DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES ANDS QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #47)

Judas

The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed.

But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts.

Judas had fostered the evil spirit of greed until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of the world overbalanced his love for Christ.

The Savior did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minster of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgement and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse.

Christ’s often repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world displeased Judas.

Judas saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Redeemer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ, but he was blinded by his own selfish desires.

Christ’s discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” (John 6:53) He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good.

Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Savior’s lessons. Yet the dissension of who should be the greatest was generally excited by him.

Judas’s experience will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome respond to Satan’s temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will.

Judas did not believe that Jesus would permit himself to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach him a lesson, and acquire for himself a high position in his kingdom. Since Jesus had escaped so many snares previously, Judas thought Jesus would not allow Himself to be taken.

The priests had been willing to make Judas their tool, but they despised his baseness. When he turned to them with confession, they spurned him.

The Savior did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent. His confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgement, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, “For this hour came I into the world.”

Judas saw that his entreaties were in vain, and he rushed from the hall. He felt that he could not live to see Jesus crucified, and in despair went out and hanged himself.

Retribution seemed already visiting those who were guilty of the blood of Jesus.

In Pilate’s Judgement Hall (See Matthew 27:2, 11-31, Mark 15:1-20, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28-40, 19:1-16)

Before Pilate, the Roman governor, stands Christ bound as a prisoner. Pilate had to deal with all kinds of criminals, but never before had a man bearing marks of such goodness and nobility been brought before him. On his face he saw no sign of guilt, no expression of fear, no boldness or defiance. He saw a man of calm and dignified bearing, whose countenance bore not the marks of a criminal, but the signature of heaven.

Pilate saw through the priests’ purpose. He did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government. His meek and humble appearance was altogether out of harmony with the charge.

With noisy cries, priests, scribes, and rulers demanded that Jesus be sentenced to death. The shouts were taken up by the onlooking mob, and the uproar was deafening. Pilate was confused. Seeing that Jesus made no answer to His accusers, Pilate said to Him, “You answer nothing? Behold how many things they testify against You.” But Jesus still answered nothing.

Standing behind Pilate, in view of all the court, Christ heard the abuse. But to all the false charges against Him He answered not a word. His whole bearing gave evidence of conscious innocence. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him.

“I find in Him no fault at all,” Pilate had declared. These words from a heathen judge were a scathing rebuke to falsehood of the rulers of Israel who were accusing the Savior.

When Pilate heard that Christ was from Galilee, he decided to send Him to Herod, the ruler of that province, who was then in Jerusalem. By this course, Pilate thought to shift the responsibility of the trial from himself to Herod. He also thought this a good opportunity to heal an old quarrel between himself and Herod. And so it proved. Thus the two magistrates made friends over the trial of the Savior.

Herod as well as Pilate was satisfied that Christ had been accused through malice and envy. Yet he peppered Christ with many questions, but throughout the Savior maintained a profound silence. He even petitioned Christ to preform a miracle. The Son of God had taken upon Himself human nature. He must do as man must do in like circumstances. Therefore He would not work a miracle to save Himself the pain and humiliation that man must endure when placed in a similar position.

The mission of Christ in this world was not to gratify idle curiosity. He came to heal the broken hearted.

Hardened as he was, Herod dared not ratify the condemnation of Christ. He wished to relieve himself of the terrible responsibility, and he sent Jesus back to the Roman judgement hall. Pilate was disappointed and much displeased.

Although Pilate found no fault in Jesus, he declared that he would chastise Him and then release Him. Here Pilate showed his weakness. He had declared that Jesus was innocent, yet he was willing for Him to be scourged to pacify the accusers.

Pilate had taken step after step in violation of his conscience. He had excused himself from judging with justice and equity, and he now found himself almost helpless in the hands of the priests and rulers. His wavering and indecision proved his ruin.

The wife of Pilate had been visited by an angel from heaven, and in a dream she beheld the Savior. She was not a Jew, but as she looked upon Jesus in her dream, she had no doubt of His character and mission. While Pilate was hesitating as to what he should do, a messenger pressed through the crowd, and handed him a letter from his wife which read: “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.”

Pilate’s face grew pale. He was confused by his own conflicting emotions. But while he had been delaying to act, the priests and rulers were still further inflaming the minds of the people.

The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas, who was under sentence of death. This man had claimed to be the Messiah. Under cover of religious enthusiasm, he was a hardened and desperate villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty.

Pilate asked the crowd who he should release, Jesus or Barabbas. He was certain they would choose Jesus, but instead demanded that he release Barabbas. He asked what he should do with Christ. The surging multitude roared like demons. “Let Him be crucified.”

Satan led the cruel mob in its abuse of the Savior. It was his purpose to provoke Him to retaliation, and thus break up the plan of salvation. But He who could have driven away that mob in terror by the flashing forth of His divine majesty—submitted with perfect calmness to the coarsest insult and outrage. Every feature of Christ’s face expressed gentleness and the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. In His manner there was no cowardly weakness, but the strength and dignity of long suffering love.

Pilate was filled with amazement at the uncomplaining patience of the Savior. In the vast sea of upturned faces, His alone was peaceful.

Pilate had longed to deliver Jesus. But he saw that he could not do this, and yet retain his own position and honor. Rather than lose his worldly power, he chose to sacrifice an innocent life. How many, to escape loss or suffering, in like manner sacrifice principle. Conscience and duty point one way, and self-interest points another.

Yet the very thing he dreaded afterward came upon him. Not long after the crucifixion, his honors were stripped from him, and he was cast down from his high office. Stung by remorse and wounded pride, he ended his own life.

“The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  (1 Corinthians 2:14)

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #46)

Gethsemane (See Matthew 26:36-56, Luke 22:39-53, John 18:1-12)

Throughout Jesus’s life on earth He had walked in the light of God’s presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, “He that sent Me is with Me: the Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29)

But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God’s sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must bear the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father’s love.

Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.”

As they approached the garden, the disciples had marked the change that came over their Master. Never before had they seen Him so utterly sad and silent. As He proceeded, this strange sadness deepened, yet they dared not question Him as to the cause.

Jesus felt that by He was being separated from His Father. The gulf was so broad, so black, so deep, that His spirit shuddered before it. This agony He must not exert His divine power to escape. As man, He must suffer the consequences of man’s sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression.

