EGW WritingsLuke 10
Ellen G. White · Page 4 of 4
Read Luke 10 in the BibleLuke 10:27-28
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 166, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 166, 1897, par. 6
All who surrender entirely to the Lord will realize that the words of Christ mean everything to them, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] We are individually under the yoke of obedience which Christ pronounces light. Every young man, every young woman, who places themselves in living connection with Christ, yoking up with Him, is yielding homage to Christ by returning to his loyalty to God in obeying all His commandments, and are connecting themselves with the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. All young men and young women who place themselves by the side of Christ, are greatly honored. They learn Christ’s meekness, Christ’s lowliness of mind, in willing homage to the plain “Thus saith the Lord.” They are learning Christ’s ways, they avoid the principal causes that bring mortification in disappointments that are sure to come to the high hopes of all youth who are not submitting their will and way to the Lord. Christ is all and in all to those who put their entire faith and trust in Him. A pure, good character may be attained through Christ alone, and in and through obedience to the Word he will not stumble. His youthful vigor will not be exhausted in eating the air. God will bless every youth who will love and honor Him by keeping His commandments. “Great peace have they who love thy law and nothing shall offend them.” [Psalm 119:165.]12LtMs, Ms 166, 1897, par. 10
We ask in the name of Jesus to our friends in Stanmore, Who will be on the Lord’s side? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do,” said Christ, “and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.]God’s Amazing Grace
Perpetual and Unalterable, May 30
AG 158.3
Man gains everything by obeying the covenant-keeping God. God’s attributes are imparted to man, enabling him to exercise mercy and compassion. God’s covenant assures us of His unchangeable character.... We must know for ourselves what His requirements and our obligations are. The terms of God’s covenant are, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” These are the conditions of life. “This do,” Christ said, “and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:27, 28).86SDA Bible Commentary 7:932.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Experience Following the 1888 Minneapolis Conference; The Danger of Legalism; Emphasizing Religious Liberty
1888 373.2
I will pursue this history no further, but I will in a very imperfect manner state [that] the law points to Christ and Christ points to the law. Because man has broken the law, the day in which we live is a period when the law of God is almost universally made void. How few realize their personal responsibility to God. The power of free, independent action may fill us with awe. God speaks. What does He say? He says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.... This do and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:27, 28).Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 2
Preach the Word
2NL 164.2
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:27, 28. All who will conform their lives to the plain requirements of God’s word will inherit eternal life.—Manuscript 28, 1904.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 38, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 38, 1886, par. 10
The young man came to Christ and asked, “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” The answer was, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:16, 17. The same answer was given to the lawyer, and the lawyer told Him that the law told him to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Christ said unto him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:27, 28. So you have the whole duty laid down, and that is to keep the commandments if you expect to have eternal life. What was lost through Adam by disobedience must be brought back by obedience.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 7, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 7, 1885, par. 7
“Come out from among them, and be ye separate.” [Verse 17.] Will we hear the voice of God and obey, or shall we make half-way work of the matter and try to serve God and mammon at the same time? Christ has placed before us the conditions of eternal life. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God,” He says, “with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] The servants who will hear from the lips of Christ, “Well done, good and faithful servants” [Matthew 25:23], will be heroic ministers of righteousness, though they may never preach a discourse from the pulpit. Loyal to a sense of God’s claims upon them, and jealous of the honor of their Captain, they will minister to the souls who are the purchase of His blood. They will see the necessity of carrying into their work a willing mind, an earnest spirit, and a hearty, unselfish zeal. They will not study how best they can preserve their own dignity, but by their care and thoughtfulness they win the hearts of those whom they serve. On every hand the agents of Satan will induce us to sin. But the soul who wills to love and fear God will be as firm as a rock to his heaven-inspired purpose. Like Daniel, he will refuse to be moved from his convictions of duty.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 4a, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 21
Multitudes embrace the truth who have not its living principles incorporated into their lives. Christ has presented the conditions for all men if they would have eternal life. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do,” said the world’s Redeemer, “and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] This is not obeyed, and in consequence of this disregard of the special injunction of the Great Teacher, sin and iniquity are cherished in the heart, pled for, wept for, and clung to as precious acquisitions. Anything is preferable to putting away evil.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 30, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 30, 1889, par. 62
I will pursue this history no further, but I will in a very imperfect manner state [that] the law points to Christ and Christ points to the law. Because man has broken the law, the day in which we live is a period when the law of God is almost universally made void. How few realize their personal responsibility to God. The power of free, independent action may fill us with awe. God speaks. What does He say? He says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. ... This do and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:27, 28.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 35, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 35, 1889, par. 3
The young man asked the Saviour what he should do to have eternal life. He called him to the obedience of the law and told him if he loved God with his whole heart he shall live. [Luke 10:27, 28.] If we do love with our whole heart, then we love as Christ loves. Oh, can we comprehend this wonderful love? In church capacity shall we do or say anything to discourage our brethren or, like Christ, build them up?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 34, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 34, 1890, par. 34
Your husband should not merge his identity in you. The marriage vow that binds the husband to the wife must remain unbroken, but he has vows to his Lord—to love Him with the whole heart, the undivided affection. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; ... This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] It is his duty to place himself where he can honor God with mind, soul, body, and spirit, even if he never looks upon your face again. By your endless talk of cheap, earthly, carnal things, and your outbursts of passion, you are constantly creating a condition of things that tends to absorb his thoughts, to divert his mind from God, and to disqualify him for his work. He has one duty before him—to preserve himself from being compelled to come to your level by giving himself to some branch of the work of God. He belongs to the Creator in the highest sense; Jesus has bought him with His own blood, and requires him to be wholly united with Him in the work He has for him to do.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 72, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 72, 1893, par. 5
The Lord has given me a message for you and your children to take up your long neglected duty, to walk in the light as He is in the light. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” “This do,” said Christ, of a lawyer, “and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] This is the voice of God to yourself and your children. The law of God is good as well as just and profitable to all who obey; and you will show honor to him whom you obey. When your mind is brought into conformity to the will of God to obey His commandments, think you that the Lord will not have a care for you and your temporal interests?Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Are We in the Faith?
GW92 432.2
Let us examine our hearts in the light of the great principle of the law of God as defined by Christ: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] Here the conditions of eternal life are specified. The promise is, “This do, and thou shalt live.” Are you, my brethren, carrying out these principles in your every-day life? Are there not reasons why you do not come to the light, why you have no freedom in Christ, why you do not find that rest that he has promised to all who come unto him with their burdens?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 16, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 16, 1895, par. 15
Will the people who are advocating the keeping of the commandments of God themselves obey the divine precepts? Will they keep the first four commandments and thus have supreme love for God, and the last six that reveal our duty to our fellowmen? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus says, “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 102a, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, par. 19
The people need to realize the spirituality of the law of God and its eternal obligation resting upon men. They need to realize the worthlessness of formal, ceremonial obedience. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself.” To the lawyer who gave this interpretation of the law, Christ said, “Thou hast answered right, this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] In all our institutions, in all our churches, in all our homes, there is need of a decided awakening in regard to the paternal character of God, His holiness and benevolence, and the relation which the human agents sustain to God and to one another.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 26, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 26, 1896, par. 6
Christ declared, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind. ... This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] This commandment, which He had given to Moses when enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, He again lays down as the condition of eternal life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 3, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 15
Thus it is with many who suppose themselves fully in harmony with the great Teacher. They may say, What lack I yet? The comprehensive requirement of the law of God makes no reservation. The command is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 148, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 148, 1897, par. 18
Man gains everything by obeying the covenant-keeping God. God’s attributes are imparted to man, enabling him to exercise mercy and compassion. God’s covenant assures us of His unchangeable character. Why then are those who claim to believe in God changeable, fickle, untrustworthy? Why do they not do service heartily, as under obligation to please and glorify God? It is not enough for us to have a general idea of God’s requirements. We must know for ourselves what His a requirements and our obligations are. The terms of God’s covenant are, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” These are the conditions of life. “This do,” Christ said, “and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 146, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 146, 1897, par. 13
Temptations are ever laid as a snare to take souls in an unexpected form to give the affections of the heart, and the thoughts of the heart to the creature in the place of the Creator. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Christ said to the lawyer, “Thou hast answered right, this do and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The standard of character which God requires of His children is not a lowered standard in the gospel. The same Saviour that has given His requests in the cloudy pillar on Sinai’s mount gives the same requests in the gospel as is plainly stated in the terms of eternal life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 116, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 116, 1897, par. 8
The world and the Christian cannot be in co-partnership. “Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] The Lord help us all to keep His commandments. The first four commandments reveal the duty of man to his God. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” Here the mental, moral, and physical powers are embraced. “This do,” said Christ, “and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] He is speaking of eternal life in the kingdom of God.Heaven
Chapter 10—Who Will Be There?
