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救赎：基督第一次降临的生活和工作

前言

出版者在呈献这套基督生平小册子的时候，希望说明作者是一位具有丰富经验的女基督徒，从事写作和公共演讲达二十多年。她的工作范围延及二十个州和加拿大。她作为有说服力的演说家，靠着上帝恩典的能力，在教会内外赢得了良好的名声，完全有资格履行教导人的职责。{1Red 9.1}

凡听过怀夫人讲道的人，都能证明她的心得蒙上天的光照，因此她能清晰地把基督的生平故事同救赎人类的伟大计划联系起来。尤其会给读者留下深刻印象的是，这些小册子所展现的许多精彩见解，是同类许多著作所没有表达过的。这些见解与伟大的主题十分自然地结合在一起，简明、平实又优美，往往会让读者思考：为什么以前想不到呢? {1Red 9.2}

只有传播和阅读这些小册子，才能让它们发挥良好的作用。我们希望它们获得公正虔诚的阅读和广泛的发行。{1Red 9.3}

出版者

大斗争

第一章 基督第一次降临

动物的血不能满足上帝的要求，作为违反祂律法的赎罪牺牲。动物的生命也不及犯罪之人的生命有价值，所以不能为人赎罪。它能蒙上帝悦纳只是作为祂儿子舍命的一个预表。{1Red 9.4}

人无法为别人赎罪。他有罪而堕落的景况，使他无法做出完全的奉献，因为这个赎罪祭的价值要低于亚当堕落以前的状况。上帝所造的人原是完全正直的，但他犯罪以后，就无法做出蒙上帝悦纳的牺牲了，除非这个牺牲的价值要超过人类在纯洁无罪时的状况。{1Red 9.5}

唯有上帝的圣子才能做出具有充分价值的牺牲，完全满足上帝律法的要求。天使是无罪的，但他们的价值比不上上帝的律法。他们要顺从律法。他们是遵行基督旨意的使者，要在祂面前屈身下拜。天使是受造的生灵，也要接受考验。但基督本身并没有任何义务。因为祂有权柄把自己的生命舍掉，再取回来。祂没有承担赎罪工作的责任。祂所做出的是志愿的牺牲。祂的生命有足够的价值把人类从堕落的景况中拯救出来。上帝的儿子本有上帝的形像，但祂不以与上帝同等为强夺的。作为一个行走在尘世上的人，惟有祂能对所有人说：“你们中间谁能指证我有罪呢”(约8:46)?祂曾在造人的事上与天父联合，祂也有能力藉着祂自己神圣完全的品格为人类赎罪，并且提拔人，使人回到起初的状态。{1Red 9.6}

上帝的儿子在权威上仅次于那伟大的立法者。祂知道，惟有祂的生命才能充分赎回堕落的人类。祂远比人类有价值，因为祂高贵无瑕的品格和祂作为全体天军统帅的尊贵职分远超人的作为。祂原是祂父的真像，不仅在容貌上，而且在品格的完全上。祂毫无瑕疵，因而只有祂才能替人类成为蒙悦纳的祭物。{1Red 10.1}

犹太人献祭和祭司制度的设立是预表基督的死和中保的工作。所有这些礼仪如果不与基督联系起来，就没有意义和价值。祂是这个制度的基础和创始者。上帝曾告诉亚当、亚伯、塞特、以诺、挪亚、亚伯拉罕等古圣先贤，特别是摩西：献祭和祭司制度本身并不足以使人得救。献祭的制度预表基督。古圣先贤借着祭牲看见了基督，就相信了。上天命定这些制度，是要人们常记在心：罪在上帝和人之间造成的可怕隔绝，需要一位中保的服务。藉着基督，因亚当犯罪而切断的交通就在上帝和沦丧的罪人之间开启了。但基督自愿为人类作出的无限牺牲仍是一个奥秘，是天使也无法充分测透的事。{1Red 10.2}

犹太制度是象征性的，要持续到那完美的祭物取代表样的时候。中保的职责和工作会大大超过地上预表性祭司职分的尊严和荣耀。从亚当的日子直到犹太民族成了与世人分别的独特百姓，上帝的子民一直受到教导，知道救赎主要来，就是他们的祭牲所预表的。这位救主要作中保，站在至高者和祂子民之间。藉此就开了一条路，罪人可以藉着另一位的调解接近上帝。罪人自己身上既有罪辜，又没有比他本身所具有的更大的价值，就不能自己进来。唯有基督能开通这条道路，献上符合上帝律法要求的祭物。祂是完全的，没有被罪玷污。祂是没有瑕疵的。如果没有这无限价值的救赎，我们就永远无法了解罪恶的可怕后果。为拯救堕落的人类，竟付出如此巨大的代价，令众天使惊奇。他们无法充分理解这位与上帝同等的天上大君，竟要为悖逆的人类受死的神圣奥秘。{1Red 11.1}

上帝的儿子第一次降临的时候越来越近，撒但也越来越警觉，预备犹太民众硬着心肠反对祂要显出的弥赛亚身份的证据。犹太人已变得骄傲自夸。祭司阶层也没有保持纯正，而是非常腐败了。他们虽然保留了其敬拜体系的各种形式和礼节，内心却不在这工作上。他们没有维持个人的敬虔和高尚的品格。而他们作为至高者的祭司，越缺乏做这神圣工作的必要资格，就越固执于表面上的敬虔、热心和献身。他们是伪君子。他们喜爱世上的尊荣，野心勃勃地要藉着财富成为尊贵。他们为了得到自己想要的，就利用每一个机会占穷人的便宜，特别是利用寡妇和孤儿。他们以各种各样的借口向诚实的人为主的府库索取大量钱财，并将如此不诚实地勒索来的钱财用来使自己获利。他们自己表面上是严格遵守律法的。他们表现得非常尊重传统和习惯，以便从百姓得钱，好满足他们败坏的野心。{1Red 12.1}

他们将许多传统、习惯和不必要的仪式反复灌输给百姓，这些都不是上帝曾藉着摩西或别的什么人赐给他们的。这些东西不过是人的发明。祭司长、文士和长老把这些东西强加给百姓，当作是上帝的诫命。他们的心是刚硬无情的。他们并不对穷人和不幸的人表示仁慈怜悯，同时却在市场上祷告，周济人为要叫人们看见，从而穿上善良的外衣，他们将重税加在寡妇身上，藉以侵吞她们的房产。他们在人们面前显然严谨地遵守外表的形式;因为他们希望给人们留下印象，让人们觉得他们很重要。他们希望人们认为他们对宗教责任的热心和献身是很高尚的，同时他们却在天天抢夺上帝之物，将百姓的奉献挪为己用。{1Red 12.2}

祭司已变得十分腐败。他们毫无顾忌地用最不诚实的罪行来完成他们的计划。在基督第一次降世期间，担任大祭司职位的并不是上帝所任命从事圣工的人。他们追求这个职位是因为喜欢权利和炫耀。他们希望得到权威的身分，可以在虔诚的外表下行骗，而不被察觉。大祭司是拥有权柄的重要职位。他不仅是顾问，而且是调停人和审判者。他的裁决是不能上诉的。但祭司的权利受到罗马当局的限制，不能依法宣判任何人死刑。这个权利掌握在统治犹太人的人手里。败坏的人想要得到大祭司的要职，往往借助于贿赂和暗杀的手段。大祭司穿着神圣昂贵的衣袍，胸间挂着胸牌，上面镶着闪光的宝石，十分显赫，足以引起尽责诚心之人的钦佩敬畏之情。大祭司原是要以一种特殊的方式代表基督。祂要按照麦基洗德的等次永远担任大祭司。这种等次的祭司职任不会传给他人，也不会被他人取代。{1Red 13.1}

犹太民族用无用的仪式和习惯败坏了他们的宗教。这给百姓加上了重负，尤其是给较贫穷的阶层。他们还处在罗马人的奴役之下，要向他们进贡。犹太人不服辖制，指望靠着所预言的大能拯救者弥赛亚夸胜。他们的观点是是狭隘的。他们以为那要来的一位在显现时，必有君王的尊荣，用有力的膀臂征服他们的压迫者，登上大卫的宝座。要是他们有谦卑的心和属灵的眼光，研究预言，就不会犯这么大的错误，忽视那些指明祂第一次在谦卑中降生的预言，误用那些说到祂以能力和大荣耀第二次降临的预言。犹太民族一直在争取权力。他们有野心要得到属世的尊荣。他们是骄傲败坏的，看不清神圣的事。他们分不清说明基督第一次降临的预言和描述祂第二次荣耀显现的预言，竟把众先知所描述伴随着祂第二次降临的能力和荣耀看成了是祂第一次降临。他们的国家得荣耀才是他们最渴望的。他们野心勃勃的欲望乃是建立一个现世的国度，征服罗马人，以权柄能力高抬自己好统治他们。他们曾骄傲地对那些征服他们的人自夸说，他们不会压制他们很久了;因为犹太人的统治不久就会开始，甚至会比所罗门的统治更加尊贵荣耀。{1Red 14.1}

及至时候满足，基督就生在马棚里，放在马槽中，周围是棚里的牲口。而这确实是上帝的儿子吗?祂的外表完全是一个脆弱无助的婴孩，与别的婴孩那么相似!祂神性的荣耀和威严都被人性遮盖了。众天使通报了祂的降临。祂降生的消息喜乐地传到了天庭，而世上的大人物们却不知道。骄傲的法利赛人和文士既有假冒为善的仪式和表面上专心于律法，就对伯利恒的圣婴毫无所知。他们不知道祂显现的方式，尽管他们自夸博学有智慧，能在先知学校中解释律法和预言。他们是在想方设法使自己得利。他们研究的是如何以最成功的方式获得财富和属世的尊荣，他们完全没有为弥赛亚的显现作好准备。他们期待一位大能的君王在大卫的宝座上作王，祂的国度要持续到永远。他们关于弥赛亚来临的高傲想法与他们自称能向百姓解释的预言并不一致。他们在属灵上是盲目的，是瞎子领瞎子。{1Red 15.1}

荣耀的王屈尊取了人性;众天使曾在天庭目睹祂的光彩，因为祂是为众天军所崇拜的，可是他们却想不到看到他们神圣的统帅处在了这么屈辱的地位。祂的床就在马槽里。周围是畜栏里的牲口。但尽管祂处在屈辱之中，他们依然在祂面前屈膝，不放弃他们对耶和华的忠诚。{1Red 16.1}

“当希律王的时候，耶稣生在犹太的伯利恒。有几个博士从东方来到耶路撒冷，说：‘那生下来作犹太人之王的在哪里?我们在东方看见祂的星，特来拜祂’”(太2:1,2)。这些东方的博士一直在等候所预言的弥赛亚。他们博士们研究过预言，知道基督降临的时间已近在眼前。他们急切地守候着这件大事的预兆，以便成为首批迎接和崇拜这位天上圣婴君王的人。这些博士曾经看见天空被照亮，那是环绕着向以色列的牧羊人宣布基督降临信息的天使的荣光，这些天使回到天庭之后，有一颗明亮的星出现了，停留在天空。这颗又大又亮的星不寻常的出现是他们以前所从未见过的。它悬在天空作为记号，吸引了他们的注意，上帝的灵感动了他们出来寻找这位到堕落世界来的天上来客。那颗星似乎在引导着博士们的路线。当他们临近耶路撒冷城时，那颗星被黑暗所遮蔽，不再引导他们了。他们断定耶路撒冷的犹太人对弥赛亚降临的这件大事不可能毫无所知，于是在耶路撒冷附近开始打听。他们清楚地说明来意。他们是来寻找犹太人的王耶稣的。因为他们在东方看见祂的星，特来拜祂。{1Red 16.2}

耶路撒冷合城因博士们所说的话而大大激动不安。消息立刻传到了希律王耳中。他极其不安，可是却掩饰了他的困窘，并以表面上的礼貌接待了博士们。{1Red 17.1}

“希律王听见了，就心里不安。耶路撒冷合城的人，也都不安。他就召齐了祭司长和民间的文士，问他们说：‘基督当生在何处?’他们回答说：‘在犹太的伯利恒。因为有先知记着，说：犹大地的伯利恒啊，你在犹大诸城中并不是最小的;因为将来有一位君王要从你那里出来，牧养我以色列民。’当下，希律暗暗的召了博士来，细问那星是什么时候出现的，就差他们往伯利恒去，说：‘你们去仔细寻访那小孩子，寻到了，就来报信，我也好去拜祂’”(太2:3-8)。{1Red 17.2}

希律虽然表面很尊敬地接待了博士们，可是博士们所宣告的生来要在耶路撒冷作王的那一位的降生，却引起了他对圣婴的嫉妒和仇恨，他以为圣婴会成为他的竞争者，把他和他的后裔赶出王位。一种暴风般的敌对和邪恶的狂怒情绪控制了希律，他就决心要消灭这位圣婴君王。可是他却装出一副镇定的样子，要求私下会见博士们。然后他便详细地询问那星出现的确切时间。他表面上喜乐地欢迎所推测的基督的降生，表示希望立刻得到博士们的消息，他好列在首先向祂表示真尊重的敬拜者之中。博士们虽然没能读懂暴君希律的心;但熟悉人的每一情绪和人心中的思念和主意的上帝，却不会被他伪善的主张所欺骗。祂的能力要保护和保守宝贵的圣婴救主脱离撒但的诡计，直到祂完成在地上的使命。“他们听见王的话就去了。在东方所看见的那星忽然在他们前头行，直行到小孩子的地方，就在上头停住了。他们看见那星，就大大的欢喜”(太2:9,10)。博士们离开耶路撒冷之后，便又看到了天上那颗指引他们的星，令他们大大地欢喜，那颗星把他们引到了我们救主诞生的地方。他们“进了房子，看见小孩子和祂母亲马利亚，就俯伏拜那小孩子，揭开宝盒，拿黄金、乳香、没药为礼物献给祂”(太2:11)。{1Red 18.1}

希律以为基督要统治一个现世的国度。他是完全不认可另有一个犹太王的。祭司长和文士们曾自称明白有关基督显现的预言。他们再三向百姓强调有关基督以能力和大荣耀第二次显现、要取缔一切权威并要统治全地的预言。他们以一种自负自夸十分愤慨的方式宣称基督要作现世的君王，各国各民都要恭敬地服从祂的权威。这些祭司查考预言时并没有专注于上帝的荣耀，也不想使他们的生活符合这些预言所规划的高标准。他们查考圣经为的是找到古时的预言，好以某种方式加以解释，用来支持他们高傲的自尊心，说明上帝多么看不起世上的列邦，只看重犹太人。他们宣称，他们当时被迫要尊重和顺从的权力和权威不久就会终止;因为弥赛亚要登上大卫的宝座，并用武力使犹太人恢复自由，使他们重新得到尊贵的特权。犹太人的悟性是暗昧的。他们里面没有光。他们是用自己败坏的悟性看预言。撒但正在引导他们，使他们灭亡。希律则决心挫败犹太人的企图，降卑这些骄傲的自夸者，一发现基督就消灭祂。{1Red 19.1}

博士们完成自己的使命之后，便打算返程，并把他们旅程顺利的好消息带给希律。但上帝却差祂的天使在夜间指示博士们改变路线。博士们在夜间的异象中清楚地得到指示，不要回到希律那里去。他们顺从了天上的异象。“博士因为在梦中被主指示不要回去见希律，就从别的路回本地去了。他们去后，有主的使者向约瑟梦中显现，说：‘起来!带着小孩子同祂母亲逃往埃及，住在那里，等我吩咐你;因为希律必寻找小孩子，要除灭祂。’约瑟就起来，夜间带着小孩子和祂母亲往埃及去”(太2:12-14)。{1Red 19.2}

上帝感动博士们去寻找耶稣。祂用一颗星指引他们的行程。到了耶路撒冷附近，这颗星就离开了他们。于是他们在犹大地查访。他们认为祭司和文士们对这件大事不可能一无所知。博士们的到来，使全国人们都知道了他们此行的目的。他们的注意力都被引导到即将发生的重大事件上。上帝很清楚祂儿子的降临会激起黑暗势力的活动。撒但不希望那光进入世界。上帝的圣目时刻关注在祂儿子身上。主曾在先知以利亚行很远的路程时用一个神迹供养了他。他当时无法从别的地方得到食物。主曾从天上降吗哪给以色列人吃。主给约瑟开了一条路，让他们逃到埃及去，好保存他自己的性命、耶稣的性命和母亲的性命。祂还为他们的旅程和他们在埃及寄居的生活提供了所必需的东西，感动东方的博士来寻找圣婴救主，给祂带来贵重的献礼表示尊重。主熟悉众人的心。祂指示了约瑟进入埃及的路线，好使他在那里找到一个庇所，脱离暴君的忿怒，保存圣婴救主的性命。耶稣在地上的父母是贫穷的。博士们所带给他们的礼物维持了他们在异邦寄居的生活。{1Red 20.1}

希律焦急地等待着博士们回来;因为他急不可耐地要实现消灭以色列圣婴君王的坚定企图。他在等了很久要得到想要的消息之后，便担心自己的企图可能受挫了。他这样推测：难道那些人能看透他所预谋的黑暗行为?难道他们已经知道了他的计划，故意避开他?他认为这是侮辱和嘲笑。他的急躁、嫉妒和仇恨就越来越强烈了。他被他的父魔鬼所激动，设法用一个最残忍的举动实现他的企图。他既然不能用伪装和阴险狡猾的手段实现谋杀的目的，就要用能力和权柄使所有的犹太人心中恐惧。他们要是想把一个人安置在耶路撒冷的宝座上，就会成为他们的王会遭遇之事的一个鉴戒。{1Red 21.1}

此时有一个良机可以挫了犹太人的傲气，使他们遭灾，打击他们想要建立独立政府并成为全地之荣耀的野心，就如他们所骄傲自夸的。希律向一大队士兵宣布了命令，让他们将伯利恒城里并四境的婴孩从两岁以里的都杀了。这些士兵已因犯罪、战争和流血而心肠刚硬了。希律谋划这个残忍的行动要完成双重目的：第一是要用这个大胆的举动行使他统治犹太人的权柄和权威。第二是要藉着谋杀他所嫉妒和惧怕的圣婴君王，止息他们就他们的王所作的骄傲自夸，也使他自己的王国稳固。士兵们完成了这项残忍的工作，他们无情的刀剑四处实行了毁灭。父母们的恐怖和悲痛无法形容。丧子的母亲们紧紧抱着自己断气的婴孩，她们的哭号声高过了士兵们粗鄙的玩笑和咒骂声，同时她们也呼求上天报复那个暴君。{1Red 21.2}

上帝让犹太民族遭受这一切可怕的灾难，是要降卑他们的骄傲。他们罪恶严重，所以上帝允许邪恶的希律这样惩罚他们。如果他们不骄傲自夸和心怀野心，而是过纯洁的生活，有简朴诚实的习惯，上帝必保守他们不受仇敌的羞辱和苦害。如果他们在上帝面前忠心和完全，祂必用显著的方式使王的忿怒不致加害于祂的子民。然而祂未能为他们施行特别的工作，因为祂厌恶他们的行为。{1Red 22.1}

犹太人因为错解预言而引起了希律对基督的嫉妒和仇恨。他们教导说基督要来作王统治世上的帝国，有无比的荣耀。他们完全以错误的眼光介绍救世主和祂到地上来的使命。他们高傲的想法和骄傲的自夸并没有导致撒但起先所定意要他们达到的结果——消灭圣婴救主，反而报应在他们自己身上，使他们家中充满了悲哀。耶利米在预言的异象中说：“在拉玛听见号啕痛哭的声音，是拉结哭她儿女，不肯受安慰，因为他们都不在了”(耶31:15)。然而希律在行了那件残忍的事之后并没有活多久。他死的很可怕。他被迫屈服于一种他不能避开或克服的能力。{1Red 22.2}

希律从地上被剪除之后，天使再次警告约瑟，要回到以色列地去。他虽想在犹大地或伯利恒安家;但当他听说暴君希律的儿子接续他父亲作王时，便担心这个儿子会完成他父亲谋杀基督的企图。正当他困惑为难，不知在何处落脚之时，主藉着祂的使者又为他选择了一个安全之所。“到了一座城，名叫拿撒勒，就住在那里。这是要应验先知所说，祂将称为拿撒勒人的话了”(太2:23)。{1Red 23.1}

这就是救主来到堕落的世界所受的待遇。祂撇下自己的天家、自己的王权、财富和统帅权，亲自取了人的本性，以便拯救堕落的人类。上帝这样尊荣人，竟差祂的儿子成了罪身的形状，人们非但没有感恩戴德归荣耀于上帝，反而使圣婴救主似乎不得安息，没有安全。耶和华不能把祂的儿子托付给世上的居民，圣子进入世界是要藉着祂的神能救赎堕落的人类。祂来是要使人得生命，可是祂来要使之受益的人却侮辱、憎恨和虐待祂。上帝不能把祂的爱子托付给人，虽然祂在开展拯救人类并最终将人类提拔到祂宝座的善工。祂差派天使照顾祂的儿子并保护祂的性命，直到祂完成在地上的使命，死在祂来要拯救的人手中。{1Red 23.2}

耶稣自孩童时期便使自己的生活严格符合犹太律法。祂在青少年时期显出了极大的智慧。上帝的恩典和能力在祂身上。借着先知以赛亚的口说出的主的话，描绘了基督的职责和工作，说明了上帝对祂儿子执行对世人的使命时的庇护和照顾，不许人们因受撒但鼓励而生的无情仇恨阻碍救赎大计的计划。{1Red 24.1}

