reported tohave come from the Great Teacher , he felt that he was a sinner in the sightof God . Yet what he had heard of Jesus kindled hope in his heart . Repentance , reformation of life , was possible , even to him ; was not one ofthe new Teacher ' s most trusted disciples a publican ? Zacchaeus began at onceto follow the conviction that had taken hold upon him , and to makerestitution to those whom he had wronged . Already he had begun thus to retrace his steps , when the news soundedthrough Jericho that Jesus was entering the town . Zacchaeus determined tosee Him . He was beginning to realize how bitter are the fruits of sin , andhow difficult the path of him who tries to return from a course of wrong . Tobe misunderstood , to be met with suspicion and distrust in the effort tocorrect his errors , was hard to bear . The chief publican longed to look uponthe face of Him whose words had brought hope to his heart . The streets were crowded , and Zacchaeus , who was small of stature , could seenothing over the heads of the people . None would give way for him ; so , running a little in advance of the multitude , to where a wide - branching figtree hung over the way , the rich tax collector climbed to a seat among theboughs , whence he could survey the procession as it passed below . The crowdcomes near , it is going by , and Zacchaeus scans with eager eyes to discernthe one figure he longs to see . Above the clamor of priests and rabbis and the shouts of welcome from themultitude , that unuttered desire of the chief publican spoke to the heart ofJesus . Suddenly , just beneath the fig tree , a group halts , the companybefore and behind come to a standstill , and one looks upward whose glanceseems to read the soul . Almost doubting his senses , 554 the man in the tree hears the words , " Zacchaeus , make haste , and come down ; for today I must abide at thy house . " The multitude give way , and Zacchaeus , walking as in a dream , leads the waytoward his own home . But the rabbis look on with scowling faces , and murmurin discontent and scorn , " that He was gone to be guest with a man that is asinner . " Zacchaeus had been overwhelmed , amazed , and silenced at the love andcondescension of Christ in stooping to him , so unworthy . Now love andloyalty to his new - found Master unseal his lips . He will make public hisconfession and his repentance . 555 In the presence of the multitude , " Zacchaeus stood , and said unto the Lord ; Behold , Lord , the half of my goods I give to the poor ; and if I have takenanything from any man by false accusation , I restore him fourfold . " And Jesus said unto him , This day is salvation come to this house , forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham . " When the rich young ruler had turned away from Jesus , the disciples hadmarveled at their Master ' s saying , " How hard is it for them that trust inriches to enter into the kingdom of God ! " They had exclaimed one to another , " Who then can be saved ? " Now they had a demonstration of the truth ofChrist ' s words , " The things which are impossible with men are possible withGod . " Mark 10 : 24 , 26 ; Luke 18 : 27 . They say how , through the grace of God , arich man could enter into the kingdom . Before Zacchaeus had looked upon the face of Christ , he had begun the workthat made him manifest as a true penitent . Before being accused by man , hehad confessed his sin . He had yielded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit , and had begun to carry out the teaching of the words written for ancientIsrael as well as for ourselves . The Lord had said long before , " If thybrother be waxen poor , and fallen in decay with thee ; then thou shaltrelieve him : yea , though he be a stranger , or a sojourner ; that he may livewith thee . Take thou no usury of him , or increase : but fear thy God ; thatthy brother may live with thee . Thou shalt not give him thy money uponusury , nor lend him thy victuals for increase . " " Ye shall not thereforeoppress one another ; but thou shalt fear thy God . " Lev . 25 : 35 - 37 , 17 . Thesewords had been spoken by Christ Himself when He was enshrouded in the pillarof cloud , and the very first response of Zacchaeus to the love of Christ wasin manifesting compassion toward the poor and suffering . Among the publicans there was a confederacy , so that they could oppress thepeople , and sustain one another in their fraudulent practices . In theirextortion they were but carrying out what had become an almost universalcustom . Even the priests and rabbis who despised them were guilty ofenriching themselves by dishonest practices under cover of their sacredcalling . But no sooner did Zacchaeus yield to the influence of the HolySpirit than he cast aside every practice contrary to integrity . No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation . The righteousnessof Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken 556 sin ; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and controlsthe conduct . Holiness is wholeness for God ; it is the entire surrender ofheart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven . The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the mannerin which our Lord would conduct business enterprises . In every transactionhe is to make it manifest that God is his teacher . " Holiness unto the Lord " is to be written upon daybooks and ledgers , on deeds , receipts , and bills ofexchange . Those who profess to be followers of Christ , and who deal in anunrighteous manner , are bearing false witness against the character of aholy , just , and merciful God . Every converted soul will , like Zacchaeus , signalize the entrance of Christ into his heart by an abandonment of theunrighteous practices that have marked his life . Like the chief publican , hewill give proof of his sincerity by making restitution . The Lord says , " Ifthe wicked restore the pledge , give again that he had robbed , walk in thestatutes of life , without committing iniquity ; . . . none of his sins thathe hath committed shall be mentioned unto him : . . . He shall surely live . " Ezek . 33 : 15 , 16 . If we have injured others through any unjust business transaction , if wehave overreached in trade , or defrauded any man , even though it be withinthe pale of the law , we should confess our wrong , and make restitution asfar as lies in our power . It is right for us to restore not only that whichwe have taken , but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right andwise use during the time it has been in our possession . To Zacchaeus the Saviour said , " This day is salvation come to this house . " Not only was Zacchaeus himself blessed , but all his household with him . Christ went to his home to give him lessons of truth , and to instruct hishousehold in the things of the kingdom . They had been shut out from thesynagogues by the contempt of rabbis and worshipers ; but now , the mostfavored household in all Jericho , they gathered in their own home about thedivine Teacher , and heard for themselves the words of life . It is when Christ is received as a personal Saviour that salvation comes tothe soul . Zacchaeus had received Jesus , not merely as a passing guest in hishome , but as one to abide in the soul temple . The scribes and Phariseesaccused him as a sinner , they murmured against Christ for becoming hisguest , but the Lord recognized him as a son of Abraham . For " they which areof faith , the same are the children of Abraham . " Gal . 3 : 7 . ( 557 ) Chapter 62 The Feast at Simon ' s House [ This chapter is based on Matt . 26 : 6 - 13 ; Mark 14 : 3 - 11 ; Luke 7 : 36 - 50 ; John 11 : 55 - 57 ; 12 : 1 - 11 . ] Simon of Bethany was accounted a disciple of Jesus . He was one of the fewPharisees who had openly joined Christ ' s followers . He acknowledged Jesus asa teacher , and hoped that He might be the Messiah , but he had not acceptedHim as a Saviour . His character was not transformed ; his principles wereunchanged . Simon had been healed of the leprosy , and it was this that had drawn him toJesus . He desired to show his gratitude , and at Christ ' s last visit toBethany he made a feast for the Saviour and His disciples . This feastbrought together many of the Jews . There was at this time much excitement atJerusalem . Christ and His mission were attracting greater attention thanever before . Those who had come to the feast closely watched His movements , and some of them with unfriendly eyes . The Saviour had reached Bethany only six days before the Passover , andaccording to His custom had sought rest at the home of Lazarus . The crowdsof travelers who passed on to the city spread the tidings that He was on Hisway to Jerusalem , and that He would rest over the Sabbath at Bethany . Amongthe people there was great enthusiasm . Many flocked to Bethany , some out ofsympathy with Jesus , and others from curiosity to see one who had beenraised from the dead . Many expected to hear from Lazarus a wonderful account of scenes witnessedafter death . They were surprised that he told them nothing . 558 He had nothing of this kind to tell . Inspiration declares , " The dead knownot anything . . . . Their love , and their hatred , and their envy , is nowperished . " Eccl . 9 : 5 , 6 . But Lazarus did have a wonderful testimony to bearin regard to the work of Christ . He had been raised from the dead for thispurpose . With assurance and power he declared that Jesus was the Son of God . The reports carried back to Jerusalem by the visitors to Bethany increasedthe excitement . The people were eager to see and hear Jesus . There was ageneral inquiry as to whether Lazarus would accompany Him to Jerusalem , andif the prophet would be crowned king at the Passover . The priests and rulerssaw that their hold upon the people was still weakening , and their rageagainst Jesus grew more bitter . They could hardly wait for the opportunityof removing Him forever from their way . As time passed , they began to fearthat after all He might not come to Jerusalem . They remembered how often Hehad baffled their murderous designs , and they were fearful that He had nowread their purposes against Him , and would remain away . They could illconceal their anxiety , and questioned among themselves , " What think ye , thatHe will not come to the feast ? " A council of the priests and Pharisees was called . Since the raising ofLazarus the sympathies of the people were so fully with Christ that it wouldbe dangerous to seize upon Him openly . So the authorities determined to takeHim secretly , and carry on the trial as quietly as possible . They hoped thatwhen His condemnation became known , the fickle tide of public opinion wouldset in their favor . Thus they proposed to destroy Jesus . But so long as Lazarus lived , thepriests and rabbis knew that they were not secure . The very existence of aman who had been four days in the grave , and who had been restored by a wordfrom Jesus , would sooner or later cause a reaction . The people would beavenged on their leaders for taking the life of one who could perform such amiracle . The Sanhedrin therefore decided that Lazarus also must die . To suchlengths do envy and prejudice lead their slaves . The hatred and unbelief ofthe Jewish leaders had increased until they would even take the life of onewhom infinite power had rescued from the grave . While this plotting was going on at Jerusalem , Jesus and His friends wereinvited to Simon ' s feast . At the table the Saviour sat with Simon , whom Hehad cured of a loathsome disease , on one side , and Lazarus , whom He hadraised from the dead , on the other . Martha served at the table , but Mary wasearnestly listening to every word from the lips of 559 Jesus . In His mercy , Jesus had pardoned her sins , He had called forth herbeloved brother from the grave , and Mary ' s heart was filled with gratitude . She had heard Jesus speak of His approaching death , and in her deep love andsorrow she had longed to show Him honor . At great personal sacrifice she hadpurchased an alabaster box of " ointment of spikenard , very costly , " withwhich to anoint His body . But now many were declaring that He was about tobe crowned king . Her grief was turned to joy , and she was eager to be firstin honoring her Lord . Breaking her box of ointment , she poured its contentsupon the head and feet of Jesus ; then , as she knelt weeping , moistening themwith her tears , she wiped His feet with her long , flowing hair . She had sought to avoid observation , and her movements might have passedunnoticed , but the ointment filled the room with its fragrance , andpublished her act to all present . Judas looked upon this act with greatdispleasure . Instead of waiting to hear what Christ would say of the matter , he began to whisper his complaints to those near him , throwing reproach uponChrist for suffering such waste . Craftily he made suggestions that would belikely to cause disaffection . Judas was treasurer for the disciples , and from their little store he hadsecretly drawn for his own use , thus narrowing down their resources to ameager pittance . He was eager to put into the bag all that he could obtain . The treasure in the bag was often drawn upon to relieve the poor ; and whensomething that Judas did not think essential was bought , he would say , Whyis this waste ? why was not the cost of this put into the bag that I carryfor the poor ? Now the act of Mary was in such marked contrast to hisselfishness that he was put to shame ; and according to his custom , he soughtto assign a worthy motive for his objection to her gift . Turning to thedisciples , he asked , " Why was not this ointment sold for three hundredpence , and given to the poor ? This he said , not that he cared for the poor ; but because he was a thief , and had the bag , and bare what was put therein . " Judas had no heart for the poor . Had Mary ' s ointment been sold , and theproceeds fallen into his possession , the poor would have received nobenefit . Judas had a high opinion of his own executive ability . As a financier hethought himself greatly superior to his fellow disciples , and he had ledthem to regard him in the same light . He had gained their confidence , andhad a strong influence over them . His professed sympathy for the poordeceived them , and his artful insinuation caused them to look 560 distrustfully upon Mary ' s devotion . The murmur passed round the table , " Towhat purpose is this waste ? For this ointment might have been sold for much , and given to the poor . " Mary heard the words of criticism . Her heart trembled within her . She fearedthat her sister would reproach her for extravagance . The Master , too , mightthink her improvident . Without apology or excuse she was about to shrinkaway , when the voice of her Lord was heard , " Let her alone ; why trouble yeher ? " He saw that she was embarrassed and distressed . He knew that in thisact of service she had expressed her gratitude for the forgiveness of hersins , and He brought relief to her mind . Lifting His voice above the murmurof criticism , He said , " She hath wrought a good work on Me . For ye have thepoor with you always , and whensoever ye will ye may do them good : but Me yehave not always . She hath done what she could : she is come aforehand toanoint My body to the burying . " The fragrant gift which Mary had thought to lavish upon the dead body of theSaviour she poured upon His living form . At the burial its sweetness couldonly have pervaded the tomb ; now it gladdened His heart with the assuranceof her faith and love . Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus offered not theirgift of love to Jesus in His life . With bitter tears they brought theircostly spices for His cold , unconscious form . The women who bore spices tothe tomb found their errand in vain , for He had risen . But Mary , pouring outher love upon the Saviour while He was conscious of her devotion , wasanointing Him for the burial . And as He went down into the darkness of Hisgreat trial , He carried with Him the memory of that deed , an earnest of thelove that would be His from His redeemed ones forever . Many there are who bring their precious gifts for the dead . As they standabout the cold , silent form , words of love are freely spoken . Tenderness , appreciation , devotion , all are lavished upon one who sees not nor hears . Had these words been spoken when the weary spirit needed them so much , whenthe ear could hear and the heart could feel , how precious would have beentheir fragrance ! Mary knew not the full significance of her deed of love . She could notanswer her accusers . She could not explain why she had chosen that occasionfor anointing Jesus . The Holy Spirit had planned for her , and she had obeyedHis promptings . Inspiration stoops to give no reason . An unseen presence , itspeaks to mind and soul , and moves the heart to action . It is its ownjustification . Christ told Mary the meaning of her act , and in this He gave her 563 more than He had received . " In that she hath poured this ointment on Mybody , " He said , " she did it for My burial . " As the alabaster box was broken , and filled the whole house with its fragrance , so Christ was to die , Hisbody was to be broken ; but He was to rise from the tomb , and the fragranceof His life was to fill the earth . Christ " hath loved us , and hath givenHimself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet - smellingsavor . " Eph . 5 : 2 . " Verily I say unto you , " Christ declared , " Wheresoever this gospel shall bepreached throughout the whole world , this also that she hath done shall bespoken of for a memorial of her . " Looking into the future , the Saviour spokewith certainty concerning His gospel . It was to be preached throughout theworld . And as far as the gospel extended , Mary ' s gift would shed itsfragrance , and hearts would be blessed through her unstudied act . Kingdomswould rise and fall ; the names of monarchs and conquerors would beforgotten ; but this woman ' s deed would be immortalized upon the pages ofsacred history . Until time should be no more , that broken alabaster boxwould tell the story of the abundant love of God for a fallen race . Mary ' s act was in marked contrast with that which Judas was about to do . What a sharp lesson Christ might have given him who had dropped the seed ofcriticism and evil thinking into the minds of the disciples ! How justly theaccuser might have been accused ! He who reads the motives of every heart , and understands every action , might have opened before those at the feastdark chapters in the experience of Judas . The hollow pretense on which thetraitor based his words might have been laid bare ; for , instead ofsympathizing with the poor , he was robbing them of the money intended fortheir relief . Indignation might have been excited against him for hisoppression of the widow , the orphan , and the hireling . But had Christunmasked Judas , this would have been urged as a reason for the betrayal . Andthough charged with being a thief , Judas would have gained sympathy , evenamong the disciples . The Saviour reproached him not , and thus avoided givinghim an excuse for his treachery . But the look which Jesus cast upon Judas convinced him that the Saviourpenetrated his hypocrisy , and read his base , contemptible character . And incommending Mary ' s action , which had been so severely condemned , Christ hadrebuked Judas . Prior to this , the Saviour had never given him a directrebuke . Now the reproof rankled in his heart . He determined to be revenged . From the supper he went directly to 564 the palace of the high priest , where he found the council assembled , and heoffered to betray Jesus into their hands . The priests were greatly rejoiced . These leaders of Israel had been giventhe privilege of receiving Christ as their Saviour , without money andwithout price . But they refused the precious gift offered them in the mosttender spirit of constraining love . They refused to accept that salvationwhich is of more value than gold , and bought their Lord for thirty pieces ofsilver . Judas had indulged avarice until it overpowered every good trait of hischaracter . He grudged the offering made to Jesus . His heart burned with envythat the Saviour should be the recipient of a gift suitable for the monarchsof the earth . For a sum far less than the box of ointment cost , he betrayedhis Lord . The disciples were not like Judas . They loved the Saviour . But they did notrightly appreciate His exalted character . Had they realized what He had donefor them , they would have felt that nothing bestowed upon Him was wasted . The wise men from the East , who knew so little of Jesus , had shown a truerappreciation of the honor due Him . They brought precious gifts to theSaviour , and bowed in homage before Him when He was but a babe , and cradledin a manger . Christ values acts of heartfelt courtesy . When anyone did Him a favor , withheavenly politeness He blessed the actor . He did not refuse the simplestflower plucked by the hand of a child , and offered to Him in love . Heaccepted the offerings of children , and blessed the givers , inscribing theirnames in the book of life . In the Scriptures , Mary ' s anointing of Jesus ismentioned as distinguishing her from the other Marys . Acts of love andreverence for Jesus are an evidence of faith in Him as the Son of God . Andthe Holy Spirit mentions , as evidences of woman ' s loyalty to Christ : " If shehave washed the saints ' feet , if she have relieved the afflicted , if shehave diligently followed every good work . " 1 Tim . 5 : 10 . Christ delighted in the earnest desire of Mary to do the will of her Lord . He accepted the wealth of pure affection which His disciples did not , wouldnot , understand . The desire that Mary had to do this service for her Lordwas of more value to Christ than all the precious ointment in the world , because it expressed her appreciation of the world ' s Redeemer . It was thelove of Christ that constrained her . The matchless excellence of thecharacter of Christ filled her soul . That ointment was a symbol of the heartof the giver . It was the outward demonstration of a love fed by heavenlystreams until it overflowed . 565 The work of Mary was just the lesson the disciples needed to show them thatthe ｅxpression of their love for Him would be pleasing to Christ . He hadbeen everything to them , and they did not realize that soon they would bedeprived of His presence , that soon they could offer Him no token of theirgratitude for His great love . The loneliness of Christ , separated from theheavenly courts , living the life of humanity , was never understood orappreciated by the disciples as it should have been . He was often grievedbecause His disciples did not give Him that which He should have receivedfrom them . He knew that if they were under the influence of the heavenlyangels that accompanied Him , they too would think no offering of sufficientvalue to declare the heart ' s spiritual affection . Their afterknowledge gave them a true sense of the many things they mighthave done for Jesus expressive of the love and gratitude of their hearts , while they were near Him . When Jesus was no longer with them , and they feltindeed as sheep without a shepherd , they began to see how they might haveshown Him attentions that would have brought gladness to His heart . They nolonger cast blame upon Mary , but upon themselves . Oh , if they could havetaken back their censuring , their presenting the poor as more worthy of thegift than was Christ ! They felt the reproof keenly as they took from thecross the bruised body of their Lord . The same want is evident in our world today . But few appreciate all thatChrist is to them . If they did , the great love of Mary would be expressed , the anointing would be freely bestowed . The expensive ointment would not becalled a waste . Nothing would be thought too costly to give for Christ , noself - denial or self - sacrifice too great to be endured for His sake . The words spoken in indignation , " To what purpose is this waste ? " broughtvividly before Christ the greatest sacrifice ever made , -- the gift of Himselfas the propitiation for a lost world . The Lord would be so bountiful to Hishuman family that it could not be said of Him that He could do more . In thegift of Jesus , God gave all heaven . From a human point of view , such asacrifice was a wanton waste . To human reasoning the whole plan of salvationis a waste of mercies and resources . Self - denial and wholehearted sacrificemeet us everywhere . Well may the heavenly host look with amazement upon thehuman family who refuse to be uplifted and enriched with the boundless loveexpressed in Christ . Well may they exclaim , Why this great waste ? But the atonement for a lost world was to be full , abundant , and 566 complete . Christ ' s offering was exceedingly abundant to reach every soulthat God had created . It could not be restricted so as not to exceed thenumber who would accept the great Gift . All men are not saved ; yet the planof redemption is not a waste because it does not accomplish all that itsliberality has provided for . There must be enough and to spare . Simon the host had been influenced by the criticism of Judas upon Mary ' sgift , and he was surprised at the conduct of Jesus . His Pharisaic pride wasoffended . He knew that many of his guests were looking upon Christ withdistrust and displeasure . Simon said in his heart , " This Man , if He were aprophet , would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touchethHim : for she is a sinner . " By curing Simon of leprosy , Christ had saved him from a living death . Butnow Simon questioned whether the Saviour were a prophet . Because Christallowed this woman to approach Him , because He did not indignantly spurn heras one whose sins were too great to be forgiven , because He did not showthat He realized she had fallen , Simon was tempted to think that He was nota prophet . Jesus knows nothing of this woman who is so free in herdemonstrations , he thought , or He would not allow her to touch Him . But it was Simon ' s ignorance of God and of Christ that led him to think ashe did . He did not realize that God ' s Son must act in God ' s way , withcompassion , tenderness , and mercy . Simon ' s way was to take no notice ofMary ' s penitent service . Her act of kissing Christ ' s feet and anointing themwith ointment was exasperating to his hardheartedness . He thought that ifChrist were a prophet , He would recognize sinners and rebuke them . To this unspoken thought the Saviour answered : " Simon , I have somewhat tosay unto thee . . . . There was a certain creditor which had two debtors : theone owed five hundred pence , and the other fifty . And when they had nothingto pay , he frankly forgave them both . Tell Me therefore , which of them willlove him most ? Simon answered and said , I suppose that he , to whom heforgave most . And He said unto him , Thou hast rightly judged . " As did Nathan with David , Christ concealed His home thrust under the veil ofa parable . He threw upon His host the burden of pronouncing sentence uponhimself . Simon had led into sin the woman he now despised . She had beendeeply wronged by him . By the two debtors of the parable , Simon and thewoman were represented . Jesus did not design to teach that different degreesof obligation should be felt by the 567 two persons , for each owed a debt of gratitude that never could be repaid . But Simon felt himself more righteous than Mary , and Jesus desired him tosee how great his guilt really was . He would show him that his sin wasgreater than hers , as much greater as a debt of five hundred pence exceeds adebt of fifty pence . Simon now began to see himself in a new light . He saw how Mary was regardedby one who was more than a prophet . He saw that with keen prophetic eyeChrist read her heart of love and devotion . Shame seized upon him , and herealized that he was in the presence of one superior to himself . " I entered into thine house , " Christ continued , " thou gavest Me no water forMy feet ;" but with tears of repentance , prompted by love , Mary hath washedMy feet , and wiped them with the hair of her head . " Thou gavest Me no kiss : but this woman , " whom you despise , " since the time I came in hath not ceasedto kiss My feet . " Christ recounted the opportunities Simon had had to showhis love for his Lord , and his appreciation of what had been done for him . Plainly , yet with delicate politeness , the Saviour assured His disciplesthat His heart is grieved when His children neglect to show their gratitudeto Him by words and deeds of love . The Heart Searcher read the motive that led to Mary ' s action , and He sawalso the spirit that prompted Simon ' s words . " Seest thou this woman ? " Hesaid to him . She is a sinner . " I say unto thee , Her sins , which are many , are forgiven ; for she loved much : but to whom little is forgiven , the sameloveth little . " Simon ' s coldness and neglect toward the Saviour showed how little heappreciated the mercy he had received . He had thought he honored Jesus byinviting Him to his house . But he now saw himself as he really was . While hethought himself reading his Guest , his Guest had been reading him . He sawhow true Christ ' s judgment of him was . His religion had been a robe ofPharisaism . He had despised the compassion of Jesus . He had not recognizedHim as the representative of God . While Mary was a sinner pardoned , he was asinner unpardoned . The rigid rule of justice he had desired to enforceagainst her condemned him . Simon was touched by the kindness of Jesus in not openly rebuking him beforethe guests . He had not been treated as he desired Mary to be treated . He sawthat Jesus did not wish to expose his guilt to others , but sought by a truestatement of the case to convince his mind , and by pitying kindness tosubdue his heart . Stern denunciation would have hardened Simon againstrepentance , but patient admonition convinced 568 him of his error . He saw the magnitude of the debt which he owed his Lord . His pride was humbled , he repented , and the proud Pharisee became a lowly , self - sacrificing disciple . Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner , but Christ knew thecircumstances that had shaped her life . He might have extinguished everyspark of hope in her soul , but He did not . It was He who had lifted her fromdespair and ruin . Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons thatcontrolled her heart and mind . She had heard His strong cries to the Fatherin her behalf . She knew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity , and inHis strength she had overcome . When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless , Christ saw in Marycapabilities for good . He saw the better traits of her character . The planof redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities , and in Marythese possibilities were to be realized . Through His grace she became apartaker of the divine nature . The one who had fallen , and whose mind hadbeen a habitation of demons , was brought very near to the Saviour infellowship and ministry . It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him . It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil , and bathedHis feet with her tears . Mary stood beside the cross , and followed Him tothe sepulcher . Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection . It wasMary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour . Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul . You may say , I am sinful , verysinful . You may be ; but the worse you are , the more you need Jesus . He turnsno weeping , contrite one away . He does not tell to any all that He mightreveal , but He bids every trembling soul take courage . Freely will He pardonall who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration . Christ might commission the angels of heaven to pour out the vials of Hiswrath on our world , to destroy those who are filled with hatred of God . Hemight wipe this dark spot from His universe . But He does not do this . He istoday standing at the altar of incense , presenting before God the prayers ofthose who desire His help . The souls that turn to Him for refuge , Jesus lifts above the accusing andthe strife of tongues . No man or evil angel can impeach these souls . Christunites them to His own divine - human nature . They stand beside the great SinBearer , in the light proceeding from the throne of God . " Who shall layanything to the charge of God ' s elect ? It is God that justifieth . Who is hethat condemneth ? It is Christ that died , yea rather , that is risen again , who is even at the right hand of God , who also maketh intercession for us . " Rom . 8 : 33 , 34 . ( 569 ) Chapter 63 " Thy King Cometh " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 21 : 1 - 11 ; Mark 11 : 1 - 10 ; Luke 19 : 29 - 44 ; John 12 : 12 - 19 . ] " Rejoice greatly , O daughter of Zion ; shout , O daughter of Jerusalem : behold , thy King cometh unto thee : He is just , and having salvation ; lowly , and riding upon an ass , and upon a colt the foal of an ass . " Zech . 9 : 9 . Five hundred years before the birth of Christ , the prophet Zechariah thusforetold the coming of the King to Israel . This prophecy is now to befulfilled . He who has so long refused royal honors now comes to Jerusalem asthe promised heir to David ' s throne . It was on the first day of the week that Christ made His triumphal entryinto Jerusalem . Multitudes who had flocked to see Him at Bethany nowaccompanied Him , eager to witness His reception . Many people were on theirway to the city to keep the Passover , and these joined the multitudeattending Jesus . All nature seemed to rejoice . The trees were clothed withverdure , and their blossoms shed a delicate fragrance on the air . A new lifeand joy animated the people . The hope of the new kingdom was again springingup . Purposing to ride into Jerusalem , Jesus had sent two of His disciples tobring to Him an ass and its colt . At His birth the Saviour was dependentupon the hospitality of strangers . The manger in which He lay was a borrowedresting place . Now , although the cattle on a thousand hills are His , He isdependent on a stranger ' s kindness for an animal on 570 which to enter Jerusalem as its King . But again His divinity is revealed , even in the minute directions given His disciples for this errand . As Heforetold , the plea , " The Lord hath need of them , " was readily granted . Jesuschose for His use the colt on which never man had sat . The disciples , withglad enthusiasm , spread their garments on the beast , and seated their Masterupon it . Heretofore Jesus had always traveled on foot , and the disciples hadat first wondered that He should now choose to ride . But hope brightened intheir hearts with the joyous thought that He was about to enter the capital , proclaim Himself King , and assert His royal power . While on their errandthey communicated their glowing expectations to the friends of Jesus , andthe excitement spread far and near , raising the expectations of the peopleto the highest pitch . Christ was following the Jewish custom for a royal entry . The animal onwhich He rode was that ridden by the kings of Israel , and prophecy hadforetold that thus the Messiah should come to His kingdom . No sooner was Heseated upon the colt than a loud shout of triumph rent the air . Themultitude hailed Him as Messiah , their King . Jesus now accepted the homagewhich He had never before permitted , and the disciples received this asproof that their glad hopes were to be realized by seeing Him established onthe throne . The multitude were convinced that the hour of their emancipationwas at hand . In imagination they saw the Roman armies driven from Jerusalem , and Israel once more an independent nation . All were happy and excited ; thepeople vied with one another in paying Him homage . They could not displayoutward pomp and splendor , but they gave Him the worship of happy hearts . They were unable to present Him with costly gifts , but they spread theirouter garments as a carpet in His path , and they also strewed the leafybranches of the olive and the palm in the way . They could lead the triumphalprocession with no royal standards , but they cut down the spreading palmboughs , Nature ' s emblem of victory , and waved them aloft with loudacclamations and hosannas . As they proceeded , the multitude was continually increased by those who hadheard of the coming of Jesus and hastened to join the procession . Spectatorswere constantly mingling with the throng , and asking , Who is this ? What doesall this commotion signify ? They had all heard of Jesus , and expected Him togo to Jerusalem ; but they knew that He had heretofore discouraged all effortto place Him on the throne , and they were greatly astonished to learn thatthis was He . They wondered what could have wrought this change in Him whohad declared that His kingdom was not of this world . 571 Their questionings are silenced by a shout of triumph . Again and again it isrepeated by the eager throng ; it is taken up by the people afar off , andechoed from the surrounding hills and valleys . And now the procession isjoined by crowds from Jerusalem . From the multitudes gathered to attend thePassover , thousands go forth to welcome Jesus . They greet Him with thewaving of palm branches and a burst of sacred song . The priests at thetemple sound the trumpet for evening service , but there are few to respond , and the rulers say to one another in alarm . " The world is gone after Him . " Never before in His earthly life had Jesus permitted such a demonstration . He clearly foresaw the result . It would bring Him to the cross . But it wasHis purpose thus publicly to present Himself as the Redeemer . He desired tocall attention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission to a fallenworld . While the people were assembling at Jerusalem to celebrate thePassover , He , the antitypical Lamb , by a voluntary act set Himself apart asan oblation . It would be needful for His church in all succeeding ages tomake His death for the sins of the world a subject of deep thought andstudy . Every fact connected with it should be verified beyond a doubt . Itwas necessary , then , that the eyes of all people should now be directed toHim ; the events which preceded His great sacrifice must be such as to callattention to the sacrifice itself . After such a demonstration as thatattending His entry into Jerusalem , all eyes would follow His rapid progressto the final scene . The events connected with this triumphal ride would be the talk of everytongue , and would bring Jesus before every mind . After His crucifixion , manywould recall these events in their connection with His trial and death . Theywould be led to search the prophecies , and would be convinced that Jesus wasthe Messiah ; and in all lands converts to the faith would be multiplied . In this one triumphant scene of His earthly life , the Saviour might haveappeared escorted by heavenly angels , and heralded by the trump of God ; butsuch a demonstration would have been contrary to the purpose of His mission , contrary to the law which had governed His life . He remained true to thehumble lot He had accepted . The burden of humanity He must bear until Hislife was given for the life of the world . This day , which seemed to the disciples the crowning day of their lives , would have been shadowed with gloomy clouds had they known that this sceneof rejoicing was but a prelude to the suffering and death of their Master . Although He had repeatedly told them of His certain 572 sacrifice , yet in the glad triumph of the present they forgot His sorrowfulwords , and looked forward to His prosperous reign on David ' s throne . New accessions were made continually to the procession , and , with fewexceptions , all who joined it caught the inspiration of the hour , and helpedto swell the hosannas that echoed and re - echoed from hill to hill and fromvalley to valley . The shouts went up continually , " Hosanna to the Son ofDavid : Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord ! Hosanna in thehighest . " Never before had the world seen such a triumphal procession . It was not likethat of the earth ' s famous conquerors . No train of mourning captives , astrophies of kingly valor , made a feature of that scene . But about theSaviour were the glorious trophies of His labors of love for sinful man . There were the captives whom He had rescued from Satan ' s power , praising Godfor their deliverance . The blind whom He had restored to sight were leadingthe way . The dumb whose tongues He had loosed shouted the loudest hosannas . The cripples whom He had healed bounded with joy , and were the most activein breaking the palm branches and waving them before the Saviour . Widows andorphans were exalting the name of Jesus for His works of mercy to them . Thelepers whom He had cleansed spread their untainted garments in His path , andhailed Him as the King of glory . Those whom His voice had awakened from thesleep of death were in that throng . Lazarus , whose body had seen corruptionin the grave , but who now rejoiced in the strength of glorious manhood , ledthe beast on which the Saviour rode . Many Pharisees witnessed the scene , and , burning with envy and malice , sought to turn the current of popular feeling . With all their authority theytried to silence the people ; but their appeals and threats only increasedthe enthusiasm . They feared that this multitude , in the strength of theirnumbers , would make Jesus king . As a last resort they pressed through thecrowd to where the Saviour was , and accosted Him with reproving andthreatening words : " Master , rebuke Thy disciples . " They declared that suchnoisy demonstrations were unlawful , and would not be permitted by theauthorities . But they were silenced by the reply of Jesus , " I tell you that , if these should hold their peace , the stones would immediately cry out . " That scene of triumph was of God ' s own appointing . It had been foretold bythe prophet , and man was powerless to turn aside God ' s purpose . Had menfailed to carry out His plan , He would have given a voice to the inanimatestones , and they would have hailed His Son with acclamations of praise . Asthe silenced Pharisees 575 drew back , the words of Zechariah were taken up by hundreds of voices : " Rejoice greatly , O daughter of Zion ; shout , O daughter of Jerusalem : behold , thy King cometh unto thee : He is just , and having salvation ; lowly , and riding upon an ass , and upon a colt the foal of an ass . " When the procession reached the brow of the hill , and was about to descendinto the city , Jesus halted , and all the multitude with Him . Before them layJerusalem in its glory , now bathed in the light of the declining sun . Thetemple attracted all eyes . In stately grandeur it towered above all else , seeming to point toward heaven as if directing the people to the only trueand living God . The temple had long been the pride and glory of the Jewishnation . The Romans also prided themselves in its magnificence . A kingappointed by the Romans had united with the Jews to rebuild and embellishit , and the emperor of Rome had enriched it with his gifts . Its strength , richness , and magnificence had made it one of the wonders of the world . While the westering sun was tinting and gilding the heavens , its resplendentglory lighted up the pure white marble of the temple walls , and sparkled onits gold - capped pillars . From the crest of the hill where Jesus and Hisfollowers stood , it had the appearance of a massive structure of snow , setwith golden pinnacles . At the entrance to the temple was a vine of gold andsilver , with green leaves and massive clusters of grapes executed by themost skillful artists . This design represented Israel as a prosperous vine . The gold , silver , and living green were combined with rare taste andexquisite workmanship ; as it twined gracefully about the white andglistening pillars , clinging with shining tendrils to their goldenornaments , it caught the splendor of the setting sun , shining as if with aglory borrowed from heaven . Jesus gazes upon the scene , and the vast multitude hush their shouts , spellbound by the sudden vision of beauty . All eyes turn upon the Saviour , expecting to see in His countenance the admiration they themselves feel . Butinstead of this they behold a cloud of sorrow . They are surprised anddisappointed to see His eyes fill with tears , and His body rock to and frolike a tree before the tempest , while a wail of anguish bursts from Hisquivering lips , as if from the depths of a broken heart . What a sight wasthis for angels to behold ! their loved Commander in an agony of tears ! Whata sight was this for the glad throng that with shouts of triumph and thewaving of palm branches were escorting Him to the glorious city , where theyfondly hoped He was about to reign ! Jesus had wept at the grave of Lazarus , but it was in a 576 godlike grief in sympathy with human woe . But this sudden sorrow was like anote of wailing in a grand triumphal chorus . In the midst of a scene ofrejoicing , where all were paying Him homage , Israel ' s King was in tears ; notsilent tears of gladness , but tears and groans of insuppressible agony . Themultitude were struck with a sudden gloom . Their acclamations were silenced . Many wept in sympathy with a grief they could not comprehend . The tears of Jesus were not in anticipation of His own suffering . Justbefore Him was Gethsemane , where soon the horror of a great darkness wouldovershadow Him . The sheepgate also was in sight , through which for centuriesthe beasts for sacrificial offerings had been led . This gate was soon toopen for Him , the great Antitype , toward whose sacrifice for the sins of theworld all these offerings had pointed . Near by was Calvary , the scene of Hisapproaching agony . Yet it was not because of these reminders of His crueldeath that the Redeemer wept and groaned in anguish of spirit . His was noselfish sorrow . The thought of His own agony did not intimidate that noble , self - sacrificing soul . It was the sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heartof Jesus -- Jerusalem that had rejected the Son of God and scorned His love , that refused to be convinced by His mighty miracles , and was about to takeHis life . He saw what she was in her guilt of rejecting her Redeemer , andwhat she might have been had she accepted Him who alone could heal herwound . He had come to save her ; how could He give her up ? Israel had been a favored people ; God had made their temple His habitation ; it was " beautiful for situation , the joy of the whole earth . " Ps . 48 : 2 . Therecord of more than a thousand years of Christ ' s guardian care and tenderlove , such as a father bears his only child , was there . In that temple theprophets had uttered their solemn warnings . There had the burning censerswaved , while incense , mingled with the prayers of the worshipers , hadascended to God . There the blood of beasts had flowed , typical of the bloodof Christ . There Jehovah had manifested His glory above the mercy seat . There the priests had officiated , and the pomp of symbol and ceremony hadgone on for ages . But all this must have an end . Jesus raised His hand , -- that had so often blessed the sick andsuffering , -- and waving it toward the doomed city , in broken utterances ofgrief exclaimed : " If thou hadst known , even thou , at least in this thy day , the things which belong unto thy peace ! --" Here the Saviour paused , and leftunsaid what might have been the condition of Jerusalem 577 had she accepted the help that God desired to give her , -- the gift of Hisbeloved Son . If Jerusalem had known what it was her privilege to know , andhad heeded the light which Heaven had sent her , she might have stood forthin the pride of prosperity , the queen of kingdoms , free in the strength ofher God - given power . There would have been no armed soldiers standing at hergates , no Roman banners waving from her walls . The glorious destiny thatmight have blessed Jerusalem had she accepted her Redeemer rose before theSon of God . He saw that she might through Him have been healed of hergrievous malady , liberated from bondage , and established as the mightymetropolis of the earth . From her walls the dove of peace would have goneforth to all nations . She would have been the world ' s diadem of glory . But the bright picture of what Jerusalem might have been fades from theSaviour ' s sight . He realizes what she now is under the Roman yoke , bearingthe frown of God , doomed to His retributive judgment . He takes up the brokenthread of His lamentation : " But now they are hid from thine eyes . For thedays shall come upon thee , that thine enemies shall cast a trench aboutthee , and compass thee round , and keep thee in on every side , and shall laythee even with the ground , and thy children within thee ; and they shall notleave in thee one stone upon another ; because thou knewest not the time ofthy visitation . " Christ came to save Jerusalem with her children ; but Pharisaical pride , hypocrisy , jealousy , and malice had prevented Him from accomplishing Hispurpose . Jesus knew the terrible retribution which would be visited upon thedoomed city . He saw Jerusalem encompassed with armies , the besiegedinhabitants driven to starvation and death , mothers feeding upon the deadbodies of their own children , and both parents and children snatching thelast morsel of food from one another , natural affection being destroyed bythe gnawing pangs of hunger . He saw that the stubbornness of the Jews , asevinced in their rejection of His salvation , would also lead them to refusesubmission to the invading armies . He beheld Calvary , on which He was to belifted up , set with crosses as thickly as forest trees . He saw the wretchedinhabitants suffering torture on the rack and by crucifixion , the beautifulpalaces destroyed , the temple in ruins , and of its massive walls not onestone left upon another , while the city was plowed like a field . Well mightthe Saviour weep in agony in view of that fearful scene . Jerusalem had been the child of His care , and as a tender father mourns overa wayward son , so Jesus wept over the beloved city . How 578 can I give thee up ? How can I see thee devoted to destruction ? Must I letthee go to fill up the cup of thine iniquity ? one soul is of such valuethat , in comparison with it , worlds sink into insignificance ; but here was awhole nation to be lost . When the fast westering sun should pass from sightin the heavens , Jerusalem ' s day of grace would be ended . While theprocession was halting on the brow of Olivet , it was not yet too late forJerusalem to repent . The angel of mercy was then folding her wings to stepdown from the golden throne to give place to justice and swift - comingjudgment . But Christ ' s great heart of love still pleaded for Jerusalem , thathad scorned His mercies , despised His warnings , and was about to imbrue herhands in His blood . If Jerusalem would but repent , it was not yet too late . While the last rays of the setting sun were lingering on temple , tower , andpinnacle , would not some good angel lead her to the Saviour ' s love , andavert her doom ? Beautiful and unholy city , that had stoned the prophets , that had rejected the Son of God , that was locking herself by herimpenitence in fetters of bondage , -- her day of mercy was almost spent ! Yet again the Spirit of God speaks to Jerusalem . Before the day is done , another testimony is borne to Christ . The voice of witness is lifted up , responding to the call from a prophetic past . If Jerusalem will hear thecall , if she will receive the Saviour who is entering her gates , she may yetbe saved . Reports have reached the rulers in Jerusalem that Jesus is approaching thecity with a great concourse of people . But they have no welcome for the Sonof God . In fear they go out to meet Him , hoping to disperse the throng . Asthe procession is about to descend the Mount of Olives , it is intercepted bythe rulers . They inquire the cause of the tumultuous rejoicing . As theyquestion , " Who is this ? " the disciples , filled with the spirit ofinspiration , answer this question . In eloquent strains they repeat theprophecies concerning Christ : Adam will tell you , It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise theserpent ' s head . Ask Abraham , he will tell you , It is " Melchizedek King of Salem , " King ofPeace . Gen . 14 : 18 . Jacob will tell you , He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah . Isaiah will tell you , " Immanuel , " " Wonderful , Counselor , The mighty God , Theeverlasting Father , The Prince of Peace . " Isa . 7 : 14 ; 9 : 6 . Jeremiah will tell you , The Branch of David , " the Lord our Righteousness . " Jer . 23 : 6 . 579 Daniel will tell you , He is the Messiah . Hosea will tell you , He is " the Lord God of hosts ; the Lord is Hismemorial . " Hosea 12 : 5 . John the Baptist will tell you , He is " the Lamb of God , which taketh awaythe sin of the world . " John 1 : 29 . The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne , " This is My beloved Son . " Matt . 3 : 17 . We , His disciples , declare , This is Jesus , the Messiah , the Prince of life , the Redeemer of the world . And the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him , saying , " I knowThee who Thou art , the Holy one of God . " Mark 1 : 24 . ( 580 ) Chapter 64 A Doomed People [ This chapter is based on Mark 11 : 11 - 14 , 20 , 21 ; Matt . 21 : 17 - 19 . ] The triumphal ride of Christ into Jerusalem was the dim foreshadowing of Hiscoming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory , amid the triumph ofangels and the rejoicing of the saints . Then will be fulfilled the words ofChrist to the priests and Pharisees : " Ye shall not see Me henceforth , tillye shall say , Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord . " Matt . 23 : 39 . In prophetic vision Zechariah was shown that day of final triumph ; and he beheld also the doom of those who at the first advent had rejectedChrist : " They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced , and they shallmourn for Him , as one mourneth for his only son , and shall be in bitternessfor Him , as one that is in bitterness for his first - born . " Zech . 12 : 10 . Thisscene Christ foresaw when He beheld the city and wept over it . In thetemporal ruin of Jerusalem He saw the final destruction of that people whowere guilty of the blood of the Son of God . The disciples saw the hatred of the Jews to Christ , but they did not yet seeto what it would lead . They did not yet understand the true condition ofIsrael , nor comprehend the retribution that was to fall upon Jerusalem . ThisChrist opened to them by a significant object lesson . The last appeal to Jerusalem had been in vain . The priests and rulers hadheard the prophetic voice of the past echoed by the multitude , in answer tothe question , " Who is this ? " but they did not accept it as 581 the voice of Inspiration . In anger and amazement they tried to silence thepeople . There were Roman officers in the throng , and to them His enemiesdenounced Jesus as the leader of a rebellion . They represented that He wasabout to take possession of the temple , and reign as king in Jerusalem . But the calm voice of Jesus hushed for a moment the clamorous throng as Heagain declared that He had not come to establish a temporal rule ; He shouldsoon ascend to His Father , and His accusers would see Him no more until Heshould come again in glory . Then , too late for their salvation , they wouldacknowledge Him . These words Jesus spoke with sadness and with singularpower . The Roman officers were silenced and subdued . Their hearts , thoughstrangers to divine influence , were moved as they had never been movedbefore . In the calm , solemn face of Jesus they read love , benevolence , andquiet dignity . They were stirred by a sympathy they could not understand . Instead of arresting Jesus , they were more inclined to pay Him homage . Turning upon the priests and rulers , they charged them with creating thedisturbance . These leaders , chagrined and defeated , turned to the peoplewith their complaints , and disputed angrily among themselves . Meanwhile Jesus passed unnoticed to the temple . All was quiet there , for thescene upon Olivet had called away the people . For a short time Jesusremained at the temple , looking upon it with sorrowful eyes . Then Hewithdrew with His disciples , and returned to Bethany . When the people soughtfor Him to place Him on the throne , He was not to be found . The entire night Jesus spent in prayer , and in the morning He came again tothe temple . on the way He passed a fig orchard . He was hungry , " and seeing afig tree afar off having leaves , He came , if haply He might find anythingthereon : and when He came to it , He found nothing but leaves ; for the timeof figs was not yet . " It was not the season for ripe figs , except in certain localities ; and onthe highlands about Jerusalem it might truly be said , " The time of figs wasnot yet . " But in the orchard to which Jesus came , one tree appeared to be inadvance of all the others . It was already covered with leaves . It is thenature of the fig tree that before the leaves open , the growing fruitappears . Therefore this tree in full leaf gave promise of well - developedfruit . But its appearance was deceptive . Upon searching its branches , fromthe lowest bough to the topmost twig , Jesus found " nothing but leaves . " Itwas a mass of pretentious foliage , nothing more . 582 Christ uttered against it a withering curse . " No man eat fruit of theehereafter forever , " He said . The next morning , as the Saviour and Hisdisciples were again on their way to the city , the blasted branches anddrooping leaves attracted their attention . " Master , " said Peter , " behold , the fig tree which Thou cursedst is withered away . " Christ ' s act in cursing the fig tree had astonished the disciples . It seemedto them unlike His ways and works . Often they had heard Him declare that Hecame not to condemn the world , but that the world through Him might besaved . They remembered His words , " The Son of man is not come to destroymen ' s lives , but to save them . " Luke 9 : 56 . His wonderful works had been doneto restore , never to destroy . The disciples had known Him only as theRestorer , the Healer . This act stood alone . What was its purpose ? theyquestioned . God " delighteth in mercy . " " As I live , saith the Lord God , I have nopleasure in the death of the wicked . " Micah 7 : 18 ; Ezek . 33 : 11 . To Him thework of destruction and the denunciation of judgment is a " strange work . " Isa . 28 : 21 . But it is in mercy and love that He lifts the veil from thefuture , and reveals to men the results of a course of sin . The cursing of the fig tree was an acted parable . That barren tree , flaunting its pretentious foliage in the very face of Christ , was a symbolof the Jewish nation . The Saviour desired to make plain to His disciples thecause and the certainty of Israel ' s doom . For this purpose He invested thetree with moral qualities , and made it the expositor of divine truth . TheJews stood forth distinct from all other nations , professing 583 allegiance to God . They had been specially favored by Him , and they laidclaim to righteousness above every other people . But they were corrupted bythe love of the world and the greed of gain . They boasted of theirknowledge , but they were ignorant of the requirements of God , and were fullof hypocrisy . Like the barren tree , they spread their pretentious branchesaloft , luxuriant in appearance , and beautiful to the eye , but they yielded " nothing but leaves . " The Jewish religion , with its magnificent temple , itssacred altars , its mitered priests and impressive ceremonies , was indeedfair in outward appearance , but humility , love , and benevolence werelacking . All the trees in the fig orchard were destitute of fruit ; but the leaflesstrees raised no expectation , and caused no disappointment . By these treesthe Gentiles were represented . They were as destitute as were the Jews ofgodliness ; but they had not professed to serve God . They made no boastfulpretensions to goodness . They were blind to the works and ways of God . Withthem the time of figs was not yet . They were still waiting for a day whichwould bring them light and hope . The Jews , who had received greaterblessings from God , were held accountable for their abuse of these gifts . The privileges of which they boasted only increased their guilt . Jesus had come to the fig tree hungry , to find food . So He had come toIsrael , hungering to find in them the fruits of righteousness . He hadlavished on them His gifts , that they might bear fruit for the blessing ofthe world . Every opportunity and privilege had been granted them , and inreturn He sought their sympathy and co - operation in His work of grace . Helonged to see in them self - sacrifice and compassion , zeal for God , and adeep yearning of soul for the salvation of their fellow men . Had they keptthe law of God , they would have done the same unselfish work that Christdid . But love to God and man was eclipsed by pride and self - sufficiency . They brought ruin upon themselves by refusing to minister to others . Thetreasures of truth which God had committed to them , they did not give to theworld . In the barren tree they might read both their sin and its punishment . Withered beneath the Saviour ' s curse , standing forth sere and blasted , driedup by the roots , the fig tree showed what the Jewish people would be whenthe grace of God was removed from them . Refusing to impart blessing , theywould no longer receive it . " O Israel , " the Lord says , " thou hast destroyedthyself . " Hosea 13 : 9 . 584 The warning is for all time . Christ ' s act in cursing the tree which His ownpower had created stands as a warning to all churches and to all Christians . No one can live the law of God without ministering to others . But there aremany who do not live out Christ ' s merciful , unselfish life . Some who thinkthemselves excellent Christians do not understand what constitutes servicefor God . They plan and study to please themselves . They act only inreference to self . Time is of value to them only as they can gather forthemselves . In all the affairs of life this is their object . Not for othersbut for themselves do they minister . God created them to live in a worldwhere unselfish service must be performed . He designed them to help theirfellow men in every possible way . But self is so large that they cannot seeanything else . They are not in touch with humanity . Those who thus live forself are like the fig tree , which made every pretension but was fruitless . They observe the forms of worship , but without repentance or faith . Inprofession they honor the law of God , but obedience is lacking . They say , but do not . In the sentence pronounced on the fig tree Christ demonstrateshow hateful in His eyes is this vain pretense . He declares that the opensinner is less guilty than is he who professes to serve God , but who bearsno fruit to His glory . The parable of the fig tree , spoken before Christ ' s visit to Jerusalem , hada direct connection with the lesson He taught in cursing the fruitless tree . For the barren tree of the parable the gardener pleaded , Let it alone thisyear , until I shall dig about it and dress it ; and if it bear fruit , well ; but if not , then after that thou shalt cut it down . Increased care was to begiven the unfruitful tree . It was to have every advantage . But if itremained fruitless , nothing could save it from destruction . In the parablethe result of the gardener ' s work was not foretold . It depended upon thatpeople to whom Christ ' s words were spoken . They were represented by thefruitless tree , and it rested with them to decide their own destiny . Everyadvantage that Heaven could bestow was given them , but they did not profitby their increased blessings . By Christ ' s act in cursing the barren figtree , the result was shown . They had determined their own destruction . For more than a thousand years the Jewish nation had abused God ' s mercy andinvited His judgments . They had rejected His warnings and slain Hisprophets . For these sins the people of Christ ' s day made themselvesresponsible by following the same course . In the rejection 587 of their present mercies and warnings lay the guilt of that generation . Thefetters which the nation had for centuries been forging , the people ofChrist ' s day were fastening upon themselves . In every age there is given to men their day of light and privilege , aprobationary time in which they may become reconciled to God . But there is alimit to this grace . Mercy may plead for years and be slighted and rejected ; but there comes a time when mercy makes her last plea . The heart becomes sohardened that it ceases to respond to the Spirit of God . Then the sweet , winning voice entreats the sinner no longer , and reproofs and warningscease . That day had come to Jerusalem . Jesus wept in anguish over the doomed city , but He could not deliver her . He had exhausted every resource . In rejectingthe warnings of God ' s Spirit , Israel had rejected the only means of help . There was no other power by which they could be delivered . The Jewish nation was a symbol of the people of all ages who scorn thepleadings of Infinite Love . The tears of Christ when He wept over Jerusalemwere for the sins of all time . In the judgments pronounced upon Israel , those who reject the reproofs and warnings of God ' s Holy Spirit , may readtheir own condemnation . In this generation there are many who are treading on the same ground aswere the unbelieving Jews . They have witnessed the manifestation of thepower of God ; the Holy Spirit has spoken to their hearts ; but they cling totheir unbelief and resistance . God sends them warnings and reproof , but theyare not willing to confess their errors , and they reject His message and Hismessenger . The very means He uses for their recovery becomes to them a stoneof stumbling . The prophets of God were hated by apostate Israel because through them theirhidden sins were brought to light . Ahab regarded Elijah as his enemy becausethe prophet was faithful to rebuke the king ' s secret iniquities . So todaythe servant of Christ , the reprover of sin , meets with scorn and rebuffs . Bible truth , the religion of Christ , struggles against a strong current ofmoral impurity . Prejudice is even stronger in the hearts of men now than inChrist ' s day . Christ did not fulfill men ' s expectations ; His life was arebuke to their sins , and they rejected Him . So now the truth of God ' s worddoes not harmonize with men ' s practices and their natural inclination , andthousands reject its light . Men prompted by Satan cast doubt upon God ' sword , and choose to exercise 588 their independent judgment . They choose darkness rather than light , but theydo it at the peril of their souls . Those who caviled at the words of Christ , found ever - increased cause for cavil , until they turned from the Truth andthe Life . So it is now . God does not propose to remove every objection whichthe carnal heart may bring against His truth . To those who refuse theprecious rays of light which would illuminate the darkness , the mysteries ofGod ' s word remain such forever . From them the truth is hidden . They walkblindly , and know not the ruin before them . Christ overlooked the world and all ages from the height of Olivet ; and Hiswords are applicable to every soul who slights the pleadings of divinemercy . Scorner of His love , He addresses you today . It is " thou , even thou , " who shouldest know the things that belong to thy peace . Christ is sheddingbitter tears for you , who have no tears to shed for yourself . Already thatfatal hardness of heart which destroyed the Pharisees is manifest in you . And every evidence of the grace of God , every ray of divine light , is eithermelting and subduing the soul , or confirming it in hopeless impenitence . Christ foresaw that Jerusalem would remain obdurate and impenitent ; yet allthe guilt , all the consequences of rejected mercy , lay at her own door . Thusit will be with every soul who is following the same course . The Lorddeclares , " O Israel , thou hast destroyed thyself . " " Hear , O earth : behold , Iwill bring evil upon this people , even the fruit of their thoughts , becausethey have not hearkened unto My words , nor to My law , but rejected it . " Hosea 13 : 9 ; Jer . 6 : 19 . ( 589 ) Chapter 65 The Temple Cleansed Again [ This chapter is based on Matt . 21 : 12 - 16 , 23 - 46 ; Mark 11 : 15 - 19 , 27 - 33 ; 12 : 1 - 12 ; Luke 19 : 45 - 48 ; 20 : 1 - 19 . ] At the beginning of His ministry , Christ had driven from the temple thosewho defiled it by their unholy traffic ; and His stern and godlike demeanorhad struck terror to the hearts of the scheming traders . At the close of Hismission He came again to the temple , and found it still desecrated asbefore . The condition of things was even worse than before . The outer courtof the temple was like a vast cattle yard . With the cries of the animals andthe sharp chinking of coin was mingled the sound of angry altercationbetween traffickers , and among them were heard the voices of men in sacredoffice . The dignitaries of the temple were themselves engaged in buying andselling and the exchange of money . So completely were they controlled bytheir greed of gain that in the sight of God they were no better thanthieves . Little did the priests and rulers realize the solemnity of the work which itwas theirs to perform . At every Passover and Feast of Tabernacles , thousandsof animals were slain , and their blood was caught by the priests and pouredupon the altar . The Jews had become familiar with the offering of blood , andhad almost lost sight of the fact that it was sin which made necessary allthis shedding of the blood of beasts . They did not discern that itprefigured the blood of God ' s dear Son , 590 which was to be shed for the life of the world , and that by the offering ofsacrifices men were to be directed to a crucified Redeemer . Jesus looked upon the innocent victims of sacrifice , and saw how the Jewshad made these great convocations scenes of bloodshed and cruelty . In placeof humble repentance of sin , they had multiplied the sacrifice of beasts , asif God could be honored by a heartless service . The priests and rulers hadhardened their hearts through selfishness and avarice . The very symbolspointing to the Lamb of God they had made a means of getting gain . Thus inthe eyes of the people the sacredness of the sacrificial service had been ina great measure destroyed . The indignation of Jesus was stirred ; He knewthat His blood , so soon to be shed for the sins of the world , would be aslittle appreciated by the priests and elders as was the blood of beastswhich they kept incessantly flowing . Against these practices Christ had spoken through the prophets . Samuel hadsaid , " Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices , asin obeying the voice of the Lord ? Behold , to obey is better than sacrifice , and to hearken than the fat of rams . " And Isaiah , seeing in prophetic visionthe apostasy of the Jews , addressed them as rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah : " Hear the word of the Lord , ye rulers of Sodom ; give ear unto the law of ourGod , ye people of Gomorrah . To what purpose is the multitude of yoursacrifices unto Me ? saith the Lord : I am full of the burnt offerings oframs , and the fat of fed beasts ; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks , or of lambs , or of he - goats . When ye come to appear before Me , who hathrequired this at your hand , to tread My courts ? " " Wash you , make you clean ; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes ; cease to do evil ; learn to do well ; seek judgment , relieve the oppressed , judge thefatherless , plead for the widow . " 1 Sam . 