Hvn 96.2
Those Who Love God and Neighbors—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.... This do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:27, 28). All who will conform their lives to the plain requirements of God’s Word will inherit eternal life.—Ms 28, 1904 quoted in Selected Messages 1:174.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 133, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 133, 1899, par. 18
“This do and thou shalt live,” Christ said to the lawyer who had answered His question in the words, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] Eternal life is the reward that will be given to all who obey the two great principles of God’s law—love to God and love to man. The first four commandments define and enjoin love to God; the last six, love to our fellow men. Obedience to God’s commands is the only evidence man can give that he possesses a genuine, saving knowledge of God. And supreme love for God is demonstrated by love for those for whom Christ has died.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 7, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 7, 1901, par. 4
By the great law of God man is bound up with his fellow man. To the answer given by the lawyer, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself,” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 56, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 56, 1902, par. 41
Every true child of God prepares himself for service. Jesus said, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. ... This do, and thou shalt live.” [Matthew 19:17; Luke 10:27, 28.] These words mean much. Service to God includes all there is of man. Jesus Christ is the One altogether lovely, the Chiefest among ten thousand. Why should we not love Him and give Him our undivided service?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 181, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 181, 1903, par. 4
I am instructed to say to you, You know not your danger. You must humble your heart before God. Your first work is to be truly converted. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 28, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 28, 1904, par. 15
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] All who will conform their lives to the plain requirements of God’s Word will inherit eternal life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 87, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 87, 1905, par. 13
Spiritual life is the result of the action of the soul in obedience to the Word and in harmony with the laws of God. Let the soul be regulated by the law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]
MR No. 318—The Christian Pathway
5MR 260.1
The young man came to Christ and asked, “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” The answer was, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” [Matthew 19:16, 17]. The same answer was given to the lawyer, and the lawyer told Him that the law told him to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” And Christ said unto him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” [Luke 10:27, 28]. So you have the whole duty laid down, and that is to keep the commandments if you expect to have eternal life. What was lost through Adam by disobedience must be brought back by obedience.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 85, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, par. 20
The terms of the law are plainly specified. If you love God with your whole heart and soul and strength and mind, and your neighbor as yourself, you are making sure of life eternal; for Christ has said of those who keep His commandments, “Ye shall live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] Will you do the very work you must do in order to be saved? If you are careful, prompt, and conscientious in your home life; if in your prayers you claim the Lord’s promises and expect an answer; if you discharge your duties faithfully, you will not be left to stumble on in darkness. The Lord of heaven will be present with you; by His Holy Spirit He will guide you. Every one who is to receive the overcomer’s reward must first overcome every sin; and not until he overcomes through divine grace can he entertain hope of entering the heaven of eternal bliss.Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
The Covenant Completed
1MR 111.2
It is not enough for us to have a general idea of God’s requirements. We must know for ourselves what His requirements and our obligations are. The terms of God’s covenant are, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). These are the conditions of life. “This do,” Christ said, “and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:28).Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1216—Experience Following the 1888 Minneapolis Conference; The Danger of Legalism; Emphasizing Religious Liberty
16MR 233.2
I will pursue this history no further, but I will in a very imperfect manner state [that] the law points to Christ and Christ points to the law. Because man has broken the law, the day in which we live is a period when the law of God is almost universally made void. How few realize their personal responsibility to God. The power of free, independent action may fill us with awe. God speaks. What does He say? He says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.... This do and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:27, 28).Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 933—The Christian Life
12MR 54.1
Man gains everything by obeying the covenant-keeping God. God’s attributes are imparted to man, enabling him to exercise mercy and compassion. God’s covenant assures us of His unchangeable character. Why then are those who claim to believe in God changeable, fickle, untrustworthy? Why do they not do service heartily, as under obligation to please and glorify God? It is not enough for us to have a general idea of God’s requirements. We must know for ourselves what His requirements and our obligations are. The terms of God’s covenant are: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). These are the conditions of life. “This do,” Christ said, “and thou shalt live” (verse 28).Luke 10:28
Ye Shall Receive Power
The Spirit Can Be Grieved, January 25
YRP 33.4
God has bought us, and He claims a throne in each heart. Our minds and bodies must be subordinated to Him; and the natural habits and appetites must be made subservient to the higher wants of the soul. But we can place no dependence upon ourselves in this work. We cannot with safety follow our own guidance. The Holy Spirit must renew and sanctify us. And in God’s service there must be no halfway work. Those who profess to serve God and yet indulge their natural impulses will mislead other souls. Said Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). “This do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:28).—Manuscript Releases 18:47, 48.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 50, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 50, 1893, par. 24
God’s commands are to be obeyed by all. “This do,” the Eternal One declares, “and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] But notwithstanding that men and women have before them the history of the fall, showing them that disobedience in little things is the same in God’s sight as disobedience in larger things, God’s commandments are ignored and ridiculed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 111, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 111, 1893, par. 10
Jesus says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. ... Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Matthew 22:37, 39.] “This do,” said Christ, “and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] I call upon all who are managers in our Institutions to awake, and reason from high principles, and determine what shall be your future course. Will you break the spell that Satan has put upon you? Will you seek to be cleansed from the guilty record that is registered against you? God has honored you by giving you a connection with his work; but if this connection with sacred responsibilities does not increase your piety in practical life, does not aid you in the cultivation of mercy, long-suffering and goodness, does not make you tender-hearted, pitiful, courteous, Christlike, then your condemnation will be in proportion to the responsibility of the position you have accepted. It will be in proportion as your example in transgression as a responsible man is of influence to work injury in representing the attributes of Satan instead of those of the Father in heaven. Great light has come to this people and the work of wrath is a strange work for God, but when it is necessary he will vindicate his name, bringing forth his judgment as the light and his righteousness as the noonday.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 42, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 42, 1894, par. 5
The power of the Holy Spirit came upon me, and I gave a decided testimony of reproof because of the lack of love and sympathy and courtesy toward brethren in the ministry; these feelings are positively forbidden by our Saviour. The lack of confidence and respect and love for one another is a marvel among the heavenly angels, since Christ has given so perfect an example of love toward all His disciples and toward His enemies. How could the Lord bless His people when those who preach the Word to the <unbelievers> were disregarding the principles of His law, which teaches us to love God supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves. This is the condition of eternal life. <Said Christ, Do, and thou shalt live.> [Luke 10:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 67, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 67, 1896, par. 21
God has bought us, and He claims a throne in each heart. Our minds and bodies must be subordinated to Him; and the natural habits and appetites must be made subservient to the higher wants of the soul. But we can place no dependence upon ourselves in this work. we cannot with safety follow our own guidance. The Holy Spirit must renew and sanctify us. And in God’s service there must be no halfway work. Those who profess to serve God and yet indulge their natural impulses will mislead other souls. Said Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” [Mark 12:30.] “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.]Luke 10:29
My Life Today
Who Is My Neighbor? August 16
ML 232.1
But he ... said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? Luke 10:29.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 25, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 25, 1897, par. 2
The Lord calls upon the churches who know the truth to be converted, soul, body, and spirit, to be sanctified and dedicated to His service. They are not to stand, saying, “Who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:29.] They are to bear in mind that their neighbor is the one who most needs their help and sympathy. Those who will stand where the Lord can work through them to communicate light to the world will be chosen as vessels unto honor.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 47a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 47a, 1898, par. 7
The Lord communicates light and wisdom to His people if they are walking in the light. It is not the plan of God to specify regarding all the questions which are agitated in regard to your future work. It is much easier to ask as did the lawyer, “Who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:29] than to do the work of righteousness that opens before you in the providences of God. Commence to work with the light which God has given you, and as you shall set your inquisitive minds at work to examine yourselves, whether you have the love of God in your hearts, you will find knowledge regarding His will. “The wise shall understand.” [Daniel 12:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 117, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 117, 1899, par. 28