Hitherto Jesus had been an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.

With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ’s soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan’s kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God. And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of humanity!

The sins of humanity weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God’s wrath against sin was crushing out His life.

The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Jesus felt to the very depths of His being.

How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while Jesus stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be encouraged.

The sleeping disciples: Surely, the love of John for His Master should have kept him awake, and praying. The redeemer had spent entire nights praying for His disciples , that their faith might not fail.

Should Jesus now put to James and John the question He had once asked them, “Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They would not have ventured to answer, “We are able.” (Matthew 20:22)

The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus, but they hardly knew Him. His face was so changed by anguish. Jesus did not reprove them, but said, “Watch ye and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” Even in His great agony, He was seeking to excuse their weakness. “The spirit truly is ready,” He said, “but the flesh is weak.”

The disciples saw Christ’s face marked with the bloody sweat of agony, and they were filled with fear. His anguish of mind they could not understand. “His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” (Isaiah 52:14)

The awful moment had come—that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. He sees the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of humanity. He sees the power of sin over our fallen natures.

Having made the decision, Jesus fell as if dying to the ground. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Savior trod the wine press alone, and of the people, there was none with Him. (See Isaiah 63:3)

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Savior’s agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces. His human nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.

The mighty angel who stands in God’s presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel didn’t come to take the cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love. Although Christ’s agony did not cease, His depression and discouragement left Him.

Jesus did not refuse the traitor’s kiss!

Jesus stepped forth to meet His betrayer. Standing in advance of His disciples, He said, “Who do you seek?” As these words were spoken, the angel who had just ministered to Jesus stepped between Him and the mob. They staggered back. Priests, elders, soldiers, and even Judas fell as dead men to the ground. Yet this miraculous event didn’t stop them! Even more amazing, Jesus submitted rather than obliterate them!

The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He should suffer this humiliation to Himself and them.

Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas (See Matthew 26:57-75, 27:1, Mark 14:53-72, 15:1, Luke 22:54-71, John 18: 13:27)

The Savior contrasted His own manner of work with the methods of His accusers. For months they had hunted Him, striving to entrap Him and bring Him before a secret tribunal, where they might obtain by perjury what was impossible to gain by fair means.

Annas was silenced by the reply of Jesus. Fearing that Christ would say something regarding His course of action that he would prefer to keep covered up, he said nothing more at that time. One of his officers, filled with wrath as he saw Annas silenced, struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Do you answer the high priest so?”

Christ calmly replied, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why do you hit me?” Jesus spoke no words of retaliation. His calm answer came from a heart sinless, patient, and gentle, that would not be provoked.

To be surrounded by human beings under the control of Satan was revolting to Him. And He knew in a moment, by the flashing forth of His divine power, He could lay His cruel tormentors in the dust. This made the trial all the harder to bear.

His love for His Father, and His pledge, made from the foundation of the world, to become the Sin Bearer, led Him to endure uncomplainingly the course treatment of those He came to save.

Caiaphas had regarded Jesus as a rival. When the council had assembled in the judgement hall, Caiaphas took his seat as presiding officer. On either side were the judges, and those specially interested in the trial. The Roman soldiers were stationed on the platform below the throne. At the foot of the throne stood Jesus. Upon Him the gaze of the whole multitude was fixed. The excitement was intense. Of all the throng Jesus alone was calm and serene. The very atmosphere surrounding Him seemed pervaded by a holy influence.

The people compared the excited and malignant deportment of Annas and Caiaphas with the calm, majestic bearing of Jesus. Even in the minds of that hardened multitude arose the question, is this man of godlike presence to be condemned as a criminal?

Caiaphas, raising his right hand toward heaven, addressed Jesus in the form of a solemn oath: “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” To this appeal Christ could not remain silent. There was a time to be silent, and a time to speak.

The words of Christ startled the high priest, and he tore his garments. A high priest was not to rend his garments. By Levitical law this was prohibited under sentence of death. Finite man might rend his own heart by showing a contrite and humble spirit. This God would discern. But no rent must be made in the priestly robes, for this would mar the representation of heavenly things. This act was looked upon as having severed himself from God.

By rending his garments, Caiaphas himself was committing blasphemy. Yet standing under the condemnation of God, he pronounced sentence upon Christ as a blasphemer.

Christ’s very nobility and godlike bearing goaded them to madness. His meekness, His innocence, His majestic patience, filled them with hatred born of Satan. Mercy and justice were trampled upon. Never was criminal treated so inhuman a manner as was the Son of God.

“Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.” (Mark 14:30) While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter’s lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Savior turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor disciple, and their eyes met. In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there was no anger there.

The sight of that pale, suffering face, and that look of compassion and forgiveness pierced Peter’s heart like an arrow. Peter had just declared that he didn’t know Jesus, but he now realized with bitter grief how well his Lord knew him, and how accurately he had read his heart, the falseness of which was unknown even to himself.

Had those hours in the garden been spent in watching and prayer, Peter would not have been left to depend upon his own feeble strength. He would not have denied his Lord.

When the condemnation of Jesus was pronounced by the judges, a satanic fury took possession of the people. The roar of voices was like that of wild beasts.

The angels of God faithfully recorded every insulting look, word, and act against their beloved Commander. One day the base men who scorned and spat upon the calm, pale face of Christ will look upon it in its glory, shinning brighter than the sun.

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #45)

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled (See John 13:14-17, 31-38)

The Savior’s words to the disciples were full of hope. He knew that they were to be assailed by the enemy, and that Satan’s craft is most successful against those who are depressed by difficulties. Therefore He pointed them away from “the things which are seen,” to “the things which are not seen.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) From earthly exile He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home.

Christ’s departure from earth was the opposite of what the disciples feared. It did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He might come again, and receive them unto Himself. While He was building mansions for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude.

There are not many ways to heaven. Each one may not chose their own way. Christ says, “I am the way… no one comes to the Father, but by me.”

When Phillip said, “show us the Father,” Jesus, amazed at his dullness of comprehension, asked with pained surprise, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet you have not known me, Phillip?”

Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man. Though He had humbled Himself to humanity, the Godhead was still His own. Christ alone could represent the Father to humanity, and it was His representation the disciples had been privileged to behold for over three years.