“看哪，我的仆人，我所扶持、所拣选、心里所喜悦的!我已将我的灵赐给祂;祂必将公理传给外邦。祂不喧嚷，不扬声，也不使街上听见祂的声音。压伤的芦苇，祂不折断;将残的灯火，祂不吹灭。祂凭真实将公理传开。祂不灰心，也不丧胆，直到祂在地上设立公理”(赛42:1-4)。{1Red 24.2}

在街上听不到基督与反对祂道理之人剧烈争辩的声音。在街上也听不到祂向祂的父祈祷的声音。听不到祂大声欢笑的声音。祂从不扬声高抬自己，也不去争取人的掌声和奉承。祂在施教时，和门徒离开喧闹混乱的繁忙城市，退到某个僻静的地方，与祂要他们铭记在心的谦卑、虔诚、节操的教训更加和谐。祂远避人的赞美，宁愿选择孤单安宁的隐退而非吵闹混乱的凡人生活。常可听到祂向祂的父恳切有力地代求，可是为此祂选择到孤寂的山上，常常整夜祈求力量，好在祂遭遇试探时支持祂，完成祂来拯救人类的重要工作。祂的祈求非常恳切，常常大声哀哭，流泪祈求。虽然祂的心灵整夜劳苦，祂白天仍不停止工作。早晨祂会安静地继续从事祂仁慈无私仁爱的工作。基督的生活与犹太人的生活形成了显著的对比，正是因为这个原因，他们才想要消灭祂。{1Red 25.1}

祭司长、文士和长老喜爱在最公开的地方祈祷——不仅在拥挤的会堂里，也在街角，好叫人看到，赞美他们的献身和虔诚。他们慈善的行为也是以最公开的方式做的，为的是引人注意。他们确实使街上听见自己的声音，不仅高抬他们自己，而且跟那些与他们在道理上有分歧的人争论。他们是怨恨人、不饶恕人、妄自尊大、傲慢而且顽梗的。主借着祂忠心的先知，说明了基督的生活与假冒为善的祭司长，文士和法利赛人形成了鲜明的对照。{1Red 25.2}

耶稣的父母按照犹太律法，每年访问耶路撒冷。他们的儿子耶稣当时十二岁了，陪他们同去。在回家时，他们走了一天的路程之后，因为不见了耶稣，便焦急起来。他们离开耶路撒冷后就一直没见到祂。他们以为祂是与同行的人在一起，便在熟人和亲戚中打听寻找他们所非常喜爱的儿子;却没有线索能找到祂。他们急忙返回耶路撒冷，心情悲伤沉重。{1Red 26.1}

“过了三天，就遇见祂在殿里，坐在教师中间，一面听，一面问。凡听见祂的，都希奇祂的聪明和祂的应对。祂父母看见就很希奇。祂母亲对祂说：‘我儿!为什么向我们这样行呢?看哪!祢父亲和我伤心来找祢!’耶稣说：‘为什么找我呢?岂不知我应当以我父的事为念吗?’祂所说的这话，他们不明白。祂就同他们下去，回到拿撒勒，并且顺从他们。祂母亲把这一切的事都存在心里。耶稣的智慧和身量，并上帝和人喜爱祂的心，都一齐增长”(路2:46-52)。{1Red 26.2}

博士和讲解律法的人总是在特殊的场合公开教导百姓。正是在这些场合中的一个，耶稣显出了祂出众的智慧与洞察力和成熟的判断力的证据。因为基督的父母是穷人，又因祂并没有得到受教育机会，人们就更加感到惊讶了。人们一个接一个地问，这个少年既然从未学过，是从哪得到这种智慧的呢?耶稣的父母在寻找祂时，看到许多人向圣殿涌去。他们进了殿，就注意到儿子熟悉的声音。他们虽因人潮拥挤看不见祂，却知道自己没有听错，因为没有别的声音象祂那样音调严肃而优美。这对父母惊讶地凝视着当时的场面。他们的儿子在庄重饱学的博士和文士中间，藉聪明的问答显出了高超的知识。他的父母看到祂这样受尊敬感到满意。但作母亲的忘不了因为祂逗留在耶路撒冷而使她遭受的忧伤焦虑，便以责备的态度问祂为什么这样待他们，述说了因祂而生的恐惧和悲伤。{1Red 27.1}

耶稣说：“为什么找我呢?”这个率直的问题是要引他们看到，他们若是留心自己的职责，就不会不见祂就离开耶路撒冷了。然后祂又说：“岂不知我应当以我父的事为念吗?”他们虽然忘了所委托给他们的照管耶稣的责任，耶稣却在从事祂父的工作。马利亚知道基督指的并不是祂地上的父亲约瑟，而是指耶和华。她把这些事存记在心里，并且因之受益。{1Red 27.2}

他们在与人群一起从耶路撒冷回家时，心里想的尽是交谈和互相访问的事，竟把耶稣忘了一整天。直到白日已尽，他们才注意到祂不在。约瑟和马利亚一直以一种特别的方式受到上帝的尊重，因为照顾救主的责任委托给了他们。天使已向牧羊人宣报了祂的降生，上帝也指示了约瑟的路线，好保存圣婴救主的性命。但乱哄哄的许多谈论使他们忽视了自己的神圣委托，就把耶稣忘了一整天，他们本来是片刻都不应该忘记祂的。他们疲惫地返回耶路撒冷，又悲伤又害怕。他们想起了希律想要消灭以色列的王，恐怖地屠杀无辜婴孩的事。及至他们因找到了耶稣而解除了心中的焦虑时，他们却没有承认自己疏忽职守，反而责备基督——“为什么向我们这样行呢?看哪!祢父亲和我伤心来找祢!”耶稣以极其恭敬的语气问道：“为什么找我呢?”这些话适当地将责备反馈到他们身上，提醒他们：要是他们不容自己全神贯注于不特别重要的事，他们原不会有麻烦寻找祂。然后祂为自己的行为辩护说：“岂不知我应当以我父的事为念吗?”当祂在从事祂来到世上要做的工作时，他们却忽视了祂的父所特别交托给他们的工作。他们虽然不能完全理解基督的话;但马利亚却在很大的程度上明白了这些话的重要性，并且将之存在心里，以后好好思想。{1Red 28.1}

基督的父母很自然就把祂看成自己的孩子了，象一般的父母看自己的孩子一样，以致他们有丧失宝贵福气的危险，这福气就是有救世主耶稣天天同在陪伴着他们。当基督天天与他们在一起时，祂的生活在许多方面与别的孩子一样，很难使他们总是想着祂的神圣使命和以人性披覆了神性的上帝儿子暂时交给他们作父母照管的每日的福气。祂逗留在耶路撒冷原是要温柔地提醒一下他们的责任，免得他们变得更加漠不关心，丧失上帝曾赐给他们的非常蒙恩的意识。{1Red 29.1}

在基督的生活中，没有一个行动是不重要的，因为祂生活的每一件事，都是为了祂门徒在今后的好处。基督这次在耶路撒冷的耽搁给相信祂的人一个重要的教训。许多人走了很远的路来守逾越节。逾越节的设立为的是让希伯来人记住他们得到奇妙的拯救离开埃及的事。设计这个节期原是要他们的心思脱离爱世界的兴趣，脱离他们对现世事物的操心挂虑，并且回顾上帝的作为。他们要回想祂所行的奇事，祂对他们的怜悯和慈爱，以便增加他们对祂的敬爱之心，使他们总是指望祂，把他们一切的考验都托付给祂，而不是去求助于别神。{1Red 29.2}

逾越节的仪式对上帝的儿子来说有一种悲哀的影响。祂在被杀的羔羊中看出了这是象征祂自己的死。举行这个仪式的百姓受教将被杀的羔羊与上帝儿子将来受死联系起来。涂在他们各家门框上的血乃是象征基督的血，这血对信主的罪人是有功效的，会洁净他脱离罪恶，保护他免遭上帝的忿怒，这忿怒要临到世上顽固不信的人，就象曾临到埃及人身上一样。然而无论什么人，若不做主交给他们去做的工作，就不会受益于上帝为拯救人类所做的特别准备。他们自己有本分要尽，他们要用自己的行为表明他们对为他们得救所做准备的信心。{1Red 30.1}

耶稣了解每一个人的心思。祂知道当成群结队的人从耶路撒冷回去时，一路上互访交谈，缺乏谦和温雅的态度，对于弥赛亚和祂的使命会近乎完全遗忘。耶稣喜爱与祂的父母单独从耶路撒冷回去。这样离去可以让父母有更多的时间思考和默想有关祂将来受苦受死的预言。祂不希望他们在经历祂为世人罪孽舍命的痛苦事件时措手不及，感到意外。他们在返回耶路撒冷的过程中，与祂分离了。过完逾越节以后，他们伤心地寻找了祂三天。当祂为世人的罪孽受害时，祂也要离开他们，使他们失去祂三天。此后，祂要向他们显现，让他们找到祂，信靠祂为堕落人类的救赎主，在天父面前为他们辩护。{1Red 30.2}

这对于一切跟从基督的人是一个教训。祂计划这些教训一个也不失落，而要为后世之人的利益记录下来。基督徒相聚的时候要谨慎言行，免得把耶稣遗忘了，在不经意间忽视了耶稣不在他们中间的事实。及至他们醒悟过来，发觉他们行路时没有那位能赐给他们心中平安和喜乐的一位相伴。他们在回转的数天中，寻找那位本应时刻留在身边的耶稣。耶稣不会在疏忽祂同在、谈论中不提到他们救赎主的人群中间的。这位救赎主乃是他们所称永生盼望的中心。耶稣不与这样的人同在，遵行祂命令的天使也必如此。这些天上的使者并不受那些心意转离上天事物的人所重视。这些纯净圣洁的生灵，不能留在不希望不追求耶稣同在，也不在意祂不在场的人群中。因为这个原因，才会存在极大的悲哀，忧伤和灰心。因为缺乏默想，儆醒和祷告，他们失去了一切有价值的东西。他们不能享有耶稣身上所发的神圣光芒，受到其仁爱崇高的感化力所鼓舞。他们仍笼罩在幽暗郁闷之中。他们疏忽和不恭的精神，使他们失去了耶稣，并赶走了服役的天使。{1Red 31.1}

许多人来参加聚会，接受上帝仆人的教训，并因寻求耶稣而大得兴奋和祝福，可是在他们回家以后，并没有比离家前更好，因为他们没有认识到回家后祷告和儆醒的重要性。他们老是为自己的损失而埋怨别人。有些人抱怨上帝，没有认识到造成他们心灵痛苦和黑暗的，正是他们自己。他们不应该怪别人，因为错在他们自己。他们的言语，谈笑和互访没有天上的来宾参与，所以只能怪他们自己。每一个人都有权利挽留耶稣。他们如果这样做，就必谨慎择言，配合以优雅的态度。他们的心思意念也必受到造就，默想天上神圣的事物了。{1Red 32.1}

上帝献上祂的爱子向堕落人类表明的爱令圣天使吃惊。“上帝爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们。叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生”(约3:16)。圣子原是圣父荣耀所发的光辉，是祂本体的真像。祂具有神性的卓越和伟大。祂本与上帝同等。父喜悦让一切的丰盛都住在祂里面。祂“不以自己与上帝同等的强夺的，反倒虚己，取了奴仆的形像，成为人的样式;既有人的样子，就自己卑微，存心顺服，以至于死，且死在十字架上”(腓2:6-8)。为了更充分地理解救恩的价值，我们必须明白它的代价。由于对上帝圣子的受苦认识有限，许多人低估了赎罪的大工。{1Red 32.2}

基督同意代替人类受死，使他们能藉着顺从的生活，逃避上帝律法的惩罚。祂的死并没有取消律法，削弱其圣洁的要求，贬损其神圣的尊严。基督的死宣告上帝的律法惩罚违犯者是公正的，因为祂同意亲自承受律法的惩罚，为把堕落的人类从律法的诅咒下拯救出来。上帝爱子死在十字架上，显明律法的不可更改。祂的死使律法为尊为大，向人证明其不变性质。祂亲自以神圣之口宣告：“莫想我来要废掉律法”(太5：17)。{1Red 33.1}

人性与神性在基督里联合起来。祂的使命是要使上帝与人、人与上帝彼此和好。祂的工作是要把有限的和无限的联合起来。这是堕落的人能得到提升的惟一方式，靠着基督之血的功劳，得以与上帝的性情有份。取了人的本性能使基督适合明白人受考验的性质，以及困扰人类的一切试探。天使既不熟悉罪恶，就无法在人受特别考验时与人同感同情。{1Red 33.2}

基督离开天庭到世上来受死之前，是比任何天使都高大的。祂威严而可爱。“祂本有上帝的形像，不以自己与上帝同等为强夺的”(腓2:6)。祂亲自取了人的本性。祂开始服务时，只比当时地上的生活的常人略高一点。要是祂以高贵的天上形像来到人间，祂的外表仪容就会吸引人们来归向祂，人们无需运用信心就会接受祂。{1Red 34.1}

上帝的命令是基督应当亲自取了堕落人类的样式和本性，好使祂可以藉着苦难得以完全，亲自忍受撒但试探的力量，好使祂可以更好地知道如何搭救那些受试探的人。人们对基督是弥赛亚的信心不是依赖眼见的证据，叫他们因祂个人的吸引力而信靠祂，而是因为祂品格的优美，那是从未在另一个人身上见到过，也不可能见到的。凡喜爱美德、纯正和圣洁的人，都会被吸引归向基督，且会看到足够的证据，证明祂就是那预言要来的弥赛亚。凡如此信靠上帝之道的人，都会得到基督的教训和祂最后赎罪的益处。{1Red 34.2}

基督来叫众人注意祂的父，教导他们向上帝悔改。祂的工作是叫人与上帝和好。尽管基督没有照着人们所期盼的来到，但祂的降临却正如预言所规划的。那些愿意相信的，通过查考预言就可得到足够的信仰根据，经上预言了那义者的降临，并且描绘了祂降临的方式。{1Red 34.3}

古时的犹太教会是非常蒙恩的上帝子民，主将他们从埃及带出来，认他们为祂自己特殊的产业。那赐给这个民族的许多极大极宝贵的应许，乃是犹太教会的盼望和胆量。他们所倚靠的就在此，并且相信他们必定得救。没有其它民族自称是受上帝的诫命管理的。我们的救主先来到祂自己的人那里，但他们却不接待祂。{1Red 35.1}

自以为义、骄傲、多疑的犹太人期望他们的救主和君王会披着威严和能力来到世上，强迫一切外邦人顺服祂。他们并不期望祂会蒙受什么羞辱和苦难。他们不愿接受柔和谦卑的耶稣，承认祂是救世主。要是祂光彩地出现，采用世上伟人的权威，而不是取了奴仆的样式，他们就会接受祂敬拜祂了。{1Red 35.2}

祂的诞生没有属世的尊荣。祂虽诞生在马棚中，躺卧在马槽里，但祂的诞生却远比任何世人的诞生更为光荣。有从天上来的使者告诉牧羊人耶稣的降临，又有上帝的光辉和荣耀伴随着他们的见证。天军弹奏金琴荣耀上帝。他们高兴地宣告上帝的儿子降临堕落的世间来完成救赎之工，藉着祂的死，将平安，喜乐和永生带给世人。上帝尊荣了祂儿子的降临。众天使都敬拜祂。{1Red 35.3}

第二章 约翰的使命

在基督正式传道之前，约翰开始了他的工作。他要让人接受基督而预备道路。约翰本着以利亚的心志和能力怒斥犹太人的腐败，扬声责备流行的罪恶。他的言语是明确，尖锐并折服人心的。许多人都悔改他们的罪，在约旦河受他的洗，作为他们悔改的凭据。这是在为基督的服务作准备。许多人信服，是由于这位忠心的先知所说简明的真理。但是如果他们拒绝真光，就会陷入更深的黑暗之中，以致完全准备好不接受证明耶稣是真弥赛亚的凭据。{1Red 36.1}

约翰展望基督的服务和奇迹时呼吁百姓说：“天国近了，你们应当悔改”(太3:2)!他的传道工作是成功的。贫富贵贱各阶层的人都顺从了先知的要求，他们若要与他来所宣布的国有份，就必需这样。许多文士和法利赛人也来到他这里，承认他们的罪，并在约旦河里受了他的洗。法利赛人的认罪令先知惊讶;因为他们曾高抬自己比别人好，并自视非常虔诚和尊贵。当他们谋求使自己的罪恶得蒙赦免，暴露了一直隐瞒着不让众人看见的生活秘密时，先知就感到吃惊。“约翰看见许多法利赛人和撒都该人也来受洗，就对他们说：毒蛇的种类!谁指示你们逃避将来的忿怒呢?你们要结出果子来，与悔改的心相称。不要自己心里说：‘有亚伯拉罕为我们的祖宗。’我告诉你们，上帝能从这些石头中给亚伯拉罕兴起子孙来”(太3:7-9)。{1Red 36.2}

约翰的使命似乎影响了犹太全国。由于他们的罪，先知所重申上帝的警告一度令他们感到惊慌。约翰知道他们自以为是亚伯拉罕的子孙，肯定会蒙上帝的眷爱，其实他们的行为令祂厌恶。他们所作的在许多方面甚至比他们觉得低得多的外邦人还要恶劣。先知如实地告诉他们，上帝能够兴起那些取代他们的人，那些人会更加配作亚伯拉罕的子孙。他明明白白地告诉他们，上帝并不依赖他们去实现祂的旨意;因为祂能在他们之外提供各种方法和手段去推进祂的大工，这工作是要本着纯正和公义完成的。约翰进一步说：“现在斧子已经放在树根上，凡不结好果子的树就砍下来，丢在火里”(太3:10)。他使他们铭记，树所结的果子可以确定树的价值。一棵树虽然可以有尊贵的名称，但它若是不结果子，或者果子名不副实，那个尊名就没什么用处，不能挽救这棵树被砍掉的命运。“人不是从荆棘上摘无花果，也不是从蒺藜里摘葡萄”(路6:44)。{1Red 37.1}

犹太人自欺，误解了主藉先知所说论到祂永远爱祂的子民以色列的话。他们误用了耶利米的话，把自己的得救寄托在被称为亚伯拉罕的子孙上。他们若是真的配得亚伯拉罕子孙之名，他们就会效法他们的父亚伯拉罕公义的榜样，行亚伯拉罕所行的。{1Red 38.1}

“那使太阳白日发光，使星月有定例，黑夜发亮，又搅动大海，使海中波浪砰訇的，万军之耶和华是祂的名。祂如此说：这些定例若能在我面前废掉，以色列的后裔也就在我面前断绝，永远不再成国。这是耶和华说的。耶和华如此说：若能量度上天，寻察下地的根基，我就因以色列后裔一切所行的弃绝他们。这是耶和华说的”(耶31:35-37)。{1Red 38.2}

犹太人把这些话用在自己身上。而且因为上帝曾向他们表示那么大的眷爱和怜悯，他们就自鸣得意地以为，尽管他们的罪恶和罪孽，祂仍会保留他们为祂所眷爱的子民，向他们倾赐特别的福气。这一直是上帝历代子民的危险，特别是生活在接近末日之人的危险。使徒向我们引证希伯来人的不信、盲目、反叛和屡犯的罪，作为一个警告。保罗明确地指出：“他们遭遇这些事，都要作为鉴戒;并且写在经上，正是警戒我们这末世的人”(林前10:11)。在末后危险的日子，要是为了鼓励身负重责的人，上帝本着怜悯赐给他们眷爱的证据，他们往往就变得飘飘然，看不到自己的短处和软弱，依赖自己的判断，自以为上帝若没有他们特别帮助就无法完成祂的工作。他们倚靠自己的智慧;主就暂时让他们在表面上兴旺，好显明人属肉体之心的软弱和愚昧。但主必在祂自己的时间，以祂自己的方式摧毁这些受骗之人的骄傲和愚妄，显明他们的真情实况。他们若是愿意接受降卑，藉着认罪和真诚的悔改转向主，敬畏上帝，得以成圣，祂就会重新爱他们。但他们若是闭眼不看自己的罪，象犹太人所做的一样，并决定偏行己路，主就会任由他们心思盲目，心肠刚硬，看不见上帝之灵的事。{1Red 38.3}

上帝无法为人做更多的事，因为人曲解祂的福气，断定祂是因人自己有某种良善才眷爱人。赞扬必死的凡人是不安全的;因为他们承受不了。撒但的特别工作就是奉承可怜的人，而且在这件事上他无需上帝仆人们的帮助。很少有人认识到人性的软弱和撒但的狡猾。在这些末后的日子，许多人因为骄傲和自以为义正在预备自己遭受痛苦和悲伤，使自己完全与上帝的眷爱隔绝。他们必因自高而失败。{1Red 39.1}

先知约翰使百姓铭记，他们的信仰表白必须有好行为相伴。他们的言语和行为将是他们的果子，会决定树的性质。他们的行为若是恶的，上帝的真理就会作见证反对他们。上帝决不会原谅一班一直蒙光照之子民的罪，即使祂在他们忠心纯洁的时候爱了他们并且赐给他们特别的应许。这些应许和福气总是以他们的顺从为条件的。{1Red 40.1}

主藉摩西的口宣布了顺从的福气和悖逆的咒诅。上帝吩咐说：“你们不可做什么虚无的神像，……你们要守我的安息日，敬我的圣所。我是耶和华。你们若遵行我的律例，谨守我的诫命，我就给你们降下时雨，叫地生出土产，田野的树木结果子”(利26:1-4)。祂列举了上帝要赐的许多大福气，然后祂在其它一切福气之上应许说：“我要在你们中间立我的帐幕;我的心也不厌恶你们。我要在你们中间行走;我要作你们的上帝，你们要作我的子民。”“你们若不听从我，不遵行我的诫命，厌弃我的律例，厌恶我的典章，不遵行我一切的诫命，背弃我的约，我待你们就要这样：我必命定惊惶，叫眼目干瘪、精神消耗的痨病、热病辖制你们。你们也要白白地撒种，因为仇敌要吃你们所种的。我要向你们变脸，你们就要败在仇敌面前。恨恶你们的，必辖管你们;无人追赶，你们却要逃跑”(利26:11,12,14-17)。{1Red 40.2}