15 : 22 ; Isa . 1 : 10 - 12 , 16 , 17 . He who had Himself given these prophecies now for the last time repeated thewarning . In fulfillment of prophecy the people had proclaimed Jesus king ofIsrael . He had received their homage , and accepted the office of king . Inthis character He must act . He knew that His efforts to reform a corruptpriesthood would be in vain ; nevertheless His work must be done ; to anunbelieving people the evidence of His divine mission must be given . Again the piercing look of Jesus swept over the desecrated court of thetemple . All eyes were turned toward Him . Priest and ruler , Pharisee 591 and Gentile , looked with astonishment and awe upon Him who stood before themwith the majesty of heaven ' s King . Divinity flashed through humanity , investing Christ with a dignity and glory He had never manifested before . Those standing nearest Him drew as far away as the crowd would permit . Except for a few of His disciples , the Saviour stood alone . Every sound washushed . The deep silence seemed unbearable . Christ spoke with a power thatswayed the people like a mighty tempest : " It is written , My house shall becalled the house of prayer ; but ye have made it a den of thieves . " His voicesounded like a trumpet through the temple . The displeasure of Hiscountenance seemed like consuming fire . With authority He commanded , " Takethese things hence . " John 2 : 16 . Three years before , the rulers of the temple had been ashamed of theirflight before the command of Jesus . They had since wondered at their ownfears , and their unquestioning obedience to a single humble 592 Man . They had felt that it was impossible for their undignified surrender tobe repeated . Yet they were now more terrified than before , and in greaterhaste to obey His command . There were none who dared question His authority . Priests and traders fled from His presence , driving their cattle beforethem . On the way from the temple they were met by a throng who came with theirsick inquiring for the Great Healer . The report given by the fleeing peoplecaused some of these to turn back . They feared to meet one so powerful , whose very look had driven the priests and rulers from His presence . But alarge number pressed through the hurrying crowd , eager to reach Him who wastheir only hope . When the multitude fled from the temple , many had remainedbehind . These were now joined by the newcomers . Again the temple court wasfilled by the sick and the dying , and once more Jesus ministered to them . After a season the priests and rulers ventured back to the temple . When thepanic had abated , they were seized with anxiety to know what would be thenext movement of Jesus . They expected Him to take the throne of David . Quietly returning to the temple , they heard the voices of men , women , andchildren praising God . Upon entering , they stood transfixed before thewonderful scene . They saw the sick healed , the blind restored to sight , anddeaf receive their hearing , and the crippled leap for joy . The children wereforemost in the rejoicing . Jesus had healed their maladies ; He had claspedthem in His arms , received their kisses of grateful affection , and some ofthem had fallen asleep upon His breast as He was teaching the people . Nowwith glad voices the children sounded His praise . They repeated the hosannasof the day before , and waved palm branches triumphantly before the Saviour . The temple echoed and re - echoed with their acclamations , " Blessed be He thatcometh in the name of the Lord ! " " Behold , thy King cometh unto thee ; He isjust , and having salvation ! " Ps . 118 : 26 ; Zech . 9 : 9 . " Hosanna to the Son ofDavid ! " The sound of these happy , unrestrained voices was an offense to the rulersof the temple . They set about putting a stop to such demonstrations . Theyrepresented to the people that the house of God was desecrated by the feetof the children and the shouts of rejoicing . Finding that their words madeno impression on the people , the rulers appealed to Christ : " Hearest Thouwhat these say ? And Jesus saith unto them , Yea ; have ye never read , Out ofthe mouth of babes and sucklings 593 Thou hast perfected praise ? " Prophecy had foretold that Christ should beproclaimed as king , and that word must be fulfilled . The priests and rulersof Israel refused to herald His glory , and God moved upon the children to beHis witnesses . Had the voices of the children been silent , the very pillarsof the temple would have sounded the Saviour ' s praise . The Pharisees were utterly perplexed and disconcerted . one whom they couldnot intimidate was in command . Jesus had taken His position as guardian ofthe temple . Never before had He assumed such kingly authority . Never beforehad His words and works possessed so great power . He had done marvelousworks throughout Jerusalem , but never before in a manner so solemn andimpressive . In presence of the people who had witnessed His wonderful works , the priests and rulers dared not show Him open hostility . Though enraged andconfounded by His answer , they were unable to accomplish anything furtherthat day . The next morning the Sanhedrin again considered what course to pursue towardJesus . Three years before , they had demanded a sign of His Messiahship . Since that time He had wrought mighty works throughout the land . He hadhealed the sick , miraculously fed thousands of people , walked upon thewaves , and spoken peace to the troubled sea . He had repeatedly read thehearts of men as an open book ; He had cast out demons , and raised the dead . The rulers had before them the evidences of His Messiahship . They nowdecided to demand no sign of His authority , but to draw out some admissionor declaration by which He might be condemned . Repairing to the temple where He was teaching , they proceeded to questionHim : " By what authority doest Thou these things ? and who gave Thee thisauthority ? " They expected Him to claim that His authority was from God . Suchan assertion they intended to deny . But Jesus met them with a questionapparently pertaining to another subject , and He made His reply to themconditional on their answering this question . " The baptism of John , " Hesaid , " whence was it ? from heaven , or of men ? " The priests saw that they were in a dilemma from which no sophistry couldextricate them . If they said that John ' s baptism was from heaven , theirinconsistency would be made apparent . Christ would say , Why have ye not thenbelieved on him ? John had testified of Christ , " Behold 594 the Lamb of God , which taketh away the sin of the world . " John 1 : 29 . If thepriests believed John ' s testimony , how could they deny the Messiahship ofChrist ? If they declared their real belief , that John ' s ministry was of men , they would bring upon themselves a storm of indignation ; for the peoplebelieved John to be a prophet . With intense interest the multitude awaited the decision . They knew that thepriests had professed to accept the ministry of John , and they expected themto acknowledge without a question that he was sent from God . But afterconferring secretly together , the priests decided not to commit themselves . Hypocritically professing ignorance , they said , " We cannot tell . " " Neithertell I you , " said Christ , " by what authority I do these things . " Scribes , priests , and rulers were all silenced . Baffled and disappointed , they stood with lowering brows , not daring to press further questions uponChrist . By their cowardice and indecision they had in a great measureforfeited the respect of the people , who now stood by , amused to see theseproud , self - righteous men defeated . All these sayings and doings of Christ were important , and their influencewas to be felt in an ever - increasing degree after His crucifixion andascension . Many of those who had anxiously awaited the result of thequestioning of Jesus were finally to become His disciples , first drawntoward Him by His words on that eventful day . The scene in the temple courtwas never to fade from their minds . The contrast between Jesus and the highpriest as they talked together was marked . The proud dignitary of the templewas clothed in rich and costly garments . Upon his head was a glitteringtiara . His bearing was majestic , his hair and his long flowing beard weresilvered by age . His appearance awed the beholders . Before this augustpersonage stood the Majesty of heaven , without adornment or display . Hisgarments were travel stained ; His face was pale , and expressed a patientsadness ; yet written there were dignity and benevolence that contrastedstrangely with the proud , self - confident , and angry air of the high priest . Many of those who witnessed the words and deeds of Jesus in the temple fromthat time enshrined Him in their hearts as a prophet of God . But as thepopular feeling turned in His favor , the hatred of the priests toward Jesusincreased . The wisdom by which He escaped the snares set for His feet , beinga new evidence of His divinity , added fuel to their wrath . In His contest with the rabbis , it was not Christ ' s purpose to humiliate Hisopponents . He was not glad to see them in a hard place . He had 595 an important lesson to teach . He had mortified His enemies by allowing themto be entangled in the net they had spread for Him . Their acknowledgedignorance in regard to the character of John ' s baptism gave Him anopportunity to speak , and He improved the opportunity by presenting beforethem their real position , adding another warning to the many already given . " What think ye ? " He said . " A certain man had two sons ; and he came to thefirst , and said , Son , go work today in my vineyard . He answered and said , Iwill not : but afterward he repented , and went . And he came to the second , and said likewise . And he answered and said , I go , sir : and went not . Whether of them twain did the will of his father ? " This abrupt question threw His hearers off their guard . They had followedthe parable closely , and now immediately answered , " The first . " Fixing Hissteady eye upon them , Jesus responded in stern and solemn tones : " Verily Isay unto you , That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of Godbefore you . For John came unto you in the way of righteousness , and yebelieved him not : but the publicans and the harlots believed him : and ye , when ye had seen it , repented not afterward , that ye might believe him . " The priests and rulers could not but give a correct answer to Christ ' squestion , and thus He obtained their opinion in favor of the first son . Thisson represented the publicans , those who were despised and hated by thePharisees . The publicans had been grossly immoral . They had indeed beentransgressors of the law of God , showing in their lives an absoluteresistance to His requirements . They had been unthankful and unholy ; whentold to go and work in the Lord ' s vineyard , they had given a contemptuousrefusal . But when John came , preaching repentance and baptism , the publicansreceived his message and were baptized . The second son represented the leading men of the Jewish nation . Some of thePharisees had repented and received the baptism of John ; but the leaderswould not acknowledge that he came from God . His warnings and denunciationsdid not lead them to reformation . They " rejected the counsel of God againstthemselves , being not baptized of him . " Luke 7 : 30 . They treated his messagewith disdain . Like the second son , who , when called , said , " I go , sir , " butwent not , the priests and rulers professed obedience , but acteddisobedience . They made great professions of piety , they claimed to beobeying the law of God , but they rendered only a false obedience . Thepublicans were denounced and cursed by the Pharisees as infidels ; but theyshowed by their faith and works that 596 they were going into the kingdom of heaven before those self - righteous menwho had been given great light , but whose works did not correspond to theirprofession of godliness . The priests and rulers were unwilling to bear these searching truths ; theyremained silent , however , hoping that Jesus would say something which theycould turn against Him ; but they had still more to bear . " Hear another parable , " Christ said : " There was a certain householder , whichplanted a vineyard , and hedged it round about , and digged a wine press init , and built a tower , and let it out to husbandmen , and went into a farcountry : and when the time of the fruit drew near , he sent his servants tothe husbandmen , that they might receive the fruits of it . And the husbandmentook his servants , and beat one , and killed another , and stoned another . Again , he sent other servants more than the first : and they did unto themlikewise . But last of all he sent unto them his son , saying , They willreverence my son . But when the husbandmen saw the son , they said amongthemselves , This is the heir ; come , let us kill him , and let us seize on hisinheritance . And they caught him , and cast him out of the vineyard , and slewhim . When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh , what will he do untothose husbandmen ? " Jesus addressed all the people present ; but the priests and rulers answered . " He will miserably destroy those wicked men , " they said , " and will let outhis vineyard unto other husbandmen , which shall render him the fruits intheir seasons . " The speakers had not at first perceived the application ofthe parable , but they now saw that they had pronounced their owncondemnation . In the parable the householder represented God , the vineyardthe Jewish nation , and the hedge the divine law which was their protection . The tower was a symbol of the temple . The lord of the vineyard had doneeverything needful for its prosperity . " What could have been done more to myvineyard , " he says , " that I have not done in it . " Isa . 5 : 4 . Thus wasrepresented God ' s unwearied care for Israel . And as the husbandmen were toreturn to the lord a due proportion of the fruits of the vineyard , so God ' speople were to honor Him by a life corresponding to their sacred privileges . But as the husbandmen had killed the servants whom the master sent to themfor fruit , so the Jews had put to death the prophets whom God sent to callthem to repentance . Messenger after messenger had been slain . Thus far theapplication of the parable could not be questioned , and in what followed itwas not less evident . In the beloved son whom the lord of the vineyardfinally sent to his disobedient servants , and whom they 597 seized and slew , the priests and rulers saw a distinct picture of Jesus andHis impending fate . Already they were planning to slay Him whom the Fatherhad sent to them as a last appeal . In the retribution inflicted upon theungrateful husbandmen was portrayed the doom of those who should put Christto death . Looking with pity upon them , the Saviour continued , " Did ye never read inthe Scriptures , The stone which the builders rejected , the same is becomethe head of the corner : this is the Lord ' s doing , and it is marvelous in oureyes ? Therefore say I unto you , The kingdom of God shall be taken from you , and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof . And whosoever shallfall on this stone shall be broken : but on whomsoever it shall fall , it willgrind him to powder . " This prophecy the Jews had often repeated in the synagogues , applying it tothe coming Messiah . Christ was the cornerstone of the Jewish economy , and ofthe whole plan of salvation . This foundation stone the Jewish builders , thepriests and rulers of Israel , were now rejecting . The Saviour called theirattention to the prophecies that would show them their danger . By everymeans in His power He sought to make plain to them the nature of the deedthey were about to do . And His words had another purpose . In asking the question , " When the lordtherefore of the vineyard cometh , what will he do unto those husbandmen ? " Christ designed that the Pharisees should answer as they did . He designedthat they should condemn themselves . His warnings , failing to arouse them torepentance , would seal their doom , and He wished them to see that they hadbrought ruin on themselves . He designed to show them the justice of God inthe withdrawal of their national privileges , which had already begun , andwhich would end , not only in the destruction of their temple and their city , but in the dispersion of the nation . The hearers recognized the warning . But notwithstanding the sentence theythemselves had pronounced , the priests and rulers were ready to fill out thepicture by saying , " This is the heir ; come , let us kill him . " " But when theysought to lay hands on Him , they feared the multitude , " for the publicsentiment was in Christ ' s favor . In quoting the prophecy of the rejected stone , Christ referred to an actualoccurrence in the history of Israel . The incident was connected with thebuilding of the first temple . While it had a special application at the timeof Christ ' s first advent , and should have appealed with special force to theJews , it has also a lesson for us . When the temple of Solomon 598 was erected , the immense stones for the walls and the foundation wereentirely prepared at the quarry ; after they were brought to the place ofbuilding , not an instrument was to be used upon them ; the workmen had onlyto place them in position . For use in the foundation , one stone of unusualsize and peculiar shape had been brought ; but the workmen could find noplace for it , and would not accept it . It was an annoyance to them as it layunused in their way . Long it remained a rejected stone . But when thebuilders came to the laying of the corner , they searched for a long time tofind a stone of sufficient size and strength , and of the proper shape , totake that particular place , and bear the great weight which would rest uponit . Should they make an unwise choice for this important place , the safetyof the entire building would be endangered . They must find a stone capableof resisting the influence of the sun , of frost , and of tempest . Severalstones had at different times been chosen , but under the pressure of immenseweights they had crumbled to pieces . Others could not bear the test of thesudden atmospheric changes . But at last attention was called to the stone solong rejected . It had been exposed to the air , to sun and storm , withoutrevealing the slightest crack . The builders examined this stone . It hadborne every test but one . If it could bear the test of severe pressure , theydecided to accept it for the cornerstone . The trial was made . The stone wasaccepted , brought to its assigned position , and found to be an exact fit . Inprophetic vision , Isaiah was shown that this stone was a symbol of Christ . He says : " Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself ; and let Him be your fear , and let Himbe your dread . And He shall be for a sanctuary ; but for a stone of stumblingand for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel , for a gin and for asnare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem . And many among them shall stumble , and fall , and be broken , and be snared , and be taken . " Carried down inprophetic vision to the first advent , the prophet is shown that Christ is tobear trials and tests of which the treatment of the chief cornerstone in thetemple of Solomon was symbolic . " Therefore thus saith the Lord God , Behold , I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone , a tried stone , a preciouscornerstone , a sure foundation : he that believeth shall not make haste . " Isa . 8 : 13 - 15 ; 28 : 16 . In infinite wisdom , God chose the foundation stone , and laid it Himself . Hecalled it " a sure foundation . " The entire world may lay upon it theirburdens and griefs ; it can endure them all . With perfect safety they maybuild upon it . Christ is a " tried stone . " Those who trust in Him , He neverdisappoints . He has borne every test . He has endured the pressure 599 of Adam ' s guilt , and the guilt of his posterity , and has come off more thanconqueror of the powers of evil . He has borne the burdens cast upon Him byevery repenting sinner . In Christ the guilty heart has found relief . He isthe sure foundation . All who make Him their dependence rest in perfectsecurity . In Isaiah ' s prophecy , Christ is declared to be both a sure foundation and astone of stumbling . The apostle Peter , writing by inspiration of the HolySpirit , clearly shows to whom Christ is a foundation stone , and to whom arock of offense : " If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious . To whom coming , as untoa living stone , disallowed indeed of men , but chosen of God , and precious , ye also , as lively stones , are built up a spiritual house , an holypriesthood , to offer up spiritual sacrifices , acceptable to God by JesusChrist . Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture , Behold , I lay inSion a chief cornerstone , elect , precious : and he that believeth on Himshall not be confounded . Unto you therefore which believe He is precious : but unto them which be disobedient , the stone which the builders disallowed , the same is made the head of the corner , and a stone of stumbling , and arock of offense , even to them which stumble at the word , being disobedient . " 1 Peter 2 : 3 - 8 . To those who believe , Christ is the sure foundation . These are they who fallupon the Rock and are broken . Submission to Christ and faith in Him are hererepresented . To fall upon the Rock and be broken is to give up ourself - righteousness and to go to Christ with the humility of a child , repenting of our transgressions , and believing in His forgiving love . And soalso it is by faith and obedience that we build on Christ as our foundation . Upon this living stone , Jews and Gentiles alike may build . This is the onlyfoundation upon which we may securely build . It is broad enough for all , andstrong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world . And byconnection with Christ , the living stone , all who build upon this foundationbecome living stones . Many persons are by their own endeavors hewn , polished , and beautified ; but they cannot become " living stones , " becausethey are not connected with Christ . Without this connection , no man can besaved . Without the life of Christ in us , we cannot withstand the storms oftemptation . Our eternal safety depends upon our building upon the surefoundation . Multitudes are today building upon foundations that have notbeen tested . When the rain falls , and the tempest rages , and the floodscome , 600 their house will fall , because it is not founded upon the eternal Rock , thechief cornerstone Christ Jesus . " To them which stumble at the word , being disobedient , " Christ is a rock ofoffense . But " the stone which the builders disallowed , the same is made thehead of the corner . " Like the rejected stone , Christ in His earthly missionhad borne neglect and abuse . He was " despised and rejected of men ; a man ofsorrows , and acquainted with grief : . . . He was despised , and we esteemedHim not . " Isa . 53 : 3 . But the time was near when He would be glorified . Bythe resurrection from the dead He would be declared " the Son of God withpower . " Rom . 1 : 4 . At His second coming He would be revealed as Lord ofheaven and earth . Those who were now about to crucify Him would recognizeHis greatness . Before the universe the rejected stone would become the headof the corner . And on " whomsoever it shall fall , it will grind him to powder . " The peoplewho rejected Christ were soon to see their city and their nation destroyed . Their glory would be broken , and scattered as the dust before the wind . Andwhat was it that destroyed the Jews ? It was the rock which , had they builtupon it , would have been their security . It was the goodness of Goddespised , the righteousness spurned , the mercy slighted . Men set themselvesin opposition to God , and all that would have been their salvation wasturned to their destruction . All that God ordained unto life they found tobe unto death . In the Jews ' crucifixion of Christ was involved thedestruction of Jerusalem . The blood shed upon Calvary was the weight thatsank them to ruin for this world and for the world to come . So it will be inthe great final day , when judgment shall fall upon the rejecters of God ' sgrace . Christ , their rock of offense , will then appear to them as anavenging mountain . The glory of His countenance , which to the righteous islife , will be to the wicked a consuming fire . Because of love rejected , grace despised , the sinner will be destroyed . By many illustrations and repeated warnings , Jesus showed what would be theresult to the Jews of rejecting the Son of God . In these words He wasaddressing all in every age who refuse to receive Him as their Redeemer . Every warning is for them . The desecrated temple , the disobedient son , thefalse husbandmen , the contemptuous builders , have their counterpart in theexperience of every sinner . Unless he repent , the doom which theyforeshadowed will be his . ( 601 ) Chapter 66 Controversy [ This chapter is based on Matt . 22 : 15 - 46 ; Mark 12 : 13 - 40 ; Luke 20 : 20 - 47 . ] The priests and rulers had listened in silence to Christ ' s pointed rebukes . They could not refute His charges . But they were only the more determined toentrap Him , and with this object they sent to Him spies , " which should feignthemselves just men , that they might take hold of His words , that so theymight deliver Him unto the power and authority of the governor . " They didnot send the old Pharisees whom Jesus had often met , but young men , who wereardent and zealous , and whom , they thought , Christ did not know . These wereaccompanied by certain of the Herodians , who were to hear Christ ' s words , that they might testify against Him at His trial . The Pharisees andHerodians had been bitter enemies , but they were now one in enmity toChrist . The Pharisees had ever chafed under the exaction of tribute by the Romans . The payment of tribute they held to be contrary to the law of God . Now theysaw opportunity to lay a snare for Jesus . The spies came to Him , and withapparent sincerity , as though desiring to know their duty , said , " Master , weknow that Thou sayest and teachest rightly , neither acceptest Thou theperson of any , but teachest the way of God truly : is it lawful for us togive tribute unto Caesar , or no ? " 602 The words , " We know that Thou sayest and teachest rightly , " had they beensincere , would have been a wonderful admission . But they were spoken todeceive ; nevertheless their testimony was true . The Pharisees did know thatChrist said and taught rightly , and by their own testimony will they bejudged . Those who put the question to Jesus thought that they had sufficientlydisguised their purpose ; but Jesus read their hearts as an open book , andsounded their hypocrisy . " Why tempt ye Me ? " He said ; thus giving them a signthey had not asked , by showing that He read their hidden purpose . They werestill more confused when He added , " Show Me a penny . " They brought it , andHe asked them , " Whose image and superscription hath it ? They answered andsaid , Caesar ' s . " Pointing to the inscription on the coin , Jesus said , " Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar ' s ; and unto Godthe things that are God ' s . " The spies had expected Jesus to answer their question directly , in one wayor the other . If He should say , It is unlawful to give tribute to Caesar , Hewould be reported to the Roman authorities and arrested for incitingrebellion . But in case He should pronounce it lawful to pay the tribute , they designed to accuse Him to the people as opposing the law of God . Nowthey felt themselves baffled and defeated . Their plans were disarranged . Thesummary manner in which their question had been settled left them nothingfurther to say . Christ ' s reply was no evasion , but a candid answer to the question . Holdingin His hand the Roman coin , upon which were stamped the name and image ofCaesar , He declared that since they were living under the protection of theRoman power , they should render to that power the support it claimed , solong as this did not conflict with a higher duty . But while peaceablysubject to the laws of the land , they should at all times give their firstallegiance to God . The Saviour ' s words , " Render . . . unto God the things that are God ' s , " werea severe rebuke to the intriguing Jews . Had they faithfully fulfilled theirobligations to God , they would not have become a broken nation , subject to aforeign power . No Roman ensign would have waved over Jerusalem , no Romansentinel would have stood at her gates , no Roman governor would have ruledwithin her walls . The Jewish nation was then paying the penalty of itsapostasy from God . When the Pharisees heard Christ ' s answer , " they marveled , and left Him , andwent their way . " He had rebuked their hypocrisy and presumption , 603 and in doing this He had stated a great principle , a principle that clearlydefines the limits of man ' s duty to the civil government and his duty toGod . In many minds a vexed question had been settled . Ever after they heldto the right principle . And although many went away dissatisfied , they sawthat the principle underlying the question had been clearly set forth , andthey marveled at Christ ' s far - seeing discernment . No sooner were the Pharisees silenced than the Sadducees came forward withtheir artful questions . The two parties stood in bitter opposition to eachother . The Pharisees were rigid adherents to tradition . They were exact inoutward ceremonies , diligent in washings , fastings , and long prayers , andostentatious in almsgiving . But Christ declared that they made void the lawof God by teaching for doctrines the commandments of men . As a class theywere bigoted and hypocritical ; yet among them were persons of genuine piety , who accepted Christ ' s teachings and became His disciples . The Sadduceesrejected the traditions of the Pharisees . They professed to believe thegreater portion of the Scriptures , and to regard them as the rule of action ; but practically they were skeptics and materialists . The Sadducees denied the existence of angels , the resurrection of the dead , and the doctrine of a future life , with its rewards and punishments . on allthese points they differed with the Pharisees . Between the two parties theresurrection was especially a subject of controversy . The Pharisees had beenfirm believers in the resurrection , but in these discussions 604 their views in regard to the future state became confused . Death became tothem an inexplicable mystery . Their inability to meet the arguments of theSadducees gave rise to continual irritation . The discussions between the twoparties usually resulted in angry disputes , leaving them farther apart thanbefore . In numbers the Sadducees fell far below their opponents , and they had not sostrong a hold upon the common people ; but many of them were wealthy , andthey had the influence which wealth imparts . In their ranks were includedmost of the priests , and from among them the high priest was usually chosen . This was , however , with the express stipulation that their skepticalopinions should not be made prominent . on account of the numbers andpopularity of the Pharisees , it was necessary for the Sadducees to concedeoutwardly to their doctrines when holding any priestly office ; but the veryfact that they were eligible to such office gave influence to their errors . The Sadducees rejected the teaching of Jesus ; He was animated by a spiritwhich they would not acknowledge as manifesting itself thus ; and Histeaching in regard to God and the future life contradicted their theories . They believed in God as the only being superior to man ; but they argued thatan overruling providence and a divine foresight would deprive man of freemoral agency , and degrade him to the position of a slave . It was theirbelief , that , having created man , God had left him to himself , independentof a higher influence . They held that man was free to control his own lifeand to shape the events of the world ; that his destiny was in his own hands . They denied that the Spirit of God works through human efforts or naturalmeans . Yet they still held that , through the proper employment of hisnatural powers , man could become elevated and enlightened ; that by rigorousand austere exactions his life could be purified . Their ideas of God molded their own character . As in their view He had nointerest in man , so they had little regard for one another ; there was littleunion among them . Refusing to acknowledge the influence of the Holy Spiritupon human action , they lacked His power in their lives . Like the rest ofthe Jews , they boasted much of their birthright as children of Abraham , andof their strict adherence to the requirements of the law ; but of the truespirit of the law and the faith and benevolence of Abraham , they weredestitute . Their natural sympathies were brought within a narrow compass . They believed it possible for all men to secure 605 the comforts and blessings of life ; and their hearts were not touched by thewants and sufferings of others . They lived for themselves . By His words and His works , Christ testified to a divine power that producessupernatural results , to a future life beyond the present , to God as aFather of the children of men , ever watchful of their true interests . Herevealed the working of divine power in benevolence and compassion thatrebuked the selfish exclusiveness of the Sadducees . He taught that both forman ' s temporal and for his eternal good , God moves upon the heart by theHoly Spirit . He showed the error of trusting to human power for thattransformation of character which can be wrought only by the Spirit of God . This teaching the Sadducees were determined to discredit . In seeking acontroversy with Jesus , they felt confident of bringing Him into disrepute , even if they could not secure His condemnation . The resurrection was thesubject on which they chose to question Him . Should He agree with them , Hewould give still further offense to the Pharisees . Should He differ withthem , they designed to hold His teaching up to ridicule . The Sadducees reasoned that if the body is to be composed of the sameparticles of matter in its immortal as in its mortal state , then when raisedfrom the dead it must have flesh and blood , and must resume in the eternalworld the life interrupted on earth . In that case they concluded thatearthly relationships would be resumed , husband and wife would be reunited , marriages consummated , and all things go on the same as before death , thefrailties and passions of this life being perpetuated in the life beyond . In answer to their questions , Jesus lifted the veil from the future life . " In the resurrection , " He said , " they neither marry , nor are given inmarriage , but are as the angels of God in heaven . " He showed that theSadducees were wrong in their belief . Their premises were false . " Ye doerr , " He added , " not knowing the Scriptures , nor the power of God . " He didnot charge them , as He had charged the Pharisees , with hypocrisy , but witherror of belief . The Sadducees had flattered themselves that they of all men adhered moststrictly to the Scriptures . But Jesus showed that they had not known theirtrue meaning . That knowledge must be brought home to the heart by theenlightenment of the Holy Spirit . Their ignorance of the Scriptures and thepower of God He declared to be the cause of their 606 confusion of faith and darkness of mind . They were seeking to bring themysteries of God within the compass of their finite reasoning . Christ calledupon them to open their minds to those sacred truths that would broaden andstrengthen the understanding . Thousands become infidels because their finiteminds cannot comprehend the mysteries of God . They cannot explain thewonderful exhibition of divine power in His providences , therefore theyreject the evidences of such power , attributing them to natural agencieswhich they can comprehend still less . The only key to the mysteries thatsurround us is to acknowledge in them all the presence and power of God . Menneed to recognize God as the Creator of the universe , one who commands andexecutes all things . They need a broader view of His character , and of themystery of His agencies . Christ declared to His hearers that if there were no resurrection of thedead , the Scriptures which they professed to believe would be of no avail . He said , " But as touching the resurrection of the dead , have ye not readthat which was spoken unto you by God , saying , I am the God of Abraham , andthe God of Isaac , and the God of Jacob ? God is not the God of the dead , butof the living . " God counts the things that are not as though they were . Hesees the end from the beginning , and beholds the result of His work asthough it were now accomplished . The precious dead , from Adam down to thelast saint who dies , will hear the voice of the Son of God , and will comeforth from the grave to immortal life . God will be their God , and they shallbe His people . There will be a close and tender relationship between God andthe risen saints . This condition , which is anticipated in His purpose , Hebeholds as if it were already existing . The dead live unto Him . By the words of Christ the Sadducees were put to silence . They could notanswer Him . Not a word had been spoken of which the least advantage could betaken for His condemnation . His adversaries had gained nothing but thecontempt of the people . The Pharisees , however , did not yet despair of driving Him to speak thatwhich they could use against Him . They prevailed upon a certain learnedscribe to question Jesus as to which of the ten precepts of the law was ofthe greatest importance . The Pharisees had exalted the first four commandments , which point out theduty of man to his Maker , as of far greater consequence than the other six , which define man ' s duty to his fellow man . As the result , 607 they greatly failed of practical godliness . Jesus had shown the people theirgreat deficiency , and had taught the necessity of good works , declaring thatthe tree is known by its fruits . For this reason He had been charged withexalting the last six commandments above the first four . The lawyer approached Jesus with a direct question , " Which is the firstcommandment of all ? " The answer of Christ is direct and forcible : " The firstof all the commandments is , Hear , O Israel ; The Lord our God is one Lord : and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , and with all thysoul , and with all thy mind , and with all thy strength : this is the firstcommandment . " The second is like the first , said Christ ; for it flows out ofit , " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself . There is none othercommandment greater than these . " on these two commandments hang all the lawand the prophets . " The first four of the Ten Commandments are summed up in the one greatprecept , " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart . " The last sixare included in the other , " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself . " Boththese commandments are an ｅxpression of the principle of love . The firstcannot be kept and the second broken , nor can the second be kept while thefirst is broken . When God has His rightful place on the throne of the heart , the right place will be given to our neighbor . We shall love him asourselves . And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love ourneighbor impartially . And since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and man , itfollows that not one precept can be broken without violating this principle . Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many separateprecepts , some of which are of great importance , while others are of smallimportance and may with impunity be ignored . Our Lord presents the firstfour and the last six commandments as a divine whole , and teaches that loveto God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments . The scribe who had questioned Jesus was well read in the law , and he wasastonished at His words . He did not expect Him to manifest so deep andthorough a knowledge of the Scriptures . He had gained a broader view of theprinciples underlying the sacred precepts . Before the assembled priests andrulers he honestly acknowledged that Christ had given the rightinterpretation to the law , saying : " Well , Master , Thou hast said the truth : for there is one God ; and there isnone other but He : and to love Him with all the heart , and 608 with all the understanding , and with all the soul , and with all thestrength , and to love his neighbor as himself , is more than all whole burntofferings and sacrifices . " The wisdom of Christ ' s answer had convicted the scribe . He knew that theJewish religion consisted in outward ceremonies rather than inward piety . Hehad some sense of the worthlessness of mere ceremonial offerings , and thefaithless shedding of blood for expiation of sin . Love and obedience to God , and unselfish regard for man , appeared to him of more value than all theserites . The readiness of this man to acknowledge the correctness of Christ ' sreasoning , and his decided and prompt response before the people , manifesteda spirit entirely different from that of the priests and rulers . The heartof Jesus went out in pity to the honest scribe who had dared to face thefrowns of the priests and the threats of the rulers to speak the convictionsof his heart . " And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly , He said untohim , Thou art not far from the kingdom of God . " The scribe was near to the kingdom of God , in that he recognized deeds ofrighteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices . But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ , and through faithin Him receive power to do the works of righteousness . The ritual servicewas of no value , unless connected with Christ by living faith . Even themoral law fails of its purpose , unless it is understood in its relation tothe Saviour . Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father ' s law containedsomething deeper than mere authoritative commands . In the law is embodiedthe same principle that is revealed in the gospel . The law points out man ' sduty and shows him his guilt . To Christ he must look for pardon and forpower to do what the law enjoins . The Pharisees had gathered close about Jesus as He answered the question ofthe scribe . Now turning He put a question to them : " What think ye of Christ ? whose son is He ? " This question was designed to test their belief concerningthe Messiah , -- to show whether they regarded Him simply as a man or as theSon of God . A chorus of voices answered , " The Son of David . " This was thetitle which prophecy had given to the Messiah . When Jesus revealed Hisdivinity by His mighty miracles , when He healed the sick and raised thedead , the people had inquired among themselves , " Is not this the Son ofDavid ? " The Syrophoenician woman , blind Bartimaeus , and many others hadcried to Him for help , " Have mercy on me , O Lord , Thou Son of David . " Matt . 15 : 22 . While riding into Jerusalem He had been hailed with the 609 joyful shout , " Hosanna to the Son of David : Blessed is He that cometh in thename of the Lord . " Matt . 21 : 9 . And the little children in the temple hadthat day echoed the glad ascription . But many who called Jesus the Son ofDavid did not recognize His divinity . They did not understand that the Sonof David was also the Son of God . In reply to the statement that Christ was the Son of David , Jesus said , " Howthen doth David in Spirit [ the Spirit of Inspiration from God ] call HimLord , saying , The Lord said unto my Lord , Sit Thou on My right hand , till Imake Thine enemies Thy footstool ? If David then call Him Lord , how is He hisson ? And no man was able to answer Him a word , neither durst any man fromthat day forth ask Him any more questions . " ( 610 ) Chapter 67 Woes on the Pharisees [ This chapter is based on Matt . 23 ; Mark 12 : 41 - 44 ; Luke 20 : 45 - 47 ; 21 : 1 - 4 . ] It was the last day of Christ ' s teaching in the temple . Of the vast throngsthat were gathered at Jerusalem , the attention of all had been attracted toHim ; the people had crowded the temple courts , watching the contest that hadbeen in progress , and they eagerly caught every word that fell from Hislips . Never before had such a scene been witnessed . There stood the youngGalilean , bearing no earthly honor or royal badge . Surrounding Him werepriests in their rich apparel , rulers with robes and badges significant oftheir exalted station , and scribes with scrolls in their hands , to whichthey made frequent reference . Jesus stood calmly before them , with thedignity of a king . As one invested with the authority of heaven , He lookedunflinchingly upon His adversaries , who had rejected and despised Histeachings , and who thirsted for His life . They had assailed Him in greatnumbers , but their schemes to ensnare and condemn Him had been in vain . Challenge after challenge He had met , presenting the pure , bright truth incontrast to the darkness and errors of the priests and Pharisees . He had setbefore these leaders their real condition , and the retribution sure tofollow persistence in their evil deeds . The warning had been faithfullygiven . Yet another 611 work remained for Christ to do . Another purpose was still to beaccomplished . The interest of the people in Christ and His work had steadily increased . They were charmed with His teaching , but they were also greatly perplexed . They had respected the priests and rabbis for their intelligence andapparent piety . In all religious matters they had ever yielded implicitobedience to their authority . Yet they now saw these men trying to castdiscredit upon Jesus , a teacher whose virtue and knowledge shone forth thebrighter from every assault . They looked upon the lowering countenances ofthe priests and elders , and there saw discomfiture and confusion . Theymarveled that the rulers would not believe on Jesus , when His teachings wereso plain and simple . They themselves knew not what course to take . Witheager anxiety they watched the movements of those whose counsel they hadalways followed . In the parables which Christ had spoken , it was His purpose both to warn therulers and to instruct the people who were willing to be taught . But therewas need to speak yet more plainly . Through their reverence for traditionand their blind faith in a corrupt priesthood , the people were 612 enslaved . These chains Christ must break . The character of the priests , rulers , and Pharisees must be more fully exposed . " The scribes and the Pharisees , " He said , " sit in Moses ' seat : all thereforewhatsoever they bid you observe , that observe and do ; but do not ye aftertheir works : for they say , and do not . " The scribes and Pharisees claimed tobe invested with divine authority similar to that of Moses . They assumed totake his place as expounders of the law and judges of the people . As suchthey claimed from the people the utmost deference and obedience . Jesus badeHis hearers do that which the rabbis taught according to the law , but not tofollow their example . They themselves did not practice their own teaching . And they taught much that was contrary to the Scriptures . Jesus said , " Theybind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne , and lay them on men ' sshoulders ; but they themselves will not move them with one of theirfingers . " The Pharisees enjoined a multitude of regulations , having theirfoundation in tradition , and unreasonably restricting personal liberty . Andcertain portions of the law they so explained as to impose upon the peopleobservances which they themselves secretly ignored , and from which , when itserved their purpose , they actually claimed exemption . To make a show of their piety was their constant aim . Nothing was held toosacred to serve this end . To Moses God had said concerning His commandments , " Thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand , and they shall be asfrontlets between thine eyes . " Deut . 6 : 8 . These words have a deep meaning . As the word of God is meditated upon and practiced , the whole man will beennobled . In righteous and merciful dealing , the hands will reveal , as asignet , the principles of God ' s law . They will be kept clean from bribes , and from all that is corrupt and deceptive . They will be active in works oflove and compassion . The eyes , directed toward a noble purpose , will beclear and true . The expressive countenance , the speaking eye , will testifyto the blameless character of him who loves and honors the word of God . Butby the Jews of Christ ' s day all this was undiscerned . The command given toMoses was construed into a direction that the precepts of Scripture shouldbe worn upon the person . They were accordingly written upon strips ofparchment , and bound in a conspicuous manner about the head and wrists . Butthis did not cause the law of God to take a firmer hold of the mind andheart . These parchments were worn merely as badges , 613 to attract attention . They were thought to give the wearers an air ofdevotion which would command the reverence of the people . Jesus struck ablow at this vain pretense : " But all their works they do for to be seen of men : they make broad theirphylacteries , and enlarge the borders of their garments , and love theuppermost rooms at feasts , and the chief seats in the synagogues , andgreetings in the markets , and to be called of men , Rabbi , Rabbi . But be notye called Rabbi : for one is your Master , even Christ ; and all ye arebrethren . And call no man your father upon the earth : for one is yourFather , which is in heaven . Neither be ye called master : for one is yourMaster , even Christ . " In such plain words the Saviour revealed the selfishambition that was ever reaching for place and power , displaying a mockhumility , while the heart was filled with avarice and envy . When personswere invited to a feast , the guests were seated according to their rank , andthose who were given the most honorable place received the first attentionand special favors . The Pharisees were ever scheming to secure these honors . This practice Jesus rebuked . He also reproved the vanity shown in coveting the title of rabbi , or master . Such a title , He declared , belonged not to men , but to Christ . Priests , scribes , and rulers , expounders and administrators of the law , were allbrethren , children of one Father . Jesus impressed upon the people that theywere to give no man a title of honor indicating his control of theirconscience or their faith . If Christ were on earth today , surrounded by those who bear the title of " Reverend " or " Right Reverend , " would He not repeat His saying , " Neither beye called masters : for one is your Master , even Christ "? The Scripturedeclares of God , " Holy and reverend is His name . " Ps . 111 : 9 . To what humanbeing is such a title befitting ? How little does man reveal of the wisdomand righteousness it indicates ! How many of those who assume this title aremisrepresenting the name and character of God ! Alas , how often have worldlyambition , despotism , and the basest sins been hidden under the broideredgarments of a high and holy office ! The Saviour continued : " But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant . And whosoevershall exalt himself shall be abased ; and he that shall humble himself shallbe exalted . " Again and again Christ had taught that true greatness ismeasured by moral worth . In the estimation of heaven , greatness of characterconsists in living for the welfare of our fellow men , in 614 doing works of love and mercy . Christ the King of glory was a servant tofallen man . " Woe unto you , scribes and Pharisees , hypocrites , " said Jesus ; " for ye shutup the kingdom of heaven against men : for ye neither go in yourselves , neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in . " By perverting theScriptures , the priests and lawyers blinded the minds of those who wouldotherwise have received a knowledge of Christ ' s kingdom , and that inward , divine life which is essential to true holiness . " Woe unto you , scribes and Pharisees , hypocrites ! for ye devour widows ' houses , and for a pretense make long prayer : therefore ye shall receive thegreater damnation . " The Pharisees had great influence with the people , andof this they took advantage to serve their own interests . They gained theconfidence of pious widows , and then represented it as a duty for them todevote their property to religious purposes . Having secured control of theirmoney , the wily schemers used it for their own benefit . To cover theirdishonesty , they offered long prayers in public , and made a great show ofpiety . This hypocrisy Christ declared would bring them the greaterdamnation . The same rebuke falls upon many in our day who make a highprofession of piety . Their lives are stained by selfishness and avarice , yetthey throw over it all a garment of seeming purity , and thus for a timedeceive their fellow men . But they cannot deceive God . He reads everypurpose of the heart , and will judge every man according to his deeds . Christ unsparingly condemned abuses , but He was careful not to lessenobligation . He rebuked the selfishness that extorted and misapplied thewidow ' s gifts . At the same time He commended the widow who brought heroffering for God ' s treasury . Man ' s abuse of the gift could not turn God ' sblessing from the giver . Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests , and He watched thosewho came to deposit their gifts . Many of the rich brought large sums , whichthey presented with great ostentation . Jesus looked upon them sadly , butmade no comment on their liberal offerings . Presently His countenancelighted as He saw a poor widow approach hesitatingly , as though fearful ofbeing observed . As the rich and haughty swept by , to deposit theirofferings , she shrank back as if hardly daring to venture farther . And yetshe longed to do something , little though it might be , for the cause sheloved . She looked at the gift in her hand . It was very small in comparisonwith the gifts of those around her , yet it was her all . 615 Watching her opportunity , she hurriedly threw in her two mites , and turnedto hasten away . But in doing this she caught the eye of Jesus , which wasfastened earnestly upon her . The Saviour called His disciples to Him , and bade them mark the widow ' spoverty . Then His words of commendation fell upon her ear : " Of a truth I sayunto you , that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all . " Tears ofjoy filled her eyes as she felt that her act was understood and appreciated . Many would have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use ; given intothe hands of the well - fed priests , it would be lost sight of among the manycostly gifts brought to the treasury . But Jesus understood her motive . Shebelieved the service of the temple to be of God ' s appointment , and she wasanxious to do her utmost to sustain it . She did what she could , and her actwas to be a monument to her memory through all time , and her joy ineternity . Her heart went with her gift ; its value was estimated , not by theworth of the coin , but by the love to God and the interest in His work thathad prompted the deed . Jesus said of the poor widow , She " hath cast in more than they all . " Therich had bestowed from their abundance , many of them to be seen and honoredby men . Their large donations had deprived them of no comfort , or evenluxury ; they had required no sacrifice , and could not be compared in valuewith the widow ' s mite . It is the motive that gives character to our acts , stamping them withignominy or with high moral worth . Not the great things which every eye seesand every tongue praises does God account most precious . The little dutiescheerfully done , the little gifts which make no show , and which to humaneyes may appear worthless , often stand highest in His sight . A heart offaith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift . The poor widowgave her living to do the little that she did . She deprived herself of foodin order to give those two mites to the cause she loved . And she did it infaith , believing that her heavenly Father would not overlook her great need . It was this unselfish spirit and childlike faith that won the Saviour ' scommendation . Among the poor there are many who long to show their gratitude to God forHis grace and truth . They greatly desire to share with their more prosperousbrethren in sustaining His service . These souls should not be repulsed . Letthem lay up their mites in the bank of heaven . If given from a heart filledwith love for God , these seeming trifles become consecrated gifts , pricelessofferings , which God smiles upon and blesses . 616 When Jesus said of the widow , She " hath cast in more than they all , " Hiswords were true , not only of the motive , but of the results of her gift . The " two mites which make a farthing " have brought to God ' s treasury an amountof money far greater than the contributions of those rich Jews . Theinfluence of that little gift has been like a stream , small in itsbeginning , but widening and deepening as it flowed down through the ages . Ina thousand ways it has contributed to the relief of the poor and the spreadof the gospel . Her example of self - sacrifice has acted and reacted uponthousands of hearts in every land and in every age . It has appealed to boththe rich and the poor , and their offerings have swelled the value of hergift . God ' s blessing upon the widow ' s mite has made it the source of greatresults . So with every gift bestowed and every act performed with a sinceredesire for God ' s glory . It is linked with the purposes of Omnipotence . Itsresults for good no man can measure . The Saviour continued His denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees : " Woeunto you , ye blind guides , which say , Whosoever shall swear by the temple , it is nothing ; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple , he is adebtor ! Ye fools and blind : for whether is greater , the gold , or the templethat sanctifieth the gold ? and , Whosoever shall swear by the altar , it isnothing ; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it , he is guilty . Ye fools and blind : for whether is greater , the gift , or the altar thatsanctifieth the gift ? " The priests interpreted God ' s requirements accordingto their own false and narrow standard . They presumed to make nicedistinctions as to the comparative guilt of various sins , passing over somelightly , and treating others of perhaps less consequence as unpardonable . For a money consideration they excused persons from their vows . And forlarge sums of money they sometimes passed over aggravated crimes . At thesame time these priests and rulers would in other cases pronounce severejudgment for trivial offenses . " Woe unto you , scribes and Pharisees , hypocrites ! for ye pay tithe of mintand anise and cummin , and have omitted the weightier matters of the law , judgment , mercy , and faith : these ought ye to have done , and not to leavethe other undone . " In these words Christ again condemns the abuse of sacredobligation . The obligation itself He does not set aside . The tithing systemwas ordained by God , and it had been observed from the earliest times . Abraham , the father of the faithful , paid tithes of all that he possessed . The Jewish rulers recognized the obligation of tithing , and this was right ; but they did not leave the people to carry 617 out their own convictions of duty . Arbitrary rules were laid down for everycase . The requirements had become so complicated that it was impossible forthem to be fulfilled . None knew when their obligations were met . As God gaveit , the system was just and reasonable ; but the priests and rabbis had madeit a wearisome burden . All that God commands is of consequence . Christ recognized the payment oftithes as a duty ; but He showed that this could not excuse the neglect ofother duties . The Pharisees were very exact in tithing garden herbs , such asmint , anise , and rue ; this cost them little , and it gave them a reputationfor exactness and sanctity . At the same time their useless restrictionsoppressed the people and destroyed respect for the sacred system of God ' sown appointing . They occupied men ' s minds with trifling distinctions , andturned their attention from essential truths . The weightier matters of thelaw , justice , mercy , and truth , were neglected . " These , " Christ said , " oughtye to have done , and not to leave the other undone . " Other laws had been perverted by the rabbis in like manner . In thedirections given through Moses it was forbidden to eat any unclean thing . The use of swine ' s flesh , and the flesh of certain other animals , wasprohibited , as likely to fill the blood with impurities , and to shortenlife . But the Pharisees did not leave these restrictions as God had giventhem . They went to unwarranted extremes . Among other things the people wererequired to strain all the water used , lest it should contain the smallestinsect , which might be classed with the unclean animals . Jesus , contrastingthese trivial exactions with the magnitude of their actual sins , said to thePharisees , " Ye blind guides , which strain at a gnat , and swallow a camel . " " Woe unto you , scribes and Pharisees , hypocrites ! for ye are like untowhited sepulchers , which indeed appear beautiful outward , but are withinfull of dead men ' s bones , and of all uncleanness . " As the whited andbeautifully decorated tomb concealed the putrefying remains within , so theoutward holiness of the priests and rulers concealed iniquity . Jesuscontinued : " Woe unto you , scribes and Pharisees , hypocrites ! because ye build the tombsof the prophets , and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous , and say , If wehad been in the days of our fathers , we would not have been partakers withthem in the blood of the prophets . Wherefore ye be witnesses untoyourselves , that ye are the children of them which 618 killed the prophets . " To show their esteem for the dead prophets , the Jewswere very zealous in beautifying their tombs ; but they did not profit bytheir teachings , nor give heed to their reproofs . In the days of Christ a superstitious regard was cherished for the restingplaces of the dead , and vast sums of money were lavished upon theirdecoration . In the sight of God this was idolatry . In their undue regard forthe dead , men showed that they did not love God supremely , nor theirneighbor as themselves . The same idolatry is carried to great lengths today . Many are guilty of neglecting the widow and the fatherless , the sick and thepoor , in order to build expensive monuments for the dead . Time , money , andlabor are freely spent for this purpose , while duties to the living -- dutieswhich Christ has plainly enjoined -- are left undone . The Pharisees built the tombs of the prophets , and adorned their sepulchers , and said one to another , If we had lived in the days of our fathers , wewould not have united with them in shedding the blood of God ' s servants . Atthe same time they were planning to take the life of His Son . This should bea lesson to us . It should open our eyes to the power of Satan to deceive themind that turns from the light of truth . Many follow in the track of thePharisees . They revere those who have died for their faith . They wonder atthe blindness of the Jews in rejecting Christ . Had we lived in His day , theydeclare , we would gladly have received His teaching ; we would never havebeen partakers in the guilt of those who rejected the Saviour . But whenobedience to God requires self - denial and humiliation , these very personsstifle their convictions , and refuse obedience . Thus they manifest the samespirit as did the Pharisees whom Christ condemned . Little did the Jews realize the terrible responsibility involved inrejecting Christ . From the time when the first innocent blood was shed , whenrighteous Abel fell by the hand of Cain , the same history had been repeated , with increasing guilt . In every age prophets had lifted up their voicesagainst the sins of kings , rulers , and people , speaking the words which Godgave them , and obeying His will at the peril of their lives . From generationto generation there had been heaping up a terrible punishment for therejecters of light and truth . This the enemies of Christ were now drawingdown upon their own heads . The sin of the priests and rulers was greaterthan that of any preceding generation . By their rejection of the Saviour , they were making themselves responsible 619 for the blood of all the righteous men slain from Abel to Christ . They wereabout to fill to overflowing their cup of iniquity . And soon it was to bepoured upon their heads in retributive justice . Of this , Jesus warned them : " That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth , fromthe blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias , whom ye slew between the temple and the altar . Verily I say unto you , Allthese things shall come upon this generation . " The scribes and Pharisees who listened to Jesus knew that His words weretrue . They knew how the prophet Zacharias had been slain . While the words ofwarning from God were upon his lips , a satanic fury seized the apostateking , and at his command the prophet was put to death . His blood hadimprinted itself upon the very stones of the temple court , and could not beerased ; it remained to bear testimony against apostate Israel . As long asthe temple should stand , there would be the stain of that righteous blood , crying to God to be avenged . As Jesus referred to these fearful sins , athrill of horror ran through the multitude . Looking forward , Jesus declared that the impenitence of the Jews and theirintolerance of God ' s servants would be the same in the future as it had beenin the past : " Wherefore , behold , I send unto you prophets , and wise men , and scribes : andsome of them ye shall kill and crucify ; and some of them shall ye scourge inyour synagogues , and persecute them from city to city . " Prophets and wisemen , full of faith and the Holy Ghost , -- Stephen , James , and manyothers , -- would be condemned and slain . With hand uplifted to heaven , and adivine light enshrouding His person , Christ spoke as a judge to those beforeHim . His voice , that had so often been heard in gentleness and entreaty , wasnow heard in rebuke and condemnation . The listeners shuddered . Never was theimpression made by His words and His look to be effaced . Christ ' s indignation was directed against the hypocrisy , the gross sins , bywhich men were destroying their own souls , deceiving the people anddishonoring God . In the specious deceptive reasoning of the priests andrulers He discerned the working of satanic agencies . Keen and searching hadbeen His denunciation of sin ; but He spoke no words of retaliation . He had aholy wrath against the prince of darkness ; but He manifested no irritatedtemper . So the Christian who lives in harmony with God , possessing the sweetattributes of love and mercy , will feel a righteous 620 indignation against sin ; but he will not be roused by passion to revilethose who revile him . Even in meeting those who are moved by a power frombeneath to maintain falsehood , in Christ he will still preserve calmness andself - possession . Divine pity marked the countenance of the Son of God as He cast onelingering look upon the temple and then upon His hearers . In a voice chokedby deep anguish of heart and bitter tears He exclaimed , " O Jerusalem , Jerusalem , thou that killest the prophets , and stonest them which are sentunto thee , how often would I have gathered thy children together , even as ahen gathereth her chickens under her wings , and ye would not ! " This is theseparation struggle . In the lamentation of Christ the very heart of God ispouring itself forth . It is the mysterious farewell of the long - sufferinglove of the Deity . Pharisees and Sadducees were alike silenced . Jesus summoned His disciples , and prepared to leave the temple , not as one defeated and forced from thepresence of his adversaries , but as one whose work was accomplished . Heretired a victor from the contest . The gems of truth that fell from Christ ' s lips on that eventful day weretreasured in many hearts . For them new thoughts started into life , newaspirations were awakened , and a new history began . After the crucifixionand resurrection of Christ , these persons came to the front , and fulfilledtheir divine commission with a wisdom and zeal corresponding to thegreatness of the work . They bore a message that appealed to the hearts ofmen , weakening the old superstitions that had long dwarfed the lives ofthousands . Before their testimony human theories and philosophies became asidle fables . Mighty were the results flowing from the words of the Saviourto that wondering , awestruck crowd in the temple at Jerusalem . But Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God . The natural branchesof the olive tree were broken off . Looking for the last time upon theinterior of the temple , Jesus said with mournful pathos , " Behold , your houseis left unto you desolate . For I say unto you , Ye shall not see Mehenceforth , till ye shall say , Blessed is He that cometh in the name of theLord . " Hitherto He had called the temple His Father ' s house ; but now , as theSon of God should pass out from those walls , God ' s presence would bewithdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory . Henceforth itsceremonies would be meaningless , its services a mockery . ( 621 ) Chapter 68 In the Outer Court [ This chapter is based on John 12 : 20 - 43 . ] And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at thefeast : the same came therefore to Philip , which was of Bethsaida of Galilee , and desired him , saying , Sir , we would see Jesus . Philip cometh and tellethAndrew : and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus . " At this time Christ ' s work bore the appearance of cruel defeat . He had beenvictor in the controversy with the priests and Pharisees , but it was evidentthat He would never be received by them as the Messiah . The final separationhad come . To His disciples the case seemed hopeless . But Christ wasapproaching the consummation of His work . The great event which concernednot only the Jewish nation , but the whole world , was about to take place . When Christ heard the eager request , " We would see Jesus , " echoing thehungering cry of the world , His countenance lighted up , and He said , " Thehour is come , that the Son of man should be glorified . " In the request ofthe Greeks He saw an earnest of the results of His great sacrifice . These men came from the West to find the Saviour at the close of His life , as the wise men had come from the East at the beginning . At the time ofChrist ' s birth the Jewish people were so engrossed with their own ambitiousplans that they knew not of His advent . The magi 622 from a heathen land came to the manger with their gifts , to worship theSaviour . So these Greeks , representing the nations , tribes , and peoples ofthe world , came to see Jesus . So the people of all lands and all ages wouldbe drawn by the Saviour ' s cross . So shall many " come from the east and west , and shall sit down with Abraham , and Isaac , and Jacob , in the kingdom ofheaven . " Matt . 