Issue: 2017 August

Bible Study Guides – The Risen Saviour

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September 24 – 30, 2017

 Key Text

“And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth” (Isaiah 53:9).

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 769–787; Steps to Christ, 17–22.

Introduction

“Jesus did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came to do; and He exclaimed with His parting breath, ‘It is finished!’ ” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, 167.

Sunday

 1 REST ON THE SABBATH

  •  What divine institution was hallowed at both the creation and redemption of the world, and will be hallowed throughout eternity? Genesis 2:1–3; Luke 23:54–56.

Note: “When there shall be a ‘restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began’ (Acts 3:21), the creation Sabbath, the day on which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph’s tomb, will still be a day of rest and rejoicing. Heaven and earth will unite in praise, as ‘from one Sabbath to another’ (Isaiah 66:23) the nations of the saved shall bow in joyful worship to God and the Lamb.” The Desire of Ages, 769, 770.

  • What two influential persons took on the responsibility for the Saviour’s burial? John 19:38–42.

Note: “Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus came to the help of the disciples. Both these men were members of the Sanhedrin, and were acquainted with Pilate. Both were men of wealth and influence. They were determined that the body of Jesus should have an honorable burial.” The Desire of Ages, 773.

Monday

 2 OUR ONLY HOPE

  •  The day after the Sabbath, when Mary came to the grave of Christ, what did she find? John 20:1.

Note: “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 recounted Christ’s works of mercy and His words of comfort. But they remembered not His words, ‘I will see you again’ (John 16:22).” The Desire of Ages, 788.

  • What did she do upon seeing the site at the grave? John 20:2.
  • How do Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave help humanity? Romans 5:6–8; Ephesians 2:4–7.
  • What is the only way that sinful humanity can be saved? John 14:6; Acts 4:8–12; 10:43.

Note: “Through Christ, restoration as well as reconciliation is provided for man. The gulf that was made by sin has been spanned by the cross of Calvary. A full, complete ransom has been paid by Jesus, by virtue of which the sinner is pardoned, and the justice of the law is maintained. All who believe that Christ is the atoning sacrifice may come and receive pardon for their sins; for through the merit of Christ, communication has been opened between God and man. God can accept me as His child, and I can claim Him and rejoice in Him as my loving Father. We must center our hopes of heaven upon Christ alone, because He is our Substitute and Surety.” The Review and Herald, July 1, 1890.

Tuesday

 3 CHRIST AS ALL IN ALL

  •  After the disciples left the grave, what additional experience did Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast seven devils, have? John 20:10–18.
  • As is seen in the need of Mary Magdalene, for what should we pray? Luke 17:5.
  • How much can a sinner accomplish without Christ? John 15:5; 2Corinthians 4:7.

Note: “Of himself, what can man accomplish in the great work set forth by the infinite God? Christ says: ‘Without Me ye can do nothing’ (John 15:5). He came to our world to show men how to do the work given them by God, and He says to us: ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light’ (Matthew 11:28–30). Why is Christ’s yoke easy and His burden light? Because He bore the weight of it upon the cross of Calvary.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 247.

“Man can accomplish nothing without Jesus, and yet it is so arranged in the plan of salvation, that its great object cannot be consummated without human cooperation. Our work may appear small and unimportant, and yet we are laborers together with God. Jesus has given us every temporal and spiritual blessing; He died to make propitiation for our sins and to reconcile us to God. He has sent forth light and truth, that we should walk in the beams of the Sun of righteousness, and not in the sparks of our own kindling.” The Review and Herald, November 1, 1892.

“O, that all might realize that without Christ they can do nothing! Those who do not gather with Him scatter abroad. Their thoughts and actions will not bear the right character, and their influence will be destructive of good. Our actions have a twofold influence; for they affect others as well as ourselves. This influence will either be a blessing or a curse to those with whom we associate.” Christian Education, 92.

Wednesday

 4 YIELDING OUR WILL TO HIM

  •  How did the experience of the disciples after the cross as shown in John 20 and 21 prepare them for the great work ahead?

Note: “In order for us to reach this high ideal, that which causes the soul to stumble must be sacrificed. It is through the will that sin retains its hold upon us. The surrender of the will is represented as plucking out the eye or cutting off the hand. Often it seems to us that to surrender the will to God is to consent to go through life maimed or crippled. But it is better, says Christ, for self to be maimed, wounded, crippled, if thus you may enter into life. That which you look upon as disaster is the door to highest benefit.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 61.

  • If we will be the disciples of Christ today, what position must He take in our life? Colossians 1:27.

Note: “When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 312.

  • In order to have the risen Saviour living in us, what must we do? 1John 2:15; James 4:4.

Note: “The true followers of Christ will have sacrifices to make. They will shun places of worldly amusement because they find no Jesus there—no influence which will make them heavenly-minded and increase their growth in grace. Obedience to the word of God will lead them to come out from all these things and be separate. …

“The great Head of the church, who has chosen His people out of the world, requires them to be separate from the world. He designs that the spirit of His commandments, by drawing His followers to Himself, shall separate them from worldly elements.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 328, 329.

Thursday

 5 VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST

  • Why did John write his gospel? John 20:30, 31; 21:24, 25.
  • What are some of the ways in which God speaks to man? John 16:13; 2Timothy 3:15–17.
  • In what terms did Christ state that our ability to know the truth is dependent upon our willingness to obey the will of God? John 7:17.
  • What will we be called if we will believe in the saving grace of the risen Saviour? 1John 3:1, 2.

Note: “In the gracious blessings which our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us we may discern innumerable evidences of a love that is infinite, and a tender pity surpassing a mother’s yearning sympathy for her wayward child. When we study the divine character in the light of the cross we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice. In the language of John we exclaim: ‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God’ (1 John 3:1). We see in the midst of the throne One bearing in hands and feet and side the marks of the suffering endured to reconcile man to God and God to man. … The reflected light from the cross reveals the writing of God: Live, sinner, live! ye penitent and believing souls, live! I have paid a ransom.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 461, 462.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1      What institution did Christ hallow even during the experience of Calvary?
2      What is the only way that I can be saved?
3      What work has Christ done for me through the experience of the cross?
4      Have I yielded completely to Christ?
5      What joy awaits the sons and daughters of God?

Copyright © 2004 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Calvary

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September 17 – 23, 2017

 Key Text

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Galatians 3:13).

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 741–757; Testimonies, vol. 2, 200–215.

Introduction

“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.” The Desire of Ages, 741.

Sunday

 1 MOCKED BY THE SOLDIERS

  •  After Pilate had delivered Jesus to the Roman soldiers, what did they do? Matthew 27:27–30.
  • Where did the soldiers take Jesus after humiliating Him? John 19:17; Matthew 27:31.
  • Who else followed them? Luke 23:27.