犹太人正在经历着所警告的上帝咒诅的实现，因他们背离祂，犯罪作恶;可是他们不把这些事放在心上，也不在上帝面前刻苦己心。一个憎恨他们的民族统治了他们。他们却在要求上帝曾应许要是他们顺从而且忠心就会赐给他们的福气。然而同时他们却因不顺从而处在上帝的咒诅之下。约翰向他们宣布，他们若不结出果子来，就会被砍掉，丢在火里。百姓深为感服， “问他说，夫子，这样我们当作什么呢?约翰回答说， 有两件衣裳的，就分给那没有的;有食物的，也当这样行。又有税吏来要受洗，问他说：夫子，我们当做什么呢?约翰说：除了例定的数目，不要多取。又有兵丁问他说：我们当做什么呢?约翰说：不要以强暴待人，也不要讹诈人，自己有钱粮就当知足”(路3:10-14)。百姓正在期待基督迅速降临，他们问这位先知是不是弥赛亚。“约翰说，我是用水给你们施洗，但有一位能力比我更大的要来，我就是给祂解鞋带也不配。祂要用圣灵与火给你们施洗。祂手里拿着簸箕，要扬净祂的场，把麦子收在仓里，把糠用不灭的火烧尽了”(路3：15、16)。{1Red 41.1}

约翰作为一位先知和上帝的代表站出来，阐明律法与先知和基督徒体制之间的关系。他的工作和服务往前指向律法和先知，同时又往后向百姓指出基督为救世主。他扬声向百姓喊叫说：“看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”(约1:29)! {1Red 42.1}

群众到处跟随着这位奇特的先知，许多人舍弃了一切要顺从他的教训。君王、世上的贵族都受到上帝这位先知的吸引，并且高兴地听他。当约翰看到民众的注意力竟朝向他，以为他就是那要来的一位时，便寻找每一个机会把民众的注意力指向比他大的那一位，并明确宣布基督的工作和使命非常伟大，他连给祂解鞋带也是不配的。{1Red 42.2}

“犹太人从耶路撒冷差祭司和利未人到约翰那里，问他说，你是谁。他就明说，并不隐瞒。明说，我不是基督。他们又问他说，这样你是谁呢?是以利亚吗?他说，我不是。是那先知吗?他回答说，不是。于是他们说，你到底是谁?叫我们好回覆差我们来的人。你自己说，你是谁。他说，我就是那在旷野有人声喊着说，修直主的道路，正如先知以赛亚所说的。那些人是法利赛人差来的。(或作那差来的是法利赛人)他们就问他说，你既不是基督，不是以利亚，也不是那先知，为什么施洗呢?约翰回答说，我是用水施洗，但有一位站在你们中间，是你们不认识的，就是那在我以后来的，我给祂解鞋带，也不配。这是在约但河外，伯大尼，(有古卷作伯大巴喇)约翰施洗的地方作的见证。{1Red 42.3}

“次日，约翰看见耶稣来到他那里，就说，看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去(或作背负)世人罪孽的。这就是我曾说，有一位在我以后来，反成了在我以前的。因他本来在我以前。我先前不认识他，如今我来用水施洗，为要叫祂显明给以色列人。约翰又作见证说，我曾看见圣灵，仿佛鸽子从天降下，住在祂的身上。我先前不认识祂。只是那差我来用水施洗的，对我说，你看见圣灵降下来，住在谁的身上，谁就是用圣灵施洗的。我看见了，就证明这是上帝的儿子。再次日，约翰同两个门徒站在那里。他见耶稣行走，就说，看哪，这是上帝的羔羊”(1：19-36)。{1Red 43.1}

有上帝的天使盘旋于耶稣受洗的地方;圣灵以鸽子的形状下降，落在祂身上。正当众人大表惊异地站在旁边，定睛凝视祂时，从天上传来天父的声音说：祢是我的爱子，我喜悦祢。{1Red 43.2}

约翰还不确定那位前来约旦河要他施洗的就是救主。但上帝应许赐给他一个记号，使他可以认识上帝的羔羊。这记号就是天上来的鸽子落在耶稣身上，上帝的荣耀在祂四围焕发。于是约翰指着耶稣大声喊叫说：“看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”(约1:29)! {1Red 44.1}

约翰告诉他的门徒说，耶稣就是那所应许的弥赛亚，世界的救主。当他的工作将要结束时，他教训他的门徒要仰望耶稣，并以祂为“大教师”而跟从祂。约翰的生平没有享乐，是悲伤而舍己的。他宣布了基督的第一次降临，但未蒙允许看到祂所行的神迹，或享受祂所显示的大能。当耶稣将要承担起教师的职责时，约翰知道他自己却要死了。他的声音除了在旷野之外，很少有人听见。他的一生是孤独的。他没有依附他父亲的家庭，享受人伦之乐，却离开了他们，为要完成他的使命。成群的人离开了忙碌的城市和乡村，蜂拥到旷野去，要听聆那奇妙先知的话。约翰将斧头放在树根上。他不顾后果地遣责了罪恶，并为上帝的羔羊预备了道路。{1Red 44.2}

当希律听到约翰有力而尖锐的见证时，他深受感动，并以热切的兴趣询问他：必须作什么才可成为他的门徒。约翰知道希律将要娶他兄弟的妻子为妻，而她的丈夫却仍然健在，便忠告希律这是不合法的。希律不愿作任何牺牲。他终于娶了他兄弟的妻子，并由于她的影响，将约翰逮捕下在监里，但是他还是想释放他。约翰在被监禁时，从门徒口中听到耶稣所行的大能作为。约翰虽不能亲耳谛听祂的恩言，门徒却将他们所听到的告诉他，并以此来安慰他。过不久，约翰因希律妻子的影响而被斩首了。我看到那些跟从耶稣，看见祂所行的神迹，并听见那从祂口所发安慰之言的最卑微的门徒，都比施洗约翰更大;这就是说，他们享有更高尚、更尊贵和更快乐的生活。约翰带着以利亚的心志和能力，宣布耶稣的第一次降临。主把末后的日子指示我，我看见约翰预表那些应当带着以利亚的心志和能力，出去宣布忿怒的大日和耶稣第二次降临的人。{1Red 44.3}

第三章 基督受试探

耶稣在约但河受洗之后，被圣灵引到旷野，受魔鬼的试探。圣灵已预备祂经受那特别猛烈的试探。祂受魔鬼试探达四十日之久。在那些日子里祂没有吃什么。祂周围的事物都是不愉快的，足以让人性畏缩。祂与野兽和魔鬼共处在荒凉孤独的旷野。我看到上帝的儿子因禁食和痛苦而面色苍白，形容憔悴。但祂的前程已经亮明，祂必须完成祂来要作的工。{1Red 45.1}

撒但趁上帝儿子受苦的时候，准备用种种试探来攻击祂，希望能胜过祂，因为祂已经虚己自卑成为人了。撒但带来以下的试探说：“祢若是上帝的儿子，可以吩咐这块石头变成食物。”他想引诱耶稣屈尊施用祂的神能，藉此向撒但证明祂是弥赛亚。耶稣温和地回答他说：“经上记着说：人活着不是单靠食物，乃是靠上帝口里所出的一切话”(路4:3-4)。撒但设法要与耶稣争辩祂作为上帝儿子的身份。他指着耶稣那软弱受苦的情形，并夸耀自己比耶稣强壮。但那从天上来的话，“祢是我的爱子，我喜悦祢”(路3:22)，却足以在耶稣所受的一切痛苦中支持祂。我看到基督在祂一切的使命中根本不必让撒但相信祂的权柄，或是祂作世界救主的身份。撒但对于上帝儿子的崇高地位和权威，已经拥有充分的证据。他之所以被赶出天国，正是因为他不愿意服在耶稣的权下。{1Red 46.1}

基督的使命并不是为自己施行神能，来解除自己的痛苦。祂受苦是出于自愿的。祂屈尊取了人性，忍受人间的困难、疾病和痛苦。祂不可为自己的缘故施行神迹。祂来是要拯救别人。祂的宗旨就是把福惠、盼望和生命带给那些受苦、受压迫的人。祂要担当受苦人类的重担和忧患。撒但在人心中激起对基督的怒火，以致设法杀害祂。天使则奉差遣营救祂，保护祂的性命。祂没有一次用自己的能力来救自己。{1Red 46.2}

撒但从起初反叛以来，一直与上帝的政权为敌。在伊甸园里，他成功地引诱了亚当和夏娃，将罪恶引进世界。这就使得大仇敌更加胆大妄为了。他向天使吹嘘说，当基督取了人性显现时，要比他更软弱。所以他能靠着自己的力量战胜祂。他很得意伊甸园中的亚当和夏娃抵挡不了他食欲的试探。他也用同样的方法制胜了上古世界的居民，使他们放纵贪婪的食欲和败坏的情欲。他又藉着满足食欲倾覆了以色列人。他夸口说，就是那与摩西和约书亚同在的上帝儿子，也无法抗拒他的能力，未能带领祂所喜悦的选民进入迦南，因为几乎所有离开埃及的人都死在旷野之中。{1Red 47.1}

甚至谦和的摩西也受到试探将上帝的荣耀归给自己。他曾引诱上帝所特别眷爱的大卫和所罗门放纵食欲和情欲，招致上帝的不悦。他夸口说自己定能挫败上帝藉着耶稣基督拯救人类的计划。撒但精心策划，用多重试探袭击基督。基督在旷野受试探的时候曾禁食四十天，就像以色列人在旷野漂流四十年。摩西在特殊情况下也曾这样长时间禁食。但他没有感到饥饿的痛苦，也没有像上帝的儿子那样受到强悍狡诈仇敌的诱惑与骚扰。摩西曾蒙提拔超越了人性，他身处上帝的荣耀中，得到特别的支持。辉煌的荣耀围绕着他。{1Red 47.2}

基督谦卑地接受了人性，在一段时间里，在受到撒但的这个骇人的试探时，祂与这个可怕的仇敌孤军奋战。基督的人性忍受了饥饿的痛苦。在祂憔悴受苦之际，撒但化装成来自荣耀之中的光明天使来到祂面前，希望蒙骗和俘获他视为对手的上帝儿子。撒但这样与耶稣理论：如果在祂受洗后听到的话真是出于上帝的，如果祂是上帝的儿子，祂就无需忍受饥饿感;祂可以显出能力来将这旷野里的石头变成食物，藉此向他证明祂的神性。“你若是上帝的儿子，可以吩咐这些石头变成食物” (太4：3)。撒但说，若是基督这样做了，他就不再抗拒祂的权威，任凭祂统治世界。基督引用圣经摩西的话说：“人活着，不是单靠食物，乃是靠上帝口里所出的一切话”(太4:4)。祂告诉撒但，为了延续生命，顺从上帝的要求比暂时的食物更加重要。哪怕是丝毫偏离上帝的旨意，也要比饥饿和死亡更加糟糕。撒但见一计不成，就另用一计。他为要表明自己的能力，就将耶稣带到耶路撒冷，叫祂站在殿顶上，诱使祂从那令人头晕的高处跳下去，借此证明祂是上帝的儿子。撒但引用经上的话说：“因为经上记着说：主要为祢吩咐祂的使者保护祢;他们要用手托着祢，免得祢的脚碰在石头上。”耶稣回答他说：“经上说，不可试探主你的上帝”(路4:10-12){1Red 48.1}

撒但用僭妄奚落的语言, 敦促基督从他带祂去的高高殿顶上跳下来，以证明自己的使命，宣称上帝已应许派天使托住祂。事情若是真像撒但所说的那样，祂就没有什么可担心的了。耶稣再次用经文来对付撒但的试探：“不可试探主你的上帝” 撒但想使耶稣依恃祂父的恩慈，而在自己使命未完成之前就擅自冒生命的危险。他希望救恩的计划失败;然而这计划的基础却打得太牢靠了，是撒但无法推翻或破坏的。{1Red 49.1}

基督乃是一切基督徒的榜样。他们在经受试探，或在自身权利遭到争议时，应当耐心忍受。他们不应以为自己有权求主彰显祂的大能，使他们可以战胜仇敌，除非上帝能因此而直接得着尊敬和荣耀。即使耶稣真从殿顶跳下来，也不会荣耀祂的父;因为除了撒但和上帝的使者之外，不会有其他的人看到这件事。而且这件事也会试探主，要祂向祂最恶毒的仇敌显示自己的能力。这就等于要耶稣降格屈从祂来所要战胜的仇敌。{1Red 49.2}

“魔鬼又领祂上了高山，霎时间把天下的万国都指给祂看。对祂说：这一切权柄荣华，我都要给祢;因为这原是交付我的，我愿意给谁就给谁。祢若在我面前下拜，这都要归祢。耶稣说：经上记着说，‘当拜主你的上帝，单要事奉祂’”(路4:5-8)。{1Red 50.1}

这种放肆的亵渎和对耶和华的侮辱，引起基督的气愤。祂行使祂神性的权威，用祂威严的方式命令撒但放弃这个念头。撒但傲慢地宣称自己是这个世界合法而永久的统治者，是世上一切荣华的拥有者，好象是他创造了这个世界和其中的荣华富贵。他想与基督订立一个特殊的契约，只要基督拜他一下，他就立时把这一切都转让给祂。{1Red 50.2}

撒但将天下万国以最诱人的方式显给耶稣看。如果耶稣肯当场就敬拜他，他提说他愿意放弃他对地上一切的主权。撒但深知如果救恩的计划贯彻实行，他自己的权柄就必定受到限制并终于全被剥夺。他知道耶稣若舍命救赎人，他的权柄在一段时期之后就会终结，他自己也必遭毁灭。故此他精心地制定了计划，如有可能，一定要阻止上帝儿子所已经开始之大工的完成。如果救赎人类的计划失败了，撒但就必留住他所自称具有主权的国度。他自信自慰地以为自己若是成功，就必作王，与天上的上帝对抗。{1Red 50.3}

撒但在耶稣放弃祂的权柄和荣耀而离开天庭时大大欢喜。他以为上帝的儿子今后要落到他的权下。过去他曾很容易地在伊甸园试探了那对圣洁的夫妇，因此他希望能用自己的魔力和狡猾将上帝的儿子也打倒，借以挽救自己的生命和国度。如果他能引诱耶稣偏离祂父的旨意，他的目的就达到了。但耶稣却吩咐撒但退去。祂只向祂的父下拜。时候将到，耶稣要舍去自己的性命以救赎撒但权下的百姓，而且，再过一段时期，天上地下所有的一切都要服在祂的权下。撒但声称地上的国度是属他的，并向耶稣暗示，祂完全可以免受一切痛苦：因为祂不需受死就可获得这世上的万国;只要祂愿意向他下拜，便可获得地上一切所有的以及统治一切的荣誉。但耶稣坚定不移。祂拣选了痛苦的生涯和可怕的死亡为祂父所指定的道路，使祂可以合法地承受地上的万国，作为交在祂手中的永久产业。撒但也要被交在祂手中消灭，永远不能再骚扰耶稣和荣耀中的圣徒了。{1Red 51.1}

第五章 基督的服务

撒但结束他的试探之后，便暂时离开了耶稣。有天使来到旷野中为祂预备食物，加强祂的力量。祂父的福惠加在祂身上。撒但已经在他最猛烈的试探上失败了;然而他还指望在耶稣服务期间，在不同的时候，再试用他的狡计对付祂。他更希望挑唆那些不肯接受耶稣的人仇恨祂并设法消灭祂，借此胜过祂。撒但和他的使者开了一次特别会议。他们因未能在反对上帝儿子的事上有丝毫的成功而失望恼怒。他们决定更加狡猾地尽其全力，将不信的意念灌输在祂本国的人心中，不承认祂为世界的救主，借此使耶稣在祂的使命上灰心。不管犹太人在他们所奉行的仪式和祭祀上多么墨守成规，只要使他们对预言茫然无知，并使他们相信一位强大的属世君王要应验这些预言，就会使他们认为弥赛亚还没有来。{1Red 52.1}

上帝的儿子多年以来在邪恶和被人藐视的拿撒勒过着卑微和默默无闻的生活。这个小小的城镇因其居民的罪恶而出名。做如此败坏的城镇里的一个居民实在是一种屈辱。基督在最艰难的阶层中开始祂的工作。祂涉足在贫穷、遭遗弃、有罪的人所走最不平坦的道路上。这将是所有生活在世上、呼吸被罪污染的空气之人的命分。凡寻求遵行上帝旨意的人都会被道德的疾病所包围，呼吸有害的空气，这种空气会败坏他们的信仰，玷污他们的品德，除非被救赎主所提供的伟大疗法所抵制。祂把受苦的人所必须承受的祸患承揽在自己身上。祂为所有希望效法祂的人树立了榜样。只要他们谨慎行走，他们的光就能照耀在最黑暗的地方和最腐败的环境里，要是上帝让他们处身在这种环境的话。基督温柔谦逊的生活斥责了自私和世俗智慧及荣华富贵的骄傲。祂安家在卑微的拿撒勒，成为跟从祂之人的楷模，使任何地方、任何工作，只要为责任的驱使，都将是光荣的，因为他们忠心地工作。{1Red 52.2}

祭司长、文士和法利赛人在基督开始公开服务、吸引了民众的注意力之后对待祂的态度，暴露了人心中最恶劣的情绪。谁表现出这种刻骨的仇恨呢?是弟兄们吗?对基督表现出最邪恶的妒忌和仇恨的，是文士和长老，尤其的祭司长们;他们所担任的圣职本来是代表基督的。{1Red 53.1}

基督首先在自己的乡亲中开始祂的公开服务。安息日祂按照自己的习惯进入拿撒勒的会堂。长老朗读先知书，奉劝人们继续盼望和相信将要来临的那一位会带来光荣的统治，制服一切压迫的势力。他为了激发犹太人的信心和勇气，就重温了弥赛亚快来的证据，特别强调了伴随着祂来临的王权和光荣统治。他向人们灌输错误的观念，就是基督将在耶路撒冷登上地上的宝座，祂的国度将是属世的国度。他教导他们，弥赛亚将会率领军队，战胜外邦人，把以色列人从一切压迫的重轭下解救出来，并愤怒地消灭祂的敌人。长老讲完以后，耶稣严肃地站起来，叫他们把《以赛亚书》拿给祂。{1Red 53.2}

“耶稣来到拿撒勒，就是祂长大的地方。在安息日，照祂平常的规矩，进了会堂，站起来要念圣经。有人把先知以赛亚的书交给祂，祂就打开，找到一处写着说， 主的灵在我身上，因为祂用膏膏我，叫我传福音给贫穷的人。差遣我报告被掳的得释放，瞎眼的得看见

  【Preface】

In presenting to the public a series of pamphlets upon the life of Christ the publishers wish to say that the writer is a Christian lady of great experience, having been a writer and public speaker for more than twenty years. Her labors have extended into twenty states, and also into the Canadas. By the power of divine grace she has obtained the reputation in the outside world, as well as among her people, of being a forcible speaker, and eminently qualified to teach the people.?{1Red 9.1}[1]

  It is very evident to all who hear Mrs. White that her mind has been visited by heavenly illuminations, which have qualified her to present the facts in the history of the life of Christ in connection with the great plan of human redemption in a clear light. One thing in particular will impress the reader, that the writer of these little books presents many beautiful thoughts which are not expressed in other writings of the kind. And these thoughts are so very natural in their connections with the great subject, so simple, plain, and beautiful, that the reader will often inquire why he has not before thought of them.?{1Red 9.2}[2]

  These pamphlets will not fail to do good, and only good wherever they may be circulated and read. We bespeak for them a wide circulation, as well as a candid and prayerful reading.?---Publishers.{1Red 9.3}[3]

  《The Great Controversy》

【Chapter 1—The First Advent of Christ】

The blood of beasts could not satisfy the demands of God in atoning for the transgression of his perfect law. The life of a beast was of less value than the life of the offending sinner, therefore it could not be a ransom for sin. It could only be acceptable with God as a figure, representing the perfect Offering which the blood of beasts prefigured.?{1Red 9.4}[4]

  Man could not atone for man. He was created lower than the angels, and his sinful, fallen condition would constitute him an imperfect offering, an atoning sacrifice of less value than Adam before his fall. God made man perfect and upright, and after his transgression there could be no sacrifice acceptable to God for him, unless the offering made should in value be superior to man as he was while in his state of perfection and innocency.?{1Red 9.5}[5]

  The divine Son of God was the only one of sufficient value to satisfy the claims of God’s perfect law. The angels were sinless, but of less value than the law of God. They were amenable to law. They were messengers to do the will of Christ, and before him to bow. They were created?beings, and probationers. Upon Christ no requirements were laid, as upon created beings. He had power to lay down his life, and to take it again. No obligation was laid upon him to undertake the work of atonement. It was a voluntary sacrifice that he made. His life was of sufficient value to rescue man from his fallen condition. The Son of God was in the form of God, and he thought it not robbery to be equal with God. He was the only one, who as a man walked the earth, who could say to all men, Who of you convinceth me of sin? He had united with the Father in the creation of man, and he had power through his own divine perfection of character to atone for man’s sin, and to elevate him, and bring him back to his first estate.?{1Red 9.6}[6]

