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.

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The LIFE and MINISTRY of JESUS #37)

Not With Outward Show (See Luke 17:20-22)

The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Don’t look here or there for earthly power to mark its coming.

Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory He sought to reveal to them.

How dimly the disciples comprehended the prophetic scriptures. How slow they had been in taking in the great truths which testified of Christ. Looking upon Him in His humiliation, as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation, the dual character of His nature.

What had Christ meant when He said, “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now?” (John 16:12) How eager they were to know it all. They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that their ideas had been so wide of the mark, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality.

The light of this dark world had been shining amid its gloom, and they failed to realize where came its beams.

Thomas would not believe until he had thrust his fingers into the wound made by the Roman soldiers. Peter had denied Him in His humiliation and rejection. These painful remembrances came before them in distinct lines. They had been with Him, but they had not fully known or appreciated Him. But how these things now stirred their hearts as they recognized their unbelief.

The truth and work of God are unappreciated by a world loving and compromising Christianity.

Today in much of the religious world, there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of Christ as an earthly dominion.

The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive. On every hand were crying abuses—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Savior attempted no civil reforms. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because he was indifferent to the woes of humanity, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures.

Blessing The Children (See Matthew 19: 13-15 and Luke 18:15-17)

Jesus loved children. He accepted their childish sympathy and their open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from their pure lips was music to His ears, and refreshed His spirit when oppressed by contact with crafty and hypocritical men. Wherever the Savior went, the benignity of His countenance, and His gentle, kindly manner won the love and confidence of children.

It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel. Their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain lessons received.

As the mother teaches her children to obey her because they love her, she is teaching them the first lessons in the Christian life. We obey God because He saved us, and we love Him for it.

Jesus was the pattern for children, and He was also the parent’s example. He spoke as one having authority, and His word was with power. Yet in all of His dealings with rude and violent men, He did not use one unkind word or discourteous expression. The grace of Christ in the heart will impart a heaven born dignity and sense of propriety. It will soften what is harsh, and subdue all that is coarse and unkind.

Do not give children the false impression that the religion of Christ is a religion of gloom, and that in coming to the Savior they must give up all that makes life joyful. Guide them to the beauty of nature,  the wonder of God’s creative power, and the peace in enjoying simple blessings.

One Thing You Lack (See Matthew 19:16-22)

The young ruler had felt the desire to be Jesus’s disciple. He was so deeply moved that as Christ was going on His way, he ran after him, and kneeling at His feet, asked with sincerity and earnestness the question so important to his soul, and to the soul of every human being. “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

But this ruler had a high estimate of his own righteousness. He did not really suppose that he was defective in anything, yet he was not altogether satisfied. He felt the want of something he did not possess. Could not Jesus bless him as He blessed the little children, and satisfy the want of his soul?

Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield, and his will must be given to Christ’s control.

His exalted position and his possessions were exerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character. If cherished, they would supplant God in his affections.

The cost of eternal life seemed too great, and he went away sorrowful, “for he had great possessions.”

His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He showed that riches were his idol. He could not keep the commandments of God while the world was first in his affections. He loved the gifts of God more than the Giver.

Thousands are passing through this ordeal, weighing Christ against the world, and many choose the world. Like the young ruler, they turn from the Savior, not even fully realizing that they are saying in their hearts, I will not have this Man rule over me.

Think of what it means to say no to Christ. The ruler said, no I cannot give you all. Do we say the same? The Savior offers to share with us the work God has given us to do, what will be our response?

The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the reward of all that put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, “Follow me.”

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The LIFE and MINISTRY of JESUS #36)

The Last Journey From Galilee (See Luke 9:51-56, 10:1-24)

Jesus had left Jerusalem for a season because of the malice of the priests and rabbis. But He now set out to return, traveling in the most public manner, by a circuitous route, and preceded by such an announcement of His coming as He had ever made before. He was going forward to the scene of His great sacrifice, and to this the attention of the people must be directed.

All eyes must be drawn to Christ, the sacrifice that brought salvation to the lost world.

To the heart of Christ it was a bitter task to press His way against the fears, disappointment, and unbelief of His beloved disciples. It was hard to lead them forward to the anguish and despair that awaited them at Jerusalem. Satan was at hand to press his temptations upon the Son of man. Why should He now go to Jerusalem, to certain death? All around Him were souls hungering for the bread of life.