8 : 11 . The Greeks had heard of Christ ' s triumphal entry into Jerusalem . Somesupposed , and had circulated the report , that He had driven the priests andrulers from the temple , and that He was to take possession of David ' sthrone , and reign as king of Israel . The Greeks longed to know the truth inregard to His mission . " We would see Jesus , " they said . Their desire wasgranted . When the request was brought to Jesus , He was in that part of thetemple from which all except Jews were excluded , but He went out to theGreeks in the outer court , and had a personal interview with them . The hour of Christ ' s glorification had come . He was standing in the shadowof the cross , and the inquiry of the Greeks showed Him that the sacrifice Hewas about to make would bring many sons and daughters to God . He knew thatthe Greeks would soon see Him in a position they did not then dream of . Theywould see Him placed beside Barabbas , a robber and murderer , who would bechosen for release before the Son of God . They would hear the people , inspired by the priests and rulers , making their choice . And to thequestion , " What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ ? " theanswer would be given , " Let Him be crucified . " Matt . 27 : 22 . By making thispropitiation for the sins of men , Christ knew that His kingdom would beperfected , and would extend throughout the world . He would work as theRestorer , and His Spirit would prevail . For a moment He looked intofuturity , and heard the voices proclaiming in all parts of the earth , " Behold the Lamb of God , which taketh away the sin of the world . " John 1 : 29 . In these strangers He saw the pledge of a great harvest , when the partitionwall between Jew and Gentile should be broken down , and all nations , tongues , and peoples should hear the message of salvation . The anticipationof this , the consummation of His hopes , is expressed in the words , " The houris come , that the Son of man should be glorified . " But the way in which thisglorification must take place was never absent from Christ ' s mind . Thegathering in of the Gentiles was to follow His approaching death . only byHis death could the world be saved . Like a grain of wheat , the 623 Son of man must be cast into the ground and die , and be buried out of sight ; but He was to live again . Christ presented His future , illustrating it by the things of nature , thatthe disciples might understand . The true result of His mission was to bereached by His death . " Verily , verily , I say unto you , " He said , " Except acorn of wheat fall into the ground and die , it abideth alone : but if it die , it bringeth forth much fruit . " When the grain of wheat falls into the groundand dies , it springs up , and bears fruit . So the death of Christ wouldresult in fruit for the kingdom of God . In accordance with the law of thevegetable kingdom , life was to be the result of His death . Those who till the soil have the illustration ever before them . Year by yearman preserves his supply of grain by apparently throwing away the choicestpart . For a time it must be hidden under the furrow , to be watched over bythe Lord . Then appears the blade , then the ear , and then the corn in theear . But this development cannot take place unless the grain is buried outof sight , hidden , and to all appearance , lost . The seed buried in the ground produces fruit , and in turn this is planted . Thus the harvest is multiplied . So the death of Christ on the cross ofCalvary will bear fruit unto eternal life . The contemplation of thissacrifice will be the glory of those who , as the fruit of it , will livethrough the eternal ages . The grain of wheat that preserves its own life can produce no fruit . Itabides alone . Christ could , if He chose , save Himself from death . But shouldHe do this , He must abide alone . He could bring no sons and daughters toGod . only by yielding up His life could He impart life to humanity . only byfalling into the ground to die could He become the seed of that vastharvest , -- the great multitude that out of every nation , and kindred , andtongue , and people , are redeemed to God . With this truth Christ connects the lesson of self - sacrifice that all shouldlearn : " He that loveth his life shall lose it ; and he that hateth his lifein this world shall keep it unto life eternal . " All who would bring forthfruit as workers together with Christ must first fall into the ground anddie . The life must be cast into the furrow of the world ' s need . Self - love , self - interest , must perish . And the law of self - sacrifice is the law ofself - preservation . The husbandman preserves his grain by casting it away . Soin human life . To give is to live . The life that will be preserved is thelife that is freely given in service to God and man . Those who for 624 Christ ' s sake sacrifice their life in this world will keep it unto lifeeternal . The life spent on self is like the grain that is eaten . It disappears , butthere is no increase . A man may gather all he can for self ; he may live andthink and plan for self ; but his life passes away , and he has nothing . Thelaw of self - serving is the law of self - destruction . " If any man serve Me , " said Jesus , " let him follow Me ; and where I am , thereshall also My servant be : if any man serve Me , him will My Father honor . " All who have borne with Jesus the cross of sacrifice will be sharers withHim of His glory . It was the joy of Christ in His humiliation and pain thatHis disciples should be glorified with Him . They are the fruit of Hisself - sacrifice . The outworking in them of His own character and spirit isHis reward , and will be His joy throughout eternity . This joy they sharewith Him as the fruit of their labor and sacrifice is seen in other heartsand lives . They are workers together with Christ , and the Father will honorthem as He honors His Son . The message of the Greeks , foreshadowing as it did the gathering in of theGentiles , brought to the mind of Jesus His entire mission . The work ofredemption passed before Him , from the time when in heaven the plan waslaid , to the death that was now so near at hand . A mysterious cloud seemedto enshroud the Son of God . Its gloom was felt by those near Him . He satrapt in thought . At last the silence was broken by His mournful voice , " Nowis My soul troubled ; and what shall I say ? Father , save Me from this hour ? " In anticipation Christ was already drinking the cup of bitterness . Hishumanity shrank from the hour of abandonment , when to all appearance Hewould be deserted even by God , when all would see Him stricken , smitten ofGod , and afflicted . He shrank from public exposure , from being treated asthe worst of criminals , from a shameful and dishonored death . A forebodingof His conflict with the powers of darkness , a sense of the awful burden ofhuman transgression , and the Father ' s wrath because of sin caused the spiritof Jesus to faint , and the pallor of death to overspread His countenance . Then came divine submission to His Father ' s will . " For this cause , " He said , " came I unto this hour . Father , glorify Thy name . " only through the death ofChrist could Satan ' s kingdom be overthrown . only thus could man be redeemed , and God be glorified . Jesus consented to the agony , He accepted thesacrifice . The Majesty of heaven consented to suffer as the Sin Bearer . " Father , glorify Thy name , " He said . As 625 Christ spoke these words , a response came from the cloud which hovered aboveHis head : " I have both glorified it , and will glorify it again . " Christ ' swhole life , from the manger to the time when these words were spoken , hadglorified God ; and in the coming trial His divine - human sufferings wouldindeed glorify His Father ' s name . As the voice was heard , a light darted from the cloud , and encircled Christ , as if the arms of Infinite Power were thrown about Him like a wall of fire . The people beheld this scene with terror and amazement . No one dared tospeak . With silent lips and bated breath all stood with eyes fixed uponJesus . The testimony of the Father having been given , the cloud lifted , andscattered in the heavens . For the time the visible communion between theFather and the Son was ended . " The people therefore , that stood by , and heard it , said that it thundered : others said , An angel spake to Him . " But the inquiring Greeks saw the cloud , heard the voice , comprehended its meaning , and discerned Christ indeed ; tothem He was revealed as the Sent of God . The voice of God had been heard at the baptism of Jesus at the beginning ofHis ministry , and again at His transfiguration on the mount . Now at theclose of His ministry it was heard for the third time , by a larger number ofpersons , and under peculiar circumstances . Jesus had just spoken the mostsolemn truth regarding the condition of the Jews . He had made His lastappeal , and pronounced their doom . Now God again set His seal to the missionof His Son . He recognized the one whom Israel had rejected . " This voice camenot because of Me , " said Jesus , " but for your sakes . " It was the crowningevidence of His Messiahship , the signal from the Father that Jesus hadspoken the truth , and was the Son of God . " Now is the judgment of this world , " Christ continued ; " now shall the princeof this world be cast out . And I , if I be lifted up from the earth , willdraw all unto Me . This He said , signifying what death He should die . " Thisis the crisis of the world . If I become the propitiation for the sins ofmen , the world will be lighted up . Satan ' s hold upon the souls of men willbe broken . The defaced image of God will be restored in humanity , and afamily of believing saints will finally inherit the heavenly home . This isthe result of Christ ' s death . The Saviour is lost in contemplation of thescene of triumph called up before Him . He sees the cross , the cruel , ignominious cross , with all its attending horrors , blazing with glory . 626 But the work of human redemption is not all that is accomplished by thecross . The love of God is manifested to the universe . The prince of thisworld is cast out . The accusations which Satan has brought against God arerefuted . The reproach which he has cast upon heaven is forever removed . Angels as well as men are drawn to the Redeemer . " I , if I be lifted up fromthe earth , " He said , " will draw all unto Me . " Many people were round about Christ as He spoke these words , and one said , " We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever : and how sayestThou , The Son of man must be lifted up ? who is this Son of man ? Then Jesussaid unto them , Yet a little while is the light with you . Walk while ye havethe light , lest darkness come upon you : for he that walketh in darknessknoweth not whither he goeth . While ye have light , believe in the light , that ye may be the children of light . " " But though He had done so many miracles before them , yet they believed noton Him . " They had once asked the Saviour , " What sign showest Thou then , thatwe may see , and believe Thee ? " John 6 : 30 . Innumerable signs had been given ; but they had closed their eyes and hardened their hearts . Now that theFather Himself had spoken , and they could ask for no further sign , theystill refused to believe . " Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him ; but becauseof the Pharisees they did not confess Him , lest they should be put out ofthe synagogue . " They loved the praise of men rather than the approval ofGod . To save themselves from reproach and shame , they denied Christ , andrejected the offer of eternal life . And how many through all the centuriessince have been doing the same thing ! To them all the Saviour ' s warningwords apply : " He that loveth his life shall lose it . " " He that rejectethMe , " said Jesus , " and receiveth not My words , hath one that judgeth him : theword that I have spoken , the same shall judge him in the last day . " John 12 : 48 . Alas for those who knew not the time of their visitation ! Slowly andregretfully Christ left forever the precincts of the temple . ( 627 ) Chapter 69 On the Mount of Olives [ This chapter is based on Matt . 24 ; Mark 13 ; Luke 21 : 5 - 38 . ] Christ ' s words to the priests and rulers , " Behold , your house is left untoyou desolate " ( Matt . 23 : 38 ) , had struck terror to their hearts . Theyaffected indifference , but the question kept rising in their minds as to theimport of these words . An unseen danger seemed to threaten them . Could it bethat the magnificent temple , which was the nation ' s glory , was soon to be aheap of ruins ? The foreboding of evil was shared by the disciples , and theyanxiously waited for some more definite statement from Jesus . As they passedwith Him out of the temple , they called His attention to its strength andbeauty . The stones of the temple were of the purest marble , of perfectwhiteness , and some of them of almost fabulous size . A portion of the wallhad withstood the siege by Nebuchadnezzar ' s army . In its perfect masonry itappeared like one solid stone dug entire from the quarry . How those mightywalls could be overthrown the disciples could not comprehend . As Christ ' s attention was attracted to the magnificence of the temple , whatmust have been the unuttered thoughts of that Rejected one ! The view beforeHim was indeed beautiful , but He said with sadness , I see it all . Thebuildings are indeed wonderful . You point to these walls as apparentlyindestructible ; but listen to My words : The day will come when " there shallnot be left one stone upon another , that shall not be thrown down . " 628 Christ ' s words had been spoken in the hearing of a large number of people ; but when He was alone , Peter , John , James , and Andrew came to Him as He satupon the Mount of Olives . " Tell us , " they said , " when shall these things be ? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming , and of the end of the world ? " Jesus did not answer His disciples by taking up separately the destructionof Jerusalem and the great day of His coming . He mingled the description ofthese two events . Had He opened to His disciples future events as He beheldthem , they would have been unable to endure the sight . In mercy to them Heblended the description of the two great crises , leaving the disciples tostudy out the meaning for themselves . When He referred to the destruction ofJerusalem , His prophetic words reached beyond that event to the finalconflagration in that day when the Lord shall rise out of His place topunish the world for their iniquity , when the earth shall disclose herblood , and shall no more cover her slain . This entire discourse was given , not for the disciples only , but for those who should live in the last scenesof this earth ' s history . Turning to the disciples , Christ said , " Take heed that no man deceive you . For many shall come in My name , saying , I am Christ ; and shall deceivemany . " Many false messiahs will appear , claiming to work miracles , anddeclaring that the time of the deliverance of the Jewish nation has come . These will mislead many . Christ ' s words were fulfilled . Between His deathand the siege of Jerusalem many false messiahs appeared . But this warningwas given also to those who live in this age of the world . The samedeceptions practiced prior to the destruction of Jerusalem have beenpracticed through the ages , and will be practiced again . " And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars : see that ye be not troubled : for all these things must come to pass , but the end is not yet . " Prior tothe destruction of Jerusalem , men wrestled for the supremacy . Emperors weremurdered . Those supposed to be standing next the throne were slain . Therewere wars and rumors of wars . " All these things must come to pass , " saidChrist , " but the end [ of the Jewish nation as a nation ] is not yet . Fornation shall rise against nation , and kingdom against kingdom : and thereshall be famines , and pestilences , and earthquakes , in divers places . Allthese are the beginning of sorrows . " Christ said , As the rabbis see thesesigns , they will declare them to be God ' s judgments upon the nations forholding in bondage His chosen people . They will declare that these signs arethe token of the advent of 629 the Messiah . Be not deceived ; they are the beginning of His judgments . Thepeople have looked to themselves . They have not repented and been convertedthat I should heal them . The signs that they represent as tokens of theirrelease from bondage are signs of their destruction . " Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted , and shall kill you : and yeshall be hated of all nations for My name ' s sake . And then shall many beoffended , and shall betray one another , and shall hate one another . " Allthis the Christians suffered . Fathers and mothers betrayed their children . Children betrayed their parents . Friends delivered their friends up to theSanhedrin . The persecutors wrought out their purpose by killing Stephen , James , and other Christians . 630 Through His servants , God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity torepent . He manifested Himself through His witnesses in their arrest , intheir trial , and in their imprisonment . Yet their judges pronounced on themthe death sentence . They were men of whom the world was not worthy , and bykilling them the Jews crucified afresh the Son of God . So it will be again . The authorities will make laws to restrict religious liberty . They willassume the right that is God ' s alone . They will think they can force theconscience , which God alone should control . Even now they are making abeginning ; this work they will continue to carry forward till they reach aboundary over which they cannot step . God will interpose in behalf of Hisloyal , commandment - keeping people . On every occasion when persecution takes place , those who witness it makedecisions either for Christ or against Him . Those who manifest sympathy forthe ones wrongly condemned show their attachment for Christ . Others areoffended because the principles of truth cut directly across their practice . Many stumble and fall , apostatizing from the faith they once advocated . Those who apostatize in time of trial will , to secure their own safety , bearfalse witness , and betray their brethren . Christ has warned us of this , thatwe may not be surprised at the unnatural , cruel course of those who rejectthe light . Christ gave His disciples a sign of the ruin to come on Jerusalem , and Hetold them how to escape : " When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies , then know that the desolation thereof is nigh . Then let them which are inJudea flee to the mountains ; and let them which are in the midst of itdepart out ; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto . Forthese be the days of vengeance , that all things which are written may befulfilled . " This warning was given to be heeded forty years after , at thedestruction of Jerusalem . The Christians obeyed the warning , and not aChristian perished in the fall of the city . " Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter ; neither on the Sabbath day , " Christ said . He who made the Sabbath did not abolish it , nailing it to Hiscross . The Sabbath was not rendered null and void by His death . Forty yearsafter His crucifixion it was still to be held sacred . For forty years thedisciples were to pray that their flight might not be on the Sabbath day . From the destruction of Jerusalem , Christ passed on rapidly to the greaterevent , the last link in the chain of this earth ' s history , -- the coming ofthe Son of God in majesty and glory . Between these two events , there layopen to Christ ' s view long centuries of darkness , centuries for His 631 church marked with blood and tears and agony . Upon these scenes Hisdisciples could not then endure to look , and Jesus passed them by with abrief mention . " Then shall be great tribulation , " He said , " such as was notsince the beginning of the world to this time , no , nor ever shall be . Andexcept those days should be shortened , there should no flesh be saved : butfor the elect ' s sake those days shall be shortened . " For more than athousand years such persecution as the world had never before known was tocome upon Christ ' s followers . Millions upon millions of His faithfulwitnesses were to be slain . Had not God ' s hand been stretched out topreserve His people , all would have perished . " But for the elect ' s sake , " Hesaid , " those days shall be shortened . " Now , in unmistakable language , our Lord speaks of His second coming , and Hegives warning of dangers to precede His advent to the world . " If any manshall say unto you , Lo , here is Christ , or there ; believe it not . For thereshall arise false christs , and false prophets , and shall show great signsand wonders ; insomuch that , if it were possible , they shall deceive the veryelect . Behold , I have told you before . Wherefore if they shall say unto you , Behold , He is in the desert ; go not forth : behold , He is in the secretchambers ; believe it not . For as the lightning cometh out of the east , andshineth even unto the west ; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be . " As one of the signs of Jerusalem ' s destruction , Christ had said , " Many falseprophets shall rise , and shall deceive many . " False prophets did rise , deceiving the people , and leading great numbers into the desert . Magiciansand sorcerers , claiming miraculous power , drew the people after them intothe mountain solitudes . But this prophecy was spoken also for the last days . This sign is given as a sign of the second advent . Even now false christsand false prophets are showing signs and wonders to seduce His disciples . Dowe not hear the cry , " Behold , He is in the desert "? Have not thousands goneforth into the desert , hoping to find Christ ? And from thousands ofgatherings where men profess to hold communion with departed spirits is notthe call now heard , " Behold , He is in the secret chambers "? This is the veryclaim that spiritism puts forth . But what says Christ ? " Believe it not . Foras the lightning cometh out of the east , and shineth even unto the west ; soshall also the coming of the Son of man be . " The Saviour gives signs of His coming , and more than this , He fixes the timewhen the first of these signs shall appear : " Immediately after thetribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened , and the moon 632 shall not give her light , and the stars shall fall from heaven , and thepowers of the heavens shall be shaken : and then shall appear the sign of theSon of man in heaven : and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn , andthey shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power andgreat glory . And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet , and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds , from one endof heaven to the other . " At the close of the great papal persecution , Christ declared , the sun shouldbe darkened , and the moon should not give her light . Next , the stars shouldfall from heaven . And He says , " Learn a parable of the fig tree ; When hisbranch is yet tender , and putteth forth leaves , ye know that summer is nigh : so likewise ye , when ye shall see all these things , know that He is near , even at the doors . " Matt . 24 : 32 , 33 , margin . Christ has given signs of His coming . He declares that we may know when Heis near , even at the doors . He says of those who see these signs , " Thisgeneration shall not pass , till all these things be fulfilled . " These signshave appeared . Now we know of a surety that the Lord ' s coming is at hand . " Heaven and earth shall pass away , " He says , " but My words shall not passaway . " Christ is coming with clouds and with great glory . A multitude of shiningangels will attend Him . He will come to raise the dead , and to change theliving saints from glory to glory . He will come to honor those who haveloved Him , and kept His commandments , and to take them to Himself . He hasnot forgotten them nor His promise . There will be a relinking of the familychain . When we look upon our dead , we may think of the morning when thetrump of God shall sound , when " the dead shall be raised incorruptible , andwe shall be changed . " 1 Cor . 15 : 52 . A little longer , and we shall see theKing in His beauty . A little longer , and He will wipe all tears from oureyes . A little longer , and He will present us " faultless before the presenceof His glory with exceeding joy . " Jude 24 . Wherefore , when He gave the signsof His coming He said , " When these things begin to come to pass , then lookup , and lift up your heads ; for your redemption draweth nigh . " But the day and the hour of His coming Christ has not revealed . He statedplainly to His disciples that He Himself could not make known the day or thehour of His second appearing . Had He been at liberty to reveal this , whyneed He have exhorted them to maintain an attitude of constant expectancy ? There are those who claim to know the very day and hour of our Lord ' sappearing . Very earnest are they in mapping out 633 the future . But the Lord has warned them off the ground they occupy . Theexact time of the second coming of the Son of man is God ' s mystery . Christ continues , pointing out the condition of the world at His coming : " Asthe days of Noah were , so shall also the coming of the Son of man be . For asin the days that were before the Flood they were eating and drinking , marrying and giving in marriage , until the day that Noah entered into theark , and knew not until the Flood came , and took them all away ; so shallalso the coming of the Son of man be . " Christ does not here bring to view atemporal millennium , a thousand years in which all are to prepare foreternity . He tells us that as it was in Noah ' s day , so will it be when theSon of man comes again . How was it in Noah ' s day ? " God saw that the wickedness of man was great inthe earth , and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was onlyevil continually . " Gen . 6 : 5 . The inhabitants of the antediluvian worldturned from Jehovah , refusing to do His holy will . They followed their ownunholy imagination and perverted ideas . It was because of their wickednessthat they were destroyed ; and today the world is following the same way . Itpresents no flattering signs of millennial glory . The transgressors of God ' slaw are filling the earth with wickedness . Their betting , their horseracing , their gambling , their dissipation , their lustful practices , theiruntamable passions , are fast filling the world with violence . In the prophecy of Jerusalem ' s destruction Christ said , " Because iniquityshall abound , the love of many shall wax cold . But he that shall endure untothe end , the same shall be saved . And this gospel of the kingdom shall bepreached in all the world for a witness unto all nations ; and then shall theend come . " This prophecy will again be fulfilled . The abounding iniquity ofthat day finds its counterpart in this generation . So with the prediction inregard to the preaching of the gospel . Before the fall of Jerusalem , Paul , writing by the Holy Spirit , declared that the gospel was preached to " everycreature which is under heaven . " Col . 1 : 23 . So now , before the coming of theSon of man , the everlasting gospel is to be preached " to every nation , andkindred , and tongue , and people . " Rev . 14 : 6 , 14 . God " hath appointed a day , in the which He will judge the world . " Acts 17 : 31 . Christ tells us when thatday shall be ushered in . He does not say that all the world will beconverted , but that " this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all theworld for a witness unto all nations ; and then shall the end come . " Bygiving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord ' sreturn . We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day ofGod . 2 Peter 3 : 12 , margin . Had 634 the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained , the wholeworld would before this have been warned , and the Lord Jesus would have cometo our earth in power and great glory . After He had given the signs of His coming , Christ said , " When ye see thesethings come to pass , know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand . " " Takeye heed , watch and pray . " God has always given men warning of comingjudgments . Those who had faith in His message for their time , and who actedout their faith , in obedience to His commandments , escaped the judgmentsthat fell upon the disobedient and unbelieving . The word came to Noah , " Comethou and all thy house into the ark ; for thee have I seen righteous beforeMe . " Noah obeyed and was saved . The message came to Lot , " Up , get you out ofthis place ; for the Lord will destroy this city . " Gen . 7 : 1 ; 19 : 14 . Lotplaced himself under the guardianship of the heavenly messengers , and wassaved . So Christ ' s disciples were given warning of the destruction ofJerusalem . Those who watched for the sign of the coming ruin , and fled fromthe city , escaped the destruction . So now we are given warning of Christ ' ssecond coming and of the destruction to fall upon the world . Those who heedthe warning will be saved . Because we know not the exact time of His coming , we are commanded to watch . " Blessed are those servants , whom the Lord when He cometh shall findwatching . " Luke 12 : 37 . Those who watch for the Lord ' s coming are not waitingin idle expectancy . The expectation of Christ ' s coming is to make men fearthe Lord , and fear His judgments upon transgression . It is to awaken them tothe great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy . Those who are watching forthe Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth . With vigilantwatching they combine earnest working . Because they know that the Lord is atthe door , their zeal is quickened to co - operate with the divineintelligences in working for the salvation of souls . These are the faithfuland wise servants who give to the Lord ' s household " their portion of meat indue season . " Luke 12 : 42 . They are declaring the truth that is now speciallyapplicable . As Enoch , Noah , Abraham , and Moses each declared the truth forhis time , so will Christ ' s servants now give the special warning for theirgeneration . But Christ brings to view another class : " If that evil servant shall say inhis heart , My lord delayeth his coming ; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants , and to eat and drink with the drunken ; the lord of that servantshall come in a day when he looketh not for him . " 635 The evil servant says in his heart , " My lord delayeth his coming . " He doesnot say that Christ will not come . He does not scoff at the idea of Hissecond coming . But in his heart and by his actions and words he declaresthat the Lord ' s coming is delayed . He banishes from the minds of others theconviction that the Lord is coming quickly . His influence leads men topresumptuous , careless delay . They are confirmed in their worldliness andstupor . Earthly passions , corrupt thoughts , take possession of the mind . Theevil servant eats and drinks with the drunken , unites with the world inpleasure seeking . He smites his fellow servants , accusing and condemningthose who are faithful to their Master . He mingles with the world . Likegrows with like in transgression . It is a fearful assimilation . With theworld he is taken in the snare . " The lord of that servant shall come . . . in an hour that he is not aware of , and shall cut him asunder , and appointhim his portion with the hypocrites . " " If therefore thou shalt not watch , I will come on thee as a thief , and thoushalt not know what hour I will come upon thee . " Rev . 3 : 3 . The advent ofChrist will surprise the false teachers . They are saying , " Peace andsafety . " Like the priests and teachers before the fall of Jerusalem , theylook for the church to enjoy earthly prosperity and glory . The signs of thetimes they interpret as foreshadowing this . But what saith the word ofInspiration ? " Sudden destruction cometh upon them . " 1 Thess . 5 : 3 . Upon allwho dwell on the face of the whole earth , upon all who make this world theirhome , the day of God will come as a snare . It comes to them as a prowlingthief . The world , full of rioting , full of godless pleasure , is asleep , asleep incarnal security . Men are putting afar off the coming of the Lord . They laughat warnings . The proud boast is made , " All things continue as they were fromthe beginning . " " Tomorrow shall be as this day , and much more abundant . " 2 Peter 3 : 4 ; Isa . 56 : 12 . We will go deeper into pleasure loving . But Christsays , " Behold , I come as a thief . " Rev . 16 : 15 . At the very time when theworld is asking in scorn , " Where is the promise of His coming ? " the signsare fulfilling . While they cry , " Peace and safety , " sudden destruction iscoming . When the scorner , the rejecter of truth , has become presumptuous ; when the routine of work in the various money - making lines is carried onwithout regard to principle ; when the student is eagerly seeking knowledgeof everything but his Bible , Christ comes as a thief . 636 Everything in the world is in agitation . The signs of the times are ominous . Coming events cast their shadows before . The Spirit of God is withdrawingfrom the earth , and calamity follows calamity by sea and by land . There aretempests , earthquakes , fires , floods , murders of every grade . Who can readthe future ? Where is security ? There is assurance in nothing that is humanor earthly . Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they havechosen . Restlessly are they waiting and watching the movements of theirleaders . There are those who are waiting and watching and working for ourLord ' s appearing . Another class are falling into line under the generalshipof the first great apostate . Few believe with heart and soul that we have ahell to shun and a heaven to win . The crisis is stealing gradually upon us . The sun shines in the heavens , passing over its usual round , and the heavens still declare the glory ofGod . Men are still eating and drinking , planting and building , marrying , andgiving in marriage . Merchants are still buying and selling . Men are jostlingone against another , contending for the highest place . Pleasure lovers arestill crowding to theaters , horse races , gambling hells . The highestexcitement prevails , yet probation ' s hour is fast closing , and every case isabout to be eternally decided . Satan sees that his time is short . He has setall his agencies at work that men may be deceived , deluded , occupied andentranced , until the day of probation shall be ended , and the door of mercybe forever shut . Solemnly there come to us down through the centuries the warning words ofour Lord from the Mount of Olives : " Take heed to yourselves , lest at anytime your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting , and drunkenness , and caresof this life , and so that day come upon you unawares . " " Watch ye therefore , and pray always , that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these thingsthat shall come to pass , and to stand before the Son of man . " ( 637 ) Chapter 70 " The Least of These My Brethren " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 25 : 31 - 46 . ] When the Son of man shall come in His glory , and all the holy angels withHim , then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory : and before Him shall begathered all nations : and He shall separate them one from another . " ThusChrist on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of thegreat judgment day . And He represented its decision as turning upon onepoint . When the nations are gathered before Him , there will be but twoclasses , and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have doneor have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering . In that day Christ does not present before men the great work He has donefor them in giving His life for their redemption . He presents the faithfulwork they have done for Him . To those whom He sets upon His right hand Hewill say , " Come , ye blessed of My Father , inherit the kingdom prepared foryou from the foundation of the world : for I was an hungered , and ye gave Memeat : I was thirsty , and ye gave Me drink : I was a stranger , and ye took Mein : naked , and ye clothed Me : I was sick , and ye visited Me : I was inprison , and ye came unto Me . " But those whom Christ commends know not thatthey have been ministering unto Him . To their perplexed inquiries Heanswers , " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these Mybrethren , ye have done it unto Me . " Jesus had told His disciples that they were to be hated of all men , to bepersecuted and afflicted . Many would be driven from their homes , and broughtto poverty . Many would be in distress through disease and 638 privation . Many would be cast into prison . To all who forsook friends orhome for His sake He had promised in this life a hundredfold . Now He assureda special blessing to all who should minister to their brethren . In all whosuffer for My name , said Jesus , you are to recognize Me . As you wouldminister to Me , so you are to minister to them . This is the evidence thatyou are My disciples . All who have been born into the heavenly family are in a special sense thebrethren of our Lord . The love of Christ binds together the members of Hisfamily , and wherever that love is made manifest there the divinerelationship is revealed . " Everyone that loveth is born of God , and knowethGod . " 1 John 4 : 7 . Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little oftheology , but they have cherished His principles . Through the influence ofthe divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them . Even amongthe heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness ; before thewords of life had fallen upon their ears , they have befriended themissionaries , even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives . Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly , those to whom thelight is never brought by human instrumentality , yet they will not perish . Though ignorant of the written law of God , they have heard His voicespeaking to them in nature , and have done the things that the law required . Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts , andthey are recognized as the children of God . How surprised and gladdened will be the lowly among the nations , and amongthe heathen , to hear from the lips of the Saviour , " Inasmuch as ye have doneit unto one of the least of these My brethren , ye have done it unto Me "! Howglad will be the heart of Infinite Love as His followers look up withsurprise and joy at His words of approval ! But not to any class is Christ ' s love restricted . He identifies Himself withevery child of humanity . That we might become members of the heavenlyfamily , He became a member of the earthly family . He is the Son of man , andthus a brother to every son and daughter of Adam . His followers are not tofeel themselves detached from the perishing world around them . They are apart of the great web of humanity ; and Heaven looks upon them as brothers tosinners as well as to saints . The fallen , the erring , and the sinful , Christ ' s love embraces ; and every deed of kindness done to uplift a fallensoul , every act of mercy , is accepted as done to Him . 639 The angels of heaven are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirsof salvation . We know not now who they are ; it is not yet made manifest whoshall overcome , and share the inheritance of the saints in light ; but angelsof heaven are passing throughout the length and breadth of the earth , seeking to comfort the sorrowing , to protect the imperiled , to win thehearts of men to Christ . Not one is neglected or passed by . God is norespecter of persons , and He has an equal care for all the souls He hascreated . As you open your door to Christ ' s needy and suffering ones , you arewelcoming unseen angels . You invite the companionship of heavenly beings . They bring a sacred atmosphere of joy and peace . They come with praises upontheir lips , and an answering strain is heard in heaven . Every deed of mercymakes music there . The Father from His throne numbers the unselfish workersamong His most precious treasures . Those on the left hand of Christ , those who had neglected Him in the personof the poor and the suffering , were unconscious of their guilt . Satan hadblinded them ; they had not perceived what they owed to their brethren . Theyhad been self - absorbed , and cared not for others ' needs . To the rich , God has given wealth that they may relieve and comfort Hissuffering children ; but too often they are indifferent to the wants ofothers . They feel themselves superior to their poor brethren . They do notput themselves in the poor man ' s place . They do not understand thetemptations and struggles of the poor , and mercy dies out of their hearts . In costly dwellings and splendid churches , the rich shut themselves awayfrom the poor ; the means that God has given to bless the needy is spent inpampering pride and selfishness . The poor are robbed daily of the educationthey should have concerning the tender mercies of God ; for He has made ampleprovision that they should be comforted with the necessities of life . Theyare compelled to feel the poverty that narrows life , and are often temptedto become envious , jealous , and full of evil surmisings . Those whothemselves have not endured the pressure of want too often treat the poor ina contemptuous way , and make them feel that they are looked upon as paupers . But Christ beholds it all , and He says , It was I who was hungry and thirsty . It was I who was a stranger . It was I who was sick . It was I who was inprison . While you were feasting at your bountifully spread table , I wasfamishing in the hovel or the empty street . While you were at ease in yourluxurious home , I had not where to lay My head . While 640 you crowded your wardrobe with rich apparel , I was destitute . While youpursued your pleasures , I languished in prison . When you doled out the pittance of bread to the starving poor , when you gavethose flimsy garments to shield them from the biting frost , did you rememberthat you were giving to the Lord of glory ? All the days of your life I wasnear you in the person of these afflicted ones , but you did not seek Me . Youwould not enter into fellowship with Me . I know you not . Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes of Christ ' slife on earth , to walk where He trod , to look upon the lake beside which Heloved to teach , and the hills and valleys on which His eyes so often rested . But we need not go to Nazareth , to Capernaum , or to Bethany , in order towalk in the steps of Jesus . We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed , in the hovels of poverty , in the crowded alleys of the great city , and inevery place where there are human hearts in need of consolation . In doing asJesus did when on earth , we shall walk in His steps . All may find something to do . " The poor always ye have with you , " ( John 12 : 8 ) , Jesus said , and none need feel that there is no place where they canlabor for Him . Millions upon millions of human souls ready to perish , boundin chains of ignorance and sin , have never so much as heard of Christ ' s lovefor them . Were our condition and theirs to be reversed , what would we desirethem to do for us ? All this , so far as lies in our power , we are under themost solemn obligation to do for them . Christ ' s rule of life , by which everyone of us must stand or fall in the judgment , is , " Whatsoever ye would thatmen should do to you , do ye even so to them . " Matt . 7 : 12 . The Saviour has given His precious life in order to establish a churchcapable of caring for sorrowful , tempted souls . A company of believers maybe poor , uneducated , and unknown ; yet in Christ they may do a work in thehome , the neighborhood , the church , and even in " the regions beyond , " whoseresults shall be as far - reaching as eternity . It is because this work is neglected that so many young disciples neveradvance beyond the mere alphabet of Christian experience . The light whichwas glowing in their own hearts when Jesus spoke to them , " Thy sins beforgiven thee , " they might have kept alive by helping those in need . Therestless energy that is so often a source of danger to the young might bedirected into channels through which it would 641 flow out in streams of blessing . Self would be forgotten in earnest work todo others good . Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd . They themselves will drink of the living water , and will be satisfied . Theywill not be longing for exciting amusements , or for some change in theirlives . The great topic of interest will be , how to save the souls that areready to perish . Social intercourse will be profitable . The love of theRedeemer will draw hearts together in unity . When we realize that we are workers together with God , His promises will notbe spoken with indifference . They will burn in our hearts , and kindle uponour lips . To Moses , when called to minister to an ignorant , undisciplined , and rebellious people , God gave the promise , " My presence shall go withthee , and I will give thee rest . " And He said , " Certainly I will be withthee . " Ex . 33 : 14 ; 3 : 12 . This promise is to all who labor in Christ ' s steadfor His afflicted and suffering ones . Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God . It was toimplant this love , to make us children of one family , that the King of glorybecame one with us . And when His parting words are fulfilled , " Love oneanother , as I have loved you " ( John 15 : 12 ) ; when we love the world as He hasloved it , then for us His mission is accomplished . We are fitted for heaven ; for we have heaven in our hearts . But " if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death , and thosethat are ready to be slain ; if thou sayest , Behold , we knew it not ; doth notHe that pondereth the heart consider it ? and He that keepeth thy soul , dothnot He know it ? and shall not He render to every man according to hisworks ? " Prov . 24 : 11 , 12 . In the great Judgment day , those who have notworked for Christ , who have drifted along thinking of themselves , caring forthemselves , will be placed by the Judge of the whole earth with those whodid evil . They receive the same condemnation . To every soul a trust is given . Of everyone the Chief Shepherd will demand , " Where is the flock that was given thee , thy beautiful flock ? " And " whatwilt thou say when He shall punish thee ? " Jer . 13 : 20 , 21 . ( 642 ) Chapter 71 A Servant of Servants [ This chapter is based on Luke 22 : 7 - 18 , 24 ; John 13 : 1 - 17 . ] In the upper chamber of a dwelling at Jerusalem , Christ was sitting at tablewith His disciples . They had gathered to celebrate the Passover . The Saviourdesired to keep this feast alone with the twelve . He knew that His hour wascome ; He Himself was the true paschal lamb , and on the day the Passover waseaten He was to be sacrificed . He was about to drink the cup of wrath ; Hemust soon receive the final baptism of suffering . But a few quiet hours yetremained to Him , and these were to be spent for the benefit of His beloveddisciples . The whole life of Christ had been a life of unselfish service . " Not to beministered unto , but to minister , " ( Matt . 20 : 28 ) , had been the lesson of Hisevery act . But not yet had the disciples learned the lesson . At this lastPassover supper , Jesus repeated His teaching by an illustration thatimpressed it forever on their minds and hearts . The interviews between Jesus and His disciples were usually seasons of calmjoy , highly prized by them all . The Passover suppers had been scenes ofspecial interest ; but upon this occasion Jesus was troubled . His heart wasburdened , and a shadow rested upon His countenance . 643 As He met the disciples in the upper chamber , they perceived that somethingweighed heavily upon His mind , and although they knew not its cause , theysympathized with His grief . As they were gathered about the table , He said in tones of touching sadness , " With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer : for I say unto you , I will not any more eat thereof , until it be fulfilledin the kingdom of God . And He took the cup , and gave thanks , and said , Takethis , and divide it among yourselves : for I say unto you , I will not drinkof the fruit of the vine , until the kingdom of God shall come . " Christ knew that the time had come for Him to depart out of the world , andgo to His Father . And having loved His own that were in the world , He lovedthem unto the end . He was now in the shadow of the cross , and the pain wastorturing His heart . He knew that He would be deserted in the hour of Hisbetrayal . He knew that by the most humiliating process to which criminalswere subjected He would be put to death . He knew the ingratitude and crueltyof those He had come to save . He knew how great the sacrifice that He mustmake , and for how many it would be in vain . Knowing all that was before Him , He might naturally have been overwhelmed with the thought of His ownhumiliation and suffering . But He looked upon the twelve , who had been withHim as His own , and who , after His shame and sorrow and painful usage wereover , would be left to struggle in the world . His thoughts of what HeHimself must suffer were ever connected with His disciples . He did not thinkof Himself . His care for them was uppermost in His mind . On this last evening with His disciples , Jesus had much to tell them . Ifthey had been prepared to receive what He longed to impart , they would havebeen saved from heartbreaking anguish , from disappointment and unbelief . ButJesus saw that they could not bear what He had to say . As He looked intotheir faces , the words of warning and comfort were stayed upon His lips . Moments passed in silence . Jesus appeared to be waiting . The disciples wereill at ease . The sympathy and tenderness awakened by Christ ' s grief seemedto have passed away . His sorrowful words , pointing to His own suffering , hadmade little impression . The glances they cast upon each other told ofjealousy and contention . There was " a strife among them , which of them should be accounted thegreatest . " This contention , carried on in the presence of Christ , grievedand wounded Him . The disciples clung to their favorite idea that Christwould assert His power , and take His position on the throne of David . And inheart each still longed for the highest place in the 644 kingdom . They had placed their own estimate upon themselves and upon oneanother , and , instead of regarding their brethren as more worthy , they hadplaced themselves first . The request of James and John to sit on the rightand left of Christ ' s throne had excited the indignation of the others . Thatthe two brothers should presume to ask for the highest position so stirredthe ten that alienation threatened . They felt that they were misjudged , thattheir fidelity and talents were not appreciated . Judas was the most severeupon James and John . When the disciples entered the supper room , their hearts were full ofresentful feelings . Judas pressed next to Christ on the left side ; John wason the right . If there was a highest place , Judas was determined to have it , and that place was thought to be next to Christ . And Judas was a traitor . Another cause of dissension had arisen . At a feast it was customary for aservant to wash the feet of the guests , and on this occasion preparation hadbeen made for the service . The pitcher , the basin , and the towel were there , in readiness for the feet washing ; but no servant was present , and it wasthe disciples ' part to perform it . But each of the disciples , yielding towounded pride , determined not to act the part of a servant . All manifested astoical unconcern , seeming unconscious that there was anything for them todo . By their silence they refused to humble themselves . How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain overthem a decided victory ? How could He show that a mere profession ofdiscipleship did not make them disciples , or insure them a place in Hiskingdom ? How could He show that it is loving service , true humility , whichconstitutes real greatness ? How was He to kindle love in their hearts , andenable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them ? The disciples made no move toward serving one another . Jesus waited for atime to see what they would do . Then He , the divine Teacher , rose from thetable . Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements , He took a towel , and girded Himself . With surprised interest the discipleslooked on , and in silence waited to see what was to follow . " After that Hepoureth water into a basin , and began to wash the disciples ' feet , and towipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded . " This action opened theeyes of the disciples . Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts . They understood the unspoken rebuke , and saw themselves in altogether a newlight . So Christ expressed His love for His disciples . Their selfish spirit filledHim with sorrow , but He entered into no controversy with them 645 regarding their difficulty . Instead He gave them an example they would neverforget . His love for them was not easily disturbed or quenched . He knew thatthe Father had given all things into His hands , and that He came from God , and went to God . He had a full consciousness of His divinity ; but He hadlaid aside His royal crown and kingly robes , and had taken the form of aservant . one of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself as aservant , and perform a servant ' s part . Before the Passover Judas had met a second time with the priests andscribes , and had closed the contract to deliver Jesus into their hands . Yethe afterward mingled with the disciples as though innocent of any wrong , andinterested in the work of preparing for the feast . The disciples knewnothing of the purpose of Judas . Jesus alone could read his secret . Yet Hedid not expose him . Jesus hungered for his soul . He felt for him such aburden as for Jerusalem when He wept over the doomed city . His heart wascrying , How can I give thee up ? The constraining power of that love was feltby Judas . When the Saviour ' s hands were bathing those soiled feet , andwiping them with the towel , the heart of Judas thrilled through and throughwith the impulse then and there to confess his sin . But he would not humblehimself . He hardened his heart against repentance ; and the old impulses , forthe moment put aside , again controlled him . Judas was now offended atChrist ' s act in washing the feet of His disciples . If Jesus could so humbleHimself , he thought , He could not be Israel ' s king . All hope of worldlyhonor in a temporal kingdom was destroyed . Judas was satisfied that therewas nothing to be gained by following Christ . After seeing Him degradeHimself , as he thought , he was confirmed in his purpose to disown Him , andconfess himself deceived . He was possessed by a demon , and he resolved tocomplete the work he had agreed to do in betraying his Lord . Judas , in choosing his position at table , had tried to place himself first , and Christ as a servant served him first . John , toward whom Judas had feltso much bitterness , was left till the last . But John did not take this as arebuke or slight . As the disciples watched Christ ' s action , they weregreatly moved . When Peter ' s turn came , he exclaimed with astonishment , " Lord , dost Thou wash my feet ? " Christ ' s condescension broke his heart . Hewas filled with shame to think that one of the disciples was not performingthis service . " What I do , " Christ said , " thou knowest not now ; but thoushalt know hereafter . " Peter could not bear to see his Lord , whom hebelieved to be the Son of God , acting the part of a servant . His whole soulrose up against this humiliation . 646 He did not realize that for this Christ came into the world . With greatemphasis he exclaimed , " Thou shalt never wash my feet . " Solemnly Christ said to Peter , " If I wash thee not , thou hast no part withMe . " The service which Peter refused was the type of a higher cleansing . Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin . In refusing toallow Christ to wash his feet , Peter was refusing the higher cleansingincluded in the lower . He was really rejecting his Lord . It is nothumiliating to the Master to allow Him to work for our purification . Thetruest humility is to receive with thankful heart any provision made in ourbehalf , and with earnestness do service for Christ . At the words , " If I wash thee not , thou hast no part with Me , " Petersurrendered his pride and self - will . He could not endure the thought ofseparation from Christ ; that would have been death to him . " Not my feetonly , " he said , " but also my hands and my head . Jesus saith to him , He thatis washed needeth not save to wash his feet , but is clean every whit . " These words mean more than bodily cleanliness . Christ is still speaking ofthe higher cleansing as illustrated by the lower . He who came from the bathwas clean , but the sandaled feet soon became dusty , and again needed to bewashed . So Peter and his brethren had been washed in the great fountainopened for sin and uncleanness . Christ acknowledged them as His . Buttemptation had led them into evil , and they still needed His cleansinggrace . When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust from theirfeet , He desired by that very act to wash the alienation , jealousy , andpride from their hearts . This was of far more consequence than the washingof their dusty feet . With the spirit they then had , not one of them wasprepared for communion with Christ . Until brought into a state of humilityand love , they were not prepared to partake of the paschal supper , or toshare in the memorial service which Christ was about to institute . Theirhearts must be cleansed . Pride and self - seeking create dissension andhatred , but all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet . A change offeeling was brought about . Looking upon them , Jesus could say , " Ye areclean . " Now there was union of heart , love for one another . They had becomehumble and teachable . Except Judas , each was ready to concede to another thehighest place . Now with subdued and grateful hearts hey could receiveChrist ' s words . Like Peter and his brethren , we too have been washed in the blood of Christ , yet often through contact with evil the heart ' s purity is soiled . We mustcome to Christ for His cleansing grace . Peter shrank from bringing hissoiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master ; 649 but how often we bring our sinful , polluted hearts in contact with the heartof Christ ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper , our vanity and pride ! Yetall our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him . He alone can wash usclean . We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by Hisefficacy . Jesus said to the disciples , " Ye are clean , but not all . " He had washed thefeet of Judas , but the heart had not been yielded to Him . It was notpurified . Judas had not submitted himself to Christ . After Christ had washed the disciples ' feet , and had taken His garments andsat down again , He said to them , " Know ye what I have done to you ? Ye callMe Master and Lord : and ye say well ; for so I am . If I then , your Lord andMaster , have washed your feet ; ye also ought to wash one another ' s feet . ForI have given you an example , that ye should do as I have done to you . Verily , verily , I say unto you , The servant is not greater than his lord ; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him . " Christ would have His disciples understand that although He had washed theirfeet , this did not in the least detract from His dignity . " Ye call Me Masterand Lord : and ye say well ; for so I am . " And being so infinitely superior , He imparted grace and significance to the service . No one was so exalted asChrist , and yet He stooped to the humblest duty . That His people might notbe misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart , and whichstrengthens by self - serving , Christ Himself set the example of humility . Hewould not leave this great subject in man ' s charge . Of so much consequencedid He regard it , that He Himself , one equal with God , acted as servant toHis disciples . While they were contending for the highest place , He to whomevery knee shall bow , He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve , bowed down to wash the feet of those who called Him Lord . He washed the feetof His betrayer . In His life and lessons , Christ has given a perfect exemplification of theunselfish ministry which has its origin in God . God does not live forHimself . By creating the world , and by upholding all things , He isconstantly ministering for others . " He maketh His sun to rise on the eviland on the good , and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust . " Matt . 5 : 45 . This ideal of ministry God has committed to His Son . Jesus was givento stand at the head of humanity , that by His example He might teach what itmeans to minister . His whole life was under a law of service . He served all , ministered to all . Thus He lived the law of God , and by His example showedhow we are to obey it . 650 Again and again Jesus had tried to establish this principle among Hisdisciples . When James and John made their request for pre - eminence , He hadsaid , " Whosoever will be great among you , let him be your minister . " Matt . 20 : 26 . In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place . The only greatness is the greatness of humility . The only distinction isfound in devotion to the service of others . Now , having washed the disciples ' feet , He said , " I have given you anexample , that ye should do as I have done to you . " In these words Christ wasnot merely enjoining the practice of hospitality . More was meant than thewashing of the feet of guests to remove the dust of travel . Christ was hereinstituting a religious service . By the act of our Lord this humiliatingceremony was made a consecrated ordinance . It was to be observed by thedisciples , that they might ever keep in mind His lessons of humility andservice . This ordinance is Christ ' s appointed preparation for the sacramentalservice . While pride , variance , and strife for supremacy are cherished , theheart cannot enter into fellowship with Christ . We are not prepared toreceive the communion of His body and His blood . Therefore it was that Jesusappointed the memorial of His humiliation to be first observed . As they come to this ordinance , the children of God should bring toremembrance the words of the Lord of life and glory : " Know ye what I havedone to you ? Ye call Me Master and Lord : and ye say well ; for so I am . If Ithen , your Lord and Master , have washed your feet ; ye also ought to wash oneanother ' s feet . For I have given you an example , that ye should do as I havedone to you . Verily , verily , I say unto you , The servant is not greater thanhis lord ; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him . If ye knowthese things , happy are ye if ye do them . " There is in man a disposition toesteem himself more highly than his brother , to work for self , to seek thehighest place ; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness ofspirit . The ordinance preceding the Lord ' s Supper is to clear away thesemisunderstandings , to bring man out of his selfishness , down from his stiltsof self - exaltation , to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve hisbrother . The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one ofsoul searching , of conviction of sin , and of the blessed assurance of sinsforgiven . Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the currentof the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels . The Holy Spiritquickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord . Asthe Saviour ' s humiliation for us is remembered , thought 651 links with thought ; a chain of memories is called up , memories of God ' sgreat goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends . Blessingsforgotten , mercies abused , kindnesses slighted , are called to mind . Roots ofbitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are mademanifest . Defects of character , neglect of duties , ingratitude to God , coldness toward our brethren , are called to remembrance . Sin is seen in thelight in which God views it . Our thoughts are not thoughts ofself - complacency , but of severe self - censure and humiliation . The mind isenergized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation . Evilthinking and evilspeaking are put away . Sins are confessed , they areforgiven . The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul , and the love ofChrist draws hearts together in a blessed unity . As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned , the desire iskindled for a higher spiritual life . To this desire the divine Witness willrespond . The soul will be uplifted . We can partake of the Communion with aconsciousness of sins forgiven . The sunshine of Christ ' s righteousness willfill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple . We " behold the Lamb ofGod , which taketh away the sin of the world . " John 1 : 29 . To those who receive the spirit of this service , it can never become a mereceremonial . Its constant lesson will be , " By love serve one another . " Gal . 5 : 13 . In washing the feet of His disciples , Christ gave evidence that Hewould do any service , however humble , that would make them heirs with Him ofthe eternal wealth of heaven ' s treasure . His disciples , in performing thesame rite , pledge themselves in like manner to serve their brethren . Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated , the children of God arebrought into a holy relationship , to help and bless each other . Theycovenant that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry . And this , notonly for one another . Their field of labor is as wide as their Master ' s was . The world is full of those who need our ministry . The poor , the helpless , the ignorant , are on every hand . Those who have communed with Christ in theupper chamber will go forth to minister as He did . Jesus , the served of all , came to be the servant of all . And because Heministered to all , He will again be served and honored by all . And those whowould partake of His divine attributes , and share with Him the joy of seeingsouls redeemed , must follow His example of unselfish ministry . All this was comprehended in the words of Jesus , " I have given you anexample , that ye should do as I have done to you . " This was the intent ofthe service He established . And He says , " If ye know these things , " if youknow the purpose of His lessons , " happy are ye if ye do them . " ( 652 ) Chapter 72 " In Remembrance of Me " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 26 : 20 - 29 ; Mark 14 : 17 - 25 ; Luke 22 : 14 - 23 ; John 13 : 18 - 30 . ] " The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread : and whenHe had given thanks , He brake it , and said , Take , eat : this is My body , which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of Me . After the same manneralso He took the cup , when He had supped , saying , This cup is the newtestament in My blood : this do ye , as oft as ye drink it , in remembrance ofMe . For as often as ye eat this bread , and drink this cup , ye do show theLord ' s death till He come . " 1 Cor . 