  The Son of God was next in authority to the great Lawgiver. He knew that his life alone could be sufficient to ransom fallen man. He was of as much more value than man, as his noble, spotless character, and exalted office, as commander of all the heavenly host, were above the work of man. He was in the express image of his Father, not in features alone, but in perfection of character. As he was without blemish, he alone could become an acceptable offering for man.?{1Red 10.1}[7]

  The sacrificial offerings, and the priesthood of the Jewish system, were instituted of God to represent the death and mediatorial work of Christ. All those ceremonies had no meaning, and no virtue, only as they related to Christ, who was himself the foundation and existence of the entire system. The Lord had made known to Adam, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and the ancient worthies, especially Moses, that the ceremonial system of sacrifices and priesthood, of?themselves, were not sufficient to secure the salvation of one soul. The system of sacrificial offerings pointed to Christ. Through these the ancient worthies saw Christ, and believed in him. These were ordained of God to keep before the people the fearful separation which sin had made between God and man, requiring a mediating ministry. Through Christ, the communication which was cut off because of Adam’s transgression, was opened between God and the ruined sinner. The infinite sacrifice that Christ voluntarily made for man remains a mystery that angels cannot fully fathom.?{1Red 10.2}[8]

  The Jewish system was symbolical, and was to continue until the perfect Offering should take the place of the figurative. The Mediator, in his office and work, would greatly exceed in dignity and glory the earthly, typical priesthood. The people of God, from Adam’s day down to the time when the Jewish nation became a separate and distinct people from the world, had been instructed in regard to the Redeemer to come, which their sacrificial offerings represented. This Saviour was to be a Mediator, to stand between the Most High and his people. Through this provision a way was opened whereby the guilty sinner might find access to God through the mediation of another. The sinner could not come in his own person, with his guilt upon him, and with no greater merit than he possessed in himself. Christ alone could open the way, by making an offering equal to the demand of the divine law. He was perfect, and undefiled by sin. He was without spot or blemish. The extent of the terrible consequences of sin could never have been known, had not the remedy provided been of infinite value. The salvation of fallen man was procured at such an?immense cost, that angels marveled, and could not fully comprehend the divine mystery that the Majesty of Heaven, equal with God, should die for the rebellious race.?{1Red 11.1}[9]

  As the time drew near for the Son of God to make his first advent, Satan became more vigilant in preparing the hearts of the Jewish people to be steeled against the evidences he should bring of his Messiahship. The Jews had become proud and boastful. The purity of the priesthood had not been preserved, but was fearfully corrupted. They retained the forms and ceremonies attached to the priesthood, while their hearts were not in the work. They did not sustain personal piety and virtuous characters. And the more they were wanting in the qualifications necessary to the sacred work, as priest of the most high God, the more tenacious were they of outward show of piety, zeal, and devotion. They were hypocritical. They loved the honors of the world, and were ambitious to become exalted through riches. In order to obtain their desire, they improved every opportunity to take advantage of the poor, especially of the widow and fatherless. They exacted heavy sums of money of those who were conscientious, on various pretenses, for the Lord’s treasury, and used the means thus dishonestly obtained for their own advantage. They were rigorous themselves to outwardly keep the law. They appeared to show great respect for traditions and customs, in order to obtain money from the people to gratify their corrupt ambition.?{1Red 12.1}[10]

  Traditions, customs, and needless ceremonies, were repeated to the people, which God had not given them through Moses or any other one. They originated from no higher source than man. The?chief priests, scribes, and elders, forced these upon the people as the commandments of God. Their hearts were hard and unfeeling. They showed no mercy to the poor and unfortunate. Yet, at the same time, while praying in the market-places, and giving alms to be seen of men, and thus putting on the outward semblance of goodness, they were devouring widows’ houses by their heavy taxes which they laid upon them. They were apparently exact in outward forms when observed of men; for they wished to give impressions of their importance. They wished the people to have exalted ideas of their zeal and devotion to religious duties, while they were daily robbing God by appropriating the offerings of the people to themselves.?{1Red 12.2}[11]

  The priesthood had become so corrupt that the priests had no scruples in engaging in the most dishonest and criminal acts to accomplish their designs. Those who assumed to fill the office of high priest prior to, and at, the time of Christ’s advent, were not men divinely appointed to the sacred office. They had eagerly aspired to the office through love of ambition and show. They desired a position where they could have power and authority, and practice fraud under a garb of piety, and thereby escape detection. The high priest held a position of power and importance. He was not only counselor and mediator, but judge; and there was no appeal from his decision. The priests were held in restraint by the authority of the Romans, and were not allowed the power of legally putting any one to death. This power rested with those who bore rule over the Jews. Men of corrupt hearts sought the distinguished office of high priest, and frequently?obtained it by bribery and assassination. The high priest, clad in his consecrated and expensive robes, with the breastplate upon his breast, the light playing upon the precious stones inlaid in the breastplate, presented a most imposing appearance, and struck the conscientious, true-hearted people with reverence and awe. The high priest was designed in an especial manner to represent Christ, who was to become a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. This order of priesthood was not to pass to another, or be superseded by another.?{1Red 13.1}[12]

  The Jewish nation had corrupted their religion by useless ceremonies and customs. This laid a heavy tax upon the people, especially the poorer classes. They were also under bondage to other nations, and required to pay tribute to them. The Jews were unreconciled to their bondage, and looked forward to the triumph of their nation through the Messiah, the powerful deliverer foretold in prophecy. Their views were narrow. They thought the Coming One would, at his appearing, assume kingly honors, and, by force of arms, subdue the heathen nations, and take the throne of David. Had they, with humble minds and spiritual discernment, studied the prophecies, they would not have been found in so great error as to overlook the prophecies which pointed to his first advent in humility, and misapply those which spoke of his second coming with power and great glory. The Jewish people had been striving for power. They were ambitious for worldly honors. They were proud and corrupt, and could not discern sacred things. They could not distinguish between the first and second appearings of Christ. The glory described by the prophets as?attending his second advent, they looked for a fulfillment of in his first advent. Their own glory was to them their greatest anxiety. All their worldly and ambitious desire was the establishment of a temporal kingdom, which they supposed would reduce the world to subjection, and exalt them with authority and power to reign as kings over them. They had made the proud boast to the heathen nations, to whom they were in subjection, that they were not to oppress them long; for their reign would soon commence, which would be more exalted and glorious than that even of Solomon.?{1Red 14.1}[13]

  Christ was born in a stable, and cradled in a manger, surrounded by the beasts of the stall. And is this indeed the Son of God, in all outward appearance a frail, helpless creature, so much resembling other infants? His divine glory and majesty were veiled by humanity, yet angels heralded his birth. Angels that ministered unto him were not permitted to reveal their glory to the eyes of men. The tidings of his birth were borne with joy to the heavenly courts, while the great men of the earth knew it not. The proud Pharisees and scribes, with their hypocritical ceremonies, and apparent devotion to the law, knew nothing of the Babe of Bethlehem. They were ignorant of the manner of his first appearing, notwithstanding all their boasted learning and wisdom in expounding the law and prophecies in the schools of the prophets. They were devising means to advantage themselves. Their study was as to the most successful manner to obtain riches and worldly honor. They were wholly unprepared for the revelation of the Messiah. They looked for a mighty prince, who should reign?upon David’s throne, and whose kingdom should endure forever. Their proud and lofty ideas of the coming of the Messiah were not in accordance with the prophecies which they professed to be able to expound to the people. They were spiritually blind, and were leaders of the blind.?{1Red 15.1}[14]

  The King of glory stooped low to take humanity; and angels, who had witnessed his majesty and splendor in the heavenly courts, as he was worshiped by all the heavenly messengers, were not prepared to find their divine Commander in a position of so great humiliation. His bed was in a manger, and he was surrounded by the beasts of the stall. Yet even in his humiliation, they could bow before him without forfeiting their allegiance to Jehovah.?{1Red 16.1}[15]

  “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is 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 had been waiting for the predicted Messiah. They had studied prophecy, and knew the time was at hand when Christ would come, and they were anxiously watching for some sign of this great event, that they might be among the first to welcome the infant heavenly King, and worship him. These wise men had seen the heavens illuminated with light, which enshrouded the heavenly messengers who heralded the advent of Christ to the shepherds of Israel, and after the angelic messenger returned to Heaven, a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the heavens. The unusual appearance of the large, bright star which they had never seen before, hanging as a sign in?the heavens, attracted their attention, and the Spirit of God moved them out to seek this heavenly Visitor to a fallen world. The wise men directed their course where the star seemed to lead them. As they drew nigh to the city of Jerusalem, the star was enshrouded in darkness, and no longer guided them. They reasoned that the Jews at Jerusalem could not be ignorant of the great event of the advent of the Messiah, and they made inquiries in the vicinity of Jerusalem. They plainly stated their errand. They were in search of Jesus, the king of the Jews, for they had seen his star in the east, and had come to worship him.?{1Red 16.2}[16]

  The city of Jerusalem was thrown into great excitement by the sayings of the wise men. The news was immediately carried to Herod. He was exceedingly troubled, yet disguised his discomfiture, and received the men with apparent courtesy.?{1Red 17.1}[17]

  “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeaX1Red. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.”?{1Red 17.2}[18]

  Although Herod received the wise men with apparent respect, yet the intimation by them of the birth of a king to reign in Jerusalem, excited his envy and hatred against the infant whom he thought might prove his rival, and drive him, or his descendants, from the throne. A storm of opposition and satanic fury took possession of Herod to destroy this infant king. Yet he put on a calm exterior, and requested a private interview with the wise men. He then inquired particularly the exact time the star appeaX1Red. He apparently hailed the supposition of the birth of Christ with joy, expressing a desire to be immediately informed by the wise men, that he might be among the first to show him true honor by worshiping him also. The wise men were not able to read the heart of the tyrant Herod; but God, who is acquainted with every emotion of the soul, with the intents and purposes of the heart, was not deceived by his hypocritical pretenses. His power will protect and preserve the precious infant Saviour from Satan’s devices, until his mission on earth is accomplished. “When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” After the wise men had left Jerusalem they again saw, to their great joy, the guiding star in the heavens, which directed them to the birthplace of our Saviour. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”?{1Red 18.1}[19]

  Herod understood that Christ was to reign over a temporal kingdom, and he was utterly averse to the idea of a Jewish king. The chief priests and scribes had professed to understand the prophecies in reference to the appearing of Christ. They had repeated the prophecies which relate to the second appearing of Christ in power and great glory, to put down all authority, and to rule over the kingdoms of the whole earth. They had, in a boastful, resentful manner, asserted that Christ was to be a temporal prince, and that every kingdom and nation was to bow in submission to his authority. These priests had not searched the prophecies with an eye single to the glory of God, or with a desire to conform their lives to the high standard marked out by the prophets. They searched the Scriptures to find ancient prophecies which they could in some way interpret to sustain their lofty pride, and to show with what contempt God regarded all the nations of the world except the Jewish nation. They declared that the power and authority they were then compelled to respect and obey, would soon come to an end; for Messiah would take the throne of David, and, by force of arms, restore the Jews to their liberty, and to their exalted privileges. The understanding of the Jews was darkened. They had no light in themselves. They were seeing the prophecies through their own perverse, corrupt understanding. Satan was leading them on to their own ruin. Herod was determined to defeat the purposes of the Jews, and to humble these proud boasters, by destroying Christ as soon as he should be found.?{1Red 19.1}[20]

  After the mission of the wise men had been accomplished, they were purposing to return, and?bear the joyful news to Herod of the success of their journey. But God sent his angels in the night season to turn the course of the wise men. In the vision of the night they were plainly told not to return to Herod. They obeyed the heavenly messengers, and returned to their homes another way. “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word; for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.”?{1Red 19.2}[21]

  The Lord moved upon the wise men to go in search of Jesus, and he directed their course by a star. This star, leaving them when near Jerusalem, led them to make inquiries in Judah; for they thought it was not possible for the chief priests and scribes to be ignorant of this great event. The coming of the wise men made the whole nation acquainted with the object of their journey, and directed their attention to the important events which were transpiring. God well knew that the advent of his Son to earth would stir the powers of darkness. Satan did not want that light should come into the world. The eye of God was upon his Son every moment. The Lord had fed his prophet Elijah by a miracle when upon a long journey. He could obtain food from no other source. He rained manna from Heaven for the children of Israel. The Lord provided a way for Joseph to preserve his own life, and the?lives of Jesus and the mother, by their fleeing into Egypt. He provided for the necessities of their journey, and for their sojourn in Egypt, by moving upon the wise men of the east to go in search of the infant Saviour, and to bear him valuable offerings as a token of honor. The Lord is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He directed the course of Joseph into Egypt, that he might there find an asylum from the wrath of a tyrannical king, and the life of the infant Saviour be preserved. The earthly parents of Jesus were poor. The gifts brought to them by the wise men sustained them while in a land of strangers.?{1Red 20.1}[22]

  Herod waited anxiously for the return of the wise men; for he was impatient to carry out his determined purpose to destroy the infant King of Israel. After he had waited long for the knowledge he desired, he feared his purpose might be thwarted. He reasoned thus: Could those men have read the dark deed he premeditated? Could they have understood his design, and purposely avoided him? This he thought was insult and mockery. His impatience, envy, and hatred, increased. He was stirred by his father the devil to seek the accomplishment of his purpose by a most cruel act. If he should fail in carrying out his murderous intent by pretense and subtlety, he would, by power and authority, strike terror to the hearts of all the Jews. They should have an example of what their king would meet, should they seek to place one upon the throne in Jerusalem.?{1Red 21.1}[23]

  And here was a favorable opportunity to humble the pride of the Jews, and bring upon them a calamity which should discourage them in their ambition to have a separate government, and become?the glory of the whole earth, as they had proudly boasted. Herod issued a proclamation to a large company of soldiers, who possessed hearts hardened by crime, war, and bloodshed, to go throughout Bethlehem and all the coasts thereof, and massacre all the children from two years old and under. Herod designed in this cruel, inhuman act, to accomplish a double purpose: first, to exercise, by this bold act, his power and authority over the Jews; and, second, to silence their proud boastings in regard to the king, and also make his own kingdom secure, by murdering the infant prince whom he envied and feaX1Red. This cruel work was accomplished. The sword of unfeeling soldiers carried destruction everywhere. The horror and distress of parents were beyond description. The wailing cries of bereaved mothers, as they clasped their expiring infants to their breasts, rose above the coarse jests and imprecations of the soldiers, while they cried to heaven for vengeance on the tyrant king.?{1Red 21.2}[24]

  All this terrible calamity was suffered of God, to humble the pride of the Jewish nation. Their crimes and wickedness had been so great that the Lord permitted the wicked Herod to punish them. Had they been less boastful and ambitious, their lives pure, their habits simple and sincere, God would have preserved them from being thus humiliated and afflicted by their enemies. God would, in a signal manner, have made the wrath of the king harmless to his people, had they been faithful and perfect before him. But God could not especially work for them, for their works were abhorred by him.?{1Red 22.1}[25]

  The Jews had excited the envy and hatred of Herod against Christ, through their false interpretations?of the prophets. They taught that Christ was to reign over an earthly empire, in unsurpassed glory. Their proud boasting presented the Saviour of the world and his mission to the earth altogether in a false light. Their lofty ideas and their proud boasting did not result as Satan had at first purposed they should, in the destruction of the infant Saviour, but rebounded back upon themselves, filling their homes with mourning. Jeremiah, in prophetic vision, says: “In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.” Herod did not long survive his cruel work. He died a fearful death, and was compelled to yield to a power he could not turn aside or overcome.?{1Red 22.2}[26]

  After Herod was cut off from the earth, the heavenly messenger again warned Joseph to return to the land of Israel. He was desirous to make his home in Judah or Bethany; but when he heard that the son of the tyrannical Herod reigned upon his father’s throne, he was afraid that the purposes of the father might be carried out by the son in murdering Christ. While in his perplexity, not knowing where to locate, the Lord, through his angel, again selected for him a place of safety. He was to tarry in Nazareth. “And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, he shall be called a Nazarene.”?{1Red 23.1}[27] 

 This was the reception the Saviour met as he came to a fallen world. He left his heavenly home, his majesty, and riches, and high command, and took upon himself humanity, that he might save the fallen race. Instead of glorifying God?for the honor he had conferred upon humanity in thus sending his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, by giving him a place in their affections, there seemed to be no rest nor safety for the infant Saviour. Jehovah could not trust to the inhabitants of the world his Son, who came into the world that through his divine power he might redeem fallen man. He who came to bring life to man would meet, from the very ones he came to benefit, insult, hatred, and abuse. God could not trust the heavenly Messenger with men while carrying on his noble work for their salvation, and final exaltation to his own throne. He sent angels to attend him, and preserve his life, till his mission on earth should be accomplished, and he should die by the hands of the very men he came to save.?{1Red 23.2}[28]

  From his childhood, Jesus conformed his life strictly to the Jewish laws. He manifested great wisdom in his youth. The grace and power of God were upon him. The word of the Lord, by the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, describes the office and work of Christ, and shows the sheltering care of God over his Son in his mission to earth, that the relentless hatred of men, inspired by Satan, should not be permitted to thwart the design of the great plan of salvation.?{1Red 24.1}[29]

  “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth.”?{1Red 24.2}[30]

  The voice of Christ was not heard in the street, in noisy contention with those who were opposed to his doctrine. Neither was his voice heard in the streets in prayer to his Father, to be heard of men. His voice was not heard in joyful mirth. His voice was not raised to exalt himself, and to gain the applause and flattery of men. When engaged in teaching, he withdrew his disciples away from the noise and confusion of the busy city to some retired place more in harmony with the lessons of humility, piety, and virtue, which he would impress upon their minds. He shunned human praise, and preferred solitude and peaceful retirement to the noise and confusion of mortal life. His voice was often heard in earnest, prevailing intercessions to his Father; yet for these exercises he chose the lonely mountain, and frequently spent whole nights in prayer for strength to sustain him under the temptations he should meet, and to accomplish the important work he came to do for the salvation of man. His petitions were earnest and powerful, mingled with strong cries and tears. And notwithstanding the labor of soul during the night, he ceased not his labor through the day. In the morning he would quietly resume his work of mercy and disinterested benevolence. The life of Christ was in marked contrast to that of the Jews, and for this very reason they wished to destroy him.?{1Red 25.1}[31]

  The chief priests, and scribes, and elders, loved to pray in the most public places; not only in the crowded synagogues, but in the corners of the streets, that they might be seen of men, and praised for their devotion and piety. Their acts of charity were done in the most public manner, and?for the purpose of calling the attention of the people to themselves. Their voices were indeed heard in the streets, not only in exalting themselves, but in contention with those who differed with them in doctrine. They were resentful and unforgiving, proud, haughty, and bigoted. The Lord, through his faithful prophet, shows the life of Christ in marked contrast to the hypocritical chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees.?{1Red 25.2}[32]

  The parents of Jesus yearly visited Jerusalem, in accordance with the Jewish law. Their son Jesus, then twelve years old, accompanied them on their journey. In returning to their home, after they had gone a day’s journey, their anxiety was aroused, as they missed Jesus. He had not been seen of them since they left Jerusalem. They supposed he was with the company. Inquiry and search were made among their acquaintances and relatives for their much-loved Son; but no trace could be found of him. They hastened back to Jerusalem, their hearts heavy with sorrow.?{1Red 26.1}[33]

  “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them; but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And?Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”?{1Red 26.2}[34]

  The doctors, and expounders of the law, always taught the people publicly upon special occasions. It was upon one of these occasions that Jesus gave manifest proofs of superior wisdom, penetration, and mature judgment. The people were more surprised because the parents of Christ were poor, and he had not received the advantages of education. The question passed from lip to lip, Whence has this youth such wisdom, having never learned? While the parents of Christ were in search of him, they saw large numbers flocking to the temple; and as they entered it, the well-known voice of their son arrested their attention. They could not get sight of him for the crowd; but they knew that they were not mistaken; for no voice was like his, marked with solemn melody. The parents gazed in astonishment at the scene. Their son, in the midst of the grave and learned doctors and scribes, was giving evidence of superior knowledge by his discreet questions and answers. His parents were gratified to see him thus honoX1Red. But the mother could not forget the grief and anxiety she had suffered because of his tarry at Jerusalem, and she, in a reproving manner, inquired why he had thus dealt with them, relating her fears and sorrow on his account.?{1Red 27.1}[35]

  Said Jesus, “How is it that ye sought me?” This pointed question was to lead them to see that if they had been mindful of their duty, they would not have left Jerusalem without him. He then adds, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” While they had been unmindful of the responsible charge entrusted to?them, Jesus was engaged in the work of his Father. Mary knew that Christ did not refer to his earthly father, Joseph, but to Jehovah. She laid these things to heart, and profited by them.?{1Red 27.2}[36]

  In returning from Jerusalem with the crowd, talking and visiting engrossed their minds, and Jesus was forgotten for an entire day. His absence was not marked until the close of the day. Joseph and Mary had been honored of God in an especial manner, in being intrusted with the responsible charge of the Saviour, who was to bring salvation to the fallen race. Angels had heralded his birth to the shepherds, and God had directed the course of Joseph, to preserve the life of the infant Saviour. But the confusion of much talk had led to the neglect of their sacred trust, and Jesus was not brought to mind for an entire day, by those who should not have forgotten him for a moment. They returned their weary way, sad and fearful, to Jerusalem. They recalled the terrible massacre of innocent children by the cruel Herod in hope of destroying the king of Israel. When their anxiety was relieved by finding Jesus, they did not acknowledge their own neglect of duty, but their words reflected on Christ—“Why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” Jesus, in most respectful language, inquires, “How is it that ye sought me?” But these words modestly reflect back the censure upon themselves, in reminding them that, if they had not permitted themselves to be engrossed with matters of no special importance, they would not have had the trouble of searching for him. He then justifies his course: “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” While he was engaged in the work?he came to the earth to perform, they had neglected the work his Father had especially intrusted to them. They could not fully comprehend the words of Christ; yet Mary, in a great measure, understood their import, and laid them away in her heart to ponder over in the future.?{1Red 28.1}[37]