In helplessness and disappointment we are fighting the battles of life, and the Lord designs us as His sons and daughters, whom He calls His friends, to help one another. This is to be a part of their practical Christian work. “Who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:29.] Read and understand. It is the very one who needs help the most. Thy brother, sick in spirit, needs thee as thou needed him. He needs the experience of one who has been as weak as himself, who can sympathize with and help him. The very knowledge of his own weakness helps that one to help another in his weakness.Luke 10:30-37
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 77, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 77, 1901, par. 6
“The Southern field is represented by the man who, robbed and beaten, was left by the roadside to die. A priest came that way, gave a sigh of pity, and passing by, wished he had not seen the wounded man. Then came a Levite, who also passed by on the other side. ‘But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.’ [Luke 10:30-35.]16LtMs, Ms 77, 1901, par. 7
“After relating this incident, Christ asked in a clear, solemn voice, ‘Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor to him that fell among thieves?’ From many voices came the answer, ‘He that showed mercy on him.’ Then said Jesus, ‘Go, and do thou likewise.’ [Verses 36, 37.]Counsels for the Church
Chapter 49—The Christian Attitude Toward Want and Suffering
CCh 283.3
The conditions of inheriting eternal life are plainly stated by our Saviour in the most simple manner. The man who was wounded and robbed, Luke 10:30-37 represents those who are subjects of our interest, sympathy, and charity. If we neglect the cases of the needy and the unfortunate that are brought under our notice, no matter who they may be, we have no assurance of eternal life; for we do not answer the claims that God has upon us. We are not compassionate and pitiful to humanity, because they may not be kith or kin to us. You have been found transgressors of the second great commandment, upon which the last six commandments depend. Whosoever offendeth in one point, is guilty of all. Those who do not open their hearts to the wants and sufferings of humanity will not open their hearts to the claims of God as stated in the first four precepts of the Decalogue. Idols claim the heart and affections, and God is not honored and does not reign supreme.524Testimonies for the Church 3:524Luke 10:33-34
Lift Him Up
In Harmony With God’s Law, May 21
LHU 155.1
A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, ... and took care of him. Luke 10:33, 34.Ye Shall Receive Power
Divine Help in Doing Samaritan Work, May 27
YRP 156.1
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:33, 34.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 6, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 6, 1901, par. 3
The priest and the Levite saw the wounded, suffering man, but they passed by on the other side. The Samaritan, when he saw him, “had compassion on him,” and cared for him. [Luke 10:33, 34.] Those who are following in the footsteps of Jesus will act the part of the good Samaritan in their dealings with the discouraged and oppressed.Luke 10:34
From the Heart
The Good Samaritan, Part 2, April 28
FH 130.1
So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:34.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Divine Healer, April 30
JNN 130.1
“And he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”—Luke 10:34Luke 10:35
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 64, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 64, 1909, par. 6
God has a work for everyone to do. I would say to all whose names are on the church books, Are you laborers together with God? Christ left the royal courts and gave His life, that He might save the souls who were perishing in their sins. Yet there are those who profess His name who refuse to act a self-denying, self-sacrificing part. They will not consecrate their lives to the service of Him who gave His life to save sinners. There are many who recognize the work to be done, but they act as many acted at the time of the San Francisco earthquake. They saw the work that needed to be done, but they refused to be inconvenienced in order to meet the issue. They live over again the actions of the priest and Levite who, seeing the poor man wounded and bruised by the roadside, seeing his need of help they could give, passed by on the other side. The Spirit of the Saviour is represented in the action of the good Samaritan. He, when he saw the sufferer, pitied his helplessness and his suffering and rendered him the help he needed. He sought to relieve His sufferings and carefully dressed his wounds. Then, placing him upon his own beast, he took him to an inn for shelter, and, leaving him in the care of the keeper of the inn, paid his expenses, saying, “Whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Luke 10:35.]Luke 10:36-37
My Life Today
Love Friend and Foe Alike, July 3
ML 188.1
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:36, 37.Reflecting Christ
Who Is My Neighbor? August 3
RC 229.1
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he [the lawyer] said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:36, 37.Ye Shall Receive Power
Pity and Compassion: God’s Spirit at Work, May 28
YRP 157.1
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:36, 37.Luke 10:37
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 45, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 45, 1894, par. 27
We are to meet misery and repentance, not with censure, not with reproach, not with suspicion, distrust, [and] jealousy, as represented in the eldest son, but with compassion, with sympathy, just such as Jesus has manifested toward us. He met lost humanity with infinite love. He encircled the perishing, wandering soul with His own human arm, He connected sinful man with His own divine nature, and adopted the child of humanity into His own family. He presents this example before you, and says, “Go thou and do likewise.” [Luke 10:37.] This doing of the words and works of Christ will create joy throughout the unfallen universe; songs of rejoicing will resound through all the heavenly worlds.Luke 10:38-42
Conflict and Courage
Fretting and Fussing, October 25
CC 304.1
The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are fretting and fussing about so many things; but one thing is necessary. The part that Mary has chosen is best; and it shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41, 42, N.E.B.CC 304.2
As Christ gave His wonderful lessons, Mary sat at His feet, a reverent and devoted listener. On one occasion, Martha, perplexed with the care of preparing the meal, went to Christ, saying, “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” This was the time of Christ’s first visit to Bethany. The Saviour and His disciples had just made the toilsome journey on foot from Jericho. Martha was anxious to provide for their comfort, and in her anxiety she forgot the courtesy due to her Guest....CC 304.3
The “one thing” that Martha needed was a calm, devotional spirit, a deeper anxiety for knowledge concerning the future, immortal life, and the graces necessary for spiritual advancement. She needed less anxiety for the things which pass away, and more for those things which endure forever. Jesus would teach His children to seize every opportunity of gaining that knowledge which will make them wise unto salvation. The cause of Christ needs careful, energetic workers. There is a wide field for the Marthas, with their zeal in active religious work. But let them first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence, promptness, and energy be sanctified by the grace of Christ; then the life will be an unconquerable power for good.43Ibid., 525.CC 304.4
The reason why the youth, and even those of mature years, are so easily led into temptation and sin, is that they do not study the word of God and meditate upon it as they should. The lack of firm, decided will power, which is manifest in life and character, results from neglect of the sacred instruction of God’s word. They do not by earnest effort direct the mind to that which would inspire pure, holy thought and divert it from that which is impure and untrue. There are few who choose the better part, who sit at the feet of Jesus, as did Mary, to learn of the divine Teacher. Few treasure His words in the heart and practice them in the life.44The Ministry of Healing, 458.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 58—“Lazarus, Come Forth”
DA 524.1
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 of affection to the family at Bethany, and for one of them His most wonderful work was wrought.DA 524.2
At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often found rest. The Saviour had no home of His own; He was dependent on the hospitality of His friends and disciples, and often, when weary, thirsting for human fellowship, He had been glad to escape to this peaceful household, away from the suspicion and jealousy of the angry Pharisees. Here He found a sincere welcome, and pure, holy friendship. Here He could speak with simplicity and perfect freedom, knowing that His words would be understood and treasured.DA 524.3
Our Saviour appreciated a quiet home and interested listeners. He longed for human tenderness, courtesy, and affection. Those who received the heavenly instruction He was always ready to impart were greatly blessed. As the multitudes followed Christ through the open fields, He unfolded to them the beauties of the natural world. He sought to open the eyes of their understanding, that they might see how the hand of God upholds the world. In order to call out an appreciation of God’s goodness and benevolence, He called the attention of His hearers to the gently falling dew, to the soft showers of rain and the bright sunshine, given alike to good and evil. He desired men to realize more fully the regard that God bestows on the human instrumentalities He has created. But the multitudes were slow of hearing, and in the home at Bethany Christ found rest from the weary conflict of public life. Here He opened to an appreciative audience the volume of Providence. In these private interviews He unfolded to His hearers that which He did not attempt to tell to the mixed multitude. He needed not to speak to His friends in parables.DA 525.1
As Christ gave His wonderful lessons, Mary sat at His feet, a reverent and devoted listener. On one occasion, Martha, perplexed with the care of preparing the meal, went to Christ, saying, “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” This was the time of Christ’s first visit to Bethany. The Saviour and His disciples had just made the toilsome journey on foot from Jericho. Martha was anxious to provide for their comfort, and in her anxiety she forgot the courtesy due to her Guest. Jesus answered her with mild and patient words, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary was storing her mind with the precious words falling from the Saviour’s lips, words that were more precious to her than earth’s most costly jewels.DA 525.2
The “one thing” that Martha needed was a calm, devotional spirit, a deeper anxiety for knowledge concerning the future, immortal life, and the graces necessary for spiritual advancement. She needed less anxiety for the things which pass away, and more for those things which endure forever. Jesus would teach His children to seize every opportunity of gaining that knowledge which will make them wise unto salvation. The cause of Christ needs careful, energetic workers. There is a wide field for the Marthas, with their zeal in active religious work. But let them first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence, promptness, and energy be sanctified by the grace of Christ; then the life will be an unconquerable power for good.DA 525.3
Sorrow entered the peaceful home where Jesus had rested. Lazarus was stricken with sudden illness, and his sisters sent to the Saviour, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick.” They saw the violence of the disease that had seized their brother, but they knew that Christ had shown Himself able to heal all manner of diseases. They believed that He would sympathize with them in their distress; therefore they made no urgent demand for His immediate presence, but sent only the confiding message, “He whom Thou lovest is sick.” They thought that He would immediately respond to their message, and be with them as soon as He could reach Bethany.DA 526.1