If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ’s suffering and death to save a perishing world. Christ was seeking to lead them from their low condition of faith to the experience they might receive if they truly realized what He was—God in human flesh!

The Savior was deeply anxious for His disciples to understand for what purpose His divinity was united to humanity.

As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Savior’s unlimited resources and power. He said to them, “Hitherto have you asked nothing in My name.” (John 16:24) He explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make request for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf.

Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed, but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.

The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. There is no one living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being.

“In My name,” Christ instructed His disciples to pray. In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. For Christ’s sake the Father pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son in whom they believe.

The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, or else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them! He is pleased when they make the highest demands on Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.

But to pray in Christ’s name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, and manifest His spirit. The Savior’s promises are given on condition. “If you love Me,” He says, “Keep my commandments.” He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall but be carrying out our own impulses.

The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, sin will become hateful to us.

Earthly ideas, temporal things, still had a large place in the disciples thoughts. They did not understand the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, though He had so often explained it to them.

It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.

The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power.

It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.

The preaching of the word will be of no avail without the continual presence and aid of the Holy Spirit.

One might be able to present the letter of the word of God, he might be familiar with all its commands and promises. But unless the Holy Spirit sets home the TRUTH, no souls will truly fall on the Rock and be broken.

We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us.

Through the Spirit, God works in His people “to will and do of His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves.

When Peter said he would follow his Lord to prison and to death, he meant it, every word of it. But he did not know himself. Hidden in his heart were elements of evil that circumstances would fan into life.

The Savior saw in him a self-love and assurance that would overbear even his love for Jesus. Christ’s solemn warning was a call to heart searching. Peter needed to distrust himself, and to have a deeper faith in Christ.

“I am the true vine,” Jesus says. Instead of choosing the graceful palm, the lofty cedar, or the strong oak, Jesus takes the vine with its clinging tendrils to represent Himself. The palm tree, the cedar, and the oak stand alone. They require no support. But the vine entwines about the trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So Christ in His humanity was dependent on divine power. “I can of my own self do nothing.” (John 5:30)

The soul, though dead in trespasses and sins, receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Savior, the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, their emptiness to Christ’s fullness, their frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then they have the mind of Christ.

The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, therefore our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit humanity becomes a partaker of the divine nature. This union with Christ, once formed, must be maintained. Christ said, “Abide in me and I in you.” Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service.

Separated from the vine, the branch cannot live. No more, said Jesus, can you live apart from Me. The life you have received from Jesus can be preserved only by continual communion. So long as the soul is united to Christ, there is no danger that it will wither or decay.

The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of Jesus’s self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is one continual service of love of self-denying, self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of Christ’s sojourn upon earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved.

As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He longed to do even more uplifting and saving than He already had, but satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But Jesus would not be discouraged!

When the last steps of Christ’s humiliation were to be taken, when the deepest sorrow was closing about His soul, He said to His disciples, “The prince of this world comes, and has nothing in Me.” “The prince of this world is judged.” Now shall he be cast out. (John 14:30, 16:11, 12:31)

Christ’s followers are to manifest of the same enduring nature as His. We are to despair of nothing, and hope for everything.

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #44)

A Servant of Servants (See Luke 22:7-18, John 13:1-17)

In the upper chamber of a dwelling at Jerusalem, Christ was sitting at a table with His disciples. They had gathered to celebrate the Passover. The Savior desired to keep this feast alone with the twelve. He knew that His hour had come.

Jesus Himself was the true paschal lamb, and on the day the Passover was eaten He was to be sacrificed. He was about to drink the cup of wrath. He must soon receive the final baptism of suffering. But a few quiet hours yet remained to Him, and these were to be spent for the benefit of His beloved disciples.

THE WHOLE LIFE OF CHRIST HAD BEEN A LIFE OF UNSELFISH SERVICE!

Jesus was now in the shadow of the cross, and the pain was torturing His heart. He knew that He would be deserted in the hour of His betrayal. He knew that by the most humiliating process to which criminals were subjected He would be put to death. He knew that ingratitude and cruelty He had come to save. He knew how great the sacrifice that He must make, and for how many it would be in vain.

Knowing all that was before Him, He might naturally have been overwhelmed with the thought of His own humiliation and suffering. He looked upon the twelve, who had been with Him as His own, and who, after His shame and sorrow and painful usage were over, would be left to struggle in the world.

Christ’s thoughts of what He Himself must suffer were ever connected with His disciples. He did not think of Himself. His care for them were uppermost in His mind.

The sympathy and tenderness awakened by Christ’s grief seemed to have passed away. His sorrowful words, pointing to His own suffering, had made little impression. The glances they cast upon each other told of jealousy and contention.

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 ensure 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?

One of the last acts of Jesus’s life on earth was to gird Himself as a servant, and perform a servant’s part.

The disciples knew nothing of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret. Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hungered for his soul. He felt for him such a burden as for Jerusalem when He wept over the doomed city. His heart was crying, how can I give thee up?

The constraining power of that love was felt by Judas. When the Savior’s hands were bathing those soiled feet, the heart of Judas thrilled through and through with the impulse then and there to confess his sins. But he would not humble himself.

When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust from their feet, He desired by that very act to wash the alienation, jealousy, and pride from their hearts.

Like the disciples, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil, the heart’s purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace.

Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master, but often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, lust, our vanity, and pride! Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash our souls clean.

NO ONE WAS SO EXALTED AS CHRIST, AND YET HE STOOPED TO THE HUMBLEST DUTY!

HE EVEN WASHED THE FEET OF HIS BETRAYER!

In Christ’s kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others.

While pride, variance, and strife for supremacy are cherished, the heart cannot enter into fellowship with Christ.

Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord.

In Remembrance of Me (See Matthew 26:20-29, Mark 14:17-25, Luke 22:14-23, John 13:18-30)

Christ was standing at the point of transition between two economies, and their two great festivals. He, the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin offering, that He would thus bring to an end the systems of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death.

At the feet washing, Christ had given convincing proof that He understood the character of Judas. “You are not all clean.” (John 13:11) He said. These words convinced the false disciple that Christ read his secret purpose. Now Christ spoke out more plainly. “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, he that eats bread with Me, has lifted up his heel against Me.”

As the disciples realized the import of these words, and remembered how true His sayings were, fear and self-distrust seized them. They began to search their own hearts to see if one thought against their Master were harbored there. With the most painful emotion, one after another inquired, “Lord, is it I?”