11 : 23 - 26 . Christ was standing at the point of transition between two economies andtheir two great festivals . He , the spotless Lamb of God , was about topresent Himself as a sin offering , that He would thus bring to an end thesystem of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed toHis death . As He ate the Passover with His disciples , He instituted in itsplace the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice . Thenational festival of the Jews was to pass away forever . The service whichChrist established was to be observed by His followers in all lands andthrough all ages . The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israelfrom Egyptian bondage . God had directed that , year by year , as the childrenshould ask the meaning of this ordinance , the history should be repeated . Thus the wonderful deliverance was to be kept fresh in the minds of all . Theordinance of the Lord ' s Supper was given 653 to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the deathof Christ . Till He shall come the second time in power and glory , thisordinance is to be celebrated . It is the means by which His great work forus is to be kept fresh in our minds . At the time of their deliverance from Egypt , the children of Israel ate thePassover supper standing , with their loins girded , and with their staves intheir hands , ready for their journey . The manner in which they celebratedthis ordinance harmonized with their condition ; for they were about to bethrust out of the land of Egypt , and were to begin a painful and difficultjourney through the wilderness . But in Christ ' s time the condition of thingshad changed . They were not now about to be thrust out of a strange country , but were dwellers in their own land . In harmony with the rest that had beengiven them , the people then partook of the Passover supper in a recliningposition . Couches were placed about the table , and the guests lay upon them , resting upon the left arm , and having the right hand free for use in eating . In this position a guest could lay his head upon the breast of the one whosat next above him . And the feet , being at the outer edge of the couch , could be washed by one passing around the outside of the circle . Christ is still at the table on which the paschal supper has been spread . The unleavened cakes used at the Passover season are before Him . ThePassover wine , untouched by fermentation , is on the table . These emblemsChrist employs to represent His own unblemished sacrifice . Nothing corruptedby fermentation , the symbol of sin and death , could represent the " Lambwithout blemish and without spot . " 1 Peter 1 : 19 . " And as they were eating , Jesus took bread , and blessed it , and brake it , and gave it to the disciples , and said , Take , eat ; this is My body . And Hetook the cup , and gave thanks , and gave it to them , saying , Drink ye all ofit ; for this is My blood of the new testament , which is shed for many forthe remission of sins . But I say unto you , I will not drink henceforth ofthis fruit of the vine , until that day when I drink it new with you in MyFather ' s kingdom . " Judas the betrayer was present at the sacramental service . He received fromJesus the emblems of His broken body and His spilled blood . He heard thewords , " This do in remembrance of Me . " And sitting there in the verypresence of the Lamb of God , the betrayer brooded upon his own darkpurposes , and cherished his sullen , revengeful thoughts . At the feet washing , Christ had given convincing proof that He understoodthe character of Judas . " Ye are not all clean " ( John 13 : 11 ) , 654 He said . These words convinced the false disciple that Christ read hissecret purpose . Now Christ spoke out more plainly . As they were seated atthe table He said , looking upon His disciples , " I speak not of you all : Iknow whom I have chosen : but that the scripture may be fulfilled , He thateateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me . " Even now the disciples did not suspect Judas . But they saw that Christappeared greatly troubled . A cloud settled over them all , a premonition ofsome dreadful calamity , the nature of which they did not understand . As theyate in silence , Jesus said , " Verily I say unto you , that one of you shallbetray Me . " At these words amazement and consternation seized them . Theycould not comprehend how any one of them could deal treacherously with theirdivine Teacher . For what cause could they betray Him ? and to whom ? Whoseheart could give birth to such a design ? Surely not one of the favoredtwelve , who had been privileged above all others to hear His teachings , whohad shared His wonderful love , and for whom He had shown such great regardby bringing them into close communion with Himself ! As they realized the import of His words , and remembered how true Hissayings were , fear and self - distrust seized them . They began to search theirown hearts to see if one thought against their Master were harbored there . With the most painful emotion , one after another inquired , " Lord , is it I ? " But Judas sat silent . John in deep distress at last inquired , " Lord , who isit ? " And Jesus answered , " He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish , thesame shall betray Me . The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him : but woeunto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed ! it had been good for thatman if he had not been born . " The disciples had searched one another ' s facesclosely as they asked , " Lord , is it I ? " And now the silence of Judas drewall eyes to him . Amid the confusion of questions and ｅxpressions ofastonishment , Judas had not heard the words of Jesus in answer to John ' squestion . But now , to escape the scrutiny of the disciples , he asked as theyhad done , " Master , is it I ? " Jesus solemnly replied , " Thou hast said . " In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose , Judas rose hastilyto leave the room . " Then said Jesus unto him , That thou doest , do quickly . . . . He then having received the sop went immediately out : and it was night . " Night it was to the traitor as he turned away from Christ into the outerdarkness . Until this step was taken , Judas had not passed beyond the possibility ofrepentance . But when he left the presence of his Lord and his 655 fellow disciples , the final decision had been made . He had passed theboundary line . Wonderful had been the long - suffering of Jesus in His dealing with thistempted soul . Nothing that could be done to save Judas had been left undone . After he had twice covenanted to betray his Lord , Jesus still gave himopportunity for repentance . By reading the secret purpose of the traitor ' sheart , Christ gave to Judas the final , convincing evidence of His divinity . This was to the false disciple the last call to repentance . No appeal thatthe divine - human heart of Christ could make had been spared . The waves ofmercy , beaten back by stubborn pride , returned in a stronger tide ofsubduing love . But although surprised and alarmed at the discovery of hisguilt , Judas became only the more determined . From the sacramental supper hewent out to complete the work of betrayal . In pronouncing the woe upon Judas , Christ also had a purpose of mercy towardHis disciples . He thus gave them the crowning evidence of His Messiahship . " I tell you before it come , " He said , " that , when it is come to pass , ye maybelieve that I AM . " Had Jesus remained silent , in apparent ignorance of whatwas to come upon Him , the disciples might have thought that their Master hadnot divine foresight , and had been surprised and betrayed into the hands ofthe murderous mob . A year before , Jesus had told the disciples that He hadchosen twelve , and that one was a devil . Now His words to Judas , showingthat his treachery was fully known to his Master , would strengthen the faithof Christ ' s true followers during His humiliation . And when Judas shouldhave come to his dreadful end , they would remember the woe that Jesus hadpronounced upon the betrayer . And the Saviour had still another purpose . He had not withheld His ministryfrom him whom He knew to be a traitor . The disciples did not understand Hiswords when He said at the feet washing , " Ye are not all clean , " nor yet whenat the table He declared , " He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up hisheel against Me . " John 13 : 11 , 18 . But afterward , when His meaning was madeplain , they had something to consider as to the patience and mercy of Godtoward the most grievously erring . Though Jesus knew Judas from the beginning , He washed his feet . And thebetrayer was privileged to unite with Christ in partaking of the sacrament . A long - suffering Saviour held out every inducement for the sinner to receiveHim , to repent , and to be cleansed from the defilement of sin . This exampleis for us . When we suppose one to be in error and sin , we are not to divorceourselves from him . By no careless 656 separation are we to leave him a prey to temptation , or drive him uponSatan ' s battleground . This is not Christ ' s method . It was because thedisciples were erring and faulty that He washed their feet , and all but oneof the twelve were thus brought to repentance . Christ ' s example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord ' s Supper . It is true thatopen sin excludes the guilty . This the Holy Spirit plainly teaches . 1 Cor . 5 : 11 . But beyond this none are to pass judgment . God has not leftit with men to say who shall present themselves on these occasions . For whocan read the heart ? Who can distinguish the tares from the wheat ? " Let a manexamine himself , and so let him eat of that bread , and drink of that cup . " For " whosoever shall eat this bread , and drink this cup of the Lord , unworthily , shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord . " " He thateateth and drinketh unworthily , eateth and drinketh damnation to himself , not discerning the Lord ' s body . " 1 Cor . 11 : 28 , 27 , 29 . When believers assemble to celebrate the ordinances , there are presentmessengers unseen by human eyes . There may be a Judas in the company , and ifso , messengers from the prince of darkness are there , for they attend allwho refuse to be controlled by the Holy Spirit . Heavenly angels also arepresent . These unseen visitants are present on every such occasion . Theremay come into the company persons who are not in heart servants of truth andholiness , but who may wish to take part in the service . They should not beforbidden . There are witnesses present who were present when Jesus washedthe feet of the disciples and of Judas . More than human eyes beheld thescene . Christ by the Holy Spirit is there to set the seal to His own ordinance . Heis there to convict and soften the heart . Not a look , not a thought ofcontrition , escapes His notice . For the repentant , brokenhearted one He iswaiting . All things are ready for that soul ' s reception . He who washed thefeet of Judas longs to wash every heart from the stain of sin . None should exclude themselves from the Communion because some who areunworthy may be present . Every disciple is called upon to participatepublicly , and thus bear witness that he accepts Christ as a personalSaviour . It is at these , His own appointments , that Christ meets His people , and energizes them by His presence . Hearts and hands that are unworthy mayeven administer the ordinance , yet Christ is there to minister to Hischildren . All who come with their faith fixed upon Him will be greatlyblessed . All who neglect these seasons of divine privilege will suffer loss . Of them it may appropriately be said , " Ye are not all clean . " In partaking with His disciples of the bread and wine , Christ pledged 659 Himself to them as their Redeemer . He committed to them the new covenant , bywhich all who receive Him become children of God , and joint heirs withChrist . By this covenant every blessing that heaven could bestow for thislife and the life to come was theirs . This covenant deed was to be ratifiedwith the blood of Christ . And the administration of the Sacrament was tokeep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice made for each of themindividually as a part of the great whole of fallen humanity . But the Communion service was not to be a season of sorrowing . This was notits purpose . As the Lord ' s disciples gather about His table , they are not toremember and lament their shortcomings . They are not to dwell upon theirpast religious experience , whether that experience has been elevating ordepressing . They are not to recall the differences between them and theirbrethren . The preparatory service has embraced all this . Theself - examination , the confession of sin , the reconciling of differences , hasall been done . Now they come to meet with Christ . They are not to stand inthe shadow of the cross , but in its saving light . They are to open the soulto the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness . With hearts cleansed byChrist ' s most precious blood , in full consciousness of His presence , although unseen , they are to hear His words , " Peace I leave with you , Mypeace I give unto you : not as the world giveth , give I unto you . " John 14 : 27 . Our Lord says , Under conviction of sin , remember that I died for you . Whenoppressed and persecuted and afflicted for My sake and the gospel ' s , remember My love , so great that for you I gave My life . When your dutiesappear stern and severe , and your burdens too heavy to bear , remember thatfor your sake I endured the cross , despising the shame . When your heartshrinks from the trying ordeal , remember that your Redeemer liveth to makeintercession for you . The Communion service points to Christ ' s second coming . It was designed tokeep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples . Whenever they mettogether to commemorate His death , they recounted how " He took the cup , andgave thanks , and gave it to them , saying , Drink ye all of it ; for this is Myblood of the new testament , which is shed for many for the remission ofsins . But I say unto you , I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of thevine , until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father ' s kingdom . " In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord ' s return . Unspeakably precious to them was the thought , " As often as ye eat thisbread , and drink this cup , ye do show the Lord ' s death till He come . " 1 Cor . 11 : 26 . 660 These are the things we are never to forget . The love of Jesus , with itsconstraining power , is to be kept fresh in our memory . Christ has institutedthis service that it may speak to our senses of the love of God that hasbeen expressed in our behalf . There can be no union between our souls andGod except through Christ . The union and love between brother and brothermust be cemented and rendered eternal by the love of Jesus . And nothing lessthan the death of Christ could make His love efficacious for us . It is onlybecause of His death that we can look with joy to His second coming . Hissacrifice is the center of our hope . Upon this we must fix our faith . The ordinances that point to our Lord ' s humiliation and suffering areregarded too much as a form . They were instituted for a purpose . Our sensesneed to be quickened to lay hold of the mystery of godliness . It is theprivilege of all to comprehend , far more than we do , the expiatorysufferings of Christ . " As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness , " even so has the Son of man been lifted up , " that whosoever believeth in Himshould not perish , but have eternal life . " John 3 : 14 , 15 . To the cross ofCalvary , bearing a dying Saviour , we must look . Our eternal interests demandthat we show faith in Christ . Our Lord has said , " Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man , and drink Hisblood , ye have no life in you . . . . For My flesh is meat indeed , and Myblood is drink indeed . " John 6 : 53 - 55 . This is true of our physical nature . To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life . The bread we eat isthe purchase of His broken body . The water we drink is bought by His spilledblood . Never one , saint or sinner , eats his daily food , but he is nourishedby the body and the blood of Christ . The cross of Calvary is stamped onevery loaf . It is reflected in every water spring . All this Christ hastaught in appointing the emblems of His great sacrifice . The light shiningfrom that Communion service in the upper chamber makes sacred the provisionsfor our daily life . The family board becomes as the table of the Lord , andevery meal a sacrament . And how much more are Christ ' s words true of our spiritual nature . Hedeclares , " Whoso eateth My flesh , and drinketh My blood , hath eternal life . " It is by receiving the life for us poured out on Calvary ' s cross , that wecan live the life of holiness . And this life we receive by receiving Hisword , by doing those things which He has commanded . Thus we become one withHim . " He that eateth My flesh , " He says , " and drinketh My blood , dwelleth inMe , and I in him . As the living 661 Father hath sent Me , and I live by the Father : so he that eateth Me , even heshall live by Me . " John 6 : 54 , 56 , 57 . To the holy Communion this scripturein a special sense applies . As faith contemplates our Lord ' s greatsacrifice , the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ . That soul willreceive spiritual strength from every Communion . The service forms a livingconnection by which the believer is bound up with Christ , and thus bound upwith the Father . In a special sense it forms a connection between dependenthuman beings and God . As we receive the bread and wine symbolizing Christ ' s broken body andspilled blood , we in imagination join in the scene of Communion in the upperchamber . We seem to be passing through the garden consecrated by the agonyof Him who bore the sins of the world . We witness the struggle by which ourreconciliation with God was obtained . Christ is set forth crucified amongus . Looking upon the crucified Redeemer , we more fully comprehend the magnitudeand meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven . The plan ofsalvation is glorified before us , and the thought of Calvary awakens livingand sacred emotions in our hearts . Praise to God and the Lamb will be in ourhearts and on our lips ; for pride and self - worship cannot flourish in thesoul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary . He who beholds the Saviour ' s matchless love will be elevated in thought , purified in heart , transformed in character . He will go forth to be a lightto the world , to reflect in some degree this mysterious love . The more wecontemplate the cross of Christ , the more fully shall we adopt the languageof the apostle when he said , " God forbid that I should glory , save in thecross of our Lord Jesus Christ , by whom the world is crucified unto me , andI unto the world . " Gal . 6 : 14 . ( 662 ) Chapter 73 " Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled " [ This chapter is based on John 13 : 31 - 38 ; 14 - 17 . ] Looking upon His disciples with divine love and with the tenderest sympathy , Christ said , " Now is the Son of man glorified , and God is glorified in Him . " Judas had left the upper chamber , and Christ was alone with the eleven . Hewas about to speak of His approaching separation from them ; but before doingthis He pointed to the great object of His mission . It was this that He keptever before Him . It was His joy that all His humiliation and suffering wouldglorify the Father ' s name . To this He first directs the thoughts of Hisdisciples . Then addressing them by the endearing term , " Little children , " He said , " Yeta little while I am with you . Ye shall seek Me : and as I said unto the Jews , Whither I go , ye cannot come ; so now I say to you . " The disciples could not rejoice when they heard this . Fear fell upon them . They pressed close about the Saviour . Their Master and Lord , their belovedTeacher and Friend , He was dearer to them than life . To Him they had lookedfor help in all their difficulties , for comfort in their sorrows anddisappointments . Now He was to leave them , a lonely , dependent company . Darkwere the forebodings that filled their hearts . But the Saviour ' s words to them were full of hope . He knew that they were tobe assailed by the enemy , and that Satan ' s craft is most successful againstthose who are depressed by difficulties . Therefore He pointed them away from " the things which are seen , " to " the things which are not seen . " 2 Cor . 4 : 18 . From earthly exile He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home . 663 " Let not your heart be troubled , " He said ; " ye believe in God , believe alsoin Me . In My Father ' s house are many mansions : if it were not so , I wouldhave told you . I go to prepare a place for you . And if I go and prepare aplace for you , I will come again , and receive you unto Myself ; that were Iam , there ye may be also . And whither I go ye know , and the way ye know . " For your sake I came into the world . I am working in your behalf . When I goaway , I shall still work earnestly for you . I came into the world to revealMyself to you , that you might believe . I go to the Father to co - operate withHim in your behalf . The object of Christ ' s departure was the opposite ofwhat the disciples feared . It did not mean a final separation . He was goingto prepare a place for them , that He might come again , and receive them untoHimself . While He was building mansions for them , they were to buildcharacters after the divine similitude . Still the disciples were perplexed . Thomas , always troubled by doubts , said , " Lord , we know not whither Thou goest ; and how can we know the way ? Jesussaith unto him , I am the way , the truth , and the life ; no man cometh untothe Father , but by Me . If ye had known Me , ye should have known My Fatheralso : and from henceforth ye know Him , and have seen Him . " There are not many ways to heaven . Each one may not choose his own way . Christ says , " I am the way : . . . no man cometh unto the Father , but by Me . " Since the first gospel sermon was preached , when in Eden it was declaredthat the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent ' s head , Christ had beenuplifted as the way , the truth , and the life . He was the way when Adamlived , when Abel presented to God the blood of the slain lamb , representingthe blood of the Redeemer . Christ was the way by which patriarchs andprophets were saved . He is the way by which alone we can have access to God . " If ye had known Me , " Christ said , " ye should have known My Father also : andfrom henceforth ye know Him , and have seen Him . " But not yet did thedisciples understand . " Lord , show us the Father , " exclaimed Philip , " and itsufficeth us . " Amazed at his dullness of comprehension , Christ asked with pained surprise , " Have I been so long time with you , and yet hast thou not known Me , Philip ? " Is it possible that you do not see the Father in the works He does throughMe ? Do you not believe that I came to testify of the Father ? " How sayestthou then , Show us the Father ? " " He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father . " Christ had not ceased to be 664 God when He became man . Though He had humbled Himself to humanity , theGodhead was still His own . Christ alone could represent the Father tohumanity , and this representation the disciples had been privileged tobehold for over three years . " Believe Me that I am in the Father , and the Father in Me : or else believeMe for the very works ' sake . " Their faith might safely rest on the evidencegiven in Christ ' s works , works that no man , of himself , ever had done , orever could do . Christ ' s work testified to His divinity . Through Him theFather had been revealed . If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and theSon , their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ ' s suffering anddeath to save a perishing world . Christ was seeking to lead them from theirlow condition of faith to the experience they might receive if they trulyrealized what He was , -- God in human flesh . He desired them to see that theirfaith must lead up to God , and be anchored there . How earnestly andperseveringly our compassionate Saviour sought to prepare His disciples forthe storm of temptation that was soon to beat upon them . He would have themhid with Him in God . As Christ was speaking these words , the glory of God was shining from Hiscountenance , and all present felt a sacred awe as they listened with raptattention to His words . Their hearts were more decidedly drawn to Him ; andas they were drawn to Christ in greater love , they were drawn to oneanother . They felt that heaven was very near , and that the words to whichthey listened were a message to them from their heavenly Father . " Verily , verily , I say unto you , " Christ continued , " He that believeth onMe , the works that I do shall he do also . " The Saviour was deeply anxiousfor His disciples to understand for what purpose His divinity was united tohumanity . He came to the world to display the glory of God , that man mightbe uplifted by its restoring power . God was manifested in Him that He mightbe manifested in them . Jesus revealed no qualities , and exercised no powers , that men may not have through faith in Him . His perfect humanity is thatwhich all His followers may possess , if they will be in subjection to God asHe was . " And greater works than these shall he do ; because I go unto My Father . " Bythis Christ did not mean that the disciples ' work would be of a more exaltedcharacter than His , but that it would have greater extent . He did not refermerely to miracle working , but to all that would take place under theworking of the Holy Spirit . 667 After the Lord ' s ascension , the disciples realized the fulfillment of Hispromise . The scenes of the crucifixion , resurrection , and ascension ofChrist were a living reality to them . They saw that the prophecies had beenliterally fulfilled . They searched the Scriptures , and accepted theirteaching with a faith and assurance unknown before . They knew that thedivine Teacher was all that He had claimed to be . As they told theirexperience , and exalted the love of God , men ' s hearts were melted andsubdued , and multitudes believed on Jesus . The Saviour ' s promise to His disciples is a promise to His church to the endof time . God did not design that His wonderful plan to redeem men shouldachieve only insignificant results . All who will go to work , trusting not inwhat they themselves can do , but in what God can do for and through them , will certainly realize the fulfillment of His promise . " Greater works thanthese shall ye do , " He declares ; " because I go unto My Father . " As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Saviour ' s unlimitedresources and power . He said to them , " Hitherto have ye asked nothing in Myname . " John 16 : 24 . He explained that the secret of their success would be inasking for strength and grace in His name . He would be present before theFather to make request for them . The prayer of the humble suppliant Hepresents as His own desire in that soul ' s behalf . Every sincere prayer isheard in heaven . It may not be fluently expressed ; but if the heart is init , it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers , and He willpresent it to the Father without one awkward , stammering word , beautiful andfragrant with the incense of His own perfection . The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction , butin every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer . There is no one livingwho has any power that he has not received from God , and the source whenceit comes is open to the weakest human being . " Whatsoever ye shall ask in Myname , " said Jesus , " that will I do , that the Father may be glorified in theSon . If ye shall ask anything in My name , I will do it . " " In My name , " Christ bade His disciples pray . In Christ ' s name His followersare to stand before God . Through the value of the sacrifice made for them , they are of value in the Lord ' s sight . Because of the imputed righteousnessof Christ they are accounted precious . For Christ ' s sake the Lord pardonsthose that fear Him . He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner . Herecognizes in them the likeness of His Son , in whom they believe . 668 The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate uponthemselves . He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according tothe price He has placed upon them . God wanted them , else He would not havesent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them . He has a use forthem , and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands uponHim , that they may glorify His name . They may expect large things if theyhave faith in His promises . But to pray in Christ ' s name means much . It means that we are to accept Hischaracter , manifest His spirit , and work His works . The Saviour ' s promise isgiven on condition . " If ye love Me , " He says , " keep My commandments . " Hesaves men , not in sin , but from sin ; and those who love Him will show theirlove by obedience . All true obedience comes from the heart . It was heart work with Christ . Andif we consent , He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims , soblend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will , that when obeyingHim we shall be but carrying out our own impulses . The will , refined andsanctified , will find its highest delight in doing His service . When we knowGod as it is our privilege to know Him , our life will be a life of continualobedience . Through an appreciation of the character of Christ , throughcommunion with God , sin will become hateful to us . As Christ lived the law in humanity , so we may do if we will take hold ofthe Strong for strength . But we are not to place the responsibility of ourduty upon others , and wait for them to tell us what to do . We cannot dependfor counsel upon humanity . The Lord will teach us our duty just as willinglyas He will teach somebody else . If we come to Him in faith , He will speakHis mysteries to us personally . Our hearts will often burn within us as onedraws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch . Those who decide to donothing in any line that will displease God , will know , after presentingtheir case before Him , just what course to pursue . And they will receive notonly wisdom , but strength . Power for obedience , for service , will beimparted to them , as Christ has promised . Whatever was given to Christ -- the " all things " to supply the need of fallen men -- was given to Him as the headand representative of humanity . And " whatsoever we ask , we receive of Him , because we keep His commandments , and do those things that are pleasing inHis sight . " 1 John 3 : 22 . Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim , Christ sought for themost essential and complete gift to bestow upon His followers , a gift that 669 would bring within their reach the boundless resources of grace . " I willpray the Father , " He said , " and He shall give you another Comforter , that Hemay abide with you forever ; even the Spirit of truth ; whom the world cannotreceive , because it seeth Him not , neither knoweth Him : but ye know Him ; forHe dwelleth with you , and shall be in you . I will not leave you orphans : Iwill come to you . " John 14 : 16 - 18 , margin . Before this the Spirit had been in the world ; from the very beginning of thework of redemption He had been moving upon men ' s hearts . But while Christwas on earth , the disciples had desired no other helper . Not until they weredeprived of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit , and thenHe would come . The Holy Spirit is Christ ' s representative , but divested of the personalityof humanity , and independent thereof . Cumbered with humanity , Christ couldnot be in every place personally . Therefore it was for their interest thatHe should go to the Father , and send the Spirit to be His successor onearth . No one could then have any advantage because of his location or hispersonal contact with Christ . By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessibleto all . In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascendedon high . " He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father , and I will love him , andwill manifest Myself to him . " Jesus read the future of His disciples . He sawone brought to the scaffold , one to the cross , one to exile among the lonelyrocks of the sea , others to persecution and death . He encouraged them withthe promise that in every trial He would be with them . That promise has lostnone of its force . The Lord knows all about His faithful servants who forHis sake are lying in prison or who are banished to lonely islands . Hecomforts them with His own presence . When for the truth ' s sake the believerstands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals , Christ stands by his side . Allthe reproaches that fall upon him , fall upon Christ . Christ is condemnedover again in the person of His disciple . When one is incarcerated in prisonwalls , Christ ravishes the heart with His love . When one suffers death forHis sake , Christ says , " I am He that liveth , and was dead ; and , behold , I amalive forevermore , . . . and have the keys of hell and of death . " Rev . 1 : 18 . The life that is sacrificed for Me is preserved unto eternal glory . At all times and in all places , in all sorrows and in all afflictions , whenthe outlook seems dark and the future perplexing , and we feel helpless andalone , the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of 670 faith . Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend ; but nocircumstance , no distance , can separate us from the heavenly Comforter . Wherever we are , wherever we may go , He is always at our right hand tosupport , sustain , uphold , and cheer . The disciples still failed to understand Christ ' s words in their spiritualsense , and again He explained His meaning . By the Spirit , He said , He wouldmanifest Himself to them . " The Comforter , which is the Holy Ghost , whom theFather will send in My name , He shall teach you all things . " No more willyou say , I cannot comprehend . No longer will you see through a glass , darkly . You shall " be able to comprehend with all saints what is thebreadth , and length , and depth , and height ; and to know the love of Christ , which passeth knowledge . " Eph . 3 : 18 , 19 . The disciples were to bear witness to the life and work of Christ . Throughtheir word He was to speak to all the people on the face of the earth . Butin the humiliation and death of Christ they were to suffer great trial anddisappointment . That after this experience their word might be accurate , Jesus promised that the Comforter should " bring all things to yourremembrance , whatsoever I have said unto you . " " I have yet many things to say unto you , " He continued , " but ye cannot bearthem now . Howbeit when He , the Spirit of truth , is come , He will guide youinto all truth : for He shall not speak of Himself ; but whatsoever He shallhear , that shall He speak : and He will show you things to come . He shallglorify Me : for He shall receive of Mine , and shall show it unto you . " Jesushad opened before His disciples a vast tract of truth . But it was mostdifficult for them to keep His lessons distinct from the traditions andmaxims of the scribes and Pharisees . They had been educated to accept theteaching of the rabbis as the voice of God , and it still held a power overtheir minds , and molded their sentiments . Earthly ideas , temporal things , still had a large place in their thoughts . They did not understand thespiritual nature of Christ ' s kingdom , though He had so often explained it tothem . Their minds had become confused . They did not comprehend the value ofthe scriptures Christ presented . Many of His lessons seemed almost lost uponthem . Jesus saw that they did not lay hold of the real meaning of His words . He compassionately promised that the Holy Spirit should recall these sayingsto their minds . And He had left unsaid many things that could not becomprehended by the disciples . These also would be opened to them by theSpirit . The Spirit was to quicken their 671 understanding , that they might have an appreciation of heavenly things . " When He , the Spirit of truth , is come , " said Jesus , " He will guide you intoall truth . " The Comforter is called " the Spirit of truth . " His work is to define andmaintain the truth . He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth , andthus He becomes the Comforter . There is comfort and peace in the truth , butno real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood . It is through falsetheories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind . Bydirecting men to false standards , he misshapes the character . Through theScriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind , and impresses truth upon theheart . Thus He exposes error , and expels it from the soul . It is by theSpirit of truth , working through the word of God , that Christ subdues Hischosen people to Himself . In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit , Jesussought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart . Herejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church . TheHoly Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He could solicit from HisFather for the exaltation of His people . The Spirit was to be given as aregenerating agent , and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have beenof no avail . The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries , and thesubmission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing . Sin could beresisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person ofthe Godhead , who would come with no modified energy , but in the fullness ofdivine power . It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wroughtout by the world ' s Redeemer . It is by the Spirit that the heart is madepure . Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divinenature . Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome allhereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil , and to impress His owncharacter upon His church . Of the Spirit Jesus said , " He shall glorify Me . " The Saviour came to glorifythe Father by the demonstration of His love ; so the Spirit was to glorifyChrist by revealing His grace to the world . The very image of God is to bereproduced in humanity . The honor of God , the honor of Christ , is involvedin the perfection of the character of His people . " When He [ the Spirit of truth ] is come , He will reprove the world of sin , and of righteousness , and of judgment . " The preaching of the word will be ofno avail without the continual presence and aid of the Holy Spirit . This isthe only effectual teacher of divine truth . only 672 when the truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit will it quicken theconscience or transform the life . one might be able to present the letter ofthe word of God , he might be familiar with all its commands and promises ; but unless the Holy Spirit sets home the truth , no souls will fall on theRock and be broken . No amount of education , no advantages , however great , can make one a channel of light without the co - operation of the Spirit ofGod . The sowing of the gospel seed will not be a success unless the seed isquickened into life by the dew of heaven . Before one book of the NewTestament was written , before one gospel sermon had been preached afterChrist ' s ascension , the Holy Spirit came upon the praying apostles . Then thetestimony of their enemies was , " Ye have filled Jerusalem with yourdoctrine . " Acts 5 : 28 . Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church , and thepromise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples . But like everyother promise , it is given on conditions . There are many who believe andprofess to claim the Lord ' s promise ; they talk about Christ and about theHoly Spirit , yet receive no benefit . They do not surrender the soul to beguided and controlled by the divine agencies . We cannot use the Holy Spirit . The Spirit is to use us . Through the Spirit God works in His people " to willand to do of His good pleasure . " Phil . 2 : 13 . But many will not submit tothis . They want to manage themselves . This is why they do not receive theheavenly gift . only to those who wait humbly upon God , who watch for Hisguidance and grace , is the Spirit given . The power of God awaits theirdemand and reception . This promised blessing , claimed by faith , brings allother blessings in its train . It is given according to the riches of thegrace of Christ , and He is ready to supply every soul according to thecapacity to receive . In His discourse to the disciples , Jesus made no mournful allusion to Hisown sufferings and death . His last legacy to them was a legacy of peace . Hesaid , " Peace I leave with you , My peace I give unto you : not as the worldgiveth , give I unto you . Let not your heart be troubled , neither let it beafraid . " Before leaving the upper chamber , the Saviour led His disciples in a song ofpraise . His voice was heard , not in the strains of some mournful lament , butin the joyful notes of the Passover hallel : " O praise the Lord , all ye nations : Praise Him , all ye people . For His merciful kindness is great toward us : And the truth of the Lord endureth forever . Praise ye the Lord . " Psalm 117 . 673 After the hymn , they went out . Through the crowded streets they made theirway , passing out of the city gate toward the Mount of Olives . Slowly theyproceeded , each busy with his own thoughts . As they began to descend towardthe mount , Jesus said , in a tone of deepest sadness , " All ye shall beoffended because of Me this night : for it is written , I will smite theshepherd , and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad . " Matt . 26 : 31 . The disciples listened in sorrow and amazement . They remembered howin the synagogue at Capernaum , when Christ spoke of Himself as the bread oflife , many had been offended , and had turned away from Him . But the twelvehad not shown themselves unfaithful . Peter , speaking for his brethren , hadthen declared his loyalty to Christ . Then the Saviour had said , " Have not Ichosen you twelve , and one of you is a devil ? " John 6 : 70 . In the upperchamber Jesus said that one of the twelve would betray Him , and that Peterwould deny Him . But now His words include them all . Now Peter ' s voice is heard vehemently protesting , " Although all shall beoffended , yet will not I . " In the upper chamber he had declared , " I will laydown my life for Thy sake . " Jesus had warned him that he would that verynight deny his Saviour . Now Christ repeats the warning : " Verily I say untothee , That this day , even in this night , before the cock crow twice , thoushalt deny Me thrice . " But Peter only " spake the more vehemently , If Ishould die with Thee , I will not deny Thee in anywise . Likewise also saidthey all . " Mark 14 : 29 , 30 , 31 . In their self - confidence they denied therepeated statement of Him who knew . They were unprepared for the test ; whentemptation should overtake them , they would understand their own weakness . When Peter said he would follow his Lord to prison and to death , he meantit , every word of it ; but he did not know himself . Hidden in his heart wereelements of evil that circumstances would fan into life . Unless he was madeconscious of his danger , these would prove his eternal ruin . The Saviour sawin him a self - love and assurance that would overbear even his love forChrist . Much of infirmity , of unmortified sin , carelessness of spirit , unsanctified temper , heedlessness in entering into temptation , had beenrevealed in his experience . Christ ' s solemn warning was a call to heartsearching . Peter needed to distrust himself , and to have a deeper faith inChrist . Had he in humility received the warning , he would have appealed tothe Shepherd of the flock to keep His sheep . When on the Sea of Galilee hewas about to sink , he cried , " Lord , save me . " Matt . 14 : 30 . Then the hand ofChrist was outstretched 674 to grasp his hand . So now if he had cried to Jesus , Save me from myself , hewould have been kept . But Peter felt that he was distrusted , and he thoughtit cruel . He was already offended , and he became more persistent in hisself - confidence . Jesus looks with compassion on His disciples . He cannot save them from thetrial , but He does not leave them comfortless . He assures them that He is tobreak the fetters of the tomb , and that His love for them will not fail . " After I am risen again , " He says , " I will go before you into Galilee . " Matt . 26 : 32 . Before the denial , they have the assurance of forgiveness . After His death and resurrection , they knew that they were forgiven , andwere dear to the heart of Christ . Jesus and the disciples were on the way to Gethsemane , at the foot of MountOlivet , a retired spot which He had often visited for meditation and prayer . The Saviour had been explaining to His disciples His mission to the world , and the spiritual relation to Him which they were to sustain . Now Heillustrates the lesson . The moon is shining bright , and reveals to Him aflourishing grapevine . Drawing the attention of the disciples to it , Heemploys it as a symbol . " I am the true Vine , " He says . Instead of choosing the graceful palm , thelofty cedar , or the strong oak , Jesus takes the vine with its clingingtendrils to represent Himself . The palm tree , the cedar , and the oak standalone . They require no support . But the vine entwines about the trellis , andthus climbs heavenward . So Christ in His humanity was 675 dependent upon divine power . " I can of Mine own self do nothing , " Hedeclared . John 5 : 30 . " I am the true Vine . " The Jews had always regarded the vine as the mostnoble of plants , and a type of all that was powerful , excellent , andfruitful . Israel had been represented as a vine which God had planted in thePromised Land . The Jews based their hope of salvation on the fact of theirconnection with Israel . But Jesus says , I am the real Vine . Think not thatthrough a connection with Israel you may become partakers of the life ofGod , and inheritors of His promise . Through Me alone is spiritual lifereceived . " I am the true Vine , and My Father is the husbandman . " on the hills ofPalestine our heavenly Father had planted this goodly Vine , and He Himselfwas the husbandman . Many were attracted by the beauty of this Vine , anddeclared its heavenly origin . But to the leaders in Israel it appeared as aroot out of a dry ground . They took the plant , and bruised it , and trampledit under their unholy feet . Their thought was to destroy it forever . But theheavenly Husbandman never lost sight of His plant . After men thought theyhad killed it , He took it , and replanted it on the other side of the wall . The vine stock was to be no longer visible . It was hidden from the rudeassaults of men . But the branches of the Vine hung over the wall . They wereto represent the Vine . Through them grafts might still be united to theVine . From them fruit has been obtained . There has been a harvest which thepassers - by have plucked . " I am the Vine , ye are the branches , " Christ said to His disciples . ThoughHe was about to be removed from them , their spiritual union with Him was tobe unchanged . The connection of the branch with the vine , He said , represents the relation you are to sustain to Me . The scion is engraftedinto the living vine , and fiber by fiber , vein by vein , it grows into thevine stock . The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch . So the souldead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ . Byfaith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed . The sinner uniteshis weakness to Christ ' s strength , his emptiness to Christ ' s fullness , hisfrailty to Christ ' s enduring might . Then he has the mind of Christ . Thehumanity of Christ has touched our humanity , and our humanity has toucheddivinity . Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partakerof the divine nature . He is accepted in the Beloved . 676 This union with Christ , once formed , must be maintained . Christ said , " Abidein Me , and I in you . As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself , except itabide in the vine ; no more can ye , except ye abide in Me . " This is no casualtouch , no off - and - on connection . The branch becomes a part of the livingvine . The communication of life , strength , and fruitfulness from the root tothe branches is unobstructed and constant . Separated from the vine , thebranch cannot live . No more , said Jesus , can you live apart from Me . Thelife you have received from Me can be preserved only by continual communion . Without Me you cannot overcome one sin , or resist one temptation . " Abide in Me , and I in you . " Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving ofHis Spirit , a life of unreserved surrender to His service . The channel ofcommunication must be open continually between man and his God . As the vinebranch constantly draws the sap from the living vine , so are we to cling toJesus , and receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His owncharacter . The root sends its nourishment through the branch to the outermost twig . SoChrist communicates the current of spiritual strength to every believer . Solong as the soul is united to Christ , there is no danger that it will witheror decay . The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches . " Hethat abideth in Me , " said Jesus , " and I in him , the same bringeth forth muchfruit : for without Me ye can do nothing . " When we live by faith on the Sonof God , the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives ; not one will bemissing . " My Father is the husbandman . Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit Hetaketh away . " While the graft is outwardly united with the vine , there maybe no vital connection . Then there will be no growth or fruitfulness . Sothere may be an apparent connection with Christ without a real union withHim by faith . A profession of religion places men in the church , but thecharacter and conduct show whether they are in connection with Christ . Ifthey bear no fruit , they are false branches . Their separation from Christinvolves a ruin as complete as that represented by the dead branch . " If aman abide not in Me , " said Christ , " he is cast forth as a branch , and iswithered ; and men gather them , and cast them into the fire , and they areburned . " " And every branch that beareth fruit , He purgeth [ pruneth ] it , that it maybring forth more fruit . " From the chosen twelve who had followed 677 Jesus , one as a withered branch was about to be taken away ; the rest were topass under the pruning knife of bitter trial . Jesus with solemn tendernessexplained the purpose of the husbandman . The pruning will cause pain , but itis the Father who applies the knife . He works with no wanton hand orindifferent heart . There are branches trailing upon the ground ; these mustbe cut loose from the earthly supports to which their tendrils arefastening . They are to reach heavenward , and find their support in God . Theexcessive foliage that draws away the life current from the fruit must bepruned off . The overgrowth must be cut out , to give room for the healingbeams of the Sun of Righteousness . The husbandman prunes away the harmfulgrowth , that the fruit may be richer and more abundant . " Herein is My Father glorified , " said Jesus , " that ye bear much fruit . " Goddesires to manifest through you the holiness , the benevolence , thecompassion , of His own character . Yet the Saviour does not bid the discipleslabor to bear fruit . He tells them to abide in Him . " If ye abide in Me , " Hesays , " and My words abide in you , ye shall ask what ye will , and it shall bedone unto you . " It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers . This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh anddrinking His blood . The words of Christ are spirit and life . Receiving them , you receive the life of the Vine . You live " by every word that proceedethout of the mouth of God . " Matt . 4 : 4 . The life of Christ in you produces thesame fruits as in Him . Living in Christ , adhering to Christ , supported byChrist , drawing nourishment from Christ , you bear fruit after the similitudeof Christ . In this last meeting with His disciples , the great desire which Christexpressed for them was that they might love one another as He had lovedthem . Again and again He spoke of this . " These things I command you , " Hesaid repeatedly , " that ye love one another . " His very first injunction whenalone with them in the upper chamber was , " A new commandment I give untoyou , That ye love one another ; as I have loved you , that ye also love oneanother . " To the disciples this commandment was new ; for they had not lovedone another as Christ had loved them . He saw that new ideas and impulsesmust control them ; that new principles must be practiced by them ; throughHis life and death they were to receive a new conception of love . Thecommand to love one another had a new meaning in the light of Hisself - sacrifice . The whole 678 work of grace is one continual service of love , of self - denying , self - sacrificing effort . During every hour of Christ ' s sojourn upon theearth , the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams . Allwho are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved . The very principlethat actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one withanother . This love is the evidence of their discipleship . " By this shall all men knowthat ye are My disciples , " said Jesus , " if ye have love one to another . " When men are bound together , not by force or self - interest , but by love , they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence . Where this oneness exists , it is evidence that the image of God is beingrestored in humanity , that a new principle of life has been implanted . Itshows that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernaturalagencies of evil , and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness inherentin the natural heart . This love , manifested in the church , will surely stir the wrath of Satan . Christ did not mark out for His disciples an easy path . " If the world hateyou , " He said , " ye know that it hated Me before it hated you . If ye were ofthe world , the world would love his own : but because ye are not of theworld , but I have chosen you out of the world , therefore the world hatethyou . Remember the word that I said unto you , The servant is not greater thanhis lord . If they have persecuted Me , they will also persecute you ; if theyhave kept My saying , they will keep yours also . But all these things willthey do unto you for My name ' s sake , because they know not Him that sentMe . " The gospel is to be carried forward by aggressive warfare , in the midstof opposition , peril , loss , and suffering . But those who do this work areonly following in their Master ' s steps . As the world ' s Redeemer , Christ was constantly confronted with apparentfailure . He , the messenger of mercy to our world , seemed to do little of thework He longed to do in uplifting and saving . Satanic influences wereconstantly working to oppose His way . But He would not be discouraged . Through the prophecy of Isaiah He declares , " I have labored in vain , I havespent My strength for nought , and in vain : yet surely My judgment is withthe Lord , and My work with My God . . . . Though Israel be not gathered , yetshall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord , and My God shall be Mystrength . " It is to Christ that the promise is given , " Thus saith the Lord , the Redeemer of Israel , and His Holy one , to Him whom man despiseth , to Himwhom the nation 679 abhorreth ; . . . thus saith the Lord : . . . I will preserve Thee , and giveThee for a covenant of the people , to establish the earth , to cause toinherit the desolate heritages ; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners , Goforth ; to them that are in darkness , Show yourselves . . . . They shall nothunger nor thirst ; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them : for He thathath mercy on them shall lead them , even by the springs of water shall Heguide them . " Isa . 49 : 4 , 5 , 7 - 10 . Upon this word Jesus rested , and He gave Satan no advantage . When the laststeps of Christ ' s humiliation were to be taken , when the deepest sorrow wasclosing about His soul , He said to His disciples , " The prince of this worldcometh , and hath nothing in Me . " " The prince of this world is judged . " Nowshall he be cast out . John 14 : 30 ; 16 : 11 ; 12 : 31 . With prophetic eye Christtraced the scenes to take place in His last great conflict . He knew thatwhen He should exclaim , " It is finished , " all heaven would triumph . His earcaught the distant music and the shouts of victory in the heavenly courts . He knew that the knell of Satan ' s empire would then be sounded , and the nameof Christ would be heralded from world to world throughout the universe . Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could askor think . He spoke with assurance , knowing that an almighty decree had beengiven before the world was made . He knew that truth , armed with theomnipotence of the Holy Spirit , would conquer in the contest with evil ; andthat the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers . Heknew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His , a series ofuninterrupted victories , not seen to be such here , but recognized as such inthe great hereafter . " These things I have spoken unto you , " He said , " that in Me ye might havepeace . In the world ye shall have tribulation : but be of good cheer ; I haveovercome the world . " Christ did not fail , neither was He discouraged , andHis followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature . They areto live as He lived , and work as He worked , because they depend on Him asthe great Master Worker . Courage , energy , and perseverance they mustpossess . Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way , by His gracethey are to go forward . Instead of deploring difficulties , they are calledupon to surmount them . They are to despair of nothing , and to hope foreverything . With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has boundthem to the throne of God . It is His purpose that the highest influence inthe universe , emanating from the source of all power , shall be theirs . Theyare to have power 680 to resist evil , power that neither earth , nor death , nor hell can master , power that will enable them to overcome as Christ overcame . Christ designs that heaven ' s order , heaven ' s plan of government , heaven ' sdivine harmony , shall be represented in His church on earth . Thus in Hispeople He is glorified . Through them the Sun of Righteousness will shine inundimmed luster to the world . Christ has given to His church amplefacilities , that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed , purchased possession . He has bestowed upon His people capabilities andblessings that they may represent His own sufficiency . The church , endowedwith the righteousness of Christ , is His depositary , in which the riches ofHis mercy , His grace , and His love , are to appear in full and final display . Christ looks upon His people in their purity and perfection , as the rewardof His humiliation , and the supplement of His glory , -- Christ , the greatCenter , from whom radiates all glory . With strong , hopeful words the Saviour ended His instruction . Then He pouredout the burden of His soul in prayer for His disciples . Lifting His eyes toheaven , He said , " Father , the hour is come ; glorify Thy Son , that Thy Sonalso may glorify Thee : as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh , that Heshould give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him . And this is lifeeternal , that they might know Thee the only true God , and Jesus Christ , whomThou hast sent . " Christ had finished the work that was given Him to do . He had glorified Godon the earth . He had manifested the Father ' s name . He had gathered out thosewho were to continue His work among men . And He said , " I am glorified inthem . And now I am no more in the world , but these are in the world , and Icome to Thee . Holy Father , keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hastgiven Me , that they may be one , as We are . " " Neither pray I for these alone , but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word ; that theyall may be one ; . . . I in them , and Thou in Me , that they may be madeperfect in one ; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me , and hastloved them , as Thou hast loved Me . " Thus in the language of one who has divine authority , Christ gives His electchurch into the Father ' s arms . As a consecrated high priest He intercedesfor His people . As a faithful shepherd He gathers His flock under the shadowof the Almighty , in the strong and sure refuge . For Him there waits the lastbattle with Satan , and He goes forth to meet it . ( 685 ) Chapter 74 Gethsemane [ This chapter is based on Matt . 26 : 36 - 56 ; Mark 14 : 32 - 50 ; Luke 22 : 39 - 53 ; John 18 : 1 - 12 . ] In company with His disciples , the Saviour slowly made His way to the gardenof Gethsemane . The Passover moon , broad and full , shone from a cloudlesssky . The city of pilgrims ' tents was hushed into silence . Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and instructing them ; but as He neared Gethsemane , He became strangely silent . He had oftenvisited this spot for meditation and prayer ; but never with a heart so fullof sorrow as upon this night of His last agony . Throughout His life on earthHe had walked in the light of God ' s presence . When in conflict with men whowere inspired by the very spirit of Satan , He could say , " He that sent Me iswith Me : the Father hath not left Me alone ; for I do always those thingsthat please Him . " John 8 : 29 . But now He seemed to be shut out from the lightof God ' s sustaining presence . Now He was numbered with the transgressors . The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear . Upon Him who knew no sin must belaid the iniquity of us all . So dreadful does sin appear to Him , so great isthe weight of guilt which He must bear , that He is tempted to fear it willshut Him out forever from His Father ' s love . Feeling how terrible is thewrath of God against transgression , He exclaims , " My soul is exceedingsorrowful , even unto death . " As they approached the garden , the disciples had marked the change that cameover their Master . Never before had they seen Him so utterly 686 sad and silent . As He proceeded , this strange sadness deepened ; yet theydared not question Him as to the cause . His form swayed as if He were aboutto fall . Upon reaching the garden , the disciples looked anxiously for Hisusual place of retirement , that their Master might rest . Every step that Henow took was with labored effort . He groaned aloud , as if suffering underthe pressure of a terrible burden . Twice His companions supported Him , or Hewould have fallen to the earth . Near the entrance to the garden , Jesus left all but three of the disciples , bidding them pray for themselves and for Him . With Peter , James , and John , He entered its secluded recesses . These three disciples were Christ ' sclosest companions . They had beheld His glory on the mount oftransfiguration ; they had seen Moses and Elijah talking with Him ; they hadheard the voice from heaven ; now in His great struggle , Christ desired theirpresence near Him . Often they had passed the night with Him in this retreat . On these occasions , after a season of watching and prayer , they would sleepundisturbed at a little distance from their Master , until He awoke them inthe morning to go forth anew to labor . But now He desired them to spend thenight with Him in prayer . Yet He could not bear that even they shouldwitness the agony He was to endure . " Tarry ye here , " He said , " and watch with Me . " He went a little distance from them -- not so far but that they could both seeand hear Him -- and fell prostrate upon the ground . He felt that by sin He wasbeing separated from His Father . The gulf was so broad , so black , so deep , that His spirit shuddered before it . This agony He must not exert His divinepower to escape . As man He must suffer the consequences of man ' s sin . As manHe must endure the wrath of God against transgression . Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He hadever stood before . His suffering can best be described in the words of theprophet , " Awake , O sword , against My shepherd , and against the man that isMy fellow , saith the Lord of hosts . " Zech . 13 : 7 . As the substitute andsurety for sinful man , Christ was suffering under divine justice . He sawwhat justice meant . Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others ; nowHe longed to have an intercessor for Himself . As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up , He feared that in Hishuman nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with thepowers of darkness . In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the humanrace had been at stake . Christ was then conqueror . Now 687 the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle . For this he had beenpreparing during the three years of Christ ' s ministry . Everything was atstake with him . If he failed here , his hope of mastery was lost ; thekingdoms of the world would finally become Christ ' s ; he himself would beoverthrown and cast out . But if Christ could be overcome , the earth wouldbecome Satan ' s kingdom , and the human race would be forever in his power . With the issues of the conflict before Him , Christ ' s soul was filled withdread of separation from God . Satan told Him that if He became the suretyfor a sinful world , the separation would be eternal . He would be identifiedwith Satan ' s kingdom , and would nevermore be one with God . And what was to be gained by this sacrifice ? How hopeless appeared the guiltand ingratitude of men ! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situationupon the Redeemer : The people who claim to be above all others in temporaland spiritual advantages have rejected You . They are seeking to destroy You , the foundation , the center and seal of the promises made to them as apeculiar people . one of Your own disciples , who has listened to Yourinstruction , and has been among the foremost in church activities , willbetray You . one of Your most zealous followers will deny You . All willforsake You . Christ ' s whole being abhorred the thought . That those whom Hehad undertaken to save , those whom He loved so much , should unite in theplots of Satan , this pierced His soul . The conflict was terrible . Itsmeasure was the guilt of His nation , of His accusers and betrayer , the guiltof a world lying in wickedness . The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ , and the sense of God ' s wrath against sin was crushing out His life . Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul . In Hisagony He clings to the cold ground , as if to prevent Himself from beingdrawn farther from God . The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrateform , but He heeds it not . From His pale lips comes the bitter cry , " O MyFather , if it be possible , let this cup pass from Me . " Yet even now He adds , " Nevertheless not as I will , but as Thou wilt . " The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering . This longing Christ felt tothe very depths of His being . In the supreme agony of His soul He came toHis disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort fromthose whom He had so often blessed and comforted , and shielded in sorrow anddistress . The one who had always had words of sympathy for them was nowsuffering superhuman agony , and He longed to know that they were praying forHim and for themselves . 688 How dark seemed the malignity of sin ! Terrible was the temptation to let thehuman race bear the consequences of its own guilt , while He stood innocentbefore God . If He could only know that His disciples understood andappreciated this , He would be strengthened . Rising with painful effort , He staggered to the place where He had left Hiscompanions . But He " findeth them asleep . " Had He found them praying , Hewould have been relieved . Had they been seeking refuge in God , that satanicagencies might not prevail over them , He would have been comforted by theirsteadfast faith . But they had not heeded the repeated warning , " Watch andpray . " At first they had been much troubled to see their Master , usually socalm and dignified , wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension . They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer . They did notintend to forsake their Lord , but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor whichthey might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God . They didnot realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order towithstand temptation . Just before He bent His footsteps to the garden , Jesus had said to thedisciples , " All ye shall be offended because of Me this night . " They hadgiven Him the strongest assurance that they would go with Him to prison andto death . And poor , self - sufficient Peter had added , " Although all shall beoffended , yet will not I . " Mark 14 : 27 , 29 . But the 689 disciples trusted to themselves . They did not look to the mighty Helper asChrist had counseled them to do . Thus when the Saviour was most in need oftheir sympathy and prayers , they were found asleep . Even Peter was sleeping . And John , the loving disciple who had leaned upon the breast of Jesus , wasasleep . Surely , the love of John for his Master should have kept him awake . His earnest prayers should have mingled with those of his loved Saviour inthe time of His supreme sorrow . The Redeemer had spent entire nights prayingfor His disciples , that their faith might not fail . Should Jesus now put toJames and John the question He had once asked them , " Are ye able to drink ofthe cup that I shall drink of , and to be baptized with the baptism that I ambaptized with ? " they would not have ventured to answer , " We are able . " Matt . 20 : 22 . The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus , but they hardly knew Him , Hisface was so changed by anguish . Addressing Peter , Jesus said , " Simon , sleepest thou ? couldest not thou watch one hour ? Watch ye and pray , lest yeenter into temptation . The spirit truly is ready , but the flesh is weak . " The weakness of His disciples awakened the sympathy of Jesus . He feared thatthey would not be able to endure the test which would come upon them in Hisbetrayal and death . He did not reprove them , but said , " Watch ye and pray , lest ye enter into temptation . " Even in His great agony , He was seeking toexcuse their weakness . " The spirit truly is ready , " He said , " but the fleshis weak . " Again the Son of God was seized with superhuman agony , and fainting andexhausted , He staggered back to the place of His former struggle . Hissuffering was even greater than before . As the agony of soul came upon Him , " His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground . " The cypress and palm trees were the silent witnesses of His anguish . Fromtheir leafy branches dropped heavy dew upon His stricken form , as if naturewept over its Author wrestling alone with the powers of darkness . A short time before , Jesus had stood like a mighty cedar , withstanding thestorm of opposition that spent its fury upon Him . Stubborn wills , and heartsfilled with malice and subtlety , had striven in vain to confuse andoverpower Him . He stood forth in divine majesty as the Son of God . Now Hewas like a reed beaten and bent by the angry storm . He had approached theconsummation of His work a conqueror , having at each step gained the victoryover the powers of darkness . As 690 one already glorified , He had claimed oneness with God . In unfalteringaccents He had poured out His songs of praise . He had spoken to Hisdisciples in words of courage and tenderness . Now had come the hour of thepower of darkness . Now His voice was heard on the still evening air , not intones of triumph , but full of human anguish . The words of the Saviour wereborne to the ears of the drowsy disciples , " O My Father , if this cup may notpass away from Me , except I drink it , Thy will be done . " The first impulse of the disciples was to go to Him ; but He had bidden themtarry there , watching unto prayer . When Jesus came to them , He found themstill sleeping . Again He had felt a longing for companionship , for somewords from His disciples which would bring relief , and break the spell ofdarkness that well - nigh overpowered Him . But their eyes were heavy ; " neitherwist they what to answer Him . " His presence aroused them . They saw His facemarked with the bloody sweat of agony , and they were filled with fear . Hisanguish of mind they could not understand . " His visage was so marred morethan any man , and His form more than the sons of men . " Isa . 