Note: “Christ, the precious Son of God, was led forth, and the cross was laid upon His shoulders. At every step was left blood which flowed from His wounds. Thronged by an immense crowd of bitter enemies and unfeeling spectators, He is led away to the crucifixion. ‘He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth’ (Isaiah 53:7).” Testimonies, vol. 2, 208.

“A vast multitude followed Jesus from the judgment hall to Calvary. The news of His condemnation had spread throughout Jerusalem, and people of all classes and all ranks flocked toward the place of crucifixion.” The Desire of Ages, 741.

Monday

 2 ON THE WAY TO CALVARY

  •  What was Christ’s physical condition after He was flogged the second time? Isaiah 53:4.

Note: “Since the Passover supper with His disciples, He [the Saviour] had taken neither food nor drink. He had agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane in conflict with satanic agencies. He had endured the anguish of the betrayal, and had seen His disciples forsake Him and flee. He had been taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas, and then to Pilate. From Pilate He had been sent to Herod, then sent again to Pilate. From insult to renewed insult, from mockery to mockery, twice tortured by the scourge—all that night there had been scene after scene of a character to try the soul of man to the uttermost. Christ had not failed. He had spoken no word but that tended to glorify God. All through the disgraceful farce of a trial He had borne Himself with firmness and dignity. But when after the second scourging the cross was laid upon Him, human nature could bear no more. He fell fainting beneath the burden.” The Desire of Ages, 742.

  • What accommodation did the soldiers make in order to proceed with their aims and what was the outcome? Matthew 27:32.

Note: “At this time a stranger, Simon a Cyrenian, coming in from the country, meets the throng. He hears the taunts and ribaldry of the crowd; he hears the words contemptuously repeated, Make way for the King of the Jews! He stops in astonishment at the scene; and as he expresses his compassion, they seize him and place the cross upon his shoulders.

“Simon had heard of Jesus. His sons were believers in the Saviour, but he himself was not a disciple. The bearing of the cross to Calvary was a blessing to Simon, and he was ever after grateful for this providence. It led him to take upon himself the cross of Christ from choice, and ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden.” The Desire of Ages, 742.

  • Upon receiving manifestations of human sympathy, what did Jesus prophesy? Luke 23:28–31.

Tuesday

 3 THE CRUCIFIXION

  •  Describe the scene of Calvary and its particularly heart-rending effects upon Jesus’ mother. John 19:25; Mark 15:27, 28.

Note: “Arriving at the place of execution, the prisoners were bound to the instruments of torture. The two thieves wrestled in the hands of those who placed them on the cross; but Jesus made no resistance. The mother of Jesus, supported by John the beloved disciple, had followed the steps of her Son to Calvary. She had seen Him fainting under the burden of the cross, and had longed to place a supporting hand beneath His wounded head, and to bathe that brow which had once been pillowed upon her bosom. But she was not permitted this mournful privilege. With the disciples she still cherished the hope that Jesus would manifest His power, and deliver Himself from His enemies. Again her heart would sink as she recalled the words in which He had foretold the very scenes that were then taking place. As the thieves were bound to the cross, she looked on with agonizing suspense. Would He who had given life to the dead suffer Himself to be crucified? Would the Son of God suffer Himself to be thus cruelly slain? Must she give up her faith that Jesus was the Messiah? Must she witness His shame and sorrow, without even the privilege of ministering to Him in His distress? She saw His hands stretched upon the cross; the hammer and the nails were brought, and as the spikes were driven through the tender flesh, the heart-stricken disciples bore away from the cruel scene the fainting form of the mother of Jesus.” The Desire of Ages, 744.

  • How was the prophecy found in Psalm 22:16–18 fulfilled? John 19:23, 24.

Note: “In the sufferings of Christ upon the cross prophecy was fulfilled. Centuries before the crucifixion, the Saviour had foretold the treatment He was to receive. He said, [Psalm 22:16–18 quoted]. The prophecy concerning His garments was carried out without counsel or interference from the friends or the enemies of the Crucified One. To the soldiers who had placed Him upon the cross, His clothing was given. Christ heard the men’s contention as they parted the garments among them. His tunic was woven throughout without seam, and they said, ‘Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be’ (John 19:24).” The Desire of Ages, 746.

Wednesday

 4 THE KING OF THE JEWS

  •  What three-language inscription was placed on the cross by order of Pilate? John 19:19, 20.
  • How did the Jews react to this action of Pilate? John 19: 21, 22.

Note: “This inscription irritated the Jews. In Pilate’s court they had cried, ‘Crucify Him.’ ‘We have no king but Caesar’ (John 19:15). They had declared that whoever should acknowledge any other king was a traitor. Pilate wrote out the sentiment they had expressed. No offense was mentioned, except that Jesus was the King of the Jews. The inscription was a virtual acknowledgment of the allegiance of the Jews to the Roman power. It declared that whoever might claim to be the King of Israel would be judged by them worthy of death. The priests had overreached themselves. When they were plotting the death of Christ, Caiaphas had declared it expedient that one man should die to save the nation. Now their hypocrisy was revealed. In order to destroy Christ, they had been ready to sacrifice even their national existence.

“The priests saw what they had done, and asked Pilate to change the inscription. They said, ‘Write not, The King of the Jews; but that He said, I am King of the Jews.’ But Pilate was angry with himself because of his former weakness, and he thoroughly despised the jealous and artful priests and rulers. He replied coldly, ‘What I have written I have written’ (verses 21, 22).

“A higher power than Pilate or the Jews had directed the placing of that inscription above the head of Jesus. In the providence of God it was to awaken thought, and investigation of the Scriptures. … It was a living truth, transcribed by a hand that God had guided.” The Desire of Ages, 745, 746.

  • For what did Jesus pray while upon the cross? Luke 23:34.

Note: “That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world. It took in every sinner that had lived or should live, from the beginning of the world to the end of time. Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying the Son of God. To all, forgiveness is freely offered. ‘Whosoever will’ may have peace with God, and inherit eternal life.” The Desire of Ages, 745.

Thursday

 5 IT IS FINISHED

  •  Name one aspect of the noble example Jesus left for His followers. John 19:26, 27.

Note: “O pitiful, loving Saviour; amid all His physical pain and mental anguish, He had a thoughtful care for His mother! He had no money with which to provide for her comfort; but He was enshrined in the heart of John, and He gave His mother to him as a precious legacy. Thus He provided for her that which she most needed—the tender sympathy of one who loved her because she loved Jesus. And in receiving her as a sacred trust, John was receiving a great blessing. She was a constant reminder of his beloved Master.” The Desire of Ages, 752.

