Lesson 5 *January 22-28
In the Shadow of Calvary
Memory Text: John 1:29 NKJV 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Sabbath Afternoon
Sunday
John the BaptistChrists Forerunner
John 1:29-34 KJV 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 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. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Mark 8:31 KJV 31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Luke 24:7 KJV 7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
1 Corinthians 15:13-18 KJV 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Ellen G. White, Son and Daughters of God, p. 221
All Men are Drawn to the Uplifted
Saviour And I, if I be lifted up
from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John
12:32. {SD 221.1}
Never before was there such a general knowledge of Jesus as when He
hung upon the cross. He was lifted up from the earth, to draw all to Him.
Into the hearts of many who beheld that crucifixion scene, and who heard
Christ's words, was the light of truth to shine. With John they would proclaim,
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." There were
those who never rested until, searching the Scriptures and comparing passage
with passage, they saw the meaning of Christ's mission. They saw that free
forgiveness was provided by Him whose tender mercy embraced the whole world.
They read the prophecies regarding Christ, and the promises so free and full,
pointing to a fountain opened for Judah and
Jerusalem. {SD 221.2}
The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the
great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly
understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis
to Revelation, must be studied in the light which streams from the cross
of Calvary, and in connection with the wondrous, central truth of the Saviour's
atonement. Those who study the Redeemer's wonderful sacrifice grow in grace
and knowledge. {SD
221.3}
I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration,
salvation and redemption,--the Son of God uplifted on the cross of Calvary.
This is to be the theme of every
discourse. {SD 221.4}
Jesus is inviting and drawing by His Holy Spirit the hearts of young
and old to Himself. . . . When Christ crucified is preached, the power of
the gospel is demonstrated by the influence it exerts over the believer.
In place of remaining dead in trespasses and sins, he is
awakened. {SD 221.5}
Lift up the Man of Calvary higher and still higher; there is power
in the exaltation of the cross of
Christ. (p. 222) {SD 221.6}
Monday
Christs Life of Service, Suffering, and Sacrifice (Act 10:38, 39)
Matthew 4:23-25 KJV 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. 25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.
Matthew 8:14-17 KJV 14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
Matthew 8:16-17 16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
Acts 10:38-39 KJV 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
John 3:19-21 KJV 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 15:17-25 KJV 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
Romans 8:7 KJV 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Jeremiah 17:9 KJV 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Tuesday
Warnings of the Cross
Matthew 16:13-21 KJV 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Matthew 16:16-21 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Luke 9:18-22 KJV 18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? 19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. 21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
Mark 9:31 KJV 31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. 32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
Luke 9:44-45 KJV 44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. 45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
Mark 9:33-34 KJV 33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
Mark 6:52 NRSV 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Mark 6:52 KJV 52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
Mark 8:17 NRSV 17 And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
Mark 8:17 KJV 17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
Wednesday
Falling Shadows and Radiant Glory
Matthew 17:1-9 KJV 1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
Luke 9:28-36 KJV 28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. 34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. 36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
Luke 9:30-31 KJV 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. p. 425
Through being overcome with sleep, the disciples heard little of what passed between Christ and the heavenly messengers. Failing to watch and pray, they had not received that which God desired to give them,--a knowledge of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. They lost the blessing that might have been theirs through sharing His self-sacrifice. Slow of heart to believe were these disciples, little appreciative of the treasure with which Heaven sought to enrich them. {DA 425.1}
Yet they received great light. They were assured that all heaven knew of the sin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ. They were given a clearer insight into the work of the Redeemer. They saw with their eyes and heard with their ears things that were beyond the comprehension of man. They were "eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16), and they realized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, to whom patriarchs and prophets had witnessed, and that He was recognized as such by the heavenly universe. {DA 425.2}
While they were still gazing on the scene upon the mount, "a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." As they beheld the cloud of glory, brighter than that which went before the tribes of Israel in the wilderness; as they heard the voice of God speak in awful majesty that caused the mountain to tremble, the disciples fell smitten to the earth. They remained prostrate, their faces hidden, till Jesus came near, and touched them, dispelling their fears with His well-known voice, "Arise, and be not afraid." Venturing to lift up their eyes, they saw that the heavenly glory had passed away, the forms of Moses and Elijah had disappeared. They were upon the mount, alone with Jesus. {DA 425.3}
Thursday
Law of the New Kingdom (Matt. 20:25-28)
Luke 18:31 NKJV 31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.
