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Desire of Ages: Ch-87 "To My Father, and Your Father"
Chapter 87
"To My Father, and Your Father"
[This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.]
The time had come for Christ to ascend to His Father's throne. As a divine conqueror He was about to return with the trophies of victory to the heavenly courts. Before His death He had declared to His Father, "I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." John 17:4. After His resurrection He tarried on earth for a season, that His disciples might become familiar with Him in His risen and glorified body. Now He ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-86 Go Teach All Nations
Chapter 86
Go Teach All Nations
[This chapter is based on Matt. 28:16-20.]
Standing but a step from His heavenly throne, Christ gave the commission to His disciples. "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth," He said. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15. Again and again the words were repeated, that the disciples might grasp their significance. Upon all the inhabitants of the earth, high and low, rich and poor, was the light of heaven ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-85 By the Sea Once More
Chapter 85
By the Sea Once More
[This chapter is based on John 21:1-22.]
Jesus had appointed to meet His disciples in Galilee; and soon after the Passover week was ended, they bent their steps thither. Their absence from Jerusalem during the feast would have been interpreted as disaffection and heresy, therefore they remained till its close; but this over, they gladly turned homeward to meet the Saviour as He had directed.
Seven of the disciples were in company. They were clad in the humble garb of fishermen; they were poor in worldly goods, ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-84 "Peace Be Unto You"
Chapter 84
"Peace Be Unto You"
[This chapter is based on Luke 24:33-48; John 20:19-29.]
On reaching Jerusalem the two disciples enter at the eastern gate, which is open at night on festal occasions. The houses are dark and silent, but the travelers make their way through the narrow streets by the light of the rising moon. They go to the upper chamber where Jesus spent the hours of the last evening before His death. Here they know that their brethren are to be found. Late as it is, they know that the disciples will ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-83 The Walk to Emmaus
Chapter 83
The Walk to Emmaus
[This chapter is based on Luke 24:13-33.]
Late in the afternoon of the day of the resurrection, two of the disciples were on their way to Emmaus, a little town eight miles from Jerusalem. These disciples had had no prominent place in Christ's work, but they were earnest believers in Him. They had come to the city to keep the Passover, and were greatly perplexed by the events that had recently taken place. They had heard the news of the morning in regard to the removal of Christ's body ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-82 "Why Weepest Thou?"
Chapter 82
"Why Weepest Thou?"
[This chapter is based on Matt. 28:1, 5-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.]
The women who had stood by the cross of Christ waited and watched for the hours of the Sabbath to pass. On the first day of the week, very early, they made their way to the tomb, taking with them precious spices to anoint the Saviour's body. They did not think about His rising from the dead. The sun of their hope had set, and night had settled down on their hearts. As they walked, they ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-81 "The Lord is Risen"
Chapter 81
"The Lord Is Risen"
[This chapter is based on Matt. 28:2-4, 11-15.]
The night of the first day of the week had worn slowly away. The darkest hour, just before daybreak, had come. Christ was still a prisoner in His narrow tomb. The great stone was in its place; the Roman seal was unbroken; the Roman guards were keeping their watch. And there were unseen watchers. Hosts of evil angels were gathered about the place. Had it been possible, the prince of darkness with his apostate army would have kept forever sealed the ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-80 In Joseph's Tomb
Chapter 80
In Joseph's Tomb
At last Jesus was at rest. The long day of shame and torture was ended. As the last rays of the setting sun ushered in the Sabbath, the Son of God lay in quietude in Joseph's tomb. His work completed, His hands folded in peace, He rested through the sacred hours of the Sabbath day.
In the beginning the Father and the Son had rested upon the Sabbath after Their work of creation. When "the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them" (Gen. 2:1), the ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-79 "It Is Finished"
Chapter 79
"It is Finished"
Christ did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came to do, and with His parting breath He exclaimed, "It is finished." John 19:30. The battle had been won. His right hand and His holy arm had gotten Him the victory. As a Conqueror He planted His banner on the eternal heights. Was there not joy among the angels? All heaven triumphed in the Saviour's victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost.
To the angels and the unfallen worlds the ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-78 Calvary
Chapter 78
Calvary
[This chapter is based on Matt. 27:31-53; Mark 15:20-38; Luke 23:26-46; John 19:16-30.]
"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him."