  It was so natural for the parents of Christ to look upon him as their own child, as parents commonly regard their children, that they were in danger of losing the precious blessing which daily attended them in the presence of Jesus, the world’s redeemer. As Christ was daily with them, his life in many respects as other children, it was difficult to keep before them his sacred mission, and the daily blessing of having committed to their charge and parental care, for a while, the Son of God, whose divinity was veiled with humanity. His tarry in Jerusalem was designed of him as a gentle reminder to them of their duty, lest they should become indifferent in a greater degree, and lose the sense of the high favor God had conferred upon them.?{1Red 29.1}[38]

  Not one act in the life of Christ was unimportant. Every event of his life was for the benefit of his followers in future time. This circumstance of the tarry of Christ in Jerusalem teaches an important lesson to those who should believe on him. Many had come a great distance to keep the passover, especially instituted of God that by its yearly observance they might keep in memory the wonderful works of God in their deliverance from Egypt. This ordinance was designed to call their minds from their world-loving interests, and from their cares and anxieties in relation to temporal concerns, and to review the works of God. They were to call to mind his miracles, his mercies?and loving-kindness, to them, that their love and reverence for him might increase, and lead them to ever look to him, and trust in him in all their trials, and not turn to other gods.?{1Red 29.2}[39]

  The observance of the passover possessed a mournful interest to the Son of God. He saw in the slain lamb a symbol of his own death. The people who celebrated this ordinance were instructed to associate the slaying of the lamb with the future death of the Son of God. The blood, marking the door-posts of the Israelites, was the symbol of the blood of Christ which was to be efficacious for the believing sinner, in cleansing him from sin, and sheltering him from the wrath of God which was to come upon the impenitent and unbelieving world, as the wrath of God fell upon the Egyptians. But none could be benefited by this special provision made by God for the salvation of man unless they performed the work the Lord left them to do. They had a part to act themselves, and by their acts to manifest their faith in the provision made for their salvation.?{1Red 30.1}[40]

  Jesus was acquainted with hearts. He knew that, as the crowd returned in company from Jerusalem, there would be much talking and visiting which would not be seasoned with humility and grace, and the Messiah and his mission would be nearly forgotten. It would have been his choice to return from Jerusalem with his parents alone; for in being retired, his father and mother would have more time for reflection, and for meditation upon the prophecies which refer to his future sufferings and death. He did not wish the painful events which they were to experience in his offering up his life for the sins of the world, to be new and unexpected to them. He was separated from?them in their return from Jerusalem. After the celebration of the passover they sought him sorrowing three days. When he should be slain for the sins of the world, he would be separated from them, lost to them, for three days. But after that he would reveal himself to them, and be found of them, and their faith rely upon him as the redeemer of the fallen race, the advocate with the Father in their behalf.?{1Red 30.2}[41]

  Here is a lesson of instruction to all the followers of Christ. He designed that none of these lessons should be lost, but be written for the benefit of future generations. There is necessity of carefulness of words and actions when a number are associated together, lest Jesus be forgotten of them, and they pass along careless of the fact that Jesus is not among them. When they are aroused to their condition, they discover that they have journeyed without the presence of Him who could give peace and joy to their hearts, and days are occupied in returning, and searching for him whom they should have retained with them every moment. Jesus will not be found in the company of those who are careless of his presence, and who engage in conversation having no reference to their Redeemer, in whom they profess their hopes of eternal life are centeX1Red. Jesus shuns the company of such. So also do the angels who do his commands. These heavenly messengers are not attracted to the crowd where minds are diverted from heavenly things. Their pure and holy spirits cannot remain in the company where Jesus’ presence is not desired and encouraged, and his absence not marked. For this reason great mourning, grief, and discouragement exist. Through lack of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they?have lost all that is valuable. The divine rays of light emanating from Jesus are not with them, cheering them with their loving, elevating influence. They are enshrouded in gloom, because their careless, irreverent spirit has separated Jesus from their company, and driven the heavenly ministering angels from them.?{1Red 31.1}[42]

  Many who attend meetings of devotion, and have been instructed by the servants of God, and been greatly refreshed and blessed in seeking Jesus, have returned to their homes no better than they left them, because they did not feel the importance of praying and watching thereunto, as they returned to their homes. They frequently feel inclined to complain of others, because they realize their loss. Some murmur against God, and do not reproach themselves as being the cause of their own darkness, and sufferings of mind. These should not reflect upon others. The lack is in themselves. They talked and jested, and visited away the heavenly guest, and themselves they have only to blame. It is the privilege of all to retain Jesus with them. If they do this, their words must be select, seasoned with grace. The thoughts of their hearts must be controlled to meditate upon heavenly and divine things.?{1Red 32.1}[43]

  The love of God, manifested toward fallen man in the gift of his beloved Son, amazed the holy angels. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Son was the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of his person. He possessed divine excellence and greatness. He was equal with God. It pleased the Father that in him all fullness should dwell. He “thought it?not robbery to be equal with God.” Yet he “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” In order to more fully realize the value of salvation, it is necessary to understand what it cost. In consequence of limited views of the sufferings of the divine Son of God, many place a low estimate upon the great work of the atonement.?{1Red 32.2}[44]

 Christ consented to die in man’s stead, that he, by a life of obedience, might escape the penalty of the law of God. His death did not slay the law, lessen its holy claims, nor detract from its sacred dignity. The death of Christ proclaimed the justice of his Father’s law in punishing the transgressor, in that he consented to suffer the penalty of the law himself, in order to save fallen man from its curse. The death of God’s beloved Son on the cross shows the immutability of the law. His death magnified the law and made it honorable, and gave evidence to man of its changeless character. From his own divine lips is heard, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law.”?{1Red 33.1}[45]

  In Christ were united the human and the divine. His mission was to reconcile God to man, and man to God. His work was to unite the finite with the Infinite. This was the only way in which fallen men could be exalted through the merits of the blood of Christ, to be partakers of the divine nature. Taking human nature fitted Christ to understand the nature of man’s trials, and all the temptations wherewith he is beset. Angels who were unacquainted with sin, could not sympathize with man in his peculiar trials.?{1Red 33.2}[46]

  Before Christ left Heaven and came into the world to die, he was taller than any of the angels. He was majestic and lovely. But when his ministry commenced, he was but little taller than the common size of men then living upon the earth. Had he come among men with his noble, heavenly form, his outward appearance would have attracted the minds of the people to himself, and he would have been received without the exercise of faith.?{1Red 34.1}[47]

  It was in the order of God that Christ should take upon himself the form and nature of fallen man, that he might be made perfect through suffering, and himself endure the strength of Satan’s temptations, that he might the better know how to succor those who should be tempted. The faith of men in Christ as the Messiah was not to rest on the evidences of sight, and they believe on him because of his personal attractions, but because of the excellence of character found in him, which never had been found, neither could be, in another. All who loved virtue, purity, and holiness, would be drawn to Christ, and would see sufficient evidence of his being the Messiah foretold by prophecy, that should come. Those who thus trusted in the word of God, would receive the benefits of the teachings of Christ, and finally of his atonement.?{1Red 34.2}[48]

  Christ came to call the attention of all men to his Father, teaching them repentance toward God. His work was to reconcile man to God. Although Christ did not come as he was expected, yet he came just as prophecy had marked out that he would come. Those who wished to believe had sufficient grounds for their faith by referring to prophecy, which predicted the coming of the Just One, and described the manner of his coming.?{1Red 34.3}[49]

  The ancient Jewish church were the highly favored people of God, brought out of Egypt and acknowledged as his own peculiar treasure. The many and exceeding-great and precious promises to them as a people, were the hope and confidence of the Jewish church. Herein they trusted, and believed their salvation sure. No other people professed to be governed by the commandments of God. Our Saviour came first to his own people, but they received him not.?{1Red 35.1}[50] 

 The self-righteous, proud, unbelieving Jews expected their Saviour and King would come into the world clothed with majesty and power, compelling all Gentiles to yield obedience to him. They did not expect any humiliation and suffering would be manifested in him. They would not receive the meek and lowly Jesus, and acknowledge him to be the Saviour of the world. Had he appeared in splendor, and assumed the authority of the world’s great men, instead of taking the form of a servant, they would have received and worshiped him.?{1Red 35.2}[51] 

 His birth was without worldly grandeur. He was born in a stable, and cradled in a manger; yet his birth was honored far above that of any of the sons of men. Angels from Heaven informed the shepherds of the advent of Jesus, while the light and glory from God accompanied their testimony. The heavenly host touched their harps, and glorified God. They triumphantly heralded the advent of the Son of God to a fallen world, to accomplish the work of redemption, and by his death bring peace, happiness, and everlasting life, to man. God honored the advent of his Son. Angels worshiped him.?{1Red 35.3}[52]

  【Chapter 2-The Mission of John】

Previous to Christ’s entering upon his ministry, the mission of John commenced. He was to prepare the way for the reception of Christ. In the spirit, and with the power, of Elijah, he denounced the corruptions of the Jews, and raised his voice in reproving their prevailing sins. His discourses were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many were brought to repentance of their sins, and, as evidence of their repentance, were baptized of him in Jordan. This was the preparatory work for the ministry of Christ. Many were convicted because of the plain truths uttered by this faithful prophet; but, by rejecting the light, they became enshrouded in deeper darkness, so that they were fully prepared to turn from the evidences attending Jesus, that he was the true Messiah.?{1Red 36.1}[53]

  John, as he looked forward to the ministry and miracles of Christ, appealed to the people, “saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” He was successful in his ministry. Persons of all ranks, high and low, rich and poor, submitted to the requirements of the prophet, as necessary for them in order to participate in the kingdom he came to declare. Many of the scribes and Pharisees came to him, confessing their sins, and were baptized of him in Jordan. The confessions made by the Pharisees astonished the prophet; for they had exalted themselves as better than other men, and had maintained a high opinion of their own piety and worthiness. As they sought to obtain remission of their sins, and revealed the?secrets of their lives, which had been covered from the eyes of men, the prophet was amazed. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet for repentance. And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father; for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”?{1Red 36.2}[54]

  The whole Jewish nation seemed to be affected by the mission of John. The threatenings of God on account of their sins, repeated by the prophet, for a time alarmed them. John knew that they cherished the idea that, because they were of the seed of Abraham, they were securely established in the favor of God, while their course of action was abhorred of him. Their conduct was, in many respects, even worse than that of the heathen nations to whom they felt so much superior. The prophet faithfully presented to them the ability of God to raise up those who would take their place, and would become more worthy children of Abraham. He told them plainly that God was not dependent upon them to fulfill his purpose; for he could provide ways and means independent of them, to carry forward his great work which was to be accomplished in purity and righteousness. John further adds: “And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees; therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” He impresses upon them that the value of the tree is ascertained by the fruit it produces. Though a tree may bear an exalted name, yet if it produces no fruit, or if its fruit is unworthy of the name, the name will avail?nothing in preventing the tree from being devoted to destruction. “Of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble-bush gather they grapes.”?{1Red 37.1}[55]

 The Jews had deceived themselves by misinterpreting the words of the Lord through his prophets, of his eternal favor to his people Israel. They misapplied the words of Jeremiah, and depended for salvation upon their being called the children of Abraham. If they had indeed been worthy of the name of Abraham’s children, they would have followed the righteous example of their father Abraham, and would have done the works of Abraham.?{1Red 38.1}[56]

  “Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; the Lord of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also 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 searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord.”?Jeremiah 31:35-37.?{1Red 38.2}[57]

  These words the Jews applied to themselves; and because God had shown them so great favor and mercy, they flattered themselves that, notwithstanding their sins and iniquity, he would still retain them as his favored people, and shower especial blessings upon them. This has been the danger of the people of God in all ages; and especially is this the danger of those living near the close of time. We are cited by the apostle to the children of Israel as a warning. Paul plainly states that “all these things happened unto them?for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come.” If in these last days of peril, for the encouragement of persons in responsible positions, God in mercy gives them a word of favor, they frequently become lifted up, and lose sight of their frailties and weaknesses, and rely upon their own judgment, flattering themselves that God cannot accomplish his work without their especial aid. They trust in their own wisdom; and the Lord permits them, for a time, to apparently prosper, to reveal the weakness and corruptions of the natural heart. But the Lord will, in his own time, and in his own way, bring down the pride and folly of these deceived ones, and reveal to them their true condition. If they will accept the humiliation, and by confession and sincere repentance, turn unto the Lord, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, he will renew his love to them. But if they shut their eyes, as did the Jews, to their own corruption, and choose their own ways, the Lord will give them up to blindness of mind, and hardness of heart, that they cannot discern the things of the Spirit of God.?{1Red 38.3}[58]

  God cannot do much for man, because he misinterprets his blessings, and concludes that he is favored on account of some goodness and virtue in himself. It is not safe to speak in the praise of mortals; for they cannot bear it. Satan has that special work to perform himself, and he needs not the help of the Lord’s servants in this matter. How few realize the weakness of humanity and the subtlety of Satan. Many in these last days are preparing themselves for affliction and sorrow, or for separation from the favor of God, because?of their pride and self-righteousness. They will fall through self-exaltation.?{1Red 39.1}[59]

  The prophet John impressed upon the people the necessity of their profession’s being accompanied with good works. Their words and actions would be their fruit, and would determine the character of the tree. If their works were evil, the truth of God testified against them. God would in no wise excuse sin in a people who had been enlightened, even if he had, in the days of their faithfulness and purity, loved them, and given them especial promises. These promises and blessings were always upon conditions of obedience upon their part.?{1Red 40.1}[60]

  The Lord pronounced, by the mouth of Moses, blessings upon the obedient, and curses upon the disobedient. “Ye shall make you no idols,” was the command of God. “Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary. I am the Lord. If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” Many and great blessings are enumerated, which God would bestow; and then, above all the other blessings, he promised, “I will set my tabernacle among you; and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.” “But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; and if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant, I also will do this unto you: I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague,?that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart; and ye shall sow your seed in vain; for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies. They that hate you shall reign over you, and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.”?{1Red 40.2}[61]

  The Jews were experiencing the fulfillment of the curse of God for their departure from him, and for their iniquity. Yet they did not lay these things to heart, and afflict their souls before God. A people that hated them ruled over them. Yet they were claiming the blessings God promised to confer upon a people who were obedient and faithful, at the very time they were suffering under the curse of God because of disobedience. John declared to them that unless they bore fruit, they would be hewn down and cast into the fire. The people were convicted, and “asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” The people were in expectation of Christ’s soon appearing, and they questioned whether this prophet were not the Messiah. “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; he shall baptize you?with the Holy Ghost, and with fire; whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.”?{1Red 41.1}[62]

  John, as a prophet, stood forth as God’s representative, to show the connection between the law and the prophets, and the Christian dispensation. His work and ministry pointed the world back to the law and the prophets, while he, at the same time, pointed the people forward to Christ, as the Saviour of the world. He raised his voice and cried to the people, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”?{1Red 42.1}[63]

  Multitudes followed this singular prophet from place to place, and many sacrificed all to obey his instruction. Kings, and the noble of the earth, were attracted to this prophet of God, and heard him gladly. As John saw that the attention of the people was directed to him, thinking that he might be the Coming One, he cut off their hopes in this direction, by seeking every opportunity to direct the attention of the people to One mightier than himself, and declaring plainly that the work and mission of Christ was of such an exalted character that he was unworthy to even stoop to unloose his shoes.?{1Red 42.2}[64]

  “The Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that Prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the?way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou, then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that Prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth One among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.?{1Red 42.3}[65]

  “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me; for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw and bare record, that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after, John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!”?{1Red 43.1}[66] 

 Angels of God hovered over the scene of Christ’s baptism, and the Holy Spirit descended in the shape of a dove, and lighted upon him; and as the people stood greatly amazed, with their eyes fastened upon him, the Father’s voice was heard from Heaven, saying, “Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.”?{1Red 43.2}[67] 

 John was not certain that it was the Saviour who came to be baptized of him in Jordan. But God had promised him a sign by which he should know of a surety the Lamb of God. That sign was given as the heavenly Dove rested upon Jesus, and the glory of God shone round about him. John reached forth his hand, pointing to Jesus, and with a loud voice cried out, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”?{1Red 44.1}[68]

  John informed his disciples that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world. As his work was closing, he taught his disciples to look to Jesus, and follow him as the great teacher. John’s life was without pleasure. It was sorrowful and self-denying. He heralded the first advent of Christ, and then was not permitted to witness his miracles, and enjoy the power manifested by him. He knew that when Jesus should establish himself as a teacher, he must die. His voice was seldom heard, except in the wilderness. His life was lonely. He did not cling to his father’s family, to enjoy their society, but left them in order to fulfill his mission. Multitudes left the busy cities and villages, and flocked to the wilderness to hear the words of the wonderful prophet. John laid the axe at the root of the tree. He reproved sin, fearless and consequences, and prepared the way for the Lamb of God.?{1Red 44.2}[69]

  Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed testimonies of John. With deep interest he inquired what he must do to become his disciple. John was acquainted with the fact that he was about to marry his brother’s wife, while her husband was yet living, and faithfully told Herod that it was not lawful. Herod was not willing to make any sacrifice. He married his?brother’s wife, and, through her influence, seized John and put him in prison. But Herod intended to release him again. While there confined, John heard through his disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not listen to his gracious words; but the disciples informed him, and comforted him with what they had heard. Soon John was beheaded through the influence of Herod’s wife. The least disciple that followed Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and heard the comforting words which fell from his lips, was greater than John the Baptist; that is, he was more exalted and honored, and had more pleasure in his life. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to proclaim the first advent of Jesus. He was to represent those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to herald the day of wrath, and the second advent of Jesus.?{1Red 44.3}[70] 

 【Chapter 3—The Temptation of Christ】

After the baptism of Jesus in Jordan, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. The Holy Spirit had fitted him for that special scene of fierce temptations. Forty days he was tempted of the devil, and in those days he ate nothing. Everything around Jesus was unpleasant, from which human nature would be led to shrink. He was with the wild beasts, and the devil, in a desolate, lonely place. The Son of God was pale and emaciated through fasting?and suffering. But his course was marked out, and he must fulfill the work he came to do.?{1Red 45.1}[71]

  Satan took advantage of the sufferings of the Son of God, and prepared to beset him with manifold temptations, hoping he should obtain the victory over him, because he had humbled himself as a man. Satan came with this temptation: If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. He tempted Jesus to condescend to him, and give him proof of his being the Messiah, by exercising his divine power. Jesus mildly answered him, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Satan was seeking a dispute with Jesus concerning his being the Son of God. He referred to his weak, suffering condition, and boastingly affirmed that he was stronger than Jesus. But the word spoken from Heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased,” was sufficient to sustain Jesus through all his sufferings. In all his mission he had nothing to do in convincing Satan of his power, and of his being the Saviour of the world. Satan had sufficient evidence of his exalted station and authority. His unwillingness to yield to Jesus’ authority, shut him out of Heaven.?{1Red 46.1}[72]

  It was not any part of the mission of Christ to exercise his divine power for his own benefit, to relieve himself of suffering. This he had volunteered to take upon himself. He had condescended to take man’s nature, and he was to suffer the inconveniences, and ills, and afflictions, of the human family. He was not to perform miracles upon his own account. He came to save others. The object of his mission was to bring blessings, and hope, and life, to the afflicted and oppressed. He was to bear the burdens and griefs of suffering?humanity. When Satan stirred up men to fury against him, so that they sought to kill him, angels were sent to rescue him, and preserve his life. His power was not called into exercise to save himself in a single instance.?{1Red 46.2}[73]

  Satan had been at war with the government of God, since he first rebelled. His success in tempting Adam and Eve in Eden, and introducing sin into the world, had emboldened this arch foe, and he had proudly boasted to the heavenly angels, that when Christ should appear, taking man’s nature, he would be weaker than himself, and he would overcome him by his power. He boasted that Adam and Eve in Eden could not resist his insinuations when he appealed to their appetite. The inhabitants of the old world he overcame in the same manner, through the indulgence of lustful appetite and corrupt passions. Through the gratification of appetite he had overthrown the Israelites. He boasted that the Son of God himself was not able to resist his power, and lead the favored people of his choice to Canaan; for nearly all who left Egypt died in the wilderness.?{1Red 47.1}[74]

  Also the meek man, Moses, he had tempted to take to himself glory which God claimed. David and Solomon, who had been especially favored of God, he had induced, through gratification of lustful passions, to incur God’s displeasure. And he boasted that he could yet succeed in thwarting the purpose of God in the salvation of man through Jesus Christ. According to Satan’s arrangement, he beset Christ with manifold temptations. Christ was without food forty days, as many days as the children of Israel wandered years. Moses had, on especial occasions, been thus long without food. But he felt not the pangs of hunger. He was not?harassed and tormented by a vile yet powerful foe. Moses was elevated above the human, and was enshrouded in the glory of God, and was especially sustained of God. The excellent glory inclosed him.?{1Red 47.2}[75]