Wonderful had been the long-suffering of Jesus in dealing with this tempted soul. Nothing that could be done to save Judas had been left undone. By reading the secret purpose in the traitor’s heart, Christ gave to Judas the final, convincing evidence of His divinity.

When we suppose one to be in error and sin, we are not to divorce ourselves from them. By no careless separation are we to leave them a prey to temptation, or drive them upon Satan’s battleground. This is not Christ’s method. It was because the disciples were erring and faulty that He washed their feet, and all but one of the twelve were thus brought to repentance.

As the Lord’s disciples gather about His table, they are not to remember and lament their shortcomings. They are not to stand in the shadow of the cross, but in its saving light. With hearts cleansed by Christ’s most precious blood, in full consciousness of His presence, although unseen, they are to hear His words, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.”

It is only because of His death that we can look with joy to His second coming. His sacrifice is the center of our hope. Upon this we must fix our faith.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so has the Son of man been lifted up, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:14, 15) To the cross of Calvary, bearing a dying Savior, we must look. Our eternal interests demand that we show faith in Christ.

Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude, and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thoughts of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts, and on our lips. For pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.

He who beholds the Savior’s matchless love will be elevated in thoughts, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love.

The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ!

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #43)

On the Mount of Olives (See Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21:5-38)

Christ’s words to the priests and rulers, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” (Matthew 23:38). This had struck terror to their hearts. They affected indifference, but the question kept rising in their minds as to the import of these words.

Christ’s words had been spoken in the hearing of a large number of people. But when He was alone, Peter, John, James, and Andrew came to Him as He sat upon the Mount of Olives. “Tell us,” they said, “when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of your coming, and the end of the world?”

Jesus did not answer His disciples by taking up separately the destruction of Jerusalem and the great day of His coming. He mingled the description of these two events. Had He opened to the disciples future events as He beheld them, they would have been unable to endure the sight. In mercy he left them to study out the meaning for themselves.

This entire discourse was given, not for the disciples only, but for those who should live in the last scenes of earth’s history.

The authorities will make laws to restrict religious liberty. They will assume the right that is God’s alone. But God will interpose in behalf of His loyal, commandment keeping people.

Those who apostatize in the time of trial will, to secure their own safety, bear false witness, and betray their brethren. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the unnatural, cruel course of those who reject the light.

The day and hour of Christ’s second coming has not been revealed. He stated plainly to His disciples that He Himself could not make known the day or hour of His second appearing. Had He been at liberty to reveal this, why did He need to admonish them to maintain an attitude of constant expectancy?

How was it in Noah’s day? “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5) The inhabitants of the antediluvian world turned from Jehovah, refusing to do His holy will.

Christ said, “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” God has always given humanity warning of coming judgement.

Christ’s disciples were given warning of the destruction of Jerusalem. Those who watched for the sign of the coming ruin, and fled from the city, escaped the destruction. So now we are given warning of Christ’s second coming and of the destruction to fall upon the world. Those who heed the warning will be saved.

The evil servant says in his heart, “My Lord delays His coming.” He does not say that Christ will not come. He does not scoff at the idea of His second coming. But in his heart and by his actions he declares that the Lord’s coming is delayed.

The world, full of godless pleasure, is asleep in carnal security.

When the scorner, the rejector of truth, has become presumptuous. When the routine of work, and money making is carried on without regard to principle, when the student is eagerly seeking knowledge of everything but his Bible, Christ comes as a thief.

Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are ominous. Coming events are casting their shadow. The Spirit of God is withdrawing from the earth. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires, floods, murders, etc. Who can read the future? Where is the security? There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly.

The highest excitement prevails, yet probation’s hour is fast closing. Every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He has set all of his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced.

Solemnly there come down to us through the centuries the warning words of our Lord from the Mount of Olives. “Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

The Least of These My Brethren (See Matthew 25:31-46)

Those who Christ commends in the judgement may have known little of theology, but have cherished His principles.

Not to any class is Christ’s love restricted. He identifies Himself with every child of humanity.

Christ’s followers are not to feel themselves detached from the perishing world around them. They are a part of the great web of humanity, and Heaven looks upon them as brothers and sisters to sinners as well as saints.

The fallen, the erring, and the sinful, Christ’s love embraces. Every deed of kindness done to uplift a fallen soul, every act of mercy, is accepted as done to Him.

Angels of heaven are passing throughout the length and breadth of the earth, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, to protect the imperiled, to win the hearts of humanity to Christ. Not one is neglected or passed by. God is no respecter of persons, and He has an equal care for all the souls He created.

As you open your heart to Christ’s needy and suffering ones, you are welcoming unseen angels.

To the rich, God has given wealth that they may relieve and comfort His suffering children. But too often they are indifferent to the needs of others.

We need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. In doing as Jesus did when on earth, we shall walk in His steps.

Christ’s rule of life, by which every one of us must stand or fall in the judgement, is “Whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.” (Matthew 7:12)

Love to humanity is the earthward manifestation of the love of God.

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #42)

Woes on the Pharisees (See Matthew Chapter 23, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 20:45-47, 21:1-4)

The interest of the people in Christ and His work had steadily increased. They were amazed by His teachings, but they were also greatly perplexed. They had respected the priests and rabbis for their intelligence and apparent piety. So they marveled that the rulers would not believe on Jesus when His teachings were so plain and simple.

Through reverence for tradition and their blind faith in a corrupt priesthood, the people were enslaved. These chains Christ endeavored to break. The character of the priests, rulers, and Pharisees must be fully exposed.

In such plain words the Savior revealed the selfish ambitions that was ever reaching for place and power, displaying a mock humility, while their hearts were filled with avarice and envy.

If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by those who bear the title of “Reverend,” would He not repeat His saying, “Neither be you called masters: for One is your Master, even Christ. The Scripture declares of God, “Holy and reverend is His name.” (Psalm 111:9 KJV) So to what human being is this title befitting?

Again and again Christ had taught that true greatness is measured by moral worth. In the estimation of heaven, greatness of character consists in living for the welfare of our fellow people, in doing works of love and mercy. Christ, the King of glory, was a servant to fallen humanity.