"That He might sanctify the people with His own blood," Christ "suffered without the gate." Heb. 13:12. For transgression of the law of God, Adam and Eve were banished from Eden. Christ, our substitute, was to suffer without the boundaries of Jerusalem. He died outside the gate, where felons and murderers were executed. Full of significance are the words, "Christ hath redeemed ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-77 In Pilate's Judgment Hall
Chapter 77
In Pilate's Judgment Hall
[This chapter is based on Matt. 27:2 , 11-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-40; 19:1-16.]
In the judgment hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, Christ stands bound as a prisoner. About Him are the guard of soldiers, and the hall is fast filling with spectators. Just outside the entrance are the judges of the Sanhedrin, priests, rulers, elders, and the mob.
...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-76 Judas
Chapter 76
Judas
The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. 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. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-75 Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas
Chapter 75
Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas
[This chapter is based on Matt. 26:57-75; 27:1; Mark 14:53-72; 15:1; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:13-27.]
Over the brook Kedron, past gardens and olive groves, and through the hushed streets of the sleeping city, they hurried Jesus. It was past midnight, and the cries of the hooting mob that followed Him broke sharply upon the still air. The Saviour was bound and closely guarded, and He moved painfully. But in eager haste His captors made their way with Him to the palace of Annas, the ex-high priest. ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-74 Gethsemane
Chapter 74
Gethsemane
[This chapter is based on Matt. 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-50; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-12.]
In company with His disciples, the Saviour slowly made His way to the garden of Gethsemane. The Passover moon, broad and full, shone from a cloudless sky. The city of pilgrims' tents was hushed into silence.
...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-73 "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled"
Chapter 73
"Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled"
[This chapter is based on John 13:31-38; 14-17.]
Looking upon His disciples with divine love and with the tenderest sympathy, Christ said, "Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him." Judas had left the upper chamber, and Christ was alone with the eleven. He was about to speak of His approaching separation from them; but before doing this He pointed to the great object of His mission. It was this that He kept ever before Him. It was His joy that all ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-72 "In Remembrance of Me"
Chapter 72
"In Remembrance of Me"
[This chapter is based on Matt. 26:20-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:14-23; John 13:18-30.]
"The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-71 A Servant of Servants
Chapter 71
A Servant of Servants
[This chapter is based on Luke 22:7-18, 24; John 13:1-17.]
In the upper chamber of a dwelling at Jerusalem, Christ was sitting at table with His disciples. They had gathered to celebrate the Passover. The Saviour desired to keep this feast alone with the twelve. He knew that His hour was come; He 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 ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-70 "The Least of These My Brethren"
Chapter 70
"The Least of These My Brethren"
[This chapter is based on Matt. 25:31-46.]
When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another." Thus Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of the great judgment day. And He represented its decision as turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before Him, there will ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-69 On the Mount of Olives
Chapter 69
On the Mount of Olives
[This chapter is based on Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38.]
Christ's words to the priests and rulers, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" (Matt. 23:38), had struck terror to their hearts. They affected indifference, but the question kept rising in their minds as to the import of these words. An unseen danger seemed to threaten them. Could it be that the magnificent temple, which was the nation's glory, was soon to be a heap of ruins? The foreboding of evil was shared by the disciples, ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-68 In the Outer Court
Chapter 68
In the Outer Court
[This chapter is based on John 12:20-43.]
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus."
...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-67 Woes on the Pharisees
Chapter 67
Woes on the Pharisees
[This chapter is based on Matt. 23; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 20:45-47; 21:1-4.]
It was the last day of Christ's teaching in the temple. Of the vast throngs that were gathered at Jerusalem, the attention of all had been attracted to Him; the people had crowded the temple courts, watching the contest that had been in progress, and they eagerly caught every word that fell from His lips. Never before had such a scene been witnessed. There stood the young Galilean, bearing no earthly honor or royal badge. Surrounding Him ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-66 Controversy
Chapter 66
Controversy
[This chapter is based on Matt. 22:15-46; Mark 12:13-40; Luke 20:20-47.]
The priests and rulers had listened in silence to Christ's pointed rebukes. They could not refute His charges. But they were only the more determined to entrap Him, and with this object they sent to Him spies, "which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of His words, that so they might deliver Him unto the power and authority of the governor." They did not send the old Pharisees whom Jesus had often met, but young men, who ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-65 The Temple Cleansed Again
Chapter 65
The Temple Cleansed Again
[This chapter is based on Matt. 21:12-16, 23-46; Mark 11:15-19, 27-33; 12:1-12; Luke 19:45-48; 20:1-19.]