52 : 14 . Turning away , Jesus sought again His retreat , and fell prostrate , overcomeby the horror of a great darkness . The humanity of the Son of God trembledin that trying hour . He prayed not now for His disciples that their faithmight not fail , but for His own tempted , agonized soul . The awful moment hadcome -- that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world . The fate ofhumanity trembled in the balance . Christ might even now refuse to drink thecup apportioned to guilty man . It was not yet too late . He might wipe thebloody sweat from His brow , and leave man to perish in his iniquity . Hemight say , Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin , and I willgo back to My Father . Will the Son of God drink the bitter cup ofhumiliation and agony ? Will the innocent suffer the consequences of thecurse of sin , to save the guilty ? The words fall tremblingly from the palelips of Jesus , " O My Father , if this cup may not pass away from Me , except Idrink it , Thy will be done . " Three times has He uttered that prayer . Three times has humanity shrunk fromthe last , crowning sacrifice . But now the history of the human race comes upbefore the world ' s Redeemer . He sees that the transgressors of the law , ifleft to themselves , must perish . He sees the helplessness of man . He seesthe power of sin . The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise beforeHim . He beholds its impending 693 fate , and His decision is made . He will save man at any cost to Himself . Heaccepts His baptism of blood , that through Him perishing millions may gaineverlasting life . He has left the courts of heaven , where all is purity , happiness , and glory , to save the one lost sheep , the one world that hasfallen by transgression . And He will not turn from His mission . He willbecome the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin . His prayer nowbreathes only submission : " If this cup may not pass away from Me , except Idrink it , Thy will be done . " Having made the decision , He fell dying to the ground from which He hadpartially risen . Where now were His disciples , to place their hands tenderlybeneath the head of their fainting Master , and bathe that brow , marredindeed more than the sons of men ? The Saviour trod the wine press alone , andof the people there was none with Him . But God suffered with His Son . Angels beheld the Saviour ' s agony . They sawtheir Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces , His nature weighed downwith a shuddering , mysterious dread . There was silence in heaven . No harpwas touched . Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host asin silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light , love , and glory from His beloved Son , they would better understand how offensivein His sight is sin . The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intenseinterest as the conflict drew to its close . Satan and his confederacy ofevil , the legions of apostasy , watched intently this great crisis in thework of redemption . The powers of good and evil waited to see what answerwould come to Christ ' s thrice - repeated prayer . Angels had longed to bringrelief to the divine sufferer , but this might not be . No way of escape wasfound for the Son of God . In this awful crisis , when everything was atstake , when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer , theheavens opened , a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisishour , and the mighty angel who stands in God ' s presence , occupying theposition from which Satan fell , came to the side of Christ . The angel camenot to take the cup from Christ ' s hand , but to strengthen Him to drink it , with the assurance of the Father ' s love . He came to give power to thedivine - human suppliant . He pointed Him to the open heavens , telling Him ofthe souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings . He assuredHim that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan , that His deathwould result in the utter discomfiture of Satan , and that the kingdom ofthis world would be given to the saints of the Most High . He told Him thatHe 694 would see of the travail of His soul , and be satisfied , for He would see amultitude of the human race saved , eternally saved . Christ ' s agony did not cease , but His depression and discouragement leftHim . The storm had in nowise abated , but He who was its object wasstrengthened to meet its fury . He came forth calm and serene . A heavenlypeace rested upon His bloodstained face . He had borne that which no humanbeing could ever bear ; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for everyman . The sleeping disciples had been suddenly awakened by the light surroundingthe Saviour . They saw the angel bending over their prostrate Master . Theysaw him lift the Saviour ' s head upon his bosom , and point toward heaven . They heard his voice , like sweetest music , speaking words of comfort andhope . The disciples recalled the scene upon the mount of transfiguration . They remembered the glory that in the temple had encircled Jesus , and thevoice of God that spoke from the cloud . Now that same glory was againrevealed , and they had no further fear for their Master . He was under thecare of God ; a mighty angel had been sent to protect Him . Again thedisciples in their weariness yield to the strange stupor that overpowersthem . Again Jesus finds them sleeping . Looking sorrowfully upon them He says , " Sleep on now , and take your rest : behold , the hour is at hand , and the Son of man is betrayed into the handsof sinners . " Even as He spoke these words , He heard the footsteps of the mob in search ofHim , and said , " Rise , let us be going : behold , he is at hand that dothbetray Me . " No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forth to meetHis betrayer . Standing in advance of His disciples He said , " Whom seek ye ? " They answered , " Jesus of Nazareth . " Jesus replied , " I am He . " As these wordswere spoken , the angel who had lately ministered to Jesus moved between Himand the mob . A divine light illuminated the Saviour ' s face , and a dovelikeform overshadowed Him . In the presence of this divine glory , the murderousthrong could not stand for a moment . They staggered back . Priests , elders , soldiers , and even Judas , fell as dead men to the ground . The angel withdrew , and the light faded away . Jesus had opportunity toescape , but He remained , calm and self - possessed . As one glorified He stoodin the midst of that hardened band , now prostrate and helpless at His feet . The disciples looked on , silent with wonder and awe . 695 But quickly the scene changed . The mob started up . The Roman soldiers , thepriests and Judas , gathered about Christ . They seemed ashamed of theirweakness , and fearful that He would yet escape . Again the question was askedby the Redeemer , " Whom seek ye ? " They had had evidence that He who stoodbefore them was the Son of God , but they would not be convinced . To thequestion , " Whom seek ye ? " again they answered , " Jesus of Nazareth . " TheSaviour then said , " I have told you that I am He : if therefore ye seek Me , let these go their way "-- pointing to the disciples . He knew how weak wastheir faith , and He sought to shield them from temptation and trial . Forthem He was ready to sacrifice Himself . Judas the betrayer did not forget the part he was to act . When the mobentered the garden , he had led the way , closely followed by the high priest . To the pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign , saying , " Whomsoever I shallkiss , that same is He : hold Him fast . " Matt . 26 : 48 . Now he pretends to haveno part with them . Coming close to 696 Jesus , he takes His hand as a familiar friend . With the words , " Hail , Master , " he kisses Him repeatedly , and appears to weep as if in sympathywith Him in His peril . Jesus said to him , " Friend , wherefore art thou come ? " His voice trembledwith sorrow as He added , " Judas , betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss ? " This appeal should have aroused the conscience of the betrayer , and touchedhis stubborn heart ; but honor , fidelity , and human tenderness had forsakenhim . He stood bold and defiant , showing no disposition to relent . He hadgiven himself up to Satan , and he had no power to resist him . Jesus did notrefuse the traitor ' s kiss . The mob grew bold as they saw Judas touch the person of Him who had sorecently been glorified before their eyes . They now laid hold of Jesus , andproceeded to bind those precious hands that had ever been employed in doinggood . The disciples had thought that their Master would not suffer Himself to betaken . For the same power that had caused the mob to fall as dead men couldkeep them helpless , until Jesus and His companions should escape . They weredisappointed and indignant as they saw the cords brought forward to bind thehands of Him whom they loved . Peter in his anger rashly drew his sword andtried to defend his Master , but he only cut off an ear of the high priest ' sservant . When Jesus saw what was done , He released His hands , though heldfirmly by the Roman soldiers , and saying , " Suffer ye thus far , " He touchedthe wounded ear , and it was instantly made whole . He then said to Peter , " Put up again thy sword into his place : for all they that take the swordshall perish with the sword . Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to MyFather , and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions ofangels ? "-- a legion in place of each one of the disciples . Oh , why , thedisciples thought , does He not save Himself and us ? Answering their unspokenthought , He added , " But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled , thatthus it must be ? " " The cup which My Father hath given Me , shall I not drinkit ? " The official dignity of the Jewish leaders had not prevented them fromjoining in the pursuit of Jesus . His arrest was too important a matter to betrusted to subordinates ; the wily priests and elders had joined the templepolice and the rabble in following Judas to Gethsemane . What a company forthose dignitaries to unite with -- a mob that was eager for excitement , andarmed with all kinds of implements , as if in pursuit of a wild beast ! 697 Turning to the priests and elders , Christ fixed upon them His searchingglance . The words He spoke they would never forget as long as life shouldlast . They were as the sharp arrows of the Almighty . With dignity He said : You come out against Me with swords and staves as you would against a thiefor a robber . Day by day I sat teaching in the temple . You had everyopportunity of laying hands upon Me , and you did nothing . The night isbetter suited to your work . " This is your hour , and the power of darkness . " The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be takenand bound . They were offended that He should suffer this humiliation toHimself and them . They could not understand His conduct , and they blamed Himfor submitting to the mob . In their indignation and fear , Peter proposedthat they save themselves . Following this suggestion , " they all forsook Him , and fled . " But Christ had foretold this desertion , " Behold , " He had said , " the hour cometh , yea , is now come , that ye shall be scattered , every man tohis own , and shall leave Me alone : and yet I am not alone , because theFather is with Me . " John 16 : 32 . ( 698 ) Chapter 75 Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas [ This chapter is based on Matt . 26 : 57 - 75 ; 27 : 1 ; Mark 14 : 53 - 72 ; 15 : 1 ; Luke 22 : 54 - 71 ; John 18 : 13 - 27 . ] Over the brook Kedron , past gardens and olive groves , and through the hushedstreets of the sleeping city , they hurried Jesus . It was past midnight , andthe cries of the hooting mob that followed Him broke sharply upon the stillair . The Saviour was bound and closely guarded , and He moved painfully . Butin eager haste His captors made their way with Him to the palace of Annas , the ex - high priest . Annas was the head of the officiating priestly family , and in deference tohis age he was recognized by the people as high priest . His counsel wassought and carried out as the voice of God . He must first see Jesus acaptive to priestly power . He must be present at the examination of theprisoner , for fear that the less - experienced Caiaphas might fail of securingthe object for which they were working . His artifice , cunning , and subtletymust be used on this occasion ; for , at all events , Christ ' s condemnationmust be secured . Christ was to be tried formally before the Sanhedrin ; but before Annas Hewas subjected to a preliminary trial . Under the Roman rule the Sanhedrincould not execute the sentence of death . They could only examine a prisoner , and pass judgment , to be ratified by the Roman authorities . It was thereforenecessary to bring against Christ charges 699 that would be regarded as criminal by the Romans . An accusation must also befound which would condemn Him in the eyes of the Jews . Not a few among thepriests and rulers had been convicted by Christ ' s teaching , and only fear ofexcommunication prevented them from confessing Him . The priests wellremembered the question of Nicodemus , " Doth our law judge any man , before ithear him , and know what he doeth ? " John 7 : 51 . This question had for the timebroken up the council , and thwarted their plans . Joseph of Arimathaea andNicodemus were not now to be summoned , but there were others who might dareto speak in favor of justice . The trial must be so conducted as to unite themembers of the Sanhedrin against Christ . There were two charges which thepriests desired to maintain . If Jesus could be proved a blasphemer , He wouldbe condemned by the Jews . If convicted of sedition , it would secure Hiscondemnation by the Romans . The second charge Annas tried first toestablish . He questioned Jesus concerning His disciples and His doctrines , hoping the prisoner would say something that would give him material uponwhich to work . He thought to draw out some statement to prove that He wasseeking to establish a secret society , with the purpose of setting up a newkingdom . Then the priests could deliver Him to the Romans as a disturber ofthe peace and a creator of insurrection . Christ read the priest ' s purpose as an open book . As if reading the inmostsoul of His questioner , He denied that there was between Him and Hisfollowers any secret bond of union , or that He gathered them secretly and inthe darkness to conceal His designs . He had no secrets in regard to Hispurposes or doctrines . " I spake openly to the world , " He answered ; " I evertaught in the synagogue , and in the temple , whither the Jews always resort ; and in secret have I said nothing . " The Saviour contrasted His own manner of work with the methods of Hisaccusers . For months they had hunted Him , striving to entrap Him and bringHim before a secret tribunal , where they might obtain by perjury what it wasimpossible to gain by fair means . Now they were carrying out their purpose . The midnight seizure by a mob , the mockery and abuse before He wascondemned , or even accused , was their manner of work , not His . Their actionwas in violation of the law . Their own rules declared that every man shouldbe treated as innocent until proved guilty . By their own rules the priestsstood condemned . Turning upon His questioner , Jesus said , " Why askest thou Me ? " Had not thepriests and rulers sent spies to watch His movements , and report His everyword ? Had not these been present at every gathering 700 of the people , and carried to the priests information of all His sayings anddoings ? " Ask them which heard Me , what I have said unto them , " repliedJesus ; " behold , they know what I said . " Annas was silenced by the decision of the answer . Fearing that Christ wouldsay something regarding his course of action that he would prefer to keepcovered up , he said nothing more to Him at this time . one of his officers , filled with wrath as he saw Annas silenced , struck Jesus on the face , saying , " Answerest Thou the high priest so ? " Christ calmly replied , " If I have spoken evil , bear witness of the evil : butif well , why smitest thou Me ? " He spoke no burning words of retaliation . Hiscalm answer came from a heart sinless , patient , and gentle , that would notbe provoked . Christ suffered keenly under abuse and insult . At the hands of the beingswhom He had created , and for whom He was making an infinite sacrifice , Hereceived every indignity . And He suffered in proportion to the perfection ofHis holiness and His hatred of sin . His trial by men who acted as fiends wasto Him a perpetual sacrifice . To be surrounded by human beings under thecontrol of Satan was revolting to Him . And He knew that in a moment , by theflashing forth of His divine power , He could lay His cruel tormentors in thedust . This made the trial the harder to bear . The Jews were looking for a Messiah to be revealed in outward show . Theyexpected Him , by one flash of overmastering will , to change the current ofmen ' s thoughts , and force from them an acknowledgment of His supremacy . Thus , they believed , He was to secure His own exaltation , and gratify theirambitious hopes . Thus when Christ was treated with contempt , there came toHim a strong temptation to manifest His divine character . By a word , by alook , He could compel His persecutors to confess that He was Lord abovekings and rulers , priests and temple . But it was His difficult task to keepto the position He had chosen as one with humanity . The angels of heaven witnessed every movement made against their lovedCommander . They longed to deliver Christ . Under God the angels areall - powerful . on one occasion , in obedience to the command of Christ , theyslew of the Assyrian army in one night one hundred and eighty - five thousandmen . How easily could the angels , beholding the shameful scene of the trialof Christ , have testified their indignation by consuming the adversaries ofGod ! But they were not commanded to do this . He who could have doomed Hisenemies to death bore with 703 their cruelty . His love for His Father , and His pledge , made from thefoundation of the world , to become the Sin Bearer , led Him to endureuncomplainingly the coarse treatment of those He came to save . It was a partof His mission to bear , in His humanity , all the taunts and abuse that mencould heap upon Him . The only hope of humanity was in this submission ofChrist to all that He could endure from the hands and hearts of men . Christ had said nothing that could give His accusers an advantage ; yet Hewas bound , to signify that He was condemned . There must , however , be apretense of justice . It was necessary that there should be the form of alegal trial . This the authorities were determined to hasten . They knew theregard in which Jesus was held by the people , and feared that if the arrestwere noised abroad , a rescue would be attempted . Again , if the trial andexecution were not brought about at once , there would be a week ' s delay onaccount of the celebration of the Passover . This might defeat their plans . In securing the condemnation of Jesus they depended largely upon the clamorof the mob , many of them the rabble of Jerusalem . Should there be a week ' sdelay , the excitement would abate , and a reaction would be likely to set in . The better part of the people would be aroused in Christ ' s favor ; many wouldcome forward with testimony in His vindication , bringing to light the mightyworks He had done . This would excite popular indignation against theSanhedrin . Their proceedings would be condemned , and Jesus would be setfree , to receive new homage from the multitudes . The priests and rulerstherefore determined that before their purpose could become known , Jesusshould be delivered into the hands of the Romans . But first of all , an accusation was to be found . They had gained nothing asyet . Annas ordered Jesus to be taken to Caiaphas . Caiaphas belonged to theSadducees , some of whom were now the most desperate enemies of Jesus . Hehimself , though wanting in force of character , was fully as severe , heartless , and unscrupulous as was Annas . He would leave no means untried todestroy Jesus . It was now early morning , and very dark ; by the light oftorches and lanterns the armed band with their prisoner proceeded to thehigh priest ' s palace . Here , while the members of the Sanhedrin were comingtogether , Annas and Caiaphas again questioned Jesus , but without success . When the council had assembled in the judgment hall , Caiaphas took his seatas presiding officer . on either side were the judges , and those speciallyinterested in the trial . The Roman soldiers were stationed on 704 the platform below the throne . At the foot of the throne stood Jesus . UponHim the gaze of the whole multitude was fixed . The excitement was intense . Of all the throng He alone was calm and serene . The very atmospheresurrounding Him seemed pervaded by a holy influence . Caiaphas had regarded Jesus as his rival . The eagerness of the people tohear the Saviour , and their apparent readiness to accept His teachings , hadaroused the bitter jealousy of the high priest . But as Caiaphas now lookedupon the prisoner , he was struck with admiration for His noble and dignifiedbearing . A conviction came over him that this Man was akin to God . The nextinstant he scornfully banished the thought . Immediately 705 his voice was heard in sneering , haughty tones demanding that Jesus work oneof His mighty miracles before them . But his words fell upon the Saviour ' sears as though He heard them not . The people compared the excited andmalignant deportment of Annas and Caiaphas with the calm , majestic bearingof Jesus . Even in the minds of that hardened multitude arose the question , Is this man of godlike presence to be condemned as a criminal ? Caiaphas , perceiving the influence that was obtaining , hastened the trial . The enemies of Jesus were in great perplexity . They were bent on securingHis condemnation , but how to accomplish this they knew not . The members ofthe council were divided between the Pharisees and the Sadducees . There wasbitter animosity and controversy between them ; certain disputed points theydared not approach for fear of a quarrel . With a few words Jesus could haveexcited their prejudices against each other , and thus have averted theirwrath from Himself . Caiaphas knew this , and he wished to avoid stirring up acontention . There were plenty of witnesses to prove that Christ haddenounced the priests and scribes , that He had called them hypocrites andmurderers ; but this testimony it was not expedient to bring forward . TheSadducees in their sharp contentions with the Pharisees had used to themsimilar language . And such testimony would have no weight with the Romans , who were themselves disgusted with the pretensions of the Pharisees . Therewas abundant evidence that Jesus had disregarded the traditions of the Jews , and had spoken irreverently of many of their ordinances ; but in regard totradition the Pharisees and Sadducees were at swords ' points ; and thisevidence also would have no weight with the Romans . Christ ' s enemies darednot accuse Him of Sabbathbreaking , lest an examination should reveal thecharacter of His work . If His miracles of healing were brought to light , thevery object of the priests would be defeated . False witnesses had been bribed to accuse Jesus of inciting rebellion andseeking to establish a separate government . But their testimony proved to bevague and contradictory . Under examination they falsified their ownstatements . Early in His ministry Christ had said , " Destroy this temple , and in threedays I will raise it up . " In the figurative language of prophecy , He hadthus foretold His own death and resurrection . " He spake of the temple of Hisbody . " John 2 : 19 , 21 . These words the Jews had understood in a literalsense , as referring to the temple at Jerusalem . Of all that Christ had said , the priests could find nothing to use against Him 706 save this . By misstating these words they hoped to gain an advantage . TheRomans had engaged in rebuilding and embellishing the temple , and they tookgreat pride in it ; any contempt shown to it would be sure to excite theirindignation . Here Romans and Jews , Pharisees and Sadducees , could meet ; forall held the temple in great veneration . on this point two witnesses werefound whose testimony was not so contradictory as that of the others hadbeen . one of them , who had been bribed to accuse Jesus , declared , " Thisfellow said , I am able to destroy the temple of God , and to build it inthree days . " Thus Christ ' s words were misstated . If they had been reportedexactly as He spoke them , they would not have secured His condemnation evenby the Sanhedrin . Had Jesus been a mere man , as the Jews claimed , Hisdeclaration would only have indicated an unreasonable , boastful spirit , butcould not have been construed into blasphemy . Even as misrepresented by thefalse witnesses , His words contained nothing which would be regarded by theRomans as a crime worthy of death . Patiently Jesus listened to the conflicting testimonies . No word did Heutter in self - defense . At last His accusers were entangled , confused , andmaddened . The trial was making no headway ; it seemed that their plottingswere to fail . Caiaphas was desperate . one last resort remained ; Christ mustbe forced to condemn Himself . The high priest started from the judgmentseat , his face contorted with passion , his voice and demeanor plainlyindicating that were it in his power he would strike down the prisonerbefore him . " Answerest Thou nothing ? " he exclaimed ; " what is it which thesewitness against Thee ? " Jesus held His peace . " He was oppressed , and He was afflicted , yet He openednot His mouth : He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter , and as a sheepbefore her shearers is dumb , so He openeth not His mouth . " Isaiah 53 : 7 . At last , Caiaphas , raising his right hand toward heaven , addressed Jesus inthe form of a solemn oath : " I adjure Thee by the living God , that Thou tellus whether Thou be the Christ , the Son of God . " To this appeal Christ could not remain silent . There was a time to besilent , and a time to speak . He had not spoken until directly questioned . Heknew that to answer now would make His death certain . But the appeal wasmade by the highest acknowledged authority of the nation , and in the name ofthe Most High . Christ would not fail to show proper respect for the law . More than this , His own relation to the Father was called in question . Hemust plainly declare His character and mission . 707 Jesus had said to His disciples , " Whosoever therefore shall confess Mebefore men , him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven . " Matt . 10 : 32 . Now by His own example He repeated the lesson . Every ear was bent to listen , and every eye was fixed on His face as Heanswered , " Thou hast said . " A heavenly light seemed to illuminate His palecountenance as He added , " Nevertheless I say unto you , Hereafter shall yesee the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power , and coming in theclouds of heaven . " For a moment the divinity of Christ flashed through His guise of humanity . The high priest quailed before the penetrating eyes of the Saviour . Thatlook seemed to read his hidden thoughts , and burn into his heart . Never inafterlife did he forget that searching glance of the persecuted Son of God . " Hereafter , " said Jesus , " shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the 708 right hand of power , and coming in the clouds of heaven . " In these wordsChrist presented the reverse of the scene then taking place . He , the Lord oflife and glory , would be seated at God ' s right hand . He would be the judgeof all the earth , and from His decision there could be no appeal . Then everysecret thing would be set in the light of God ' s countenance , and judgment bepassed upon every man according to his deeds . The words of Christ startled the high priest . The thought that there was tobe a resurrection of the dead , when all would stand at the bar of God , to berewarded according to their works , was a thought of terror to Caiaphas . Hedid not wish to believe that in future he would receive sentence accordingto his works . There rushed before his mind as a panorama the scenes of thefinal judgment . For a moment he saw the fearful spectacle of the gravesgiving up their dead , with the secrets he had hoped were forever hidden . Fora moment he felt as if standing before the eternal Judge , whose eye , whichsees all things , was reading his soul , bringing to light mysteries supposedto be hidden with the dead . The scene passed from the priest ' s vision . Christ ' s words cut him , theSadducee , to the quick . Caiaphas had denied the doctrine of theresurrection , the judgment , and a future life . Now he was maddened bysatanic fury . Was this man , a prisoner before him , to assail his mostcherished theories ? Rending his robe , that the people might see hispretended horror , he demanded that without further preliminaries theprisoner be condemned for blasphemy . " What further need have we ofwitnesses ? " he said ; " behold , now ye have heard His blasphemy . What thinkye ? " And they all condemned Him . Conviction mingled with passion led Caiaphas to do as he did . He was furiouswith himself for believing Christ ' s words , and instead of rending his heartunder a deep sense of truth , and confessing that Jesus was the Messiah , herent his priestly robes in determined resistance . This act was deeplysignificant . Little did Caiaphas realize its meaning . In this act , done toinfluence the judges and secure Christ ' s condemnation , the high priest hadcondemned himself . By the law of God he was disqualified for the priesthood . He had pronounced upon himself the death sentence . A high priest was not to rend his garments . By the Levitical law , this wasprohibited under sentence of death . Under no circumstances , on no occasion , was the priest to rend his robe . It was the custom among the Jews for thegarments to be rent at the death of friends , but this 709 custom the priests were not to observe . Express command had been given byChrist to Moses concerning this . Lev . 10 : 6 . Everything worn by the priest was to be whole and without blemish . By thosebeautiful official garments was represented the character of the greatantitype , Jesus Christ . Nothing but perfection , in dress and attitude , inword and spirit , could be acceptable to God . He is holy , and His glory andperfection must be represented by the earthly service . Nothing butperfection could properly represent the sacredness of the heavenly service . Finite man might rend his own heart by showing a contrite and humble spirit . This God would discern . But no rent must be made in the priestly robes , forthis would mar the representation of heavenly things . The high priest whodared to appear in holy office , and engage in the service of the sanctuary , with a rent robe , was looked upon as having severed himself from God . Byrending his garment he cut himself off from being a representativecharacter . He was no longer accepted by God as an officiating priest . Thiscourse of action , as exhibited by Caiaphas , showed human passion , humanimperfection . By rending his garments , Caiaphas made of no effect the law of God , tofollow the tradition of men . A man - made law provided that in case ofblasphemy a priest might rend his garments in horror at the sin , and beguiltless . Thus the law of God was made void by the laws of men . Each action of the high priest was watched with interest by the people ; andCaiaphas thought for effect to display his piety . But in this act , designedas an accusation against Christ , he was reviling the one of whom God hadsaid , " My name is in Him . " Ex . 23 : 21 . He himself was committing blasphemy . Standing under the condemnation of God , he pronounced sentence upon Christas a blasphemer . When Caiaphas rent his garment , his act was significant of the place thatthe Jewish nation as a nation would thereafter occupy toward God . The oncefavored people of God were separating themselves from Him , and were fastbecoming a people disowned by Jehovah . When Christ upon the cross cried out , " It is finished " ( John 19 : 30 ) , and the veil of the temple was rent in twain , the Holy Watcher declared that the Jewish people had rejected Him who wasthe antitype of all their types , the substance of all their shadows . Israelwas divorced from God . Well might Caiaphas then rend his official robes , which signified that he claimed to be a representative of the great HighPriest ; for no longer had they any meaning for him or for the people . Wellmight the high priest rend his robes in horror for himself and for thenation . 710 The Sanhedrin had pronounced Jesus worthy of death ; but it was contrary tothe Jewish law to try a prisoner by night . In legal condemnation nothingcould be done except in the light of day and before a full session of thecouncil . Notwithstanding this , the Saviour was now treated as a condemnedcriminal , and given up to be abused by the lowest and vilest of humankind . The palace of the high priest surrounded an open court in which the soldiersand the multitude had gathered . Through this court , Jesus was taken to theguardroom , on every side meeting with mockery of His claim to be the Son ofGod . His own words , " sitting on the right hand of power , " and , " coming inthe clouds of heaven , " were jeeringly repeated . While in the guardroom , awaiting His legal trial , He was not protected . The ignorant rabble had seenthe cruelty with which He was treated before the council , and from this theytook license to manifest all the satanic elements of their nature . Christ ' svery nobility and godlike bearing goaded them to madness . His meekness , Hisinnocence , His majestic patience , filled them with hatred born of Satan . Mercy and justice were trampled upon . Never was criminal treated in soinhuman a manner as was the Son of God . But a keener anguish rent the heart of Jesus ; the blow that inflicted thedeepest pain no enemy ' s hand could have dealt . While He was undergoing themockery of an examination before Caiaphas , Christ had been denied by one ofHis own disciples . After deserting their Master in the garden , two of the disciples hadventured to follow , at a distance , the mob that had Jesus in charge . Thesedisciples were Peter and John . The priests recognized John as a well - knowndisciple of Jesus , and admitted him to the hall , hoping that as he witnessedthe humiliation of his Leader , he would scorn the idea of such a one beingthe Son of God . John spoke in favor of Peter , and gained an entrance for himalso . In the court a fire had been kindled ; for it was the coldest hour of thenight , being just before the dawn . A company drew about the fire , and Peterpresumptuously took his place with them . He did not wish to be recognized asa disciple of Jesus . By mingling carelessly with the crowd , he hoped to betaken for one of those who had brought Jesus to the hall . But as the light flashed upon Peter ' s face , the woman who kept the door casta searching glance upon him . She had noticed that he came in with John , shemarked the look of dejection on his face , and thought 711 that he might be a disciple of Jesus . She was one of the servants ofCaiaphas ' household , and was curious to know . She said to Peter , " Art notthou also one of this Man ' s disciples ? " Peter was startled and confused ; theeyes of the company instantly fastened upon him . He pretended not tounderstand her ; but she was persistent , and said to those around her thatthis man was with Jesus . Peter felt compelled to answer , and said angrily , " Woman , I know Him not . " This was the first denial , and immediately the cockcrew . O Peter , so soon ashamed of thy Master ! so soon to deny thy Lord ! The disciple John , upon entering the judgment hall , did not try to concealthe fact that he was a follower of Jesus . He did not mingle with the roughcompany who were reviling his Master . He was not questioned , for he did notassume a false character , and thus lay himself liable to suspicion . Hesought a retired corner secure from the notice 712 of the mob , but as near Jesus as it was possible for him to be . Here hecould see and hear all that took place at the trial of his Lord . Peter had not designed that his real character should be known . In assumingan air of indifference he had placed himself on the enemy ' s ground , and hebecame an easy prey to temptation . If he had been called to fight for hisMaster , he would have been a courageous soldier ; but when the finger ofscorn was pointed at him , he proved himself a coward . Many who do not shrinkfrom active warfare for their Lord are driven by ridicule to deny theirfaith . By associating with those whom they should avoid , they placethemselves in the way of temptation . They invite the enemy to tempt them , and are led to say and do that of which under other circumstances they wouldnever have been guilty . The disciple of Christ who in our day disguises hisfaith through dread of suffering or reproach denies his Lord as really asdid Peter in the judgment hall . Peter tried to show no interest in the trial of his Master , but his heartwas wrung with sorrow as he heard the cruel taunts , and saw the abuse He wassuffering . More than this , he was surprised and angry that Jesus shouldhumiliate Himself and His followers by submitting to such treatment . Inorder to conceal his true feelings , he endeavored to join with thepersecutors of Jesus in their untimely jests . But his appearance wasunnatural . He was acting a lie , and while seeking to talk unconcernedly hecould not restrain ｅxpressions of indignation at the abuse heaped upon hisMaster . Attention was called to him the second time , and he was again charged withbeing a follower of Jesus . He now declared with an oath , " I do not know theMan . " Still another opportunity was given him . An hour had passed , when oneof the servants of the high priest , being a near kinsman of the man whoseear Peter had cut off , asked him , " Did not I see thee in the garden withHim ? " " Surely thou art one of them : for thou art a Galilean , and thy speechagreeth thereto . " At this Peter flew into a rage . The disciples of Jesuswere noted for the purity of their language , and in order fully to deceivehis questioners , and justify his assumed character , Peter now denied hisMaster with cursing and swearing . Again the cock crew . Peter heard it then , and he remembered the words of Jesus , " Before the cock crow twice , thoushalt deny Me thrice . " Mark 14 : 30 . While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter ' s lips , and the shrill 713 crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears , the Saviour turned fromthe frowning judges , and looked full upon His poor disciple . At the sametime Peter ' s eyes were drawn to his Master . In that gentle countenance heread deep pity and sorrow , but there was no anger there . The sight of that pale , suffering face , those quivering lips , that look ofcompassion and forgiveness , pierced his heart like an arrow . Conscience wasaroused . Memory was active . Peter called to mind his promise of a few shorthours before that he would go with his Lord to prison and to death . Heremembered his grief when the Saviour told him in the upper chamber that hewould deny his Lord thrice that same night . Peter had just declared that heknew not Jesus , but he now realized with bitter grief how well his Lord knewhim , and how accurately He had read his heart , the falseness of which wasunknown even to himself . A tide of memories rushed over him . The Saviour ' s tender mercy , His kindnessand long - suffering , His gentleness and patience toward His erringdisciples , -- all was remembered . He recalled the caution , " Simon , behold , Satan hath desired to have you , that he may sift you as wheat : but I haveprayed for thee , that thy faith fail not . " Luke 22 : 31 , 32 . He reflected withhorror upon his own ingratitude , his falsehood , his perjury . once more helooked at his Master , and saw a sacrilegious hand raised to smite Him in theface . Unable longer to endure the scene , he rushed , heartbroken , from thehall . He pressed on in solitude and darkness , he knew not and cared not whither . At last he found himself in Gethsemane . The scene of a few hours before camevividly to his mind . The suffering face of his Lord , stained with bloodysweat and convulsed with anguish , rose before him . He remembered with bitterremorse that Jesus had wept and agonized in prayer alone , while those whoshould have united with Him in that trying hour were sleeping . He rememberedHis solemn charge , " Watch and pray , that ye enter not into temptation . " Matt . 26 : 41 . He witnessed again the scene in the judgment hall . It wastorture to his bleeding heart to know that he had added the heaviest burdento the Saviour ' s humiliation and grief . on the very spot where Jesus hadpoured out His soul in agony to His Father , Peter fell upon his face , andwished that he might die . It was in sleeping when Jesus bade him watch and pray that Peter hadprepared the way for his great sin . All the disciples , by sleeping 714 in that critical hour , sustained a great loss . Christ knew the fiery ordealthrough which they were to pass . He knew how Satan would work to paralyzetheir senses that they might be unready for the trial . Therefore it was thatHe gave them warning . Had those hours in the garden been spent in watchingand prayer , Peter would not have been left to depend upon his own feeblestrength . He would not have denied his Lord . Had the disciples watched withChrist in His agony , they would have been prepared to behold His sufferingupon the cross . They would have understood in some degree the nature of Hisoverpowering anguish . They would have been able to recall His words thatforetold His sufferings , His death , and His resurrection . Amid the gloom ofthe most trying hour , some rays of hope would have lighted up the darknessand sustained their faith . As soon as it was day , the Sanhedrin again assembled , and again Jesus wasbrought into the council room . He had declared Himself the Son of God , andthey had construed His words into a charge against Him . But they could notcondemn Him on this , for many of them had not been present at the nightsession , and they had not heard His words . And they knew that the Romantribunal would find in them nothing worthy of death . But if from His ownlips they could all hear those words repeated , their object might be gained . His claim to the Messiahship they might construe into a seditious politicalclaim . " Art Thou the Christ ? " they said , " tell us . " But Christ remained silent . They continued to ply Him with questions . At last in tones of mournfulpathos He answered , " If I tell you , ye will not believe ; and if I also askyou , ye will not answer Me , nor let Me go . " But that they might be leftwithout excuse He added the solemn warning , " Hereafter shall the Son of mansit on the right hand of the power of God . " " Art Thou then the Son of God ? " they asked with one voice . He said untothem , " Ye say that I am . " They cried out , " What need we any further witness ? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth . " And so by the third condemnation of the Jewish authorities , Jesus was todie . All that was now necessary , they thought , was for the Romans to ratifythis condemnation , and deliver Him into their hands . Then came the third scene of abuse and mockery , worse even than thatreceived from the ignorant rabble . In the very presence of the priests andrulers , and with their sanction , this took place . Every feeling of sympathyor humanity had gone out of their hearts . If their arguments 715 were weak , and failed to silence His voice , they had other weapons , such asin all ages have been used to silence heretics , -- suffering , and violence , and death . When the condemnation of Jesus was pronounced by the judges , a satanic furytook possession of the people . The roar of voices was like that of wildbeasts . The crowd made a rush toward Jesus , crying , He is guilty , put Him todeath ! Had it not been for the Roman soldiers , Jesus would not have lived tobe nailed to the cross of Calvary . He would have been torn in pieces beforeHis judges , had not Roman authority interfered , and by force of armsrestrained the violence of the mob . Heathen men were angry at the brutal treatment of one against whom nothinghad been proved . The Roman officers declared that the Jews in pronouncingcondemnation upon Jesus were infringing upon the Roman power , and that itwas even against the Jewish law to condemn a man to death upon his owntestimony . This intervention brought a momentary lull in the proceedings ; but the Jewish leaders were dead alike to pity and to shame . Priests and rulers forgot the dignity of their office , and abused the Son ofGod with foul epithets . They taunted Him with His parentage . They declaredthat His presumption in proclaiming Himself the Messiah made Him deservingof the most ignominious death . The most dissolute men engaged in infamousabuse of the Saviour . An old garment was thrown over His head , and Hispersecutors struck Him in the face , saying , " Prophesy unto us , Thou Christ , Who is he that smote Thee ? " When the garment was removed , one poor wretchspat in His face . The angels of God faithfully recorded every insulting look , word , and actagainst their beloved Commander . one day the base men who scorned and spatupon the calm , pale face of Christ will look upon it in its glory , shiningbrighter than the sun . ( 716 ) Chapter 76 Judas The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have beenhonored of God . Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he wouldhave been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve , and one whowould be greatly missed . The abhorrence which has followed him through thecenturies would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at theclose of his history . But it was for a purpose that his character was laidopen to the world . It was to be a warning to all who , like him , shouldbetray sacred trusts . A little before the Passover , Judas had renewed his contract with thepriests to deliver Jesus into their hands . Then it was arranged that theSaviour should be taken at one of His resorts for meditation and prayer . Since the feast at the house of Simon , Judas had had opportunity to reflectupon the deed which he had covenanted to perform , but his purpose wasunchanged . For thirty pieces of silver -- the price of a slave -- he sold theLord of glory to ignominy and death . Judas had naturally a strong love for money ; but he had not always beencorrupt enough to do such a deed as this . He had fostered the evil spirit ofavarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life . The love ofmammon overbalanced his love for Christ . Through becoming the slave of onevice he gave himself to Satan , to be driven to any lengths in sin . Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ . TheSaviour ' s teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words , spoken in the synagogue , by the seaside , upon the mount . 717 Judas saw the sick , the lame , the blind , flock to Jesus from the towns andcities . He saw the dying laid at His feet . He witnessed the Saviour ' s mightyworks in healing the sick , casting out devils , and raising the dead . He feltin his own person the evidence of Christ ' s power . He recognized the teachingof Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard . He loved the GreatTeacher , and desired to be with Him . He felt a desire to be changed incharacter and life , and he hoped to experience this through connectinghimself with Jesus . The Saviour did not repulse Judas . He gave him a placeamong the twelve . He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist . He endowedhim with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils . But Judas did notcome to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ . He did not giveup his worldly ambition or his love of money . While he accepted the positionof a minister of Christ , he did not bring himself under the divine molding . He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions , and hecultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse . Judas was highly regarded by the disciples , and had great influence overthem . He himself had a high opinion of his own qualifications , and lookedupon his brethren as greatly inferior to him in judgment and ability . Theydid not see their opportunities , he thought , and take advantage ofcircumstances . The church would never prosper with such shortsighted men asleaders . Peter was impetuous ; he would move without consideration . John , whowas treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ ' s lips , was looked uponby Judas as a poor financier . Matthew , whose training had taught himaccuracy in all things , was very particular in regard to honesty , and he wasever contemplating the words of Christ , and became so absorbed in them that , as Judas thought , he could not be trusted to do sharp , far - seeing business . Thus Judas summed up all the disciples , and flattered himself that thechurch would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it werenot for his ability as a manager . Judas regarded himself as the capable one , who could not be overreached . In his own estimation he was an honor to thecause , and as such he always represented himself . Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character , and Christ placed himwhere he would have an opportunity to see and correct this . As treasurer forthe disciples , he was called upon to provide for the needs of the littlecompany , and to relieve the necessities of the poor . When in the Passoverchamber Jesus said to him , " That thou doest , do quickly " ( John 13 : 27 ) , thedisciples thought He had bidden him 718 buy what was needed for the feast , or give something to the poor . Inministering to others , Judas might have developed an unselfish spirit . Butwhile listening daily to the lessons of Christ and witnessing His unselfishlife , Judas indulged his covetous disposition . The small sums that came intohis hands were a continual temptation . Often when he did a little servicefor Christ , or devoted time to religious purposes , he paid himself out ofthis meager fund . In his own eyes these pretexts served to excuse hisaction ; but in God ' s sight he was a thief . Christ ' s oft - repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this worldoffended Judas . He had marked out a line upon which he expected Christ towork . He had planned that John the Baptist should be delivered from prison . But lo , John was left to be beheaded . And Jesus , instead of asserting Hisroyal right and avenging the death of John , retired with His disciples intoa country place . Judas wanted more aggressive warfare . He thought that ifJesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes , thework would be more successful . He marked the increasing enmity of the Jewishleaders , and saw their challenge unheeded when they demanded from Christ asign from heaven . His heart was open to unbelief , and the enemy suppliedthoughts of questioning and rebellion . Why did Jesus dwell so much upon thatwhich was discouraging ? Why did He predict trial and persecution for Himselfand for His disciples ? The prospect of having a high place in the newkingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ . Were his hopes to bedisappointed ? Judas had not decided that Jesus was not the Son of God ; buthe was questioning , and seeking to find some explanation of His mightyworks . Notwithstanding the Saviour ' s own teaching , Judas was continually advancingthe idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem . At the feeding of thefive thousand he tried to bring this about . on this occasion Judas assistedin distributing the food to the hungry multitude . He had an opportunity tosee the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others . He felt thesatisfaction that always comes in service to God . He helped to bring thesick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ . He saw what relief , what joy and gladness , come to human hearts through the healing power of theRestorer . He might have comprehended the methods of Christ . But he wasblinded by his own selfish desires . Judas was first to take advantage of theenthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves . It was he who set on footthe 719 project to take Christ by force and make Him king . His hopes were high . Hisdisappointment was bitter . Christ ' s discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was theturning point in the history of Judas . He heard the words , " Except ye eatthe flesh of the Son of man , and drink His blood , ye have no life in you . " John 6 : 53 . He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldlygood . He regarded himself as farsighted , and thought he could see that Jesuswould have no honor , and that He could bestow no high position upon Hisfollowers . He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but thathe could draw away . He would watch . And he did watch . From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples . Heintroduced controversies and misleading sentiments , repeating the argumentsurged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ . All thelittle and large troubles and crosses , the difficulties and the apparenthindrances to the advancement of the gospel , Judas interpreted as evidencesagainst its truthfulness . He would introduce texts of Scripture that had noconnection with the truths Christ was presenting . These texts , separatedfrom their connection , perplexed the disciples , and increased thediscouragement that was constantly pressing upon them . Yet all this was doneby Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious . Andwhile the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of theGreat Teacher , Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track . Thus in a very religious , and apparently wise , way he was presenting mattersin a different light from that in which Jesus had given them , and attachingto His words a meaning that He had not conveyed . His suggestions wereconstantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment , and thusturning the disciples from the important things they should have considered . The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excitedby Judas . When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship , Judas was displeased . He thought that a mistake had been made . If such menas this ruler could be connected with the believers , they would help sustainChrist ' s cause . If Judas were only received as a counselor , he thought , hecould suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church . Hisprinciples and methods would differ somewhat from Christ ' s , but in thesethings he thought himself wiser than Christ . 720 In all that Christ said to His disciples , there was something with which , inheart , Judas disagreed . Under his influence the leaven of disaffection wasfast doing its work . The disciples did not see the real agency in all this ; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas , and thusopening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples . This , ayear before the betrayal , Christ declared . " Have not I chosen you twelve , " He said , " and one of you is a devil ? " John 6 : 70 . Yet Judas made no open opposition , nor seemed to question the Saviour ' slessons . He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon ' shouse . When Mary anointed the Saviour ' s feet , Judas manifested his covetousdisposition . At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned togall . Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers , and thegreed so long indulged held him in control . This will be the experience ofeveryone who persists in tampering with sin . The elements of depravity thatare not resisted and overcome , respond to Satan ' s temptation , and the soulis led captive at his will . But Judas was not yet wholly hardened . Even after he had twice pledgedhimself to betray the Saviour , there was opportunity for repentance . At thePassover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor ' spurpose . He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples . Butthe last appeal of love was unheeded . Then the case of Judas was decided , and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer ' s work . Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified , the event must come topass . His own act in betraying the Saviour would not change the result . IfJesus was not to die , it would only force Him to deliver Himself . At allevents , Judas would gain something by his treachery . He counted that he hadmade a sharp bargain in betraying his Lord . Judas did not , however , believe that Christ would permit Himself to bearrested . In betraying Him , it was his purpose to teach Him a lesson . Heintended to play a part that would make the Saviour careful thenceforth totreat him with due respect . But Judas knew not that he was giving Christ upto death . How often , as the Saviour taught in parables , the scribes andPharisees had been carried away with His striking illustrations ! How oftenthey had pronounced judgment against themselves ! Often when the truth wasbrought home to their hearts , they had been filled with rage , and had takenup stones to cast at Him ; 721 but again and again He had made His escape . Since He had escaped so manysnares , thought Judas , He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken . Judas decided to put the matter to the test . If Jesus really was theMessiah , the people , for whom He had done so much , would rally about Him , and would proclaim Him king . This would forever settle many minds that werenow in uncertainty . Judas would have the credit of having placed the king onDavid ' s throne . And this act would secure to him the first position , next toChrist , in the new kingdom . The false disciple acted his part in betraying Jesus . In the garden , when hesaid to the leaders of the mob , " Whomsoever I shall kiss , that same is He : hold Him fast " ( Matt . 26 : 48 ) , he fully believed that Christ would escape outof their hands . Then if they should blame him , he could say , Did I not tellyou to hold Him fast ? Judas beheld the captors of Christ , acting upon his words , bind Him firmly . In amazement he saw that the Saviour suffered Himself to be led away . Anxiously he followed Him from the garden to the trial before the Jewishrulers . At every movement he looked for Him to surprise His enemies , byappearing before them as the Son of God , and setting at nought all theirplots and power . But as hour after hour went by , and Jesus submitted to allthe abuse heaped upon Him , a terrible fear came to the traitor that he hadsold his Master to His death . As the trial drew to a close , Judas could endure the torture of his guiltyconscience no longer . Suddenly a hoarse voice rang through the hall , sendinga thrill of terror to all hearts : He is innocent ; spare Him , O Caiaphas ! The tall form of Judas was now seen pressing through the startled throng . His face was pale and haggard , and great drops of sweat stood on hisforehead . Rushing to the throne of judgment , he threw down 722 before the high priest the pieces of silver that had been the price of hisLord ' s betrayal . Eagerly grasping the robe of Caiaphas , he implored him torelease Jesus , declaring that He had done nothing worthy of death . Caiaphasangrily shook him off , but was confused , and knew not what to say . Theperfidy of the priests was revealed . It was evident that they had bribed thedisciple to betray his Master . " I have sinned , " again cried Judas , " in that I have betrayed the innocentblood . " But the high priest , regaining his self - possession , answered withscorn , " What is that to us ? see thou to that . " Matt . 27 : 4 . The priests hadbeen willing to make Judas their tool ; but they despised his baseness . Whenhe turned to them with confession , they spurned him . Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus , acknowledging Him to be the Sonof God , and entreating Him to deliver Himself . The Saviour did not reproachHis betrayer . He knew that Judas did not repent ; his confession was forcedfrom his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for ofjudgment , but he felt no deep , heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed thespotless Son of God , and denied the Holy one of Israel . Yet Jesus spoke noword of condemnation . He looked pityingly upon Judas , and said , For thishour came I into the world . A murmur of surprise ran through the assembly . With amazement they beheldthe forbearance of Christ toward His betrayer . Again there swept over themthe conviction that this Man was more than mortal . But if He was the Son ofGod , they questioned , why did He not free Himself from His bonds and triumphover His accusers ? Judas saw that his entreaties were in vain , and he rushed from the hallexclaiming , It is too late ! It is too late ! He felt that he could not liveto see Jesus crucified , and in despair went out and hanged himself . Later that same day , on the road from Pilate ' s hall to Calvary , there camean interruption to the shouts and jeers of the wicked throng who wereleading Jesus to the place of crucifixion . As they passed a retired spot , they saw at the foot of a lifeless tree , the body of Judas . It was a mostrevolting sight . His weight had broken the cord by which he had hangedhimself to the tree . In falling , his body had been horribly mangled , anddogs were now devouring it . His remains were immediately buried out ofsight ; but there was less mockery among the throng , and many a pale facerevealed the thoughts within . Retribution seemed already visiting those whowere guilty of the blood of Jesus . ( 723 ) Chapter 77 In Pilate ' s Judgment Hall [ This chapter is based on Matt . 27 : 2 , 11 - 31 ; Mark 15 : 1 - 20 ; Luke 23 : 1 - 25 ; John 18 : 28 - 40 ; 19 : 1 - 16 . ] In the judgment hall of Pilate , the Roman governor , Christ stands bound as aprisoner . About Him are the guard of soldiers , and the hall is fast fillingwith spectators . Just outside the entrance are the judges of the Sanhedrin , priests , rulers , elders , and the mob . After condemning Jesus , the council of the Sanhedrin had come to Pilate tohave the sentence confirmed and executed . But these Jewish officials wouldnot enter the Roman judgment hall . According to their ceremonial law theywould be defiled thereby , and thus prevented from taking part in the feastof the Passover . In their blindness they did not see that murderous hatredhad defiled their hearts . They did not see that Christ was the real Passoverlamb , and that , since they had rejected Him , the great feast had for themlost its significance . When the Saviour was brought into the judgment hall , Pilate looked upon Himwith no friendly eyes . The Roman governor had been called from hisbedchamber in haste , and he determined to do his work as quickly aspossible . He was prepared to deal with the prisoner with 724 magisterial severity . Assuming his severest ｅxpression , he turned to seewhat kind of man he had to examine , that he had been called from his reposeat so early an hour . He knew that it must be someone whom the Jewishauthorities were anxious to have tried and punished with haste . Pilate looked at the men who had Jesus in charge , and then his gaze restedsearchingly on Jesus . He had had to deal with all kinds of criminals ; butnever before had a man bearing marks of such goodness and nobility beenbrought before him . on His face he saw no sign of guilt , no ｅxpression offear , no boldness or defiance . He saw a man of calm and dignified bearing , whose countenance bore not the marks of a criminal , but the signature ofheaven . Christ ' s appearance made a favorable impression upon Pilate . His betternature was roused . He had heard of Jesus and His works . His wife had toldhim something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet , whocured the sick and raised the dead . Now this revived as a dream in Pilate ' smind . He recalled rumors that he had heard from several sources . He resolvedto demand of the Jews their charges against the prisoner . Who is this Man , and wherefore have ye brought Him ? he said . What accusationbring ye against Him ? The Jews were disconcerted . Knowing that they couldnot substantiate their charges against Christ , they did not desire a publicexamination . They answered that He was a deceiver called Jesus of Nazareth . Again Pilate asked , " What accusation bring ye against this Man ? " The priestsdid not answer his question , but in words that showed their irritation , theysaid , " If He were not a malefactor , we would not have delivered Him up untothee . " When those composing the Sanhedrin , the first men of the nation , bring to you a man they deem worthy of death , is there need to ask for anaccusation against him ? They hoped to impress Pilate with a sense of theirimportance , and thus lead him to accede to their request without goingthrough many preliminaries . They were eager to have their sentence ratified ; for they knew that the people who had witnessed Christ ' s marvelous workscould tell a story very different from the fabrication they themselves werenow rehearsing . The priests thought that with the weak and vacillating Pilate they couldcarry through their plans without trouble . Before this he had signed thedeath warrant hastily , condemning to death men they knew were not worthy ofdeath . In his estimation the life of a prisoner was 725 of little account ; whether he were innocent or guilty was of no specialconsequence . The priests hoped that Pilate would now inflict the deathpenalty on Jesus without giving Him a hearing . This they besought as a favoron the occasion of their great national festival . But there was something in the prisoner that held Pilate back from this . Hedared not do it . He read the purposes of the priests . He remembered how , notlong before , Jesus had raised Lazarus , a man that had been dead four days ; and he determined to know , before signing the sentence of condemnation , whatwere the charges against Him , and whether they could be proved . If your judgment is sufficient , he said , why bring the prisoner to me ? " Takeye Him , and judge Him according to your law . " Thus pressed , the priests saidthat they had already passed sentence upon Him , but that they must havePilate ' s sentence to render their condemnation valid . What is your sentence ? Pilate asked . The death sentence , they answered ; but it is not lawful for usto put any man to death . They asked Pilate to take their word as to Christ ' sguilt , and enforce their sentence . They would take the responsibility of theresult . Pilate was not a just or a conscientious judge ; but weak though he was inmoral power , he refused to grant this request . He would not condemn Jesusuntil a charge had been brought against Him . The priests were in a dilemma . They saw that they must cloak their hypocrisyunder the thickest concealment . They must not allow it to appear that Christhad been arrested on religious grounds . Were this put forward as a reason , their proceedings would have no weight with Pilate . They must make it appearthat Jesus was working against the common law ; then He could be punished asa political offender . Tumults and insurrection against the Roman governmentwere constantly arising among the Jews . With these revolts the Romans haddealt very rigorously , and they were constantly on the watch to represseverything that could lead to an outbreak . Only a few days before this the Pharisees had tried to entrap Christ withthe question , " Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar ? " But Christhad unveiled their hypocrisy . The Romans who were present had seen the utterfailure of the plotters , and their discomfiture at His answer , " Rendertherefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar ' s . " Luke 20 : 22 - 25 . Now the priests thought to make it appear that on this occasion Christ 726 had taught what they hoped He would teach . In their extremity they calledfalse witnesses to their aid , " and they began to accuse Him , saying , Wefound this fellow perverting the nation , and forbidding to give tribute toCaesar , saying that He Himself is Christ a King . " Three charges , eachwithout foundation . The priests knew this , but they were willing to commitperjury could they but secure their end . Pilate saw through their purpose . He did not believe that the prisoner hadplotted against the government . His meek and humble appearance wasaltogether out of harmony with the charge . Pilate was convinced that a deepplot had been laid to destroy an innocent man who stood in the way of theJewish dignitaries . Turning to Jesus he asked , " Art Thou the King of theJews ? " The Saviour answered , " Thou sayest it . " And as He spoke , Hiscountenance lighted up as if a sunbeam were shining upon it . When they heard His answer , Caiaphas and those that were with him calledPilate to witness that Jesus had admitted the crime with which He wascharged . With noisy cries , priests , scribes , and rulers demanded that He besentenced to death . The cries were taken up by the mob , and the uproar wasdeafening . Pilate was confused . Seeing that Jesus made no answer to Hisaccusers , Pilate said to Him , " Answerest Thou nothing ? behold how manythings they witness against Thee . But Jesus yet answered nothing . " Standing behind Pilate , in view of all in the court , Christ heard the abuse ; but to all the false charges against Him He answered not a word . His wholebearing gave evidence of conscious innocence . He stood unmoved by the furyof the waves that beat about Him . It was as if the heavy surges of wrath , rising higher and higher , like the waves of the boisterous ocean , brokeabout Him , but did not touch Him . He stood silent , but His silence waseloquence . It was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man . Pilate was astonished at His bearing . Does this Man disregard theproceedings because He does not care to save His life ? he asked himself . Ashe looked at Jesus , bearing insult and mockery without retaliation , he feltthat He could not be as unrighteous and unjust as were the clamoringpriests . Hoping to gain the truth from Him and to escape the tumult of thecrowd , Pilate took Jesus aside with him , and again questioned , " Art Thou theKing of the Jews ? " Jesus did not directly answer this question . He knew that the Holy 727 Spirit was striving with Pilate , and He gave him opportunity to acknowledgehis conviction . " Sayest thou this thing of thyself , " He asked , " or didothers tell it thee of Me ? " That is , was it the accusations of the priests , or a desire to receive light from Christ , that prompted Pilate ' s question ? Pilate understood Christ ' s meaning ; but pride arose in his heart . He wouldnot acknowledge the conviction that pressed upon him . " Am I a Jew ? " he said . " Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me : whathast Thou done ? " Pilate ' s golden opportunity had passed . Yet Jesus did not leave him withoutfurther light . While He did not directly answer Pilate ' s question , Heplainly stated His own mission . He gave Pilate to understand that He was notseeking an earthly throne . " My kingdom is not of this world , " He said ; " if My kingdom were of thisworld , then would My servants fight , that I should not be delivered to theJews : but now is My kingdom not from hence . Pilate therefore said unto Him , Art Thou a king then ? Jesus answered , Thou sayest that I am a king . To thisend was I born , and for this cause came I into the world , that I should bearwitness unto the truth . Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice . " Christ affirmed that His word was in itself a key which would unlock themystery to those who were prepared to receive it . It had a self - commendingpower , and this was the secret of the spread of His kingdom of truth . Hedesired Pilate to understand that only by receiving and appropriating truthcould his ruined nature be reconstructed . Pilate had a desire to know the truth . His mind was confused . He eagerlygrasped the words of the Saviour , and his heart was stirred with a greatlonging to know what it really was , and how he could obtain it . " What istruth ? " he inquired . But he did not wait for an answer . The tumult outsiderecalled him to the interests of the hour ; for the priests were clamorousfor immediate action . Going out to the Jews , he declared emphatically , " Ifind in Him no fault at all . " These words from a heathen judge were a scathing rebuke to the perfidy andfalsehood of the rulers of Israel who were accusing the Saviour . As thepriests and elders heard this from Pilate , their disappointment and rageknew no bounds . They had long plotted and waited for this opportunity . Asthey saw the prospect of the release of Jesus , they seemed ready to tear Himin pieces . They loudly denounced Pilate , and threatened him with the censureof the Roman government . They 728 accused him of refusing to condemn Jesus , who , they affirmed , had setHimself up against Caesar . Angry voices were now heard , declaring that the seditious influence of Jesuswas well known throughout the country . The priests said , " He stirreth up thepeople , teaching throughout all Jewry , beginning from Galilee to thisplace . " Pilate at this time had no thought of condemning Jesus . He knew that theJews had accused Him through hatred and prejudice . He knew what his dutywas . Justice demanded that Christ should be immediately released . But Pilatedreaded the ill will of the people . Should he refuse to give Jesus intotheir hands , a tumult would be raised , and this he feared to meet . When heheard that Christ was from Galilee , he decided to send Him to Herod , theruler of that province , who was then in Jerusalem . By this course , Pilatethought to shift the responsibility of the trial from himself to Herod . Healso thought this a good opportunity to heal an old quarrel between himselfand Herod . And so it proved . The two magistrates made friends over the trialof the Saviour . Pilate delivered Jesus again to the soldiers , and amid the jeers and insultsof the mob He was hurried to the judgment hall of Herod . " When Herod sawJesus , he was exceeding glad . " He had never before met the Saviour , but " hewas desirous to see Him of a long season , because he had heard many thingsof Him ; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him . " This Herod washe whose hands were stained with the blood of John the Baptist . When Herodfirst heard of Jesus , he was terror - stricken , and said , " It is John , whom Ibeheaded : 729 he is risen from the dead ;" " therefore mighty works do show forth themselvesin him . " Mark 6 : 16 ; Matt . 14 : 2 . Yet Herod desired to see Jesus . Now therewas opportunity to save the life of this prophet , and the king hoped tobanish forever from his mind the memory of that bloody head brought to himin a charger . He also desired to have his curiosity gratified , and thoughtthat if Christ were given any prospect of release , He would do anything thatwas asked of Him . A large company of the priests and elders had accompanied Christ to Herod . And when the Saviour was brought in , these dignitaries , all speakingexcitedly , urged their accusations against Him . But Herod paid little regardto their charges . He commanded silence , desiring an opportunity to questionChrist . He ordered that the fetters of Christ should be unloosed , at thesame time charging His enemies with roughly treating Him . Looking withcompassion into the serene face of the world ' s Redeemer , he read in it onlywisdom and purity . He as well as Pilate was satisfied that Christ had beenaccused through malice and envy . Herod questioned Christ in many words , but throughout the Saviour maintaineda profound silence . At the command of the king , the decrepit and maimed werethen called in , and Christ was ordered to prove His claims by working amiracle . Men say that Thou canst heal the sick , said Herod . I am anxious tosee that Thy widespread fame has not been belied . Jesus did not respond , andHerod still continued to urge : If Thou canst work miracles for others , workthem now for Thine own good , and it will serve Thee a good purpose . Again hecommanded , Show us a sign that Thou hast the power with which rumor hathaccredited Thee . But Christ was as one who heard and saw not . The Son of Godhad taken upon Himself man ' s nature . He must do as man must do in likecircumstances . Therefore He would not work a miracle to save Himself thepain and humiliation that man must endure when placed in a similar position . Herod promised that if Christ would perform some miracle in his presence , Heshould be released . Christ ' s accusers had seen with their own eyes themighty works wrought by His power . They had heard Him command the grave togive up its dead . They had seen the dead come forth obedient to His voice . Fear seized them lest He should now work a miracle . Of all things they mostdreaded an exhibition of His power . Such a manifestation would prove adeathblow to their 730 plans , and would perhaps cost them their lives . Again the priests andrulers , in great anxiety , urged their accusations against Him . Raising theirvoices , they declared , He is a traitor , a blasphemer . He works His miraclesthrough the power given Him by Beelzebub , the prince of the devils . The hallbecame a scene of confusion , some crying one thing and some another . Herod ' s conscience was now far less sensitive than when he had trembled withhorror at the request of Herodias for the head of John the Baptist . For atime he had felt the keen stings of remorse for his terrible act ; but hismoral perceptions had become more and more degraded by his licentious life . Now his heart had become so hardened that he could even boast of thepunishment he had inflicted upon John for daring to reprove him . And he nowthreatened Jesus , declaring repeatedly that he had power to release or tocondemn Him . But no sign from Jesus gave evidence that He heard a word . Herod was irritated by this silence . It seemed to indicate utterindifference to his authority . To the vain and pompous king , open rebukewould have been less offensive than to be thus ignored . Again he angrilythreatened Jesus , who still remained unmoved and silent . The mission of Christ in this world was not to gratify idle curiosity . Hecame to heal the brokenhearted . Could He have spoken any word to heal thebruises of sin - sick souls , He would not have kept silent . But He had nowords for those who would but trample the truth under their unholy feet . Christ might have spoken words to Herod that would have pierced the ears ofthe hardened king . He might have stricken him with fear and trembling bylaying before him the full iniquity of his life , and the horror of hisapproaching doom . But Christ ' s silence was the severest rebuke that He couldhave given . Herod had rejected the truth spoken to him by the greatest ofthe prophets , and no other message was he to receive . Not a word had theMajesty of heaven for him . That ear that had ever been open to human woe , had no room for Herod ' s commands . Those eyes that had ever rested upon thepenitent sinner in pitying , forgiving love had no look to bestow upon Herod . Those lips that had uttered the most impressive truth , that in tones oftenderest entreaty had pleaded with the most sinful and the most degraded , were closed to the haughty king who felt no need of a Saviour . Herod ' s face grew dark with passion . Turning to the multitude , he 731 angrily denounced Jesus as an impostor . Then to Christ he said , If You willgive no evidence of Your claim , I will deliver You up to the soldiers andthe people . They may succeed in making You speak . If You are an impostor , death at their hands is only what You merit ; if You are the Son of God , saveYourself by working a miracle . No sooner were these words spoken than a rush was made for Christ . Like wildbeasts , the crowd darted upon their prey . Jesus was dragged this way andthat , Herod joining the mob in seeking to humiliate the Son of God . Had notthe Roman soldiers interposed , and forced back the maddened throng , theSaviour would have been torn in pieces . " Herod with his men of war set Him at nought , and mocked Him , and arrayedHim in a gorgeous robe . " The Roman soldiers joined in this abuse . All thatthese wicked , corrupt soldiers , helped on by Herod and the Jewishdignitaries , could instigate was heaped upon the Saviour . Yet His divinepatience failed not . Christ ' s persecutors had tried to measure His character by their own ; theyhad represented Him as vile as themselves . But back of all the presentappearance another scene intruded itself , -- a scene which they will one daysee in all its glory . There were some who trembled in Christ ' s presence . While the rude throng were bowing in mockery before Him , some who cameforward for that purpose turned back , afraid and silenced . Herod wasconvicted . The last rays of merciful light were shining upon hissin - hardened heart . He felt that this was no common man ; for divinity hadflashed through humanity . At the very time when Christ was encompassed bymockers , adulterers , and murderers , Herod felt that he was beholding a Godupon His throne . Hardened as he was , Herod dared not ratify the condemnation of Christ . Hewished to relieve himself of the terrible responsibility , and he sent Jesusback to the Roman judgment hall . Pilate was disappointed and much displeased . When the Jews returned withtheir prisoner , he asked impatiently what they would have him do . Hereminded them that he had already examined Jesus , and found no fault in Him ; he told them that they had brought complaints against Him , but they had notbeen able to prove a single charge . He had sent Jesus to Herod , the tetrarchof Galilee , and one of their own nation , but he also had found in Himnothing worthy of death . " I will therefore chastise Him , " Pilate said , " andrelease Him . " Here Pilate showed his weakness . He had declared that Jesus was 732 innocent , yet he was willing for Him to be scourged to pacify His accusers . He would sacrifice justice and principle in order to compromise with themob . This placed him at a disadvantage . The crowd presumed upon hisindecision , and clamored the more for the life of the prisoner . If at thefirst Pilate had stood firm , refusing to condemn a man whom he foundguiltless , he would have broken the fatal chain that was to bind him inremorse and guilt as long as he lived . Had he carried out his convictions ofright , the Jews would not have presumed to dictate to him . Christ would havebeen put to death , but the guilt would not have rested upon Pilate . ButPilate had taken step after step in the violation of his conscience . He hadexcused himself from judging with justice and equity , and he now foundhimself almost helpless in the hands of the priests and rulers . His waveringand indecision proved his ruin . Even now Pilate was not left to act blindly . A message from God warned himfrom the deed he was about to commit . In answer to Christ ' s prayer , the wifeof Pilate had been visited by an angel from heaven , and in a dream she hadbeheld the Saviour and conversed with Him . Pilate ' s wife was not a Jew , butas she looked upon Jesus in her dream , she had no doubt of His character ormission . She knew Him to be the Prince of God . She saw Him on trial in thejudgment hall . She saw the hands tightly bound as the hands of a criminal . She saw Herod and his soldiers doing their dreadful work . She heard thepriests and rulers , filled with envy and malice , madly accusing . She heardthe words , " We have a law , and by our law He ought to die . " She saw Pilategive Jesus to the scourging , after he had declared , " I find no fault inHim . " She heard the condemnation pronounced by Pilate , and saw him giveChrist up to His murderers . She saw the cross uplifted on Calvary . She sawthe earth wrapped in darkness , and heard the mysterious cry , " It isfinished . " Still another scene met her gaze . She saw Christ seated upon thegreat white cloud , while the earth reeled in space , and His murderers fledfrom the presence of His glory . With a cry of horror she awoke , and at oncewrote to Pilate words of warning . While Pilate was hesitating as to what he should do , a messenger pressedthrough the crowd , and handed him the letter from his wife , which read : " Have thou nothing to do with that just Man : for I have suffered many thingsthis day in a dream because of Him . " 733 Pilate ' s face grew pale . He was confused by his own conflicting emotions . But while he had been delaying to act , the priests and rulers were stillfurther inflaming the minds of the people . Pilate was forced to action . Henow bethought himself of a custom which might serve to secure Christ ' srelease . It was customary at this feast to release some one prisoner whomthe people might choose . This custom was of pagan invention ; there was not ashadow of justice in it , but it was greatly prized by the Jews . The Romanauthorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas , who was undersentence of death . This man had claimed to be the Messiah . He claimedauthority to establish a different order of things , to set the world right . Under satanic delusion he claimed that whatever he could obtain by theft androbbery was his own . He had done wonderful things through satanic agencies , he had gained a following among the people , and had excited sedition againstthe Roman government . Under cover of religious enthusiasm he was a hardenedand desperate villain , bent on rebellion and cruelty . By giving the people achoice between this man and the innocent Saviour , Pilate thought to arousethem to a sense of justice . He hoped to gain their sympathy for Jesus inopposition to the priests and rulers . So , turning to the crowd , he said withgreat earnestness , " Whom will ye that I release unto you ? Barabbas , or Jesuswhich is called Christ ? " Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the answer of the mob , " Release untous Barabbas ! " Louder and louder swelled the cry , Barabbas ! Barabbas ! Thinking that the people had not understood his question , Pilate asked , " Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews ? " But they cried outagain , " Away with this Man , and release unto us Barabbas "! " What shall I dothen with Jesus which is called Christ ? " Pilate asked . Again the surgingmultitude roared like demons . Demons themselves , in human form , were in thecrowd , and what could be expected but the answer , " Let Him be crucified "? Pilate was troubled . He had not thought it would come to that . He shrankfrom delivering an innocent man to the most ignominious and cruel death thatcould be inflicted . After the roar of voices had ceased , he turned to thepeople , saying , " Why , what evil hath He done ? " But the case had gone too farfor argument . It was not evidence of Christ ' s innocence that they wanted , but His condemnation . Still Pilate endeavored to save Him . " He said unto them the third time , Why , what evil hath He done ? I have found no cause of death 734 in Him : I will therefore chastise Him , and let Him go . " But the very mentionof His release stirred the people to a tenfold frenzy . " Crucify Him , crucifyHim , " they cried . Louder and louder swelled the storm that Pilate ' sindecision had called forth . Jesus was taken , faint with weariness and covered with wounds , and scourgedin the sight of the multitude . " And the soldiers led Him away into the hall , called Praetorium , and they call together the whole band . And they clothedHim with purple , and platted a crown of thorns , and put it about His head , and began to salute Him , Hail , King of the Jews ! And they . . . did spitupon Him , and bowing their knees worshiped Him . " Occasionally some wickedhand snatched the reed that had been placed in His hand , and struck thecrown upon His brow , forcing the thorns into His temples , and sending theblood trickling down His face and beard . Wonder , O heavens ! and be astonished , O earth ! Behold the oppressor and theoppressed . A maddened throng enclose the Saviour of the world . Mocking andjeering are mingled with the coarse oaths of blasphemy . His lowly birth andhumble life are commented upon by the unfeeling mob . His claim to be the Sonof God is ridiculed , and the vulgar jest and insulting sneer are passed fromlip to lip . Satan led the cruel mob in its abuse of the Saviour . It was his purpose toprovoke Him to retaliation if possible , or to drive Him to perform a miracleto release Himself , and thus break up the plan of salvation . one stain uponHis human life , one failure of His humanity to endure the terrible test , andthe Lamb of God would have been an imperfect offering , and the redemption ofman a failure . But He who by a command could bring the heavenly host to Hisaid -- He who could have driven that mob in terror from His sight by theflashing forth of His divine majesty -- submitted with perfect calmness to thecoarsest insult and outrage . Christ ' s enemies had demanded a miracle as evidence of His divinity . Theyhad evidence far greater than any they had sought . As their cruelty degradedHis torturers below humanity into the likeness of Satan , so did His meeknessand patience exalt Jesus above humanity , and prove His kinship to God . Hisabasement was the pledge of His exaltation . The blood drops of agony thatfrom His wounded temples flowed down His face and beard were the pledge ofHis anointing with " the oil of gladness " ( Heb . 1 : 9 . ) as our great highpriest . 735 Satan ' s rage was great as he saw that all the abuse inflicted upon theSaviour had not forced the least murmur from His lips . Although He had takenupon Him the nature of man , He was sustained by a godlike fortitude , anddeparted in no particular from the will of His Father . When Pilate gave Jesus up to be scourged and mocked , he thought to excitethe pity of the multitude . He hoped they would decide that this wassufficient punishment . Even the malice of the priests , he thought , would nowbe satisfied . But with keen perception the Jews saw the weakness of thuspunishing a man who had been declared innocent . They knew that Pilate wastrying to save the life of the prisoner , and they were determined that Jesusshould not be released . To please and satisfy us , Pilate has scourged Him , they thought , and if we press the matter to a decided issue , we shall surelygain our end . Pilate now sent for Barabbas to be brought into the court . He then presentedthe two prisoners side by side , and pointing to the Saviour he said in avoice of solemn entreaty , " Behold the Man ! " " I bring Him forth to you , thatye may know that I find no fault in Him . " There stood the Son of God , wearing the robe of mockery and the crown ofthorns . Stripped to the waist , His back showed the long , cruel stripes , fromwhich the blood flowed freely . His face was stained with blood , and bore themarks of exhaustion and pain ; but never had it appeared more beautiful thannow . The Saviour ' s visage was not marred before His enemies . Every featureexpressed gentleness and resignation and the tenderest pity for His cruelfoes . In His manner there was no cowardly weakness , but the strength anddignity of long - suffering . In striking contrast was the prisoner at Hisside . Every line of the countenance of Barabbas proclaimed him the hardenedruffian that he was . The contrast spoke to every beholder . Some of thespectators were weeping . As they looked upon Jesus , their hearts were fullof sympathy . Even the priests and rulers were convicted that He was all thatHe claimed to be . The Roman soldiers that surrounded Christ were not all hardened ; some werelooking earnestly into His face for one evidence that He was a criminal ordangerous character . From time to time they would turn and cast a look ofcontempt upon Barabbas . It needed no deep insight to read him through andthrough . Again they would turn to the one upon trial . They looked at thedivine sufferer with feelings of deep pity . The silent submission of Christstamped upon their minds 736 the scene , never to be effaced until they either acknowledged Him as theChrist , or by rejecting Him decided their own destiny . Pilate was filled with amazement at the uncomplaining patience of theSaviour . He did not doubt that the sight of this Man , in contrast withBarabbas , would move the Jews to sympathy . But he did not understand thefanatical hatred of the priests for Him , who , as the Light of the world , hadmade manifest their darkness and error . They had moved the mob to a madfury , and again priests , rulers , and people raised that awful cry , " CrucifyHim , crucify Him . " At last , losing all patience with their unreasoningcruelty , Pilate cried out despairingly , " Take ye Him , and crucify Him : for Ifind no fault in Him . " The Roman governor , though familiar with cruel scenes , was moved withsympathy for the suffering prisoner , who , condemned and scourged , withbleeding brow and lacerated back , still had the bearing of a king upon histhrone . But the priests declared , " We have a law , and by our law He ought todie , because He made Himself the Son of God . " Pilate was startled . He had no correct idea of Christ and His mission ; buthe had an indistinct faith in God and in beings superior to humanity . Athought that had once before passed through his mind now took more definiteshape . He questioned whether it might not be a divine being that stoodbefore him , clad in the purple robe of mockery , and crowned with thorns . Again he went into the judgment hall , and said to Jesus , " Whence art Thou ? " But Jesus gave him no answer . The Saviour had spoken freely to Pilate , explaining His own mission as a witness to the truth . Pilate had disregardedthe light . He had abused the high office of judge by yielding his principlesand authority to the demands of the mob . Jesus had no further light for him . Vexed at His silence , Pilate said haughtily : " Speakest Thou not unto me ? knowest Thou not that I have power to crucifyThee , and have power to release Thee ? " Jesus answered , " Thou couldest have no power at all against Me , except itwere given thee from above : therefore he that delivered Me unto thee haththe greater sin . " Thus the pitying Saviour , in the midst of His intense suffering and grief , excused as far as possible the act of the Roman governor who gave Him up tobe crucified . What a scene was this to hand down to the world for all time ! What a light it sheds upon the character of Him who is the Judge of all theearth ! 737 " He that delivered Me unto thee , " said Jesus , " hath the greater sin . " Bythis Christ meant Caiaphas , who , as high priest , represented the Jewishnation . They knew the principles that controlled the Roman authorities . Theyhad had light in the prophecies that testified of Christ , and in His ownteachings and miracles . The Jewish judges had received unmistakable evidenceof the divinity of Him whom they condemned to death . And according to theirlight would they be judged . The greatest guilt and heaviest responsibility belonged to those who stoodin the highest places in the nation , the depositaries of sacred trusts thatthey were basely betraying . Pilate , Herod , and the Roman soldiers werecomparatively ignorant of Jesus . They thought to please the priests andrulers by abusing Him . They had not the light which the Jewish nation had soabundantly received . Had the light been given to the soldiers , they wouldnot have treated Christ as cruelly as they did . Again Pilate proposed to release the Saviour . " But the Jews cried out , saying , If thou let this man go , thou art not Caesar ' s friend . " Thus thesehypocrites pretended to be jealous for the authority of Caesar . Of all theopponents of the Roman rule , the Jews were most bitter . When it was safe forthem to do so , they were most tyrannical in enforcing their own national andreligious requirements ; but when they desired to bring about some purpose ofcruelty , they exalted the power of Caesar . To accomplish the destruction ofChrist , they would profess loyalty to the foreign rule which they hated . " Whosoever maketh himself a king , " they continued , " speaketh againstCaesar . " This was touching Pilate in a weak point . He was under suspicion bythe Roman government , and he knew that such a report would be ruin to him . He knew that if the Jews were thwarted , their rage would be turned againsthim . They would leave nothing undone to accomplish their revenge . He hadbefore him an example of the persistence with which they sought the life ofOne whom they hated without reason . Pilate then took his place on the judgment seat , and again presented Jesusto the people , saying , " Behold your King ! " Again the mad cry was heard , " Away with Him , crucify Him . " In a voice that was heard far and near , Pilateasked , " Shall I crucify your King ? " But from profane , blasphemous lips wentforth the words , " We have no king but Caesar . " Thus by choosing a heathen ruler , the Jewish nation had withdrawn 738 from the theocracy . They had rejected God as their king . Henceforth they hadno deliverer . They had no king but Caesar . To this the priests and teachershad led the people . For this , with the fearful results that followed , theywere responsible . A nation ' s sin and a nation ' s ruin were due to thereligious leaders . " When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing , but that rather a tumult wasmade , he took water , and washed his hands before the multitude , saying , I aminnocent of the blood of this just Person : see ye to it . " In fear andself - condemnation Pilate looked upon the Saviour . In the vast sea ofupturned faces , His alone was peaceful . About His head a soft light seemedto shine . Pilate said in his heart , He is a God . Turning to the multitude hedeclared , I am clear of His blood . Take ye Him , and crucify Him . But markye , priests and rulers , I pronounce Him a just man . May He whom He claims asHis Father judge you and not me for this day ' s work . Then to Jesus he said , Forgive me for this act ; I cannot save You . And when he had again scourgedJesus , he delivered Him to be crucified . Pilate longed to deliver Jesus . But he saw that he could not do this , andyet retain his own position and honor . Rather than lose his worldly power , he chose to sacrifice an innocent life . How many , to escape loss orsuffering , in like manner sacrifice principle . Conscience and duty point oneway , and self - interest points another . The current sets strongly in thewrong direction , and he who compromises with evil is swept away into thethick darkness of guilt . Pilate yielded to the demands of the mob . Rather than risk losing hisposition , he delivered Jesus up to be crucified . But in spite of hisprecautions , the very thing he dreaded afterward came upon him . His honorswere stripped from him , he was cast down from his high office , and , stung byremorse and wounded pride , not long after the crucifixion he ended his ownlife . So all who compromise with sin will gain only sorrow and ruin . " Thereis a way which seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways ofdeath . " Prov . 14 : 12 . When Pilate declared himself innocent of the blood of Christ , Caiaphasanswered defiantly , " His blood be on us , and on our children . " The awfulwords were taken up by the priests and rulers , and echoed by the crowd in aninhuman roar of voices . The whole multitude answered and said , " His blood beon us , and on our children . " The people of Israel had made their choice . Pointing to Jesus they 739 had said , " Not this man , but Barabbas . " Barabbas , the robber and murderer , was the representative of Satan . Christ was the representative of God . Christ had been rejected ; Barabbas had been chosen . Barabbas they were tohave . In making this choice they accepted him who from the beginning was aliar and a murderer . Satan was their leader . As a nation they would act outhis dictation . His works they would do . His rule they must endure . Thatpeople who chose Barabbas in the place of Christ were to feel the cruelty ofBarabbas as long as time should last . Looking upon the smitten Lamb of God , the Jews had cried , " His blood be onus , and on our children . " That awful cry ascended to the throne of God . Thatsentence , pronounced upon themselves , was written in heaven . That prayer washeard . The blood of the Son of God was upon their children and theirchildren ' s children , a perpetual curse . Terribly was it realized in the destruction of Jerusalem . Terribly has itbeen manifested in the condition of the Jewish nation for eighteen hundredyears , -- a branch severed from the vine , a dead , fruitless branch , to begathered up and burned . From land to land throughout the world , from centuryto century , dead , dead in trespasses and sins ! Terribly will that prayer be fulfilled in the great judgment day . WhenChrist shall come to the earth again , not as a prisoner surrounded by arabble will men see Him . They will see Him then as heaven ' s King . Christwill come in His own glory , in the glory of His Father , and the glory of theholy angels . Ten thousand times ten thousand , and thousands of thousands ofangels , the beautiful and triumphant sons of God , possessing surpassingloveliness and glory , will escort Him on His way . Then shall He sit upon thethrone of His glory , and before Him shall be gathered all nations . Thenevery eye shall see Him , and they also that pierced Him . In the place of acrown of thorns , He will wear a crown of glory , -- a crown within a crown . Inplace of that old purple kingly robe , He will be clothed in raiment ofwhitest white , " so as no fuller on earth can white them . " Mark 9 : 3 . And onHis vesture and on His thigh a name will be written , " King of kings , andLord of lords . " Rev . 19 : 16 . Those who mocked and smote Him will be there . The priests and rulers will behold again the scene in the judgment hall . Every circumstance will appear before them , as if written in letters offire . Then those who prayed , " His blood be on us , and on our children , " willreceive the answer to their prayer . Then the whole world will know 740 and understand . They will realize who and what they , poor , feeble , finitebeings , have been warring against . In awful agony and horror they will cryto the mountains and rocks , " Fall on us , and hide us from the face of Himthat sitteth on the throne , and from the wrath of the Lamb : for the greatday of His wrath is come ; and who shall be able to stand ? " Rev . 6 : 16 , 17 . ( 741 ) Chapter 78 Calvary [ This chapter is based on Matt . 27 : 31 - 53 ; Mark 15 : 20 - 38 ; Luke 23 : 26 - 46 ; John 19 : 16 - 30 . ] " And when they were come to the place , which is called Calvary , there theycrucified Him . " " That He might sanctify the people with His own blood , " Christ " sufferedwithout the gate . " Heb . 13 : 12 . For transgression of the law of God , Adam andEve were banished from Eden . Christ , our substitute , was to suffer withoutthe boundaries of Jerusalem . He died outside the gate , where felons andmurderers were executed . Full of significance are the words , " Christ hathredeemed us from the curse of the law , being made a curse for us . " Gal . 3 : 13 . A vast multitude followed Jesus from the judgment hall to Calvary . The newsof His condemnation had spread throughout Jerusalem , and people of allclasses and all ranks flocked toward the place of crucifixion . The priestsand rulers had been bound by a promise not to molest Christ ' s followers ifHe Himself were delivered to them , and the disciples and believers from thecity and the surrounding region joined the throng that followed the Saviour . As Jesus passed the gate of Pilate ' s court , the cross which had beenprepared for Barabbas was laid upon His bruised and bleeding shoulders . Twocompanions of Barabbas were to suffer death at the same time with Jesus , andupon them also crosses were placed . The Saviour ' s burden 742 was too heavy for Him in His weak and suffering condition . Since thePassover supper with His disciples , He had taken neither food nor drink . Hehad agonized in the garden of Gethsemane in conflict with satanic agencies . He had endured the anguish of the betrayal , and had seen His disciplesforsake Him and flee . He had been taken to Annas , then to Caiaphas , and thento Pilate . From Pilate He had been sent to Herod , then sent again to Pilate . From insult to renewed insult , from mockery to mockery , twice tortured bythe scourge , -- all that night there had been scene after scene of a characterto try the soul of man to the uttermost . Christ had not failed . He hadspoken no word but that tended to glorify God . All through the disgracefulfarce of a trial He had borne Himself with firmness and dignity . But whenafter the second scourging the cross was laid upon Him , human nature couldbear no more . He fell fainting beneath the burden . The crowd that followed the Saviour saw His weak and staggering steps , butthey manifested no compassion . They taunted and reviled Him because He couldnot carry the heavy cross . Again the burden was laid upon Him , and again Hefell fainting to the ground . His persecutors saw that it was impossible forHim to carry His burden farther . They were puzzled to find anyone who wouldbear the humiliating load . The Jews themselves could not do this , becausethe defilement would prevent them from keeping the Passover . None even ofthe mob that followed Him would stoop to bear the cross . At this time a stranger , Simon a Cyrenian , coming in from the country , meetsthe throng . He hears the taunts and ribaldry of the crowd ; he hears thewords contemptuously repeated , Make way for the King of the Jews ! He stopsin astonishment at the scene ; and as he expresses his compassion , they seizehim and place the cross upon his shoulders . Simon had heard of Jesus . His sons were believers in the Saviour , but hehimself was not a disciple . The bearing of the cross to Calvary was ablessing to Simon , and he was ever after grateful for this providence . Itled him to take upon himself the cross of Christ from choice , and evercheerfully stand beneath its burden . Not a few women are in the crowd that follow the Uncondemned to His crueldeath . Their attention is fixed upon Jesus . Some of them have seen Himbefore . Some have carried to Him their sick and suffering ones . Some havethemselves been healed . The story of the scenes that have taken place isrelated . They wonder at the hatred of the crowd toward Him for whom theirown hearts are melting and ready to break . 743 And notwithstanding the action of the maddened throng , and the angry wordsof the priests and rulers , these women give ｅxpression to their sympathy . AsJesus falls fainting beneath the cross , they break forth into mournfulwailing . This was the only thing that attracted Christ ' s attention . Although full ofsuffering , while bearing the sins of the world , He was not indifferent tothe ｅxpression of grief . He looked upon these women with tender compassion . They were not believers in Him ; He knew that they were not lamenting Him asone sent from God , but were moved by feelings of human pity . He did notdespise their sympathy , but it awakened in His heart a deeper sympathy forthem . " Daughters of Jerusalem , " He said , " weep not for Me , but weep foryourselves , and for your children . " From the scene before Him , Christ lookedforward to the time of Jerusalem ' s destruction . In that terrible scene , manyof those who were now weeping for Him were to perish with their children . From the fall of Jerusalem the thoughts of Jesus passed to a wider judgment . In the destruction of the impenitent city He saw a symbol of the finaldestruction to come upon the world . He said , " Then shall they begin to sayto the mountains , Fall on us ; and to the hills , Cover us . For if they dothese things in a green tree , what shall be done in the dry ? " By the greentree , Jesus represented Himself , the innocent Redeemer . God suffered Hiswrath against transgression to fall on His beloved Son . Jesus was to becrucified for the sins of men . What suffering , then , would the sinner bearwho continued in sin ? All the impenitent and unbelieving would know a sorrowand misery that language would fail to express . Of the multitude that followed the Saviour to Calvary , many had attended Himwith joyful hosannas and the waving of palm branches as He rode triumphantlyinto Jerusalem . But not a few who had then shouted His praise , because itwas popular to do so , now swelled the cry of " Crucify Him , crucify Him . " When Christ rode into Jerusalem , the hopes of the disciples had been raisedto the highest pitch . They had pressed close about their Master , feelingthat it was a high honor to be connected with Him . Now in His humiliationthey followed Him at a distance . They were filled with grief , and bowed downwith disappointed hopes . How were the words of Jesus verified : " All ye shallbe offended because of Me this night : for it is written , I will smite theshepherd , and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad . " Matt . 26 : 31 . 744 Arriving at the place of execution , the prisoners were bound to theinstruments of torture . The two thieves wrestled in the hands of those whoplaced them on the cross ; but Jesus made no resistance . The mother of Jesus , supported by John the beloved disciple , had followed the steps of her Son toCalvary . She had seen Him fainting under the burden of the cross , and hadlonged to place a supporting hand beneath His wounded head , and to bathethat brow which had once been pillowed upon her bosom . But she was notpermitted this mournful privilege . With the disciples she still cherishedthe hope that Jesus would manifest His power , and deliver Himself from Hisenemies . Again her heart would sink as she recalled the words in which Hehad foretold the very scenes that were then taking place . As the thieveswere bound to the cross , she looked on with agonizing suspense . Would He whohad given life to the dead suffer Himself to be crucified ? Would the Son ofGod suffer Himself to be thus cruelly slain ? Must she give up her faith thatJesus was the Messiah ? Must she witness His shame and sorrow , without eventhe privilege of ministering to Him in His distress ? She saw His handsstretched upon the cross ; the hammer and the nails were brought , and as thespikes were driven through the tender flesh , the heart - stricken disciplesbore away from the cruel scene the fainting form of the mother of Jesus . The Saviour made no murmur of complaint . His face remained calm and serene , but great drops of sweat stood upon His brow . There was no pitying hand towipe the death dew from His face , nor words of sympathy and unchangingfidelity to stay His human heart . While the soldiers were doing theirfearful work , Jesus prayed for His enemies , " Father , forgive them ; for theyknow not what they do . " His mind passed from His own suffering to the sin ofHis persecutors , and the terrible retribution that would be theirs . Nocurses were called down upon the soldiers who were handling Him so roughly . No vengeance was invoked upon the priests and rulers , who were gloating overthe accomplishment of their purpose . Christ pitied them in their ignoranceand guilt . He breathed only a plea for their forgiveness , --" for they knownot what they do . " Had they known that they were putting to torture one who had come to savethe sinful race from eternal ruin , they would have been seized with remorseand horror . But their ignorance did not remove their guilt ; for it was theirprivilege to know and accept Jesus as their 745 Saviour . Some of them would yet see their sin , and repent , and be converted . Some by their impenitence would make it an impossibility for the prayer ofChrist to be answered for them . Yet , just the same , God ' s purpose wasreaching its fulfillment . Jesus was earning the right to become the advocateof men in the Father ' s presence . That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world . It took in everysinner that had lived or should live , from the beginning of the world to theend of time . Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying the Son of God . To all , forgiveness is freely offered . " Whosoever will " may have peace with God , andinherit eternal life . As soon as Jesus was nailed to the cross , it was lifted by strong men , andwith great violence thrust into the place prepared for it . This caused themost intense agony to the Son of God . Pilate then wrote an inscription inHebrew , Greek , and Latin , and placed it upon the cross , above the head ofJesus . It read , " Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews . " This inscriptionirritated the Jews . In Pilate ' s court they had cried , " Crucify Him . " " Wehave no king but Caesar . " John 19 : 15 . They had declared that whoever shouldacknowledge any other king was a traitor . Pilate wrote out the sentimentthey had expressed . No offense was mentioned , except that Jesus was the Kingof the Jews . The inscription was a virtual acknowledgment of the allegianceof the Jews to the Roman power . It declared that whoever might claim to bethe King of Israel would be judged by them worthy of death . The priests hadoverreached themselves . When they were plotting the death of Christ , Caiaphas had declared it expedient that one man should die to save thenation . Now their hypocrisy was revealed . In order to destroy Christ , theyhad been ready to sacrifice even their national existence . The priests saw what they had done , and asked Pilate to change theinscription . They said , " Write not , The King of the Jews ; but that He said , I am King of the Jews . " But Pilate was angry with himself because of hisformer weakness , and he thoroughly despised the jealous and artful priestsand rulers . He replied coldly , " What I have written I have written . " A higher power than Pilate or the Jews had directed the placing of thatinscription above the head of Jesus . In the providence of God it was toawaken thought , and investigation of the Scriptures . The place where Christwas crucified was near to the city . Thousands of people from all lands werethen at Jerusalem , and the inscription declaring Jesus of 746 Nazareth the Messiah would come to their notice . It was a living truth , transcribed by a hand that God had guided . In the sufferings of Christ upon the cross prophecy was fulfilled . Centuriesbefore the crucifixion , the Saviour had foretold the treatment He was toreceive . He said , " Dogs have compassed Me : the assembly of the wicked haveenclosed Me : they pierced My hands and My feet . I may tell all My bones : they look and stare upon Me . They part My garments among them , and cast lotsupon My vesture . " Ps . 22 : 16 - 18 . The prophecy concerning His garments wascarried out without counsel or interference from the friends or the enemiesof the Crucified one . To the soldiers who had placed Him upon the cross , Hisclothing was given . Christ heard the men ' s contention as they parted thegarments among them . His tunic was woven throughout without seam , and theysaid , " Let us not rend it , but cast lots for it , whose it shall be . " In another prophecy the Saviour declared , " Reproach hath broken My heart ; and I am full of heaviness : and I looked for some to take pity , but therewas none ; and for comforters , but I found none . They gave Me also gall forMy meat ; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink . " Ps . 69 : 20 , 21 . Tothose who suffered death by the cross , it was permitted to give a stupefyingpotion , to deaden the sense of pain . This was offered to Jesus ; but when Hehad tasted it , He refused it . He would receive nothing that could becloudHis mind . His faith must keep fast hold upon God . This was His onlystrength . To becloud His senses would give Satan an advantage . The enemies of Jesus vented their rage upon Him as He hung upon the cross . Priests , rulers , and scribes joined with the mob in mocking the dyingSaviour . At the baptism and at the transfiguration the voice of God had beenheard proclaiming Christ as His Son . Again , just before Christ ' s betrayal , the Father had spoken , witnessing to His divinity . But now the voice fromheaven was silent . No testimony in Christ ' s favor was heard . Alone Hesuffered abuse and mockery from wicked men . " If Thou be the Son of God , " they said , " come down from the cross . " " Let Himsave Himself , if He be Christ , the chosen of God . " In the wilderness oftemptation Satan had declared , " If Thou be the Son of God , command thatthese stones be made bread . " " If Thou be the Son of God , cast Thyself down " from the pinnacle of the temple . Matt . 4 : 3 , 6 . And Satan with his angels , inhuman form , was present at the 749 cross . The archfiend and his hosts were co - operating with the priests andrulers . The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob topronounce judgment against one upon whom many of them had never looked , until urged to bear testimony against Him . Priests , rulers , Pharisees , andthe hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy . Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels . They were doing hisbidding . Jesus , suffering and dying , heard every word as the priests declared , " Hesaved others ; Himself He cannot save . Let Christ the King of Israel descendnow from the cross , that we may see and believe . " Christ could have comedown from the cross . But it is because He would not save Himself that thesinner has hope of pardon and favor with God . In their mockery of the Saviour , the men who professed to be the expoundersof prophecy were repeating the very words which Inspiration had foretoldthey would utter upon this occasion . Yet in their blindness they did not seethat they were fulfilling the prophecy . Those who in derision uttered thewords , " He trusted in God ; let Him deliver Him now , if He will have Him : forHe said , I am the Son of God , " little thought that their testimony wouldsound down the ages . But although spoken in mockery , these words led men tosearch the Scriptures as they had never done before . Wise men heard , searched , pondered , and prayed . There were those who never rested until , bycomparing scripture with scripture , they saw the meaning of Christ ' smission . Never before was there such a general knowledge of Jesus as when Hehung upon the cross . Into the hearts of many who beheld the crucifixionscene , and who heard Christ ' s words , the light of truth was shining . To Jesus in His agony on the cross there came one gleam of comfort . It wasthe prayer of the penitent thief . Both the men who were crucified with Jesushad at first railed upon Him ; and one under his suffering only became moredesperate and defiant . But not so with his companion . This man was not ahardened criminal ; he had been led astray by evil associations , but he wasless guilty than many of those who stood beside the cross reviling theSaviour . He had seen and heard Jesus , and had been convicted by Histeaching , but he had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers . Seeking to stifle conviction , he had plunged deeper and deeper into sin , until he was arrested , tried as a criminal , and condemned to die on thecross . In the judgment hall and on the way to Calvary he had been in companywith Jesus . He had heard Pilate declare , " I find no fault in Him . " John 19 : 4 . He had marked His 750 godlike bearing , and His pitying forgiveness of His tormentors . on the crosshe sees the many great religionists shoot out the tongue with scorn , andridicule the Lord Jesus . He sees the wagging heads . He hears the upbraidingspeeches taken up by his companion in guilt : " If Thou be Christ , saveThyself and us . " Among the passers - by he hears many defending Jesus . Hehears them repeat His words , and tell of His works . The conviction comesback to him that this is the Christ . Turning to his fellow criminal he says , " Dost not thou fear God , seeing thou art in the same condemnation ? " Thedying thieves have no longer anything to fear from man . But upon one of thempresses the conviction that there is a God to fear , a future to cause him totremble . And now , all sin - polluted as it is , his life history is about toclose . " And we indeed justly , " he moans ; " for we receive the due reward ofour deeds : but this Man hath done nothing amiss . " There is no question now . There are no doubts , no reproaches . When condemnedfor his crime , the thief had become hopeless and despairing ; but strange , tender thoughts now spring up . He calls to mind all he has heard of Jesus , how He has healed the sick and pardoned sin . He has heard the words of thosewho believed in Jesus and followed Him weeping . He has seen and read thetitle above the Saviour ' s head . He has heard the passers - by repeat it , somewith grieved , quivering lips , others with jesting and mockery . The HolySpirit illuminates his mind , and little by little the chain of evidence isjoined together . In Jesus , bruised , mocked , and hanging upon the cross , hesees the Lamb of God , that taketh away the sin of the world . Hope is mingledwith anguish in his voice as the helpless , dying soul casts himself upon adying Saviour . " Lord , remember me , " he cries , " when Thou comest into Thykingdom . " Quickly the answer came . Soft and melodious the tone , full of love , compassion , and power the words : Verily I say unto thee today , Thou shalt bewith Me in paradise . For long hours of agony , reviling and mockery have fallen upon the ears ofJesus . As He hangs upon the cross , there floats up to Him still the sound ofjeers and curses . With longing heart He has listened for some ｅxpression offaith from His disciples . He has heard only the mournful words , " We trustedthat it had been He which should have redeemed Israel . " How grateful then tothe Saviour was the utterance of faith and love from the dying thief ! Whilethe leading Jews deny Him , and even the disciples doubt His divinity , thepoor thief , upon the 751 brink of eternity , calls Jesus Lord . Many were ready to call Him Lord whenHe wrought miracles , and after He had risen from the grave ; but noneacknowledged Him as He hung dying upon the cross save the penitent thief whowas saved at the eleventh hour . The bystanders caught the words as the thief called Jesus Lord . The tone ofthe repentant man arrested their attention . Those who at the foot of thecross had been quarreling over Christ ' s garments , and casting lots upon Hisvesture , stopped to listen . Their angry tones were hushed . With bated breaththey looked upon Christ , and waited for the response from those dying lips . As He spoke the words of promise , the dark cloud that seemed to enshroud thecross was pierced by a bright and living light . To the penitent thief camethe perfect peace of acceptance with God . Christ in His humiliation wasglorified . He who in all other eyes appeared to be conquered was aConqueror . He was acknowledged as the Sin Bearer . Men may exercise powerover His human body . They may pierce the holy temples with the crown ofthorns . They may strip from Him His raiment , and quarrel over its division . But they cannot rob Him of His power to forgive sins . In dying He bearstestimony to His own divinity and to the glory of the Father . His ear is notheavy that it cannot hear , neither His arm shortened that it cannot save . Itis His royal right to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him . I say unto thee today , Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise . Christ did notpromise that the thief should be with Him in Paradise that day . He Himselfdid not go that day to Paradise . He slept in the tomb , and on the morning ofthe resurrection He said , " I am not yet ascended to My Father . " John 20 : 17 . But on the day of the crucifixion , the day of apparent defeat and darkness , the promise was given . " Today " while dying upon the cross as a malefactor , Christ assures the poor sinner , Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise . The thieves crucified with Jesus were placed on either side one , and Jesusin the midst . " This was done by the direction of the priests and rulers . Christ ' s position between the thieves was to indicate that He was thegreatest criminal of the three . Thus was fulfilled the scripture , " He wasnumbered with the transgressors . " Isa . 53 : 12 . But the full meaning of theiract the priests did not see . As Jesus , crucified with the thieves , wasplaced " in the midst , " so His cross was placed in the midst of a world lyingin sin . And the words of pardon spoken to the penitent thief kindled a lightthat will shine to the earth ' s remotest bounds . 752 With amazement the angels beheld the infinite love of Jesus , who , sufferingthe most intense agony of mind and body , thought only of others , andencouraged the penitent soul to believe . In His humiliation He as a prophethad addressed the daughters of Jerusalem ; as priest and advocate He hadpleaded with the Father to forgive His murderers ; as a loving Saviour He hadforgiven the sins of the penitent thief . As the eyes of Jesus wandered over the multitude about Him , one figurearrested His attention . At the foot of the cross stood His mother , supportedby the disciple John . She could not endure to remain away from her Son ; andJohn , knowing that the end was near , had brought her again to the cross . InHis dying hour , Christ remembered His mother . Looking into hergrief - stricken face and then upon John , He said to her , " Woman , behold thyson ! " then to John , " Behold thy mother ! " John understood Christ ' s words , andaccepted the trust . He at once took Mary to his home , and from that hourcared for her tenderly . O pitiful , loving Saviour ; amid all His physicalpain and mental anguish , He had a thoughtful care for His mother ! He had nomoney with which to provide for her comfort ; but He was enshrined in theheart of John , and He gave His mother to him as a precious legacy . Thus Heprovided for her that which she most needed , -- the tender sympathy of one wholoved her because she loved Jesus . And in receiving her as a sacred trust , John was receiving a great blessing . She was a constant reminder of hisbeloved Master . The perfect example of Christ ' s filial love shines forth with undimmedluster from the mist of ages . For nearly thirty years Jesus by His dailytoil had helped bear the burdens of the home . And now , even in His lastagony , He remembers to provide for His sorrowing , widowed mother . The samespirit will be seen in every disciple of our Lord . Those who follow Christwill feel that it is a part of their religion to respect and provide fortheir parents . From the heart where His love is cherished , father and motherwill never fail of receiving thoughtful care and tender sympathy . And now the Lord of glory was dying , a ransom for the race . In yielding upHis precious life , Christ was not upheld by triumphant joy . All wasoppressive gloom . It was not the dread of death that weighed upon Him . Itwas not the pain and ignominy of the cross that caused His inexpressibleagony . Christ was the prince of sufferers ; but His suffering was from asense of the malignity of sin , a knowledge that 753 through familiarity with evil , man had become blinded to its enormity . Christ saw how deep is the hold of sin upon the human heart , how few wouldbe willing to break from its power . He knew that without help from God , humanity must perish , and He saw multitudes perishing within reach ofabundant help . Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all . Hewas counted a transgressor , that He might redeem us from the condemnation ofthe law . The guilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing upon His heart . The wrath of God against sin , the terrible manifestation of His displeasurebecause of iniquity , filled the soul of His Son with consternation . All Hislife Christ had been publishing to a fallen world the good news of theFather ' s mercy and pardoning love . Salvation for the chief of sinners wasHis theme . But now with the terrible weight of guilt He bears , He cannot seethe Father ' s reconciling face . The withdrawal of the divine countenance fromthe Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a sorrowthat can never be fully understood by man . So great was this agony that Hisphysical pain was hardly felt . Satan with his fierce temptations wrung the heart of Jesus . The Saviourcould not see through the portals of the tomb . Hope did not present to HimHis coming forth from the grave a conqueror , or tell Him of the Father ' sacceptance of the sacrifice . He feared that sin was so offensive to God thatTheir separation was to be eternal . Christ felt the anguish which the sinnerwill feel when mercy shall no longer plead for the guilty race . It was thesense of sin , bringing the Father ' s wrath upon Him as man ' s substitute , thatmade the cup He drank so bitter , and broke the heart of the Son of God . With amazement angels witnessed the Saviour ' s despairing agony . The hosts ofheaven veiled their faces from the fearful sight . Inanimate nature expressedsympathy with its insulted and dying Author . The sun refused to look uponthe awful scene . Its full , bright rays were illuminating the earth atmidday , when suddenly it seemed to be blotted out . Complete darkness , like afuneral pall , enveloped the cross . " There was darkness over all the landunto the ninth hour . " There was no eclipse or other natural cause for thisdarkness , which was as deep as midnight without moon or stars . It was amiraculous testimony given by God that the faith of after generations mightbe confirmed . In that thick darkness God ' s presence was hidden . He makes darkness Hispavilion , and conceals His glory from human eyes . God and 754 His holy angels were beside the cross . The Father was with His Son . Yet Hispresence was not revealed . Had His glory flashed forth from the cloud , everyhuman beholder would have been destroyed . And in that dreadful hour Christwas not to be comforted with the Father ' s presence . He trod the wine pressalone , and of the people there was none with Him . In the thick darkness , God veiled the last human agony of His Son . All whohad seen Christ in His suffering had been convicted of His divinity . Thatface , once beheld by humanity , was never forgotten . As the face of Cainexpressed his guilt as a murderer , so the face of Christ revealed innocence , serenity , benevolence , -- the image of God . But His accusers would not giveheed to the signet of heaven . Through long hours of agony Christ had beengazed upon by the jeering multitude . Now He was mercifully hidden by themantle of God . The silence of the grave seemed to have fallen upon Calvary . A namelessterror held the throng that was gathered about the cross . The cursing andreviling ceased in the midst of half - uttered sentences . Men , women , andchildren fell prostrate upon the earth . Vivid lightnings occasionallyflashed forth from the cloud , and revealed the cross and the crucifiedRedeemer . Priests , rulers , scribes , executioners , and the mob , all thoughtthat their time of retribution had come . After a while some whispered thatJesus would now come down from the cross . Some attempted to grope their wayback to the city , beating their breasts and wailing in fear . At the ninth hour the darkness lifted from the people , but still envelopedthe Saviour . It was a symbol of the agony and horror that weighed upon Hisheart . No eye could pierce the gloom that surrounded the cross , and nonecould penetrate the deeper gloom that enshrouded the suffering soul ofChrist . The angry lightnings seemed to be hurled at Him as He hung upon thecross . Then " Jesus cried with a loud voice , saying , Eloi , Eloi , lamasabachthani ? " " My God , My God , why hast Thou forsaken Me ? " As the outergloom settled about the Saviour , many voices exclaimed : The vengeance ofheaven is upon Him . The bolts of God ' s wrath are hurled at Him , because Heclaimed to be the Son of God . Many who believed on Him heard His despairingcry . Hope left them . If God had forsaken Jesus , in what could His followerstrust ? When the darkness lifted from the oppressed spirit of Christ , He revived toa sense of physical suffering , and said , " I thirst . " one of the 755 Roman soldiers , touched with pity as he looked at the parched lips , took asponge on a stalk of hyssop , and dipping it in a vessel of vinegar , offeredit to Jesus . But the priests mocked at His agony . When darkness covered theearth , they had been filled with fear ; as their terror abated , the dreadreturned that Jesus would yet escape them . His words , " Eloi , Eloi , lamasabachthani ? " they had misinterpreted . With bitter contempt and scorn theysaid , " This man calleth for Elias . " The last opportunity to relieve Hissufferings they refused . " Let be , " they said , " let us see whether Elias willcome to save Him . " The spotless Son of God hung upon the cross , His flesh lacerated withstripes ; those hands so often reached out in blessing , nailed to the woodenbars ; those feet so tireless on ministries of love , spiked to the tree ; thatroyal head pierced by the crown of thorns ; those quivering lips shaped tothe cry of woe . And all that He endured -- the blood drops that flowed fromHis head , His hands , His feet , the agony that racked His frame , and theunutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father ' sface -- speaks to each child of humanity , declaring , It is for thee that theSon of God consents to bear this burden of guilt ; for thee He spoils thedomain of death , and opens the gates of Paradise . He who stilled the angrywaves and walked the foam - capped billows , who made devils tremble anddisease flee , who opened blind eyes and called forth the dead tolife , -- offers Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice , and this from love tothee . 756 He , the Sin Bearer , endures the wrath of divine justice , and for thy sakebecomes sin itself . In silence the beholders watched for the end of the fearful scene . The sunshone forth ; but the cross was still enveloped in darkness . Priests andrulers looked toward Jerusalem ; and lo , the dense cloud had settled over thecity and the plains of Judea . The Sun of Righteousness , the Light of theworld , was withdrawing His beams from the once favored city of Jerusalem . The fierce lightnings of God ' s wrath were directed against the fated city . Suddenly the gloom lifted from the cross , and in clear , trumpetlike tones , that seemed to resound throughout creation , Jesus cried , " It is finished . "" Father , into Thy hands I commend My spirit . " A light encircled the cross , and the face of the Saviour shone with a glory like the sun . He then bowedHis head upon His breast , and died . Amid the awful darkness , apparently forsaken of God , Christ had drained thelast dregs in the cup of human woe . In those dreadful hours He had reliedupon the evidence of His Father ' s acceptance heretofore given Him . He wasacquainted with the character of His Father ; He understood His justice , Hismercy , and His great love . By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever beenHis joy to obey . And as in submission He committed Himself to God , the senseof the loss of His Father ' s favor was withdrawn . By faith , Christ wasvictor . Never before had the earth witnessed such a scene . The multitude stoodparalyzed , and with bated breath gazed upon the Saviour . Again darknesssettled upon the earth , and a hoarse rumbling , like heavy thunder , washeard . There was a violent earthquake . The people were shaken together inheaps . The wildest confusion and consternation ensued . In the surroundingmountains , rocks were rent asunder , and went crashing down into the plains . Sepulchers were broken open , and the dead were cast out of their tombs . Creation seemed to be shivering to atoms . Priests , rulers , soldiers , executioners , and people , mute with terror , lay prostrate upon the ground . When the loud cry , " It is finished , " came from the lips of Christ , thepriests were officiating in the temple . It was the hour of the eveningsacrifice . The lamb representing Christ had been brought to be slain . Clothed in his significant and beautiful dress , the priest stood with liftedknife , as did Abraham when he was about to slay his son . With intenseinterest the people were looking on . But the earth trembles and quakes ; 757 for the Lord Himself draws near . With a rending noise the inner veil of thetemple is torn from top to bottom by an unseen hand , throwing open to thegaze of the multitude a place once filled with the presence of God . In thisplace the Shekinah had dwelt . Here God had manifested His glory above themercy seat . No one but the high priest ever lifted the veil separating thisapartment from the rest of the temple . He entered in once a year to make anatonement for the sins of the people . But lo , this veil is rent in twain . The most holy place of the earthly sanctuary is no longer sacred . All is terror and confusion . The priest is about to slay the victim ; but theknife drops from his nerveless hand , and the lamb escapes . Type has metantitype in the death of God ' s Son . The great sacrifice has been made . Theway into the holiest is laid open . A new and living way is prepared for all . No longer need sinful , sorrowing humanity await the coming of the highpriest . Henceforth the Saviour was to officiate as priest and advocate inthe heaven of heavens . It was as if a living voice had spoken to theworshipers : There is now an end to all sacrifices and offerings for sin . TheSon of God is come according to His word , " Lo , I come ( in the volume of theBook it is written of Me , ) to do Thy will , O God . " " By His own blood " Heentereth " in once into the holy place , having obtained eternal redemptionfor us . " Heb . 10 : 7 ; 9 : 12 . ( 758 ) Chapter 79 " It is Finished " Christ did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which Hecame to do , and with His parting breath He exclaimed , " It is finished . " John 19 : 30 . The battle had been won . His right hand and His holy arm had gottenHim the victory . As a Conqueror He planted His banner on the eternalheights . Was there not joy among the angels ? All heaven triumphed in theSaviour ' s victory . Satan was defeated , and knew that his kingdom was lost . To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry , " It is finished , " had a deepsignificance . It was for them as well as for us that the great work ofredemption had been accomplished . They with us share the fruits of Christ ' svictory . Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed tothe angels or to the unfallen worlds . The archapostate had so clothedhimself with deception that even holy beings had not understood hisprinciples . They had not clearly seen the nature of his rebellion . It was a being of wonderful power and glory that had set himself againstGod . Of Lucifer the Lord says , " Thou sealest up the sum , full of wisdom , andperfect in beauty . " Ezek . 28 : 12 . Lucifer had been the covering cherub . Hehad stood in the light of God ' s presence . He had been the highest of allcreated beings , and had been foremost in revealing God ' s purposes to theuniverse . After he had sinned , his power to deceive 759 was the more deceptive , and the unveiling of his character was the moredifficult , because of the exalted position he had held with the Father . God could have destroyed Satan and his sympathizers as easily as one cancast a pebble to the earth ; but He did not do this . Rebellion was not to beovercome by force . Compelling power is found only under Satan ' s government . The Lord ' s principles are not of this order . His authority rests upongoodness , mercy , and love ; and the presentation of these principles is themeans to be used . God ' s government is moral , and truth and love are to bethe prevailing power . It was God ' s purpose to place things on an eternal basis of security , and inthe councils of heaven it was decided that time must be given for Satan todevelop the principles which were the foundation of his system ofgovernment . He had claimed that these were superior to God ' s principles . Time was given for the working of Satan ' s principles , that they might beseen by the heavenly universe . Satan led men into sin , and the plan of redemption was put in operation . Forfour thousand years , Christ was working for man ' s uplifting , and Satan forhis ruin and degradation . And the heavenly universe beheld it all . When Jesus came into the world , Satan ' s power was turned against Him . Fromthe time when He appeared as a babe in Bethlehem , the usurper worked tobring about His destruction . In every possible way he sought to preventJesus from developing a perfect childhood , a faultless manhood , a holyministry , and an unblemished sacrifice . But he was defeated . He could notlead Jesus into sin . He could not discourage Him , or drive Him from a workHe had come on earth to do . From the desert to Calvary , the storm of Satan ' swrath beat upon Him , but the more mercilessly it fell , the more firmly didthe Son of God cling to the hand of His Father , and press on in thebloodstained path . All the efforts of Satan to oppress and overcome Him onlybrought out in a purer light His spotless character . All heaven and the unfallen worlds had been witnesses to the controversy . With what intense interest did they follow the closing scenes of theconflict . They beheld the Saviour enter the garden of Gethsemane , His soulbowed down with the horror of a great darkness . They heard His bitter cry , " Father , if it be possible , let this cup pass from Me . " Matt . 