Anxiously they waited for a word from Jesus. As long as the spark of life was yet alive in their brother, they prayed and watched for Jesus to come. But the messenger returned without Him. Yet he brought the message, “This sickness is not unto death,” and they clung to the hope that Lazarus would live. Tenderly they tried to speak words of hope and encouragement to the almost unconscious sufferer. When Lazarus died, they were bitterly disappointed; but they felt the sustaining grace of Christ, and this kept them from reflecting any blame on the Saviour.DA 526.2
When Christ heard the message, the disciples thought He received it coldly. He did not manifest the sorrow they expected Him to show. Looking up to them, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” For two days He remained in the place where He was. This delay was a mystery to the disciples. What a comfort His presence would be to the afflicted household! they thought. His strong affection for the family at Bethany was well known to the disciples, and they were surprised that He did not respond to the sad message, “He whom Thou lovest is sick.”DA 526.3
During the two days Christ seemed to have dismissed the message from His mind; for He did not speak of Lazarus. The disciples thought of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. They had wondered why Jesus, with the power to perform wonderful miracles, had permitted John to languish in prison, and to die a violent death. Possessing such power, why did not Christ save John’s life? This question had often been asked by the Pharisees, who presented it as an unanswerable argument against Christ’s claim to be the Son of God. The Saviour had warned His disciples of trials, losses, and persecution. Would He forsake them in trial? Some questioned if they had mistaken His mission. All were deeply troubled.DA 526.4
After waiting for two days, Jesus said to the disciples, “Let us go into Judea again.” The disciples questioned why, if Jesus were going to Judea, He had waited two days. But anxiety for Christ and for themselves was now uppermost in their minds. They could see nothing but danger in the course He was about to pursue. “Master,” they said, “the Jews of late sought to stone Thee; and goest Thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day?” I am under the guidance of My Father; as long as I do His will, My life is safe. My twelve hours of day are not yet ended. I have entered upon the last remnant of My day; but while any of this remains, I am safe.DA 527.1
“If any man walk in the day,” He continued, “he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.” He who does the will of God, who walks in the path that God has marked out, cannot stumble and fall. The light of God’s guiding Spirit gives him a clear perception of his duty, and leads him aright till the close of his work. “But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” He who walks in a path of his own choosing, where God has not called him, will stumble. For him day is turned into night, and wherever he may be, he is not secure.DA 527.2
“These things said He: and after that He saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep.” “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth.” How touching the words! how full of sympathy! In the thought of the peril their Master was about to incur by going to Jerusalem, the disciples had almost forgotten the bereaved family at Bethany. But not so Christ. The disciples felt rebuked. They had been disappointed because Christ did not respond more promptly to the message. They had been tempted to think that He had not the tender love for Lazarus and his sisters that they had thought He had, or He would have hastened back with the messenger. But the words, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth,” awakened right feelings in their minds. They were convinced that Christ had not forgotten His suffering friends.DA 527.3
“Then said His disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that He had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.” Christ represents death as a sleep to His believing children. Their life is hid with Christ in God, and until the last trump shall sound those who die will sleep in Him.DA 527.4
“Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” Thomas could see nothing but death in store for his Master if he went to Judea; but he girded up his spirit, and said to the other disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” He knew the hatred of the Jews toward Christ. It was their purpose to compass His death, but this purpose had not succeeded, because some of His allotted time still remained. During this time Jesus had the guardianship of heavenly angels; and even in the regions of Judea, where the rabbis were plotting how they might take Him and put Him to death, no harm could come to Him.DA 528.1
The disciples marveled at Christ’s words when He said, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad ... that I was not there.” Did the Saviour by His own choice avoid the home of His suffering friends? Apparently Mary and Martha and the dying Lazarus were left alone. But they were not alone. Christ beheld the whole scene, and after the death of Lazarus the bereaved sisters were upheld by His grace. Jesus witnessed the sorrow of their rent hearts, as their brother wrestled with his strong foe, death. He felt every pang of anguish, as He said to His disciples, “Lazarus is dead.” But Christ had not only the loved ones at Bethany to think of; He had the training of His disciples to consider. They were to be His representatives to the world, that the Father’s blessing might embrace all. For their sake He permitted Lazarus to die. Had He restored him from illness to health, the miracle that is the most positive evidence of His divine character, would not have been performed.DA 528.2
Had Christ been in the sickroom, Lazarus would not have died; for Satan would have had no power over him. Death could not have aimed his dart at Lazarus in the presence of the Life-giver. Therefore Christ remained away. He suffered the enemy to exercise his power, that He might drive him back, a conquered foe. He permitted Lazarus to pass under the dominion of death; and the suffering sisters saw their brother laid in the grave. Christ knew that as they looked on the dead face of their brother their faith in their Redeemer would be severely tried. But He knew that because of the struggle through which they were now passing their faith would shine forth with far greater power. He suffered every pang of sorrow that they endured. He loved them no less because He tarried; but He knew that for them, for Lazarus, for Himself, and for His disciples, a victory was to be gained.DA 528.3
“For your sakes,” “to the intent ye may believe.” To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest. They will look back with thankfulness upon the darkest part of their way. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly,” 2 Peter 2:9. From every temptation and every trial He will bring them forth with firmer faith and a richer experience.DA 529.1
In delaying to come to Lazarus, Christ had a purpose of mercy toward those who had not received Him. He tarried, that by raising Lazarus from the dead He might give to His stubborn, unbelieving people another evidence that He was indeed “the resurrection, and the life.” He was loath to give up all hope of the people, the poor, wandering sheep of the house of Israel. His heart was breaking because of their impenitence. In His mercy He purposed to give them one more evidence that He was the Restorer, the One who alone could bring life and immortality to light. This was to be an evidence that the priests could not misinterpret. This was the reason of His delay in going to Bethany. This crowning miracle, the raising of Lazarus, was to set the seal of God on His work and on His claim to divinity.DA 529.2
On His journey to Bethany, Jesus, according to His custom, ministered to the sick and the needy. Upon reaching the town He sent a messenger to the sisters with the tidings of His arrival. Christ did not at once enter the house, but remained in a quiet place by the wayside. The great outward display observed by the Jews at the death of friends or relatives was not in harmony with the spirit of Christ. He heard the sound of wailing from the hired mourners, and He did not wish to meet the sisters in the scene of confusion. Among the mourning friends were relatives of the family, some of whom held high positions of responsibility in Jerusalem. Among these were some of Christ’s bitterest enemies. Christ knew their purposes, and therefore He did not at once make Himself known.DA 529.3
The message was given to Martha so quietly that others in the room did not hear. Absorbed in her grief, Mary did not hear the words. Rising at once, Martha went out to meet her Lord, but thinking that she had gone to the place where Lazarus was buried, Mary sat still in her sorrow, making no outcry.DA 529.4
Martha hastened to meet Jesus, her heart agitated by conflicting emotions. In His expressive face she read the same tenderness and love that had always been there. Her confidence in Him was unbroken, but she thought of her dearly loved brother, whom Jesus also had loved. With grief surging in her heart because Christ had not come before, yet with hope that even now He would do something to comfort them, she said, “Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Over and over again, amid the tumult made by the mourners, the sisters had repeated these words.DA 529.5
With human and divine pity Jesus looked into her sorrowful, careworn face. Martha had no inclination to recount the past; all was expressed by the pathetic words, “Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” But looking into that face of love, she added, “I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee.”DA 530.1
Jesus encouraged her faith, saying, “Thy brother shall rise again.” His answer was not intended to inspire hope of an immediate change. He carried Martha’s thoughts beyond the present restoration of her brother, and fixed them upon the resurrection of the just. This He did that she might see in the resurrection of Lazarus a pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead, and an assurance that it would be accomplished by the Saviour’s power.DA 530.2
Martha answered, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”DA 530.3
Still seeking to give a true direction to her faith, Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. “He that hath the Son hath life.” 1 John 5:12. The divinity of Christ is the believer’s assurance of eternal life. “He that believeth in Me,” said Jesus, “though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?” Christ here looks forward to the time of His second coming. Then the righteous dead shall be raised incorruptible, and the living righteous shall be translated to heaven without seeing death. The miracle which Christ was about to perform, in raising Lazarus from the dead, would represent the resurrection of all the righteous dead. By His word and His works He declared Himself the Author of the resurrection. He who Himself was soon to die upon the cross stood with the keys of death, a conqueror of the grave, and asserted His right and power to give eternal life.DA 530.4
To the Saviour’s words, “Believest thou?” Martha responded, “Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” She did not comprehend in all their significance the words spoken by Christ, but she confessed her faith in His divinity, and her confidence that He was able to perform whatever it pleased Him to do.DA 530.5
“And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.” She delivered her message as quietly as possible; for the priests and rulers were prepared to arrest Jesus when opportunity offered. The cries of the mourners prevented her words from being heard.DA 533.1