  • What cry did Jesus utter and what was its significance? John 19:30.

Note: “When the loud cry, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30), came from the lips of Christ, the priests were officiating in the temple. It was the hour of the evening sacrifice. The lamb representing Christ had been brought to be slain. Clothed in his significant and beautiful dress, the priest stood with lifted knife, as did Abraham when he was about to slay his son. With intense interest the people were looking on. But the earth trembles and quakes; for the Lord Himself draws near. With a rending noise the inner veil of the temple is torn from top to bottom by an unseen hand, throwing open to the gaze of the multitude a place once filled with the presence of God. …

“All is terror and confusion. The priest is about to slay the victim; but the knife drops from his nerveless hand, and the lamb escapes. Type has met antitype in the death of God’s Son. The great sacrifice has been made. The way into the holiest is laid open. A new and living way is prepared for all.” The Desire of Ages, 756, 757.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How do I respond when I see others in pain and anguish?
2 How can I cultivate forgiveness toward my enemies?
3 What has been my relationship with my parents?
4 How can I carry the cross of Christ?
5 What does the experience of the cross mean to me?

Copyright © 2004 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Scourged and Condemned

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September 10–16, 2017

 Key Text

“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 698–715; Ibid., 723–740.

Introduction

“Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. They are to live as He lived, and work as He worked, because they depend on Him as the great Master Worker.” The Desire of Ages, 679.

Sunday

 1 JESUS BEFORE ANNAS AND CAIAPHAS

  •  After His arrest in Gethsemane, before whom was Jesus violently taken? John 18:12–14; Matthew 26:57.
  • Which disciples watched Christ’s trial from a distance? John 18:15, 16.
  • What question did Annas direct to Jesus, and what answer did He give? John 18:18–21.
  • What did one of Annas’ servants do upon seeing his master reduced to complete silence? John 18:22.

Note: “Annas was silenced by the decision of the answer. Fearing that Christ would say something regarding his course of action that he would prefer to keep covered up, he said nothing more to Him at this time. One of his officers, filled with wrath as he saw Annas silenced, struck Jesus on the face, saying, ‘Answerest Thou the high priest so?’ (John 18:22).” The Desire of Ages, 700.

Monday

 2 JESUS BEFORE PILATE

  •  After the trial by the Sanhedrin, where was Jesus taken? John 18:28, first part; Mark 15:1.
  • What hypocritical and contradictory attitude did the Jewish leaders now assume? John 18:28, last part.
  • What embarrassing question did Pilate put to the Jewish leaders, and what arrogantly evasive answer did he receive? John 18:29, 30.
  • What declaration of Pilate made the situation of the priests even more difficult? John 18:31.
  • Returning to the judgment hall, what question did Pilate ask Jesus, and how did he react to the response? John 18:33–35.
  • How did Jesus clearly identify Himself to Pilate? John 18:36–38.

Note: “Pilate’s golden opportunity had passed. Yet Jesus did not leave him without further light. While He did not directly answer Pilate’s question, He plainly stated His own mission. He gave Pilate to understand that He was not seeking an earthly throne. …

“Pilate had a desire to know the truth. His mind was confused. He eagerly grasped the words of the Saviour, and his heart was stirred with a great longing to know what it really was, and how he could obtain it. ‘What is truth?’ he inquired. But he did not wait for an answer. The tumult outside recalled him to the interests of the hour; for the priests were clamorous for immediate action. Going out to the Jews, he declared emphatically, ‘I find in Him no fault at all’ (John 18:38).” The Desire of Ages, 727.

Tuesday

 3 JESUS BEFORE HEROD

  •  Trying to evade responsibility for Christ’s condemnation, what did Pilate do? Luke 23:5–7.
  • How did Herod feel and what were his thoughts when he saw Jesus? Luke 23:8.
  • What was Jesus attitude in Herod’s presence? Luke 23:9, 10.
  • How did Herod react when he realized that he could not condemn Jesus? Luke 23:11.

Note: “ ‘Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe’ (Luke 23:11). The Roman soldiers joined in this abuse. All that these wicked, corrupt soldiers, helped on by Herod and the Jewish dignitaries, could instigate was heaped upon the Saviour. Yet His divine patience failed not.

“Christ’s persecutors had tried to measure His character by their own; they had represented Him as vile as themselves. But back of all the present appearance another scene intruded itself—a scene which they will one day see in all its glory. There were some who trembled in Christ’s presence. While the rude throng were bowing in mockery before Him, some who came forward for that purpose turned back, afraid and silenced. Herod was convicted. The last rays of merciful light were shining upon his sin-hardened heart. He felt that this was no common man; for divinity had flashed through humanity. At the very time when Christ was encompassed by mockers, adulterers, and murderers, Herod felt that he was beholding a God upon His throne.

“Hardened as he was, Herod dared not ratify the condemnation of Christ. He wished to relieve himself of the terrible responsibility, and he sent Jesus back to the Roman judgment hall.” The Desire of Ages, 731.

Wednesday

 4 PILATE’S WEAKNESS

  •  When Jesus was brought back to the court of Pilate, what argument did Pilate present in favor of Jesus? Luke 23:13–15.
  • How did Pilate manifest his weakness and inconsistency in dealing with an innocent man? Luke 23:16.

Note: “[Luke 23:16 quoted.]

“Here Pilate showed his weakness. He had declared that Jesus was innocent, yet he was willing for Him to be scourged to pacify His accusers. He would sacrifice justice and principle in order to compromise with the mob. This placed him at a disadvantage. The crowd presumed upon his indecision, and clamored the more for the life of the prisoner. If at the first Pilate had stood firm, refusing to condemn a man whom he found guiltless, he would have broken the fatal chain that was to bind him in remorse and guilt as long as he lived. Had he carried out his convictions of right, the Jews would not have presumed to dictate to him. Christ would have been put to death, but the guilt would not have rested upon Pilate. But Pilate had taken step after step in the violation of his conscience. He had excused himself from judging with justice and equity, and he now found himself almost helpless in the hands of the priests and rulers. His wavering and indecision proved his ruin.” The Desire of Ages, 731, 732.

  • What other opportunity for enlightenment did God give Pilate? Matthew 27:19.
  • Still thinking to free Jesus, what proposal did Pilate present to the mob? Mark 15:6–10.
  • What did the priests do to ensure Christ’s condemnation? Matthew 27:20.
  • What final choice did the multitude make, and what did Pilate proceed to do? John 18:39, 40; 19:1; Matthew 27:21–23.