Matthew 20:18-19 NKJV 18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 "and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again."
Luke 18:34 NKJV 34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.
Matthew 3:2 NKJV 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
Luke 18:31 KJV 31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
Matthew 20:18-19 KJV 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, 19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Luke 18:34 KJV 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Matthew 3:2 KJV 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 19:27-30 KJV 27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Matthew 20:20-28 KJV 20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mark 10:35-45 KJV 35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. 38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: 40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Friday
Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 359, 541-543
Chap. 34 - A Consecrated
Ministry
In His life and lessons Christ has given a perfect exemplification
of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God does not live
for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is constantly
ministering to others. "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45. This
ideal of ministry the Father committed to His Son. Jesus was given to stand
at the head of humanity, by His example to teach what it means to minister.
His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to
all. {AA 359.1}
Again and again Jesus tried to establish his principle among His
disciples. When James and John made their request for pre-eminence, He said,
"Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever
will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man
came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom
for many." Matthew 20:26-28. (p.360) {AA 359.2}
It is no part of
Christ's mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated
by his spirit, who seek to compel the conscience. Under a pretense of zeal
for righteousness, men who are confederated with evil angels sometimes bring
suffering upon their fellow men in order to convert them to their ideas of
religion; but Christ is ever showing mercy, ever seeking to win by the revealing
of His love. He can admit no rival in the soul, nor accept of partial service;
but He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart
under the constraint of love. {AA
541.1}
On another occasion James and John presented through their mother
a petition requesting that they might be permitted to occupy the highest
positions of honor in Christ's kingdom. Notwithstanding Christ's repeated
instruction concerning the nature of His kingdom, these young disciples still
cherished the hope for a Messiah who would take His throne and kingly power
in accordance with the desires (p. 542) of men. The mother, coveting with
them the place of honor in this kingdom for her sons, asked, "Grant that
these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the
left, in Thy kingdom." {AA
541.2}
But the Saviour answered, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to
drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism
that I am baptized with?" They recalled His mysterious words pointing to
trial and suffering, yet answered confidently, "We are able." They would
count it highest honor to prove their loyalty by sharing all that was to
befall their Lord.
"Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized
with the baptism that I am baptized with," Christ declared-- before Him a
cross instead of a throne, two malefactors His companions at His right hand
and at His left. James and John were to be sharers with their Master in
suffering--the one, destined to swift-coming death by the sword; the other,
longest of all the disciples to follow his Master in labor and reproach and
persecution. "But to sit on My right hand, and on My left," He continued,
"is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared
of My Father." Matthew 20:21-23.
{AA 542.2}
Jesus understood the motive that prompted the request and thus reproved
the pride and ambition of the two disciples: "The princes of the Gentiles
exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon
them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among
you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let
him be your servant: even (p. 543) as the Son of man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew
20:25-28. {AA 542.3}
In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism.
It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is
the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition
attained--tokens of self-conquest through the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ. {AA 543.1}
Long afterward, when John had been brought into sympathy with Christ
through the fellowship of His sufferings, the Lord Jesus revealed to him
what is the condition of nearness to His kingdom. "To him that overcometh,"
Christ said, "will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame,
and am set down with My Father in His throne." Revelation 3:21. The one who
stands nearest to Christ will be he who has drunk most deeply of His spirit
of self-sacrificing love,--love that "vaunteth not itself, is not puffed
up, . . . seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil"
(1 Corinthians 13:4, 5),--love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord,
to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice even unto death, for the saving
of humanity. {AA
543.2}
At another time during their early evangelistic labors, James and
John met one who, while not an acknowledged follower of Christ, was casting
out devils in His name. The disciples forbade the man to work and thought
they were right in doing this. But when they laid the matter before Christ,
He reproved them, saying, "Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall
do a miracle in My name, that (p. 544) can lightly speak evil of Me." Mark
9:39. None who showed themselves in any way friendly to Christ were to be
repulsed. The disciples must not indulge a narrow, exclusive spirit, but
must manifest the same far-reaching sympathy which they had seen in their
Master. James and John had thought that in checking this man they had in
view the Lord's honor; but they began to see that they were jealous for their
own. They acknowledged their error and accepted the
reproof. {AA 543.3}
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 547-551 (Not included with lesson help)
Ellen G. White,
The Desire of Ages, p. 644
When the disciples entered the supper room,
their hearts were full of resentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ
on the left side; John was on the right. If there was a highest place, Judas
was determined to have it, and that place was thought to be next to Christ.