Had Jesus yielded for a moment, had He changed His course in the least particular to save Himself, Satan’s agencies would have triumphed, and the world would have been lost.

It is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, that seek to compel the conscience.

Under a pretense of zeal for righteousness, men who are confederates with evil angels 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 a partial service. He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love.

With a great show of prudence the rabbis had warned the people against receiving the new doctrines taught by this new teacher, for His theories and practices were contrary to the teachings of the fathers. The people gave credence to what the priests and Pharisees taught, in place of seeking to understand the word of God for themselves.

The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” (Revelation 3:20)

With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven sent opportunities for learning what is truth.

Jesus said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”

The scenes of the past and future were presented to the mind of Jesus. He beheld Lucifer as he was first cast out from heaven. He looked forward to the scenes of His own agony, when before all the worlds the character of the deceiver should be unveiled. He heard the cry “It is finished” (John 19:30), announcing that the redemption of the lost race was forever made certain, that heaven was made eternally secure against the accusations, the deceptions, the pretensions, that Satan would instigate.

Beyond the cross of Calvary, with its agony and shame, Jesus looked forward to the great final day, when the prince of the power of the air will meet his destruction in the earth so long marred by his rebellion. Jesus beheld the work of evil forever ended, and the peace of God filling heaven and earth.

The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power.

The Savior is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us.

John 3:16 testifies to the universe that God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil. It is an assurance to us of strength and protection.

While you look higher than yourself, you will have a continual sense of the weakness of humanity. The less you cherish self, the more distinct and full will be your comprehension of the excellence of your Savior.

The honored men of the world, the so called great and wise men, with all their boasted wisdom, could not comprehend the character of Christ.

The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within.

Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. (The at one ment) The plan of redemption is so far reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained, but it can be known by experience. Only they who see their own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Savior.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34)

The Good Samarian (See Luke 10:25-37)

In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others.

Whom should the priest, the rabbi, the elder, regard as neighbor? They spent their lives in a round of ceremonies in an effort to make themselves pure. Yet they taught that contact with the ignorant, careless multitude would cause defilement.

Trained in the school of bigotry, they had become selfish, narrow, and exclusive.

The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God’s love that makes manifest the deformity of the heart centered in self.

The angels of heaven look upon the distress of God’s family upon earth, and they are prepared to co-operate with humanity in relieving oppression and suffering.

In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission.

Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary.

Jesus left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He died to redeem us!

Pointing to His own example, Jesus says to His followers. “These things I command you, that you love one another.” “As I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 15:17, and 13:34)

Doing, and not merely saying, is expected of the children of God. “He that says he abides in Him, ought himself also to walk, even as He walked.” (1 John 2:6)

Many have failed and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” (Psalm 19:7)

The spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God.

“If a man says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar.” “If we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:20, 12)

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The LIFE and MINISTRY of JESUS # 35)

The Light of Life (See John 8:12-59, and chapter 9)

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

In the manifestation of God to His people, light had ever been a symbol of His presence. At the creative word in the beginning, light had shone out of the darkness. Light had been enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, leading the vast armies of Israel. Light blazed with awful grandeur about the Lord on Mount Sinai. Light rested over the mercy seat in the tabernacle. Light filled the temple of Solomon at its dedication. Light shone on the hills of Bethlehem when the angels brought the message of redemption to the watching shepherds.

God is light. And in the words, “I am the light of the world,” Christ declared His oneness with God, and His relation to the whole human family.

Every gem of thought, every flash of the intellect, is from the Light of the world. In these days we hear much about “higher education.” The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (Colossians 2:3, and John 1:4)

In the work of redemption there is no compulsion. No external force is employed. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is left free to choose whom he will serve. In the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the highest sense of freedom.

The only condition upon which the freedom of man is possible is that of becoming one with Christ. “The truth shall make you free.” And Christ is the Truth!

Many a man who likes to quibble, to criticize, seeking for something to question in the word of God, thinks that he is thereby giving evidence of independence of thought and mental acuteness. He supposes he is sitting in judgement of the Bible, when in truth, he is judging himself.

As a flower turns to the sun, that the bright rays may touch it with tints of beauty, so will the soul turn to the Son of Righteousness, that heaven’s light may beautify the character with the graces of the character of Christ.

The history of Job had shown that suffering is inflicted by Satan, and is overruled by God for purposes of mercy. But Israel did not understand the lesson. The same error for which God had reproved the friends of Job was repeated by the Jews in their rejection of Christ.

When Jesus gave sight to the blind, the Pharisees were astonished at the cure. Yet they were more than ever filled with hatred, for the miracle had been performed on the Sabbath day.

The Pharisees appeared wonderfully zealous for the observance of the Sabbath, yet were planning murder on that very day.

Christ had come to open blind eyes, to give light to them that sit in darkness. He had declared Himself to be the world, and the miracle just performed was in attestation of His mission.

The Divine Shepherd (See John 10:1-30)

Many have come presenting other objects for the faith of the world. Ceremonies and systems have been devised by which men hope to receive justification, peace with God, and thus find entrance to His fold. But the only door is Christ. All who have interposed something to take the place of Christ, all who have tried to enter the fold in some other way, are thieves and robbers.

In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul’s need. Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father’s face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing.

Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter.

It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in humanity. Whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from true development. They are thieves and robbers.

As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “You my flock, the flock of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, says the Lord God.” Jesus says, “I have called you by your name; you are mine.” “I have graven you upon the palms of my hands.” (Ezekiel 34:31, Isaiah 43:1, and 49:16)

Jesus know us individually! He is touched by the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name.

Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if they were the only one for whom the Savior died. The distress of everyone touches His heart of infinite love.

The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all of humanity to Himself, and bids them, “Follow me.” Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

He compels none to follow Him. He says, “I draw them.”

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Savior’s matchless love, revealed through His pilgrimage on earth. From the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary’s cross. The sight of Him attracts, it softens, and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the hearts of the beholders. They hear His voice and they follow Him.

The way to heaven is consecrated by Christ’s footprints. The path may be steep, and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way. His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear, He Himself has borne.

The Savior would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.

Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, fear not, I am with you. “I am He that lives, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore.” (Revelation 1:18)

While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life to the world.

He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light.

He bore the sins of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that humanity might not eventually die.

“Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows… He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquities of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6)

DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The LIFE and MINISTRY of JESUS # 34)

Who is the Greatest? (See Matthew 17:22-27, and 18:1-20)

Jesus had told the disciples that He was to die for their sake, and their selfish ambitions was in painful contrast to His unselfish love.

The strife for the highest place was the outworking of that same spirit which was the beginning of the great controversy in heaven.

There rose up before Jesus a vision of Lucifer, the “son of the morning,” in glory surpassing all of the angels that surround the throne. Lucifer had said, “I will be like the Most High. (Isaiah 14:12, 14) and the desire for self-exaltation had brought strife into the heavenly courts, and ultimately banished a large multitude of the hosts of God.

Had Lucifer really desired to be like the Most High, he never would have deserted his appointed place in heaven. For the spirit of the Most High is manifested in unselfish ministry.

Lucifer desired God’s power, but not His character.

The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force.

While Lucifer counted it a thing to be grasped to be equal with God. Christ, the Exalted One, “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:7, 8)

The sincere, contrite soul is precious in the sight of God.

The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the confiding love of a little child are the attributes that Heaven values. These are the characteristics of real greatness.

When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony. When we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking.

It is by beholding that we become changed.

We ourselves are erring, and need Christ’s pity and forgiveness, and just as we wish Him to deal with us, He bids us deal with one another.

Whenever His word is obeyed with a sincere heart, there Christ abides.

Jesus says, “My Father which is in heaven,” reminding His disciples that while by His humanity He is linked with them, a sharer in their trials, and sympathizing with them in their sufferings. By His divinity He is connected with the throne of the Infinite. All the power of heaven is brought to combine with human ability drawing souls to Christ.

At the Feast of Tabernacles (See John 7:1-15, 37-39)

Three times a year the Jews were required to assemble at Jerusalem for religious purposes. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, Israel’s invisible Leader had given the directions in regard to these gatherings.

Since the healing at Bethesda Jesus had not attended the national gatherings. To avoid useless conflict with the leaders at Jerusalem, He had restricted His labors to Galilee. His apparent neglect of the great religious assemblies, and the enmity manifested by the priests and rabbis, were a cause of perplexity to the people about Him, and even His own disciples and kindred.

In his teachings He had dwelt upon the blessings of obedience to the law of God, and yet he Himself seemed to be indifferent to the service which had been divinely established. His mingling with publicans and others of ill repute, His disregard of the rabbinical observances, and the freedom with which He set aside the traditional requirements concerning the Sabbath, all seeming to place Him in antagonism to the religious authorities, excited much questioning.

If Jesus knew He was the Messiah, many wondered why this strange reserve and inaction? If He really possessed such power, why not go boldly to Jerusalem, and assert His claims?

The world does not hate those who are it in spirit; it loves them as its own.

No one was regarded as qualified to be a religious teacher unless he had studied in the rabbinical schools, and both Jesus and John the Baptist had been represented as ignorant because they had not received this training… The God of heaven was their teacher, and from Him they had received the highest kind of wisdom.

There had been nothing in all the round of ceremonies to meet the wants of the spirit, nothing to satisfy the thirst of the soul for that which does not perish. Jesus invited them to come and drink of the fountain of life, of that which would be in them a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life.

Jesus knows the wants of the soul. The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going forth.

“Whoever desires, let him take the water of life FREELY.” (Revelation 22:17)

“Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

Among snares (See John 7:16-36, 40-53, 8:1-11)

All the while Jesus was at Jerusalem during the feast, he was shadowed by spies. Day after day new schemes to silence Him were tried. The priests and rulers were watching to entrap Him.

The perception and appreciation of truth, Jesus said, depends less upon the mind than upon the heart. Truth must be received into the soul, so it then can claim the homage of the will.

“Why do you go about to kill Me?” Jesus asked. Like a swift flash of light these words revealed to the rabbis the pit of ruin into which they were about to plunge. For an instant they were filled with terror. They saw that they were in conflict with Infinite Power. But they would not be warned.

If they had lived in accordance to the will of God, they would have known His Son when He was manifested to them.

Had the people in sincerity studied the scriptures for themselves, they would not have been misled. Chapter 61 of Isaiah testifies that Christ was to do the very work He did. Chapter 53 sets forth His rejection and sufferings in the world, and chapter 59 describes the character of the priests and rabbis.

God does not compel people to give up their unbelief. Before them are light and darkness, truth and error. It is for them to decide which they will accept. The human mind is endowed with power to discriminate between right and wrong.

God designs that people should not decide from impulse, but from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture.

More often than not, people do not search the scriptures for themselves, and judge for themselves what is truth. They yield up their own judgement, and therefore commit their souls to their leaders.

The officers sent out by the priests and rulers to arrest Jesus, returned without Him. They were angrily questioned, “Why have you not brought Him?” With solemn countenance they replied, “Never man spoke like this Man.”

Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask, “Is it true?” But “By whom is it advocated?” Multitudes estimate it by the numbers who accept it; and the question is still asked, “Have any of the learned or religious leaders believed?” Men are no more favorable to real godliness now than in the days of Christ. They are just as intently seeking earthly good to the neglect of eternal riches!

A group of Pharisees and scribes approach Jesus with a terror stricken woman who they accused of breaking the 7^th commandment. Jesus looked for a moment upon the scene—the trembling victim in her shame, and the hard faced dignitaries, devoid of even human pity. His spirit of stainless purity shrank from the spectacle.

Impatient at His delay, and apparent indifference, the accusers drew nearer, urging the matter upon His attention. But as their eyes, following those of Jesus, fell upon the pavement at His feet, their countenances changed. There, traced before them, were the guilty secrets of their own lives.

Fixing His gaze upon the plotting elders, Jesus declared. “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” They stole away, leaving their victim with the pitying Savior.

“Neither do I condemn you, go, and sin no more,” Jesus told her. Her heart was melted. She cast herself at the feet of Jesus, sobbing out her grateful love, and with bitter tears, confessing her sins. This was to her the beginning of a new life.

While Jesus does not condone sin, or lessen the sense of guilt, He does not condemn, but saves!

The world had for this erring woman only contempt and scorn, but Jesus spoke to her words of comfort and hope.

Humanity hates the sinner, but loves sin. Christ hates sin, but loves the sinner!