Thursday

 5 JUDGMENT

 How did the Roman soldiers contribute to the Saviour’s torture, and how did He respond? John 19:2, 3; Mark 15:16–19.

  • Having wounded Christ before the people, what announcement did Pilate make? John 19:4, 5.
  • What inconsistent proposal did Pilate make to the Jews? John 19:6.
  • What declaration of the Jews filled Pilate with fear? John 19:7, 8.
  • How did Pilate finally yield to the demands of the Jewish leaders? John 19:9–16.

Note: “The greatest guilt and heaviest responsibility belonged to those who stood in the highest places in the nation, the depositaries of sacred trusts that they were basely betraying. Pilate, Herod, and the Roman soldiers were comparatively ignorant of Jesus. They thought to please the priests and rulers by abusing Him. They had not the light which the Jewish nation had so abundantly received. Had the light been given to the soldiers, they would not have treated Christ as cruelly as they did.” The Desire of Ages, 737.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1      How can I apply in my life the lesson learned from the blindness of the Jews concerning defilement?
2      What did the Jews expect of Pilate?
3      What can I learn from the decision of Jesus to remain silent as He did before Herod?
4      What characteristic of Pilate am I in danger of imitating?
5      Who is to blame for the death of the Son of God?

Bible Study Guides – Gethsemane

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September 3 – 9, 2017

 Key Text

“Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it” (John 18:11)?

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 690–697.

Introduction

“The awful moment had come—that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance.” The Desire of Ages, 690.

Sunday

 1 IN GETHSEMANE

  • When He finished His intercessory prayer, where did Jesus go with His disciples, and with what purpose? John 18:1; Matthew 26:36.

Note: “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.

“Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and instructing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely silent. He had often visited this spot for meditation and prayer; but never with a heart so full of sorrow as upon this night of His last agony.” The Desire of Ages, 685.

  • In appealing to three of His disciples to accompany Him, what request did Jesus make, and why? Mark 14:33, 34.

Note: “The working of the vigilant foe in presenting to Christ the vast proportions of transgression, caused such poignant pain that He felt that He could not remain in the immediate presence of any human being. He could not bear that even His disciples should witness His agony as He contemplated the woe of the world. Even His most dearly loved friends must not be in His companionship. The sword of justice was unsheathed, and the wrath of God against iniquity rested upon man’s substitute, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father.” Bible Training School, September 1, 1915.

Monday

 2 DEEP ANGUISH

  •  What is the essence of Christ’s first prayer in Gethsemane? Mark 14:35, 36.

Note: “Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be described in the words of the prophet, ‘Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts’ (Zechariah 13:7). As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.

“As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness. In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ’s ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ’s; he himself would be overthrown and cast out.” The Desire of Ages, 686, 687.

  • Returning from His prayer, how did Jesus find His disciples? What reproof did He give them? Mark 14:37, 38.

Note: “Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He ‘findeth them asleep’ (Matthew 26:40). Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, ‘Watch and pray’ (verse 41). At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.” The Desire of Ages, 688.

Tuesday

 3 DEEP ANGUISH (continued)

  •  What was Christ’s second prayer, and what were the disciples doing? Matthew 26:42, 43. What prophecy was then fulfilled? Isaiah 52:14.

Note: “A short time before, Jesus had stood like a mighty cedar, withstanding the storm of opposition that spent its fury upon Him. Stubborn wills, and hearts filled with malice and subtlety, had striven in vain to confuse and overpower Him. He stood forth in divine majesty as the Son of God. Now He was like a reed beaten and bent by the angry storm. He had approached the consummation of His work a conqueror, having at each step gained the victory over the powers of darkness. As one already glorified, He had claimed oneness with God. In unfaltering accents He had poured out His songs of praise. He had spoken to His disciples in words of courage and tenderness. Now had come the hour of the power of darkness. Now His voice was heard on the still evening air, not in tones of triumph, but full of human anguish. The words of the Saviour were borne to the ears of the drowsy disciples, ‘O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done’ (Matthew 26:42).” The Desire of Ages, 689, 690.

  • How was the Son of God comforted during that critical hour? Luke 22:43. With what words had Isaiah prophesied of Christ’s anguish and consolation? Isaiah 53:11.

Note: “In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.” The Desire of Ages, 693, 694.

Wednesday

 4 JESUS ARRESTED

  •  Who led the group that arrested Jesus? John 18:2–5.

Note: “Judas the betrayer did not forget the part he was to act. When the mob entered the garden, he had led the way, closely followed by the high priest. To the pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign, saying, ‘Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast’ (Matthew 26:48).” The Desire of Ages, 695.

“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 warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts.” Ibid., 716.

  • What happened to the angry mob when Jesus identified Himself to them? John 18:6.

Note: “No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forth to meet His betrayer. Standing in advance of His disciples He said, ‘Whom seek ye?’ They answered, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus replied, ‘I am He’ (John 18:4, 5). As these words were spoken, the angel who had lately ministered to Jesus moved between Him and the mob. A divine light illuminated the Saviour’s face, and a dovelike form overshadowed Him. In the presence of this divine glory, the murderous throng could not stand for a moment. They staggered back. Priests, elders, soldiers, and even Judas, fell as dead men to the ground.

“The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had opportunity to escape, but He remained, calm and self-possessed. As one glorified He stood in the midst of that hardened band, now prostrate and helpless at His feet. The disciples looked on, silent with wonder and awe.” The Desire of Ages, 694.

Thursday

 5 CHRIST’S ARREST

  •  What did Peter do when he saw that Jesus was ready to give Himself up without resistance, and how did Jesus admonish him? John 18:7–11; Luke 22:49, 50.

Note: “The disciples had thought that their Master would not suffer Himself to be taken. For the same power that had caused the mob to fall as dead men could keep them helpless, until Jesus and His companions should escape. They were disappointed and indignant as they saw the cords brought forward to bind the hands of Him whom they loved. Peter in his anger rashly drew his sword and tried to defend his Master, but he only cut off an ear of the high priest’s servant.” The Desire of Ages, 696.

  • What miracle did Jesus perform at that very moment? Luke 22:51.

Note: “When Jesus saw what was done, He released His hands, though held firmly by the Roman soldiers, and saying, ‘Suffer ye thus far’ (Luke 22:51). He touched the wounded ear, and it was instantly made whole.” The Desire of Ages, 696.

  • Describe what happened with the chief priests, captains, and elders. Luke 22:52, 53; John 18:12.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1      What appeal of Christ is especially valid to me today?
2      What kind of response should Christ’s experience in Gethsemane bring to my heart?
3      How can I avoid natural reactions such as was manifested by Peter at the arrest of Jesus?
4      What was the principal cause of Christ’s anguish?
5      How did the multitude react before the angel’s glory?