Jesus was in the court where the treasure chests were, and He watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich brought large sums, which they presented with great ostentation. Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal offerings. Then His countenance lighted as He saw a poor widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed. Her gift was very small in comparison with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all!

The Savior called His disciples to Him, and had them mark the widow’s poverty. Then His words of commendation fell upon her ear: “Of a truth I say to you, that this poor widow has cast in more than them all.”

Tears of joy filled her eyes as she felt that her act was understood and appreciated. Many would have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use. Given into the hands of the well fed priests, it would be lost sight of among the many costly gifts brought to the treasury. But Jesus understood her motive!

Her heart went with her gift. Its value was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and the interest in His work that prompted the deed. It is motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth.

A heart of faith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift.

The widow deprived herself of food in order to give those two mites to the cause she loved. And she did it in faith, believing that her heavenly Father would not overlook her great need. It was this unselfish spirit and childlike faith that won the Savior’s commendation.

The influence of that little gift has been like a stream, small in its beginning, but widening and deepening as it flowed down through the ages. This moment in history, her example of self-sacrifice, has acted and reacted upon thousands, even millions, of hearts in every land and in every age.

As the whited and beautifully decorated tomb concealed the putrefying remains within, so the outward holiness of the priests and rulers concealed iniquity.

The Pharisees built the tombs of the prophets, and adorned their sepulchers, and said to one another, ‘if we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have united with them in shedding the blood of God’s servants.’ At the same time they were planning to take the life of His Son. This should be a lesson to us. It should open our eyes to the power of Satan to deceive the mind that turns from the light of truth.

Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. Looking for the last time upon the interior of the temple, Jesus said with mournful pathos, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see Me henceforth, till you shall say, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

He had called the temple His Father’s house, but now, as the Son of God should pass out from those walls, God’s presence would be withdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory. Henceforth its ceremonies would be meaningless, its services a mockery.

In the Outer Court (See John 12:20-43)

At this time Christ’s work bore the appearance of cruel defeat. He had been victor in the controversy with the priests and Pharisees, but it was evident that He would never be received by them as the Messiah.

When Christ heard the eager request, “We would see Jesus,” echoing the hungering cry of the world, His countenance lighted up. He said, “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” In the request of the Greeks He saw an earnestness for the results of His great sacrifice.

The Greeks longed to know the truth in regard to His mission. “We would se Jesus,” they said. Their desire was granted.

The hour of Christ’s glorification had come. He was standing in the shadow of the cross, and the inquiry of the Greeks showed Him that the sacrifice He was about to make would bring many sons and daughters to God.

Only by His death could the world be saved. Like a grain of wheat, the Son of man must be cast into the ground. But He was to live again! Christ presented His future , illustrating it by the things of nature.

The farmer preserves his grain by seemingly casting it away. So in human life, to give is to live. Those who for Christ’s sake sacrifice their life in this world will keep it unto eternal life. The law of self-sacrifice is the law of self-preservation.

The life spent on self is like the grain that is eaten. It disappears, but there is no increase. A man may gather all he can for self, he may live and think and plan for self. But his life passes away, and he has nothing. The law of self-serving is the law of self-destruction.

Christ’s humanity shrank from the hour of abandonment, when to all appearance He would be deserted even by God, when all would see Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. He shrank from being treated as the worst of criminals, from a shameful and dishonored death. A foreboding of His conflict with the powers of darkness, a sense of the awful burden of human transgression, and the Father’s wrath because of sin caused the spirit of Jesus to faint, and the pallor of death to overspread His countenance.

The voice of God had been heard at the baptism of Jesus at the beginning of His ministry, and again at His transfiguration on the mount. Now at the close of His ministry it was heard for the third time, by a larger number of persons, and under peculiar circumstances.

The work of human redemption is not all that is accomplished by the cross. The love of God is manifested to the universe. The prince of this world is cast out. The accusations which Satan has brought against God are refuted. The reproach which he has cast upon heaven is forever removed. Angels as well as humanity are drawn to the Redeemer!

“I, if I be lifted up,” Jesus said. “Will draw all men unto Me.”

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #41)

The Temple Cleansed Again (See Matthew 21:12-16, 23-46, Mark 11:15-19, 27-33, 12:1-12, Luke 19:45-48, 20:1-19

At the beginning of His ministry, Christ had driven from the temple those who defiled it by their unholy traffic. His stern, Godlike demeanor had struck terror to the hearts of the scheming traders. At the close of His mission He came again to the temple, found it still desecrated, and worse than before.

The indignation of Jesus was stirred. He knew that His blood, so soon to be shed for the sins of the world, would be as little appreciated by the priests and elders as was the blood of beasts they kept incessantly flowing. “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” (Matthew 9:13)

Divinity flashed through humanity, investing Christ with a dignity and glory He had never manifested before. Christ spoke with a power that swayed the people like a mighty tempest.

“It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” His voice sounded like a trumpet through the temple. The displeasure of His countenance seemed like consuming fire. With authority He commanded, “Take these things away.” (John 2:16)

There were none who dared question His authority.

The Pharisees were utterly perplexed and disconcerted. One who they could not intimidate was in command. Jesus had taken His position as guardian of the temple.

Before the proud dignitary of the temple stood the Majesty of heaven, without adornment or display. His garments were travel stained. His face was pale, and expressed a patient sadness. Yet written there were dignity and benevolence that contrasted strangely with the proud, self-confident, and angry air of the high priest.

In prophetic vision, Isaiah saw that the cornerstone was a symbol of Christ.

In Christ the guilty heart can find relief. He is the sure foundation! All who make Him their dependence rest in perfect security!

To fall upon the Rock and be broken is to give up our self-righteousness and go to Christ with the humility of a child, repenting of our transgressions, and believing in His forgiving love. And so also it is by faith and obedience that we build on Christ as our foundation.

Without the life of Christ in us, we cannot withstand the storms of temptation. Our eternal safety depends upon our building upon the sure foundation. Multitudes are today building upon foundations that have not been truly tested. When the rain falls, and the tempest rages, and the floods come, their house will fall, because it is not founded upon the eternal Rock, the chief cornerstone Christ Jesus.

Controversy (See Matthew 22:15-46, Mark 12:13-40, Luke 20:20-47)

The priests and rulers had listened in silence to Christ’s pointed rebukes. They could not refute His charges. But they were only the more determined to entrap Him, and with this object in mind, they sent to Him spies, which would feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of His words, so that they might deliver Him unto the power and authority of the governor.