On hearing the message, Mary rose hastily, and with an eager look on her face left the room. Thinking that she had gone to the grave to weep, the mourners followed her. When she reached the place where Jesus was waiting, she knelt at His feet, and said with quivering lips, “Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” The cries of the mourners were painful to her; for she longed for a few quiet words alone with Jesus. But she knew of the envy and jealousy cherished in the hearts of some present against Christ, and she was restrained from fully expressing her grief.DA 533.2
“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” He read the hearts of all assembled. He saw that with many, what passed as a demonstration of grief was only pretense. He knew that some in the company, now manifesting hypocritical sorrow, would erelong be planning the death, not only of the mighty miracle worker, but of the one to be raised from the dead. Christ could have stripped from them their robe of pretended sorrow. But He restrained His righteous indignation. The words He could in all truth have spoken, He did not speak, because of the loved one kneeling at His feet in sorrow, who truly believed in Him.DA 533.3
“Where have ye laid him?” He asked, “They said unto Him, Lord, come and see.” Together they proceeded to the grave. It was a mournful scene. Lazarus had been much beloved, and his sisters wept for him with breaking hearts, while those who had been his friends mingled their tears with those of the bereaved sisters. In view of this human distress, and of the fact that the afflicted friends could mourn over the dead while the Saviour of the world stood by,—“Jesus wept.” Though He was the Son of God, yet He had taken human nature upon Him, and He was moved by human sorrow. His tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to sympathy by suffering. He weeps with those that weep, and rejoices with those that rejoice.DA 533.4
But it was not only because of His human sympathy with Mary and Martha that Jesus wept. In His tears there was a sorrow as high above human sorrow as the heavens are higher than the earth. Christ did not weep for Lazarus; for He was about to call him from the grave. He wept because many of those now mourning for Lazarus would soon plan the death of Him who was the resurrection and the life. But how unable were the unbelieving Jews rightly to interpret His tears! Some, who could see nothing more than the outward circumstances of the scene before Him as a cause for His grief, said softly, “Behold how He loved him!” Others, seeking to drop the seed of unbelief into the hearts of those present, said derisively, “Could not this Man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” If it were in Christ’s power to save Lazarus, why then did He suffer him to die?DA 534.1
With prophetic eye Christ saw the enmity of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He knew that they were premeditating His death. He knew that some of those now apparently so sympathetic would soon close against themselves the door of hope and the gates of the city of God. A scene was about to take place, in His humiliation and crucifixion, that would result in the destruction of Jerusalem, and at that time none would make lamentation for the dead. The retribution that was coming upon Jerusalem was plainly portrayed before Him. He saw Jerusalem compassed by the Roman legions. He knew that many now weeping for Lazarus would die in the siege of the city, and in their death there would be no hope.DA 534.2
It was not only because of the scene before Him that Christ wept. The weight of the grief of ages was upon Him. He saw the terrible effects of the transgression of God’s law. He saw that in the history of the world, beginning with the death of Abel, the conflict between good and evil had been unceasing. Looking down the years to come, He saw the suffering and sorrow, tears and death, that were to be the lot of men. His heart was pierced with the pain of the human family of all ages and in all lands. The woes of the sinful race were heavy upon His soul, and the fountain of His tears was broken up as He longed to relieve all their distress.DA 534.3
“Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself cometh to the grave.” Lazarus had been laid in a cave in a rock, and a massive stone had been placed before the entrance. “Take ye away the stone,” Christ said. Thinking that He only wished to look upon the dead, Martha objected, saying that the body had been buried four days, and corruption had already begun its work. This statement, made before the raising of Lazarus, left no room for Christ’s enemies to say that a deception had been practiced. In the past the Pharisees had circulated false statements regarding the most wonderful manifestations of the power of God. When Christ raised to life the daughter of Jairus, He had said, “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” Mark 5:39. As she had been sick only a short time, and was raised immediately after death, the Pharisees declared that the child had not been dead; that Christ Himself had said she was only asleep. They had tried to make it appear that Christ could not cure disease, that there was foul play about His miracles. But in this case, none could deny that Lazarus was dead.DA 535.1
When the Lord is about to do a work, Satan moves upon someone to object. “Take ye away the stone,” Christ said. As far as possible, prepare the way for My work. But Martha’s positive and ambitious nature asserted itself. She was unwilling that the decomposing body should be brought to view. The human heart is slow to understand Christ’s words, and Martha’s faith had not grasped the true meaning of His promise.DA 535.2
Christ reproved Martha, but His words were spoken with the utmost gentleness. “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” Why should you doubt in regard to My power? Why reason in opposition to My requirements? You have My word. If you will believe, you shall see the glory of God. Natural impossibilities cannot prevent the work of the Omnipotent One. Skepticism and unbelief are not humility. Implicit belief in Christ’s word is true humility, true self-surrender.DA 535.3
“Take ye away the stone.” Christ could have commanded the stone to remove, and it would have obeyed His voice. He could have bidden the angels who were close by His side to do this. At His bidding, invisible hands would have removed the stone. But it was to be taken away by human hands. Thus Christ would show that humanity is to co-operate with divinity. What human power can do divine power is not summoned to do. God does not dispense with man’s aid. He strengthens him, co-operating with him as he uses the powers and capabilities given him.DA 535.4
The command is obeyed. The stone is rolled away. Everything is done openly and deliberately. All are given a chance to see that no deception is practiced. There lies the body of Lazarus in its rocky grave, cold and silent in death. The cries of the mourners are hushed. Surprised and expectant, the company stand around the sepulcher, waiting to see what is to follow.DA 535.5
Calmly Christ stands before the tomb. A sacred solemnity rests upon all present. Christ steps closer to the sepulcher. Lifting His eyes to heaven, He says, “Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me.” Not long before this, Christ’s enemies had accused Him of blasphemy, and had taken up stones to cast at Him because He claimed to be the Son of God. They accused Him of performing miracles by the power of Satan. But here Christ claims God as His Father, and with perfect confidence declares that He is the Son of God.DA 536.1
In all that He did, Christ was co-operating with His Father. Ever He had been careful to make it evident that He did not work independently; it was by faith and prayer that He wrought His miracles. Christ desired all to know His relationship with His Father. “Father,” He said, “I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me. And I knew that Thou hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” Here the disciples and the people were to be given the most convincing evidence in regard to the relationship existing between Christ and God. They were to be shown that Christ’s claim was not a deception.DA 536.2
“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” His voice, clear and penetrating, pierces the ear of the dead. As He speaks, divinity flashes through humanity. In His face, which is lighted up by the glory of God, the people see the assurance of His power. Every eye is fastened on the entrance to the cave. Every ear is bent to catch the slightest sound. With intense and painful interest all wait for the test of Christ’s divinity, the evidence that is to substantiate His claim to be the Son of God, or to extinguish the hope forever.DA 536.3
There is a stir in the silent tomb, and he who was dead stands at the door of the sepulcher. His movements are impeded by the graveclothes in which he was laid away, and Christ says to the astonished spectators, “Loose him, and let him go.” Again they are shown that the human worker is to co-operate with God. Humanity is to work for humanity. Lazarus is set free, and stands before the company, not as one emaciated from disease, and with feeble, tottering limbs, but as a man in the prime of life, and in the vigor of a noble manhood. His eyes beam with intelligence and with love for his Saviour. He casts himself in adoration at the feet of Jesus.DA 536.4
The beholders are at first speechless with amazement. Then there follows an inexpressible scene of rejoicing and thanksgiving. The sisters receive their brother back to life as the gift of God, and with joyful tears they brokenly express their thanks to the Saviour. But while brother, sisters, and friends are rejoicing in this reunion, Jesus withdraws from the scene. When they look for the Life-giver, He is not to be found.Daughters of God
Mary and Martha
Jesus frequently stayed at the home of Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Martha was often cumbered with the cares of daily duties, while Mary sought first the words of Jesus.
DG 57.1
Jesus had often found the rest that His weary human nature required at the house of Lazarus, in Bethany. His first visit there was when He and His disciples were weary from a toilsome journey on foot from Jericho to Jerusalem. They tarried as guests at the quiet home of Lazarus, and were ministered unto by his sisters, Martha and Mary.DG 57.2
Notwithstanding the fatigue of Jesus, He continued the instruction which He had been giving His disciples on the road, in reference to the qualifications necessary to fit men for the kingdom of heaven. The peace of Christ rested upon the home of the brother and sisters. Martha had been all anxiety to provide for the comfort of her guests, but Mary was charmed by the words of Jesus to His disciples, and, seeing a golden opportunity to become better acquainted with the doctrines of Christ, quietly entered the room where He was sitting, and, taking her place at the feet of Jesus, drank in eagerly every word that fell from His lips.—The Spirit of Prophecy 2:358 (1877).DG 57.3
As Christ gave His wonderful lessons, Mary sat at His feet, a reverent and devoted listener. On one occasion, Martha, perplexed with the care of preparing the meal, went to Christ, saying, “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.” This was the time of Christ’s first visit to Bethany. The Saviour and His disciples had just made the toilsome journey on foot from Jericho. Martha was anxious to provide for their comfort, and in her anxiety she forgot the courtesy due to her Guest. Jesus answered her with mild and patient words, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary was storing her mind with the precious words falling from the Saviour’s lips, words that were more precious to her than earth’s most costly jewels.DG 58.1
The “one thing” that Martha needed was a calm, devotional spirit, a deeper anxiety for knowledge concerning the future, immortal life, and the graces necessary for spiritual advancement. She needed less anxiety for the things which pass away, and more for those things which endure forever. Jesus would teach His children to seize every opportunity of gaining that knowledge which will make them wise unto salvation. The cause of Christ needs careful, energetic workers. There is a wide field for the Marthas, with their zeal in active religious work. But let them first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence, promptness, and energy be sanctified by the grace of Christ; then the life will be an unconquerable power for good.—The Desire of Ages, 525 (1898).DG 58.2