Copyright © 2004 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Christ Prays for His Disciples

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August 27 – September 2, 2017

 Key Text

“I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me” (John 17:23).

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 685–690.

Introduction

“The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have.” The Acts of the Apostles, 475.

Sunday

 1 RESULTS OF KNOWING CHRIST

  •  Having concluded His instructions to the disciples, for what did Jesus pray? John 17:1–3.

Note: “The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. This is the knowledge that works transformation of character. Received into the life, it will re-create the soul in the image of Christ. This is the knowledge that God invites His children to receive, beside which all else is vanity and nothingness.” The Acts of the Apostles, 475.

  • Compare Hosea 6:3 with John 17:3 to understand the result of knowing Christ.

Note: “ ‘This is life eternal,’ Christ declared, ‘that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent’ (John 17:3). These words mean much. It is only by knowing Christ that we can know God. The Sent of God calls upon all to listen to these words. They are the words of God, and all should give heed to them; for by them they will be judged. To know Christ savingly is to be vitalized by spiritual knowledge, to practise [sic] His words. Without this, all else is valueless.” The Signs of the Times, January 27, 1898.

Monday

 2 PREPARATION OF SUCCESSORS

  •  Concerning the words of Christ, what conviction did the disciples reach as a result of their association with Him? John 7:17; 17:7.
  • What did Jesus then declare about the belief of the apostles? John 17:8. How do these words apply to us today?

Note: “[John 17:3, 8 quoted.] Here is the work laid before us, to be representatives of Christ, as He in our world was the representative of the Father. We are to teach the words given us in the lessons of Christ. … We are in the antitypical day of atonement, and not only are we to humble our hearts before God and confess our sins but we are, by all our educating talent, to seek to instruct those with whom we are brought in contact, and to bring them by precept and example to know God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent.” Christian Education, 157.

  • In whose behalf, specifically, did Jesus offer His prayer in John 17? John 17:9.

Note: “He [our great High Priest] is making intercession for the most lowly, the most oppressed and suffering, for the most tried and tempted ones.” The Review and Herald, August 15, 1893.

  • How is Jesus glorified through His disciples? John 17:10, 11. What is necessary in order for this work to occur?

Note: “Only as they were united with Christ could the disciples hope to have the accompanying power of the Holy Spirit and the cooperation of angels of heaven. With the help of these divine agencies they would present before the world a united front and would be victorious in the conflict they were compelled to wage unceasingly against the powers of darkness. As they should continue to labor unitedly, heavenly messengers would go before them, opening the way; hearts would be prepared for the reception of truth, and many would be won to Christ.” The Acts of the Apostles, 90, 91.

Tuesday

 3 UNITED IN CHRIST

  •  In the prayer of Christ, what point is repeatedly mentioned as essential for the church? John 17:21–23.

Note: “He [Christ] prays that His disciples may be one, even as He and the Father are one; and this unity of believers is to be as testimony to the world that He has sent us, and that we bear the evidence of His grace.

“We are to be brought into a sacred nearness with the world’s Redeemer. We are to be one with Christ, as He is one with the Father. What a wonderful change the people of God experience in coming into unity with the Son of God! We are to have our tastes, inclinations, ambitions, and passions all subdued, and brought into harmony with the mind and spirit of Christ. This is the very work that the Lord is willing to do for those who believe in Him. Our life and deportment are to have a molding power in the world. The spirit of Christ is to have a controlling influence over the life of His followers, so that they will speak and act like Jesus.” The Review and Herald, July 2, 1889.

  • How can church unity be achieved and maintained? 1John 1:7.

Note: “A union of believers with Christ will as a natural result lead to a union with one another, which bond of union is the most enduring upon earth. We are one in Christ, as Christ is one with the Father. Christians are branches, and only branches, in the living Vine. One branch is not to borrow its sustenance from another. Our life must come from the parent vine. It is only by personal union with Christ, by communion with Him daily, hourly, that we can bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 47, 48.

“The success of our work depends upon our love to God and our love to our fellowmen. When there is harmonious action among the individual members of the church, when there is love and confidence manifested by brother to brother, there will be proportionate force and power in our work for the salvation of men. Oh, how greatly we need a moral renovation! Without the faith that works by love, you can do nothing. May the Lord give you hearts to receive this testimony.”

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 188.

Wednesday

 4 NOT OF THE WORLD

  •  What does Christ say concerning His disciples and the world? John 17:13, 14; 1John 2:15; James 4:4.

Note: “The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed the sinner’s peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evildoers wherever their character and doctrines were known. Therefore they were hated by the wicked, even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain. For the same reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who sought to throw off the restraint of the Holy Spirit, put to death God’s people. It was for the same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour—because the purity and holiness of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption. From the days of Christ until now His faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin.” The Great Controversy, 46.

  • What is God’s plan for His children as far as the influences of the world are concerned? John 17:15, 16.

Note: “By His own example the Saviour has shown that His followers can be in the world and yet not of the world. He came not to partake of its delusive pleasures, to be swayed by its customs, and to follow its practices, but to do His Father’s will, to seek and save the lost. With this object before him the Christian may stand uncontaminated in any surroundings. Whatever his station or circumstances, exalted or humble, he will manifest the power of true religion in the faithful performance of duty.” The Acts of the Apostles, 467.

“It is impossible for any to discern the truth while the world has their affections. The world comes between them and God, beclouding the vision and benumbing the sensibilities to such a degree that it is impossible for them to discern sacred things.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 530, 531.

Thursday

 5 THAT WE MAY KNOW HIM

  •  Whom else did Christ include in His mediatory prayer? John 17:20.

Note: “All that Christ was to the disciples, He desires to be to His children today; for in that last prayer, with the little band of disciples gathered about Him, He said, ‘Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word’ (John 17:20).” Steps to Christ, 75.

  • What assurance do we have that Christ’s watchcare, through the Holy Spirit, is over us today? John 14:16.

Note: “The words spoken to the disciples are spoken also to us. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs. The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency, amidst the hatred of the world, and the realization of their own failures and mistakes. In sorrow and affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone—these are the times when, in answer to the prayer of faith, the Holy Spirit brings comfort to the heart.” The Acts of the Apostles, 51.

  • What desire did Jesus manifest in behalf of His people at the end of His prayer? John 17:24.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1      What can I do to promote unity among the believers?
2      How can I benefit from Christ’s prayer in behalf of His disciples?
3      In what ways can I develop a deeper knowledge of the name of God?
4      Explain Christ’s saying: “They are not of this world.”
5      What can I do to glorify Christ more fully?