Those that put the question to Jesus thought that they had sufficiently disguised their purpose, but Jesus read their hearts as an open book, and sounded their hypocrisy.

Christ’s reply was no evasion, but a candid answer to their question.

No sooner were the Pharisees silenced when the Sadducees came forward with their artful questions.

The Sadducees denied the existence of angels.

It was the Sadducees’ belief, that having created man, God had left him to himself, independent of a higher influence. They held that man was free to control his own life and to shape the events of the world. That destiny was in his own hands.

They denied that the Spirit of God works through human efforts or natural means. Yet they still held that through the proper employment of his natural powers, man could become elevated, and enlightened. That by rigorous and austere exactions his life could be purified.

Their ideas of God molded their own characters. As in their view that He had no interest in humanity. So they had little regard for one another, and there was little union among them. Refusing to acknowledge the influence of the Holy Spirit upon human action, they lacked His power in their lives.

Their hearts were not touched by the wants and sufferings of others. They lived for themselves.

The Sadducees reasoned that if the body is to be composed of the same particles of matter in its immortal as in its mortal state, then when raised from the dead it must have flesh and blood, and must resume in the eternal world the life interrupted on earth.

In answer to their questions, Jesus lifted the veil from the future life. “In the resurrection,” He said, “they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.”

He showed that the Sadducees were wrong in their belief. Their premises were false. “You do err,” He added, “not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.” He did not charge them, as He had charged the Pharisees, with hypocrisy, but with error of belief.

The Sadducees had flattered themselves that they of all men adhered most strictly to the Scriptures. But Jesus showed that they had not known their true meaning. That knowledge must be brought home to the heart by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. They were seeking to bring the mysteries of God within the compass of their finite reasonings.

Millions become infidels because their finite minds cannot comprehend the mysteries of God!

The only key to the mysteries that surround us is to acknowledge in them all the presence and power of God. Humanity needs to recognize God as the Creator of the universe. They need a broader view of His character, and of the mystery of His agencies.

Our Lord presents the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches that love to God will be shown by obedience to all of His commandments. To love God with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

The wisdom  of Christ’s answer had convinced the scribe. He knew that the Jewish religion consisted in outward ceremonies rather than inward piety.

The law points out man’s duty, and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon, and for power to do what the law enjoins.

The Pharisees had gathered close about Christ as He answered the question of the scribe. Now turning, He put a question to them: “What do you think of Christ? Whose son is He?” the question was designed to test their belief concerning the Messiah, and to show whether they regarded Him as simply a man, or as the Son of God. A chorus of voiced answered, “The Son of David.”

In reply to the statement  that Christ was the Son of David, Jesus said: “How then does David in Spirit (the Spirit of Inspiration from God) call Him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, You sit on My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool? If David then calls Him Lord, how is He his son?”

And no man was able to answer Him a word. Neither did any man from that day forward ask Him any more questions.

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #40)

The King Comes (See Matthew 21-1-11, Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19)

At His birth the Savior was dependent upon the hospitality of strangers. The manger in which He lay was a borrowed resting place. Now, although the cattle on a thousand hills are His, He is dependent on a stranger’s kindness for an animal on which to enter Jerusalem as its King.

Never before in His earthly life had Jesus permitted such a demonstration. He clearly foresaw the result. It would bring Him to the cross. But it was His purpose to present Himself now publicly as the Redeemer. He desired to call attention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission to a fallen world.

The events connected with this triumphal ride would be the talk of everyone, and would bring Jesus before every mind. After His crucifixion, many would recall these events in their connection with His trial and death. They would be led to search the prophecies, and would be convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, and in all lands converts to the faith would be multiplied.

He remained true to the humble lot He had accepted. The burden of humanity He must bear until His life was given for the life of the world.

Jesus stops and gazes upon Jerusalem, and the vast multitude hush their shouts, spellbound by the sudden vision of beauty. All eyes turn upon the Savior, expecting to see in His countenance the admiration they themselves feel. But instead of this they behold a cloud of sorrow.

They are surprised and disappointed to see His eyes fill with tears, and His body rock to and fro like a tree before the tempest, while a wail of anguish bursts from His quivering lips, as if from the depths of a broken heart. What a sight was this for the angels to behold! Their loved commander in an agony of tears!

The tears of Jesus were not in anticipation of His own suffering. Just before Him was Gethsemane, where soon the horror of a great darkness would overshadow Him.

His was no selfish sorrow. The thought of His own agony did not intimidate that noble, self-sacrificing soul. It was the sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of Jesus. Jerusalem that had rejected the Son of God, and scorned His love, that refused to be convinced by His mighty miracles, and was about to take His life.

Reports have reached the rulers in Jerusalem that Jesus is approaching the city with a great concourse of people. But they have no welcome for the Son of God. In fear they go out to meet Him, hoping to disperse the throng. As the procession is about to descend the Mount of Olives, it is intercepted by the rulers.

The rulers inquire the cause of the tumultuous rejoicing. As they question, “Who is this?”, the disciples, filled with the spirit of inspiration, answer this question. In eloquent strains they repeat the prophecies concerning Christ.

Adam will tell you, It is the Seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head. Genesis 3:15.

Abraham will tell you, He is the Priest of God Most High. Genesis 14:18.

Jacob will tell you He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah.

Isaiah will tell you, “Immanuel,” “Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 7:14, 9:6.

Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, The Lord our Righteousness. Jeremiah 23:6.

Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah.

Hosea will tell you, He is the Lord God of Hosts, the Lord is His memorial. Hosea 12:5.

John the Baptist will tell you, He is the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29.

We, His disciples, declare, This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of life, the Redeemer of the world.

Even the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him, saying, “I know You, who You are, the Holy One of God.” Mark 1:24.

The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, “This is My beloved Son.” Matthew 3:17.

A Doomed People (See Mark 11:11-14, 20-21, 21:17-19)

The triumphal ride of Christ into Jerusalem was the dim foreshadowing of His second coming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory, amid the triumph of angels, and the rejoicing of the saints.

The disciples saw the hatred of the Jewish leaders to Christ, but they did not yet see to what it would lead.

Upon searching the fig trees branches, Jesus found nothing but leaves. It was a mass of pretentious foliage, and nothing more. It symbolized the priests and rulers.