At the beginning of His ministry, Christ had driven from the temple those who defiled it by their unholy traffic; and His stern and godlike demeanor had struck terror to the hearts of the scheming traders. At the close of His mission He came again to the temple, and found it still desecrated as before. The condition of things was even worse than before. The outer court of the temple was like a vast ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-64: A Doomed People
Chapter 64
A Doomed People
[This chapter is based on Mark 11:11-14, 20, 21; Matt. 21:17-19.]
The triumphal ride of Christ into Jerusalem was the dim foreshadowing of His coming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory, amid the triumph of angels and the rejoicing of the saints. Then will be fulfilled the words of Christ to the priests and Pharisees: "Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." Matt. 23:39. In prophetic vision Zechariah was shown that day of ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: Ch-63 "Thy Kingdom Cometh"
Chapter 63
"Thy King Cometh"
[This chapter is based on Matt. 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19.]
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." Zech. 9:9.
...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-62 The Feast at Simon's House
Chapter 62
The Feast at Simon's House
[This chapter is based on Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:55-57; 12:1-11.]
Simon of Bethany was accounted a disciple of Jesus. He was one of the few Pharisees who had openly joined Christ's followers. He acknowledged Jesus as a teacher, and hoped that He might be the Messiah, but he had not accepted Him as a Saviour. His character was not transformed; his principles were unchanged.
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Desire of Ages: Ch-61 Zacchaeus
Chapter 61
Zacchaeus
[This chapter is based on Luke 19:1-10.]
On the way to Jerusalem "Jesus entered and passed through Jericho." A few miles from the Jordan, on the western edge of the valley that here spread out into a plain, the city lay in the midst of tropic verdure and luxuriance of beauty. With its palm trees and rich gardens watered by living springs, it gleamed like an emerald in the setting of limestone hills and desolate ravines that interposed between Jerusalem and the city of the plain.
...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-60 The Law of the New Kingdom
Chapter 60
The Law of the New Kingdom
[This chapter is based on Matt. 20:20-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34.]
The time of the Passover was drawing near, and again Jesus turned toward Jerusalem. In His heart was the peace of perfect oneness with the Father's will, and with eager steps He pressed on toward
the place of sacrifice. But a sense of mystery, of doubt and fear, fell upon the disciples. The Saviour "went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid."
...
Desire of Ages: CH-59 Priestly Plottings
Chapter 59
Priestly Plottings
[This chapter is based on John 11:47-54.]
Bethany was so near Jerusalem that the news of the raising of Lazarus 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. Christ had now fully made manifest His control of death and the grave. That mighty miracle was the crowning evidence offered by God to men that He had sent His Son ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH 58: Lazarus, Come Forth
Chapter 58
"Lazarus, Come Forth"
[This chapter is based on Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-44.]
Among the most steadfast of Christ's disciples was Lazarus of Bethany. From their first meeting his faith in Christ had been strong; his love for Him was deep, and he was greatly beloved by the Saviour. It was for Lazarus that the greatest of Christ's miracles was performed. The Saviour blessed all who sought His help; He loves all the human family, but to some He is bound by peculiarly tender associations. His heart was knit by a strong bond ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-57 One Thing Thou Lackest
Chapter 57
"One Thing Thou Lackest"
[This chapter is based on Matt. 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23.]
And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"
The young man who asked this question was a ruler. He had great possessions, and occupied a position of responsibility. He saw the love that Christ manifested toward the children brought to Him; he saw how tenderly He received them, and took them up in ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-56 Blessing the Children
Chapter 56
Blessing the Children
[This chapter is based on Matt. 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17.]
Jesus was ever a lover of children. He accepted their childish sympathy and their open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from their pure lips was music in His ears, and refreshed His spirit when oppressed by contact with crafty and hypocritical men. Wherever the Saviour went, the benignity of His countenance, and His gentle, kindly manner won the love and confidence of children.
Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi, that ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-55 Not With Outward Show
Chapter 55
Not With Outward Show
[This chapter is based on Luke 17:20-22.]