Copyright © 2004 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Recipe – Date Paste

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1 cup pitted dates, packed ½ cup hot water
Combine dates and hot water in bowl. Let soak about 5 minutes. Place dates and liquid in blender and process until completely smooth. Store in closed container in refrigerator. Use in place of sugar in favorite recipes, as a spread or dip on fruit pieces.

Food – The Delectable Date

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Wonderfully delicious, bursting with natural sugars and intense flavors, dates provide a storehouse of energy and life-sustaining nutrition.

Crowning the tops of towering, slender palm trees, dates grow in heavy clusters of oblong amber to deep brown fruits, 200 or more in a cluster weighing up to 25 pounds. The tree, growing to an impressive height of 100 feet, produces 100 to 300 pounds of fruit annually, often living more than 100 years.

Date palms are some of the oldest cultivated plants in recorded history. Since biblical times, the date was believed to possess profound healing properties. Science today is finally catching up in confirming its powerful medicinal benefits:

Rich in potassium: Found to be a very rich source of potassium, dates help reduce cholesterol, lowering the risk of stroke. Potassium is an important element of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and support healthy blood pressure.

Rich in magnesium: Dates contain high levels of magnesium, a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, effectively reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and other inflammation-related health ailments, as well as lowering blood pressure.

Excellent source of iron: Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. About 10 dates supplies 11 percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron.

Rich in other minerals; moderate in vitamins: Dates, rich in calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and copper, provide minerals for supporting strong bone health and fighting osteoporosis. They contain moderate levels of B-complex vitamins with B-6 topping the list, aiding in the metabolism of food and the formation of new blood cells, as well as improving brain performance. Dates are infused with Vitamin A, known to have antioxidant properties essential for vision, to be effective against macular degeneration and night blindness, and is also required in maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin.

High in fiber: Because of the whopping fiber content, dates are an effective natural remedy for constipation. They can also alleviate diarrhea as their high levels of soluble fiber and potassium provide bulk. Consistent intake helps to inhibit the growth of pathogens in the digestive tract, while enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria. Just four dates provide nearly 7 grams of fiber.

Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: “In a 2011 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women who ate 6 dates a day for 4 weeks prior to their delivery date had improved cervical dilation, less damage to membranes, more spontaneous and shorter labor times and required less drugs.” www.naturalhealth365.com/benefits-of-dates-1974.html

Dieticians consider dates the best food for breast-feeding mothers, as they contain components that enrich breast milk with nutrients needed for healthy child development and resistance to disease.

These little nutrition bombs, consumed in moderation, can be used to sweeten recipes in place of sugar. Use as an adhesive agent in raw baking and in energy bars; add to cereals and fruit salads or use to mask greens in smoothies; stuff with nuts and roll in coconut. Its buttery, caramely sweet flavor and beneficial health qualities will bring natural sweetness to food and wellness to the body.

 

Recipe

Date Paste
1 cup pitted dates, packed ½ cup hot water
Combine dates and hot water in bowl. Let soak about 5 minutes. Place dates and liquid in blender and process until completely smooth. Store in closed container in refrigerator. Use in place of sugar in favorite recipes, as a spread or dip on fruit pieces.

 

Life Sketches – The Called

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The New Testament teaches that all Israel will be saved, but the question is, Whom does God account as being part of Israel today? The apostle Paul said that not everyone who thinks he is part of Israel really is.

In the first part of the Bible, the Torah, written by Moses, tells the children of Israel of the curses, the awful things that will happen to them if they are not obedient. We read in Deuteronomy 28, verses 36 and 37, “The Lord will bring you and the king whom you set over you to a nation which neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods—wood and stone. And you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all nations where the Lord will drive you.” He goes on to explain in more detail what is going to happen. These curses that were pronounced by Moses upon the children of Israel, if they would not be obedient, were fulfilled.

“All the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more, according to all the abominations of the nations, and defiled the house of the Lord which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy. Therefore He brought against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or virgin, on the aged or the weak; He gave them all into his hand” (2 Chronicles 36:14–17).

Verses 19, 20: “They burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious possessions. And those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him and his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia.”

The reason for this is that the words of Jeremiah the prophet would be fulfilled. Jeremiah predicted that Israel would be taken captive to Babylon and they would stay there for 70 years, before coming back again. In other words, a whole generation would pass. It would be their children and grandchildren that would be able to return to the land of their fathers, on condition that they would be obedient and not go again into idolatry.

One of the people that was taken from Judah into the land of Babylon was a young man by the name of Daniel, who wrote a book in the Old Testament bearing his name; Daniel lived to be a very old man, until the end of this 70 year period. In Daniel 9:2 it says, “In the first year of his reign,” referring to Darius the Mede, “I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Daniel knew that these 70 years were about up, and he began to pray a long prayer, starting in verse 4: “I prayed to the Lord … and said, ‘… we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.’ ” He notes in verse 7 that they have been unfaithful. As he continues his long prayer of confession on behalf of the children of Israel, in verses 8 through 14, he prays, “We have sinned against You.” “We have rebelled.” “We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord.” “All Israel has transgressed.” “We have not obeyed His voice.” He concludes in verse 15 with “We have done wickedly.” He makes a long prayer of confession on behalf of all the children of Israel, God’s chosen people, the descendants of Abraham and those that have accepted the faith of Abraham.

In answer to his prayer, an angel was sent from heaven. In the latter part of Daniel 9 it is recorded, “While I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God, yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering” (verses 20, 21).

This angel, Gabriel, in answer to Daniel’s prayer, had a special message and prophecy to give to him. He says, in verse 23, “At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision” (of the 2300 days). Verse 24, first part, says, “Seventy weeks are determined [cut off] for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression,” or it could also be translated, “to finish the rebellion.”

Daniel mentions several times in his prayer about their lack of obedience and because of this they had been taken captive, Jerusalem was destroyed, and it was a reproach and a byword to all the peoples of the earth. They said that these people claim to be God’s special people and look, they are scattered as prisoners of war, as servants and slaves all over the earth, and their nation is desolate. Their capital city and their temple is desolate. In Daniel’s prayer, he noted that the Lord had promised that their captivity would last for 70 years. Since the 70 years were about up, he wondered what was going to happen.

The angel said, “Seventy weeks are determined,” or cut off, “for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression …” in other words, to bring to an end the rebellion, “…to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness” (verse 24, second part).

It was during this 70 week period that everlasting righteousness was to be brought in. Everlasting righteousness can only be brought in by God Himself. The Bible is very clear that you and I do not have any righteousness of our own. As the result of the sin of our first parents, we have a sinful nature and cannot generate righteousness. The only way that we can have righteousness is if it is brought to us by somebody else who does not have a sinful depraved nature like we do.