And Judas was a traitor. {DA
644.1}
Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was customary
for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion preparation
had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were
there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant was present, and
it was the disciples' part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding
to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested
a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them
to do. By their silence they refused to humble
themselves. {DA
644.2}
How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain
over them a decided victory? How could He show that a mere profession of
discipleship did not make them disciples, or insure them a place in His kingdom?
How could He show that it is loving service, true humility, which constitutes
real greatness? How was He to kindle love in their hearts, and enable them
to comprehend what He longed to tell
them? {DA 644.3}
The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus waited
for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from
the table. Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements,
He took a towel, and girded Himself. With surprised interest the disciples
looked on, and in silence waited to see what was to follow. "After that He
poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to
wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded." This action opened the
eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts.
They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in altogether a new
light. {DA 644.4}
So Christ expressed His love for His disciples. Their selfish spirit
filled Him with sorrow, but He entered into no controversy with them (p.
645) regarding their difficulty. Instead He gave them an example they would
never forget. His love for them was not easily disturbed or quenched. He
knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came
from God, and went to God. He had a full consciousness of His divinity; but
He had laid aside His royal crown and kingly robes, and had taken the form
of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself
as a servant, and perform a servant's
part. {DA 644.5}
Ellen G. White, Fundamentals of Christian Education , p. 142
I
entreat Christian mothers to realize their responsibility, and to live, not
to please themselves, but to glorify God. Christ pleased not Himself, but
took upon Him the form of a servant. He left the royal courts, and clothed
His divinity with humanity, that by His own example He might teach us how
we may be exalted to the position of sons and daughters in the royal family,
children of the heavenly King. But what are the conditions upon which we
may obtain this great blessing?--"Come out from among them, and be ye separate,
saith the Lord, and touch not the
unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and
ye shall be My sons and daughters."
{FE 142.1}
Christ humbled Himself from the position of one equal with God to
that of a servant. His home was in Nazareth, a place proverbial for its
wickedness. His parents were among the lowly poor. His trade was that of
a carpenter, and He labored with His hands to do His part in sustaining the
family. For thirty years He was subject to His parents. The life of Christ
points out our duty to be diligent in labor, and to provide for those intrusted
to our care. {FE
142.2}
In His lessons of instruction to His disciples, Jesus taught them
that His kingdom is not a worldly kingdom, where all are striving for the
highest position; but He gave them lessons in humility and self-sacrifice
for the good of others. His humility did not consist in a low estimate of
His own character and qualifications, but in adapting Himself to fallen humanity,
in order to raise them up with Him to a higher life. Yet how few see anything
attractive in the humility of Christ! Worldlings are constantly striving
to exalt themselves one above another; but Jesus, the Son of God, humbled
Himself in order to uplift man. The true disciple of Christ will follow His
(p. 143) example. Would that the mothers
of this generation might feel the sacredness of their mission, not trying
to vie with their wealthy neighbors in appearance, but seeking to honor God
by the faithful performance of duty. If right principles in regard to temperance
were implanted in the youth who are to form and mold society, there would
be little necessity for temperance crusades. Firmness of character, moral
control, would prevail, and in the strength of Jesus the temptations of these
last days would be resisted. {FE
142.3}
Ellen G. White, The Sanctified Life, p. 56, 57
What a precious lesson is this for all the
followers of Christ! Those who overlook the life duties lying directly in
their pathway, who neglect mercy and kindness, courtesy and love, to even
a little child, are neglecting Christ. John felt the force of this lesson
and profited by it. {SL
56.1}
On another occasion his brother James and himself had seen a man casting
out devils in the name of Jesus, and because he did not immediately connect
himself with their company, they decided that he had no right to do this
work, and consequently forbade him. In the sincerity of his heart John related
the circumstance to his Master. Jesus said, "Forbid him not: for there is
no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of
me. For he that is not against us is on our part" (verses 39,
40). {SL 56.2}
Again, James and John presented by their mother a petition requesting
that they might be permitted to occupy the highest positions of honor in
Christ's kingdom. The Saviour answered, "Ye know not what ye ask" (Mark 10:38).