  Christ was humbled by taking humanity, and, for a time, during the period of this fearful trial with Satan, he was left alone to cope with the terrible foe. Christ’s human nature endured the pangs of hunger. While emaciated and suffering, Satan came to him with a covering of light, as one of the bright angels from glory, hoping to deceive and insnare the Son of God, whom he regarded as his rival. Satan reasoned with Christ thus: If the words spoken after his baptism were indeed the words of God, that he was the Son of God, he need not bear the sensations of hunger; he could give him proofs of his divinity by showing his power in changing the stones of that barren wilderness into bread: “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” Satan declared that if he would do this, he would no longer resist his authority; but leave him to the undisputed right to govern the world. Christ meets Scripture with Scripture, by citing the words of Moses, “Man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” He told Satan that in order to prolong life, obedience to God’s requirements was more essential than temporal food. To pursue a course of deviation from the purposes of God, in the smallest degree, would be more grievous than hunger or death. Being defeated here, Satan tries another device. To manifest his strength, he carried Jesus to Jerusalem, and set him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and again?tempted him, that if he was the Son of God, to give him evidence of it by casting himself down from the dizzy height upon which he had placed him. Satan came with the words of inspiration: “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. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”?{1Red 48.1}[76]

  Satan, by an insulting taunt, urged Christ to prove his mission by casting himself down from the high eminence whereon he had placed him, declaring that God had promised that angels should bear him up. And if he were indeed what he claimed to be, he had nothing to fear. Again Jesus met the assault of Satan with Scripture: “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Satan wished to cause Jesus to presume upon the mercy of his Father, and risk his life before the fulfillment of his mission. He had hoped that the plan of salvation would fail; but the plan was laid too deep to be thus overthrown by Satan.?{1Red 49.1}[77]

  Christ is the example for all Christians when tempted, or their rights disputed. They should bear it patiently. They should not feel that they have a right to call upon God to display his power, that they may obtain a victory over their enemies, unless there is a special object in view, that God can be directly honored and glorified by it. If Jesus had cast himself from the pinnacle, it would not have glorified his Father; for none would witness the act but Satan and the angels of God. And it would be tempting the Lord to display his power to his bitterest foe. It would?have been condescending to the one whom Jesus came to conquer.?{1Red 49.2}[78]

  “And the devil taking him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will, I give it. If thou, therefore, wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”?{1Red 50.1}[79]

  This presumptuous blasphemy, and insult to Jehovah, excited the indignation of Christ, and led him to exercise his divine authority, and command Satan in an authoritative, dignified manner to desist. Here Satan, in his pride and arrogance, declared himself to be the rightful and permanent ruler of the world, the possessor of all its glory, as though he had created the world and all the riches and glory contained in it. He endeavored to make a special contract with Christ, to make over to him at once the whole of his claim, if he would worship him.?{1Red 50.2}[80]

  Here Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world. They were presented in the most attractive light. He offered them to Jesus if he would there worship him. He told Jesus that he would relinquish his claims of the possessions of earth. Satan knew that his power must be limited, and finally taken away, if the plan of salvation should be carried out. He knew that if Jesus should die to redeem man, his power would end after a season, and he would be destroyed. Therefore it was his studied plan to prevent, if possible, the?completion of the great work which had been commenced by the Son of God. If the plan of man’s redemption should fail, he would retain the kingdom which he then claimed. And if he should succeed, he flattered himself that he would reign in opposition to the God of Heaven.?{1Red 50.3}[81]

  Satan exulted when Jesus left Heaven, and left his power and glory there. He thought that the Son of God was placed in his power. The temptation took so easily with the holy pair in Eden, that he hoped he could with his satanic cunning and power overthrow even the Son of God, and thereby save his life and kingdom. If he could tempt Jesus to depart from the will of his Father, then his object would be gained. Jesus bade Satan get behind him. He was to bow only to his Father. The time was to come when Jesus should redeem the possessions of Satan by his own life, and, after a season, all in Heaven and earth should submit to him. Satan claimed the kingdoms of earth as his, and he insinuated to Jesus that all his sufferings might be saved. He need not die to obtain the kingdoms of this world. But he might have the entire possessions of the earth, and the glory of reigning over them, if he would worship him. Jesus was steadfast. He chose his life of suffering, his dreadful death, and, in the way appointed by his Father, to become a lawful heir to the kingdoms of the earth, and have them given into his hands as an everlasting possession. Satan also will be given into his hands to be destroyed by death, never more to annoy Jesus, nor the saints in glory.?{1Red 51.1}[82]

  【Chapter 4—The Ministry of Christ】

After Satan had ended his temptations, he departed from Jesus for a season, and angels prepared him food in the wilderness, and strengthened him, and the blessing of his Father rested upon him. Satan had failed in his fiercest temptations; yet he looked forward to the period of Jesus’ ministry, when he should at different times try his cunning against him. He still hoped to prevail against him by stirring up those who would not receive Jesus, to hate and seek to destroy him. Satan held a special counsel with his angels. They were disappointed and enraged that they had prevailed nothing against the Son of God. They decided that they must be more cunning, and use their power to the utmost to inspire unbelief in the minds of his own nation as to his being the Saviour of the world, and in this way discourage Jesus in his mission. No matter how exact the Jews might be in their ceremonies and sacrifices, if they could keep their eyes blinded as to the prophecies, and make them believe that it was a mighty, worldly king who was to fulfill these prophecies, they would keep their minds on the stretch for a Messiah to come.?{1Red 52.1}[83]

  For many years the Son of God lived unhonored, and almost unknown, in the wicked and despised city of Nazareth. This humble city was proverbial because of the wickedness of the people who resided therein. It was a humiliation to be an inhabitant of so corrupt a city. Christ commenced his mission among the hardest classes.?He placed his own feet in the most uneven path which the poor, neglected, and sinful, must tread. And it will be the portion of all who live in the world to breathe an atmosphere tainted with sin. All who seek to do the will of God have to be surrounded with moral disease, and breathe a pestilential atmosphere, which will surely corrupt their faith and stain their virtue, unless counteracted by the great remedy the Redeemer has provided. He took upon himself the woes which the afflicted must suffer. He has given all an example who are desirous to imitate him, that, if they walk circumspectly, their light can shine in the darkest places, and in the most corrupt society, if God would have them thus circumstanced. The meek, unpretending life of Christ rebuked selfishness, pride of worldly wisdom, glory, riches, and honor. By making his home in humble Nazareth, Christ would be an example to his followers, that any place, and any work, dictated by duty, would be honorable, because of their own faithfulness in doing the work.?{1Red 52.2}[84] 

 The treatment Christ received from the chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees, as he commenced his public ministry, and as the attention of the people was called to him, was the exhibition of the worst passions of the human heart. Who manifested this bitter hatred? Was it the heathen? No. The very men who were foremost in the wicked jealousy, envy, and hatred, of Christ, were the scribes and elders, but more especially the chief priests, who assumed the sacred office as representatives of Christ in the priesthood.?{1Red 53.1}[85]

  Christ introduced his public ministry first to his own people. He went into the synagogue at Nazareth upon the Sabbath, as had been his custom.?The elders [elder] read from the prophets, and exhorted the people to continue to hope and believe for the Coming One, who would bring in a glorious reign, and subdue all oppression. He sought to animate the faith and courage of the Jews, by rehearsing the evidences of Messiah’s soon coming, dwelling especially upon the kingly power and glorious majesty that would attend his coming. He kept before the people the erroneous idea that the reign of Christ would be upon an earthly throne in Jerusalem, and his kingdom would be a temporal kingdom. He taught them that Messiah would appear at the head of armies, to conquer the heathen, and deliver Israel from every oppressive yoke, destroying in wrath his enemies. At the close of the service of the minister, Jesus stood up with dignity, and requested them to bring him the book of the prophet Esaias.?{1Red 53.2}[86]

  “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath-day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 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 book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and?wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill (whereon their city was built), that they might cast him down headlong. But he, passing through the midst of them, went his way.”?{1Red 54.1}[87]

  The attention of the people was attracted to Christ. The eyes of the congregation were fastened upon him, as he stated that this prophecy was fulfilled in him. The authority, dignity, and power, attending his words, held them spell-bound. The wisdom manifested, the energy, and the impressive manner of his address, captivated the congregation, and their hearts were affected by a power they had never experienced before. They witnessed to his words by their shouts of joy, and fervent responses. Jesus stood himself the living and divine interpreter of the prophet’s words in regard to himself. He made there the declaration?claiming the Messiahship, which prophets had waited and longed to hear, and to see, but were brought under the dominion of death without their expectations being realized. The astonishment of the people was great. They felt a convincing power as his words fell upon their ears. Their hearts were stirred, their interest awakened. But Satan was not asleep. He was present to suggest doubts and unbelief. Many had seen Jesus in his humble, unpretending life. His home was among the poor and lowly of the earth. He was the son of a carpenter, working at the trade with his father Joseph. He had made no claims to distinction, or greatness. The Jews expected a being with power, with honor, and glory. The language of their hearts was, This cannot be the man who is to be the Redeemer of Israel. They whispered one to another, “Is not this Joseph’s son? And are not his mother and brethren among us?” Has he not worked for years at the carpenter’s trade??{1Red 55.1}[88]

  Jesus read their thoughts, and met their questionings with the relation of the history of the prophets, the men whom God had chosen to do a special and important work. They did not labor for the salvation of an unbelieving, hard-hearted people. But those who had hearts that could feel, and faith that would grasp the evidences God was pleased to give, were the especial subjects of the power of God displayed through the faithful prophets. The words of Christ were to them a terribly severe rebuke, opening before them their corrupt lives, striking the truth home in regard to their wicked unbelief. They now scorned the faith and feeling of reverence his words at first inspired in them. They would not?believe that this man, who had come in meekness and lowliness, in poverty and sorrow, was any other than a common man. They would have no one as their king unless attended by riches and splendor, and a grand and imposing army.?{1Red 56.1}[89]

  Their unbelief and malice increased. Satan controlled their minds, and they cried out against him with wrath and hatX1Red. Their assembly broke up, and they laid hands upon Jesus, and thrust him out of the synagogue, out of their city, and would have rid the world of his presence, had they had power so to do. All seemed eager to act a part in destroying him. They hurried him to the brow of a steep precipice, intending to cast him headlong. Their hands, they thought, were upon him. Some were crying one thing, some another. Some were casting stones and dirt at him; but suddenly he disappeared out of their midst, they knew not how, or when. Angels of God attended Jesus in the midst of that infuriated mob, and preserved his life. The heavenly messengers were by his side in the synagogue, while he was speaking; and they accompanied him when pressed and urged on by the unbelieving, infuriated Jews. These angels blinded the eyes of that maddened throng, and they conducted Jesus to a place of safety.?{1Red 57.1}[90]

  Christ had come first to his own favored people, to proclaim the gracious words of salvation in their ears; but they refused to listen to his words. That which stirred their malice was the meekness and plainness with which he had explained the words of the prophets concerning himself. Here was an opportunity for them to receive the great blessing which follows the reception of Christ.?But they were blinded by Satan, and, in their fanatical zeal, could discover nothing in Christ, but simply the son of a carpenter. At a later period he came to Nazareth for the last time. He would give the people he loved, and whom his heart yearned to bless and save, an opportunity to redeem their past cruel conduct, and violence, toward him. The fame of his miracles, and wisdom, and power, had spread everywhere, and many of the people of Nazareth had been witnesses of his wonderful miracles. He had silenced and cast out demons, healed the sick, given sight to the blind, restored hearing to the deaf, and raised the dead to life. These evidences had been witnessed by thousands. He stood before his people in his own city, after they had had opportunity to reflect and repent of their abuse of him when he first made the public announcement that he was the Messiah. But they were no more ready to receive him, even then, than at first. They had committed themselves at the first to reject and insult him, and they retained their prejudices, and would not receive evidence, and be convinced that he was the Coming One, the Redeemer of Israel; for if they should then acknowledge him, they would condemn themselves. He came to his own nation and people, but they received him not; and ever after, their pride, which they had not controlled, was too great to accept of evidence, and admit the power of God in the mighty works performed by Christ. They rejected Christ as their Saviour, and after they had set their hearts in rebellion against him, it was not so easy for them to change their course. Notwithstanding all the mighty works they saw him do, they were too proud and self-exalted to yield?their rebellious feelings. Every manifestation of his divine character increased the hatred and jealousy of the Jews. They were not content to turn from him themselves, but they sought to hinder all they could from listening to his teachings, or witnessing his miracles. The majority rejected him. They despised his humble appearance. They denied his testimony. They loved the praise of men, and the grandeur of the world. In their estimation of these things, they thought their judgment perfect, even as the judgment of God.?{1Red 57.2}[91]

  The whole life and teachings of Christ were lessons of humility, benevolence, virtue, and self-denial. This was a continual reproof to the self-righteous, exacting spirit manifested by the Jews. Satan led them on until they seemed to possess a frenzy at the mere mention of the wonderful works of Christ, which were drawing the attention of the people from them. They at length made themselves believe that he was an impostor, and any means they could devise to get rid of him would be a virtue in them. They could not point to one act in his life which they could condemn, yet his very goodness made him a subject of their jealousy and hate, and in their blind rage they cried out, Crucify him! crucify him! The rejection of light leaves men captives of Satan, subject to his temptations. When he controls the mind, light will become darkness to that mind, good evil, and evil good.?{1Red 59.1}[92]

  At the first advent of Christ, Satan knew that he had come to limit his power, and set free captives which he had bound, and his skill was especially exercised to lead the Jewish nation to believe Christ an impostor. The prophecies furnished?sufficient evidence to unprejudiced minds that Christ was indeed the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. But the unbelieving Jews chose their own standard of virtue, and purity of life. They would not be taught by the Just One, and continued to perform their useless sacrifices and offerings, looking forward for a Messiah which had already come.?{1Red 59.2}[93]

  Our Heavenly Father designed to prove and test the professed faith and obedience of his people. The sacrifices which they performed under the law were typical of the lamb of God, and illustrated his great atonement. Yet the Jews were so blinded and deceived by Satan that when Christ came, whom their sacrifices and offerings had been prefiguring, they would not receive him. They led him as a lamb to the slaughter.?{1Red 60.1}[94]

  The same rebellion and hatred against Christ will be in the hearts of men at his second advent. If Christ’s second coming should be in the same humble manner as was his first advent, reproving sin, and commending virtue and holiness, where there was then one voice raised, crying, Crucify him! crucify him! there would be thousands in this apostate age. Infidelity in regard to Christ’s being the true Messiah, the Saviour of the world, will increase and spread to an alarming degree previous to his second coming. Satan has lost none of his skill and power which he has been exercising in past time. He can better deceive man now than at Christ’s first advent.?{1Red 60.2}[95]

  The Son of God in this age will be as virtually despised and insulted by corrupt men who pretend to be good men, as at his first advent. Satan is now transforming himself into an angel of light, to hide the deformity of his character, and?thereby he and his evil angels receive that worship from a blinded, deluded people, which belongs alone to God. Christ is trampled under foot. Virtue and holiness are despised. Evil angels whisper their low, corrupt teachings in the ears of men, and they are pleased. Their carnal minds are gratified. That which comes from Satan and hell, they make themselves believe comes from the spirits of the dead. Their consciences are seared as with a hot iron.?{1Red 60.3}[96]

  Satan and his angels were very busy during Christ’s ministry, inspiring men with unbelief, hate, and scorn. Often when Jesus uttered some cutting truth reproving their sins, they would become enraged. Satan and his angels urged them on to take the life of the Son of God. Once they took up stones to cast at him, but angels guarded him, and bore him away from the angry multitude to a place of safety.?{1Red 61.1}[97]

  Satan still hoped that the great plan of salvation would fail. He exerted all his power to make the hearts of all people hard, and their feelings bitter against Jesus. He hoped that the number who would receive him as the Son of God would be so few that Jesus would consider his sufferings and sacrifices too great to make for so small a company. But if there had been but two who would have accepted Jesus as the Son of God, to believe in him to the saving of their souls, he would have carried out the plan.?{1Red 61.2}[98]

  Jesus commenced his work by breaking the power which Satan held over the suffering. He healed those who had suffered by his evil power. He restored the sick to health, healed the lame, and caused them to leap in the gladness of their hearts, and glorify God. He gave sight to the?blind, and restored to health by his power those who had been infirm and bound by Satan’s cruel power many years. The weak, the trembling, and the desponding, he comforted with gracious words. He raised the dead to life, and they glorified God for the mighty display of his power. He wrought mightily for all who believed on him. And the feeble, suffering ones whom Satan held in triumph, Jesus wrenched from his grasp, and brought to them by his divine power, soundness of body, and great joy and happiness.?{1Red 61.3}[99]

  The mission of Christ was marked with humility, sympathy, and love. He was ever attentive to listen to, and relieve, the woes of those who came to him. Multitudes carried the evidences of his divine power in their own persons. Yet many of them soon after the work had been accomplished, were ashamed of the humble, yet mighty, Teacher. Because the rulers did not believe on him, they were not willing to suffer with Jesus. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. There were but few who could endure to be governed by his sober, self-denying life. They wished to enjoy the honor which the world bestows. But many followed the Son of God, and listened to his instructions, feasting on the words which fell so graciously from his lips. His words were full of meaning, yet so plain that the weakest could understand.?{1Red 62.1}[100]

  After the rejection of Christ in Nazareth, “he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea-coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim; that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Esaias, the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;?the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”?{1Red 62.2}[101]

  Evidences of Christ’s divine power attended his ministry. He was ever touched with human woe. He was ever watching and waiting to do the works of mercy and righteousness which he came to perform. “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Christ had a work for them to do in the salvation of souls. He also saw two other young men, James and John, brethren, the sons of Zebedee, and called them to follow him. They made no excuse, but immediately left the ship, and their father, and followed him. These men Christ selected to be with him as he entered upon his public labors, to be learners while he should speak the word of eternal life to the multitudes. They were to be followers of him, that they might learn his manner of labor, and be prepared, as they witnessed his life and listened to his words, to fulfill their high commission with wisdom, patience, meekness, earnestness, and energy, copying the example of their master. These humble, unlearned men he selected to be witnesses of his miracles, and to bear a pointed testimony in the future in regard to the things which they had seen and heard, which testimony would possess a power that would move the people, and convince the understanding of those who would not steel their hearts against evidence. The testimony of?these faithful disciples, especially their epistles, would be indeed needed for those of future generations who would believe on the name of Christ.?{1Red 63.1}[102]

  Jesus did not go to the schools of the prophets to select his disciples, nor to the wealthy and honorable of the earth; neither did he select the leaders of the Jewish people. None of these would have followed Christ with unquestioning obedience. They would have too many considerations of their own at stake, to follow the humble man of Nazareth. Their pride and lofty aspirations would incline them to make the work of salvation an entirely different thing from what Christ would make it. They would never consent to unite in so humble a mission, and, to outward observation, so unpromising an enterprise. They would seek to make the religion which they should adopt outwardly attractive, while the motives and actions of the people would remain untouched. Christ presented no inducements of worldly honor, riches, or glory. Those who followed him must do so without worldly inducements.?{1Red 64.1}[103] 

 This was a time of general and dense moral darkness among God’s professed people. The words of the prophet correctly describe their state: “This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me; but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.” “For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes; the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he coveX1Red.”?{1Red 64.2}[104]

  Jesus did not select these unlearned fishermen because he was opposed to education and correct?knowledge. He knew that knowledge, pure, correct, and unmixed with the precepts of men, could not be found to exist in the hearts of men instructed in the schools of the prophets, or among the teachers of that time; for darkness had covered the men of wisdom, as they had united with the spirit of the world, and were in pursuit of its honors. He chose men of humble life and simple habits, who were acquainted with privation and hardship, for such alone could accomplish the work he had for them to do as his disciples. These hearts, uncorrupted with the love of worldly riches, and not aspiring for the honors of the great and exalted of the earth, could be impressed with the beauty of truth, and inspired with the love of mercy, righteousness, justice, and true holiness.?{1Red 64.3}[105]

  Jesus, the majesty of Heaven, who united with the Father in the creation of the world, could himself become the instructor of men called to a holy work. He could qualify them to become fishers of men, and to be co-workers with him in the salvation of the fallen race. This knowledge would be free from corrupting error. It would come from above, not from beneath. The faith and destiny of future generations were dependent upon correct knowledge being obtained through these followers of Jesus, who were to attend him in his work and mission. These fishermen were to fulfill their commission with wisdom, perseverance, fortitude, and energy, in accordance with its magnitude. Having been instructed by the great Teacher, and guided continually by wisdom from Heaven, they would have power over the most intelligent and cultivated minds of the world. How important that their instructions be free from all superstitious customs, and precepts of men!?Their knowledge should come direct from the great Source of truth. The faith and practice of the Christians of future generations were to be molded, in a great degree, by the testimony of these humble men, made mighty through the power of God. The lives and testimony of these men would be studied by the world. When Jesus called these humble men, saying, “Follow me,” they were filled with awe and amazement that he should notice them, and honor them with the privilege of being near him, and beholding his mighty works.?{1Red 65.1}[106]

  The words of Jesus, in his lessons of instruction as he speaks by the seaside, in the synagogues, in the fields, or upon the mountain, are clothed with a living reality. He selects figures and objects with which all are familiar, and frequently that which is seen and transacted in their sight at the very time he is speaking, to make his discourses more impressive, and that the minds of the weakest may comprehend his meaning. His illustrations are frequently drawn from nature, and are so beautiful in their simplicity that the mind becomes attracted, and with intense interest hangs upon the words of the divine Teacher. He does not aspire to words of lofty eloquence. He could command these as readily as he could the plain, simple, touching language, in which he preferred to clothe his ideas, that the common people might understand his lessons of instruction.?{1Red 66.1}[107]