26 : 39 . As theFather ' s presence was withdrawn , they saw Him sorrowful with a bitterness ofsorrow exceeding that of the last great struggle with death . The bloodysweat was forced from His pores , and 760 fell in drops upon the ground . Thrice the prayer for deliverance was wrungfrom His lips . Heaven could no longer endure the sight , and a messenger ofcomfort was sent to the Son of God . Heaven beheld the Victim betrayed into the hands of the murderous mob , andwith mockery and violence hurried from one tribunal to another . It heard thesneers of His persecutors because of His lowly birth . It heard the denialwith cursing and swearing by one of His best - loved disciples . It saw thefrenzied work of Satan , and his power over the hearts of men . Oh , fearfulscene ! the Saviour seized at midnight in Gethsemane , dragged to and fro frompalace to judgment hall , arraigned twice before the priests , twice beforethe Sanhedrin , twice before Pilate , and once before Herod , mocked , scourged , condemned , and led out to be crucified , bearing the heavy burden of thecross , amid the wailing of the daughters of Jerusalem and the jeering of therabble . Heaven viewed with grief and amazement Christ hanging upon the cross , bloodflowing from His wounded temples , and sweat tinged with blood standing uponHis brow . From His hands and feet the blood fell , drop by drop , upon therock drilled for the foot of the cross . The wounds made by the nails gapedas the weight of His body dragged upon His hands . His labored breath grewquick and deep , as His soul panted under the burden of the sins of theworld . All heaven was filled with wonder when the prayer of Christ wasoffered in the midst of His terrible suffering , --" Father , forgive them ; forthey know not what they do . " Luke 23 : 34 . Yet there stood men , formed in theimage of God , joining to crush out the life of His only - begotten Son . What asight for the heavenly universe ! The principalities and powers of darkness were assembled around the cross , casting the hellish shadow of unbelief into the hearts of men . When the Lordcreated these beings to stand before His throne , they were beautiful andglorious . Their loveliness and holiness were in accordance with theirexalted station . They were enriched with the wisdom of God , and girded withthe panoply of heaven . They were Jehovah ' s ministers . But who couldrecognize in the fallen angels the glorious seraphim that once ministered inthe heavenly courts ? Satanic agencies confederated with evil men in leading the people to believeChrist the chief of sinners , and to make Him the object of detestation . Those who mocked Christ as He hung upon the cross were imbued with thespirit of the first great rebel . He filled them with vile 761 and loathsome speeches . He inspired their taunts . But by all this he gainednothing . Could one sin have been found in Christ , had He in one particular yielded toSatan to escape the terrible torture , the enemy of God and man would havetriumphed . Christ bowed His head and died , but He held fast His faith andHis submission to God . " And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven , Now iscome salvation , and strength , and the kingdom of our God , and the power ofHis Christ : for the accuser of our brethren is cast down , which accused thembefore our God day and night . " Rev . 12 : 10 . Satan saw that his disguise was torn away . His administration was laid openbefore the unfallen angels and before the heavenly universe . He had revealedhimself as a murderer . By shedding the blood of the Son of God , he haduprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings . Henceforth hiswork was restricted . Whatever attitude he might assume , he could no longerawait the angels as they came from the heavenly courts , and before themaccuse Christ ' s brethren of being clothed with the garments of blackness andthe defilement of sin . The last link of sympathy between Satan and theheavenly world was broken . Yet Satan was not then destroyed . The angels did not even then understandall that was involved in the great controversy . The principles at stake wereto be more fully revealed . And for the sake of man , Satan ' s existence mustbe continued . Man as well as angels must see the contrast between the Princeof light and the prince of darkness . He must choose whom he will serve . In the opening of the great controversy , Satan had declared that the law ofGod could not be obeyed , that justice was inconsistent with mercy , and that , should the law be broken , it would be impossible for the sinner to bepardoned . Every sin must meet its punishment , urged Satan ; and if God shouldremit the punishment of sin , He would not be a God of truth and justice . When men broke the law of God , and defied His will , Satan exulted . It wasproved , he declared , that the law could not be obeyed ; man could not beforgiven . Because he , after his rebellion , had been banished from heaven , Satan claimed that the human race must be forever shut out from God ' s favor . God could not be just , he urged , and yet show mercy to the sinner . But even as a sinner , man was in a different position from that of Satan . Lucifer in heaven had sinned in the light of God ' s glory . To him as to noother created being was given a revelation of God ' s love . 762 Understanding the character of God , knowing His goodness , Satan chose tofollow his own selfish , independent will . This choice was final . There wasno more that God could do to save him . But man was deceived ; his mind wasdarkened by Satan ' s sophistry . The height and depth of the love of God hedid not know . For him there was hope in a knowledge of God ' s love . Bybeholding His character he might be drawn back to God . Through Jesus , God ' s mercy was manifested to men ; but mercy does not setaside justice . The law reveals the attributes of God ' s character , and not ajot or tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition . God did not change His law , but He sacrificed Himself , in Christ , for man ' sredemption . " God was in Christ , reconciling the world unto Himself . " 2 Cor . 5 : 19 . The law requires righteousness , -- a righteous life , a perfect character ; andthis man has not to give . He cannot meet the claims of God ' s holy law . ButChrist , coming to the earth as man , lived a holy life , and developed aperfect character . These He offers as a free gift to all who will receivethem . His life stands for the life of men . Thus they have remission of sinsthat are past , through the forbearance of God . More than this , Christ imbuesmen with the attributes of God . He builds up the human character after thesimilitude of the divine character , a goodly fabric of spiritual strengthand beauty . Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in thebeliever in Christ . God can " be just , and the justifier of him whichbelieveth in Jesus . " Rom . 3 : 26 . God ' s love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy . Justice is the foundation of His throne , and the fruit of His love . It hadbeen Satan ' s purpose to divorce mercy from truth and justice . He sought toprove that the righteousness of God ' s law is an enemy to peace . But Christshows that in God ' s plan they are indissolubly joined together ; the onecannot exist without the other . " Mercy and truth are met together ; righteousness and peace have kissed each other . " Ps . 85 : 10 . By His life and His death , Christ proved that God ' s justice did not destroyHis mercy , but that sin could be forgiven , and that the law is righteous , and can be perfectly obeyed . Satan ' s charges were refuted . God had given manunmistakable evidence of His love . Another deception was now to be brought forward . Satan declared that mercydestroyed justice , that the death of Christ abrogated the Father ' s law . Hadit been possible for the law to be changed or abrogated , then Christ neednot have died . But to abrogate the law would 763 be to immortalize transgression , and place the world under Satan ' s control . It was because the law was changeless , because man could be saved onlythrough obedience to its precepts , that Jesus was lifted up on the cross . Yet the very means by which Christ established the law Satan represented asdestroying it . Here will come the last conflict of the great controversybetween Christ and Satan . That the law which was spoken by God ' s own voice is faulty , that somespecification has been set aside , is the claim which Satan now puts forward . It is the last great deception that he will bring upon the world . He needsnot to assail the whole law ; if he can lead men to disregard one precept , his purpose is gained . For " whosoever shall keep the whole law , and yetoffend in one point , he is guilty of all . " James 2 : 10 . By consenting tobreak one precept , men are brought under Satan ' s power . By substitutinghuman law for God ' s law , Satan will seek to control the world . This work isforetold in prophecy . Of the great apostate power which is therepresentative of Satan , it is declared , " He shall speak great words againstthe Most High , and shall wear out the saints of the Most High , and think tochange times and laws : and they shall be given into his hand . " Dan . 7 : 25 . Men will surely set up their laws to counterwork the laws of God . They willseek to compel the consciences of others , and in their zeal to enforce theselaws they will oppress their fellow men . The warfare against God ' s law , which was begun in heaven , will be continueduntil the end of time . Every man will be tested . Obedience or disobedienceis the question to be decided by the whole world . All will be called tochoose between the law of God and the laws of men . Here the dividing linewill be drawn . There will be but two classes . Every character will be fullydeveloped ; and all will show whether they have chosen the side of loyalty orthat of rebellion . Then the end will come . God will vindicate His law and deliver His people . Satan and all who have joined him in rebellion will be cut off . Sin andsinners will perish , root and branch , ( Mal . 4 : 1 ) , -- Satan the root , and hisfollowers the branches . The word will be fulfilled to the prince of evil , " Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God ; . . . I will destroythee , O covering cherub , from the midst of the stones of fire . . . . Thoushalt be a terror , and never shalt thou be any more . " Then " the wicked shallnot be : yea , thou shalt diligently consider his place , and it shall not be ;"" they shall be as though they had not been . " Ezek . 28 : 6 - 19 ; Ps . 37 : 10 ; Obadiah 16 . 764 This is not an act of arbitrary power on the part of God . The rejecters ofHis mercy reap that which they have sown . God is the fountain of life ; andwhen one chooses the service of sin , he separates from God , and thus cutshimself off from life . He is " alienated from the life of God . " Christ says , " All they that hate Me love death . " Eph . 4 : 18 ; Prov . 8 : 36 . God gives themexistence for a time that they may develop their character and reveal theirprinciples . This accomplished , they receive the results of their own choice . By a life of rebellion , Satan and all who unite with him place themselves soout of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire . The glory of Him who is love will destroy them . At the beginning of the great controversy , the angels did not understandthis . Had Satan and his host then been left to reap the full result of theirsin , they would have perished ; but it would not have been apparent toheavenly beings that this was the inevitable result of sin . A doubt of God ' sgoodness would have remained in their minds as evil seed , to produce itsdeadly fruit of sin and woe . But not so when the great controversy shall be ended . Then , the plan ofredemption having been completed , the character of God is revealed to allcreated intelligences . The precepts of His law are seen to be perfect andimmutable . Then sin has made manifest its nature , Satan his character . Thenthe extermination of sin will vindicate God ' s love and establish His honorbefore a universe of beings who delight to do His will , and in whose heartis His law . Well , then , might the angels rejoice as they looked upon the Saviour ' scross ; for though they did not then understand all , they knew that thedestruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain , that the redemptionof man was assured , and that the universe was made eternally secure . ChristHimself fully comprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary . To all these He looked forward when upon the cross He cried out , " It isfinished . " ( 769 ) Chapter 80 In Joseph ' s Tomb At last Jesus was at rest . The long day of shame and torture was ended . Asthe last rays of the setting sun ushered in the Sabbath , the Son of God layin quietude in Joseph ' s tomb . His work completed , His hands folded in peace , He rested through the sacred hours of the Sabbath day . In the beginning the Father and the Son had rested upon the Sabbath afterTheir work of creation . When " the heavens and the earth were finished , andall the host of them " ( Gen . 2 : 1 ) , the Creator and all heavenly beingsrejoiced in contemplation of the glorious scene . " The morning stars sangtogether , and all the sons of God shouted for joy . " Job 38 : 7 . Now Jesusrested from the work of redemption ; and though there was grief among thosewho loved Him on earth , yet there was joy in heaven . Glorious to the eyes ofheavenly beings was the promise of the future . A restored creation , aredeemed race , that having conquered sin could never fall , -- this , the resultto flow from Christ ' s completed work , God and angels saw . With this scenethe day upon which Jesus rested is forever linked . For " His work isperfect ;" and " whatsoever God doeth , it shall be forever . " Deut . 32 : 4 ; Eccl . 3 : 14 . When there shall be a " restitution of all things , which God hathspoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began " ( Acts 3 : 21 ) , the creation Sabbath , the 770 day on which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph ' s tomb , will still be a day of restand rejoicing . Heaven and earth will unite in praise , as " from one Sabbathto another " ( Isa . 66 : 23 ) the nations of the saved shall bow in joyfulworship to God and the Lamb . In the closing events of the crucifixion day , fresh evidence was given ofthe fulfillment of prophecy , and new witness borne to Christ ' s divinity . When the darkness had lifted from the cross , and the Saviour ' s dying cry hadbeen uttered , immediately another voice was heard , saying , " Truly this wasthe Son of God . " Matt . 27 : 54 . These words were said in no whispered tones . All eyes were turned to seewhence they came . Who had spoken ? It was the centurion , the Roman soldier . The divine patience of the Saviour , and His sudden death , with the cry ofvictory upon His lips , had impressed this heathen . In the bruised , brokenbody hanging upon the cross , the centurion recognized the form of the Son ofGod . He could not refrain from confessing his faith . Thus again evidence wasgiven that our Redeemer was to see of the travail of His soul . Upon the veryday of His death , three men , differing widely from one another , had declaredtheir faith , -- he who commanded the Roman guard , he who bore the cross of theSaviour , and he who died upon the cross at His side . As evening drew on , an unearthly stillness hung over Calvary . The crowddispersed , and many returned to Jerusalem greatly changed in spirit fromwhat they had been in the morning . Many had flocked to the crucifixion fromcuriosity , and not from hatred toward Christ . Still they believed theaccusations of the priests , and looked upon Christ as a malefactor . Under anunnatural excitement they had united with the mob in railing against Him . But when the earth was wrapped in blackness , and they stood accused by theirown consciences , they felt guilty of a great wrong . No jest or mockinglaughter was heard in the midst of that fearful gloom ; and when it waslifted , they made their way to their homes in solemn silence . They wereconvinced that the charges of the priests were false , that Jesus was nopretender ; and a few weeks later , when Peter preached upon the day ofPentecost , they were among the thousands who became converts to Christ . But the Jewish leaders were unchanged by the events they had witnessed . Their hatred of Jesus had not abated . The darkness that had mantled theearth at the crucifixion was not more dense than that which still envelopedthe minds of the priests and rulers . At His birth the star 771 had known Christ , and had guided the wise men to the manger where He lay . The heavenly hosts had known Him , and had sung His praise over the plains ofBethlehem . The sea had known His voice , and had obeyed His command . Diseaseand death had recognized His authority , and had yielded to Him their prey . The sun had known Him , and at the sight of His dying anguish , had hidden itsface of light . The rocks had known Him , and had shivered into fragments atHis cry . Inanimate nature had known Christ , and had borne witness to Hisdivinity . But the priests and rulers of Israel knew not the Son of God . Yet the priests and rulers were not at rest . They had carried out theirpurpose in putting Christ to death ; but they did not feel the sense ofvictory they had expected . Even in the hour of their apparent triumph , theywere harassed with doubts as to what would next take place . They had heardthe cry , " It is finished . " " Father , into Thy hands I commend My spirit . " John 19 : 30 ; Luke 23 : 46 . They had seen the rocks rent , and had felt themighty earthquake , and they were restless and uneasy . They had been jealous of Christ ' s influence with the people when living ; they were jealous of Him even in death . They dreaded the dead Christ more , far more , than they had ever feared the living Christ . They dreaded to havethe attention of the people directed any further to the events attending Hiscrucifixion . They feared the results of that day ' s work . Not on any accountwould they have had His body remain on the cross during the Sabbath . TheSabbath was now drawing on , and it would be a violation of its sanctity forthe bodies to hang upon the cross . So , using this as a pretext , the leadingJews requested Pilate that the death of the victims might be hastened , andtheir bodies be removed before the setting of the sun . Pilate was as unwilling as they for the body of Jesus to remain upon thecross . His consent having been obtained , the legs of the two thieves werebroken to hasten their death ; but Jesus was found to be already dead . Therude soldiers had been softened by what they had heard and seen of Christ , and they were restrained from breaking His limbs . Thus in the offering ofthe Lamb of God was fulfilled the law of the Passover , " They shall leavenone of it unto the morning , nor break any bone of it : according to all theordinances of the Passover they shall keep it . " Num . 9 : 12 The priests and rulers were amazed to find that Christ was dead . Death bythe cross was a lingering process ; it was difficult to determine 772 when life had ceased . It was an unheard - of thing for one to die within sixhours of crucifixion . The priests wished to make sure of the death of Jesus , and at their suggestion a soldier thrust a spear into the Saviour ' s side . From the wound thus made , there flowed two copious and distinct streams , oneof blood , the other of water . This was noted by all the beholders , and Johnstates the occurrence very definitely . He says , one of the soldiers with aspear pierced His side , and forthwith came there out blood and water . And hethat saw it bare record , and his record is true : and he knoweth that hesaith true , that ye might believe . For these things were done , that thescripture should be fulfilled , A bone of Him shall not be broken . And againanother scripture saith , They shall look on Him whom they pierced . " John 19 : 34 - 37 . After the resurrection the priests and rulers circulated the report thatChrist did not die upon the cross , that He merely fainted , and was afterwardrevived . Another report affirmed that it was not a real body of flesh andbone , but the likeness of a body , that was laid in the tomb . The action ofthe Roman soldiers disproves these falsehoods . They broke not His legs , because He was already dead . To satisfy the priests , they pierced His side . Had not life been already extinct , this wound would have caused instantdeath . But it was not the spear thrust , it was not the pain of the cross , thatcaused the death of Jesus . That cry , uttered " with a loud voice " ( Matt . 27 : 50 ; Luke 23 : 46 ) , at the moment of death , the stream of blood and waterthat flowed from His side , declared that He died of a broken heart . Hisheart was broken by mental anguish . He was slain by the sin of the world . With the death of Christ the hopes of His disciples perished . They lookedupon His closed eyelids and drooping head , His hair matted with blood , Hispierced hands and feet , and their anguish was indescribable . Until the lastthey had not believed that He would die ; they could hardly believe that Hewas really dead . Overwhelmed with sorrow , they did not recall His wordsforetelling this very scene . Nothing that He had said now gave them comfort . They saw only the cross and its bleeding Victim . The future seemed dark withdespair . Their faith in Jesus had perished ; but never had they loved theirLord as now . Never before had they so felt His worth , and their need of Hispresence . Even in death , Christ ' s body was very precious to His disciples . They longedto give Him an honored burial , but knew not how to accomplish 773 this . Treason against the Roman government was the crime for which Jesus wascondemned , and persons put to death for this offense were consigned to aburial ground especially provided for such criminals . The disciple John withthe women from Galilee had remained at the cross . They could not leave thebody of their Lord to be handled by the unfeeling soldiers , and buried in adishonored grave . Yet they could not prevent it . They could obtain no favorsfrom the Jewish authorities , and they had no influence with Pilate . In this emergency , Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus came to the help ofthe disciples . Both these men were members of the Sanhedrin , and wereacquainted with Pilate . Both were men of wealth and influence . They weredetermined that the body of Jesus should have an honorable burial . Joseph went boldly to Pilate , and begged from him the body of Jesus . For thefirst time , Pilate learned that Jesus was really dead . Conflicting reportshad reached him in regard to the events attending the crucifixion , but theknowledge of Christ ' s death had been purposely kept from him . Pilate hadbeen warned by the priests and rulers against deception by Christ ' sdisciples in regard to His body . Upon hearing Joseph ' s request , he thereforesent for the centurion who had charge at the cross , and learned for acertainty of the death of Jesus . He also drew from him an account of thescenes of Calvary , confirming the testimony of Joseph . The request of Joseph was granted . While John was troubled about the burialof his Master , Joseph returned with Pilate ' s order for the body of Christ ; and Nicodemus came bringing a costly mixture of myrrh and aloes , of about ahundred pounds ' weight , for His embalming . The most honored in all Jerusalemcould not have been shown more respect in death . The disciples wereastonished to see these wealthy rulers as much interested as they themselvesin the burial of their Lord . Neither Joseph nor Nicodemus had openly accepted the Saviour while He wasliving . They knew that such a step would exclude them from the Sanhedrin , and they hoped to protect Him by their influence in its councils . For a timethey had seemed to succeed ; but the wily priests , seeing their favor toChrist , had thwarted their plans . In their absence Jesus had been condemnedand delivered to be crucified . Now that He was dead , they no longerconcealed their attachment to Him . While the disciples feared to showthemselves openly as His followers , 774 Joseph and Nicodemus came boldly to their aid . The help of these rich andhonored men was greatly needed at this time . They could do for their deadMaster what it was impossible for the poor disciples to do ; and their wealthand influence protected them , in a great measure , from the malice of thepriests and rulers . Gently and reverently they removed with their own hands the body of Jesusfrom the cross . Their tears of sympathy fell fast as they looked upon Hisbruised and lacerated form . Joseph owned a new tomb , hewn in a rock . This hewas reserving for himself ; but it was near Calvary , and he now prepared itfor Jesus . The body , together with the spices brought by Nicodemus , wascarefully wrapped in a linen sheet , and the Redeemer was borne to the tomb . There the three disciples straightened the mangled limbs , and folded thebruised hands upon the pulseless breast . The Galilean women came to see thatall had been done that could be done for the lifeless form of their belovedTeacher . Then they saw the heavy stone rolled against the entrance of thetomb , and the Saviour was left at rest . The women were last at the cross , and last at the tomb of Christ . While the evening shades were gathering , Mary Magdalene and the other Marys lingered about the resting place of theirLord , shedding tears of sorrow over the fate of Him whom they loved . " Andthey returned , . . . and rested the Sabbath day according to thecommandment . " Luke 23 : 56 . That was a never - to - be - forgotten Sabbath to the sorrowing disciples , andalso to the priests , rulers , scribes , and people . At the setting of the sunon the evening of the preparation day the trumpets sounded , signifying thatthe Sabbath had begun . The Passover was observed as it had been forcenturies , while He to whom it pointed had been slain by wicked hands , andlay in Joseph ' s tomb . on the Sabbath the courts of the temple were filledwith worshipers . The high priest from Golgotha was there , splendidly robedin his sacerdotal garments . White - turbaned priests , full of activity , performed their duties . But some present were not at rest as the blood ofbulls and goats was offered for sin . They were not conscious that type hadmet antitype , that an infinite sacrifice had been made for the sins of theworld . They knew not that there was no further value in the performance ofthe ritual service . But never before had that service been witnessed withsuch conflicting feelings . The trumpets and musical instruments and thevoices of the singers were as loud and clear as usual . But a sense ofstrangeness pervaded everything . 775 One after another inquired about a strange event that had taken place . Hitherto the most holy place had been sacredly guarded from intrusion . Butnow it was open to all eyes . The heavy veil of tapestry , made of pure linen , and beautifully wrought with gold , scarlet , and purple , was rent from top tobottom . The place where Jehovah had met with the high priest , to communicateHis glory , the place that had been God ' s sacred audience chamber , lay opento every eye , -- a place no longer recognized by the Lord . With gloomypresentiments the priests ministered before the altar . The uncovering of thesacred mystery of the most holy place filled them with dread of comingcalamity . Many minds were busy with thoughts started by the scenes of Calvary . Fromthe crucifixion to the resurrection many sleepless eyes were constantlysearching the prophecies , some to learn the full meaning of the feast theywere then celebrating , some to find evidence that Jesus was not what Heclaimed to be ; and others with sorrowful hearts were searching for proofsthat He was the true Messiah . Though searching with different objects inview , all were convicted of the same truth , -- that prophecy had beenfulfilled in the events of the past few days , and that the Crucified one wasthe world ' s Redeemer . Many who at that time united in the service neveragain took part in the paschal rites . Many even of the priests wereconvicted of the true character of Jesus . Their searching of the prophecieshad not been in vain , and after His resurrection they acknowledged Him asthe Son of God . Nicodemus , when he saw Jesus lifted up on the cross , remembered His wordsspoken by night in the Mount of Olives : " As Moses lifted up the serpent inthe wilderness , even so must the Son of man be lifted up : that whosoeverbelieveth in Him should not perish , but have eternal life . " John 3 : 14 , 15 . On that Sabbath , when Christ lay in the grave , Nicodemus had opportunity forreflection . A clearer light now illuminated his mind , and the words whichJesus had spoken to him were no longer mysterious . He felt that he had lostmuch by not connecting himself with the Saviour during His life . Now herecalled the events of Calvary . The prayer of Christ for His murderers andHis answer to the petition of the dying thief spoke to the heart of thelearned councilor . Again he looked upon the Saviour in His agony ; again heheard that last cry , " It is finished , " spoken like the words of a conqueror . Again he beheld the reeling earth , the darkened heavens , the rent veil , theshivered rocks , and his faith was forever established . The very event thatdestroyed 776 the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity ofJesus . Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwaveringfaith . Never had Christ attracted the attention of the multitude as now that He waslaid in the tomb . According to their practice , the people brought their sickand suffering ones to the temple courts , inquiring , Who can tell us of Jesusof Nazareth ? Many had come from far to find Him who had healed the sick andraised the dead . on every side was heard the cry , We want Christ the Healer ! Upon this occasion those who were thought to show indications of the leprosywere examined by the priests . Many were forced to hear their husbands , wives , or children pronounced leprous , and doomed to go forth from theshelter of their homes and the care of their friends , to warn off thestranger with the mournful cry , " Unclean , unclean ! " The friendly hands ofJesus of Nazareth , that never refused to touch with healing the loathsomeleper , were folded on His breast . The lips that had answered his petitionwith the comforting words , " I will ; be thou clean " ( Matt . 8 : 3 ) , were nowsilent . Many appealed to the chief priests and rulers for sympathy andrelief , but in vain . Apparently they were determined to have the livingChrist among them again . With persistent earnestness they asked for Him . They would not be turned away . But they were driven from the temple courts , and soldiers were stationed at the gates to keep back the multitude thatcame with their sick and dying , demanding entrance . The sufferers who had come to be healed by the Saviour sank under theirdisappointment . The streets were filled with mourning . The sick were dyingfor want of the healing touch of Jesus . Physicians were consulted in vain ; there was no skill like that of Him who lay in Joseph ' s tomb . The mourning cries of the suffering ones brought home to thousands of mindsthe conviction that a great light had gone out of the world . Without Christ , the earth was blackness and darkness . Many whose voices had swelled the cryof " Crucify Him , crucify Him , " now realized the calamity that had fallenupon them , and would as eagerly have cried , Give us Jesus ! had He still beenalive . When the people learned that Jesus had been put to death by the priests , inquiries were made regarding His death . The particulars of His trial werekept as private as possible ; but during the time when He was in the grave , His name was on thousands of lips , and reports of 777 His mock trial , and of the inhumanity of the priests and rulers , werecirculated everywhere . By men of intellect these priests and rulers werecalled upon to explain the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning theMessiah , and while trying to frame some falsehood in reply , they became likemen insane . The prophecies that pointed to Christ ' s sufferings and deaththey could not explain , and many inquirers were convinced that theScriptures had been fulfilled . The revenge which the priests had thought would be so sweet was alreadybitterness to them . They knew that they were meeting the severe censure ofthe people ; they knew that the very ones whom they had influenced againstJesus were now horrified by their own shameful work . These priests had triedto believe Jesus a deceiver ; but it was in vain . Some of them had stood bythe grave of Lazarus , and had seen the dead brought back to life . Theytrembled for fear that Christ would Himself rise from the dead , and againappear before them . They had heard Him declare that He had power to lay downHis life and to take it again . They remembered that He had said , " Destroythis temple , and in three days I will raise it up . " John 2 : 19 . Judas hadtold them the words spoken by Jesus to the disciples while on the lastjourney to Jerusalem : " Behold , we go up to Jerusalem ; and the Son of manshall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes , and theyshall condemn Him to death , and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock , and to scourge , and to crucify Him : and the third day He shall rise again . " Matt . 20 : 18 , 19 . When they heard these words , they had mocked and ridiculed . But now they remembered that Christ ' s predictions had so far been fulfilled . He had said that He would rise again the third day , and who could say thatthis also would not come to pass ? They longed to shut out these thoughts , but they could not . Like their father , the devil , they believed andtrembled . Now that the frenzy of excitement was past , the image of Christ wouldintrude upon their minds . They beheld Him as He stood serene anduncomplaining before His enemies , suffering without a murmur their tauntsand abuse . All the events of His trial and crucifixion came back to themwith an overpowering conviction that He was the Son of God . They felt thatHe might at any time stand before them , the accused to become the accuser , the condemned to condemn , the slain to demand justice in the death of Hismurderers . They could rest little upon the Sabbath . Though they would not step 778 over a Gentile ' s threshold for fear of defilement , yet they held a councilconcerning the body of Christ . Death and the grave must hold Him whom theyhad crucified . " The chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate , saying , Sir , we remember that that deceiver said , while He was yet alive , After three days I will rise again . Command therefore that the sepulcher bemade sure until the third day , lest His disciples come by night , and stealHim away , and say unto the people , He is risen from the dead : so the lasterror shall be worse than the first . Pilate said unto them , Ye have a watch : go your way , make it as sure as ye can . " Matt . 27 : 62 - 65 . The priests gave directions for securing the sepulcher . A great stone hadbeen placed before the opening . Across this stone they placed cords , securing the ends to the solid rock , and sealing them with the Roman seal . The stone could not be moved without breaking the seal . A guard of onehundred soldiers was then stationed around the sepulcher to prevent it frombeing tampered with . The priests did all they could to keep Christ ' s bodywhere it had been laid . He was sealed as securely in His tomb as if He wereto remain there through all time . So weak men counseled and planned . Little did these murderers realize theuselessness of their efforts . But by their action God was glorified . Thevery efforts made to prevent Christ ' s resurrection are the most convincingarguments in its proof . The greater the number of soldiers placed around thetomb , the stronger would be the testimony that He had risen . Hundreds ofyears before the death of Christ , the Holy Spirit had declared through thepsalmist , " Why do the heathen rage , and the people imagine a vain thing ? Thekings of the earth set themselves , and the rulers take counsel together , against the Lord , and against His anointed . . . . He that sitteth in theheavens shall laugh : the Lord shall have them in derision . " Ps . 2 : 1 - 4 . Romanguards and Roman arms were powerless to confine the Lord of life within thetomb . The hour of His release was near . ( 779 ) Chapter 81 " The Lord Is Risen " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 28 : 2 - 4 , 11 - 15 . ] The night of the first day of the week had worn slowly away . The darkesthour , just before daybreak , had come . Christ was still a prisoner in Hisnarrow tomb . The great stone was in its place ; the Roman seal was unbroken ; the Roman guards were keeping their watch . And there were unseen watchers . Hosts of evil angels were gathered about the place . Had it been possible , the prince of darkness with his apostate army would have kept forever sealedthe tomb that held the Son of God . But a heavenly host surrounded thesepulcher . Angels that excel in strength were guarding the tomb , and waitingto welcome the Prince of life . " And , behold , there was a great earthquake : for the angel of the Lorddescended from heaven . " Clothed with the panoply of God , this angel left theheavenly courts . The bright beams of God ' s glory went before him , andilluminated his pathway . " His countenance was like lightning , and hisraiment white as snow : and for fear of him the keepers did shake , and becameas dead men . " Now , priests and rulers , where is the power of your guard ? Brave soldiersthat have never been afraid of human power are now as captives taken withoutsword or spear . The face they look upon is not the face 780 of mortal warrior ; it is the face of the mightiest of the Lord ' s host . Thismessenger is he who fills the position from which Satan fell . It is he whoon the hills of Bethlehem proclaimed Christ ' s birth . The earth trembles athis approach , the hosts of darkness flee , and as he rolls away the stone , heaven seems to come down to the earth . The soldiers see him removing thestone as he would a pebble , and hear him cry , Son of God , come forth ; ThyFather calls Thee . They see Jesus come forth from the grave , and hear Himproclaim over the rent sepulcher , " I am the resurrection , and the life . " AsHe comes forth in majesty and glory , the angel host bow low in adorationbefore the Redeemer , and welcome Him with songs of praise . An earthquake marked the hour when Christ laid down His life , and anotherearthquake witnessed the moment when He took it up in triumph . He who hadvanquished death and the grave came forth from the tomb with the tread of aconqueror , amid the reeling of the earth , the flashing of lightning , and theroaring of thunder . When He shall come to the earth again , He will shake " not the earth only , but also heaven . " " The earth shall reel to and fro likea drunkard , and shall be removed like a cottage . " " The heavens shall berolled together as a scroll ;" " the elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up . " But " theLord will be the hope of His people , and the strength of the children ofIsrael . " Heb . 12 : 26 ; Isa . 24 : 20 ; 34 : 4 ; 2 Peter 3 : 10 ; Joel 3 : 16 . At the death of Jesus the soldiers had beheld the earth wrapped in darknessat midday ; but at the resurrection they saw the brightness of the angelsilluminate the night , and heard the inhabitants of heaven singing with greatjoy and triumph : Thou hast vanquished Satan and the powers of darkness ; Thouhast swallowed up death in victory ! Christ came forth from the tomb glorified , and the Roman guard beheld Him . Their eyes were riveted upon the face of Him whom they had so recentlymocked and derided . In this glorified Being they beheld the prisoner whomthey had seen in the judgment hall , the one for whom they had plaited acrown of thorns . This was the one who had stood unresisting before Pilateand Herod , His form lacerated by the cruel scourge . This was He who had beennailed to the cross , at whom the priests and rulers , full ofself - satisfaction , had wagged their heads , saying , " He saved others ; HimselfHe cannot save . " Matt . 27 : 42 . This was He who had been laid in Joseph ' s newtomb . The decree of heaven had 781 loosed the captive . Mountains piled upon mountains over His sepulcher couldnot have prevented Him from coming forth . At sight of the angels and the glorified Saviour the Roman guard had faintedand become as dead men . When the heavenly train was hidden from their view , they arose to their feet , and as quickly as their trembling limbs couldcarry them , made their way to the gate of the garden . Staggering likedrunken men , they hurried on to the city , telling those whom they met thewonderful news . They were making their way to Pilate , but their report hadbeen carried to the Jewish authorities , and the chief priests and rulerssent for them to be brought first into their presence . A strange appearancethose soldiers presented . Trembling with fear , their faces colorless , theybore testimony to the resurrection of Christ . The soldiers told all , just asthey had seen it ; they had not had time to think or speak anything but thetruth . With painful utterance they said , It was the Son of God who wascrucified ; we have heard an angel proclaiming Him as the Majesty of heaven , the King of glory . The faces of the priests were as those of the dead . Caiaphas tried to speak . His lips moved , but they uttered no sound . The soldiers were about to leavethe council room , when a voice stayed them . Caiaphas had at last foundspeech . Wait , wait , he said . Tell no one the things you have seen . A lying report was then given to the soldiers . " Say ye , " said the priests , " His disciples came by night , and stole Him away while we 782 slept . " Here the priests overreached themselves . How could the soldiers saythat the disciples had stolen the body while they slept ? If they wereasleep , how could they know ? And if the disciples had been proved guilty ofstealing Christ ' s body , would not the priests have been first to condemnthem ? Or if the sentinels had slept at the tomb , would not the priests havebeen foremost in accusing them to Pilate ? The soldiers were horrified at the thought of bringing upon themselves thecharge of sleeping at their post . This was an offense punishable with death . Should they bear false witness , deceiving the people , and placing their ownlives in peril ? Had they not kept their weary watch with sleeplessvigilance ? How could they stand the trial , even for the sake of money , ifthey perjured themselves ? In order to silence the testimony they feared , the priests promised tosecure the safety of the guard , saying that Pilate would not desire to havesuch a report circulated any more than they did . The Roman soldiers soldtheir integrity to the Jews for money . They came in before the priestsburdened with a most startling message of truth ; they went out with a burdenof money , and on their tongues a lying report which had been framed for themby the priests . Meanwhile the report of Christ ' s resurrection had been carried to Pilate . Though Pilate was responsible for having given Christ up to die , he had beencomparatively unconcerned . While he had condemned the Saviour unwillingly , and with a feeling of pity , he had felt no real compunction until now . Interror he now shut himself within his house , determined to see no one . Butthe priests made their way into his presence , told the story which they hadinvented , and urged him to overlook the sentinels ' neglect of duty . Beforeconsenting to this , he himself privately questioned the guard . They , fearingfor their own safety , dared not conceal anything , and Pilate drew from theman account of all that had taken place . He did not prosecute the matterfurther , but from that time there was no peace for him . When Jesus was laid in the grave , Satan triumphed . He dared to hope that theSaviour would not take up His life again . He claimed the Lord ' s body , andset his guard about the tomb , seeking to hold Christ a prisoner . He wasbitterly angry when his angels fled at the approach of the heavenlymessenger . When he saw Christ come forth in triumph , he knew that hiskingdom would have an end , and that he must finally die . 785 The priests , in putting Christ to death , had made themselves the tools ofSatan . Now they were entirely in his power . They were entangled in a snarefrom which they saw no escape but in continuing their warfare againstChrist . When they heard the report of His resurrection , they feared thewrath of the people . They felt that their own lives were in danger . The onlyhope for them was to prove Christ an impostor by denying that He had risen . They bribed the soldiers , and secured Pilate ' s silence . They spread theirlying reports far and near . But there were witnesses whom they could notsilence . Many had heard of the soldiers ' testimony to Christ ' s resurrection . And certain of the dead who came forth with Christ appeared to many , anddeclared that He had risen . Reports were brought to the priests of personswho had seen these risen ones , and heard their testimony . The priests andrulers were in continual dread , lest in walking the streets , or within theprivacy of their own homes , they should come face to face with Christ . Theyfelt that there was no safety for them . Bolts and bars were but poorprotection against the Son of God . By day and by night that awful scene inthe judgment hall , when they had cried , " His blood be on us , and on ourchildren , " was before them . Matt . 27 : 25 . Nevermore would the memory of thatscene fade from their minds . Nevermore would peaceful sleep come to theirpillows . When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ ' s tomb , saying , ThyFather calls Thee , the Saviour came forth from the grave by the life thatwas in Himself . Now was proved the truth of His words , " I lay down My life , that I might take it again . . . . I have power to lay it down , and I havepower to take it again . " Now was fulfilled the prophecy He had spoken to thepriests and rulers , " Destroy this temple , and in three days I will raise itup . " John 10 : 17 , 18 ; 2 : 19 . Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph , Christ had proclaimed in triumph , " I amthe resurrection , and the life . " These words could be spoken only by theDeity . All created beings live by the will and power of God . They aredependent recipients of the life of God . From the highest seraph to thehumblest animate being , all are replenished from the Source of life . only Hewho is one with God could say , I have power to lay down My life , and I havepower to take it again . In His divinity , Christ possessed the power to breakthe bonds of death . Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept . He wasthe antitype of the wave sheaf , and His resurrection took place on 786 the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord . Formore than a thousand years this symbolic ceremony had been performed . Fromthe harvest fields the first heads of ripened grain were gathered , and whenthe people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover , the sheaf of first fruitswas waved as a thank offering before the Lord . Not until this was presentedcould the sickle be put to the grain , and it be gathered into sheaves . Thesheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest . So Christ the first fruitsrepresented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom ofGod . His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all therighteous dead . " For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again , even sothem also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him . " 1 Thess . 4 : 14 . As Christ arose , He brought from the grave a multitude of captives . Theearthquake at His death had rent open their graves , and when He arose , theycame forth with Him . They were those who had been co - laborers with God , andwho at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth . Now theywere to be witnesses for Him who had raised them from the dead . During His ministry , Jesus had raised the dead to life . He had raised theson of the widow of Nain , and the ruler ' s daughter and Lazarus . But thesewere not clothed with immortality . After they were raised , they were stillsubject to death . But those who came forth from the grave at Christ ' sresurrection were raised to everlasting life . They ascended with Him astrophies of His victory over death and the grave . These , said Christ , are nolonger the captives of Satan ; I have redeemed them . I have brought them fromthe grave as the first fruits of My power , to be with Me where I am , nevermore to see death or experience sorrow . These went into the city , and appeared unto many , declaring , Christ hasrisen from the dead , and we be risen with Him . Thus was immortalized thesacred truth of the resurrection . The risen saints bore witness to the truthof the words , " Thy dead men shall live , together with My dead body shallthey arise . " Their resurrection was an illustration of the fulfillment ofthe prophecy , " Awake and sing , ye that dwell in dust : for thy dew is as thedew of herbs , and the earth shall cast out the dead . " Isa . 26 : 19 . To the believer , Christ is the resurrection and the life . In our Saviour thelife that was lost through sin is restored ; for He has life in Himself 787 to quicken whom He will . He is invested with the right to give immortality . The life that He laid down in humanity , He takes up again , and gives tohumanity . " I am come , " He said , " that they might have life , and that theymight have it more abundantly . " " Whosoever drinketh of the water that Ishall give him shall never thirst ; but the water that I shall give him shallbe in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life . " " Whoso eatethMy flesh , and drinketh My blood , hath eternal life ; and I will raise him upat the last day . " John 10 : 10 ; 4 : 14 ; 6 : 54 . To the believer , death is but a small matter . Christ speaks of it as if itwere of little moment . " If a man keep My saying , he shall never see death , "" he shall never taste of death . " To the Christian , death is but a sleep , amoment of silence and darkness . The life is hid with Christ in God , and " when Christ , who is our life , shall appear , then shall ye also appear withHim in glory . " John 8 : 51 , 52 ; Col . 3 : 4 . The voice that cried from the cross , " It is finished , " was heard among thedead . It pierced the walls of sepulchers , and summoned the sleepers toarise . Thus will it be when the voice of Christ shall be heard from heaven . That voice will penetrate the graves and unbar the tombs , and the dead inChrist shall arise . At the Saviour ' s resurrection a few graves were opened , but at His second coming all the precious dead shall hear His voice , andshall come forth to glorious , immortal life . The same power that raisedChrist from the dead will raise His church , and glorify it with Him , aboveall principalities , above all powers , above every name that is named , notonly in this world , but also in the world to come . ( 788 ) Chapter 82 " Why Weepest Thou ? " [ This chapter is based on Matt . 28 : 1 , 5 - 8 ; Mark 16 : 1 - 8 ; Luke 24 : 1 - 12 ; John 20 : 1 - 18 . ] The women who had stood by the cross of Christ waited and watched for thehours of the Sabbath to pass . on the first day of the week , very early , theymade their way to the tomb , taking with them precious spices to anoint theSaviour ' s body . They did not think about His rising from the dead . The sunof their hope had set , and night had settled down on their hearts . As theywalked , they recounted Christ ' s works of mercy and His words of comfort . Butthey remembered not His words , " I will see you again . " John 16 : 22 . Ignorant of what was even then taking place , they drew near the garden , saying as they went , " Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of thesepulcher ? " They knew that they could not remove the stone , yet they kept ontheir way . And lo , the heavens were suddenly alight with glory that came notfrom the rising sun . The earth trembled . They saw that the great stone wasrolled away . The grave was empty . The women had not all come to the tomb from the same direction . MaryMagdalene was the first to reach the place ; and upon seeing that the stonewas removed , she hurried away to tell the disciples . Meanwhile the otherwomen came up . A light was shining about the tomb , but the body of Jesus wasnot there . As they lingered about the place , suddenly they saw that theywere not alone . A young man clothed in shining garments was sitting by thetomb . It was the angel who had rolled away the stone . He had taken the guiseof humanity that he 789 might not alarm these friends of Jesus . Yet about him the light of theheavenly glory was still shining , and the women were afraid . They turned toflee , but the angel ' s words stayed their steps . " Fear not ye , " he said ; " forI know that ye seek Jesus , which was crucified . He is not here : for He isrisen , as He said . Come , see the place where the Lord lay . And go quickly , and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead . " Again they look intothe tomb , and again they hear the wonderful news . Another angel in humanform is there , and he says , " Why seek ye the living among the dead ? He isnot here , but is risen : remember how He spake unto you when He was yet inGalilee , saying , The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinfulmen , and be crucified , and the third day rise again . " He is risen , He is risen ! The women repeat the words again and again . Noneed now for the anointing spices . The Saviour is living , and not dead . Theyremember now that when speaking of His death He said that He would riseagain . What a day is this to the world ! Quickly the women departed from thesepulcher " with fear and great joy ; and did run to bring His disciplesword . " Mary had not heard the good news . She went to Peter and John with thesorrowful message , " They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher , andwe know not where they have laid Him . " The disciples hurried to the tomb , and found it as Mary had said . They saw the shroud and the napkin , but theydid not find their Lord . Yet even here was testimony that He had risen . Thegraveclothes were not thrown heedlessly aside , but carefully folded , each ina place by itself . John " saw , and believed . " He did not yet understand thescripture that Christ must rise from the dead ; but he now remembered theSaviour ' s words foretelling His resurrection . It was Christ Himself who had placed those graveclothes with such care . Whenthe mighty angel came down to the tomb , he was joined by another , who withhis company had been keeping guard over the Lord ' s body . As the angel fromheaven rolled away the stone , the other entered the tomb , and unbound thewrappings from the body of Jesus . But it was the Saviour ' s hand that foldedeach , and laid it in its place . In His sight who guides alike the star andthe atom , there is nothing unimportant . Order and perfection are seen in allHis work . Mary had followed John and Peter to the tomb ; when they returned toJerusalem , she remained . As she looked into the empty tomb , grief filled herheart . Looking in , she saw the two angels , one at the head and 790 the other at the foot where Jesus had lain . " Woman , why weepest thou ? " theyasked her . " Because they have taken away my Lord , " she answered , " and I knownot where they have laid Him . " Then she turned away , even from the angels , thinking that she must findsomeone who could tell her what had been done with the body of Jesus . Another voice addressed her , " Woman , why weepest thou ? whom seekest thou ? " Through her tear - dimmed eyes , Mary saw the form of a man , and thinking thatit was the gardener , she said , " Sir , if thou have borne Him hence , tell mewhere thou hast laid Him , and I will take Him away . " If this rich man ' s tombwas thought too honorable a burial place for Jesus , she herself wouldprovide a place for Him . There was a grave that Christ ' s own voice had madevacant , the grave where Lazarus had lain . Might she not there find a burialplace for her Lord ? She felt that to care for His precious crucified bodywould be a great consolation to her in her grief . But now in His own familiar voice Jesus said to her , " Mary . " Now she knewthat it was not a stranger who was addressing her , and turning she sawbefore her the living Christ . In her joy she forgot that He had beencrucified . Springing toward Him , as if to embrace His feet , she said , " Rabboni . " But Christ raised His hand , saying , Detain Me not ; " for I am notyet ascended to My Father : but go to My brethren , and say unto them , Iascend unto My Father , and your Father ; and to My God , and your God . " AndMary went her way to the disciples with the joyful message . Jesus refused to receive the homage of His people until He had the assurancethat His sacrifice was accepted by the Father . He ascended to the heavenlycourts , and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for thesins of men had been ample , that through His blood all might gain eternallife . The Father ratified the covenant made with Christ , that He wouldreceive repentant and obedient men , and would love them even as He loves HisSon . Christ was to complete His work , and fulfill His pledge to " make a manmore precious than fine gold ; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir . " Isa . 13 : 12 . All power in heaven and on earth was given to the Prince ofLife , and He returned to His followers in a world of sin , that He mightimpart to them of His power and glory . While the Saviour was in God ' s presence , receiving gifts for His church , thedisciples thought upon His empty tomb , and mourned and wept . The day thatwas a day of rejoicing to all heaven was to the disciples a day ofuncertainty , confusion , and perplexity . Their unbelief 793 in the testimony of the women gives evidence of how low their faith hadsunk . The news of Christ ' s resurrection was so different from what they hadanticipated that they could not believe it . It was too good to be true , theythought . They had heard so much of the doctrines and the so - calledscientific theories of the Sadducees that the impression made on their mindsin regard to the resurrection was vague . They scarcely knew what theresurrection from the dead could mean . They were unable to take in the greatsubject . " Go your way , " the angels had said to the women , " tell His disciples andPeter that He goeth before you into Galilee : there shall ye see Him , as Hesaid unto you . " These angels had been with Christ as guardian angelsthroughout His life on earth . They had witnessed His trial and crucifixion . They had heard His words to His disciples . This was shown by their messageto the disciples , and should have convinced them of its truth . Such wordscould have come only from the messengers of their risen Lord . " Tell His disciples and Peter , " the angels said . Since the death of Christ , Peter had been bowed down with remorse . His shameful denial of the Lord , andthe Saviour ' s look of love and anguish , were ever before him . Of all thedisciples he had suffered most bitterly . To him the assurance is given thathis repentance is accepted and his sin forgiven . He is mentioned by name . " Tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee : thereshall ye see Him . " All the disciples had forsaken Jesus , and the call tomeet Him again includes them all . He has not cast them off . When MaryMagdalene told them she had seen the Lord , she repeated the call to themeeting in Galilee . And a third time the message was sent to them . After Hehad ascended to the Father , Jesus appeared to the other women , saying , " Allhail . And they came and held Him by the feet , and worshiped Him . Then saidJesus unto them , Be not afraid : go tell My brethren that they go intoGalilee , and there shall they see Me . " Christ ' s first work on earth after His resurrection was to convince Hisdisciples of His undiminished love and tender regard for them . To give themproof that He was their living Saviour , that He had broken the fetters ofthe tomb , and could no longer be held by the enemy death ; to reveal that Hehad the same heart of love as when He was with them as their belovedTeacher , He appeared to them again and again . He would draw the bonds oflove still closer around them . Go tell My brethren , He said , that they meetMe in Galilee . 794 As they heard this appointment , so definitely given , the disciples began tothink of Christ ' s words to them foretelling His resurrection . But even nowthey did not rejoice . They could not cast off their doubt and perplexity . Even when the women declared that they had seen the Lord , the discipleswould not believe . They thought them under an illusion . Trouble seemed crowding upon trouble . on the sixth day of the week they hadseen their Master die ; on the first day of the next week they foundthemselves deprived of His body , and they were accused of having stolen itaway for the sake of deceiving the people . They despaired of ever correctingthe false impressions that were gaining ground against them . They feared theenmity of the priests and the wrath of the people . They longed for thepresence of Jesus , who had helped them in every perplexity . Often they repeated the words , " We trusted that it had been He which shouldhave redeemed Israel . " Lonely and sick at heart they remembered His words , " If they do these things in a green tree , what shall be done in the dry ? " Luke 24 : 21 ; 23 : 31 . They met together in the upper chamber , and closed andfastened the doors , knowing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might atany time be theirs . And all the time they might have been rejoicing in the knowledge of a risenSaviour . In the garden , Mary had stood weeping , when Jesus was close besideher . Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she did not discern Him . And thehearts of the disciples were so full of grief that they did not believe theangels ' message or the words of Christ Himself . How many are still doing what these disciples did ! How many echo Mary ' sdespairing cry , " They have taken away the Lord , . . . and we know not wherethey have laid Him "! To how many might the Saviour ' s words be spoken , " Whyweepest thou ? whom seekest thou ? " He is close beside them , but theirtear - blinded eyes do not discern Him . He speaks to them , but they do notunderstand . Oh that the bowed head might be lifted , that the eyes might be opened tobehold Him , that the ears might listen to His voice ! " Go quickly , and tellHis disciples that He is risen . " Bid them look not to Joseph ' s new tomb , that was closed with a great stone , and sealed with the Roman seal . Christis not there . Look not to the empty sepulcher . Mourn not as those who arehopeless and helpless . Jesus lives , and because He lives , we shall livealso . From grateful hearts , from lips touched with holy fire , let the gladsong ring out , Christ is risen ! He lives to make intercession for us . Graspthis hope , and it will hold the soul like a sure , tried anchor . Believe , andthou shalt see the glory of God . ( 795 ) Chapter 83 The Walk to Emmaus [ This chapter is based on Luke 24 : 13 - 33 . ] Late in the afternoon of the day of the resurrection , two of the discipleswere on their way to Emmaus , a little town eight miles from Jerusalem . Thesedisciples had had no prominent place in Christ ' s work , but they were earnestbelievers in Him . They had come to the city to keep the Passover , and weregreatly perplexed by the events that had recently taken place . They hadheard the news of the morning in regard to the removal of Christ ' s body fromthe tomb , and also the report of the women who had seen the angels and hadmet Jesus . They were now returning to their homes to meditate and pray . Sadly they pursued their evening walk , talking over the scenes of the trialand the crucifixion . Never before had they been so utterly disheartened . Hopeless and faithless , they were walking in the shadow of the cross . They had not advanced far on their journey when they were joined by astranger , but they were so absorbed in their gloom and disappointment thatthey did not observe him closely . They continued their conversation , expressing the thoughts of their hearts . They were reasoning in regard tothe lessons that Christ had given , which they seemed unable to comprehend . As they talked of the events that had taken place , Jesus longed to comfortthem . He had seen their grief ; He understood the conflicting , perplexingideas that brought to their minds the thought , 796 Can this Man , who suffered Himself to be so humiliated , be the Christ ? Theirgrief could not be restrained , and they wept . Jesus knew that their heartswere bound up with Him in love , and He longed to wipe away their tears , andfill them with joy and gladness . But He must first give them lessons theywould never forget . " He said unto them , What manner of communications are these that ye have oneto another , as ye walk , and are sad ? And the one of them , whose name wasCleopas , answering said unto Him , Art Thou only a stranger in Jerusalem , andhast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days ? " Theytold Him of their disappointment in regard to their Master , " which was aprophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people ;" but " thechief priests and our rulers , " they said , " delivered Him to be condemned todeath , and have crucified Him . " With hearts sore with disappointment , andwith quivering lips , they added , " We trusted that it had been He whichshould have redeemed Israel : and beside all this , today is the third daysince these things were done . " Strange that the disciples did not remember Christ ' s words , and realize thatHe had foretold the events which had come to pass ! They did not realize thatthe last part of His disclosure would be just as verily fulfilled as thefirst part , that the third day He would rise again . This was the part theyshould have remembered . The priests and rulers did not forget this . on theday " that followed the day of the preparation , the chief priests andPharisees came together unto Pilate , saying , Sir , we remember that thatdeceiver said , while He was yet alive , After three days I will rise again . " Matt . 27 : 62 , 63 . But the disciples did not remember these words . " Then He said unto them , O fools , and slow of heart to believe all that theprophets have spoken : ought not Christ to have suffered these things , and toenter into His glory ? " The disciples wondered who this stranger could be , that He should penetrate to their very souls , and speak with suchearnestness , tenderness , and sympathy , and with such hopefulness . For thefirst time since Christ ' s betrayal , they began to feel hopeful . Often theylooked earnestly at their companion , and thought that His words were justthe words that Christ would have spoken . They were filled with amazement , and their hearts began to throb with joyful expectation . Beginning at Moses , the very Alpha of Bible history , Christ expounded in allthe Scriptures the things concerning Himself . Had He 799 first made Himself known to them , their hearts would have been satisfied . Inthe fullness of their joy they would have hungered for nothing more . But itwas necessary for them to understand the witness borne to Him by the typesand prophecies of the Old Testament . Upon these their faith must beestablished . Christ performed no miracle to convince them , but it was Hisfirst work to explain the Scriptures . They had looked upon His death as thedestruction of all their hopes . Now He showed from the prophets that thiswas the very strongest evidence for their faith . In teaching these disciples , Jesus showed the importance of the OldTestament as a witness to His mission . Many professed Christians now discardthe Old Testament , claiming that it is no longer of any use . But such is notChrist ' s teaching . So highly did He value it that at one time He said , " Ifthey hear not Moses and the prophets , neither will they be persuaded , thoughone rose from the dead . " Luke 16 : 31 . It is the voice of Christ that speaks through patriarchs and prophets , fromthe days of Adam even to the closing scenes of time . The Saviour is revealedin the Old Testament as clearly as in the New . It is the light from theprophetic past that brings out the life of Christ and the teachings of theNew Testament with clearness and beauty . The miracles of Christ are a proofof His divinity ; but a stronger proof that He is the world ' s Redeemer isfound in comparing the prophecies of the Old Testament with the history ofthe New . Reasoning from prophecy , Christ gave His disciples a correct idea of what Hewas to be in humanity . Their expectation of a Messiah who was to take Histhrone and kingly power in accordance with the desires of men had beenmisleading . It would interfere with a correct apprehension of His descentfrom the highest to the lowest position that could be occupied . Christdesired that the ideas of His disciples might be pure and true in everyspecification . They must understand as far as possible in regard to the cupof suffering that had been apportioned to Him . He showed them that the awfulconflict which they could not yet comprehend was the fulfillment of thecovenant made before the foundation of the world was laid . Christ must die , as every transgressor of the law must die if he continues in sin . All thiswas to be , but it was not to end in defeat , but in glorious , eternalvictory . Jesus told them that every effort must be made to save the worldfrom sin . His followers must live as He lived , and work as He worked , withintense , persevering effort . 800 Thus Christ discoursed to His disciples , opening their minds that they mightunderstand the Scriptures . The disciples were weary , but the conversationdid not flag . Words of life and assurance fell from the Saviour ' s lips . Butstill their eyes were holden . As He told them of the overthrow of Jerusalem , they looked upon the doomed city with weeping . But little did they yetsuspect who their traveling companion was . They did not think that thesubject of their conversation was walking by their side ; for Christ referredto Himself as though He were another person . They thought that He was one ofthose who had been in attendance at the great feast , and who was nowreturning to his home . He walked as carefully as they over the rough stones , now and then halting with them for a little rest . Thus they proceeded alongthe mountainous road , while the one who was soon to take His position atGod ' s right hand , and who could say , " All power is given unto Me in heavenand in earth , " walked beside them . Matt . 28 : 18 . During the journey the sun had gone down , and before the travelers reachedtheir place of rest , the laborers in the fields had left their work . As thedisciples were about to enter their home , the stranger appeared as though Hewould continue His journey . But the disciples felt drawn to Him . Their soulshungered to hear more from Him . " Abide with us , " they said . He did not seemto accept the invitation , but they pressed it upon Him , urging , " It istoward evening , and the day is far spent . " Christ yielded to this entreatyand " went in to tarry with them . " Had the disciples failed to press their invitation , they would not haveknown that their traveling companion was the risen Lord . Christ never forcesHis company upon anyone . He interests Himself in those who need Him . Gladlywill He enter the humblest home , and cheer the lowliest heart . But if menare too indifferent to think of the heavenly Guest , or ask Him to abide withthem , He passes on . Thus many meet with great loss . They do not know Christany more than did the disciples as He walked with them by the way . The simple evening meal of bread is soon prepared . It is placed before theguest , who has taken His seat at the head of the table . Now He puts forthHis hands to bless the food . The disciples start back in astonishment . Theircompanion spreads forth His hands in exactly the same way as their Masterused to do . They look again , and lo , they see in His hands the print ofnails . Both exclaim at once , It is the Lord Jesus ! He has risen from thedead ! 