How little do many of us understand the true import of our prayers! Jesus
knew the infinite sacrifice at which that glory must be purchased, when He,
"for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, (p. 57) despising
the shame" (Heb. 12:2). That joy was to see souls saved by His humiliation,
His agony, and the shedding of His
blood. {SL 56.3}
This was the glory which Christ was to receive, and which these two
disciples had requested that they might be permitted to share. Jesus asked
them, "Can ye drink of the cup that
I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And
they said unto him, We can" (Mark 10:38,
39). {SL 57.1}
How little did they comprehend what that baptism signified! "Jesus
said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with
the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: but to sit on
my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given
to them for whom it is prepared" (verses 39,
40). {SL 57.2}
Pride and Ambition Reproved
Jesus understood the motives which
prompted the request, and thus reproved the pride and ambition of the two
disciples: "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles
exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon
them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among
you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall
be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (verses
42-45). {SL 57.3}
Upon one occasion Christ sent messengers before (p. 58) Him unto a
village of the Samaritans, requesting the people to prepare refreshments
for Himself and His disciples. But when the Saviour approached the town,
He appeared to be passing on toward Jerusalem. This aroused the enmity of
the Samaritans, and instead of sending messengers to invite and even urge
Him to tarry with them, they withheld the courtesies which they would have
given to a common wayfarer. Jesus never urges His presence upon any, and
the Samaritans lost the blessing which would have been granted them had they
solicited Him to be their guest.
{SL 57.4}
Ellen G. White, Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 226
When the mother of two sons made a request
that her sons should be especially favored, one sitting on the right hand
and the other on the left in His kingdom, Jesus impressed upon them that
the honor and glory of His kingdom was to be the reverse of the honor and
glory of this world. Whoever would be great must be a humble minister unto
others, and whoever would be chief must be a servant, even as the Son of
God was a minister and servant unto the children of
men. {4T 226.1}
Again, our Saviour taught His disciples not to be anxious for position
and name. "Be not ye called Rabbi. . . . Neither be ye called masters. .
. . But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever
shall exalt himself shall be abased." Jesus cited the lawyer to the sacred
law code given from Sinai: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy
mind, and thy neighbor as thyself." He told him that if he did this he should
enter into life. {4T
226.2}
"Thy neighbor as thyself." The question arises: "Who is my neighbor?"
His reply is the parable of the good Samaritan, which teaches us that any
human being who needs our sympathy and our kind offices is our neighbor.
The suffering and destitute of all classes are our neighbors, and when their
wants (p. 227) are brought to our knowledge, it is our duty to relieve them
as far as possible. A principle is brought out in this parable that it would
be well for the followers of Christ to adopt.
First meet the temporal necessities of the
needy and relieve their physical wants and sufferings, and you will then
find an open avenue to the heart, where you may plant the good seeds of virtue
and religion. {4T 226.3}
Ellen G. White, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 44
"In His temple doth everyone speak of His
glory." Psalm 29:9. The sweet singer of Israel praised Him upon the harp,
saying, "I will speak of the glorious honor of Thy majesty, and of Thy wondrous
works. And men shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts: and I will
declare Thy greatness." Psalm 145:5, 6. {MB 44.1}
The cross of Calvary is to be lifted high above the people, absorbing
their minds and concentrating their thoughts. Then all the spiritual faculties
will be charged with divine power direct from God. Then there will be a
concentration of the energies in genuine work for the Master. The workers
will send forth to the world beams of light, as living agencies to enlighten
the earth. {MB 44.2}
Christ accepts, oh, so gladly, every human agency that is surrendered
to Him. He brings the human into union with the divine, that He may communicate
to the world the mysteries of incarnate love. Talk it, pray it, sing it;
proclaim abroad the message of His glory, and keep pressing onward to the
regions beyond. {MB 44.3}
Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received, temptations
manfully resisted, meekness, kindness, mercy, and love habitually revealed,
are the lights that shine forth in the character in contrast with the darkness
of the selfish heart, into which the light of life has never
shone. {MB 44.4}
Mark 10:45 KJV 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
John 15:11 KJV 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
John 16:33 KJV 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Hebrews 12:1-5 KJV 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: