EGW WritingsLuke 19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 8a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 8a, 1891, par. 1

[Luke 19:1-6 read.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 102, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 102, 1894, par. 12

There are many in the bondage of sin who might be rescued if they were only approached in tenderness and with Christlike, sanctified sympathy. The human agent looks at the outside appearance and judges hastily, but God looks at the heart. “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.” This calling of a publican was thought most abominable by the Jews, and it was not calculated to refine the character. “And he sought to see Jesus who he was: and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him; for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must dine at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he is gone to be a guest with a man that is a sinner.” [Luke 19:1-7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 5, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 5, 1897, par. 19

“And Jesus entered, and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, who was chief among the publicans and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him; for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him and said unto him Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. ... And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” [Luke 19:1-5, 8.]

Conflict and Courage

He Made Things Right, October 22

CC 301.1

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10.

CC 301.2

“The chief among the publicans,” Zacchaeus, was a Jew, and detested by his countrymen. His rank and wealth were the reward of a calling they abhorred, and which was regarded as another name for injustice and extortion. Yet the wealthy customs officer was not altogether the hardened man of the world that he seemed. Beneath the appearance of worldliness and pride was a heart susceptible to divine influences.

CC 301.3

Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus.... In this chief of the publicans was awakened a longing for a better life.... He felt that he was a sinner in the sight of God. Yet what he had heard of Jesus kindled hope in his heart. Repentance, reformation of life, was possible, even to him.... Zacchaeus began at once to follow the conviction that had taken hold upon him, and to make restitution to those whom he had wronged.

CC 301.4

Already he had begun thus to retrace his steps, when the news sounded through Jericho that Jesus was entering the town. Zacchaeus determined to see Him.... In the presence of the multitude, “Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house.” 38Ibid., 552-555.

CC 301.5

There are those who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in ways of error because they knew no better way, to whom beams of light will come. As the word of Christ came to Zacchaeus, “Today I must abide at thy house,” so the word will come to them; and those who were supposed to be hardened sinners will be found to have hearts as tender as a child’s because Christ has deigned to notice them. Many will come from the grossest error and sin, and will take the place of others who have had opportunities and privileges but have not prized them. They will be accounted the chosen of God, elect, precious; and when Christ shall come into His kingdom, they will stand next His throne.39Christ’s Object Lessons 236.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 61—Zacchaeus

DA 552.1

On the way to Jerusalem “Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.” A few miles from the Jordan, on the western edge of the valley that here spread out into a plain, the city lay in the midst of tropic verdure and luxuriance of beauty. With its palm trees and rich gardens watered by living springs, it gleamed like an emerald in the setting of limestone hills and desolate ravines that interposed between Jerusalem and the city of the plain.

DA 552.2

Many caravans on their way to the feast passed through Jericho. Their arrival was always a festive season, but now a deeper interest stirred the people. It was known that the Galilean Rabbi who had so lately brought Lazarus to life was in the throng; and though whispers were rife as to the plottings of the priests, the multitudes were eager to do Him homage.

DA 552.3

Jericho was one of the cities anciently set apart for the priests, and at this time large numbers of priests had their residence there. But the city had also a population of a widely different character. It was a great center of traffic, and Roman officials and soldiers, with strangers from different quarters, were found there, while the collection of customs made it the home of many publicans.

DA 552.4

“The chief among the publicans,” Zacchaeus, was a Jew, and detested by his countrymen. His rank and wealth were the reward of a calling they abhorred, and which was regarded as another name for injustice and extortion. Yet the wealthy customs officer was not altogether the hardened man of the world that he seemed. Beneath the appearance of worldliness and pride was a heart susceptible to divine influences. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus. The report of One who had borne Himself with kindness and courtesy toward the proscribed classes had spread far and wide. In this chief of the publicans was awakened a longing for a better life. Only a few miles from Jericho, John the Baptist had preached at the Jordan, and Zacchaeus had heard of the call to repentance. The instruction to the publicans, “Exact no more than that which is appointed you” (Luke 3:13), though outwardly disregarded, had impressed his mind. He knew the Scriptures, and was convicted that his practice was wrong. Now, hearing the words reported to have come from the Great Teacher, he felt that he was a sinner in the sight of God. Yet what he had heard of Jesus kindled hope in his heart. Repentance, reformation of life, was possible, even to him; was not one of the new Teacher’s most trusted disciples a publican? Zacchaeus began at once to follow the conviction that had taken hold upon him, and to make restitution to those whom he had wronged.

DA 553.1

Already he had begun thus to retrace his steps, when the news sounded through Jericho that Jesus was entering the town. Zacchaeus determined to see Him. He was beginning to realize how bitter are the fruits of sin, and how difficult the path of him who tries to return from a course of wrong. To be misunderstood, to be met with suspicion and distrust in the effort to correct his errors, was hard to bear. The chief publican longed to look upon the face of Him whose words had brought hope to his heart.

DA 553.2

The streets were crowded, and Zacchaeus, who was small of stature, could see nothing over the heads of the people. None would give way for him; so, running a little in advance of the multitude, to where a wide-branching fig tree hung over the way, the rich tax collector climbed to a seat among the boughs, whence he could survey the procession as it passed below. The crowd comes near, it is going by, and Zacchaeus scans with eager eyes to discern the one figure he longs to see.

DA 553.3

Above the clamor of priests and rabbis and the shouts of welcome from the multitude, that unuttered desire of the chief publican spoke to the heart of Jesus. Suddenly, just beneath the fig tree, a group halts, the company before and behind come to a standstill, and One looks upward whose glance seems to read the soul. Almost doubting his senses, the man in the tree hears the words, “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.”

DA 554.1

The multitude give way, and Zacchaeus, walking as in a dream, leads the way toward his own home. But the rabbis look on with scowling faces, and murmur in discontent and scorn, “that He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”

DA 554.2

Zacchaeus had been overwhelmed, amazed, and silenced at the love and condescension of Christ in stooping to him, so unworthy. Now love and loyalty to his new-found Master unseal his lips. He will make public his confession and his repentance.

DA 555.1

In the presence of the multitude, “Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

DA 555.2

“And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”

DA 555.3

When the rich young ruler had turned away from Jesus, the disciples had marveled at their Master’s saying, “How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” They had exclaimed one to another, “Who then can be saved?” Now they had a demonstration of the truth of Christ’s words, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Mark 10:24, 26; Luke 18:27. They saw how, through the grace of God, a rich man could enter into the kingdom.

DA 555.4

Before Zacchaeus had looked upon the face of Christ, he had begun the work that made him manifest as a true penitent. Before being accused by man, he had confessed his sin. He had yielded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and had begun to carry out the teaching of the words written for ancient Israel as well as for ourselves. The Lord had said long before, “If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.” “Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God.” Leviticus 25:35-37, 17. These words had been spoken by Christ Himself when He was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, and the very first response of Zacchaeus to the love of Christ was in manifesting compassion toward the poor and suffering.

DA 555.5

Among the publicans there was a confederacy, so that they could oppress the people, and sustain one another in their fraudulent practices. In their extortion they were but carrying out what had become an almost universal custom. Even the priests and rabbis who despised them were guilty of enriching themselves by dishonest practices under cover of their sacred calling. But no sooner did Zacchaeus yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit than he cast aside every practice contrary to integrity.

DA 555.6

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

DA 556.1

The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the manner in which our Lord would conduct business enterprises. In every transaction he is to make it manifest that God is his teacher. “Holiness unto the Lord” is to be written upon daybooks and ledgers, on deeds, receipts, and bills of exchange. Those who profess to be followers of Christ, and who deal in an unrighteous manner, are bearing false witness against the character of a holy, just, and merciful God. Every converted soul will, like Zacchaeus, signalize the entrance of Christ into his heart by an abandonment of the unrighteous practices that have marked his life. Like the chief publican, he will give proof of his sincerity by making restitution. The Lord says, “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; ... none of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: ... He shall surely live.” Ezekiel 33:15, 16.

DA 556.2

If we have injured others through any unjust business transaction, if we have overreached in trade, or defrauded any man, even though it be within the pale of the law, we should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our power. It is right for us to restore not only that which we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right and wise use during the time it has been in our possession.

DA 556.3

To Zacchaeus the Saviour said, “This day is salvation come to this house.” Not only was Zacchaeus himself blessed, but all his household with him. Christ went to his home to give him lessons of truth, and to instruct his household in the things of the kingdom. They had been shut out from the synagogues by the contempt of rabbis and worshipers; but now, the most favored household in all Jericho, they gathered in their own home about the divine Teacher, and heard for themselves the words of life.

DA 556.4

It is when Christ is received as a personal Saviour that salvation comes to the soul. Zacchaeus had received Jesus, not merely as a passing guest in his home, but as One to abide in the soul temple. The scribes and Pharisees accused him as a sinner, they murmured against Christ for becoming his guest, but the Lord recognized him as a son of Abraham. For “they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 61—The Little Man Who Became Important

HLv 367.1

The city of Jericho lay in the midst of tropic verdure and luxuriance. Watered by living springs, it gleamed like an emerald in the setting of limestone hills and desolate ravines. The city was a great center of traffic, and Roman officials and soldiers, with strangers from different quarters, were found there, while the collection of customs made it the home of many publicans.

HLv 367.2

The “chief tax collector,” Zacchaeus, was a Jew, and detested by his countrymen. His rank and wealth were the reward of a calling which they regarded as another name for injustice and extortion. Yet the wealthy customs officer was not altogether the hardened man that he seemed. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus. The report of His kindness and courtesy toward the proscribed classes had spread far and wide. John the Baptist had preached at the Jordan, and Zacchaeus had heard of the call to repentance. Now, hearing the words reported to have come from the Great Teacher, he felt that he was a sinner in the sight of God. Yet what he had heard of Jesus kindled hope in his heart. Repentance, reformation of life, was possible, even to him. Was not one of the new Teacher’s most trusted disciples a publican? Zacchaeus began at once to follow the conviction that had taken hold upon him and to make restitution to those whom he had wronged.

HLv 367.3

When the news sounded through Jericho that Jesus was entering the town, Zacchaeus determined to see Him. The tax collector longed to look on the face of Him whose words had brought hope to his heart.

HLv 368.1

The streets were crowded, and Zacchaeus, who was small, could see nothing over the heads of the people. So, running a little in advance of the multitude to a wide-branching fig tree, he climbed to a seat among the boughs. As the procession passed below, Zacchaeus scanned with eager eyes to discern the one figure he longed to see.

HLv 368.2

Suddenly, just beneath the fig tree, the company came to a standstill, and One looked upward whose glance seemed to read the soul. Almost doubting his senses, the man in the tree heard the words, “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.”

HLv 368.3

Zacchaeus, walking as in a dream, led the way toward his own home. But the rabbis, with scowling faces, murmured in scorn that “He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”

HLv 368.4

Zacchaeus had been overwhelmed at the condescension of Christ in stooping to him, so unworthy. Now love to his new-found Master unsealed his lips. He would make public his repentance. In the presence of the multitude, “Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”

HLv 368.5

Now the disciples had a demonstration of the truth of Christ’s words, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27. They saw how, through the grace of God, a rich man could enter into the kingdom.

HLv 368.6

Before Zacchaeus had looked upon the face of Christ, he had confessed his sin. He had begun to carry out the teaching written for ancient Israel as well as for ourselves: “If your brother becomes poor, and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall maintain him; as a stranger and a sojourner he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or increase, but fear your God.” “You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God, for I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 25:35, 36, 17, RSV. The very first response of Zacchaeus to the love of Christ was to manifest compassion toward the poor and suffering.

HLv 369.1

Among the publicans there was a confederacy so that they could oppress the people, and sustain one another in their fraudulent practices. But no sooner did Zacchaeus yield to the Holy Spirit than he cast aside every practice contrary to integrity.

HLv 369.2

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

HLv 369.3

The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the manner in which our Lord would conduct business. In every transaction he is to make it manifest that God is his teacher. “Holiness unto the Lord” is to be written on ledgers, deeds, receipts, and bills of exchange. Every converted soul will signal the entrance of Christ into his heart by abandonment of unrighteous practices. Like Zacchaeus he will give proof of his sincerity by making restitution. “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity, he shall surely live.” Ezekiel 33:15.

HLv 369.4

If we have injured others, overreached in trade, or defrauded any man, even though it be within the pale of the law, we should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our power. It is right to restore not only that which we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a wise use during the time it has been in our possession.

HLv 369.5

To Zacchaeus the Saviour said, “This day is salvation come to this house.” Christ went to his home to give him lessons of truth, and to instruct his household in the things of the kingdom. Shut out from the synagogues by the contempt of rabbis and worshipers, now they gathered in their own home about the divine Teacher and heard the words of life.