801 They rise to cast themselves at His feet and worship Him , but He hasvanished out of their sight . They look at the place which had been occupiedby one whose body had lately lain in the grave , and say to each other , " Didnot our heart burn within us , while He talked with us by the way , and whileHe opened to us the Scriptures ? " But with this great news to communicate they cannot sit and talk . Theirweariness and hunger are gone . They leave their meal untasted , and full ofjoy immediately set out again on the same path by which they came , hurryingto tell the tidings to the disciples in the city . In some parts the road isnot safe , but they climb over the steep places , slipping on the smoothrocks . They do not see , they do not know , that they have the protection ofHim who has traveled the road with them . With their pilgrim staff in hand , they press on , desiring to go faster than they dare . They lose their track , but find it again . Sometimes running , sometimes stumbling , they pressforward , their unseen Companion close beside them all the way . The night is dark , but the Sun of Righteousness is shining upon them . Theirhearts leap for joy . They seem to be in a new world . Christ is a livingSaviour . They no longer mourn over Him as dead . Christ is risen -- over andover again they repeat it . This is the message they are carrying to thesorrowing ones . They must tell them the wonderful story of the walk toEmmaus . They must tell who joined them by the way . They carry the greatestmessage ever given to the world , a message of glad tidings upon which thehopes of the human family for time and for eternity depend . ( 802 ) Chapter 84 " Peace Be Unto You " [ This chapter is based on Luke 24 : 33 - 48 ; John 20 : 19 - 29 . ] On reaching Jerusalem the two disciples enter at the eastern gate , which isopen at night on festal occasions . The houses are dark and silent , but thetravelers make their way through the narrow streets by the light of therising moon . They go to the upper chamber where Jesus spent the hours of thelast evening before His death . Here they know that their brethren are to befound . Late as it is , they know that the disciples will not sleep till theylearn for a certainty what has become of the body of their Lord . They findthe door of the chamber securely barred . They knock for admission , but noanswer comes . All is still . Then they give their names . The door iscarefully unbarred , they enter , and Another , unseen , enters with them . Thenthe door is again fastened , to keep out spies . The travelers find all in surprised excitement . The voices of those in theroom break out into thanksgiving and praise , saying , " The Lord is risenindeed , and hath appeared to Simon . " Then the two travelers , panting withthe haste with which they have made their journey , tell the wondrous storyof how Jesus has appeared to them . They have just ended , and some are sayingthat they cannot believe it , for it is too good to be true , when behold , another Person stands before them . Every eye is fastened upon the stranger . No one has knocked for entrance . No 803 footstep has been heard . The disciples are startled , and wonder what itmeans . Then they hear a voice which is no other than the voice of theirMaster . Clear and distinct the words fall from His lips , " Peace be untoyou . " " But they were terrified and affrighted , and supposed that they had seen aspirit . And He said unto them , Why are ye troubled ? and why do thoughtsarise in your hearts ? Behold My hands and My feet , that it is I Myself : handle Me , and see ; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones , as ye see Mehave . And when He had thus spoken , He showed them His hands and His feet . " They beheld the hands and feet marred by the cruel nails . They recognizedHis voice , like no other they had ever heard . " And while they yet believednot for joy , and wondered , He said unto them , Have ye here any meat ? Andthey gave Him a piece of a broiled fish , and of an honeycomb . And He tookit , and did eat before them . " " Then were the disciples glad , when they sawthe Lord . " Faith and joy took the place of unbelief , and with feelings whichno words could express they acknowledged their risen Saviour . At the birth of Jesus the angel announced , Peace on earth , and good will tomen . And now at His first appearance to the disciples after Hisresurrection , the Saviour addressed them with the blessed words , " Peace 804 be unto you . " Jesus is ever ready to speak peace to souls that are burdenedwith doubts and fears . He waits for us to open the door of the heart to Him , and say , Abide with us . He says , " Behold , I stand at the door , and knock : ifany man hear My voice , and open the door , I will come in to him , and willsup with him , and he with Me . " Rev . 3 : 20 . The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all whosleep in Him . The countenance of the risen Saviour , His manner , His speech , were all familiar to His disciples . As Jesus arose from the dead , so thosewho sleep in Him are to rise again . We shall know our friends , even as thedisciples knew Jesus . They may have been deformed , diseased , or disfigured , in this mortal life , and they rise in perfect health and symmetry ; yet inthe glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved . Then shall weknow even as also we are known . 1 Cor . 13 : 12 . In the face radiant with thelight shining from the face of Jesus , we shall recognize the lineaments ofthose we love . When Jesus met with His disciples , He reminded them of the words He hadspoken to them before His death , that all things must be fulfilled whichwere written in the law of Moses , and in the prophets , and in the Psalmsconcerning Him . " Then opened He their understanding , that they mightunderstand the Scriptures , and said unto them , Thus it is 805 written , and thus it behooved Christ to suffer , and to rise from the deadthe third day : and that repentance and remission of sins should be preachedin His name among all nations , beginning at Jerusalem . And ye are witnessesof these things . " The disciples began to realize the nature and extent of their work . Theywere to proclaim to the world the wonderful truths which Christ hadentrusted to them . The events of His life , His death and resurrection , theprophecies that pointed to these events , the sacredness of the law of God , the mysteries of the plan of salvation , the power of Jesus for the remissionof sins , -- to all these things they were witnesses , and they were to makethem known to the world . They were to proclaim the gospel of peace andsalvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour . " And when He had said this , He breathed on them , and saith unto them , Receive ye the Holy Ghost : Whosesoever sins ye remit , they are remitted untothem ; and whosesoever sins ye retain , they are retained . " The Holy Spiritwas not yet fully manifested ; for Christ had not yet been glorified . Themore abundant impartation of the Spirit did not take place till afterChrist ' s ascension . Not until this was received could the disciples fulfillthe commission to preach the gospel to the world . But the Spirit was nowgiven for a special purpose . Before the disciples could fulfill theirofficial duties in connection with the church , Christ breathed His Spiritupon them . He was committing to them a most sacred trust , and He desired toimpress them with the fact that without the Holy Spirit this work could notbe accomplished . The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul . The impartationof the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ . It imbues thereceiver with the attributes of Christ . only those who are thus taught ofGod , those who possess the inward working of the Spirit , and in whose lifethe Christ - life is manifested , are to stand as representative men , tominister in behalf of the church . " Whosesoever sins ye remit , " said Christ , " they are remitted ; . . . andwhosesoever sins ye retain , they are retained . " Christ here gives no libertyfor any man to pass judgment upon others . In the Sermon on the Mount Heforbade this . It is the prerogative of God . But on the church in itsorganized capacity He places a responsibility for the individual members . Toward those who fall into sin , the church has a duty , to warn , to instruct , and if possible to restore . " Reprove , rebuke , exhort , " the Lord says , " withall long - suffering and doctrine . " 2 Tim . 4 : 2 . Deal 806 faithfully with wrongdoing . Warn every soul that is in danger . Leave none todeceive themselves . Call sin by its right name . Declare what God has said inregard to lying , Sabbathbreaking , stealing , idolatry , and every other evil . " They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God . " Gal . 5 : 21 . If they persist in sin , the judgment you have declared from God ' s word ispronounced upon them in heaven . In choosing to sin , they disown Christ ; thechurch must show that she does not sanction their deeds , or she herselfdishonors her Lord . She must say about sin what God says about it . She mustdeal with it as God directs , and her action is ratified in heaven . He whodespises the authority of the church despises the authority of ChristHimself . But there is a brighter side to the picture . " Whosesoever sins ye remit , they are remitted . " Let this thought be kept uppermost . In labor for theerring , let every eye be directed to Christ . Let the shepherds have a tendercare for the flock of the Lord ' s pasture . Let them speak to the erring ofthe forgiving mercy of the Saviour . Let them encourage the sinner to repent , and believe in Him who can pardon . Let them declare , on the authority ofGod ' s word , " If we confess our sins , He is faithful and just to forgive usour sins , and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness . " 1 John 1 : 9 . All who repent have the assurance , " He will have compassionupon us ; He will subdue our iniquities ; and Thou wilt cast all their sinsinto the depths of the sea . " Micah 7 : 19 . Let the repentance of the sinner be accepted by the church with gratefulhearts . Let the repenting one be led out from the darkness of unbelief intothe light of faith and righteousness . Let his trembling hand be placed inthe loving hand of Jesus . Such a remission is ratified in heaven . Only in this sense has the church power to absolve the sinner . Remission ofsins can be obtained only through the merits of Christ . To no man , to nobody of men , is given power to free the soul from guilt . Christ charged Hisdisciples to preach the remission of sins in His name among all nations ; butthey themselves were not empowered to remove one stain of sin . The name ofJesus is the only " name under heaven given among men , whereby we must besaved . " Acts 4 : 12 . When Jesus first met the disciples in the upper chamber , Thomas was not withthem . He heard the reports of the others , and received abundant proof thatJesus had risen ; but gloom and unbelief filled his heart . As he heard thedisciples tell of the wonderful manifestations of the risen Saviour , it onlyplunged him in deeper despair . If Jesus had 807 really risen from the dead , there could be no further hope of a literalearthly kingdom . And it wounded his vanity to think that his Master shouldreveal Himself to all the disciples except him . He was determined not tobelieve , and for a whole week he brooded over his wretchedness , which seemedall the darker in contrast with the hope and faith of his brethren . During this time he repeatedly declared , " Except I shall see in His handsthe print of the nails , and put my finger into the print of the nails , andthrust my hand into His side , I will not believe . " He would not see throughthe eyes of his brethren , or exercise faith which was dependent upon theirtestimony . He ardently loved his Lord , but he had allowed jealousy andunbelief to take possession of his mind and heart . A number of the disciples now made the familiar upper chamber theirtemporary home , and at evening all except Thomas gathered here . one eveningThomas determined to meet with the others . Notwithstanding his unbelief , hehad a faint hope that the good news was true . While the disciples weretaking their evening meal , they talked of the evidences which Christ hadgiven them in the prophecies . " Then came Jesus , the doors being shut , andstood in the midst , and said , Peace be unto you . " Turning to Thomas He said , " Reach hither thy finger , and behold My hands ; and reach hither thy hand , and thrust it into My side : and be not faithless , but believing . " These words showed that He was acquainted with the thoughtsand words of Thomas . The doubting disciple knew that none of his companionshad seen Jesus for a week . They could not have told the Master of hisunbelief . He recognized the one before him as his Lord . He had no desire forfurther proof . His heart leaped for joy , and he cast himself at the feet ofJesus crying , " My Lord and my God . " Jesus accepted his acknowledgment , but gently reproved his unbelief : " Thomas , because thou hast seen Me , thou hast believed : blessed are theythat have not seen , and yet have believed . " The faith of Thomas would havebeen more pleasing to Christ if he had been willing to believe upon thetestimony of his brethren . Should the world now follow the example ofThomas , no one would believe unto salvation ; for all who receive Christ mustdo so through the testimony of others . Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that if they had theevidence which Thomas had from his companions , they would believe . They donot realize that they have not only that evidence , but 808 much more . Many who , like Thomas , wait for all cause of doubt to be removed , will never realize their desire . They gradually become confirmed inunbelief . Those who educate themselves to look on the dark side , and murmurand complain , know not what they do . They are sowing the seeds of doubt , andthey will have a harvest of doubt to reap . At a time when faith andconfidence are most essential , many will thus find themselves powerless tohope and believe . In His treatment of Thomas , Jesus gave a lesson for His followers . Hisexample shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak , and who maketheir doubts prominent . Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach , nordid He enter into controversy with him . He revealed Himself to the doubtingone . Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of hisfaith , but Jesus , by His generous love and consideration , broke down all thebarriers . Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy . It is rather put uponself - defense , and finds new support and excuse . But let Jesus , in His loveand mercy , be revealed as the crucified Saviour , and from many onceunwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas , " My Lord and myGod . " ( 809 ) Chapter 85 By the Sea once More [ This chapter is based on John 21 : 1 - 22 . ] Jesus had appointed to meet His disciples in Galilee ; and soon after thePassover week was ended , they bent their steps thither . Their absence fromJerusalem during the feast would have been interpreted as disaffection andheresy , therefore they remained till its close ; but this over , they gladlyturned homeward to meet the Saviour as He had directed . Seven of the disciples were in company . They were clad in the humble garb offishermen ; they were poor in worldly goods , but rich in the knowledge andpractice of the truth , which in the sight of Heaven gave them the highestrank as teachers . They had not been students in the schools of the prophets , but for three years they had been taught by the greatest Educator the worldhas ever known . Under His instruction they had become elevated , intelligent , and refined , agents through whom men might be led to a knowledge of thetruth . Much of the time of Christ ' s ministry had been passed near the Sea ofGalilee . As the disciples gathered in a place where they were not likely tobe disturbed , they found themselves surrounded by reminders of Jesus and Hismighty works . on this sea , when their hearts were filled with terror , andthe fierce storm was hurrying them to destruction , Jesus had walked upon thebillows to their rescue . Here the tempest had been hushed by His word . Within sight was the beach where above ten thousand persons had been fedfrom a few small loaves and fishes . Not far distant was Capernaum , the sceneof so many miracles . As the disciples 810 looked upon the scene , their minds were full of the words and deeds of theirSaviour . The evening was pleasant , and Peter , who still had much of his old love forboats and fishing , proposed that they should go out upon the sea and casttheir nets . In this plan all were ready to join ; they were in need of foodand clothing , which the proceeds of a successful night ' s fishing wouldsupply . So they went out in their boat , but they caught nothing . All nightthey toiled , without success . Through the weary hours they talked of theirabsent Lord , and recalled the wonderful events they had witnessed in Hisministry beside the sea . They questioned as to their own future , and grewsad at the prospect before them . All the while a lone watcher upon the shore followed them with His eye , while He Himself was unseen . At length the morning dawned . The boat was buta little way from the shore , and the disciples saw a stranger standing uponthe beach , who accosted them with the question , " Children , have ye anymeat ? " When they answered , " No , " " He said unto them , Cast the net on theright side of the ship , and ye shall find . They cast therefore , and now theywere not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes . " John recognized the stranger , and exclaimed to Peter , " It is the Lord . " Peter was so elated and so glad that in his eagerness he cast himself intothe water and was soon standing by the side of his Master . The otherdisciples came in their boat , dragging the net with fishes . " As soon then asthey were come to land , they saw a fire of coals there , and fish laidthereon , and bread . " They were too much amazed to question whence came the fire and the food . " Jesus saith unto them , Bring of the fish which ye have now caught . " Peterrushed for the net , which he had dropped , and helped his brethren drag it tothe shore . After the work was done , and the preparation made , Jesus bade thedisciples come and dine . He broke the food , and divided it among them , andwas known and acknowledged by all the seven . The miracle of feeding the fivethousand on the mountainside was now brought to their minds ; but amysterious awe was upon them , and in silence they gazed upon the risenSaviour . Vividly they recalled the scene beside the sea when Jesus had bidden themfollow Him . They remembered how , at His command , they had launched out intothe deep , and had let down their net , and the catch had been so abundant asto fill the net , even to breaking . Then Jesus had called them to leave theirfishing boats , and had promised to make them 811 fishers of men . It was to bring this scene to their minds , and to deepen itsimpression , that He had again performed the miracle . His act was a renewalof the commission to the disciples . It showed them that the death of theirMaster had not lessened their obligation to do the work He had assignedthem . Though they were to be deprived of His personal companionship , and ofthe means of support by their former employment , the risen Saviour wouldstill have a care for them . While they were doing His work , He would providefor their needs . And Jesus had a purpose in bidding them cast their net onthe right side of the ship . on that side He stood upon the shore . That wasthe side of faith . If they labored in connection with Him , -- His divine powercombining with their human effort , -- they could not fail of success . Another lesson Christ had to give , relating especially to Peter . Peter ' sdenial of his Lord had been in shameful contrast to his former professionsof loyalty . He had dishonored Christ , and had incurred the distrust of hisbrethren . They thought he would not be allowed to take his former positionamong them , and he himself felt that he had forfeited his trust . Beforebeing called to take up again his apostolic work , he must before them allgive evidence of his repentance . Without this , his sin , though repented of , might have destroyed his influence as a minister of Christ . The Saviour gavehim opportunity to regain the confidence of his brethren , and , so far aspossible , to remove the reproach he had brought upon the gospel . Here is given a lesson for all Christ ' s followers . The gospel makes nocompromise with evil . It cannot excuse sin . Secret sins are to be confessedin secret to God ; but , for open sin , open confession is required . Thereproach of the disciple ' s sin is cast upon Christ . It causes Satan totriumph , and wavering souls to stumble . By giving proof of repentance , thedisciple , so far as lies in his power , is to remove this reproach . While Christ and the disciples were eating together by the seaside , theSaviour said to Peter , " Simon , son of Jonas , lovest thou Me more thanthese ? " referring to his brethren . Peter had once declared , " Though all menshall be offended because of Thee , yet will I never be offended . " Matt . 26 : 33 . But he now put a truer estimate upon himself . " Yea , Lord , " he said , " Thou knowest that I love Thee . " There is no vehement assurance that hislove is greater than that of his brethren . He does not express his ownopinion of his devotion . To Him who can read all the motives of the heart heappeals to judge as to his sincerity , --" Thou knowest that I love Thee . " AndJesus bids him , " Feed My lambs . " 812 Again Jesus applied the test to Peter , repeating His former words : " Simon , son of Jonas , lovest thou Me ? " This time He did not ask Peter whether heloved Him better than did his brethren . The second response was like thefirst , free from extravagant assurance : " Yea , Lord ; Thou knowest that I loveThee . " Jesus said to him , " Feed My sheep . " once more the Saviour put thetrying question : " Simon , son of Jonas , lovest thou Me ? " Peter was grieved ; he thought that Jesus doubted his love . He knew that his Lord had cause todistrust him , and with an aching heart he answered , " Lord , Thou knowest allthings ; Thou knowest that I love Thee . " Again Jesus said to him , " Feed Mysheep . " Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord , and three times Jesus drewfrom him the assurance of his love and loyalty , pressing home that pointedquestion , like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart . Before the assembleddisciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter ' s repentance , and showed howthoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple . Peter was naturally forward and impulsive , and Satan had taken advantage ofthese characteristics to overthrow him . Just before the fall of Peter , Jesushad said to him , " Satan hath desired to have you , that he may sift you aswheat : but I have prayed for thee , that thy faith fail not : and when thouart converted , strengthen thy brethren . " Luke 22 : 31 , 32 . That time had nowcome , and the transformation in Peter was evident . The close , testingquestions of the Lord had not called out one forward , self - sufficient reply ; and because of his humiliation and repentance , Peter was better preparedthan ever before to act as shepherd to the flock . The first work that Christ entrusted to Peter on restoring him to theministry was to feed the lambs . This was a work in which Peter had littleexperience . It would require great care and tenderness , much patience andperseverance . It called him to minister to those who were young in thefaith , to teach the ignorant , to open the Scriptures to them , and to educatethem for usefulness in Christ ' s service . Heretofore Peter had not beenfitted to do this , or even to understand its importance . But this was thework which Jesus now called upon him to do . For this work his own experienceof suffering and repentance had prepared him . Before his fall , Peter was always speaking unadvisedly , from the impulse ofthe moment . He was always ready to correct others , and to express his mind , before he had a clear comprehension of himself or of what he had to say . Butthe converted Peter was very different . He retained his former fervor , butthe grace of Christ regulated his zeal . He was no longer impetuous , self - confident , and self - exalted , but calm , 815 self - possessed , and teachable . He could then feed the lambs as well as thesheep of Christ ' s flock . The Saviour ' s manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and for hisbrethren . It taught them to meet the transgressor with patience , sympathy , and forgiving love . Although Peter had denied his Lord , the love which Jesusbore him never faltered . Just such love should the undershepherd feel forthe sheep and lambs committed to his care . Remembering his own weakness andfailure , Peter was to deal with his flock as tenderly as Christ had dealtwith him . The question that Christ had put to Peter was significant . He mentioned onlyone condition of discipleship and service . " Lovest thou Me ? " He said . Thisis the essential qualification . Though Peter might possess every other , yetwithout the love of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over theLord ' s flock . Knowledge , benevolence , eloquence , gratitude , and zeal are allaids in the good work ; but without the love of Jesus in the heart , the workof the Christian minister is a failure . Jesus walked alone with Peter , for there was something which He wished tocommunicate to him only . Before His death , Jesus had said to him , " Whither Igo , thou canst not follow Me now ; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards . " Tothis Peter had replied , " Lord , why cannot I follow Thee now ? I will lay downmy life for Thy sake . " John 13 : 36 , 37 . When he said this , he little knew to what heights and depths Christ ' sfeet would lead the way . Peter had failed when the test came , but again hewas to have opportunity to prove his love for Christ . That he might bestrengthened for the final test of his faith , the Saviour opened to him hisfuture . He told him that after living a life of usefulness , when age wastelling upon his strength , he would indeed follow his Lord . Jesus said , " When thou wast young , thou girdedst thyself , and walkedst whither thouwouldest : but when thou shalt be old , thou shalt stretch forth thy hands , and another shall gird thee , and carry thee whither thou wouldest not . Thisspake He , signifying by what death he should glorify God . " Jesus thus made known to Peter the very manner of his death ; He evenforetold the stretching forth of his hands upon the cross . Again He bade Hisdisciple , " Follow Me . " Peter was not disheartened by the revelation . He feltwilling to suffer any death for his Lord . Heretofore Peter had known Christ after the flesh , as many know Him now ; buthe was no more to be thus limited . He knew Him no more as he had known Himin his association with Him in humanity . 816 He had loved Him as a man , as a heaven - sent teacher ; he now loved Him asGod . He had been learning the lesson that to him Christ was all in all . Nowhe was prepared to share in his Lord ' s mission of sacrifice . When at lastbrought to the cross , he was , at his own request , crucified with his headdownward . He thought it too great an honor to suffer in the same way as hisMaster did . To Peter the words " Follow Me " were full of instruction . Not only for hisdeath , but for every step of his life , was the lesson given . Hitherto Peterhad been inclined to act independently . He had tried to plan for the work ofGod , instead of waiting to follow out God ' s plan . But he could gain nothingby rushing on before the Lord . Jesus bids him , " Follow Me . " Do not run aheadof Me . Then you will not have the hosts of Satan to meet alone . Let Me gobefore you , and you will not be overcome by the enemy . As Peter walked beside Jesus , he saw that John was following . A desire cameover him to know his future , and he " saith to Jesus , Lord , and what shallthis man do ? Jesus saith unto him , If I will that he tarry till I come , whatis that to thee ? follow thou Me . " Peter should have considered that his Lordwould reveal to him all that it was best for him to know . It is the duty ofeveryone to follow Christ , without undue anxiety as to the work assigned toothers . In saying of John , " If I will that he tarry till I come , " Jesus gaveno assurance that this disciple should live until the Lord ' s second coming . He merely asserted His own supreme power , and that even if He should willthis to be so , it would in no way affect Peter ' s work . The future of bothJohn and Peter was in the hands of their Lord . Obedience in following Himwas the duty required of each . How many today are like Peter ! They are interested in the affairs of others , and anxious to know their duty , while they are in danger of neglecting theirown . It is our work to look to Christ and follow Him . We shall see mistakesin the lives of others , and defects in their character . Humanity isencompassed with infirmity . But in Christ we shall find perfection . Beholding Him , we shall become transformed . John lived to be very aged . He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem , andthe ruin of the stately temple , -- a symbol of the final ruin of the world . Tohis latest days John closely followed his Lord . The burden of his testimonyto the churches was , " Beloved , let us love one another ;" " he that dwellethin love , dwelleth in God , and God in him . " 1 John 4 : 7 , 16 . 817 Peter had been restored to his apostleship , but the honor and authority hereceived from Christ had not given him supremacy over his brethren . ThisChrist had made plain when in answer to Peter ' s question , " What shall thisman do ? " He had said , " What is that to thee ? follow thou Me . " Peter was nothonored as the head of the church . The favor which Christ had shown him inforgiving his apostasy , and entrusting him with the feeding of the flock , and Peter ' s own faithfulness in following Christ , won for him the confidenceof his brethren . He had much influence in the church . But the lesson whichChrist had taught him by the Sea of Galilee Peter carried with himthroughout his life . Writing by the Holy Spirit to the churches , he said : " The elders which are among you I exhort , who am also an elder , and awitness of the sufferings of Christ , and also a partaker of the glory thatshall be revealed : Feed the flock of God which is among you , taking theoversight thereof , not by constraint , but willingly ; not for filthy lucre , but of a ready mind ; neither as being lords over God ' s heritage , but beingensamples to the flock . And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear , ye shallreceive a crown of glory that fadeth not away . " 1 Peter 5 : 1 - 4 . ( 818 ) Chapter 86 Go Teach All Nations [ This chapter is based on Matt . 28 : 16 - 20 . ] Standing but a step from His heavenly throne , Christ gave the commission toHis disciples . " All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth , " He said . " Go ye therefore , and teach all nations . " " Go ye into all the world , andpreach the gospel to every creature . " Mark 16 : 15 . Again and again the wordswere repeated , that the disciples might grasp their significance . Upon allthe inhabitants of the earth , high and low , rich and poor , was the light ofheaven to shine in clear , strong rays . The disciples were to be colaborerswith their Redeemer in the work of saving the world . The commission had been given to the twelve when Christ met with them in theupper chamber ; but it was now to be given to a larger number . At the meetingon a mountain in Galilee , all the believers who could be called togetherwere assembled . Of this meeting Christ Himself , before His death , haddesignated the time and place . The angel at the tomb reminded the disciplesof His promise to meet them in Galilee . The promise was repeated to thebelievers who were gathered at Jerusalem during the Passover week , andthrough them it reached many lonely ones who were mourning the death oftheir Lord . With intense interest all looked forward to the interview . Theymade their way to the place of meeting by circuitous routes , coming in fromevery direction , to avoid exciting the suspicion of the jealous Jews . Withwondering hearts they came , talking earnestly together of the news that hadreached them concerning Christ . At the time appointed , about five hundred believers were collected in littleknots on the mountainside , eager to learn all that could be learned 819 from those who had seen Christ since His resurrection . From group to groupthe disciples passed , telling all they had seen and heard of Jesus , andreasoning from the Scriptures as He had done with them . Thomas recounted thestory of his unbelief , and told how his doubts had been swept away . SuddenlyJesus stood among them . No one could tell whence or how He came . Many whowere present had never before seen Him ; but in His hands and feet theybeheld the marks of the crucifixion ; His countenance was as the face of God , and when they saw Him , they worshiped Him . But some doubted . So it will always be . There are those who find it hard toexercise faith , and they place themselves on the doubting side . These losemuch because of their unbelief . This was the only interview that Jesus had with many of the believers afterHis resurrection . He came and spoke to them saying , " All power is given untoMe in heaven and in earth . " The disciples had worshiped Him before He spoke , but His words , falling from lips that had been closed in death , thrilledthem with peculiar power . He was now the risen Saviour . Many of them hadseen Him exercise His power in healing the sick and controlling satanicagencies . They believed that He possessed power to set up His kingdom atJerusalem , power to quell all opposition , power over the elements of nature . He had stilled the angry waters ; He had walked upon the white - crestedbillows ; He had raised the dead to life . Now He declared that " all power " was given to Him . His words carried the minds of His hearers above earthlyand temporal things to the heavenly and eternal . They were lifted to thehighest conception of His dignity and glory . Christ ' s words on the mountainside were the announcement that His sacrificein behalf of man was full and complete . The conditions of the atonement hadbeen fulfilled ; the work for which He came to this world had beenaccomplished . He was on His way to the throne of God , to be honored byangels , principalities , and powers . He had entered upon His mediatorialwork . Clothed with boundless authority , He gave His commission to thedisciples : " Go ye therefore , and teach all nations , " " baptizing them intothe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit : teaching themto observe all things whatsoever I commanded you : and lo , I am with youalways , even unto the end of the world . " Matt . 28 : 19 , 20 , R . V . The Jewish people had been made the depositaries of sacred truth ; butPharisaism had made them the most exclusive , the most bigoted , of 820 all the human race . Everything about the priests and rulers -- their dress , customs , ceremonies , traditions -- made them unfit to be the light of theworld . They looked upon themselves , the Jewish nation , as the world . ButChrist commissioned His disciples to proclaim a faith and worship that wouldhave in it nothing of caste or country , a faith that would be adapted to allpeoples , all nations , all classes of men . Before leaving His disciples , Christ plainly stated the nature of Hiskingdom . He called to their minds what He had previously told themconcerning it . He declared that it was not His purpose to establish in thisworld a temporal , but a spiritual kingdom . He was not to reign as an earthlyking on David ' s throne . Again He opened to them the Scriptures , showing thatall He had passed through had been ordained in heaven , in the councilsbetween the Father and Himself . All had been foretold by men inspired by theHoly Spirit . He said , You see that all I have revealed to you concerning Myrejection as the Messiah has come to pass . All I have said in regard to thehumiliation I should endure and the death I should die , has been verified . On the third day I rose again . Search the Scriptures more diligently , andyou will see that in all these things the specifications of prophecyconcerning Me have been fulfilled . Christ commissioned His disciples to do the work He had left in their hands , beginning at Jerusalem . Jerusalem had been the scene of His amazingcondescension for the human race . There He had suffered , been rejected andcondemned . The land of Judea was His birthplace . There , clad in the garb ofhumanity , He had walked with men , and few had discerned how near heaven cameto the earth when Jesus was among them . At Jerusalem the work of thedisciples must begin . In view of all that Christ had suffered there , and the unappreciated laborHe had put forth , the disciples might have pleaded for a more promisingfield ; but they made no such plea . The very ground where He had scatteredthe seed of truth was to be cultivated by the disciples , and the seed wouldspring up and yield an abundant harvest . In their work the disciples wouldhave to meet persecution through the jealousy and hatred of the Jews ; butthis had been endured by their Master , and they were not to flee from it . The first offers of mercy must be made to the murderers of the Saviour . And there were in Jerusalem many who had secretly believed on Jesus , andmany who had been deceived by the priests and rulers . To these also thegospel was to be presented . They were to be called to 821 repentance . The wonderful truth that through Christ alone could remission ofsins be obtained was to be made plain . While all Jerusalem was stirred bythe thrilling events of the past few weeks , the preaching of the gospelwould make the deepest impression . But the work was not to stop here . It was to be extended to the earth ' sremotest bounds . To His disciples Christ said , You have been witnesses of Mylife of self - sacrifice in behalf of the world . You have witnessed My laborsfor Israel . Although they would not come unto Me that they might have life , although priests and rulers have done to Me as they listed , although theyhave rejected Me as the Scriptures foretold , they shall have still anotheropportunity of accepting the Son of God . You have seen that all who come toMe , confessing their sins , I freely receive . Him that cometh to Me I will innowise cast out . All who will , may be reconciled to God , and receiveeverlasting life . To you , My disciples , I commit this message of mercy . Itis to be given to Israel first , and then to all nations , tongues , andpeoples . It is to be given to Jews and Gentiles . All who believe are to begathered into one church . Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the disciples were to receive amarvelous power . Their testimony was to be confirmed by signs and wonders . Miracles would be wrought , not only by the apostles , but by those whoreceived their message . Jesus said , " In My name shall they cast out devils ; they shall speak with new tongues ; they shall take up serpents ; and if theydrink any deadly thing , it shall not hurt them ; they shall lay hands on thesick , and they shall recover . " Mark 16 : 17 , 18 . At that time poisoning was often practiced . Unscrupulous men did nothesitate to remove by this means those who stood in the way of theirambition . Jesus knew that the life of His disciples would thus be imperiled . Many would think it doing God service to put His witnesses to death . Hetherefore promised them protection from this danger . The disciples were to have the same power which Jesus had to heal " allmanner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people . " By healingin His name the diseases of the body , they would testify to His power forthe healing of the soul . Matt . 4 : 23 ; 9 : 6 . And a new endowment was nowpromised . The disciples were to preach among other nations , and they wouldreceive power to speak other tongues . The apostles and their associates wereunlettered men , yet through the outpouring of the Spirit on the day ofPentecost , their speech , whether in their own or a foreign language , becamepure , simple , and accurate , both in word and in accent . 822 Thus Christ gave His disciples their commission . He made full provision forthe prosecution of the work , and took upon Himself the responsibility forits success . So long as they obeyed His word , and worked in connection withHim , they could not fail . Go to all nations , He bade them . Go to thefarthest part of the habitable globe , but know that My presence will bethere . Labor in faith and confidence , for the time will never come when Iwill forsake you . The Saviour ' s commission to the disciples included all the believers . Itincludes all believers in Christ to the end of time . It is a fatal mistaketo suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordainedminister . All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trustwith the gospel . All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work forthe salvation of their fellow men . For this work the church was established , and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to beco - workers with Christ . " The Spirit and the bride say , Come . And let him that heareth say , Come . " Rev . 22 : 17 . Everyone who hears is to repeat the invitation . Whatever one ' scalling in life , his first interest should be to win souls for Christ . Hemay not be able to speak to congregations , but he can work for individuals . To them he can communicate the instruction received from his Lord . Ministrydoes not consist alone in preaching . Those minister who relieve the sick andsuffering , helping the needy , speaking words of comfort to the despondingand those of little faith . Nigh and afar off are souls weighed down by asense of guilt . It is not hardship , toil , or poverty that degrades humanity . It is guilt , wrongdoing . This brings unrest and dissatisfaction . Christwould have His servants minister to sin - sick souls . The disciples were to begin their work where they were . The hardest and mostunpromising field was not to be passed by . So every one of Christ ' s workersis to begin where he is . In our own families may be souls hungry forsympathy , starving for the bread of life . There may be children to betrained for Christ . There are heathen at our very doors . Let us dofaithfully the work that is nearest . Then let our efforts be extended as faras God ' s hand may lead the way . The work of many may appear to be restrictedby circumstances ; but , wherever it is , if performed with faith and diligenceit will be felt to the uttermost parts of the earth . Christ ' s work when uponearth appeared to be confined to a narrow field , but multitudes from alllands heard His message . God often uses the simplest means to accomplish thegreatest results . It is 823 His plan that every part of His work shall depend on every other part , as awheel within a wheel , all acting in harmony . The humblest worker , moved bythe Holy Spirit , will touch invisible chords , whose vibrations will ring tothe ends of the earth , and make melody through eternal ages . But the command , " Go ye into all the world , " is not to be lost sight of . Weare called upon to lift our eyes to the " regions beyond . " Christ tears awaythe wall of partition , the dividing prejudice of nationality , and teaches alove for all the human family . He lifts men from the narrow circle whichtheir selfishness prescribes ; He abolishes all territorial lines andartificial distinctions of society . He makes no difference between neighborsand strangers , friends and enemies . He teaches us to look upon every needysoul as our brother , and the world as our field . When the Saviour said , " Go , . . . teach all nations , " He said also , " Thesesigns shall follow them that believe ; In My name shall they cast out devils ; they shall speak with new tongues ; they shall take up serpents ; and if theydrink any deadly thing , it shall not hurt them ; they shall lay hands on thesick , and they shall recover . " The promise is as far - reaching as thecommission . Not that all the gifts are imparted to each believer . The Spiritdivides " to every man severally as He will . " 1 Cor . 12 : 11 . But the gifts ofthe Spirit are promised to every believer according to his need for theLord ' s work . The promise is just as strong and trustworthy now as in thedays of the apostles . " These signs shall follow them that believe . " This isthe privilege of God ' s children , and faith should lay hold on all that it ispossible to have as an indorsement of faith . " They shall lay hands on the sick , and they shall recover . " This world is avast lazar house , but Christ came to heal the sick , to proclaim deliveranceto the captives of Satan . He was in Himself health and strength . He impartedHis life to the sick , the afflicted , those possessed of demons . He turnedaway none who came to receive His healing power . He knew that those whopetitioned Him for help had brought disease upon themselves ; yet He did notrefuse to heal them . And when virtue from Christ entered into these poorsouls , they were convicted of sin , and many were healed of their spiritualdisease , as well as of their physical maladies . The gospel still possessesthe same power , and why should we not today witness the same results ? Christ feels the woes of every sufferer . When evil spirits rend a humanframe , Christ feels the curse . When fever is burning up the life current , Hefeels the agony . And He is just as willing to heal the sick now as when Hewas personally on earth . Christ ' s servants are His 824 representatives , the channels for His working . He desires through them toexercise His healing power . In the Saviour ' s manner of healing there were lessons for His disciples . onone occasion He anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay , and bade him , " Go , wash in the pool of Siloam . . . . He went his way therefore , andwashed , and came seeing . " John 9 : 7 . The cure could be wrought only by thepower of the Great Healer , yet Christ made use of the simple agencies ofnature . While He did not give countenance to drug medication , He sanctionedthe use of simple and natural remedies . To many of the afflicted ones who received healing , Christ said , " Sin nomore , lest a worse thing come unto thee . " John 5 : 14 . Thus He taught thatdisease is the result of violating God ' s laws , both natural and spiritual . The great misery in the world would not exist did men but live in harmonywith the Creator ' s plan . Christ had been the guide and teacher of ancient Israel , and He taught themthat health is the reward of obedience to the laws of God . The GreatPhysician who healed the sick in Palestine had spoken to His people from thepillar of cloud , telling them what they must do , and what God would do forthem . " If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God , " Hesaid , " and wilt do that which is right in His sight , and wilt give ear toHis commandments , and keep all His statutes , I will put none of thesediseases upon thee , which I have brought upon the Egyptians : for I am theLord that healeth thee . " Ex . 15 : 26 . Christ gave to Israel definiteinstruction in regard to their habits of life , and He assured them , " TheLord will take away from thee all sickness . " Deut . 7 : 15 . When they fulfilledthe conditions , the promise was verified to them . " There was not one feebleperson among their tribes . " Ps . 105 : 37 . These lessons are for us . There are conditions to be observed by all whowould preserve health . All should learn what these conditions are . The Lordis not pleased with ignorance in regard to His laws , either natural orspiritual . We are to be workers together with God for the restoration ofhealth to the body as well as to the soul . And we should teach others how to preserve and to recover health . For thesick we should use the remedies which God has provided in nature , and weshould point them to Him who alone can restore . It is our work to presentthe sick and suffering to Christ in the arms of our faith . We should teachthem to believe in the Great Healer . We should lay hold on His promise , andpray for the manifestation of His power . The very essence of the gospel isrestoration , and the Saviour would have us bid 825 the sick , the hopeless , and the afflicted take hold upon His strength . The power of love was in all Christ ' s healing , and only by partaking of thatlove , through faith , can we be instruments for His work . If we neglect tolink ourselves in divine connection with Christ , the current of life - givingenergy cannot flow in rich streams from us to the people . There were placeswhere the Saviour Himself could not do many mighty works because of theirunbelief . So now unbelief separates the church from her divine Helper . Herhold upon eternal realities is weak . By her lack of faith , God isdisappointed , and robbed of His glory . It is in doing Christ ' s work that the church has the promise of Hispresence . Go teach all nations , He said ; " and , lo , I am with you alway , evenunto the end of the world . " To take His yoke is one of the first conditionsof receiving His power . The very life of the church depends upon herfaithfulness in fulfilling the Lord ' s commission . To neglect this work issurely to invite spiritual feebleness and decay . Where there is no activelabor for others , love wanes , and faith grows dim . Christ intends that His ministers shall be educators of the church in gospelwork . They are to teach the people how to seek and save the lost . But isthis the work they are doing ? Alas , how many are toiling to fan the spark oflife in a church that is ready to die ! How many churches are tended likesick lambs by those who ought to be seeking for the lost sheep ! And all thetime millions upon millions without Christ are perishing . Divine love has been stirred to its unfathomable depths for the sake of men , and angels marvel to behold in the recipients of so great love a meresurface gratitude . Angels marvel at man ' s shallow appreciation of the loveof God . Heaven stands indignant at the neglect shown to the souls of men . Would we know how Christ regards it ? How would a father and mother feel , didthey know that their child , lost in the cold and the snow , had been passedby , and left to perish , by those who might have saved it ? Would they not beterribly grieved , wildly indignant ? Would they not denounce those murdererswith wrath hot as their tears , intense as their love ? The sufferings ofevery man are the sufferings of God ' s child , and those who reach out nohelping hand to their perishing fellow beings provoke His righteous anger . This is the wrath of the Lamb . To those who claim fellowship with Christ , yet have been indifferent to the needs of their fellow men , He will declarein the great Judgment day , " I know you not whence ye are ; depart from Me , all ye workers of iniquity . " Luke 13 : 27 . 826 In the commission to His disciples , Christ not only outlined their work , butgave them their message . Teach the people , He said , " to observe all thingswhatsoever I have commanded you . " The disciples were to teach what Christhad taught . That which He had spoken , not only in person , but through allthe prophets and teachers of the Old Testament , is here included . Humanteaching is shut out . There is no place for tradition , for man ' s theoriesand conclusions , or for church legislation . No laws ordained byecclesiastical authority are included in the commission . None of these areChrist ' s servants to teach . " The law and the prophets , " with the record ofHis own words and deeds , are the treasure committed to the disciples to begiven to the world . Christ ' s name is their watchword , their badge ofdistinction , their bond of union , the authority for their course of action , and the source of their success . Nothing that does not bear Hissuperscription is to be recognized in His kingdom . The gospel is to be presented , not as a lifeless theory , but as a livingforce to change the life . God desires that the receivers of His grace shallbe witnesses to its power . Those whose course has been most offensive to HimHe freely accepts ; when they repent , He imparts to them His divine Spirit , places them in the highest positions of trust , and sends them forth into thecamp of the disloyal to proclaim His boundless mercy . He would have Hisservants bear testimony to the fact that through His grace men may possessChristlikeness of character , and may rejoice in the assurance of His greatlove . He would have us bear testimony to the fact that He cannot besatisfied until the human race are reclaimed and reinstated in their holyprivileges as His sons and daughters . In Christ is the tenderness of the shepherd , the affection of the parent , and the matchless grace of the compassionate Saviour . His blessings Hepresents in the most alluring terms . He is not content merely to announcethese blessings ; He presents them in the most attractive way , to excite adesire to possess them . So His servants are to present the riches of theglory of the unspeakable Gift . The wonderful love of Christ will melt andsubdue hearts , when the mere reiteration of doctrines would accomplishnothing . " Comfort ye , comfort ye My people , saith your God . " " O Zion , thatbringest good tidings , get thee up into the high mountain ; O Jerusalem , thatbringest good tidings , lift up thy voice with strength ; lift it up , be notafraid ; say unto the cities of Judah , Behold your God ! . . . He shall feedHis flock like a shepherd : He shall gather the lambs with His arm , and carrythem in His bosom . " Isa . 40 : 1 , 9 - 11 . 827 Tell the people of Him who is " the Chiefest among ten thousand , " and the one " altogether lovely . " The Song of Solomon 5 : 10 , 16 . Words alone cannot tellit . Let it be reflected in the character and manifested in the life . Christis sitting for His portrait in every disciple . Every one God haspredestinated to be " conformed to the image of His Son . " Rom . 8 : 29 . In everyone Christ ' s long - suffering love , His holiness , meekness , mercy , and truthare to be manifested to the world . The first disciples went forth preaching the word . They revealed Christ intheir lives . And the Lord worked with them , " confirming the word with signsfollowing . " Mark 16 : 20 . These disciples prepared themselves for their work . Before the day of Pentecost they met together , and put away all differences . They were of one accord . They believed Christ ' s promise that the blessingwould be given , and they prayed in faith . They did not ask for a blessingfor themselves merely ; they were weighted with the burden for the salvationof souls . The gospel was to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth , and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised . Then itwas that the Holy Spirit was poured out , and thousands were converted in aday . So it may be now . Instead of man ' s speculations , let the word of God bepreached . Let Christians put away their dissensions , and give themselves toGod for the saving of the lost . Let them in faith ask for the blessing , andit will come . The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the " formerrain , " and glorious was the result . But the " latter rain " will be moreabundant . Joel 2 : 23 . All who consecrate soul , body , and spirit to God will be constantlyreceiving a new endowment of physical and mental power . The inexhaustiblesupplies of heaven are at their command . Christ gives them the breath of Hisown spirit , the life of His own life . The Holy Spirit puts forth its highestenergies to work in heart and mind . The grace of God enlarges and multipliestheir faculties , and every perfection of the divine nature comes to theirassistance in the work of saving souls . Through co - operation with Christthey are complete in Him , and in their human weakness they are enabled to dothe deeds of Omnipotence . The Saviour longs to manifest His grace and stamp His character on the wholeworld . It is His purchased possession , and He desires to make men free , andpure , and holy . Though Satan works to hinder this purpose , yet through theblood shed for the world there are triumphs to be achieved that will bringglory to God and the Lamb . Christ will not be satisfied till the victory iscomplete , and " He shall see of the travail 828 of His soul , and shall be satisfied . " Isa . 53 : 11 . All the nations of theearth shall hear the gospel of His grace . Not all will receive His grace ; but " a seed shall serve Him ; it shall be accounted to the Lord for ageneration . " Ps . 22 : 30 . " The kingdom and dominion , and the greatness of thekingdom under the whole heaven , shall be given to the people of the saintsof the Most High , " and " the earth shall be full of the knowledge of theLord , as the waters cover the sea . " " So shall they fear the name of the Lordfrom the west , and His glory from the rising of the sun . " Dan . 7 : 27 ; Isa . 11 : 9 ; 59 : 19 . " How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth goodtidings , that publisheth peace ; that bringeth good tidings of good , thatpublisheth salvation ; that saith unto Zion , Thy God reigneth ! . . . Breakforth into joy , sing together , ye waste places : . . . for the Lord hathcomforted His people . . . . The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyesof all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation ofour God . " Isa . 52 : 7 - 10 . ( 829 ) Chapter 87 " To My Father , and Your Father " [ This chapter is based on Luke 24 : 50 - 53 ; Acts 1 : 9 - 12 . ] The time had come for Christ to ascend to His Father ' s throne . As a divineconqueror He was about to return with the trophies of victory to theheavenly courts . Before His death He had declared to His Father , " I havefinished the work which Thou gavest Me to do . " John 17 : 4 . After Hisresurrection He tarried on earth for a season , that His disciples mightbecome familiar with Him in His risen and glorified body . Now He was readyfor the leave - taking . He had authenticated the fact that He was a livingSaviour . His disciples need no longer associate Him with the tomb . Theycould think of Him as glorified before the heavenly universe . As the place of His ascension , Jesus chose the spot so often hallowed by Hispresence while He dwelt among men . Not Mount Zion , the place of David ' scity , not Mount Moriah , the temple site , was to be thus honored . ThereChrist had been mocked and rejected . There the waves of mercy , stillreturning in a stronger tide of love , had been beaten back by hearts as hardas rock . Thence Jesus , weary and heart - burdened , had gone forth to find restin the Mount of Olives . The holy Shekinah , in departing from the firsttemple , had stood upon the eastern mountain , as if loath to forsake thechosen city ; so Christ stood upon Olivet , with yearning heart overlookingJerusalem . The groves and glens of the 830 mountain had been consecrated by His prayers and tears . Its steeps hadechoed the triumphant shouts of the multitude that proclaimed Him king . onits sloping descent He had found a home with Lazarus at Bethany . In thegarden of Gethsemane at its foot He had prayed and agonized alone . From thismountain He was to ascend to heaven . Upon its summit His feet will rest whenHe shall come again . Not as a man of sorrows , but as a glorious andtriumphant king He will stand upon Olivet , while Hebrew hallelujahs minglewith Gentile hosannas , and the voices of the redeemed as a mighty host shallswell the acclamation , " Crown Him Lord of all ! Now with the eleven disciples Jesus made His way toward the mountain . Asthey passed through the gate of Jerusalem , many wondering eyes looked uponthe little company , led by one whom a few weeks before the rulers hadcondemned and crucified . The disciples knew not that this was to be theirlast interview with their Master . Jesus spent the time in conversation withthem , repeating His former instruction . As they approached Gethsemane , Hepaused , that they might call to mind the lessons He had given them on thenight of His great agony . Again He looked upon the vine by which He had thenrepresented the union of His church with Himself and His Father ; again Herepeated the truths He had then unfolded . All around Him were reminders ofHis unrequited love . Even the disciples who were so dear to His heart , had , in the hour of His humiliation , reproached and forsaken Him . Christ had sojourned in the world for thirty - three years ; He had endured itsscorn , insult , and mockery ; He had been rejected and crucified . Now , whenabout to ascend to His throne of glory , -- as He reviews the ingratitude ofthe people He came to save , -- will He not withdraw from them His sympathy andlove ? Will not His affections be centered upon that realm where He isappreciated , and where sinless angels wait to do His bidding ? No ; Hispromise to those loved ones whom He leaves on earth is , " I am with youalway , even unto the end of the world . " Matt . 28 : 20 . Upon reaching the Mount of Olives , Jesus led the way across the summit , tothe vicinity of Bethany . Here He paused , and the disciples gathered aboutHim . Beams of light seemed to radiate from His countenance as He lookedlovingly upon them . He upbraided them not for their faults and failures ; words of the deepest tenderness were the last that fell upon their ears fromthe lips of their Lord . With hands outstretched 831 in blessing , and as if in assurance of His protecting care , He slowlyascended from among them , drawn heavenward by a power stronger than anyearthly attraction . As He passed upward , the awe - stricken disciples lookedwith straining eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord . A cloud ofglory hid Him from their sight ; and the words came back to them as thecloudy chariot of angels received Him , " Lo , I am with you alway , even untothe end of the world . " At the same time there floated down to them thesweetest and most joyous music from the angel choir . While the disciples were still gazing upward , voices addressed them whichsounded like richest music . They turned , and saw two angels in the form ofmen , who spoke to them , saying , " Ye men of Galilee , why stand ye gazing upinto heaven ? this same Jesus , which is taken up from 832 you into heaven , shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go intoheaven . " These angels were of the company that had been waiting in a shining cloud toescort Jesus to His heavenly home . The most exalted of the angel throng , they were the two who had come to the tomb at Christ ' s resurrection , andthey had been with Him throughout His life on earth . With eager desire allheaven had waited for the end of His tarrying in a world marred by the curseof sin . The time had now come for the heavenly universe to receive theirKing . Did not the two angels long to join the throng that welcomed Jesus ? But in sympathy and love for those whom He had left , they waited to givethem comfort . " Are they not all ministering spirits , sent forth to ministerfor them who shall be heirs of salvation ? " Heb . 1 : 14 . Christ had ascended to heaven in the form of humanity . The disciples hadbeheld the cloud receive Him . The same Jesus who had walked and talked andprayed with them ; who had broken bread with them ; who had been with them intheir boats on the lake ; and who had that very day toiled with them up theascent of Olivet , -- the same Jesus had now gone to share His Father ' s throne . And the angels had assured them that the very one whom they had seen go upinto heaven , would come again even as He had ascended . He will come " withclouds ; and every eye shall see Him . " " The Lord Himself shall descend fromheaven with a shout , with the voice of the Archangel , and with the trump ofGod : and the dead in Christ shall rise . " " The Son of man shall come in Hisglory , and all the holy angels with Him , then shall He sit upon the throneof His glory . " Rev . 1 : 7 ; 1 Thess . 4 : 16 ; Matt . 25 : 31 . Thus will be fulfilledthe Lord ' s own promise to His disciples : " If I go and prepare a place foryou , I will come again , and receive you unto Myself ; that where I am , thereye may be also . " John 14 : 3 . Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope oftheir Lord ' s return . When the disciples went back to Jerusalem , the people looked upon them withamazement . After the trial and crucifixion of Christ , it had been thoughtthat they would appear downcast and ashamed . Their enemies expected to seeupon their faces an ｅxpression of sorrow and defeat . Instead of this therewas only gladness and triumph . Their faces were aglow with a happiness notborn of earth . They did not mourn over disappointed hopes , but were full ofpraise and thanksgiving to God . With rejoicing they told the wonderful storyof Christ ' s resurrection and His ascension to heaven , and their testimonywas received by many . 833 The disciples no longer had any distrust of the future . They knew that Jesuswas in heaven , and that His sympathies were with them still . They knew thatthey had a friend at the throne of God , and they were eager to present theirrequests to the Father in the name of Jesus . In solemn awe they bowed inprayer , repeating the assurance , " Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in Myname , He will give it you . Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name : ask , and ye shall receive , that your joy may be full . " John 16 : 23 , 24 . Theyextended the hand of faith higher and higher , with the mighty argument , " Itis Christ that died , yea rather , that is risen again , who is even at theright hand of God , who also maketh intercession for us . " Rom . 8 : 34 . AndPentecost brought them fullness of joy in the presence of the Comforter , even as Christ had promised . All heaven was waiting to welcome the Saviour to the celestial courts . As Heascended , He led the way , and the multitude of captives set free at Hisresurrection followed . The heavenly host , with shouts and acclamations ofpraise and celestial song , attended the joyous train . As they drew near to the city of God , the challenge is given by theescorting angels , -- " Lift up your heads , O ye gates ; And be ye lift up , ye everlasting doors ; And the King of glory shall come in . " Joyfully the waiting sentinels respond , -- " Who is this King of glory ? " This they say , not because they know not who He is , but because they wouldhear the answer of exalted praise , -- " The Lord strong and mighty , The Lord mighty in battle ! Lift up your heads , O ye gates ; Even lift them up , ye everlasting doors ; And the King of glory shall come in . " Again is heard the challenge , " Who is this King of glory ? " for the angelsnever weary of hearing His name exalted . The escorting angels make reply , -- " The Lord of hosts ; He is the King of glory . " Ps . 24 : 7 - 10 . Then the portals of the city of God are opened wide , and the angelic throngsweep through the gates amid a burst of rapturous music . 834 There is the throne , and around it the rainbow of promise . There arecherubim and seraphim . The commanders of the angel hosts , the sons of God , the representatives of the unfallen worlds , are assembled . The heavenlycouncil before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son , therepresentatives of those sinless realms over which Satan had thought toestablish his dominion , -- all are there to welcome the Redeemer . They areeager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King . But He waves them back . Not yet ; He cannot now receive the coronet of gloryand the royal robe . He enters into the presence of His Father . He points toHis wounded head , the pierced side , the marred feet ; He lifts His hands , bearing the print of nails . He points to the tokens of His triumph ; Hepresents to God the wave sheaf , those raised with Him as representatives ofthat great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His secondcoming . He approaches the Father , with whom there is joy over one sinnerthat repents ; who rejoices over one with singing . Before the foundations ofthe earth were laid , the Father and the Son had united in a covenant toredeem man if he should be overcome by Satan . They had clasped Their handsin a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race . This pledge Christ has fulfilled . When upon the cross He cried out , " It isfinished , " He addressed the Father . The compact had been fully carried out . Now He declares : Father , it is finished . I have done Thy will , O My God . Ihave completed the work of redemption . If Thy justice is satisfied , " I willthat they also , whom Thou hast given Me , be with Me where I am . " John 19 : 30 ; 17 : 24 . The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied . Satan isvanquished . Christ ' s toiling , struggling ones on earth are " accepted in theBeloved . " Eph . 1 : 6 . Before the heavenly angels and the representatives ofunfallen worlds , they are declared justified . Where He is , there His churchshall be . " Mercy and truth are met together ; righteousness and peace havekissed each other . " Ps . 85 : 10 . The Father ' s arms encircle His Son , and theword is given , " Let all the angels of God worship Him . " Heb . 1 : 6 . With joy unutterable , rulers and principalities and powers acknowledge thesupremacy of the Prince of life . The angel host prostrate themselves beforeHim , while the glad shout fills all the courts of heaven , " Worthy is theLamb that was slain to receive power , and riches , and wisdom , and strength , and honor , and glory , and blessing . " Rev . 5 : 12 . 835 Songs of triumph mingle with the music from angel harps , till heaven seemsto overflow with joy and praise . Love has conquered . The lost is found . Heaven rings with voices in lofty strains proclaiming , " Blessing , and honor , and glory , and power , be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne , and unto theLamb forever and ever . " Rev . 5 : 13 . ---------- From that scene of heavenly joy , there comes back to us on earth the echo ofChrist ' s own wonderful words , " I ascend unto My Father , and your Father ; andto My God , and your God . " John 20 : 17 . The family of heaven and the family ofearth are one . For us our Lord ascended , and for us He lives . " Wherefore Heis able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him , seeingHe ever liveth to make intercession for them . " Heb . 7 : 25 .