Christ’s act in cursing the fig tree had astonished the disciples. It seemed so unlike His ways and works.

God “delights in mercy.” “As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” (Micah 7:18 and Ezekiel 33:11) To Him the work of destruction and the denunciation of judgement is a “strange work.” (Isaiah 28:21) But it is in mercy and love that He lifts the veil from the future, and reveals to humanity the results of a course of sin.

Had the leaders and rulers kept the law of God, they would have done the same unselfish work that Christ did. But love to God and man was eclipsed by pride and self-sufficiency.

No one can live out the law of God without ministering to others. But there are many professed Christians who do not live out Christ’s merciful, unselfish life.

Mercy may plead for years and be slighted and rejected. But there comes a time when mercy makes its last plea. The heart becomes so hardened that it ceases to respond to the Spirit of God. Then the sweet, voice of the Holy Spirit pleads with the sinner no longer, and reproofs and warnings cease. The very means God uses for their recovery become to them a stone of stumbling.

Christ is shedding bitter tears for you, who have no tears to shed for yourself. Already that fatal hardness of heart which destroyed the Pharisees is manifest in you. And every evidence of the grace of God, every ray of divine light, is either melting and subduing the soul, or confirming it in hopeless impenitence.

Christ foresaw that Jerusalem would remain obstinate, and impenitent. Yet all the guilt, all the consequences of rejected mercy, lay at her own door. Thus it will be with every soul who is following the same course.

The Lord declares, “Oh Israel, you have destroyed yourself.” “Hear, oh earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not harkened unto My words, nor to My law, but rejected it.” (Hosea 13:9, and Jeremiah 6:19)

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus #39)

The Law of the New Kingdom

(See Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:32-45, Luke 18:31-34)

The time of the Passover was drawing near, and again Jesus turned toward Jerusalem. In His heart was the peace of oneness with the Father’s will, and with eager steps He pressed on toward the place of sacrifice.

A sense of mystery, doubt, and fear, fell upon the disciples. The Savior “went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.”

His words in regard to betrayal, persecution, and death seemed vague and shadowy.

After the mother of James and John asks that her sons would be seated at His right and left in His kingdom, Jesus bears tenderly with them. He did not rebuke their selfishness in seeking preference over their brethren. He reads their hearts, He knows the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love is not a mere human affection. Though defiled by the earthliness of its human channel, it is an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love.

When the ten heard of the request of James and John, they were much displeased. The highest place in the kingdom was just what every one of them was seeking for himself, and they were angry that the two disciples had gained a seeming advantage.

Religion, like most other things, was a matter of authority. The people were expected to believe and practice as their superiors directed. Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak.

Long afterward when John had been brought into sympathy with Christ through the fellowship of sufferings, the Lord revealed to him what is the condition of nearness in His kingdom. “To him that overcomes,” Christ said. “I will grant to sit with Me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am sit down with My Father in His throne.” (Revelation 3:21)

The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love. Love that “vaunts not itself, is not puffed up… seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5)

The plan and ground of salvation is love. In the kingdom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example Jesus has given. The words of Paul reveal the true dignity and honor of the Christian life: “Though I be free from all men, yet I have made myself servant unto all,” “not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1 Corinthians 9:19, and 10:33)

In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled. No one is to control another’s mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is involved, “let everyone be persuaded in his own mind.” (Romans 14:12, 5)

In Christ’s kingdom there is no lordly oppression, or compulsion. The angels of heaven do not come to earth to rule, or exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with people in uplifting humanity.

To his latest days the burden of John’s testimony to the churches was, “This is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:11, 16) This was the spirit that pervaded the early church.

No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin. It is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness is wholeness for God. It is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven.

The Feast at Simon’s House

(See Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-11, Luke7:36-50, and John 11:55-57, 12:1-11)

Simon of Bethany was accounted a disciple of Jesus. He was one of the few Pharisees who had openly joined Christ’s followers.

Mary had heard Jesus speak of His approaching death, and in her deep love and sorrow, she had longed to show Him honor. Breaking open her box of ointment, she poured its contents on the head and feet of Jesus. Then, as she knelt weeping, moistening them with her tears, she wiped His feet with her long, flowing hair.

Mary heard the words of criticism. Her heart trembled within her. She was about to shrink away when the voice of her Lord was heard, “Let her alone, why do you trouble her?” Jesus saw she was embarrassed and distressed, and He brought relief to her mind. Lifting His voice above the murmur of criticism, He said, “She has wrought a good work on Me… She has come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying.

As the alabaster box was broken, and filled the whole house with its fragrance, so Christ was to die, His body was to be broken, but He was to rise from the tomb, and the fragrance of His life was to fill the earth. Christ “has loved us, and has given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.” (Ephesians 5:2)

The Savior didn’t reproach Judas, and thus avoided giving an excuse for his treachery. But the look which Jesus cast upon Judas convinced him that the Savior penetrated his hypocrisy, and read his base, contemptable character. And in commending Mary’s action, which had been so severely condemned, Christ had indirectly rebuked Judas. Prior to this the Savior had never given him a rebuke. Now the reproof rankled in his heart. For a sum far less than the box of ointment cost, he betrayed his Lord.

The words spoken in indignation, “To what purpose is this waste?” brought vividly before Christ the greatest sacrifice ever made. From a human point of view, such a sacrifice was a waste. The loneliness of Christ, separated from the heavenly courts, living the life of humanity, was never understood or appreciated by the disciples as it should have been.

All men are not saved. Yet the plan of redemption is not a waste because it does not accomplish all that its liberality has provided for.

By curing Simon of leprosy, Christ had saved him from a living death. But because Christ allowed this woman to approach , and because He did not indignantly spurn her as one whose sins were too great to be forgiven, Simon now questioned whether the Savior was a prophet.

As did Nathan with David, Christ concealed His home thrust under the veil of a parable.

Each owed a dept of gratitude that never could be repaid. But Simon felt himself more righteous than Mary, and Jesus desired him to see how great his guilt really was.

The rigid rule of justice that Simon had desired to enforce against Mary, condemned him.

Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled her heart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the Father in her behalf. She knew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, and in His strength she had overcome.

The one who had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Savior in fellowship and ministry. It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed Him a risen Savior.