HLv 370.1

When Christ is received as a personal Saviour, salvation comes to the soul. Zacchaeus had received Jesus, not merely as a passing guest, but as One to abide in the soul temple. The scribes and Pharisees accused him as a sinner, but the Lord recognized him as a son of Abraham. See Galatians 3:7, 29.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 72, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 4

“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. There was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they” (the Pharisees) “saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he had gone to be a guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord; the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” That had been his practice. Christ knew all about his liberality and charities. [These] were the works of a Christian and yet he had never met Christ. “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house. ... For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” [Luke 19:1-10.]

Conflict and Courage

Rich Man and God, October 23

CC 302.1

If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ezekiel 33:15.

CC 302.2

No sooner did Zacchaeus yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit than he cast aside every practice contrary to integrity. No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin....

CC 302.3

Every converted soul will, like Zacchaeus, signalize the entrance of Christ into his heart by an abandonment of the unrighteous practices that have marked his life. Like the chief publican, he will give proof of his sincerity by making restitution....

CC 302.4

If we have injured others through any unjust business transaction, ... we should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our power. It is right for us to restore not only that which we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right and wise use during the time it has been in our possession.

CC 302.5

To Zacchaeus the Saviour said, “This day is salvation come to this house.” Not only was Zacchaeus himself blessed, but all his household with him.... They had been shut out from the synagogues by the contempt of rabbis and worshipers; but now, the most favored household in all Jericho, they gathered in their own home about the divine Teacher, and heard for themselves the words of life.

CC 302.6

It is when Christ is received as a personal Saviour that salvation comes to the soul. Zacchaeus had received Jesus, not merely as a passing guest in his home, but as One to abide in the soul temple.40The Desire of Ages, 555, 556.

CC 302.7

When the rich young ruler had turned away from Jesus, the disciples had marveled at their Master’s saying, “How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” They had exclaimed one to another, “Who then can be saved?” Now they had a demonstration of the truth of Christ’s words, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” They saw how, through the grace of God, a rich man could enter into the kingdom.41Ibid., 555.

Manuscript Release No 1033

Norwich, Connecticut, Sunday, November 30, 1890

MR1033 35.2

I spoke in the afternoon. The house of worship was full. I have seldom addressed a more intelligent audience. I spoke from Luke 19, of Christ’s riding into Jerusalem. The attention of everyone was riveted. I had special strength given me from the Lord, and His Holy Spirit impressed the hearts of the hearers. There was deep feeling in the congregation. My heart was filled with gratitude to my Saviour that I was sustained by His Holy Spirit in speaking to the people.—Manuscript 49, 1890, 4 (Diary 16, p. 350).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 49, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 49, 1890, par. 12

I spoke in the afternoon. The house of worship was full. I have seldom addressed a more intelligent audience. I spoke from (Luke 19), of Christ’s riding into Jerusalem. The attention of every one was riveted. I had special strength given me from the Lord, and His Holy Spirit impressed the hearts of the hearers. There was deep feeling in the congregation. My heart was filled with gratitude to my Saviour that I was sustained by His Holy Spirit in speaking to the people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 23

The world is asleep. The people know not the time of their visitation. “If thou hadst known, even thou, in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.] All need to be aroused. They cannot afford to be rocked to sleep in the cradle of indifference or carnal security. The record of the shameful trial in the judgment hall has passed up to heaven, and is the standard by which all are measured who choose to stand under the banner of Jesus Christ, or under the black banner of the prince of darkness.

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 47

In this perilous time who will be found traitors? Who will choose the friendship of the enemies of Christ? Who will accept the bribery of the world at the expense of the principles of righteousness and truth. Of such it will be said, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.] O if men would only hear the last call of mercy God has sent to our world, telling of temperance, righteousness, and judgment to come, truth and light and grace would be given to them, to be given to the world. But ministers and teachers have resisted the light, refused the grace of heaven that God has richly provided for them, and abused the opportunities He has graciously presented to them. He looks from His home and sees warnings despised, convictions set aside, and the truth buried beneath the rubbish of tradition.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 44, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 44, 1900, par. 6

The parable in (Luke 19) is deeply impressed upon my mind—the ten servants entrusted with their Lord’s money, and his charge, “Occupy till I come.” [Verse 13.] These standards are to serve in the place of Christ. In all their trading upon their Lord’s goods, they are to be faithful, having before them constantly the fact that an account must be given to God of all His entrusted capital. When Christ’s disciples received the idea that He was about to set up His throne in Jerusalem, He tried to correct the error, and told them that He was going away to the courts above. But He must suffer, be rejected and crucified, before His triumph could be completed. They thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. Christ sought to impress their minds with the fact that He must pass through a severe conflict before He could complete His triumph. His servants were not to enter into the victory as they supposed. Before they could be honored as conquerors, they must serve in the field of labor and toil and conflict, faithfully making use of the light of truth placed in their charge.

15LtMs, Lt 44, 1900, par. 9

Time is to be used judiciously, earnestly, and under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. We are to understand just what is right and what is wrong to do with property, and with mental and physical capabilities. God has a positive ownership of every power He has committed to the human agent. By His own wisdom He makes the terms of man’s use of every gift of God. He will bless the proper use of every power put forth for His own name’s glory. The talent of speech, of memory, of property, all are to accumulate for the glory of God, to advance His kingdom. God has left us in charge of His goods in His absence. Each steward has his own special work to do in advancing God’s kingdom. Not one is excused. The Lord bids us, “Occupy till I come.” [Luke 19:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 40, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 40, 1903, par. 2

At that time it was customary for a writer to send his manuscript to some one for examination and criticism. Luke chose Theophilus, as a man in whom he had confidence, to perform this important work. He first directs the attention of Theophilus to the record of Christ’s life as given in the book of Luke which had also been addressed by the same writer to Theophilus. He says:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 123, 1909

Buffalo, New York

July 17, 1909

Previously unpublished.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 1

Luke 17:19—“... faith hath made thee whole.” We need to encourage faith. We need the simplicity that Christ has encouraged us to have all the representations that He has given us, to have a large increase of faith, and that faith growing continually. We are not safe Christians unless we exercise that faith in Jesus Christ that we may exercise when we can read His words in the Scriptures.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 2

“They are not found that returned to give glory to God ... faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:18, 19. How many of us have been learning since we believed that Christ had forgiven our sins? How many, I ask you, have been in a position to be impressed by what they see, to be impressed by what they hear? God wants us to have impressive hearts. He wants us to be in a position that He can make an impression on the human heart.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 3

“He said unto him, Arise, go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.” [Verse 19.] Will we not encourage that faith that takes hold of the promise of God, and then the reality will come to us?

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 4

Verses 20-27. “When He was demanded of the Pharisees ... the flood came.” Now there had been warnings given there for many years, yet they had not turned to the Lord. Some few did take hold at first, but others mocked them out of it.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 5

Verses 27-37. “Until the day that Noah entered into the ark ... Lot ... shall it be in the days ... eagles be gathered.”

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 6

Luke 18:1. Now we see that representations are given by our Lord. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end ... faint.” I am astonished when I find men and women, but especially men in responsible positions, and yet they do not offer a vocal prayer with the care and burdens that come upon them, they do not offer a vocal prayer, and my heart aches.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 7

Last night I felt such a burden to think of souls that ought to stand under the responsibilities that they bear, seeking their counsel from God every day, morning, noon, and night,—they won’t get any too much.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 8

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end ... not to faint.” Luke 18:1. Don’t you think we ought to see the many souls converted that we do not see today? If we could only see the interest with which heaven is looking upon the whole scene, we would see that those that are seeking to be righteous have special help. They will ask, and God says He will hear them and answer them. Now, just as many as will humble their hearts before God, and commit the keeping of their souls to God, may not realize at the moment all they would like to, but when they are in peril, Jesus delivers them, and He finds a way out for them. It is the praying souls that are under the special care of God.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 9

Verses 2-5. “Saying, There was in a city a judge, ... she weary me.” Now he would be advantaged in that respect.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 10

Verses 6-8. What a question. The faith will be so filled with objectionable traits that the Lord cannot do anything with them. But there is no need of it. We have a “Thus saith the Lord,” and we can take right hold of this “Thus saith the Lord.”

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 11

Verses 9-14. “Abased.” Will we take that to heart? “And he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Then let us humble ourselves so much that we learn our lessons of the great Teacher, and be so glad of the privilege of learning right out of this very book that I am speaking from.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 12

Verse 15. The mothers had been gathering these children and preparing them for quite a little journey to go and find Christ, that they might receive the blessing that would help them to teach them that Christ had laid His hands upon them and blessed them, and it would be such a help. Therefore she wanted to go and her neighbors united with her, and they accompanied her, and they came with their children. “But when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.” verse 16.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 13

I have known little children that have come and asked that I would pray for them. Certainly I will, said I. Well, they never forgot it all their lives.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 14

Verses 17-24. You see, there was a large crowd around Him, and He must give these lessons. They might assent to things that are good and righteous, but when it comes to the battle to deny self, it is a very hard thing for some.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 15

Verses 25-27. He sees the intention. He sees the heart surrender, and as soon as He sees the heart surrender, then He gives the help; He gives the power of the overcomer, so that he shall not miss of heaven.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 16

Verses 26-27. It is God that makes the impression. It is the Lord that impresses. Therefore, when the preaching is going on, we do not know how many hearts are being affected so that sermon will do them good afterward, but we must do our best to present before all the dangers, and the invitations, and the helpfulness that is offered to every one that enters into the strife to become an overcomer. Verses 26-27. He sees the earnestness, He knows the sincerity of every soul, and He places advantages in their way, that they can take hold of these advantages at a time when they need that help.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 17

Verses 28-33. He held out hope that they might entertain, and it seems that they had almost all of them forgotten that.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 18

Luke 18:34—19:5. Now here was one that could read and understand the great desires of the people, that they might know Him. Verses 6-9. O, what words of comfort and encouragement this was to those who heard it.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 19

Verse 10. Will you remember the mission? That is His pass into our world. He left the royal courts, and by the will of His Father He came in our world as a little child. But did He leave His divinity behind Him? No, indeed. He took His divinity with Him. Humanity and divinity combined, to give the lesson to every human being upon the face of the earth that if they would in their humanity have faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ that humanity may overcome all the besetments of the evil that there is in the world, through grasping a living faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ. Thus they could be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. That is a great victory.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 20

Verses 10-16. Thank the Lord for that testimony, because it is possible. It is possible for humanity to grasp divinity, and when humanity lays holds upon divinity, then the power that comes with that divinity will help every living soul out of their tempers, out of their disposition, out of their unbelief. God wants us to understand that it is a battle that we are in.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 21

Verses 16-23, 24-37. They were repeating the good works of healing, they were repeating the raising of the dead, and they were repeating all the works that they could remind themselves of, and here a great blessing was coming from their lips. Verses 38, 39. Now the lesson: verse 40. Why? Prophecy must be fulfilled.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 22

Verses 41-44. Their only hope was in Christ, but they would not receive Him.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 23

Verses 45, 46. Robbery in all the offerings that were being presented, it was robbery that they were carrying out.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 24

Verses 47, 48. Now we can understand that there is always a party that is continually working against the sacred truth that should be maintained. And unless we are wide awake, and see what a work is being done in our world, we shall find that we are overtaken, and that we have lost our chance of eternal life. Now you cannot afford it, not one of you. Self-denial is to be practiced by everyone that shall accept of Jesus Christ. Who was he? The Son of the living God. He laid aside His royal robe. He laid aside His royal crown, and He clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity may grasp humanity, and that divinity might be grasped by humanity in the living faith of Jesus Christ, that He is their Saviour. We want every one of us to be in a position that we shall understand that we must work out our faith with fear and trembling.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 25

There is a work to be done in our world. When I saw this city—I have seen it before, but a long time ago—but I felt just as I felt when I have seen the cities. When after my husband had finished his course, and through excessive labor he was borne to the grave, the last words that I caught from him—he could not articulate—Husband, shall I take a work in connection with our sons, shall I carry it on just as you and I have done, for the foreign countries, shall I do it? He nodded. Again I asked him, and he gave me the same motion.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 26

Now I have taken that right up. I have taken it right up. When I could have my children with me to help me carry the work I was very glad. If not, then I would take it with an attendant that I have had that is with me now, and has been with me for the last thirty years to look after me, which she has done faithfully. Then I would enter the places, and I would speak to the people in Europe; I would speak to them in France; I would speak to them then when I went to Australia. There were battles to fight, I can assure you, and it is impossible to describe anything about it. But I want to say when the Lord sees that we are willing to work, He will give us the power to work. The Lord God of heaven is not unreasonable.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 27

I thought I could not come on this journey. I thought it was an impossibility for me to leave St. Helena, and all my writings that I had to manage there. But when I came to the General Conference, there was a power from on high that came upon me, and I no more held my peace. There it was, before that immense crowd, coming from all parts of the world, and all nationalities, and God gave His message to me to bear to that large crowd of people. Ever since that time I have been at work. And before that my son said, You need go now only to just one place, and I went to fourteen before I got to the meeting.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 28

Now, I want to say there are some that I was talking to, but not today. I want to tell you. I want to see the converting power, that every one that reads their Bibles may understand what day God has sanctified. When you read your Bibles on your bended knees, you will see that God has sanctified the seventh day, the Sabbath day, and He wants every one of us to be obedient. Now I tell you to search the Scriptures lest you be left out with those that have darkened their minds, and you cannot afford it. We want life, an eternal life that measures with the life of God. O I know that He will give to every one of you that seek it that blessed assurance that it shall be yours. If you will follow on to know the Lord, you shall know that His going forth is prepared as the morning.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 29

Well, you know how the preparation of the morning is. We need not describe it. But I want to tell you there is a heaven to win and I want to know how many of you will make a decided movement for eternal life. I want to know how many will consider that our God calls upon them to make a decided movement, else He cannot help you. Who, I ask you, will be determined that you will give yourselves to Him?

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 30

At every step I have felt that I had to exercise faith and go in feebleness, but when I stood before the people, I could talk to the people and my voice could reach any number. I want to tell you that there is a living God. He wants every soul to have a crown of immortality placed upon his brow. He wants to see His image in you. He wants to see you about His throne. He wants to place a crown of glory upon your brow. He wants to place a harp in your hand, and He wants to throw open the golden gates of the city of God, and welcome every one in that will show that they will keep His commandments here, that they will do His will here in this life.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 31

It means something to us whether we are obedient or disobedient. I have more to say on this subject, but I want right here to ask you, Who of you will make a decided movement right here? Who will give themselves to the Bible? I do not ask you to believe anything that is not in that. I ask you to believe the Word of Jesus Christ who laid off His royal robe, who laid off His kingly crown, who clothed His divinity with humanity, and walked on foot to give His lessons to the people that would accumulate and accumulate. There they were, and He teaching them. They were hungry, and He knew it.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 32

Now He says, This people are hungry, and they must have something to eat. Well, we have got nothing but a few loaves and fishes. How can they feed such a multitude? Well, here is a grassy spot, bid them sit down. And there they were seated on that beautiful grass ground, and then He broke up the food in small pieces, and passed them, through His disciples, to the multitude. Now they had enough, and He said, Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost. How much did they gather? Why, on one occasion it was seven baskets full, and on another occasion it was twelve. Here you can see what Christ can do for us. Why don’t we have more faith in Him? That is the question?

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 33

There will be every sort of error started that will want to break up into parties, and all this, but we have to look to the Ruler. We have to look to Jesus Christ the mighty One. There is life, everlasting life in the kingdom of glory for the overcomer. What more could God offer to you? He will help you in all your wrestling, in all your trials; you can lay it right before Him. I have had to do so in my case on this journey, when it seemed to me I could not stand before the public. But as soon as I was upon my feet, there seemed to be a power upon me, that I could not keep my voice, it had to go to the people. And thus I worked all through that conference. The Lord was with me in that immense conference.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 34

I have faith in God. I have faith in His Word, and I want every one that wants to have eternal life, I want you to believe in Jesus Christ, the One that can do all things for you. He can minister. He can teach. He can guide them into truth, and let us work for the Master.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 35

Who is it will take up the work? I have it. I cannot let go of it. I shall work perhaps till I am taken right in the desk. I shall be 82 years old next November, and I want to say, I love Jesus. There is nothing too hard for me to do for the Master. I love Him, and I want to bring souls to Him, remembering that there was a time then that cup of agony was trembling in His hands just before His crucifixion. The idea of sin being upon Him, and separating Him from His Father, it was such that He felt He could not endure it, and the bloody sweat came from His brows, and moistened the sod of Gethsemane. And this is what my Saviour suffered, that humanity might grasp divinity, and that we through the power of divinity might be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 36

Who of you will accept of Christ, and give your life to Him as you never have done before? Who will search the Scriptures to see what is truth? Who will seek all the comfort and encouragement that Christ has given, and I have mentioned only a few items. Who will do so? Let them rise right up. (Congregation rises.) Thank God.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 37

(Praying:) Heavenly Father, we come to Thee at this time, and present to Thee the covenant that has been made by this people, that they will seek the Lord with all their hearts, that they may find Him. Let Thy blessing come to this people, I pray Thee. Let Thy great grace be upon them. Sweep back every mist and every cloud of darkness, and let the sunlight of Thy glory into their souls, that they may keep this pledge that they have made to thee in standing upon their feet today.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 38

Thou knowest the hearts of every one. Thou art acquainted with every sorrow. Thou knowest how to heal the broken-hearted. Thou knowest how to set the captives free from the power of Satan. Thou knowest just what to do to break every yoke, that they may seek the Lord, that the angels of God may go with those and accompany them when they shall leave this house. And Thou, heavenly Father, Thou canst give them force and power and healing of soul. Thou canst disappoint the enemy. Thou canst let Thy light shine into the chambers of the mind and into the soul temple. Thou canst take the afflicted ones. Thou canst heal them, and thou canst give peace and quietude to the disturbed minds.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 39

I come to Thee, my Saviour, and I ask Thee that Thou wouldest give that help that humanity may recognize divinity through Jesus Christ and grasp that divinity, that they may work the good warfare, that they may press the battle to the gates, and the city of God, the gates be thrown back upon their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 40

We want heaven. We want life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory. Let Thy blessing rest upon this people. Give comfort to the desponding. Lift up the hearts of the despairing, and may they see the Saviour in Jesus Christ, that humanity may grasp divinity, and that the glory of God may be revealed. A little nearer, Lord. A little nearer to this people. Comfort their hearts. Let them see where their hope is. It is to believe every word that has proceeded from the lips of Jesus Christ, and then be obedient to all His requirements.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 41

O my Saviour, I praise Thee with heart and soul and voice. I thank Thee, my Saviour that thou canst impress these minds. Let them leave this meeting with the deep impression of the Holy Spirit of God. May they see such light in Thy light that they will not trample Thy commandments any more.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 42

Jesus, we love Thee. We see in Thee matchless charms, and we want this people to come to a knowledge of the truth. We see the unconverted in the cities. We see that help must be given. We see that souls must take up the work, and O, glorify them, my blessed Jesus. Give them truth, the power of the truth in the heart, and may they seek to enlighten the minds that are in darkness, that they may be brought to rejoice in the triumphs of Thy cross, and Thy name shall have all the glory.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 18—“Go Into the Highways and Hedges”

COL 236.1

If the servants of God will walk with Him in faith, He will give power to their message. They will be enabled so to present His love and the danger of rejecting the grace of God that men will be constrained to accept the gospel. Christ will perform wonderful miracles if men will but do their God-given part. In human hearts today as great a transformation may be wrought as has ever been wrought in generations past. John Bunyan was redeemed from profanity and reveling, John Newton from slave dealing, to proclaim an uplifted Saviour. A Bunyan and a Newton may be redeemed from among men today. Through human agents who co-operate with the divine, many a poor outcast will be reclaimed, and in his turn will seek to restore the image of God in man. There are those who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in ways of error because they knew no better way, to whom beams of light will come. As the word of Christ came to Zacchaeus, “Today I must abide at thy house” (Luke 19:5), so the word will come to them; and those who were supposed to be hardened sinners will be found to have hearts as tender as a child’s because Christ has deigned to notice them. Many will come from the grossest error and sin, and will take the place of others who have had opportunities and privileges but have not prized them. They will be accounted the chosen of God, elect, precious; and when Christ shall come into His kingdom, they will stand next His throne.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 123, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 123, 1897, par. 27

While many have reduced the Word, the Truth, the holy law of Jehovah, to a dead letter, and by their example testify that the law of Jehovah is a hard, rigorous burden, while they say, “We will lay off this yoke; we will be free; we will no longer remain in covenant relation with God; we will do as we please,” there will be men who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in ways of error because they knew not any other or better way, to whom beams of light will come. As the word from Christ came to Zacchaeus, “I must abide at thy house,” so the word will come to them. [Luke 19:5.] And the one supposed to be a hardened sinner will be found to have a heart as tender as a child, because Christ has deigned to notice him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 183, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 183, 1897, par. 5

While many have reduced the Word, the Truth, the holy law of Jehovah, to a dead letter, and by their example testify that the law of Jehovah is a hard, rigorous burden, while they say, “We will lay off this yoke; we will be free; we will no longer remain in covenant relation with God; we will do as we please,” there will be men who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in ways of error because they knew not any other or better way, to whom beams of light will come. As the word from Christ came to Zacchaeus, “I must abide at thy house,” so the Word will come to them. [Luke 19:5.] And the one supposed to be a hardened sinner will be found to have a heart as tender as a child, because Christ has deigned to notice him.

Radiant Religion

Zaccheus Received Him Joyfully, October 21

RRe 296.1

When Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully. Luke 19:5, 6.

With God at Dawn

The Repentance of Zaccheus, May 19

WGD 141.1

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Luke 19:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 2, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 2, 1888, par. 36

We were glad that the fruits of the work in Fresno bore evidence that God was dealing with human minds. The Lord wrought upon hearts. Humble confessions were made and the work of restitution that was done, bore witness to the genuineness of the work. It may be that some did not bring forth the fruits of thorough repentance. There was some close, testing work to be done if the ploughshear of truth went deep enough to break up the fallow ground of the heart. The testimony of many, was, “I have never seen it on this wise before.” The evidence was of a character that no one could doubt but that the work was of God. Confessions of sins were made, and like Zacchaeus, souls were impressed to say, “If I have taken aught from any man, I will restore him fourfold.” [Luke 19:8.] This work of making things right as far as human power could, was in the order of God.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

New-Found Master, February 8

JNN 47.1

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.”—Luke 19:9

Lift Him Up

To Seek and Save the Lost, January 21

LHU 35.1

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 9, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 9, 1891, par. 4

Whence cometh our power of reasoning? Who gave it to us? Who has given us intellect? Who has given us tact, thought, sharpness to devise, plan, and execute? Did it spring from ourselves? Who gave Daniel wisdom? It was the God of heaven. He gave him understanding. To whom, then, are we responsible? To the God of heaven. Well, then, can we depend on the Lord when we watch on the right hand and when we watch on the left hand, and in His strength we can follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who said, “I came to seek and to save that which was lost.” [Luke 19:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 90, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 90, 1894, par. 7

Daniel was imbued with the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and he pleaded that the wise men of Babylon should not be destroyed. The followers of Christ do not possess the attributes of Satan, which make it a pleasure to grieve and afflict the creatures of God. They have the spirit of their Master who said, “I am come to seek and to save that which was lost. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Luke 19:10; 5:30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 49, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 49, 1895, par. 12

The Son of the infinite God came to this earth, and honored it with His presence. The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, He was meek and lowly in heart. He emptied Himself of His glory and clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity and express to fallen man the perfect love of God. Christ did not come to earth to live a life of pleasure and selfish indulgence. He lived not to please Himself. “The Son of man,” He said, “is come to seek and to save that which is lost.” [Luke 19:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 147, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 7

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” “How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” [Luke 19:10; Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 165, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 165, 1898, par. 12

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” [Luke 19:10.] This statement is repeated again and again in Christ’s teaching, worded differently, but meaning the same. I am condemned by the scribes and Pharisees, Christ said, for eating with publicans and sinners. But I came not to call the righteous, who suppose they have a legal claim to God’s favor, but sinners to repentance.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 80, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 80, 1898, par. 14

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” [Luke 19:10; Matthew 18:11.] There is a prescription for all who are so rigid in regard to a brother’s wrong, when their own record stands in the books of heaven charged with unconfessed sins. You may ask, What can I do? Listen to the great Teacher: “How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, He rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” [Verses 12-14.] The lessons of this chapter it is for the interest of all to study and practice.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 31, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 31, 1905, par. 6

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 18:10.] Christ, the great Teacher, is not referring merely to those who are children in years, but to those who need care and protection in their religious experience. “The Son of man is come to seek and save that which is lost.” [Luke 19:10.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Missionary-in-Chief, March 26

JNN 94.1

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”—Luke 19:10

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 920—The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Son

11MR 372.1

“The son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). There is a prescription for all who are so rigid in regard to a brother’s wrong, when their own record stands in the books of heaven charged with unconfessed sins. You may ask, What can I do? Listen to the Great Teacher: “How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, He rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:12-14). The lessons of this chapter it is for the interest of all to study and practice.

Reflecting Christ

Press Close to Those Who Need Help, August 24

RC 250.1

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Greatest Work on Earth, June 1

YRP 161.1

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10.

Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

A Disciplinary Recommendation

EGWE 203.4

The next morning she had another Bible message for them—this time on Luke 19:10; “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Then she met with the trustees of the publishing house and helped them resolve a troublesome problem: a portion of the building directly beneath the meeting house had been rented thoughtlessly to a blacksmith, and nearby another space had been let to a gravestone maker.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 48—Who Is the Greatest?

HLv 296.6

Why this strong language? Because “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Shall His disciples show less regard for the souls of their fellowmen than the Majesty of heaven has shown? How terrible the sin of turning one soul away, so that for him the Saviour’s love and agony shall have been in vain.

Homeward Bound

The Mission of the Church, August 8

HB 245.1

The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.—Luke 19:10.

With God at Dawn

Christ Came to Seek the Lost, March 12

WGD 73.1

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 66, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 66, 1886, par. 21

Spoke at six o’clock. Luke 19:10. This whole chapter is to be a lesson for all. In the morning at 9 o’clock, went into the committee meeting and bore my testimony in plain language, which was reported, in regard to the condition of the church. I told them I did not expect that they saw their condition and my words would appear to them as idle tales.

4LtMs, Ms 66, 1886, par. 27

We enjoyed this ride very much. We felt peaceful and rested. I spoke in the evening to a houseful upon Luke 19:42, 43. I had much freedom. The power of the Lord was upon me as I presented to the people the blessed heavenly home that awaits the faithful. There was deep feeling in the congregation. Many wept. I know that the Lord impressed hearts. My heart was filled with praise and gratitude to God for His special blessing upon the people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 76, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 76, 1900, par. 4

“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.” [Luke 19:11.] They thought that Christ was to establish His kingdom on David’s throne and reign as a temporal prince delivering them from the Roman power and glorifying His people. Because of this false impression which was continually before their minds, Christ could not unfold many things which He longed to tell them. The Lord Jesus presents the truth in a parable, for He would have correct impressions made on their minds.

15LtMs, Ms 76, 1900, par. 5

“He said, therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.” [Verse 12.] Here is represented a man who had a right to the kingdom, but he first went to a higher, a more powerful kingdom, to receive his confirmation and title. Before his kingdom would be thoroughly established he must go away and come again.

15LtMs, Ms 76, 1900, par. 6

“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and set a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.” [Verses 13, 14.] This presented before them the curse the Jewish nation would take in refusing Jesus as their Prince.

15LtMs, Ms 76, 1900, par. 7

“And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” [Verse 15.] This represents the Lord’s entrusted capabilities and powers as money lent for them to improve. All should exercise physical, mental, and moral powers as faithful stewards, knowing that they must render an account of their stewardship in the day when every man will be judged.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 57, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 57, 1901, par. 8

When Christ made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the applause of the multitude was at its height. Hosannas were on the lips of the people; but the Saviour felt no joy. He beheld the city and wept over it, saying, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.] He saw the thousands and thousands soon to be involved in the terrible destruction of the doomed city. How deep must His emotion have been as He thought of the nation which had forged its own fetters, sealed its own doom, gathered about it the cloud of Jehovah’s wrath. “You have defiantly resisted all my pleadings,” He said. “Again and again I have averted the bolts of justice. In love I have waited for your penitence and repentance. I have borne with you as a man beareth with his own son that serveth him. But ye would not come unto me that ye might have life.”

16LtMs, Ms 57, 1901, par. 15

Ask yourself the question, What am I doing with the Lord’s talents? Are you placing yourselves where the words are applicable to you, “Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation?” [Malachi 3:9.] We are living in a time of solemn privilege and sacred trust, a time in which our destiny is being decided for life or for death. Let us come to our senses. You who claim to be children of God, bring your tithes to His treasury. Make your offerings willingly and abundantly, according as God has prospered you. Remember that the Lord has entrusted you with talents, upon which you are to trade diligently for Him. Remember also that the faithful servant takes no credit to himself. All the praise and glory is given to the Lord. “Thou deliveredst unto me thy pound.” [See Luke 19:11-27.] No gain could have been made unless there had first been a deposit. There could have been no interest without the principle. The capital was advanced by the Lord. Success in trading comes from Him, and to Him belongs the glory.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Appendix

PP 762.3

To the twelve apostles the Saviour said, “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father hath appointed unto Me; that ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22:29, 30. From Matthew’s account ofChrist’s promise to the twelve we learn when it will be fulfilled; “in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28. In the parable of the talents, Christ represents Himself under the figure of a nobleman who “went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.” Luke 19:12. And He Himself has told us when He will sit upon the throne of His glory: “When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: And before Him shall be gathered all nations.” Matthew 25:31, 32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 11b, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 11b, 1894, par. 7

We need to clearly understand the work that is before us. It is a work of mercy and love. We are to work in Christ’s lines, and just as Christ worked. In the parable of the nobleman who before going on his journey gave to every man his work saying, “Occupy till I come,” Christ and his followers are represented. [Luke 19:12, 13.] To everyone his work, and this work is Christ’s work. The human agent is to cooperate with the divine. He is not to feel that all he has to do is to stand to his individual self. He has a broader field than this. “Occupy till I come.” Be laborers together with God. We need to understand clearly what it means to be laborers together with God. We cannot do this merely with our intellect or education. We must be imbued with the Spirit of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 11, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 11, 1894, par. 6

Now the work that is before us we want clearly to understand. It is a work of mercy, a work of love, a work just in Christ’s lines—just as Christ worked. He says that the nobleman went on a long journey and to every man he gave his work. [Luke 19:12.] The human agent is to co-operate with the divine. To every one his work, and this is Christ’s work. It is not the man’s work. He is not to feel that all he has to do is to attend to his own individual self. No, there is a broader field. He is to “occupy till I come” [Verse 13], and what is it “to occupy?” To be laborers together with God. Therefore it is of the greatest consequence that we understand in clear lines what it is to be laborers together with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 9, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 9, 1898, par. 3

“And he said unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking that I laid not down, and reaping where I did not sow: wherefore gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have received my own with usury? And he said unto those that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, He hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one that hath shall be given, and from him that hath not, shall be taken away even that he hath.” [Luke 19:12-26.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

A Practical Training

CT 309.1

I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ where He devoted time to play and amusement. He was the great educator for the present and the future life, yet I have not been able to find one instance where He taught the disciples to engage in amusement in order to gain physical exercise. The world’s Redeemer gives to every man his work and bids him, “Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13. In doing this the heart warms to the enterprise. All the powers of the being are enlisted in the effort to obey. We have a high and holy calling. Teachers and students are to be stewards of the grace of Christ, and they are always to be earnest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 13, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 13, 1895, par. 7

How can we find language to express our deepest interest and desire that every soul should awake and go to work in the Master’s vineyard! “Occupy,” says Christ, “till I come.” [Luke 19:13.] It may be but a few years until your life history <shall> close; but you must occupy till then. When the fiat goes forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still,” then there will be no more occasion to labor for souls. [Revelation 22:11.] Every case will be decided.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 55, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 55, 1897, par. 41

We are God’s by creation and by redemption. No one can live a Christian life and serve himself. We have no assurance of happiness if we do not hold ourselves as God’s consecrated property, ready to do His service with heart, mind, property, and strength. All we have is the Lord’s. All we ever hope to gain by our ability is His, and should be employed in His service. All we possess is lent to us; we are to use it to do the highest service for God. On this earth we are fitting ourselves for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him, and when He comes the second time, He will take them to be with Him forever. “Occupy till I come,” He says. [Luke 19:13.] At His coming all must render an account as to the use they have made of their entrusted means and capabilities.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 147a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 147a, 1897, par. 14

Why are we not more faithful in our service in every line? Why do we not make everything of our present opportunities and privileges? We must heed the words, “Improve until I come.” [Luke 19:13.] In view of this coming there must be vigilant working combined with prayerful waiting and watching, lest the day of the Lord come upon us as a thief in the night.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 97, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 97, 1898, par. 24

Whether we give ourselves to the Lord or not, we are His. “Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] We are the Lord’s by creation, and we are His by redemption. Therefore we have no right to think that we can do as we please. All we handle is the Lord’s. We have no right of ourselves to anything, not even to an existence. All our money, time, and talents belong to God, and are lent us by Him, that we may accomplish the work He has given us to do. He has given us the charge, “Occupy till I come.” [Luke 19:13.] Let us remember that nothing so hurts our own souls and the souls of others as spiritual pride. Nothing so retards and cripples the work as unbelief, suspicion, and jealousy. The sure result of this is evil surmising. Want of union prevails among those who should be perfectly united in one. Selfishness springs up in the heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 24, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 24, 1900, par. 5

We see a great work to be done. We are doing all we possibly can in Maitland to save souls. We shall soon have to plan with reference to building a church in that place. Christ says to every one of us, Occupy till I come [Luke 19:13], that is, Do all in your power and much that seems beyond your power to save perishing souls. There are not many who can give large offerings of money, because they have not money to give. But by self-denial, by binding about their own inclinations, they may save something for the Master; and this discipline will be to them a great advantage. They may think their gift too small to be worth anything. But as it is laid upon the altar, God will bless it, and the results seen will be surprising. To practice self-denial and self-sacrifice is a discipline necessary to the disciples of Christ Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 57, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 9

He who studies and obeys the Word of God is like a man following a light which goes before him amid the moral darkness of this world. Christ’s righteousness goeth before him. Therefore the Lord says to every soul, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] “You have a work presented to you. Go labor in My vineyard. Occupy till I come.” [Matthew 21:28; Luke 19:13.] Here is presented our stewardship. We are to work for the Master.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 236, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 236, 1903, par. 6

Jesus is coming soon. He left His family here in this world with the instruction, “Occupy till I come.” [Luke 19:13.] To each one He has given talents to be traded upon. But He has not given to all the same talents.

Last Day Events

Chapter 6—Lifestyle and Activities of the Remnant

LDE 76.2

Christ says, “Occupy till I come” [Luke 19:13]. It may be but a few years until our life’s history shall close, but we must occupy till then.—The Review and Herald, April 21, 1896.

Our High Calling

God Wants His Own Property, February 5

OHC 42.3

Whether we give ourselves to the Lord or not, we are His. Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price. We are the Lord’s by creation, and we are His by redemption. Therefore we have no right to think that we can do as we please. All we handle is the Lord’s. We have no right of ourselves to anything, not even to an existence. All our money, time, and talents belong to God, and are lent us by Him that we may accomplish the work He has given us to do. He has given us the charge, “Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13.9Letter 97, 1898.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

The Parable of the Talents

1TT 364.2

Every man is a steward of God. To each the Master has committed His means, but man claims that means as his own. Christ says: “Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13. A time is coming when Christ will require His own with usury. He will say to each of His stewards: “Give an account of thy stewardship.” Luke 16:2. Those who have hid their Lord’s money in a napkin in the earth, instead of putting it out to the exchangers, and those who have squandered their Lord’s money by expending it for needless things, instead of putting it out to usury by investing it in His cause, will not receive approval from the Master, but decided condemnation. The unprofitable servant in the parable brought back the one talent to God, and said: “I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.” His Lord takes up his words: “Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.” Matthew 25:24-27.