Like Mary, we need to sit at the feet of Jesus to learn of Him, having chosen that better part which will never be taken from us. Like Martha we need to be ever abounding in the work of the Lord. The higher Christian attainments can be reached only by being much on our knees in sincere prayer.... One fiber of the root of selfishness remaining in the soul will spring up when least expected, and thereby will many be defiled.—That I May Know Him, 351 (1894).DG 58.3
In the inspired record we are told that “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus,” yet after He received the message [that Lazarus was sick], “he abode two days still in the same place where he was.” Guided by divine wisdom, He did not go at once to His beloved friends. The message that came to Him did not meet with an immediate response. Mary and Martha did not say, “Lord, come at once and heal our brother.” They had confidence in Jesus, believing that He would do what was best for them. At length He said to His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.”—Manuscript Releases 21:111 (1892).DG 59.1
When He [Jesus] reached Bethany He heard from several persons that Lazarus was dead, and had been buried four days.... Martha hastened to meet Him; she told Him of her brother’s death, saying, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” In her disappointment and grief she had not lost confidence in Jesus, and added, “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it unto thee.” Jesus encouraged her faith by declaring to her, “Thy brother shall rise again”....DG 59.2
When Jesus asked Martha: “Believest thou?” she answered by a confession of her faith: “Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” Thus Martha declared her belief in the Messiahship of Jesus, and that He was able to perform any work which it pleased Him to do. Jesus bade Martha call her sister, and the friends that had come to comfort the afflicted women. When Mary came she fell at the feet of Jesus, also crying, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” At the sight of all this distress, Jesus “groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.” Together they all proceeded to the grave of Lazarus, which was a cave with a stone upon it.—The Spirit of Prophecy 2:362, 363 (1877).DG 59.3
In all that He did, Christ was cooperating with His Father. Ever He had been careful to make it evident that He did not work independently; it was by faith and prayer that He wrought His miracles. Christ desired all to know His relationship with His Father. “Father,” He said, “I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” Here the disciples and the people were to be given the most convincing evidence in regard to the relationship existing between Christ and God. They were to be shown that Christ’s claim was not a deception.DG 59.4
“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” His voice, clear and penetrating, pierces the ear of the dead. As He speaks, divinity flashes through humanity. In His face, which is lighted up by the glory of God, the people see the assurance of His power. Every eye is fastened on the entrance to the cave. Every ear is bent to catch the slightest sound. With intense and painful interest all wait for the test of Christ’s divinity, the evidence that is to substantiate His claim to be the Son of God, or to extinguish the hope forever.DG 60.1
There is a stir in the silent tomb, and he who was dead stands at the door of the sepulcher. His movements are impeded by the graveclothes in which he was laid away, and Christ says to the astonished spectators, “Loose him, and let him go.” Again they are shown that the human worker is to cooperate with God. Humanity is to work for humanity. Lazarus is set free, and stands before the company, not as one emaciated from disease, and with feeble, tottering limbs, but as a man in the prime of life, and in the vigor of a noble manhood. His eyes beam with intelligence and with love for his Saviour. He casts himself in adoration at the feet of Jesus.—The Desire of Ages, 536 (1898).DG 60.2
By the raising of Lazarus, many were led to believe in Jesus. It was God’s plan that Lazarus should die and be laid in the tomb before the Saviour should arrive. The raising of Lazarus was Christ’s crowning miracle, and because of it many glorified God.—Manuscript Releases 21:111 (1892).*****
DG 60.3
Simon [Simon was the one who had led Mary into sin. He was her uncle. See Appendix A.] had been healed of the leprosy, and it was this that had drawn him to Jesus. He desired to show his gratitude, and at Christ’s last visit to Bethany he made a feast for the Saviour and His disciples.... At the table the Saviour sat with Simon ... on one side and Lazarus ... on the other. Martha served at the table, but Mary was earnestly listening to every word from the lips of Jesus. In His mercy, Jesus had pardoned her sins, He had called forth her beloved brother from the grave, and Mary’s heart was filled with gratitude. She had heard Jesus speak of His approaching death, and in her deep love and sorrow she had longed to show Him honor. At great personal sacrifice she had purchased an alabaster box of “ointment of spikenard, very costly,” with which to anoint His body. But now many were declaring that He was about to be crowned king. Her grief was turned to joy, and she was eager to be first in honoring her Lord. Breaking her box of ointment, she poured its contents upon the head and feet of Jesus; then, as she knelt weeping, moistening them with her tears, she wiped His feet with her long, flowing hair....DG 61.1
Judas looked upon this act with great displeasure.... He asked, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” ... The murmur passed round the table, “To what purpose is this waste”? ... Mary heard the words of criticism.... She was about to shrink away, when the voice of her Lord was heard, “Let her alone; why trouble ye her?” ... Lifting His voice above the murmur of criticism, He said, “She hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.”—The Desire of Ages, 557-560 (1898).From Heaven With Love
Chapter 58—The Raising of Lazarus
HLv 350.1
Among the most steadfast of Christ’s disciples was Lazarus of Bethany, and he was greatly loved by the Saviour. For Lazarus the greatest of Christ’s miracles was performed. The Saviour loves all the human family, but to some He is bound by peculiarly tender associations.HLv 350.2
At the home of Lazarus, Jesus often found rest. The Saviour had no home of His own. When weary, thirsting for human fellowship, He had been glad to escape to this peaceful household. Here He found a sincere welcome and pure, holy friendship.HLv 350.3
As the multitudes followed Christ through the open fields, He unfolded to them the beauties of the natural world. But the multitudes were slow of hearing, and in the home at Bethany Christ found rest from the weary conflict of public life. Here He needed not to speak in parables.HLv 350.4
As Christ gave His wonderful lessons, Mary sat at His feet, a reverent and devoted listener. On one occasion, Christ’s first visit to Bethany, Martha, preparing the meal, went to Him, saying, “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.” Jesus answered her with mild and patient words, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary was storing her mind with words from the Saviour’s lips, words more precious to her than earth’s most costly jewels.HLv 350.5
Martha needed less anxiety for the things which pass away, and more for those things which endure forever. The cause of Christ needs Marthas, with their zeal in active religious work; but let them first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence and energy be sanctified by the grace of Christ.HLv 351.1
Sorrow entered the peaceful home where Jesus had rested. Lazarus was stricken with sudden illness, and his sisters sent to the Saviour, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick.” They saw the violence of the disease that had seized their brother, but they knew that Christ had shown Himself able to heal all manner of diseases. They made no urgent demand for His immediate presence but thought He would be with them as soon as He could reach Bethany.HLv 351.2
Anxiously they waited. As long as the spark of life was in their brother, they prayed and watched for Jesus to come. But the messenger returned without Him. Yet he brought the message, “This sickness is not unto death,” and they clung to the hope that Lazarus would live. When the sufferer died they were bitterly disappointed, but they felt the sustaining grace of Christ.HLv 351.3
When Christ heard the message, He did not manifest the sorrow the disciples expected Him to show. He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” For two days Jesus remained in the place where He was. This delay was a mystery to the disciples, for His strong affection for the family at Bethany was well known.HLv 351.4
During the two days, Christ seemed to have dismissed the message from His mind. The disciples thought of John the Baptist. With the power to perform miracles, why had Jesus permitted John to languish in prison and die a violent death? The Pharisees presented this question as an unanswerable argument against Christ’s claim to be the Son of God. The Saviour had warned His disciples of trials, losses, and persecution. Would He forsake them in trial? All were deeply troubled.HLv 352.1
After waiting two days, Jesus said, “Let us go into Judea again.” The disciples questioned why, if Jesus were going to Judea, He had waited two days. But anxiety for Christ and for themselves was now uppermost in their minds. They could see nothing but danger in the course He was about to pursue. “Master,” they said, “the Jews of late sought to stone Thee; and goest Thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day?” I am under the guidance of My Father; as long as I do His will, My life is safe. I have entered upon the last remnant of My day; but while any of this remains, I am safe.HLv 352.2
“If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.” The light of God’s guiding Spirit gives him a clear perception of his duty and leads him till the close of his work. “But if any man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” He who walks in a path of his own choosing will stumble. Wherever he may be, he is not secure.HLv 352.3
“These things said He; and after that He saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” In the thought of the peril their Master was about to incur by going to Jerusalem, the disciples had almost forgotten the bereaved family at Bethany. But not so Christ. The disciples had been tempted to think Jesus had not the tender love for Lazarus and his sisters that they thought He had. But the words, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth,” awakened right feelings in their minds. Christ had not forgotten His suffering friends.HLv 352.4
“Then said His disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.” Christ represents death as a sleep to His believing children. Their life is hid with Christ in God, and until the last trump shall sound those who die will sleep in Him. See 1 Corinthians 15:51-54.HLv 352.5
“Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.”HLv 353.1
The disciples marveled at Christ’s words when He said, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad ... that I was not there.” Did the Saviour by His own choice avoid the home of His suffering friends? But Christ beheld the whole scene, and the bereaved sisters were upheld by His grace. Jesus witnessed the sorrow of their rent hearts as their brother wrestled with death. But Christ had not only the loved ones at Bethany to think of; He had the training of His disciples to consider. They were to be His representatives to the world. For their sake He permitted Lazarus to die. Had He restored him from illness to health, the miracle that is the most positive evidence of His divine character would not have been performed.HLv 353.2