In the 70 week prophecy, the angel predicts that during these 70 weeks, that everlasting righteousness is going to be brought in and the rebellion is to be finished. It says, “To bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy” (verse 24, last part). “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem, until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times” (verse 25).

This is one of the more astounding prophecies in all of the Bible. The angel says to Daniel, “From the time that the decree goes forth …,” in other words, from the time that the decree is implemented to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until Messiah the Prince is going to be seven weeks and threescore and two weeks (or sixty-nine prophetic weeks). Sixty-nine weeks is four hundred and eighty-three days. That would be between one and two years of literal time. But when we study the prophecy carefully, by comparing it with Daniel 7 and 8, and the prophecies in Ezekiel and Numbers, we see that the angel is using a common symbolic usage of the word time as is done with other prophets.

For example, Ezekiel is told in Ezekiel chapter 4:4–6, literal translation, “Lie on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it. According to the number of the days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity. For I have laid on you the years of their iniquity, according to the number of days, three hundred and ninety days; so you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. And when you have completed them, lie again on your right side; then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah, forty days. I have laid on you a day for a year.” Notice, every day in the prophecy equals a year of literal time. This is a common symbolic usage of the word time in both the books of Daniel and Revelation. In fact, when we start computing it this way, we find the prophecy works out exactly. If you do not use this measuring stick, then the prophecy not only doesn’t work out, but it doesn’t make any sense.

But when you use the measuring stick of one day of prophetic time to equal one year of literal time, the prophecy works out perfectly. There are differences between calendars among the different nations and ancient nations, but we will convert the time into our time and we use AD and BC. BC was the time before Christ, and AD is the time after Christ. We are living about 2,000 years after the beginning of time when Christ came.

When we go back to when this decree was issued, when it was implemented to go and restore Jerusalem, we find that it was in the later part of 457 BC.

If you are using simply literal time, then you should be looking for the Christ, the Messiah, to come approximately sometime in 455 BC. However, nobody appeared in 455 BC. But, if you use the prophetic measuring stick for prophetic time, and a symbolic time prophecy of a day of prophetic time equaling a year of literal time, you will be astonished at what you come up with, because, in the New Testament, we find in Luke the 3rd chapter, the exact time when Jesus was baptized. It was at His baptism that He was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power. You can read about it in Acts 10:38.

When we look in Luke 3 we find that it happened in the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar, which began in the fall of AD 27. If you go from the fall of 457 BC, which was when the decree was implemented to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the time when Jesus was anointed; in other words, when He became the Anointed One, the Messiah, then you have a period of exactly sixty-nine weeks or four hundred and eighty-three years.

Mark 1:14, 15 says, “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel.’ ” Daniel 9:25 had just been fulfilled. The Messiah had arrived, but for how long? In Daniel 9:26, it says, “After the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off.” There were 7 weeks and then 62 weeks, for a total of 483 days, or 483 literal years, which brings us to AD 27 in the fall when Jesus was baptized, recorded in Luke 3.

But then after that time it says that the Messiah was to be cut off, but not for Himself. “Then He [the Messiah] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week.” That’s the 70th week. “But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering” (verse 27), a week would be 7 years, the middle of the week would be 3 ½ years.

Did Jesus bring an end to sacrifice and offering, at the end of 3 ½ years after He was baptized? Yes, He did. Notice what it says in Hebrews 10:11–14: “Every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

Verse 18: “Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” Jesus came and offered one sacrifice. It is by this sacrifice that people are saved. After this, there is no more offering for sin. That one sacrifice is sufficient to take away the sins of all those who believe in Him.

So, when Jesus offered His life upon the cross of Calvary as an offering for sin, that brought an end to sacrifices and offerings. Sometimes the Lord teaches us by what He says and sometimes He teaches us by what He does.

It says, in Matthew 27:50, 51, “Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.” “The veil of the temple was torn in two.” What did that represent? Oh, friend, that showed that the way into the holy places of the heavenly sanctuary were now open to the believers, and the earthly sanctuary and the sacrifices of lambs, and goats, and bullocks had no more value, as Paul explains in Hebrews 10. The true Sacrifice had come. That happened in the middle of the 70th prophetic week, exactly 3 1/2 years after Jesus’ baptism. As you follow Jesus’ life there, you will find the first Passover after His baptism would have been the Passover in AD 28 (see John 2).

The 2nd Passover after His baptism would have been the Passover when Jesus went to the Jews and they had the huge argument in John 5. It’s very clear there that it was a feast of the Jews and this feast occurred after John 4, which had occurred just 4 months before harvest time.

Remember, Passover was harvest time. If you go then to the 3rd Passover after Jesus’ baptism, then you are at John 6, the feeding of the 5,000. That would be AD 30. And the 4th Passover after the baptism of Jesus was the time when He was crucified, during Passover time in AD 31, exactly as predicted in Daniel 9.

Jesus is the majesty of heaven. He is part of the Godhead. He is the One that made everything. What is going to happen to the people who won’t accept His lordship? They will not accept Him as the Messiah; they will not accept Him as their religious leader; they will not accept Him at all.

The details of Jesus’ life in this world were predicted throughout the Old Testament by the various prophets. For example, Daniel predicted when He would become the Messiah. We just read about that in Daniel 9. Micah predicted that He would be born, in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2). Isaiah predicted where He would have the largest part of His ministry in Galilee (see Isaiah 9). Isaiah also predicted that He would be rejected by the Jewish people (see Isaiah 53; Psalm 69). His death on the cross was also predicted (see Psalm 22). The various details of Jesus’ life were all predicted.

What happens, then, to people, even God’s chosen people, if they reject God Himself, if they reject the Prince of Heaven, the Majesty of Heaven? (See Matthew 21:33–39.) It is a very interesting parable about the wicked vine dressers. The vine dressers represented the Jewish leaders, and the Son of the householder whom they killed represented Jesus Christ. The others that they killed represented the prophets and servants that had been sent to them. Verses 40, 41 say, “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will He do to those vinedressers? They said to Him, ‘He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease His vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to Him the fruits in their seasons.’ ”

“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone which the builders rejected, [He] has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes”? ‘Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it’ ” (verses 42, 43).

Jesus, talking to God’s chosen people said, because you have rejected the Messiah, the kingdom of God is going to be taken from you, and it is going to be given to somebody else.

Then He says, “And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder” (verse 44). When would the kingdom of God be taken from them?