Some of the Pharisees had come to Jesus demanding "when the kingdom of God should come." More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gave the message that like a trumpet call had sounded through the land, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matt. 3:2. And as yet these Pharisees saw no indication of the establishment of the kingdom. Many of those who rejected John, and at every step had opposed Jesus, were insinuating that His mission had failed. ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-54 The Good Samaritan
Chapter 54
The Good Samaritan
[This chapter is based on Luke 10:25-37.]
In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of 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, in genuine goodness.
As Christ was teaching the people, "a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" With breathless attention the large congregation awaited the answer. The priests and rabbis had thought to ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-53 The Last Journey From Galilee
Chapter 53
The Last Journey From Galilee
[This chapter is based on Luke 9:51-56; 10:1-24.]
As the close of His ministry drew near, there was a change in Christ's manner of labor. Heretofore He had sought to shun excitement and publicity. He had refused the homage of the people, and had passed quickly from place to place when the popular enthusiasm in His favor seemed kindling beyond control. Again and again He had commanded that none should declare Him to be the Christ.
At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles His journey to ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages; CH-52 The Divine Shepherd
Chapter 52
The Divine Shepherd
[This chapter is based on John 10:1-30.]
"I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." "I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep."
Again Jesus found access to the minds of His hearers by the pathway of their familiar associations. He had likened the Spirit's influence to the cool, refreshing water. He had represented Himself as the ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-51 The Light of Life
Chapter 51
"The Light of Life"
[This chapter is based on John 8:12-59; 9.]
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
When He spoke these words, Jesus was in the court of the temple specially connected with the services of the Feast of Tabernacles. In the center of this court rose two lofty standards, supporting lampstands of great size. After the evening sacrifice, all the lamps were kindled, shedding their light ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages, CH-50 Among Snares
Chapter 50
Among Snares
[This chapter is based on John 7:16-36, 40-53; 8:1-11.]
All the while Jesus was at Jerusalem during the feast He was shadowed by spies. Day after day new schemes to silence Him were tried. The priests and rulers were watching to entrap Him. They were planning to stop Him by violence. But this was not all. They wanted to humble this Galilean rabbi before the people.
On the first day of His presence at the feast, the rulers had come to Him, demanding by what authority He taught. They wished ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-49 At the Feast of the Tabernacles
Chapter 49
At the Feast of Tabernacles
[This chapter is based on John 7:1-15, 37-39.]
Three times a year the Jews were required to assemble at Jerusalem for religious purposes. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, Israel's invisible Leader had given the directions in regard to these gatherings. During the captivity of the Jews, they could not be observed; but when the people were restored to their own land, the observance of these memorials was once more begun. It was God's design that these anniversaries should call Him to the minds of the people. But ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-48 Who is the Greatest
Chapter 48
Who Is the Greatest?
[This chapter is based on Matt. 17:22-27; 18:1-20; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:46-48.]
On returning to Capernaum, Jesus did not repair to the well-known resorts where He had taught the people, but with His disciples quietly sought the house that was to be His temporary home. During the remainder of His stay in Galilee it was His object to instruct the disciples rather than to labor for the multitudes.
On the journey through Galilee, Christ had again tried to prepare the minds of His disciples for the scenes before ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-47 Ministry
Chapter 47
Ministry
[This chapter is based on Matt. 17:9-21 ; Mark 9:9-29; Luke 9:37-45.]
The entire night had been passed in the mountain; and as the sun arose, Jesus and His disciples descended to the plain. Absorbed in thought, the disciples were awed and silent. Even Peter had not a word to say. Gladly would they have lingered in that holy place which had been touched with the light of heaven, and where the Son of God had manifested His glory; but there was work to be done for the people, who were already ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-46 He Was Transfigured
[This chapter is based on Matt. 17:1-8 ; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36.]
Evening is drawing on as Jesus calls to His side three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, and leads them across the fields, and far up a rugged path, to a lonely mountainside. The Saviour and His disciples have spent the day in traveling and teaching, and the mountain climb adds to their weariness. Christ has lifted burdens from mind and body of many sufferers; He has sent the thrill of life through their enfeebled frames; but He also is compassed with humanity, and with His ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-45 The Foreshadowing of the Cross
[This chapter is based on Matt. 16:13-28; Mark 8:27-38; Luke 9:18-27.]
The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-44 The True Sign
[This chapter is based on Matt. 15:29-39; 16:1-12; Mark 7:31-37; 8:1-21.]