Christ could wipe this dark world from His universe. But He does not do this. He is today standing at the altar of incense, presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help.

The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature.

Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be, but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping contrite one away!

Jesus bids every trembling soul to take courage. Freely He will pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration!

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The Life and Ministry of Jesus # 38)

Lazarus (See Luke 10:38-42, and John 11:1-44)

At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often found rest. The Savior had no home of His own. He was dependent on the hospitality of His friends and disciples, and often when weary and thirsting for quiet fellowship, He had been glad to escape to this peaceful household, away from the suspicion and jealousy of the angry Pharisees.

Sorrow had entered the peaceful home where Jesus had rested. Lazarus was stricken with a sudden illness, and his sisters sent for the Savior. Anxiously they waited for Jesus, but the messenger returned without Him. Yet he brought this message from Jesus, “This sickness is not unto death,” and they clung to the hope that their brother would live.

When Christ heard the message, the disciples thought He received it coldly. He did not manifest the sorrow they expected Him to show. Then He told them, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”

For two days Jesus remained in the place where He was. This delay was a mystery to the disciples. What a comfort His presence would have been to the afflicted household.

The disciples thought of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. They had wondered why Jesus, with the power to perform wonderful miracles, had permitted John to languish in prison, and to die a violent death. Possessing such power, why didn’t Christ save John’s life?

This question had often been asked by the Pharisees, who had presented it as an unanswerable argument against Christ’s claim to be the Son of God. The Savior had warned His disciples of trials, losses, and persecution. Would He forsake them in trial? Some questioned if they had mistaken His mission. All were deeply troubled.

Had Jesus restored Lazarus from illness to health, the miracle that is the most positive evidence of His divine character would not have been performed.

Christ knew that as all looked upon the face of the deceased Lazarus, their faith would be severely tried. But He knew that because of the struggle through which they were now passing, their faith would shine forth with far greater power.

Jesus suffered every pang of sorrow that they all had endured. He loved them no less because He delayed. But he knew for Lazarus, His disciples, His followers, and Himself, a victory was to be gained.

To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest.

Lazarus had been much beloved, and his sisters wept over him with breaking hearts. In view of this human distress, and the fact that all could mourn while the Savior of the world stood by, thus “Jesus wept.”

Though He was the Son of God, yet He had taken human nature upon Him, He was moved by human sorrow. His tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to sympathy and suffering. He weeps with those who weep, and rejoices with those that rejoice.

“Take away the stone.” Christ could have commanded the stone to remove, and it would have obeyed His voice. He could have bidden the angels that were close by His side to do this. At His bidding, invisible hands would have removed the stone. But it was to be taken away by human hands. Thus Christ would show that humanity is to co-operate with divinity.

After Jesus commands Lazarus to come forth, the beholders are at first speechless with amazement. Then there follows an inexpressible scene of rejoicing. But while brother, sisters, and friends are rejoicing in this reunion, Jesus withdraws from the scene. When they look for the life giver, He is not to be found.

Priestly Plotting’s (See John 11:47-54)

Bethany was so near Jerusalem that the news of the raising of Lazarus was soon carried to the city. Through spies who had witnessed the miracle, the Jewish rulers were speedily in possession of the facts. A meeting of the Sanhedrin was at once called to decide as to what should be done.

The dead had been raised in the full light of day, and before a crowd of witnesses. No artifice could explain away such evidence. For this very reason the enmity of the priests grew deadlier. They were more than ever determined to put a stop to Christ’s work.

The Sadducees, though not favorable to Christ, had not been so full of malignity toward Him as were the Pharisees. Their hatred had not been so bitter. But they were now thoroughly alarmed. They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Producing so called science, they had reasoned that an improbability for a dead body to be brought back to life. But by a few words from Christ, their theory had been overthrown. They were shown to be ignorant of both the Scriptures and the power of God.

Jesus had torn aside the cloak of rigorous rites under which their moral deformity was hidden. The pure religion that He taught had condemned their hollow professions of piety.

The miracles He performed on the Sabbath were all for the relief of the afflicted, but the Pharisees had sought to condemn Him as a Sabbath breaker.

The Pharisees had tried every pretext to cut Jesus off from influencing the people. But so far their attempts had been foiled. The multitudes who witnessed His works of mercy and heard His pure and holy teachings knew that these were not the deeds and words of a Sabbath breaker or blasphemer.

Under the impression of the Holy Spirit, the priests and rulers could not banish the conviction that they were fighting against God. Yet they ignored their consciences and pressed on.

While the council was at the height of its perplexity, Caiaphas the high priest arose. Caiaphas was a proud and cruel man, overbearing and intolerant. Even if Jesus were innocent, urged the high priest, He must be put out of the way. He was troublesome, drawing the people to Himself, and lessoning the authority of the rulers.

So Caiaphas proposed by the sacrifice of Jesus to save the guilty nation, not from transgression, but in transgression, that they might continue in sin.

Taking no notice of their forms and ceremonies, Jesus had encouraged sinners to go directly to God as a merciful Father, and make known their wants. Thus, in their opinion, He had set aside the priesthood.

In rejecting the proof of the divinity of Jesus, the priests and rulers had locked themselves in impenetrable darkness. They had come wholly under the sway of Satan, to be hurried by him over the brink of eternal ruin. Yet such was their deception that they were well pleased with themselves. They regarded themselves as patriots, who were seeking the nation’s salvation.

Jesus withdrew from that region, taking the disciples with Him. Thus by His own example Jesus again enforced the instruction, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another.” (Matthew 10:23)

Christ’s life had been one of persecution and insult. Driven from Bethlehem by a jealous king, rejected by His own people at Nazareth, condemned to death at Jerusalem without a cause, Jesus with His few faithful followers, found temporary asylum in a strange city.

He who was ever touched by human woe, who healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and speech to the mute, who fed the hungry and comforted the sorrowful, was driven from the people He labored to save.

He who walked upon the heaving billows, and by a word silenced their angry roaring, who cast out devils that in departing acknowledged Him to be the Son of God, who broke the slumbers of the dead, who held thousands entranced by His words of wisdom, was unable to reach the hearts of those who were blinded by prejudice, hatred, and who stubbornly rejected the light.

Jesus’s life of purity, suffering, and devotion, was known to all. Yet this short period of three years was as long as the world could endure the presence of its Redeemer.