  Jesus was acquainted with hearts. He knew that those who had advantages and ability, and who were seeking for worldly wisdom, would have no place in their hearts for the heavenly knowledge he came to impart. The knowledge obtained at the schools seldom makes men wise unto salvation,?and obedient to the divine will. These attainments do not generally have an influence to increase humility, and to make men feel that they belong to God, to render back to him the talents he has lent them, with principal and interest. Scholars too often become self-sufficient and independent, and cherish exalted views of their own abilities, as though under no obligation to the Giver, to return them back with usury. God will require all that he has given them. He has made them for awhile stewards of privileges and gifts, to prove them, and to try them, whether they will love and reverence the Giver, or will make these blessings bestowed upon them prove a curse to them, by idolizing and making them the cause of withdrawing their affections from God.?{1Red 66.2}[108]

  Jesus will accept the intellectual who have power of influence and of talents, if they will accept the light he brings them, and follow in a course of humble obedience; but many will not do this. They do not choose the simplicity of Christ. Worldly attractions eclipse the beauty and power of the truth. Many of the worldly-wise men see nothing in Christ, that they should desire him. They behold him at his first advent as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, practicing self-denial, self-sacrifice, and humiliation. They do not discern that they have had any part in thus making the life of Christ undesirable. They do not discern that their sins have laid upon him the weight and burden which bring to him the grief he carries. They are blinded by the god of this world, and know not the things which make for their peace. Thus saith the Lord by the holy apostle:?{1Red 67.1}[109]

  “For the preaching of the cross is to them that?perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? for after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”?{1Red 67.2}[110]

  The humble fishermen, whom God called to follow him, were the very men he could use best for the accomplishment of his work. Their habits were not conformed to the customs and fashions?of the world, and they had not cherished the bigotry of the scribes and Pharisees. These men, humble though they were in the eyes of the world, were the men especially chosen by the Saviour of the world. They possessed candor of sentiment, and their conduct was marked with equity and benevolence. They had hearts that were not hardened by blind prejudice. They could, like their divine Master, feel for the woes and sorrows of others. This class he could instruct, and present ideas which would not be forgotten by them, but be preserved for the benefit of future generations.?{1Red 68.1}[111]

  Jesus taught the people at Capernaum in their synagogues upon several successive Sabbaths. They were astonished at his doctrine; for his lessons of instruction were given with power. Here he cast out devils with his divine power. These demons, in a most public manner, entreated him not to disturb them. Said they, What can we do to resist thy power? Has the time come now to destroy us? “I know thee, who thou art, the Holy One of God.” Demons were unable to resist the power of Christ. They surrendered to him, and in the presence of the astonished multitude, acknowledged him to be the all-powerful Son of God. The devils spoke through the mediums whom they had power to control. The ones possessed, in a most marked manner, spoke the words of the evil spirits which controlled them. These persons so peculiarly afflicted had no knowledge of Jesus. They could not of themselves understand Christ’s mission to release the captives, bound by the power of Satan, and finally accomplish his work, and destroy him who exercised this power over human beings, and who had the power of death. The demons?understood this far better than the scribes and elders, with all their learning and knowledge obtained in the schools of the prophets. They did not receive Christ, nor see anything desirable in him or his kingdom. The multitude listened with amazement to the words of command from Christ, silencing the demons, that they should not make him known, as he delivered the suffering subjects bound by their power. The people said among themselves, “What a word is this? for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.”?{1Red 69.1}[112]

  Christ performed a miracle upon Simon Peter’s wife’s mother, rebuking the raging fever, and it immediately left her, and she rose from her bed of suffering, magnifying the Lord for his mercies. She then prepared food for Christ and his disciples; for they were weary and hungry. Thus she ministered unto those who had ministered unto her. Those who had afflicted and diseased ones, brought them to Christ, and he had pity on them all. He healed them of their divers diseases, by laying his hands upon them. Those who had been possessed of demons were delivered by his divine power. As the devils were cast out, they made great outcries, declaring, “Thou art Christ, the Son of God.” While his own people refused to know him, and rejected him, demons knew him, and yielded to his authority. Many who were brought to him by others, because they could not come themselves, were restored, and walked away to their own homes, to publish to the care-worn watchers, relatives, and friends, the great work which had been wrought for them by?the power of Jesus. Physicians could find but little work to do in the cities. Those who had suffered many things of many physicians, and had not been made any better, but rather worse, applied to Christ, the great Physician, and were perfectly restored in a moment of time.?{1Red 70.1}[113]

  After the toil and burdens of the day had reached far into the night, Jesus sought a season of repose. But his rest was short. Long before day, he arose and went into a solitary place to pray to his Father. His fervent petition was borne upon the air to the ears of Simon and others who had been searching for him. Guided by the voice of the earnest petitioner, they found his place of devotional retreat, and related to Jesus that there was the greatest anxiety among the people to be with him, and listen to his words, and continue to experience his power in curing their sick and delivering those who were oppressed by Satan. Simon expressed the earnestness of the people: “All men seek for thee.” Not only the poor and afflicted, but those who had wealth, and who were the honored of the earth, sought Christ. They entreated Jesus to remain with them, and in no case to leave them. But he informed them that he had the same work of mercy and love to perform in other towns and cities. For this purpose he had come into the world. He could not abide with them; for in thus doing, others would be deprived of his ministry.?{1Red 71.1}[114]

  Christ preached in their synagogues throughout Galilee, healing the sick, casting out devils, comforting the afflicted, and relieving the despairing. While many, bearing their burdens of those diseased, were pressing through the multitude, to Christ, for him to heal them, there was an?unusual commotion among the people. The pressing multitude gave way, falling back. A leper, who was a most loathsome spectacle, was making his way to Christ. Some thought to turn him back from approaching Jesus, as they feared that the people might become infected. But he was as one who neither saw them, nor heard them. The expressions of loathing that came from many lips, did not move him nor turn him from his course. He had but one object in view. His eye saw only the divine Son of God. His ear heard nothing but the voice that was speaking health and happiness to the unfortunate and suffering. As he came into the presence of Jesus, his pent-up feelings, which had been of hopeless despair and agony, now found vent, as a ray of hope lighted up his terrible darkness. He wailed out to Christ his beseeching cry for pity and mercy. He had been loathed and shunned by his fellow-mortals. He had been separated from his family, and was mourned for by them as one far worse than dead. His case had been pronounced incurable. In the greatest humility, he prostrated his consuming, dying, and yet living, breathing, body at the feet of the only One who could save him. His earnest cry to Christ was, If thou wilt, thou canst save me—even me, corrupted and loathsome as I am. Thou canst make me clean. “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.” The eager multitude now lose their terror, and again venture to draw nigh to Jesus, to behold this new and wonderful manifestation of his power. But Jesus had no sooner spoken the word of life-giving power, than the half-dead body of putrefaction was changed to healthy flesh, sensitive nerves,?and firm muscle. The people witnessed this transformation with speechless amazement and awe.?{1Red 71.2}[115] 

 Jesus charged the cleansed leper not to make known the work he had wrought for him, saying, “See thou say nothing to any man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” Accordingly the now happy man went to the same priests who had previously examined him, and whose decision had banished him from his family and friends.?{1Red 73.1}[116]

  Joyfully he presented his offering to the priests, and magnified the name of him who had restored him to health. This irrefutable testimony convinced the priests of the divine power of Jesus, although they still refused to acknowledge him as the Messiah. The Pharisees had asserted that his teachings were directly opposed to the law of Moses, and for the purpose of exalting himself; yet his special directions to the cleansed leper to make an offering to the priest, according to the law of Moses, evidenced to the people that these accusations were false.?{1Red 73.2}[117]

  【Chapter 5—Cleansing the Temple】

The Pharisees were bitter in their hatred of Jesus. His teachings reproved their hypocritical lives, and their religion, which consisted of forms?and ceremonies. With all their rigorous exactions they had no reverence for the true requirements of God, and daily trampled them beneath their feet. Early in his ministry, Christ condemned their sacrilegious practices by his act of cleansing the temple.?{1Red 73.3}[118]

  At the time of the passover, when Jerusalem was crowded with people who had come from a distance to celebrate this great annual festival, Jesus with his disciples mingled with the gathering throng. It was early in the morning, yet large crowds were already repairing to the temple. As Jesus entered, he was indignant to find the court of the temple arranged as a cattle market and a place of general traffic. There were not only stalls for the beasts, but there were tables where the priests themselves acted as money-brokers and exchangers. It was customary for each person who attended the passover to bring a piece of money, which was paid to the priests upon entering the temple.?{1Red 74.1}[119]

  From the changing of foreign coins and different denominations of money to accommodate strangers, this matter of receiving these offerings had grown into a disgraceful traffic, and a source of great profit to the priests. Many came from a great distance and could not bring their sacrificial offerings. Under the plea of accommodating such persons, in the outer court were cattle, sheep, doves, and sparrows for sale at exorbitant prices. The consequent confusion indicated a noisy cattle market, rather than the sacred temple of God. There could be heard sharp bargaining, buying and selling, the lowing of cattle, the bleating of sheep, and cooing of doves, mingled with the chinking of coin, and angry disputation.?A great number of beasts were annually sacrificed at the passover, which made the sales at the temple immense. The dealers realized a large profit, which was shared with the avaricious priesthood and men of authority among the Jews. These hypocritical speculators, under cover of their holy profession, practiced all manner of extortion, and made their sacred office a source of personal revenue.?{1Red 74.2}[120]

  The babel of voices, the noises of animals, and the shouts of their drivers created such a confusion just without the sacred precincts that the worshipers within were disturbed, and the words addressed to the Most High were drowned in the uproar that invaded the temple erected to his glory. Yet the Jews were exceedingly proud of their piety, and tenacious of outward observances and forms. They rejoiced over their temple, and regarded a word spoken in its disfavor as blasphemy. They were rigorous in the performance of ceremonies connected with it, yet allowed the love of money and power to overrule their scruples, till they were scarcely aware of the distance they had wandered from the original purity of the sacrificial ceremony, instituted by God himself.?{1Red 75.1}[121]

  When the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, the place was consecrated by his presence. A divine command was given Moses to put bounds around the mount and sanctify it, and the word of God was heard in warning: “Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it. Whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death. There shall not a hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or?man, it shall not live.” All the people were cleansed and sanctified for the presence of the Lord. In direct contrast to this example, the sacred temple, dedicated to the Almighty, was made a market-place and a house of merchandise.?{1Red 75.2}[122]

  As the youthful Galilean entered the enclosure, he stooped and picked up a whip of small cords that had been used in driving some of the animals. Jesus ascended the steps of the temple and surveyed the scene with a calm and dignified look. He saw and heard the traffic and bartering. His expression became stern and terrible. The eyes of many turned instinctively to look at this stranger; their gaze became riveted upon him. Others followed their example till the whole multitude were regarding him with a look of mingled fear and amazement.?{1Red 76.1}[123]

  They felt instinctively that this man read their inmost thoughts and their hidden motives of action. Some attempted to conceal their faces as if their evil deeds were written upon their countenances to be scanned by those searching eyes.?{1Red 76.2}[124] 

 The confusion was hushed. The sound of traffic and bargaining ceased. The silence became painful. A sense of awe overpowered the entire assembly. It was as if they were arraigned before the tribunal of God to answer for their deeds. The Majesty of Heaven stood as the Judge will stand at the last day, and every one of that vast crowd for the time acknowledged him their Master. His eye swept over the multitude, taking in every individual. His form seemed to tower above them in commanding dignity, and a divine light illuminated his countenance. He spoke, and his clear, ringing voice, echoing through the arches of the temple, was like the?voice that shook Mount Sinai, of old: “My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”?{1Red 76.3}[125]

  He slowly descended the steps, and raising the whip, which in his hand seemed changed to a kingly scepter, bade the bargaining company to quit the sacred limits of the temple, and take hence their merchandise. With a lofty zeal, and a severity he had never before manifested, he overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the coin fell, ringing sharply upon the marble floor. The most hardened and defiant did not presume to question his authority, but, with prompt obedience, the dignitaries of the temple, the speculating priests, the cattle traders and brokers, rushed from his presence. The most avaricious did not stop to gather up their idolized money, but fled without a thought of their ill-gotten gains.?{1Red 77.1}[126]

  The beasts and birds were all hurried beyond the sacred portals. A panic of fear swept over the multitude who felt the over-shadowing of Christ’s divinity. Cries of terror escaped from hundreds of blanched lips as the crowd rushed headlong from the place. Jesus smote them not with the whip of cords, but, to their guilty eyes, that simple instrument seemed like gleaming, angry swords, circling in every direction, and threatening to cut them down. Even the disciples quaked with fear, and were awe-struck by the words and manner of Jesus, so unlike the usual demeanor of the meek and lowly man of Galilee. But they remembered that it was written of him, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” Soon the multitude, with their cattle, their sheep, doves, and sparrows, were far removed from the temple?of the Lord. The courts were free from unholy commerce, and a deep silence and solemnity settled upon the late scene of confusion. If the presence of the Lord sanctified the mount, his presence made equally sacred the temple reared to his honor.?{1Red 77.2}[127]

  How easily could that vast throng have resisted the authority of one man; but the power of His divinity overwhelmed them with confusion and a sense of their guilt. They had no strength to resist the divine authority of the Saviour of the world. The desecrators of God’s holy place were driven from its portals by the Majesty of Heaven.?{1Red 78.1}[128] 

 After the temple was cleansed, the demeanor of Jesus changed; the terrible majesty of his countenance gave place to an expression of tenderest sympathy. He looked after the flying crowd with eyes full of sorrow and compassion. There were some who remained, held by the irresistible attraction of his presence. They were unterrified by his awful dignity, their hearts were drawn toward him with love and hope. These people were not the great and powerful, who expected to impress him with a sense of their grandeur; they were the poor, the sick, and the afflicted.?{1Red 78.2}[129]

  After the buyers and sellers, and the promiscuous crowd with their merchandise, were driven out, Jesus healed the stricken ones who flocked unto him. The sick were relieved, the blind received their sight, the dumb praised God with loosened tongues, the lame leaped for joy, and demons were cast out from those they had long tormented. Mothers, pale with anxiety and watching, brought their dying infants to receive?his blessing. He folded them tenderly to his bosom, and returned them to their mothers’ arms well and strong.?{1Red 78.3}[130]

  This was a scene worthy of the temple of the Lord. He who, a short time before, had stood upon the steps like an avenging angel, had now become a messenger of mercy, soothing the sorrows of the oppressed, encouraging the despairing, relieving the suffering. Hundreds returned to their homes from the passover sound in body and enlightened in mind, who had come there feeble and desponding.?{1Red 79.1}[131]

  During this time the people were slowly drifting back. They had partially recovered from the panic that had seized them, but their faces expressed an irresolution and timidity that could not be concealed. They looked with amazement upon the works of Jesus, beholding more wonderful cures than had ever been accomplished before. The Jews knew that the act of Jesus in purging the temple of its sacrilegious speculators, was not the exhibition of human power. The divine authority that inspired Jesus, and lifted him above humanity, was felt and realized by them, and should have been sufficient to bring them as worshipers at his feet. But they were determined to disbelieve him. They feared that this humble Galilean would take from them their power over the people, by his greater works and super-human authority. Their haughty spirits had looked for a king who would come with great pomp and heraldry, subduing the nations of the earth, and raising them to a much loftier station than they now occupied. This Man, who came teaching humility and love, aroused their hatred and scorn.?{1Red 79.2}[132]

  When he arose in the majesty of his sacred mission, they were stricken with sudden fear and condemnation. But, after the spell was broken, in the hardness of their hearts, they wondered why they had been so terror-stricken and fled so precipitately from the presence of a single man. What right had this youthful Galilean to interfere with the dignitaries of the temple? After a time they returned, but did not dare at once to resume their former occupation.?{1Red 80.1}[133]

  The crowd were comparatively innocent, for it was by the arrangement of the chief authorities of the temple that the outer court was turned into a market-place. The great sin of desecration lay upon the priesthood, who had perverted and disgraced their sacred office. The chief priests and elders counseled among themselves as to what course should be pursued toward Jesus, and what his conduct could mean, assuming an authority greater than their own, and rebuking them openly.?{1Red 80.2}[134]

  They went to Jesus with a deference born of the fear that still hung over them; for they concluded that he must be a prophet sent of God to restore the sanctity of the temple. They asked him, “What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?” Jesus had already given them the strongest proof of his divine commission. He knew that no evidence he could present to them would convince them that he was the Messiah if his act of cleansing the temple had failed to do so. Therefore he answered their challenge with these words, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” They supposed he referred to the temple at Jerusalem, and were astounded at his apparent?presumption. Their unbelieving minds were unable to discern that he referred to his own body, the earthly temple of the Son of God. With indignation they answered, “Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?”?{1Red 80.3}[135]

  Jesus did not design that the skeptical Jews should discover the hidden meaning of his words, nor even his disciples at that time. After his resurrection they called to mind these words he had uttered, and they then understood them correctly. They remembered that he had also said that he had power to lay down his life and to take it again. Jesus was acquainted with the path his feet had entered upon, even unto the end. His words possessed a double meaning, referring to the temple at Jerusalem as well as his own material body.?{1Red 81.1}[136]

  Christ was the foundation and life of that temple. His crucifixion would virtually destroy it, because its services were typical of the future sacrifice of the Son of God. They pointed to the great antitype, which was Christ himself. When the Jews should accomplish their wicked purpose, and do unto him what they listed, from that day forth sacrificial offerings, and the services connected with them, would be valueless in the sight of God, for type would have met antitype in the perfect offering of the Son of God.?{1Red 81.2}[137]

  The whole priesthood was established to represent the mediatorial character and work of Christ; and the entire plan of sacrificial worship was a foreshadowing of the death of the Saviour to redeem the world from sin. There would be no more need of burnt-offerings and the blood of beasts when the great event toward which?they had pointed for ages was consummated. The temple was Christ’s; its services and ceremonies referred directly to him. What then must have been his feelings when he found it polluted by the spirit of avarice and extortion, a place of merchandise and traffic!?{1Red 81.3}[138] 

 When Christ was crucified, the inner vail of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, which event signified that the ceremonial system of the sacrificial offerings was at an end forever, that the one great and final sacrifice was made in the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world.?{1Red 82.1}[139]

  In the defilement and cleansing of the temple we have a lesson for this time. The same spirit that existed among the Jews, leading them to substitute gain for godliness, and outward pomp for inward purity, curses the Christian world today. It spreads like a defiling leprosy among the professed worshipers of God. Sacred things are brought down to a level with the vain matters of the world. Vice is mistaken for virtue, and righteousness for crime. Temporal business is mingled with the worship of God. Extortion and wicked speculation are practiced by those who profess to be servants of the Most High. Said the inspired apostle, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth 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.” It is necessary that Jesus should occupy his temple in the human heart every day, and cleanse it from the defilement of sin.?{1Red 82.2}[140] 

 【Chapter 6—Feast of Tabernacles】

Three times a year, all the Jews were required to assemble for religious purposes at Jerusalem. Jesus had not attended several of these gatherings because of the enmity of the Jews. When he declared in the synagogue that he was the bread of life, many of those who had followed him apostatized and united with the Pharisees to watch him and spy upon his movements in the hope of finding cause to condemn him to death.?{1Red 83.1}[141]

  The sons of Joseph, who passed as brothers of Jesus, were very much affected by this desertion of so many of his disciples, and, as the time approached for the Feast of Tabernacles, they urged Jesus to go up to Jerusalem, and, if he was indeed the Messiah, to present his claims before the rulers, and enforce his rights.?{1Red 83.2}[142]

  Jesus replied to them with solemn dignity: “My time is not yet come; but your time is always ready. 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 yet unto this feast, for my time is not yet full come.” The world loved those who were like itself; but the contrast between Christ and the world was most marked; there could be no harmony between them. His teachings, and his reproofs of sin, stirred up its hatred against him. The Saviour knew what awaited him at Jerusalem, he knew that the malice of the Jews would soon bring about his death, and it was not his place to hasten that event by prematurely?exposing himself to their unscrupulous hatX1Red. He was to patiently await his appointed time.?{1Red 83.3}[143]

  At the commencement of the Feast of Tabernacles, the absence of Jesus was commented upon. The Pharisees and rulers anxiously looked for him to come, hoping that they might have an opportunity to condemn him on account of something he might say or do. They anxiously inquired, “Where is he?” but no one knew. Presently a dispute rose among the people in regard to Jesus, many nobly defending him as one sent of God, while others bitterly accused him as a deceiver of the people.?{1Red 84.1}[144]

  Meanwhile, Jesus had quietly arrived at Jerusalem. He had chosen an unfrequented route by which to go, in order to avoid the travelers who were making their way to the city from all quarters. In the midst of the feast, when the dispute concerning himself was at its height, Jesus walked calmly into the court of the temple, and stood before the crowd as one possessed of unquestionable authority. The sudden and unexpected appearance of one whom they believed would not dare to show himself among them in the presence of all the chief priests and rulers, astonished the people so that a sudden hush succeeded the excited discussion in which they had been engaged. They were astonished at his dignified and courageous bearing in the midst of many powerful men who were thirsting for his life.?{1Red 84.2}[145]

  Standing thus, with the eyes of all the people riveted upon him, he addressed them as no man had ever done. His knowledge was greater than that of the learned priests and elders, and he assumed an authority which they had never ventured to take. Those very men who had so lately?been wrought up to a frenzy of hate, and were ready to do violence to Christ at the first opportunity, now listened spell-bound to his words, and felt themselves powerless to do him harm. He was the attraction of the hour; all other interests were forgotten for the time. The hearts of the people thrilled with awe as they listened to his divine words.?{1Red 84.3}[146]

  His discourse showed that he was well acquainted with the law in all its bearings, and was a clear interpreter of the Scriptures. The question passes from one to another, “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” Some, less acquainted with his former life, inquire among themselves in what school he has been instructed. Finally, the rulers recover their presence of mind sufficiently to demand by what authority he stands so boldly teaching the people. They seek to turn the attention of the multitude from Jesus to the question of his right to teach, and to their own importance and authority. But the voice of Jesus answers their queries with thrilling power:—?{1Red 85.1}[147]

  “My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory;but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” Jesus here declares that his Heavenly Father is the source of all strength, and the foundation of all wisdom. No natural talent nor acquired learning can supply the place of a knowledge of the will of God. A willingness to obey the requirements of the Lord opens the mind and heart to candid inquiry, and diligent searching for the doctrine of truth. He declares that, with a mind thus open, men can discern between him who speaks in the cause of God and him who speaks for his own glory for selfish purposes. Of this latter class were the haughty priests and Pharisees.?{1Red 86.2}[148]

  Jesus spoke upon the subject of the law. He was in the presence of the very men who were great sticklers for its exactions, yet failed to carry out its principles in their lives. These persons persecuted Jesus, who taught so pointedly the sanctity of God’s statutes, and freed them from the senseless restrictions which had been attached to them. Since Jesus had healed the paralytic on the Sabbath day, the Pharisees had a determined purpose to compass his death, and were eagerly watching for an opportunity to accomplish their design. Jesus, penetrating their purposes, inquired of them:—?{1Red 86.1}[149]

  “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?” This pointed accusation struck home to the guilty consciences of the Pharisees and rulers, but only increased their rage. That this humble man should stand up before the people and expose the hidden iniquity of their lives, seemed a presumption too great to be believed. But the rulers wished to conceal their evil purposes from the people, and evaded the words of Jesus, crying out, “Thou hast a devil; who goeth about to kill thee?” In these words they would insinuate that all the wonderful works of Jesus were instigated by an evil spirit. They also wished to direct the minds of the people from the words of Jesus revealing their purpose of taking his life.?{1Red 86.2}[150]

  But “Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers; and ye on the Sabbath day circumcise a man.” Jesus referred to his act of healing the man on the Sabbath, and showed that it was in accordance with the Sabbath law. He alluded also to the custom among the Jews of circumcising on the Sabbath. If it was lawful to circumcise a man on the Sabbath, it must certainly be right to relieve the afflicted, “to make a man every whit whole on the Sabbath day.” He bade them “judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” The boldness with which Jesus defended himself, and interpreted the spirit of the law, silenced the rulers and led many of those who heard him to say, “Is not this he whom they seek to kill? But lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?” Many of those who lived at Jerusalem, and were not ignorant of the designs of the Sanhedrim council against Jesus, were charmed with the doctrine that he taught and with his pure and dignified bearing, and were inclined to accept him as the Son of God.?{1Red 87.1}[151]

  They were not filled with the bitter prejudice and hatred of the priests and rulers; but Satan was ready to suggest doubts and questions in their minds as to the divinity of this man of humble origin. Many had received the impression that Messiah would have no natural relationship to humanity, and it was not pleasant for them to think of him, whom they had hoped would be a mighty King of Israel, as one who?sprung from poverty and obscurity. Therefore they said among themselves, “Howbeit we know this man knoweth whence he is; but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.” The minds of these men were closed to the prophecies, which pointed out how and when Christ was to come.?{1Red 87.2}[152]

  While their minds were balancing between doubt and faith, Jesus took up their thoughts and answered them thus: “Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am; and I am not come of myself, but He that sent me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him; for I am from him, and he hath sent me.” They claimed a knowledge of what the origin of Christ should be, while they were in reality utterly ignorant of it, and were locked in spiritual blindness. If they had lived in accordance with the will of the Father, they would have known his Son when he was manifested to them.?{1Red 88.1}[153]

  The words of Jesus convinced many of those who listened; but the rage of the rulers was increased by this very fact, and they made an attempt to seize him; “but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?”?{1Red 88.2}[154]

  Jesus stood before his enemies with calm and dignified mien, declaring his mission to the world, and revealing the hidden sins and deadly designs of the Pharisees and rulers. Though these lofty persons would gladly have sealed his lips, and though they had the will to destroy him where he stood, they were prevented by an invisible influence, which put a limit to their rage and said to them, “Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther.”?{1Red 88.3}[155]

  The words of Jesus found a place in many hearts, and, like seed sown in goodly soil, they afterward bore abundant harvests. The spies scattered throughout the throng now report to the chief priests and elders that Jesus is gaining great influence among the people and that many are already acknowledging their belief in him. The priests therefore secretly lay their plans to arrest Jesus; but they arrange to take him when he is alone, for they dare not risk the effect upon the people of seizing him while in their presence. Jesus, divining their malevolent intents, declares in words of solemn pathos:—?{1Red 89.1}[156]

  “Yet a little while am I with you, and then 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 the Saviour of the world will find a refuge from the persecution of his enemies, where their scorn and hate will be powerless to harm him. He will ascend to his Father, to be again the Adored of angels; and thither his murderers can never come.?{1Red 89.2}[157]

  The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated to commemorate the time when the Hebrews dwelt in tents during their sojourn in the wilderness. While this great festival lasted, the people were required to leave their houses and live in booths made of green branches of pine or myrtle. These leafy structures were sometimes erected on the tops of the houses, and in the streets, but oftener outside the walls of the city, in the valleys and along the hill-sides. Scattered about in every direction, these green camps presented a very picturesque appearance.?{1Red 89.3}[158]

  The feast lasted one week, and during all that time the temple was a festal scene of great rejoicing. There was the pomp of the sacrificial ceremonies; and the sound of music, mingled with hosannas, made the place jubilant. At the first dawn of day, the priests sounded a long, shrill blast upon their silver trumpets; and the answering trumpets, and the glad shouts of the people from their booths, echoing over hill and valley, welcomed the festal day. Then the priest dipped from the flowing waters of the Kedron a flagon of water, and, lifting it on high, while the trumpets were sounding, he ascended the broad steps of the temple, keeping time with the music with slow and measured tread, chanting meanwhile: “Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem!”?{1Red 90.1}[159] 

 He bore the flagon to the altar which occupied a central position in the temple court. Here were two silver basins, with a priest standing at each one. The flagon of water was poured into one basin, and a flagon of wine into the other; and the contents of both flowed into a pipe which communicated with the Kedron, and was conducted to the Dead Sea. This display of the consecrated water represented the fountain that flowed from the rock to refresh the Hebrews in the wilderness. Then the jubilant strains rang forth:—?{1Red 90.2}[160]

  “The Lord Jehovah is my strength and song;” “therefore with joy shall we draw water out of the wells of salvation!” All the vast assembly joined in triumphant chorus with musical instruments and deep-toned trumpets, while competent choristers conducted the grand harmonious concert of praise.?{1Red 90.3}[161]

  The festivities were carried on with an unparalleled splendor. At night the temple and its court blazed so with artificial light that the whole city was illuminated. The music, the waving of palm-branches, the glad hosannas, the great concourse of people, over which the light streamed from the hanging lamps, the dazzling array of the priests, and the majesty of the ceremonies, all combined to make a scene that deeply impressed all beholders.?{1Red 91.1}[162]

  The feast was drawing to a close. The morning of the last, crowning day found the people wearied from the long season of festivity. Suddenly Jesus lifted up his voice in tones that rang through the courts of the temple:—?{1Red 91.2}[163]

  “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” The condition of the people made this appeal very forcible. They had been engaged in a continued scene of pomp and festivity, their eyes had been dazzled with light and color, and their ears regaled with the richest music; but there had been nothing to meet the wants of the spirit, nothing to satisfy the thirst of the soul for that which perishes not. Jesus invited them to come and drink of the fountain of life, of that which should be in them a well of water springing up into everlasting life.?{1Red 91.3}[164]

  The priest had that morning performed the imposing ceremony which represented the smiting of the rock in the wilderness and the issuing therefrom of the water. That rock was a figure of Christ. His words were the water of life. As Jesus spoke thus to the people, their hearts?thrilled with a strange awe, and many were ready to exclaim, with the woman of Samaria, “Give me of this water, that I thirst not.”?{1Red 91.4}[165]

  The words of the Divine Teacher presented his gospel in a most impressive figure. More than eighteen hundred years have passed since the lips of Jesus pronounced those words in the hearing of thousands of thirsty souls; but they are as comforting and cheering to our hearts today, and as full of hope, as to those who accepted them in the Jewish temple. Jesus knew the wants of the human soul. Hollow pomp, riches and honor, cannot satisfy the heart. “If any man thirst, let him come unto me.” The rich, the poor, the high, the low, are alike welcomed. He promises to relieve the burdened mind, to comfort the sorrowing, and give hope to the despondent. Many of those who heard Jesus were mourners over disappointed hopes, some were nourishing a secret grief, some were seeking to satisfy the restless longing of the soul with the things of this world and the praise of men; but when all this was gained, they found that they had toiled to reach only a broken cistern, from which they could not quench their fever thirst. Amid all the glitter of the joyous scene they stood, dissatisfied and sad. That sudden cry, “If any man thirst—” startles them from their sorrowful meditation, and as they listen to the words that follow, their minds kindle with a new hope. They look upon the Lifegiver standing in majesty before them, divinity flashing through his humanity, and revealing his heavenly power in words that thrill their hearts.?{1Red 92.1}[166]

  The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still?going forth. It appeals to us with even greater power than to those who heard it in the temple on that last day of the feast. The weary and exhausted ones are offered the refreshing draught of eternal life. Jesus invites them to rest in him. He will take their burdens. He will give them peace. Centuries before the advent of Christ, Isaiah described him as a “hiding-place from the wind,” a “covert from the tempest,” as “the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” All who come to Christ receive his love in their hearts, which is the water that springs up unto everlasting life. Those who receive it impart it in turn to others, in good works, in right examples, and in Christian counsel.?{1Red 92.2}[167]

  The day was over, and the Pharisees and rulers waited impatiently for a report from the officers whom they had set upon the track of Jesus, in order to arrest him. But their emissaries return without him. They are angrily asked, “Why have ye not brought him?” The officers, with solemn countenances, answer, “Never man spake like this man.” Dealing with violence and crime had naturally hardened the hearts of these men; but they were not so unfeeling as the priests and elders, who had resolutely shut out the light, and given themselves up to envy and malice.?{1Red 93.1}[168]

  The officers had heard the words of Jesus in the temple, they had felt the wondrous influence of his presence, and their hearts had been strangely softened and drawn toward him whom they were commanded to arrest as a criminal. They were unequal to the task set them by the priests and rulers; they could not summon courage?to lay hands upon this pure Being who stood, with the light of Heaven upon his countenance, preaching a free salvation. As they stand excusing themselves for not obeying their orders, and saying, “Never man spake like this man,” the Pharisees, enraged that even these tools of the law should be influenced by this Galilean peasant, cry out angrily:—?{1Red 93.2}[169]

  “Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people, who knoweth not the law, are cursed.” They then proceed to lay plans to condemn and execute Jesus immediately, fearful that if he is left free any longer he will gain all the people. They decide that their only hope is to speedily silence him. But Nicodemus, one of the Pharisees, and he who had come to Jesus in the night and had been taught of him concerning the new birth, speaks out boldly:—?{1Red 94.1}[170]

  “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” For a moment silence falls on the assembly. Nicodemus was a rich and influential man, learned in the law, and holding a high position among the rulers. What he said was true, and came home to the Pharisees with startling, emphasis; they could not condemn a man unheard. But this was not the only reason that the haughty rulers remained confounded, gazing at him who had so boldly spoken in favor of justice. They were startled and chagrined that one of their own number had been so impressed by the power of Jesus as to openly defend him in the council. When they recovered from their astonishment, they addressed him with cutting sarcasm:—?{1Red 94.2}[171]

  “Art thou also of Galilee? Search and look; for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.” But they were nevertheless unable to carry their purpose, and condemn Jesus without a hearing. They were defeated and crest-fallen for the time, and “every man went unto his own house.”?{1Red 95.1}[172] 

 【Chapter 7—Go and Sin No More】

Early on the following morning, Jesus “came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.”?{1Red 95.2}[173]

  While Jesus was engaged in teaching, the scribes and Pharisees brought to him a woman whom they accused of the sin of adultery, and said to him, Master, “now Moses in the law commanded us that such should be stoned; but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.”?{1Red 95.3}[174]

  The scribes and Pharisees had agreed to bring this case before Jesus, thinking that whatever decision he made in regard to it, they would therein find occasion to accuse and condemn him. If he should acquit the woman, they would accuse him of despising the law of Moses, and condemn him on that account; and if he should declare that she was guilty of death, they would accuse him to the Romans as one who was stirring?up sedition and assuming authority which alone belonged to them. But Jesus well knew for what purpose this case had been brought to him; he read the secrets of their hearts, and knew the character and life-history of every man in his presence. He seemed indifferent to the question of the Pharisees, and while they were talking and pressing about him, he stooped and wrote carelessly with his finger in the sand.?{1Red 95.4}[175]

  Although doing this without apparent design, Jesus was tracing on the ground, in legible characters, the particular sins of which the woman’s accusers were guilty, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest. At length the Pharisees become impatient at the indifference of Jesus, and his delay in deciding the question before him, and drew nearer, urging the matter. But as their eyes fell upon the words written in the sand, fear and surprise took possession of them. The people, looking on, saw their countenances suddenly change, and pressed forward to discover what they were regarding with such an expression of astonishment and shame. Many of those who thus gathered round also read the record of hidden sin inscribed against these accusers of another.?{1Red 96.1}[176]

  Then Jesus “lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.” The accusers saw that Jesus not only knew the secrets of their past sins, but was acquainted with their purpose in bringing this case before him, and had in his matchless wisdom defeated their deeply laid scheme. They now became fearful lest Jesus?would expose their guilt to all present, and they therefore “being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last; and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.”?{1Red 96.2}[177]

  There was not one of her accusers but was more guilty than the conscience-stricken woman who stood trembling with shame before him. After the Pharisees had hastily left the presence of Christ, in their guilty consternation, he arose and looked upon the woman, saying, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee. Go, and sin no more.”?{1Red 97.1}[178]

  Jesus did not palliate sin nor lessen the sense of crime; but he came not to condemn; he came to lead the sinner to eternal life. The world looked upon this erring woman as one to be slighted and scorned; but the pure and holy Jesus stooped to address her with words of comfort, encouraging her to reform her life. Instead of to condemn the guilty, his work was to reach into the very depths of human woe and degradation, lift up the debased and sinful, and bid the trembling penitent to “sin no more.” When the woman stood before Jesus, cowering under the accusation of the Pharisees and a sense of the enormity of her crime, she knew that her life was trembling in the balance, and that a word from Jesus would add fuel to the indignation of the crowd, so that they would immediately stone her to death.?{1Red 97.2}[179]

  Her eyes droop before the calm and searching glance of Christ. Stricken with shame, she is?unable to look upon that holy countenance. As she thus stands waiting for sentence to be passed upon her, the words fall upon her astonished ears that not only deliver her from her accusers, but send them away convicted of greater crimes than hers. After they are gone, she hears the mournfully solemn words: “Neither do I condemn thee. Go, and sin no more.” Her heart melts with penitential grief; and, with gratitude to her Deliverer, she bows at the feet of Jesus, sobbing out in broken accents the emotions of her heart, and confessing her sins with bitter tears.?{1Red 97.3}[180]

  This was the beginning of a new life to this tempted, fallen soul, a life of purity and peace, devoted to the service of God. In raising this woman to a life of virtue, Jesus performed a greater act than that of healing the most grievous bodily malady; he cured the sickness of the soul which is unto death everlasting. This penitent woman became one of the firmest friends of Jesus. She repaid his forgiveness and compassion, with a self-sacrificing love and worship. Afterward, when she stood sorrow-stricken at the foot of the cross, and saw the dying agony on the face of her Lord, and heard his bitter cry, her soul was pierced afresh; for she knew that this sacrifice was on account of sin; and her responsibility as one whose deep guilt had helped to bring about this anguish of the Son of God, seemed very heavy indeed. She felt that those pangs which pierced the Saviour’s frame were for her; the blood that flowed from his wounds was to blot out her record of sin; the groans which escaped from his dying lips were caused by her transgression. Her heart ached with a sorrow?past all expression, and she felt that a life of self-abnegating atonement would poorly compensate for the gift of life, purchased for her at such an infinite price.?{1Red 98.1}[181]

  In his act of pardoning, and encouraging this fallen woman to live a better life, the character of Jesus shines forth in the beauty of a perfect righteousness. Knowing not the taint of sin himself, he pities the weakness of the erring one, and reaches to her a helping hand. While the self-righteous and hypocritical Pharisees denounce, and the tumultuous crowd is ready to stone and slay, and the trembling victim waits for death—Jesus, the Friend of sinners, bids her, “Go, and sin no more.”?{1Red 99.1}[182]

  It is not the true follower of Christ who turns from the erring with cold, averted eyes, leaving them unrestrained to pursue their downward course. Christian charity is slow to censure, quick to detect penitence, ready to forgive, to encourage, to set the wanderer in the path of virtue, and stay his feet therein.?{1Red 99.2}[183]

  The wisdom displayed by Jesus on this occasion, in defending himself against the designs of his enemies, and the evidence which he gave them that he knew the hidden secrets of their lives, the conviction that he pressed home upon the guilty consciences of the very men who were seeking to destroy him, were sufficient evidence of his divine character. Jesus also taught another important lesson in this scene: That those who are ever forward to accuse others, quick to detect them in wrong, and zealous that they should be brought to justice, are often guiltier in their own lives than those whom they accuse. Many who?beheld the whole scene were led to compare the pardoning compassion of Jesus with the unrelenting spirit of the Pharisees, to whom mercy was a stranger; and they turned to the pitying Saviour as unto One who would lead the repentant sinner into peace and security.?{1Red 99.3}[184]

  “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of my life.” Jesus had represented himself, in his relation to fallen man, as a fountain of living water, to which all who thirst may come and drink. The brilliant lights in the temple illuminated all Jerusalem, and he now used these lights to represent his relation to the world. In clear and thrilling tones he declared: “I am the light of the world.” As the radiant lamps of the temple lit up the whole city, so Christ, the source of spiritual light, illuminated the darkness of a world lying in sin. His manner was so impressive, and his words carried with them such a weight of truth, that many were there convicted that he was indeed the Son of God. But the Pharisees, ever ready to contradict him, accused him of egotism, saying, “Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.” Jesus, answering their objections, asserted again his divine commission:—?{1Red 100.1}[185]

  “Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true; for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come and whither I go.” They were ignorant of his divine character and mission because they had not searched the prophecies concerning the Messiah, as it was their privilege and duty to do. They?had no connection with God and Heaven, and therefore did not comprehend the work of the Saviour of the world, and, though they had received the most convincing evidence that Jesus was that Saviour, yet they refused to open their minds to understand. At first they had set their hearts against him, and refused to believe the strongest proof of his divinity, and, as a consequence, their hearts had grown harder until they were determined not to believe nor accept him.?{1Red 100.2}[186]

  “Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet, if I judge, my judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.” Thus he declared that he was sent of God, to do his work. He had not consulted with priests nor rulers as to the course he was to pursue; for his commission was from the highest authority, even the Creator of the universe. Jesus, in his sacred office, had taught the people, had relieved suffering, had forgiven sin, and had cleansed the temple, which was his Father’s house, and driven out its desecraters from its sacred portals; he had condemned the hypocritical lives of the Pharisees, and reproved their hidden sins; and in all this he had acted under the instruction of his Heavenly Father. For this reason they hated him and sought to kill him. Jesus declared to them: “Ye are from beneath; I am from above. Ye are of this world; I am not of this world.”?{1Red 101.1}[187]

  “When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as my Father hath taught me.” “And he that sent me is with me; the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always?those things that please him.” These words were spoken with thrilling power, and, for the time, closed the lips of the Pharisees, and caused many of those who listened with attentive minds to unite with Jesus, believing him to be the Son [of] God. To these believing ones he said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” But to the Pharisees who rejected him, and who hardened their hearts against him, he declared: “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins; whither I go, ye cannot come.”?{1Red 101.2}[188]

  But the Pharisees took up his words, addressed to those who believed, and commented upon them, saying, “We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man; how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” Jesus looked upon these men,—the slaves of unbelief and bitter malice, whose thoughts were bent upon revenge,—and answered them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin.” They were in the worst of bondage, ruled by the spirit of evil. Jesus declared to them that if they were the true children of Abraham, and lived in obedience to God, they would not seek to kill one who was speaking the truth that was given him of God. This was not doing the works of Abraham, whom they claimed as their father.?{1Red 102.1}[189]

  Jesus, with startling emphasis, denied that the Jews were following the example of Abraham. Said he, “Ye do the deeds of your father.” The Pharisees, partly comprehending his meaning, said, “We be not born of fornication; we have?one Father, even God.” But Jesus answered them: “If God were your Father, ye would love me; for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.” The Pharisees had turned from God, and refused to recognize his Son. If their minds had been open to the love of God, they would have acknowledged the Saviour who was sent to the world by him. Jesus boldly revealed their desperate condition:—?{1Red 102.2}[190]

  “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” These words were spoken with sorrowful pathos, as Jesus realized the terrible condition into which these men had fallen. But his enemies heard him with uncontrollable anger; although his majestic bearing, and the mighty weight of the truths he uttered, held them powerless. Jesus continued to draw the sharp contrast between their position and that of Abraham, whose children they claimed to be:—?{1Red 103.1}[191]

  “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.” The Jews listened incredulously to this assertion, and said, sneeringly, “Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?” Jesus, with a lofty dignity that sent a thrill of conviction through their guilty souls, answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” For a moment, silence fell upon all the people, as the?grand and awful import of these words dawned upon their minds. But the Pharisees, speedily recovering from the influence of his words, and fearing their effect upon the people, commenced to create an uproar, railing at him as a blasphemer. “Then took they up stones to cast at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.”?{1Red 103.2}[192]

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