"Again He went out from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon unto the Sea of Galilee, through the midst of the borders of Decapolis." Mark 7:31, R. V.
It was in the region of Decapolis that the demoniacs of Gergesa had been healed. Here the people, alarmed at the destruction of the swine, had constrained Jesus to depart from among them. But they had listened to the messengers He left behind, and a desire was aroused to see Him. As He came again into that ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-43 Barriers Broken Down
[This chapter is based on Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30.]
After the encounter with the Pharisees, Jesus withdrew from Capernaum, and crossing Galilee, repaired to the hill country on the borders of Phoenicia. Looking westward, He could see, spread out upon the plain below, the ancient cities of Tyre and Sidon, with their heathen temples, their magnificent palaces and marts of trade, and the harbors filled with shipping. Beyond was the blue expanse of the Mediterranean, over which the messengers of the gospel were to bear its glad tidings to the centers of the world's great empire. But the time ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-42 Tradition
[This chapter is based on Matt. 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23.]
The scribes and Pharisees, expecting to see Jesus at the Passover, had laid a trap for Him. But Jesus, knowing their purpose, had absented Himself from this gathering. "Then came together unto Him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes." As He did not go to them, they came to Him. For a time it had seemed that the people of Galilee would receive Jesus as the Messiah, and that the power of the hierarchy in that region would be broken. The mission of the twelve, indicating the extension of ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-41 The Crisis in Galilee
[This chapter is based on John 6:22-71.]
When Christ forbade the people to declare Him king, He knew that a turning point in His history was reached. Multitudes who desired to exalt Him to the throne today would turn from Him tomorrow. The disappointment of their selfish ambition would turn their love to hatred, and their praise to curses. Yet knowing this, He took no measures to avert the crisis. From the first He had held out to His followers no hope of earthly rewards. To one who came desiring to become His disciple He had said, "The foxes ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-40 A Night on the Lake
[This chapter is based on Matt. 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:14-21.]
Seated upon the grassy plain, in the twilight of the spring evening, the people ate of the food that Christ had provided. The words they had heard that day had come to them as the voice of God. The works of healing they had witnessed were such as only divine power could perform. But the miracle of the loaves appealed to everyone in that vast multitude. All were sharers in its benefit. In the days of Moses, God had fed Israel with manna in the desert; and who ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-39 Give Ye Them to Eat
[This chapter is based on Matt. 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13.]
Christ had retired to a secluded place with His disciples, but this rare season of peaceful quietude was soon broken. The disciples thought they had retired where they would not be disturbed; but as soon as the multitude missed the divine Teacher, they inquired, "Where is He?" Some among them had noticed the direction in which Christ and His disciples had gone. Many went by land to meet them, while others followed in their boats across the water. The Passover was at hand, and, from far ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-38 Come Rest Awhile
[This chapter is based on Matt. 14:1, 2, 12, 13; Mark 6:30-32; Luke 9:7-10.]
On returning from their missionary tour, "the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-37 The First Evangelists
[This chapter is based on Matt. 10; Mark 6:7-11; Luke 9:1-6.]
The apostles were members of the family of Jesus, and they had accompanied Him as He traveled on foot through Galilee. They had shared with Him the toils and hardships that overtook them. They had listened to His discourses, they had walked and talked with the Son of God, and from His daily instruction they had learned how to work for the elevation of humanity. As Jesus ministered to the vast multitudes that gathered about Him, His disciples were in attendance, eager to do His bidding and to ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-36 -- The Touch of Faith
[This chapter is based on Matt. 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56.]
Returning from Gergesa to the western shore, Jesus found a multitude gathered to receive Him, and they greeted Him with joy. He remained by the seaside for a time, teaching and healing, and then repaired to the house of Levi-Matthew to meet the publicans at the feast. Here Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, found Him.
...<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-35: Peace, Be Still
[This chapter is based on Matt. 8:23-34; Mark 4:35-41; 5:1-20; Luke 8:22-39.]
It had been an eventful day in the life of Jesus. Beside the Sea of Galilee He had spoken His first parables, by familiar illustrations again explaining to the people the nature of His kingdom and the manner in which it was to be established. He had likened His own work to that of the sower; the development of His kingdom to the growth of the mustard seed and the effect of leaven in the measure of meal. The great final separation of ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-34 The Invitation
[This chapter is based on Matt. 11:28-30.]
"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."