The kingdom of God, even after the crucifixion of Jesus, was not taken from the Jews right away. The apostles went first to Jerusalem to preach the gospel to give them even another chance. In fact, at Pentecost, Peter is talking to the people who are responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus, and he tells them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). There were many Jews who became Christians at that point in time, but, unfortunately, the majority of the nation did not. The leaders did not. In fact, their opposition to the gospel, their opposition to the idea of Jesus Christ being the Messiah, became so vehement, so fierce, and so bitter, that eventually, they came to the end of the line.

They stoned to death one of the Christian leaders. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. Before His stoning he said to them, “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you” (Acts 7:51). He accused them of becoming the murderers of the Just One who was sent to them saying, “And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, on whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers” (verse 52).

He was filled with the Holy Spirit and they were so angry that they gnashed their teeth and drew him out of the temple, and out of the town, and stoned him to death. When they were doing this, he said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (verse 56)!

O friend, when Jesus is sitting down on His throne, that’s one thing, but when He stands up, that is a time of decision-making, a time of judgment. After that time the gospel went to the Gentiles and the Jews as a nation were no longer God’s chosen and special people.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Health – Cold Water

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In the early 1800s, Priessnitz, while watching his grazing flock, noticed a wounded doe, injured by hunters, wade into the calm backflow waters of a mountain brook. The following gives us a history of how his curiosity changed his life.

“He wondered as the doe limped away and disappeared in the forest. That night he decided there must be a reason for a wounded animal to seek water to lave [wash, bathe] its wounds. Perhaps instinct was stronger than reason. He would return the next day. He did.

“Sure enough the doe returned to the eddying water at about the same time. It stood silently, without a move, and then after awhile limped to the bank and disappeared in the deep foliage of the forest once more. For two weeks the lad Vincent Priessnitz returned daily to his vantage point and watched. For two weeks the wounded doe returned and bathed its injured leg in the brook. Each day the deer walked better and finally scampered out of the water on the last day to return no more.

“Before his very eyes he had seen a badly injured deer healed with cool sparkling brook water. Vincent Priessnitz never forgot that experience.

“Some years later Priessnitz was injured severely hauling cord wood. Night stole upon him, as did a heavy snow storm. His team bolted through a gulch. The load slipped and his ribs were crushed.

“But while he lay there he had time to reflect on what to do. A doctor was out of the question on a night like that. No help was forthcoming. Somehow he managed to get home.

“No, he could not soak his injured ribs in water as the deer had done with its leg. He conceived the idea of wrapping the injured ribs with pieces of his torn shirt soaked in cold water. This relieved him. He continued to apply cold wet wrappings and in due course his ribs were free from pain and healed.

“The news of his accomplishment spread. When a neighbor became injured he called for the young man who healed with water. Requests for aid became more frequent and further from home, and his experience grew apace.

“He gave the matter of his discovery, which had meant so much to himself and others much thought. He tried various applications with varying degrees of success. Empirically by trial and error he evolved a method or system of cold water treatment that brought help to thousands.

“He opened a modest place where people could stay. In a matter of months it became the haven of the sick. His fame spread to every corner of the globe. He treated prince and pauper alike. The medical big wigs of the day protested and closed his doors. To his patients, called to the center of the square, he said, ‘be undismayed. If they will not let me use water we shall find a cure in air.’

“He was persecuted and prosecuted. By trickery and scheming the medical fraternity sought to discredit him. The people who had been healed were evidence against any wrong doing he was accused of. The final gesture was the claim that the water was drugged. The State found he used only pure mountain water.

“To end all persecution the State decreed that no one should ever molest him, that he be permitted to heal the sick as he had been doing.

“Grafenberg became a shrine for the ill. People traveled to it from all over the world. Some of the best records we have came from the pen of Americans who crossed the ocean to take the ‘cure.’

“In 1842, twelve hundred patients from all over the world visited and were cared for at his institution at Grafenberg. During the years 1849, 1850 and 1851, the number of patients rose to as high as fourteen hundred, and came from as many as thirty different countries, such was his fame. …

“Priessnitz’s work was absorbed by other systems which followed as the Kneipp and Bilz system and so on, until we find at the turn of the twentieth century an American Hydro-therapy fostered by the genius of the late John Harvey Kellogg of Battle Creek Sanitarium fame. …” The Cold Water Cure, pg i, ii, by Vincent Priessnitz, 1843.  Reprinted by Kessinger Publishing’s Rare Reprints.

There are instances in the Spirit of Prophecy where water treatments were used. Here are several:

“I am generally up hours before any other member of my family. On rising I build my fire, take a bath in cold water before the fire, and then, after my praying season, take my pen in hand and, from two o’clock until seven, write many pages. We have family prayers just before breakfast, which is at half past seven. I generally retire at seven o’clock in the evening.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, 259.

“If you feel that you must eat at night, take a drink of cold water, and in the morning you will feel much better for not having eaten.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 177.

“Do not sit in a meeting with cold feet. If the feet are cold, wash them in cold water, and then dry them thoroughly. You will find that the blood will thus be called from the head to the limbs.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 142.

Amazing what a little water can do. Praise God for all of His blessings!

Question & Answer – What is that “standard against him” in Isaiah 59:19?

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“… When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19, last part).

This is the Spirit of the Lord lifting up that heavenly standard in and through you. “The standard which He uplifts is His law. …” This Day With God, 199.

“Angels of God moved upon the hearts of Martin Luther, Melanchthon, and others in different places, and caused them to thirst for the living testimony of the word of God. The enemy had come in like a flood, and the standard must be raised against him. Luther was the one chosen to breast the storm, stand up against the ire of a fallen church, and strengthen the few who were faithful to their holy profession. He was ever fearful of offending God. He tried through works to obtain His favor, but was not satisfied until a gleam of light from heaven drove the darkness from his mind and led him to trust, not in works, but in the merits of the blood of Christ. He could then come to God for himself, not through popes or confessors, but through Jesus Christ alone.” Early Writings, 222, 223.

“In the daily life you will meet with sudden surprises, disappointments, and temptations. What saith the word? ‘Resist the devil,’ by firm reliance upon God, ‘and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you’ (James 4:7, 8). ‘Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me’ (Isaiah 27:5). Look unto Jesus at all times and in all places, offering a silent prayer from a sincere heart that you may know how to do His will. Then when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard for you against the enemy. When you are almost ready to yield, to lose patience and self-control, to be hard and denunciatory, to find fault and accuse—this is the time for you to send to heaven the prayer, ‘Help me, O God, to resist temptation, to put all bitterness and wrath and evilspeaking out of my heart. Give me Thy meekness, Thy lowliness, Thy long-suffering, and Thy love. …’ ”  The Adventist Home, 214.

“… angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus ‘when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him’ (Isaiah 59:19).” The Great Controversy, 600.