Had Christ been in the sickroom, death could not have aimed his dart at Lazarus. Therefore Christ remained away. He permitted the suffering sisters to see their brother laid in the grave. He suffered every pang of sorrow that they endured. He loved them no less because He tarried, but He knew that for them, for Lazarus, for Himself, and for His disciples, a victory was to be gained.HLv 353.3
To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest. They will look back with thankfulness on the darkest part of their way. From every temptation and trial He will bring them forth with firmer faith and a richer experience.HLv 353.4
Christ had tarried so that by raising Lazarus from the dead He might give to His stubborn, unbelieving people another evidence that He was indeed “the resurrection and the life.” He was loath to give up all hope of the people of Israel, and He purposed to give them one more evidence that He was the One who alone could bring life and immortality to light. This was the reason of His delay in going to Bethany.HLv 354.1
On reaching Bethany Jesus sent a messenger to the sisters with the tidings of His arrival, but He remained in a quiet place by the wayside. The great outward display observed by the Jews at the death of friends or relatives was not in harmony with the spirit of Christ. He heard the sound of wailing from the hired mourners, and did not wish to meet the sisters in the scene of confusion. Among the mourning friends were some of Christ’s bitterest enemies. Christ knew their purposes, and therefore did not at once make His presence known.HLv 354.2
The message was given to Martha so quietly that others, even Mary, did not hear. Martha went out to meet her Lord, but Mary sat still in her sorrow, making no outcry.HLv 354.3
Martha’s heart was agitated by conflicting emotions. In Christ’s expressive face she read the same tenderness and love that had always been there, but she thought of her dearly loved brother. With grief surging in her heart because Christ had not come before, she said, “Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Over and over again the sisters had repeated these words.HLv 354.4
Martha had no inclination to recount the past, but looking into the face of love, she added, “I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee.”HLv 354.5
Jesus encouraged her, saying, “Thy brother shall rise again.” His answer fixed Martha’s thoughts on the resurrection of the just, that she might see in the resurrection of Lazarus a pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead.HLv 354.6
Martha answered, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Seeking to give a true direction to her faith, Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life.” In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. “He that hath the Son hath life.” 1 John 5:12. Said Jesus, “He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?” Christ here looked forward to the time of His second coming. At the time of His second coming, the righteous dead shall be raised incorruptible, and the living righteous shall be translated to heaven without seeing death. The raising of Lazarus would represent the resurrection of all the righteous dead. By His word and His works Jesus asserted His right and power to give eternal life.HLv 355.1
To the Saviour’s words, “Believest thou?” Martha responded, “Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” She confessed her faith in His divinity, and her confidence that He was able to perform whatever it pleased Him to do.HLv 355.2
“When she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.” She delivered her message as quietly as possible; for the priests and rulers were prepared to arrest Jesus when opportunity offered. The cries of the mourners prevented her words from being heard.HLv 355.3
On hearing the message, Mary rose hastily and left the room. Thinking that she had gone to the grave to weep, the mourners followed her. When she reached the place where Jesus was waiting, she said with quivering lips, “Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” The cries of the mourners were painful to her, for she longed for a few quiet words alone with Jesus.HLv 355.4
“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” He saw that with many, what passed as grief was only pretense. Some now manifesting hypocritical sorrow would plan the death, not only of the mighty miracle worker, but of the one to be raised from the dead. “Where have ye laid him?” He asked. “Lord, come and see.” Together they proceeded to the grave. Lazarus had been much loved, and his sisters wept with breaking hearts, while his friends mingled their tears with those of the bereaved sisters. In view of this human distress, and of the fact that the afflicted friends could mourn while the Saviour of the world stood by, “Jesus wept.” The Son of God had taken human nature upon Him, and was moved by human sorrow. His tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to sympathy by suffering.HLv 356.1
But it was not only because of sympathy with Mary and Martha that Jesus wept. Christ wept because the weight of the grief of ages was upon Him. He saw the terrible effects of the transgression of God’s law. He saw that the conflict between good and evil had been unceasing. He saw the suffering and sorrow, tears, and death, that were to be the lot of the human family of all ages in all lands. Woes of the sinful race were heavy upon His soul, and the fountain of His tears was broken up as He longed to relieve all their distress.HLv 356.2
Lazarus had been laid in a cave, and a massive stone had been placed before the entrance. “Take ye away the stone,” Christ said. Thinking He only wished to look upon the dead, Martha objected, saying that the body had been buried four days, and corruption had already begun its work. This statement, made before the raising of Lazarus, left no room for Christ’s enemies to say that a deception had been practiced. When Christ raised the daughter of Jairus, He had said, “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” Mark 5:39. As she had been raised immediately after her death, the Pharisees declared that the child had not been dead, that Christ Himself said she was only asleep. They had tried to make it appear that there was foul play about His miracles. But in this case, none could deny that Lazarus was dead.HLv 356.3
When the Lord is about to do a work, Satan moves upon someone to object. Martha was unwilling that the decomposing body should be brought to view. Her faith had not grasped the true meaning of His promise. Christ reproved Martha with the utmost gentleness: “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” You have My word. Natural impossibilities cannot prevent the work of the Omnipotent One. Unbelief is not humility. Implicit belief in Christ’s word is true humility, true self-surrender.HLv 357.1
“Take ye away the stone.” Christ could have bidden the angels close by His side to remove the stone. But Christ would show that humanity is to cooperate with divinity. What human power can do divine power is not summoned to do.HLv 357.2
The command was obeyed. The stone was rolled away. Everything was done openly and deliberately. All saw that no deception was practiced. There lay the body of Lazarus, cold and silent in death. Surprised and expectant, the company stood around the sepulcher, waiting to see what was to follow.HLv 357.3
A sacred solemnity rested upon all present. Christ stepped closer to the sepulcher. Lifting His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me.” Christ’s enemies had accused Him of blasphemy because He claimed to be the Son of God. But here, with perfect confidence, Christ declared He was the Son of God.HLv 357.4
Christ was careful to make it evident that He did not work independently of His Father; it was by faith and prayer that He wrought His miracles. Christ desired all to know His relationship with His Father. “Father,” He said, “I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me. And I knew that Thou hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent Me.” Here the disciples and the people were to be shown that Christ’s claim was not a deception.HLv 357.5
“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” Divinity flashed through humanity. In His face, which was lighted up by the glory of God, the people saw the assurance of His power. Every eye was fastened on the cave, every ear bent to catch the slightest sound. With intense interest all waited for the evidence that was to substantiate Christ’s claim to be the Son of God, or to extinguish the hope forever.HLv 358.1
There was a stir in the silent tomb; then he who was dead stood at the door of the sepulcher. His movements were impeded by the graveclothes, so Christ said to the astonished spectators, “Loose him, and let him go.” Again they were shown that humanity is to work for humanity. Lazarus was set free and stood before the company, not as one emaciated from disease but as a man in the prime of life. His eyes beamed with intelligence and love for His Saviour. In adoration he cast himself at the feet of Jesus.HLv 358.2
The beholders were at first speechless with amazement; then there followed inexpressible rejoicing. The sisters received their brother back to life as the gift of God, and with joyful tears they brokenly expressed their thanks to the Saviour. But while all were rejoicing in this reunion, Jesus withdrew from the scene. When they looked for the Life-giver, He was not to be found.Luke 10:40-42
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 113, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 113, 1901, par. 24
On one occasion when Christ was at the home of Lazarus, Mary sat at His feet drinking in His precious words of instruction. Martha was busy preparing the meal, and she wanted Mary’s help. “Lord,” she said, “dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” [Luke 10:40-42.]Luke 10:41-42
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 42, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 37
Then the case of Martha is presented. She was so anxious for all due honor to be given to Christ that in her active preparations in provision of food, she lost the most precious, golden moments of listening to instruction from His divine lips. Mary sat at His feet to catch every word. She regarded this of highest importance. This offended Martha, and she asked the Lord Jesus if He did not care that she served alone, while Mary shunned these responsibilities. Said Jesus, “Martha, Mary hath chosen the better part which shall never be taken from her.” [Luke 10:42.] What was that better part? To learn of Jesus, to appreciate His words. In giving attention to the words which fell from His lips, she was showing her love for her Saviour.6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 38
“Martha,” said Christ, “thou art careful and troubled about many things.” [Verse 41.] This reproof of Christ comes to many Marthas in our time. They lose much spiritual and divine knowledge that would make them wise unto salvation, through their bustling activity to do so much in temporal things, to shower favors upon those whom they love. If they would preserve simplicity in all their preparations, and improve their precious opportunities to obtain a better knowledge of God’s will and be doers of His words, they would save much irritability and would drink of the perpetual Fountain of life.In Heavenly Places
Grace and Dignity in Daily Duties, February 26
HP 63.3
We dwell much on the grandeur of Christ’s life. We speak of the great things that He accomplished, of the miracles He wrought, of how He spoke peace to the tempestuous waters, restored sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, and raised the dead to life. But His attention to small things is even higher proof of His greatness. Listen to Him speaking to Martha as she comes to Him with the request that He bid her sister help her with the serving. He tells her not to allow the cares of the household to disturb the peace of her soul. “Martha, Martha,” He says, “thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41, 42).Our High Calling
The Better Part, October 2
OHC 281.1
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41, 42.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Called to the Wedding Feast (Sermon by Ellen G. White In Washington, Township, Iowa, Cir. 1874.)