These words of comfort were spoken to the multitude that followed Jesus. The Saviour had said that only through Himself could men receive a knowledge of God. He had spoken of His disciples as the ones to whom a knowledge of heavenly things had been given. But He left none to feel themselves shut out from His care and love. All who labor and are heavy-laden may come unto Him. ...
<< MORE >>Desire of Ages: CH-33 Who Are My Brethren?
The sons of Joseph were far from being in sympathy with Jesus in His work. The reports that reached them in regard to His life and labors filled them with astonishment and dismay. They heard that He devoted entire nights to prayer, that through the day He was thronged by great companies of people, and did not give Himself time so much as to eat. His friends felt that He was wearing Himself out by His incessant labor; they were unable to account for His attitude toward the Pharisees, and there were ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: CH-32 The Centurion
Christ had said to the nobleman whose son He healed, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe." John 4:48. He was grieved that His own nation should require these outward signs of His Messiahship. Again and again He had marveled at their unbelief. But He marveled at the faith of the centurion who came to Him. The centurion did not question the Saviour's power. He did not even ask Him to come in person to perform the miracle. "Speak the word only," he said, "and my servant shall be ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: CH 31, The Sermon on the Mount
Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. He did not choose for His audience those only who knew the way of life. It was His work to reach the multitudes who were in ignorance and error. He gave His lessons of truth where they could reach the darkened understanding. He Himself was the Truth, standing with girded loins and hands ever outstretched to bless, and in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come unto Him. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-30 He Ordained Twelve
"And He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach." ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-29 The Sabbath
Desire of Ages: Ch--28 Levi-Matthew
Of the Roman officials in Palestine, none were more hated than the publicans. The fact that the taxes were imposed by a foreign power was a continual irritation to the Jews, being a reminder that their independence had departed. And the taxgatherers were not merely the instruments of Roman oppression; they were extortioners on their own account, enriching themselves at the expense of the people. A Jew who accepted this office at the hands of the Romans was looked upon as betraying the honor of his nation. He was ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-27 Thou Canst Make Me Clean
Of all diseases known in the East the leprosy was most dreaded. Its incurable and contagious character, and its horrible effect upon its victims, filled the bravest with fear. Among the Jews it was regarded as a judgment on account of sin, and hence was called "the stroke," "the finger of God." Deep-rooted, ineradicable, deadly, it was looked upon as a symbol of sin. By the ritual law, the leper was pronounced unclean. Like one already dead, he was shut out from the habitations of men. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-26 At Capernaum
Chapter 26
At Capernaum
At Capernaum Jesus dwelt in the intervals of His journeys to and fro, and it came to be known as "His own city." It was on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and near the borders of the beautiful plain of Gennesaret, if not actually upon it.
Desire of Ages: Ch-25 The Call by the Sea
Day was breaking over the Sea of Galilee. The disciples, weary with a night of fruitless toil, were still in their fishing boats on the lake. Jesus had come to spend a quiet hour by the waterside. In the early morning He hoped for a little season of rest from the multitude that followed Him day after day. But soon the people began to gather about Him. Their numbers rapidly increased, so that He was pressed upon all sides. Meanwhile the disciples had come to land. In order to ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-24 Is Not This the Carpenter's Son
Across the bright days of Christ's ministry in Galilee, one shadow lay. The people of Nazareth rejected Him. "Is not this the carpenter's son?" they said. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-23 The Kingdom of God is at Hand
Desire of Ages: Ch-22 Imprisonment and Death of John
John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ's kingdom, and he was first also in suffering. From the free air of the wilderness and the vast throngs that had hung upon his words, he was now shut in by the walls of a dungeon cell. He had become a prisoner in the fortress of Herod Antipas. In the territory east of Jordan, which was under the dominion of Antipas, much of John's ministry had been spent. Herod himself had listened to the preaching of the Baptist. The ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-21 Bethesda and the Sanhedrin
"Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water." ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-20 Excpet Ye See Signs and Wonders
The Galileans who returned from the Passover brought back the report of the wonderful works of Jesus. The judgment passed upon His acts by the dignitaries at Jerusalem opened His way in Galilee. Many of the people lamented the abuse of the temple and the greed and arrogance of the priests. They hoped that this Man, who had put the rulers to flight, might be the looked-for Deliverer. Now tidings had come that seemed to confirm their brightest anticipations. It was reported that the prophet had declared Himself to be the Messiah. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-19 At Jacob's Well
On the way to Galilee Jesus passed through Samaria. It was noon when He reached the beautiful Vale of Shechem. At the opening of this valley was Jacob's well. Wearied with His journey, He sat down here to rest while His disciples went to buy food. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Agres: Ch-18 He Must Incease
For a time the Baptist's influence over the nation had been greater than that of its rulers, priests, or princes. If he had announced himself as the Messiah, and raised a revolt against Rome, priests and people would have flocked to his standard. Every consideration that appeals to the ambition of the world's conquerors Satan had stood ready to urge upon John the Baptist. But with the evidence before him of his power, he had steadfastly refused the splendid bribe. The attention which was fixed upon him he had directed to Another. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-17 Nicodemus
Nicodemus held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation. He was highly educated, and possessed talents of no ordinary character, and he was an honored member of the national council. With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus. Though rich, learned, and honored, he had been strangely attracted by the humble Nazarene. The lessons that had fallen from the Saviour's lips had greatly impressed him, and he desired to learn more of these wonderful truths. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-16 In His Temple
"After this He went down to Capernaum, He, and His mother, and His brethren, and His disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem." ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-15 At the Marriage Feast
Jesus did not begin His ministry by some great work before the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. At a household gathering in a little Galilean village His power was put forth to add to the joy of a wedding feast. Thus He showed His sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their happiness. In the wilderness of temptation He Himself had drunk the cup of woe. He came forth to give to men the cup of blessing, by His benediction to hallow the relations of human life. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-14 We Have Found the Messiah
John the Baptist was now preaching and baptizing at Bethabara, beyond Jordan. It was not far from this spot that God had stayed the river in its flow until Israel had passed over. A little distance from here the stronghold of Jericho had been overthrown by the armies of heaven. The memory of these events was at this time revived, and gave a thrilling interest to the Baptist's message. Would not He who had wrought so wonderfully in ages past again manifest His power for Israel's deliverance? Such was the thought stirring the ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-13 The Victory
Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written,--
"He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, Lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone." ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-12 The Temptation
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness." The words of Mark are still more significant. He says, "Immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts." "And in those days He did eat nothing." ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-11 The Baptism
Tidings of the wilderness prophet and his wonderful announcement, spread throughout Galilee. The message reached the peasants in the remotest hill towns, and the fisher folk by the sea, and in these simple, earnest hearts found its truest response. In Nazareth it was told in the carpenter shop that had been Joseph's, and One recognized the call. His time had come. Turning from His daily toil, He bade farewell to His mother, and followed in the steps of His countrymen who were flocking to the Jordan. ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-10 The Voice in the Wilderness
From among the faithful in Israel, who had long waited for the coming of the Messiah, the forerunner of Christ arose. The aged priest Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were "both righteous before God;" and in their quiet and holy lives the light of faith shone out like a star amid the darkness of those evil days. To this godly pair was given the promise of a son, who should "go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways." ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-9 Days of Conflict
Desire of Ages: Ch-8 The Passover Visit
Among the Jews the twelfth year was the dividing line between childhood and youth. On completing this year a Hebrew boy was called a son of the law, and also a son of God. He was given special opportunities for religious instruction, and was expected to participate in the sacred feasts and observances. It was in accordance with this custom that Jesus in His boyhood made the Passover visit to Jerusalem. Like all devout Israelites, Joseph and Mary went up every year to attend the Passover; and when Jesus had reached the required ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch-7 As A Child
Desire of Ages: Ch 6 - We Have Seen His Star
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him." ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch 5 - The Dedication
Desire of Ages: Ch 4 - Unto You a Savior
Desire of Ages: Ch 3 - The Fullness of Time
The Saviour's coming was foretold in Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard the promise, they looked for its speedy fulfillment. They joyfully welcomed their first-born son, hoping that he might be the Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the promise tarried. Those who first received it died without the sight. From the days of Enoch the promise was repeated through patriarchs and prophets, ...<< MORE >>
Desire of Ages: Ch 2: The Chosen People
Desire of Ages: Ch-1 God With Us
"His name shall be called Immanuel, . . . God with us." "The light of the knowledge of the glory of God" is seen "in the face of Jesus Christ." From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was "the image of God," the image of His greatness and majesty, "the outshining of His glory." ...<< MORE >>