From the Heart

Decisive Action, December 16

FH 362.1

Do business till I come. Luke 19:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 8, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 8, 1892, par. 22

When the Master went away, He gave to every man in every age and in every generation his work; and He says to us all, “Occupy till I come.” [Luke 19:13.] Have ministers thought how much is comprehended in these words? Verily there may be but a step between them and death. How stands the record of sacred trusts committed for wise improvement—talents misused, wasted hours, neglected opportunities, duties left undone, sickly churches, the flock of God not strengthened by having their portion of meat in due season?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 59, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 59, 1893, par. 13

If we will make the most of our Lord’s goods, we will make the most of our time and opportunities; we know not how long or how brief will be our allotted time. “Occupy till I come,” all depends upon the use we make of our present opportunities, our entrusted talents. [Luke 19:13.] Every entrusted talent is a loan not to be degraded to selfish use, but to be employed in doing good. There must be no selfish extravagance, no misuse or misapplication of the Lord’s goods. The talents, be they small or great, must be used to the glory of God. The demand will come from the owner, “what use have you made of my goods?” We have the Lord’s property by grace, Christ has purchased all, the interest required will be according to the entrusted capital, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. May the Lord make us wise unto salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 51, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 51, 1893, par. 31

Whatever is done under the sanctified stimulus of Christian obligation, because you are stewards in trust of talents to use to be a blessing to yourself and others, gives you substantial satisfaction, for all is done to the glory of God. I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ where He devoted time to play and amusement. He was the great Educator for the present and the future life. I have not been able to find one instance where He educated His disciples to engage in amusements of football or pugilistic games to obtain physical exercise, or in theatrical performances; and yet Christ is our pattern in all things. Christ, the world’s Redeemer, gave to every man his work, and bids them “occupy till I come.” [Luke 19:13.] And [in] doing His work, the heart warms to such an enterprise, and all the powers of the soul are enlisted in a work assigned of the Lord and Master. It is a high and important work. The Christian teacher and student are enabled to become stewards of the grace of Christ, and be always in earnest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 60, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 60, 1896, par. 26

Christ has purchased us, and we cannot for one moment claim ourselves, to do with ourselves as we please, as if we were our own property. We have a right to existence only because Christ has died to give us life and immortality through His infinite love. By creation and by redemption we belong to God. Our mind, heart, soul, and strength is the Lord’s, lent to us to see if we will use these talents to the glory of God by doing His will on the earth. “Occupy till I come,” God says to each human agent; and of our stewardship we must each give account. [Luke 19:13, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 87, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 27

The Lord has represented Himself as an householder who left his goods with his servants, instructing them to trade upon them for his advantage. “He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come ... And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” [Luke 19:13, 15.] The Lord has given talents to His servants according to their several ability, and He means that they shall be good stewards of their Lord’s goods. In carrying out the principles of the law of His government, they will put their talents to good use in distributing to the poor, in manifesting the compassion and love of Christ to their fellow men. Those who do this will hear from His lips the benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 598—Study Materials in SDA Schools

8MR 284.2

There has been a departure from God among us, and the zealous work of repentance and returning to our first love essential to restoration to God and regeneration of heart has not yet been done. Infidelity to God has been making its inroads in our ranks; for it is the fashion to depart from Christ, and give place to skepticism. The cry of the heart has been, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19:14.)—Letter 24, 1889, p. 6. (To “The General Conference Brethren,” circa 1889.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 174, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 174, 1897, par. 92

Now is our time of probation; now is our time of test and trial. Will we be obedient to God? Will we respect the commandments which are the rule of His government in heaven and in earth? If men respect not a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” but accept the word and commandments of men; if they venture to dishonor God’s law, and compel the consciences of men, forcing them to respect human laws and enactments, they exalt the human above the divine, and plainly say, “We will not have this man to rule over us. We will receive the commandments of men, and teach them as the commandments of God.” [Luke 19:14; Matthew 15:9.] Thus they bind up with the first great apostate, and decide their future destiny.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 137, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 137, 1897, par. 14

Then every man who by his actions has declared, “I will not have this man to reign over me” [Luke 19:14], will no longer have the privilege of being under His rule. Christ will then sit on the throne of judgment. He will not stand before the bar of Pilate or Herod. He is the Judge, and Pilate and Herod stand before the man whom they scourged and delivered up to the will of His enemies, while priests and rulers clamored for the death of their Messiah. Pilate and Herod, who suffered the Lord to be scourged, and those who scourged Him, those who struck Him in the face and mocked Him will then understand what it means to meet the wrath of the Lamb.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 10a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 10a, 1898, par. 18

Every one is working out his own destiny at the present time. God brings the light of His Word before the world, but there are those who will choose rebellion rather than obedience, and this decision will be for all time. The sinner voluntarily turns from a “Thus saith the Lord” to the deceiving representations of Satan. Has not God spoken? Has he not presented before human minds the motives that are to bear upon human hearts? In their resistance, they are rebelling against the word and power and authority of God, saying, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” [Luke 19:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 23, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 23, 1900, par. 7

The Jewish rulers did not love God; therefore they out themselves away from Him, and rejected all His overtures for a just settlement. Christ, the Beloved of God, came to assert the claims of the Owner of the vineyard, but the husbandmen treated Him with marked contempt, saying, “We will not have this man to rule over us.” [Luke 19:14.] They envied Christ’s beauty of character. His manner of teaching was far above theirs, and they dreaded His success. He remonstrated with them, unveiling their hypocrisy, and showing them the sure result of their course of action. This stirred them to madness. They smarted under the rebuke they could not prevent. They hated the high standard of righteousness which Christ continually presented. They saw that His teaching was placing them where their selfishness would be uncloaked, and they determined to kill Him. They hated His example of truthfulness and piety and the elevated spirituality He revealed in all He did.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 67, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 67, 1900, par. 8

A large number of God’s subjects have taken their position under the banner of rebellion, but God has not treated them as they deserve. They have declared of Christ. “We will not have this man to reign over us” [Luke 19:14], but the Lord’s hand of love is stretched out still. Men have become bondsmen of Satan, but the Lord is entreating them to enlist in His army.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 10—The Voice of Stern Rebuke

PK 140.2

Today there is need of the voice of stern rebuke; for grievous sins have separated the people from God. Infidelity is fast becoming fashionable. “We will not have this man to reign over us,” is the language of thousands. Luke 19:14. The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of God’s word.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca

1888 948.1

There has been a departure from God, and there has not as yet been zealous work in repenting and coming back to the first love. Infidelity has had a large place among us. It is the fashion to depart from Christ, to forsake the Lord and accept skepticism. “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Luke 19:14. Baal will be the purpose, the faith, the religion of a sorrowful number among us, because they choose their own way instead of God’s way. The true religion, the only religion of the Bible—believing in the forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of Christ, and the blood of the Lamb—has been not only slighted and spoken against, ridiculed, and criticised, but suspicions and jealousies have been created, leading into fanaticism and atheism. The true life in Jesus Christ alone is the true religion of the Bible. The Holy Spirit of God is to be an active, working principle in the religious character. The love of Christ must become an abiding principle to make the soul fruitful unto good works. It should be the force and power of every message that falls from human lips.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 10—The Voice of Stern Rebuke

SS 73.3

Today there is need of the voice of stern rebuke, for grievous sins have separated the people from God. Infidelity is fashionable. “We will not have this Man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14) is the language of thousands. The smooth sermons often preached make no lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of God’s Word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 61, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, par. 31

There has been a departure from God among us, and the zealous work of repentance and return to our first love, essential to restoration to God and regeneration of heart, has not yet been done. Infidelity has been making its inroads into our ranks, for it is the fashion to depart from Christ, and give place to skepticism. <With many,> the cry of the heart has been, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” [Luke 19:14.] Baal, Baal, is the choice. The religion of many among us will be the religion of apostate Israel, because they love their own way, and forsake the way of the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 106

There has been a departure from God, and there has not as yet been zealous work in repenting and coming back to the first love. Infidelity has had a large place among us. It is the fashion to depart from Christ, to forsake the Lord and accept skepticism. “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Luke 19:14. Baal will be the purpose, the faith, the religion of a sorrowful number among us, because they choose their own way instead of God’s way. The true religion, the only religion of the Bible—believing in the forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of Christ, and the blood of the Lamb—has been not only slighted and spoken against, ridiculed, and criticised, but suspicions and jealousies have been created, leading into fanaticism and atheism. The true life in Jesus Christ alone is the true religion of the Bible. The Holy Spirit of God is to be an active, working principle in the religious character. The love of Christ must become an abiding principle to make the soul fruitful unto good works. It should be the force and power of every message that falls from human lips.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 92, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 92, 1891, par. 8

There has been a departure from God among us, and the zealous work of repentance and returning to our first love essential to restoration to God and regeneration of heart has not yet been done. Infidelity to God has been making its inroads in our ranks, for it is the fashion to depart from Christ and give place to skepticism. The cry of the heart has been, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” [Luke 19:14.] Baal, Baal, is the choice. The religion of many among us will be the religion of apostate Israel, because they love their own way and forsake the way of the Lord. The true religion, the only religion of the Bible, that teaches forgiveness through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, that advocates righteousness by the faith of the Son of God, has been slighted, spoken against, ridiculed. It has been denounced as leading to enthusiasm and fanaticism. Take it back while it is not too late for wrongs to be righted, for you have sinned against God. But it is the life of Jesus Christ in the soul, it is the active principle of love imparted by the Holy Spirit, that alone will make the soul fruitful unto good works. The love of Christ is the force and power of every message that ever fell from human lips. What kind of a future is before us if we shall fail to come into the unity of the faith. When we are united in the unity for which Christ prayed, this long controversy, which has been kept up through satanic agency, will end, and we shall not see men framing plans after the order of the world because they have not spiritual eyesight to discern spiritual things. They now see men as trees walking, and they need the divine touch that they may see as God sees and work as Christ worked. Then will Zion’s watchmen sound the trumpet in clearer, louder notes, for they will see the sword coming and realize the danger in which the people of God are placed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 52, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 52, 1891, par. 40

The Saviour declares the men of Sodom and Gomorrah, of Tyre and Sidon, and of Nineveh, will rise up in judgment and condemn those in that generation who had presented to them light in the Word of God and through His delegated messengers, but did not give heed because this light did not coincide with their own temperament, disposition, ideas, appetites and character. [Matthew 12:41.] When the Lord presented their errors and wrongs before them, they did not put them away and reform. They said in heart and mind, if not in speech, They do not understand me, they do not know how good I am. I will have my own independent judgment. I will not be controlled by any man’s mind or ideas, saying, “I will not have this man Jesus to rule over me.” [Luke 19:14.] Mercies are misused, warnings rejected, entreaties despised because natural temperament and inclinations are predominate. They do not keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 23b, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 23b, 1896, par. 3

We have been highly favored in living under a government where we can worship God according to the dictates of our conscience. But human nature is no more in harmony with then principles of Christ today than it was in past ages. The world is still in opposition to Jesus. The same hatred that prompted the cry, “Crucify him, crucify him,” and led to the rejection of Christ, still works in the children of disobedience. [Luke 23:21.] The same satanic spirit which in the Dark Ages consigned men and woman to prison, to exile, and the fagot; that conceived the exquisite torture of the inquisition; that produced the massacre of Saint Bartholomew, and kindled the fires of Smithfield is still at war with malignant energy in unregenerate hearts, who are saying of Christ, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” [Luke 19:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 21, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 21, 1899, par. 20

Do all church members realize that all they have is given them to be used and improved. God keeps a faithful account with every human being in our world. When the day of reckoning comes, the faithful steward takes no credit to himself. “Thy pound,” he says, “has gained other pounds.” [Luke 19:16.] He does not say, “My pound.” He knows that without the entrusted gift no increase could have been made. He feels that in faithfully discharging his stewardship he has only done his duty. The capital was the Lord, and by His power he was enabled to trade upon it successfully. His name only should be glorified. Without the entrusted capital he knows that he would have been bankrupt for eternity. The approval of the Lord is received almost with surprise; it is so unexpected. But Christ says to him, “Well done good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 38, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 38, 1904, par. 40

God Himself originated the plan for the advancement of His work, and He has provided His people with a surplus of means, that when He calls for help, they may respond, saying, “Lord, Thy pound—not my pound—hath gained other pounds.” [See Luke 19:16, 18.]

19LtMs, Ms 38, 1904, par. 78

God Himself has originated the designs for the advancement of His work and has provided His people with a surplus of means, that when He calls for help, they may respond, saying, “Lord Thy pound—not my pound—hath gained other pounds.” [See Luke 19:16, 18.]

The Faith I Live By

Faithful in Little Things, June 6

FLB 163.1

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. Luke 19:17.

The Upward Look

Faithfulness in Little Things, August 24

UL 250.1

Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. Luke 19:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 218, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 218, 1903, par. 9

The Lord’s money is not entrusted to you that you may have a good time with wild, reckless companions. The time is coming when God will call for the talents entrusted to you and for the increase that you may now gain by trading wisely upon them. Will you not seek for the commendation given in the parable to the servant who, when called to give account of his stewardship, was able to say to his Master, “Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds”? [Luke 19:18.] Will you not, my brother see what you can do for your Master in returning to Him His own?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 25, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 25, 1899, par. 7

There is to be a greater self-denial and far less self-glorification, far more devotion in prayer and far less self-pleasing. Those to whom the Lord has entrusted even one talent are required to do their very best with that talent. See Luke 19:20-24. Those who fail to serve God faithfully are robbing Him of the talents they should use to increase the Master’s revenue. These are the men who have the most complaints to make about God and their brethren.

14LtMs, Ms 25, 1899, par. 15

The fields now destitute will never be worked until the professed believers in Christ lay these destitute fields on their naked souls and empty their hearts of every vestige of selfishness. Self must die. “He that will come after me,” Christ declared, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] Contemplate the situation for Christ’s sake. When He beheld the impenitent city of Jerusalem, He wept over it, saying, “O that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day, the things that belong to thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.]

This Day With God

Lighting the Path, March 13

TDG 81.5

Do all things without murmurings and disputings, without grumbling, without envy. Do not repeat or believe the old slander that the man of one talent brought against God, “I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layest not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow” (Luke 19:21). This parable represented the many professors of religion who gauged their piety to reach the lowest standard possible, and escape perdition.

The Upward Look

Our Accountability, October 4

UL 291.1

Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? Luke 19:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 9, 1891, par. 9

The Lord Jesus expects that the goods He had intrusted to His stewards will be returned to Him. To the unfaithful steward of the one talent He has said, “Wherefore, then, gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?” [Luke 19:23.] The Christian, when tempted to use his means selfishly, replies, “I am not my own; I have been bought with a price. Christ has placed it out of my power to render back any thing that does not belong to Him; for He has purchased it, and all that I am, all that I possess, is His.”

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 63—“Thy King Cometh”

DA 569.1

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zechariah 9:9.

DA 569.2

Five hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah thus foretold the coming of the King to Israel. This prophecy is now to be fulfilled. He who has so long refused royal honors now comes to Jerusalem as the promised heir to David’s throne.

DA 569.3

It was on the first day of the week that Christ made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Multitudes who had flocked to see Him at Bethany now accompanied Him, eager to witness His reception. Many people were on their way to the city to keep the Passover, and these joined the multitude attending Jesus. All nature seemed to rejoice. The trees were clothed with verdure, and their blossoms shed a delicate fragrance on the air. A new life and joy animated the people. The hope of the new kingdom was again springing up.

DA 569.4

Purposing to ride into Jerusalem, Jesus had sent two of His disciples to bring to Him an ass and its colt. At His birth the Saviour was dependent upon the hospitality of strangers. The manger in which He lay was a borrowed resting place. Now, although the cattle on a thousand hills are His, He is dependent on a stranger’s kindness for an animal on which to enter Jerusalem as its King. But again His divinity is revealed, even in the minute directions given His disciples for this errand. As He foretold, the plea, “The Lord hath need of them,” was readily granted. Jesus chose for His use the colt on which never man had sat. The disciples, with glad enthusiasm, spread their garments on the beast, and seated their Master upon it. Heretofore Jesus had always traveled on foot, and the disciples had at first wondered that He should now choose to ride. But hope brightened in their hearts with the joyous thought that He was about to enter the capital, proclaim Himself King, and assert His royal power. While on their errand they communicated their glowing expectations to the friends of Jesus, and the excitement spread far and near, raising the expectations of the people to the highest pitch.

DA 570.1

Christ was following the Jewish custom for a royal entry. The animal on which He rode was that ridden by the kings of Israel, and prophecy had foretold that thus the Messiah should come to His kingdom. No sooner was He seated upon the colt than a loud shout of triumph rent the air. The multitude hailed Him as Messiah, their King. Jesus now accepted the homage which He had never before permitted, and the disciples received this as proof that their glad hopes were to be realized by seeing Him established on the throne. The multitude were convinced that the hour of their emancipation was at hand. In imagination they saw the Roman armies driven from Jerusalem, and Israel once more an independent nation. All were happy and excited; the people vied with one another in paying Him homage. They could not display outward pomp and splendor, but they gave Him the worship of happy hearts. They were unable to present Him with costly gifts, but they spread their outer garments as a carpet in His path, and they also strewed the leafy branches of the olive and the palm in the way. They could lead the triumphal procession with no royal standards, but they cut down the spreading palm boughs, Nature’s emblem of victory, and waved them aloft with loud acclamations and hosannas.

DA 570.2

As they proceeded, the multitude was continually increased by those who had heard of the coming of Jesus and hastened to join the procession. Spectators were constantly mingling with the throng, and asking, Who is this? What does all this commotion signify? They had all heard of Jesus, and expected Him to go to Jerusalem; but they knew that He had heretofore discouraged all effort to place Him on the throne, and they were greatly astonished to learn that this was He. They wondered what could have wrought this change in Him who had declared that His kingdom was not of this world.

DA 571.1

Their questionings are silenced by a shout of triumph. Again and again it is repeated by the eager throng; it is taken up by the people afar off, and echoed from the surrounding hills and valleys. And now the procession is joined by crowds from Jerusalem. From the multitudes gathered to attend the Passover, thousands go forth to welcome Jesus. They greet Him with the waving of palm branches and a burst of sacred song. The priests at the temple sound the trumpet for evening service, but there are few to respond, and the rulers say to one another in alarm. “The world is gone after Him.”

DA 571.2

Never before in His earthly life had Jesus permitted such a demonstration. He clearly foresaw the result. It would bring Him to the cross. But it was His purpose thus publicly to present Himself as the Redeemer. He desired to call attention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission to a fallen world. While the people were assembling at Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, He, the antitypical Lamb, by a voluntary act set Himself apart as an oblation. It would be needful for His church in all succeeding ages to make His death for the sins of the world a subject of deep thought and study. Every fact connected with it should be verified beyond a doubt. It was necessary, then, that the eyes of all people should now be directed to Him; the events which preceded His great sacrifice must be such as to call attention to the sacrifice itself. After such a demonstration as that attending His entry into Jerusalem, all eyes would follow His rapid progress to the final scene.

DA 571.3

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

DA 571.4

In this one triumphant scene of His earthly life, the Saviour might have appeared escorted by heavenly angels, and heralded by the trump of God; but such a demonstration would have been contrary to the purpose of His mission, contrary to the law which had governed His life. He remained true to the humble lot He had accepted. The burden of humanity He must bear until His life was given for the life of the world.

DA 571.5

This day, which seemed to the disciples the crowning day of their lives, would have been shadowed with gloomy clouds had they known that this scene of rejoicing was but a prelude to the suffering and death of their Master. Although He had repeatedly told them of His certain sacrifice, yet in the glad triumph of the present they forgot His sorrowful words, and looked forward to His prosperous reign on David’s throne.

DA 572.1

New accessions were made continually to the procession, and, with few exceptions, all who joined it caught the inspiration of the hour, and helped to swell the hosannas that echoed and re-echoed from hill to hill and from valley to valley. The shouts went up continually, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.”

DA 572.2

Never before had the world seen such a triumphal procession. It was not like that of the earth’s famous conquerors. No train of mourning captives, as trophies of kingly valor, made a feature of that scene. But about the Saviour were the glorious trophies of His labors of love for sinful man. There were the captives whom He had rescued from Satan’s power, praising God for their deliverance. The blind whom He had restored to sight were leading the way. The dumb whose tongues He had loosed shouted the loudest hosannas. The cripples whom He had healed bounded with joy, and were the most active in breaking the palm branches and waving them before the Saviour. Widows and orphans were exalting the name of Jesus for His works of mercy to them. The lepers whom He had cleansed spread their untainted garments in His path, and hailed Him as the King of glory. Those whom His voice had awakened from the sleep of death were in that throng. Lazarus, whose body had seen corruption in the grave, but who now rejoiced in the strength of glorious manhood, led the beast on which the Saviour rode.

DA 572.3

Many Pharisees witnessed the scene, and, burning with envy and malice, sought to turn the current of popular feeling. With all their authority they tried to silence the people; but their appeals and threats only increased the enthusiasm. They feared that this multitude, in the strength of their numbers, would make Jesus king. As a last resort they pressed through the crowd to where the Saviour was, and accosted Him with reproving and threatening words: “Master, rebuke Thy disciples.” They declared that such noisy demonstrations were unlawful, and would not be permitted by the authorities. But they were silenced by the reply of Jesus, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” That scene of triumph was of God’s own appointing. It had been foretold by the prophet, and man was powerless to turn aside God’s purpose. Had men failed to carry out His plan, He would have given a voice to the inanimate stones, and they would have hailed His Son with acclamations of praise. As the silenced Pharisees drew back, the words of Zechariah were taken up by hundreds of voices: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

DA 575.1

When the procession reached the brow of the hill, and was about to descend into the city, Jesus halted, and all the multitude with Him. Before them lay Jerusalem in its glory, now bathed in the light of the declining sun. The temple attracted all eyes. In stately grandeur it towered above all else, seeming to point toward heaven as if directing the people to the only true and living God. The temple had long been the pride and glory of the Jewish nation. The Romans also prided themselves in its magnificence. A king appointed by the Romans had united with the Jews to rebuild and embellish it, and the emperor of Rome had enriched it with his gifts. Its strength, richness, and magnificence had made it one of the wonders of the world.

DA 575.2

While the westering sun was tinting and gilding the heavens, its resplendent glory lighted up the pure white marble of the temple walls, and sparkled on its gold-capped pillars. From the crest of the hill where Jesus and His followers stood, it had the appearance of a massive structure of snow, set with golden pinnacles. At the entrance to the temple was a vine of gold and silver, with green leaves and massive clusters of grapes executed by the most skillful artists. This design represented Israel as a prosperous vine. The gold, silver, and living green were combined with rare taste and exquisite workmanship; as it twined gracefully about the white and glistening pillars, clinging with shining tendrils to their golden ornaments, it caught the splendor of the setting sun, shining as if with a glory borrowed from heaven.

DA 575.3

Jesus gazes upon the scene, and the vast multitude hush their shouts, spellbound by the sudden vision of beauty. All eyes turn upon the Saviour, expecting to see in His countenance the admiration they themselves feel. But instead of this they behold a cloud of sorrow. They are surprised and disappointed to see His eyes fill with tears, and His body rock to and fro like a tree before the tempest, while a wail of anguish bursts from His quivering lips, as if from the depths of a broken heart. What a sight was this for angels to behold! their loved Commander in an agony of tears! What a sight was this for the glad throng that with shouts of triumph and the waving of palm branches were escorting Him to the glorious city, where they fondly hoped He was about to reign! Jesus had wept at the grave of Lazarus, but it was in a godlike grief in sympathy with human woe. But this sudden sorrow was like a note of wailing in a grand triumphal chorus. In the midst of a scene of rejoicing, where all were paying Him homage, Israel’s King was in tears; not silent tears of gladness, but tears and groans of insuppressible agony. The multitude were struck with a sudden gloom. Their acclamations were silenced. Many wept in sympathy with a grief they could not comprehend.

DA 576.1

The tears of Jesus were not in anticipation of His own suffering. Just before Him was Gethsemane, where soon the horror of a great darkness would overshadow Him. The sheepgate also was in sight, through which for centuries the beasts for sacrificial offerings had been led. This gate was soon to open for Him, the great Antitype, toward whose sacrifice for the sins of the world all these offerings had pointed. Near by was Calvary, the scene of His approaching agony. Yet it was not because of these reminders of His cruel death that the Redeemer wept and groaned in anguish of spirit. His was no selfish sorrow. The thought of His own agony did not intimidate that noble, self-sacrificing soul. It was the sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of Jesus—Jerusalem that had rejected the Son of God and scorned His love, that refused to be convinced by His mighty miracles, and was about to take His life. He saw what she was in her guilt of rejecting her Redeemer, and what she might have been had she accepted Him who alone could heal her wound. He had come to save her; how could He give her up?

DA 576.2

Israel had been a favored people; God had made their temple His habitation; it was “beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth.” Psalm 48:2. The record of more than a thousand years of Christ’s guardian care and tender love, such as a father bears his only child, was there. In that temple the prophets had uttered their solemn warnings. There had the burning censers waved, while incense, mingled with the prayers of the worshipers, had ascended to God. There the blood of beasts had flowed, typical of the blood of Christ. There Jehovah had manifested His glory above the mercy seat. There the priests had officiated, and the pomp of symbol and ceremony had gone on for ages. But all this must have an end.

DA 576.3

Jesus raised His hand,—that had so often blessed the sick and suffering,—and waving it toward the doomed city, in broken utterances of grief exclaimed: “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!—” Here the Saviour paused, and left unsaid what might have been the condition of Jerusalem had she accepted the help that God desired to give her,—the gift of His beloved Son. If Jerusalem had known what it was her privilege to know, and had heeded the light which Heaven had sent her, she might have stood forth in the pride of prosperity, the queen of kingdoms, free in the strength of her God-given power. There would have been no armed soldiers standing at her gates, no Roman banners waving from her walls. The glorious destiny that might have blessed Jerusalem had she accepted her Redeemer rose before the Son of God. He saw that she might through Him have been healed of her grievous malady, liberated from bondage, and established as the mighty metropolis of the earth. From her walls the dove of peace would have gone forth to all nations. She would have been the world’s diadem of glory.

DA 577.1

But the bright picture of what Jerusalem might have been fades from the Saviour’s sight. He realizes what she now is under the Roman yoke, bearing the frown of God, doomed to His retributive judgment. He takes up the broken thread of His lamentation: “But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”

DA 577.2

Christ came to save Jerusalem with her children; but Pharisaical pride, hypocrisy, jealousy, and malice had prevented Him from accomplishing His purpose. Jesus knew the terrible retribution which would be visited upon the doomed city. He saw Jerusalem encompassed with armies, the besieged inhabitants driven to starvation and death, mothers feeding upon the dead bodies of their own children, and both parents and children snatching the last morsel of food from one another, natural affection being destroyed by the gnawing pangs of hunger. He saw that the stubbornness of the Jews, as evinced in their rejection of His salvation, would also lead them to refuse submission to the invading armies. He beheld Calvary, on which He was to be lifted up, set with crosses as thickly as forest trees. He saw the wretched inhabitants suffering torture on the rack and by crucifixion, the beautiful palaces destroyed, the temple in ruins, and of its massive walls not one stone left upon another, while the city was plowed like a field. Well might the Saviour weep in agony in view of that fearful scene.

DA 577.3

Jerusalem had been the child of His care, and as a tender father mourns over a wayward son, so Jesus wept over the beloved city. How can I give thee up? How can I see thee devoted to destruction? Must I let thee go to fill up the cup of thine iniquity? One soul is of such value that, in comparison with it, worlds sink into insignificance; but here was a whole nation to be lost. When the fast westering sun should pass from sight in the heavens, Jerusalem’s day of grace would be ended. While the procession was halting on the brow of Olivet, it was not yet too late for Jerusalem to repent. The angel of mercy was then folding her wings to step down from the golden throne to give place to justice and swift-coming judgment. But Christ’s great heart of love still pleaded for Jerusalem, that had scorned His mercies, despised His warnings, and was about to imbrue her hands in His blood. If Jerusalem would but repent, it was not yet too late. While the last rays of the setting sun were lingering on temple, tower, and pinnacle, would not some good angel lead her to the Saviour’s love, and avert her doom? Beautiful and unholy city, that had stoned the prophets, that had rejected the Son of God, that was locking herself by her impenitence in fetters of bondage,—her day of mercy was almost spent!

DA 578.1

Yet again the Spirit of God speaks to Jerusalem. Before the day is done, another testimony is borne to Christ. The voice of witness is lifted up, responding to the call from a prophetic past. If Jerusalem will hear the call, if she will receive the Saviour who is entering her gates, she may yet be saved.

DA 578.2

Reports have reached the rulers in Jerusalem that Jesus is approaching the city with a great concourse of people. But they have no welcome for the Son of God. In fear they go out to meet Him, hoping to disperse the throng. As the procession is about to descend the Mount of Olives, it is intercepted by the rulers. They inquire the cause of the tumultuous rejoicing. As they question, “Who is this?” the disciples, filled with the spirit of inspiration, answer this question. In eloquent strains they repeat the prophecies concerning Christ:

DA 578.3

Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head.

DA 578.4

Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is “Melchizedek King of Salem,” King of Peace. Genesis 14:18.

DA 578.5

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

DA 578.6

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

DA 578.7

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

DA 579.1

Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah.

DA 579.2

Hosea will tell you, He is “the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is His memorial.” Hosea 12:5.

DA 579.3

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

DA 579.4

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

DA 579.5

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

DA 579.6

And the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him, saying, “I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God.” Mark 1:24.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 63—Jesus Acclaimed as Israel’s King

HLv 380.1

Five hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah foretold the coming of the King to Israel: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zechariah 9:9. He who had so long refused royal honors now came to Jerusalem as the promised heir to David’s throne.

HLv 380.2

On the first day of the week Christ made His triumphal entry. Multitudes who had flocked to see Him at Bethany accompanied Him. Many on their way to keep the Passover joined the multitude. All nature seemed to rejoice. The trees were clothed with verdure, and their blossoms shed a delicate fragrance. The hope of the new kingdom was again springing up.

HLv 380.3

Jesus had sent two disciples to bring Him an ass and its colt. Although “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10) are His, He was dependent on a stranger’s kindness for an animal on which to enter Jerusalem as its King. But again His divinity was revealed, even in the minute directions given. As He foretold, the plea, “The Lord hath need of them,” was readily granted. The disciples spread their garments on the beast and seated their Master on it. Jesus had always traveled on foot, and the disciples wondered that He should now choose to ride. But hope brightened in their hearts with the thought that He was about to enter the capital, proclaim Himself King, and assert His royal power. Excitement spread far and near, raising the expectations of the people to the highest pitch.

HLv 381.1

Christ was following the Jewish custom for a royal entry. Prophecy had foretold that thus the Messiah should come to His kingdom. No sooner was He seated on the colt than the multitude hailed Him as Messiah, their King. The disciples and the multitude in imagination saw the Roman armies driven from Jerusalem and Israel once more an independent nation. All vied with one another in paying Him homage. Unable to present Him with costly gifts, they spread their outer garments as a carpet in the path and strewed the leafy branches of the olive and the palm in the way. With no royal standards to wave, they cut down the spreading palm boughs, Nature’s emblem of victory, and waved them aloft.

HLv 381.2

Spectators mingling with the throng asked, Who is this? What does all this commotion signify? They knew that Jesus had discouraged all effort to place Him on the throne, and were astonished to learn that this was He. What wrought this change in Him who had declared that His kingdom was not of this world?

HLv 381.3

From the multitudes gathered to attend the Passover, thousands greeted Him with the waving of palm branches and a burst of sacred song. The priests at the temple sounded the trumpet for evening service, but few responded, and the rulers said to one another in alarm, “The world has gone after Him.”

HLv 381.4

Never before had Jesus permitted such a demonstration. He clearly foresaw the result. It would bring Him to the cross. But He desired to call attention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission to a fallen world. He, the antitypical Lamb, by a voluntary act set Himself apart as an oblation. His church in all succeeding ages must make His death a subject of deep thought and study. Every fact connected with it should be verified beyond a doubt. The events which preceded His great sacrifice must call attention to the sacrifice itself. After such a demonstration as that attending His entry into Jerusalem, all eyes would follow His rapid progress to the final scene. This triumphal ride would be the talk of every tongue and bring Jesus before every mind. After His crucifixion, many would recall these events and be led to search the prophecies. They would be convinced that Jesus was the Messiah.

HLv 382.1

This day, which seemed to the disciples the crowning day of their lives, would have been shadowed with clouds had they known it was but a prelude to the death of their Master. He had repeatedly told them of His sacrifice, yet in the glad triumph they had forgotten His sorrowful words.

HLv 382.2

With few exceptions, all who joined the procession caught the inspiration of the hour. The shouts went up continually, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!”

HLv 382.3

Never had the world seen such a triumphal procession. About the Saviour were the glorious trophies of His labors of love for sinful man. These were the captives rescued from Satan’s power. The blind He had restored to sight led the way. The dumb whose tongues He had loosed, shouted the loudest hosannas. Cripples whom He had healed bounded with joy. Lepers He had cleansed spread their untainted garments in His path. Awakened from the sleep of death, Lazarus led the beast on which the Saviour rode.

HLv 382.4

Many Pharisees, burning with envy, tried to silence the people, but their appeals and threats only increased the enthusiasm. As a last resort they accosted the Saviour with reproving and threatening words: “Master, rebuke Thy disciples.” They declared that such noisy demonstrations were unlawful. But they were silenced by the reply of Jesus, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” That scene of triumph had been foretold by the prophet. Had men failed to carry out the plan, God would have given voice to inanimate stones, and they would have hailed His Son with praise. As the silenced Pharisees drew back, the words of Zechariah were taken up by hundreds of voices: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

HLv 383.1

When the procession reached the brow of the hill, Jesus and all the multitude halted. Before them lay Jerusalem in its glory, bathed in the light of the declining sun. In stately grandeur the temple towered above all else, long the pride and glory of the Jewish nation. The Romans also prided themselves in its magnificence. Its strength and richness had made it one of the wonders of the world.

HLv 383.2

While the westering sun was gilding the heavens, its resplendent glory lighted up the pure white marble of the temple walls and sparkled on its gold-capped pillars. From the hill where Jesus stood, it had the appearance of a massive structure of snow, set with golden pinnacles, shining as if with glory borrowed from heaven.

HLv 383.3

Jesus gazed upon the scene, and the multitude hushed their shouts, spellbound by the sudden vision of beauty. All eyes turned upon the Saviour. They were surprised and disappointed to see His eyes fill with tears and His body rock to and fro like a tree before the tempest. A wail of anguish burst from His quivering lips, as if from a broken heart. What a sight for angels to behold! What a sight for the glad throng that were escorting Him to the glorious city, where they hoped He was about to reign! This sudden sorrow was like a note of wailing in a grand triumphal chorus. Israel’s King was in tears; not silent tears of gladness, but of insuppressible agony. The multitude were struck with a sudden gloom. Many wept in sympathy with a grief they could not comprehend.

HLv 384.1

Just before Jesus was Gethsemane, where soon the horror of a great darkness would overshadow Him. The sheepgate also was in sight, through which for centuries the beasts for sacrificial offerings had been led. This gate was soon to open for Him, the great Antitype, toward whose sacrifice all these offerings had pointed. Nearby was Calvary, the scene of His approaching agony. Yet His was no selfish sorrow. The thought of His own agony did not intimidate that noble, self-sacrificing soul. It was the sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of Jesus—Jerusalem that had rejected the Son of God, scorned His love, and was about to take His life. He saw what she might have been had she accepted Him who alone could heal her wound. How could He give her up?

HLv 384.2

Israel had been a favored people; God had made their temple His habitation; it was “beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth.” Psalm 48:2. In it Jehovah had manifested His glory, the priests had officiated, and the pomp of symbol and ceremony had gone on for ages. But all this must have an end. Jesus waved His hand toward the doomed city, and in grief exclaimed, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!” The Saviour left unsaid what might have been the condition of Jerusalem had she accepted the help that God desired to give her—the gift of His Son. Jerusalem might have stood forth in the pride of prosperity, the queen of kingdoms, free in the strength of her God-given power, no Roman banners waving from her walls. The Son of God saw that she might have been liberated from bondage and established as the mighty metropolis of the earth. From her walls the dove of peace would have gone forth to all nations. She would have been the world’s diadem of glory.

HLv 384.3

But the Saviour realized she now was under the Roman yoke, doomed to God’s retributive judgment: “But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”

HLv 385.1

Jesus saw the doomed city encompassed with armies, the besieged inhabitants driven to starvation and death, mothers feeding on the dead bodies of their children, and parents and children snatching the last morsel of food from one another—natural affection destroyed by the gnawing pangs of hunger. He saw that the stubbornness of the Jews would lead them to refuse submission to the invading armies. He beheld Calvary set with crosses as thickly as forest trees. He saw the beautiful palaces destroyed, the temple in ruins, and of its massive walls not one stone left on another, while the city was plowed like a field.

HLv 385.2

As a tender father mourns over a wayward son, so Jesus wept over the beloved city. How can I give thee up? How can I see thee devoted to destruction? When the westering sun should pass from sight, Jerusalem’s day of grace would be ended. While the procession was halting on Olivet, it was not yet too late for Jerusalem to repent. While the last rays of the setting sun were lingering on temple, tower, and pinnacle, would not some good angel lead her to the Saviour’s love? Beautiful, unholy city, that had stoned the prophets and rejected the Son of God—her day of mercy was almost spent!

HLv 385.3

Yet again the Spirit of God would speak to Jerusalem. Before the day was done, another testimony would be borne to Christ. If Jerusalem would receive the Saviour entering her gates, she might yet be saved!

HLv 385.4

But the rulers in Jerusalem had no welcome for the Son of God. As the procession was about to descend the Mount of Olives, they intercepted it, inquiring the cause of the tumult. As they questioned, “Who is this?” the disciples, filled with the spirit of inspiration, repeated the prophecies concerning Christ:

HLv 386.1

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

HLv 386.2

Abraham will tell you: It is Melchizedek, King of Salem, King of Peace. See Genesis 14:18.

HLv 386.3

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

HLv 386.4

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

HLv 386.5

Daniel will tell you: He is the Messiah (“the Anointed One”). See Daniel 9:24-27.

HLv 386.6

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

HLv 386.7

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

HLv 386.8

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

HLv 386.9

And the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him: “I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God.” Mark 1:24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 122, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 122, 1909, par. 24

When he saw the city of Jerusalem He wept over it. Luke 19:37. “Mighty works that they had seen.” Have we seen any? Have we brought ourselves in right relation with God? Have we had humility of heart? Have we seen the necessity of being a light ourselves to the world?

24LtMs, Ms 122, 1909, par. 25

Luke 19:33-46. Now similar scenes will be transacted in the last great day. It is upon us, and we want every soul that shall come to these meetings to understand that the Lord Jesus, He it is that gave His life for us that we might be partakers of His divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Radiant Religion

Multitudes Rejoiced at Christ’s Royal Entry, October 18

RRe 293.1

When he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. Luke 19:37, 38.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 65—How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine

1SM 412.1

We should come into a position where every difference will be melted away. If I think I have light, I shall do my duty in presenting it. Suppose I consulted others concerning the message the Lord would have me give to the people, the door might be closed so that the light might not reach the ones to whom God had sent it. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, “the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (Luke 19:37-40).

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers

Appendix Notes

TM 534.2

“We should come into a position where every difference will be melted away. If I think I have light, I shall do my duty in presenting it. Suppose I consulted others concerning the message the Lord would have me give to the people, the door might be closed so that the light might not reach the ones to whom God had sent it. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, `the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; saying, blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peacein heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, master, rebuke thy disciples. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out’ (Luke 19:37-40).

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Appendix

4SP 496.1

Another question then arises: “If he was mistaken in the event, was not his whole work an error?” That does not follow. The disciples of Christ were utterly mistaken when he rode into Jerusalem, and they hailed him as a king with tokens of victory. They thought he was then to be crowned a king on David’s throne. But it was not an error in them to act according to their belief; in so doing they fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which they would not have done if they had realized that he was going to judgment and to death. But that scripture must be fulfilled, if it were necessary to make the stones cry out. Luke 19:37-40. In like manner it appears that Mr. Miller and his associates fulfilled prophecy, and gave a proclamation (see Revelation 14:6, 7) which they would not have given had they understood that yet other proclamations were to be made before the Lord should come. Revelation 14:8-14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 36, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 36, 1897, par. 9

“And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice, and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples, And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” [Luke 19:37-40.]

12LtMs, Ms 36, 1897, par. 11

“And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:41, 42.] At the time when the enthusiastic multitude were gazing upon Jerusalem, the metropolis of the world, the temple with its towers rising toward heaven, gilded with the rays of the fast westering sun, a strange note was brought in amid the general rejoicing, a cry of human agony, followed by the irrevocable sentence upon Jerusalem. Jerusalem’s day will soon be ended.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 7a, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 1

Luke 19:41, 42, 43. These words were spoken upon a special occasion.

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 3

Luke 19:37. Here was a general acclamation of triumph in view of the mighty work which Jesus had wrought for them. As they stood upon the crest of Olivet, Jerusalem was before them in all its glory, and this seemed to give a new zeal to their acclamations of praise. They looked at Christ to see what effect it had upon Him, and behold, He was in an agony of tears. The very branches of palm trees which had been strewed in the way were bedewed with His tears of pity. Why this expression of agony and grief amid all this rejoicing? Christ saw before Him that which the multitude around Him could not see. There was a nation that had been blessed and favored with every advantage which God could give them, and they had rejected Him. They were anticipating the death of the Son of God, and when Jerusalem should have reached that point, it was the utter rejection of Him who only could give them peace and hope and rest. He was the only One who could break the yoke from off their necks. He was the only One who could give them triumph and victory, and they had put this blessing away from them because the purity of Jesus was too much for them, and their own sin and iniquity was pressed upon them.

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 4

Christ saw the desolation of Jerusalem. He knew the future. He heard the tread of the mighty host which should surround her, and it was the desolation and misery and the deception of the Jewish nation that called forth the agony and tears on that occasion. In choked utterances He exclaims, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” Luke 19:42. And why was it that Jerusalem did not know? Had not the mighty Prophet of God walked their streets and given them warnings and entreaties for three years and a half? Then why had they not accepted the message which was brought to them from heaven? He had healed the sick in their city and villages until there were no night vigils to watch over the sick and afflicted, but homes filled with gratitude and rejoicing in the place of them. And yet notwithstanding the mighty works which had been wrought for those who were suffering and in sickness—even to raising up those who were dead—their hearts were set against the Saviour. Can we explain this hardness and impenitence of the heart? Who can understand the perverseness of the human heart?

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 17

But hear the mournful cry of Christ, “O that thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” Luke 19:42, margin R.V. There is nothing that He requires of you that He does not lead the way. And here He has told us of the fate of Jerusalem, (verse 43 Matthew 21): “Therefore I say unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” Here the judgments were to come because they knew not the time of their visitation. At the destruction of Jerusalem there was not one Christian that perished because they heeded the instruction of Christ, “When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, ... then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains.” Luke 21:20, 21.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

Search the Scriptures

3MR 90.3

There is to be a mighty angel to assist the third angel in his work. The whole earth is to be lighted with His glory. The proclamation as presented represents a people crying the very words. Christ’s riding into Jerusalem when the people cried “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:15) was a fulfillment of prophecy. The Pharisees were disturbed to see the attention paid to the Son of God. Their understanding was so blunted that they could not see in this very act the fulfillment of prophecy and some of the Pharisees said, “Master, rebuke Thy disciples. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:39, 40. God has shown John in vision the work in the future. It was while the apostle was on the isle of Patmos that these truths that are now due were presented before his mind, and no man can stop the proclamation any more than they could stop the voices of those that cried “Hosanna to the Son of David.”

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 13—Riding Into Jerusalem

SJ 85.6

Jesus said, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:39, 40.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 43, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 43, 1886, par. 8

There is to be a mighty angel to assist the third angel in his work. The whole earth is to be lighted with his glory. The proclamation as presented represents a people crying the very words. Christ’s riding into Jerusalem when the people cried “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:15) was a fulfilment of prophecy. The Pharisees were disturbed to see the attention paid to the Son of God. Their understanding was so blunted that they could not see in this very act the fulfilment of prophecy, and some of the Pharisees said, “Master, rebuke Thy disciples. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:39, 40. God has shown John in vision the work in the future. It was while the apostle was on the isle of Patmos that these truths that are now due were presented before his mind, and no man can stop the proclamation any more than they could stop the voices of those that cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” [Matthew 21:9, 15, 16; Luke 19:39, 40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 128, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 14

Then came the priests and rulers to Him, requesting Him to silence these acclamations of praise. “Master, rebuke thy disciples,” they say. Christ answered them, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” [Luke 19:39, 40.]

The Great Controversy

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

GC 404.2

Yet this disappointment was not so great as was that experienced by the disciples at the time of Christ’s first advent. When Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, His followers believed that He was about to ascend the throne of David and deliver Israel from her oppressors. With high hopes and joyful anticipations they vied with one another in showing honor to their King. Many spread their outer garments as a carpet in His path, or strewed before Him the leafy branches of the palm. In their enthusiastic joy they united in the glad acclaim: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” When the Pharisees, disturbed and angered by this outburst of rejoicing, wished Jesus to rebuke His disciples, He replied: “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40. Prophecy must be fulfilled. The disciples were accomplishing the purpose of God; yet they were doomed to a bitter disappointment. But a few days had passed ere they witnessed the Saviour’s agonizing death, and laid Him in the tomb. Their expectations had not been realized in a single particular, and their hopes died with Jesus. Not till their Lord had come forth triumphant from the grave could they perceive that all had been foretold by prophecy, and “that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead.” Acts 17:3.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

GC88 404.2

Yet this disappointment was not so great as was that experienced by the disciples at the time of Christ’s first advent. When Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, his followers believed that he was about to ascend the throne of David, and deliver Israel from her oppressors. With high hopes and joyful anticipations they vied with one another in showing honor to their King. Many spread their outer garments as a carpet in his path, or strewed before him the leafy branches of the palm. In their enthusiastic joy they united in the glad acclaim, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” When the Pharisees, disturbed and angered by this outburst of rejoicing, wished Jesus to rebuke his disciples, he replied, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” [Luke 19:40.] Prophecy must be fulfilled. The disciples were accomplishing the purpose of God; yet they were doomed to a bitter disappointment. But a few days had passed ere they witnessed the Saviour’s agonizing death, and laid him in the tomb. Their expectations had not been realized in a single particular, and their hopes died with Jesus. Not till their Lord had come forth triumphant from the grave could they perceive that all had been foretold by prophecy, and “that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead.” [Acts 17:3.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 17—The Midnight Cry

4SP 253.2

Yet this disappointment was not so great as was that experienced by the disciples at the time of Christ’s first advent. When Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, his followers believed that he was about to ascend the throne of David, and deliver Israel from her oppressors. With high hopes and joyful anticipations they vied with one another in showing honor to their King. Many spread their outer garments as a carpet in his path, or strewed before him the leafy branches of the palm. In their enthusiastic joy they united in the glad acclaim, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” When the Pharisees, disturbed and angered by this outburst of rejoicing, wished Jesus to rebuke his disciples, he replied, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” [Luke 19:40.] Prophecy must be fulfilled. The disciples were accomplishing the purpose of God; yet they were doomed to a bitter disappointment. But a few days had passed ere they witnessed the Saviour’s agonizing death, and laid him in the tomb. Their expectations had not been realized in a single particular, and their hopes died with Jesus. Not till their Lord had come forth triumphant from the grave could they perceive that all had been foretold by prophecy, and “that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead.” [Acts 17:3.] In like manner was prophecy fulfilled in the first and second angels’ messages. They were given at the right time, and accomplished the work which God designed to accomplish by them.

The Story of Redemption

Disappointed but Not Forsaken

SR 373.1

When the Pharisees, disturbed and angered by this outburst of rejoicing, wished Jesus to rebuke His disciples, He replied, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40. Prophecy must be fulfilled. The disciples were accomplishing the purpose of God; yet they were doomed to a bitter disappointment. But a few days had passed ere they witnessed the Saviour’s agonizing death and laid Him in the tomb. Their expectations had not been realized in a single particular, and their hopes died with Jesus. Not till their Lord had come forth triumphant from the grave could they perceive that all had been foretold by prophecy, and “that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead.” Acts 17:3. In like manner was prophecy fulfilled in the first and second angels’ messages. They were given at the right time and accomplished the work which God designed to accomplish by them.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

In The Power of True Godliness

2TT 162.2

Some of our leading men are inclined to indulge the spirit manifested by the apostle John when he said: “Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.” Organization and discipline are essential, but there is now very great danger of a departure from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. What we need is less dependence upon mere form and ceremony, and far more of the power of true godliness. If their life and character are exemplary, let all work who will, in any capacity. Although they may not conform exactly to your methods, not a word should be spoken to condemn or discourage them. When the Pharisees desired Jesus to silence the children who sang His praise, the Saviour said: “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40. Prophecy must be fulfilled.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 13, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 13, 1893, par. 3

In the office in Australia there were things of this order, and in various positions, and some felt that they dare not correct the evil lest these men would drop the work. We should not fear for the work in that way, for Christ said on one occasion, “If these would hold their peace the very stones would cry out.” [Luke 19:40.] If there is nothing that we can do, we can heed those placed in authority. Why should we go if we cannot work with them at all?

God’s Amazing Grace

Jerusalem’s King, February 9

AG 48.2

From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. Fair and peaceful was the scene spread out before Him.... The rays of the setting sun lighted up the snowy whiteness of its marble walls and gleamed from golden gate and tower and pinnacle. “The perfection of beauty” it stood, the pride of the Jewish nation. What child of Israel could gaze upon the scene without a thrill of joy and admiration! But far other thoughts occupied the mind of Jesus. “When he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it” (Luke 19:41). Amid the universal rejoicing of the triumphal entry, while palm branches waved, while glad hosannas awoke the echoes of the hills, and thousands of voices declared Him King, the world’s Redeemer was overwhelmed with a sudden and mysterious sorrow. He, the Son of God, the Promised One of Israel, whose power had conquered death and called its captives from the grave, was in tears, not of ordinary grief, but of intense, irrepressible agony.

From Here to Forever

Chapter 1—A Forecast of the World’s Destiny

HF 17.1

From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. In full view were the magnificent buildings of the temple. The setting sun lighted up the snowy whiteness of its marble walls and gleamed from golden tower and pinnacle. What child of Israel could gaze upon the scene without a thrill of joy and admiration! But other thoughts occupied the mind of Jesus. “When he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it.” Luke 19:41.