1SAT 7.2
We may sometimes be cumbered about much serving, like Martha; but how much more commendable was the act of Mary, who sat and listened to the teachings of Jesus. He says, “Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but .... Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41, 42).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 8, 1874
2LtMs, Ms 8, 1874, par. 14
We may sometimes be cumbered about much serving, like Martha; but how much more commendable was the act of Mary, who sat and listened to the teachings of Jesus. He says, “Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but ... Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41, 42.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 72, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 72, 1903, par. 13
We dwell much on the grandeur of Christ’s life. We speak of the great things that He accomplished, of the miracles that He wrought, speaking peace to the tempestuous waters, opening the ears of the deaf, raising the dead. But His attention to small things is even higher proof of His greatness and His compassion. Listen to Him speaking to Martha as she comes to Him with the request that He bid her sister help her with the serving. He entreated her not to allow the cares of her household to disturb the peace of her soul. “Martha, Martha,” He said, “thou art careful and troubled about many things; but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” [Luke 10:41, 42.]Luke 10:42
Lift Him Up
Sitting at the Feet of Jesus, April 29
LHU 133.1
One thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 130, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 130, 1903, par. 20
The Saviour gave Himself to a life of self-denial and self-sacrifice. He laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and stepped down from His position as commander in the heavenly courts, to take humanity upon Himself and stand at the head of the human race. He came to be tempted as man is tempted, to pass through the vicissitudes through which human beings are called to pass, and to live a life of sinlessness, showing to all the “better part” [Luke 10:42] that they may obtain by living for God, through the grace received from heaven. For our sakes He became poor, that we might come into possession of eternal riches. He took our nature upon Him, that we might be partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. He subjected Himself to poverty and temptation, that human beings, seeing His example, listening to His teaching, obeying His lessons, might obtain everlasting life—even an eternal weight of glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 132, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, par. 29
The first thing to bring unity is to pray for the work and the workers. This unity cannot be a mechanical thing. It must be a living experience in the heart, and the Lord alone can give that experience. I do not know how we can do this, unless we take the time to talk more about it. (1 Corinthians 2:2): “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Paul had one topic, he had one theme, one great question. You know he said, “This one thing I do.” [Philippians 3:13.] Jesus said to Martha, “One thing is needful.” [Luke 10:42.] David said, “One thing have I desired.” [Psalm 27:4.] Now there is but one theme, one thing in this world, under the shining sun, that is worthy of the attention of men, and that is this theme—the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should abandon ourselves altogether to the one great question. That certainly teaches us the oneness of God’s great work. I understand that everything connected with the third angel’s message is of this one great theme. The third angel’s message in all its fulness is the gospel in all its fulness. It is not a part of the gospel; it is not a feature of the gospel; it is not an appendage of the gospel. It is the gospel itself. It is the gospel given to the world today in a fulness that has never been revealed before. It is the gospel given to man as certainly as it has not been preached since apostolic times. Jesus did proclaim a complete gospel, but light has been shining forth, and now in these last days God would have all that is intended for humanity before translation to come out now. Of course we shall see more and more of it—it will take eternity to reveal all these things. If we have anything in our work that we cannot pray for, that we cannot be swallowed up in, we ought to cut it off at once. Take the different lines of work. The evangelical work, of going out and preaching to the people, giving Bible readings, visiting from house to house; and church work, we look upon that as purely gospel work. It is. But the gospel work is not limited to that. We have the work of distributing literature, sowing reading matter all over the world. There is no denomination in the world that has such a fine, rich literature as we have. We have a message to give to the people in a short time—every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—that we must save as far as it is possible to save them; and in this age it cannot be done without distributing literature everywhere. In order to do that, we must have facilities for doing that. God has raised up men who have given their minds to that, and He has provided facilities that are wonderful for that purpose. I feel that is our gospel work just as much as it is to go out and preach a sermon to the people.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Luke 10:27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 160a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 160a, 1898, par. 4
What are the two great principles of God’s law? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Upon these two great principles hang all the law and the prophets. It is not the knowledge we have that there is a living God, but that His moral government extends throughout the universe, reaching even to the fallen world, that should call us to fear and obedience.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 65, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 65, 1899, par. 5
Physicians need to be instructed by the great Physician. They need to learn in the school of Christ. They receive their diplomas as competent physicians, but have they learned from the Chief of physicians the lessons contained in the first four and the last six commandments—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself”? [Luke 10:27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 31, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 31, 1899, par. 4
The strength belongs to God. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] This statement covers the use of the physical powers. Every part of the being is to be employed to the glory of God. The Lord would not have given us such definite specifications had He not designed us to study carefully how much this comprehends. If you have physical strength, that strength is Christ’s property. He who has in the past looked upon himself as above labor, when converted will change his habits, and use his physical powers to some purpose. An indolent man cannot serve God; for he gives to others an example entirely contrary to the principles of Christ. No idler can be a practical Christian. Christ is our example, and He worked at the carpenter’s trade with His father Joseph.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 12, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 12, 1901, par. 4
This is an illustration of the way in which we are to work. It is of little use for us to go to pleasure-lovers, theatre-goers, horse-racers, drunkards, gamblers, and scathingly rebuke them for their sins. This will do no good. We must offer them something better than that which they have, even the peace of Christ, which passeth all understanding. We must make it as plain as possible to them that the law of God is binding upon all human beings, and that this law is a transcript of His character, an expression of what He wants men and women to become. Tell them that Christ has said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Tell them of Christ’s love for sinners.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 125a, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 125a, 1902, par. 11
God wants you to receive the wisdom that He has for you. He wants you to be Bible students and Bible believers, living in obedience to the words, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Then He can bestow on you the power of His truth. Then He can mold and fashion you after the divine similitude. Living in conformity to Christ’s will, you will be changed into His likeness. You will grow up into Him, and at last the pearly gates of the holy city will for you swing back on their glittering hinges, and you will enter to hear the words, “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Revelation 22:14.] In your hands will be placed a golden harp, and touching its strings, you will join with the redeemed host in filling all heaven with songs of praise to God and to His Son.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 46, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 1
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” [Luke 10:27.] Perfect love can proceed only from a perfect heart; therefore the state of the heart is shown by the love manifested in the life. We need the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 125, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 125, 1902, par. 16
God wants you to receive the wisdom that He has for you. He wants you to be Bible students and Bible believers, living in obedience to the words, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Then He can bestow on you the power of His truth. Then He can mold and fashion you after the divine similitude. Living in conformity to Christ’s will, you will be changed into His likeness. You will grow up into Him, and at last the pearly gates of the holy city will for you swing back on their glittering hinges, and you will enter to hear the words, “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Revelation 22:14.] In your hands will be placed a golden harp, and touching its strings, you will join with the redeemed host in filling all heaven with songs of praise to God and His Son.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1375—Experience of Golden Calf an Example for God’s People Today; Danger in Pleasure Seeking, Especially Among Youth; Development of a Christian Character
19MR 117.3
This is the will of God concerning every human being, even your sanctification. In urging our way upward, heavenward, every faculty must be kept in the most healthy condition to do the most faithful service. The powers with which God has endowed men are to be put to the stretch. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself” [Luke 10:27]. Man cannot possibly do this of himself; he must have divine power. What shall the human agent do in the great work? “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” [Philippians 2:12, 13].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 259, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 259, 1902, par. 14
The sentence has gone forth from the cross: He who accepts of Jesus Christ by faith becomes a son of God. He is bought with a price and is fitting himself to do the work of Christ; for “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12. His faith places him on the side of Christ, a fitting agent to co-operate with Him. The converted soul has been bought with a price which is above every earthly estimate. The Lord Jesus has bought him and he cannot begin to yield himself to any other claimant, for he has pledged himself: “Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 6a, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 6a, 1902, par. 13
When young and old give careful, prayerful thought to the preparation required in order to do true service for God, a decided reformation will be seen. In the place of drinking in iniquity, the heart will be filled to overflowing with the love of Christ. The whole being will be enlisted in God’s service. The affections will be set on things above. We shall respond heartily to the words of life, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 6, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 12
When young and old give careful, prayerful thought to the fitness required of all who do true service for God, a decided reformation will be seen. In the place of drinking in iniquity, the heart will be filled to overflowing with the love of Christ. The whole being will be enlisted in God’s service. The affections will be set on things above. We shall respond heartedly to the words of life, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 26, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 26, 1903, par. 6
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] These words sum up the whole duty of man. They mean the consecration of the whole being—body, soul, and spirit—to God’s service. How can men obey these words and at the same time pledge themselves to support that which deprives their neighbors of freedom of action? And how can men obey these words and form combinations that rob the poorer classes of the advantages which justly belong to them, preventing them from buying or selling, except under certain conditions? How plainly the words of God have predicted this condition of things. John writes, “I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. ... And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” [Revelation 13:11, 16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 232, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 30
Christ did not pass over the ground of scholastic education, yet He was far in advance of any student under the teaching of the priests and rulers. God did not design that His Son should listen to the needless suppositions included in what was called education. The teachers in the schools of that time—the priests and rulers, though supposed to be perfect in knowledge—were in need of being taught the first principles of true education. They needed to know the meaning of the command, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 94, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 94, 1904, par. 17
Be assured that I am not telling idle tales. There are those who have done and are still doing this very work. To them comes the message, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] What are the first works?—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 129, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 129, 1905, par. 3
The work at Huntsville is another burden of intense interest. I hope the orphanage will soon be established there. There ought to be a primary school at Huntsville, and a school for older children, where they can be thoroughly educated and disciplined and given instruction in Bible subjects and in practical lines of work. Let them be taught the meaning of the words, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 20, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 20, 1905, par. 13
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] The powers of the whole being are to be engaged in unselfish service. Every talent is to be employed. Improve the future better than you have the past. Put your talents out to the exchangers; for Christ is hungry for souls.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 33, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 33, 1905, par. 12
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” [Luke 10:27.] In these words is revealed the necessity of our giving ourselves unreservedly to God. Shall men and women be employed in our institutions who, with the Word of God open before them, drink up iniquity and heed not the plain restrictions of God’s “Thou shalt not”?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 320, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 320, 1906, par. 7
Our duty is to speak the words of truth, as coming from the lips of Christ. We have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto we do well that we take heed. As church members we need to separate sin from the heart, we need to learn the meekness and lowliness of Christ. Then will be an end to all the terrible dissensions and the disunion among God’s people. Every Christian should seek to perfect in his heart the love of Christ; for without this love we cannot be what Christ desires us to be. His decided command is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] All discordant elements, every root of bitterness is to be uprooted. Unless every fiber of the roots is taken out, the plant will again spring into life and spoil the life experience. So long as there remains a trace of unsubdued, unsanctified self, an unchristlike spirit will spring forth and will reveal itself in evil words and actions. Thus the character will be marred.