EGW WritingsLuke 22

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 49—Grief

2MCP 464.4

Separation From God Brings Anguish of Soul—It was the anguish of separation from His Father’s favor that made Christ’s sufferings so acute. As the agony of soul came upon Him, “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44). His terrible anguish, caused by the thought that in this hour of need God had forsaken Him, portrays the anguish that the sinner will feel when, too late, he realizes that God’s Spirit is withdrawn from him.—Manuscript 134, 1905.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 1

God sent His Son into the world to save men, although they did not deserve such a revelation of the Father’s love, because of their sins. How did the world treat the One who was “altogether lovely, and the chiefest among ten thousand”? [Song of Solomon 5:16, 10.] We read of Him at His trial, “The men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him, and when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.” [Luke 22:63-65.] Prophecy, inspired by Christ Himself, had declared the treatment which Christ would receive at the hands of men. On one occasion Paul was smitten on the mouth. He was indignant at the insult, and said to the cruel actor, “Sitteth thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?” [Acts 23:3.] Paul had not become as meek and lowly as his Master.

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.

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 14 (1899)

Ms 113, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 113, 1899, par. 24

When Christ was betrayed, the record states that “Satan put it into the heart of Judas to betray him.” Another writer says, “Satan entered into him.” [John 13:2, 27; Luke 22:3.] When the band led by Judas seized the Saviour, he said to Peter, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be?” [Matthew 26:53, 54.]

Christ Triumphant

Jesus, the True Passover Lamb, Was Slain for Our Sins, September 11

CTr 261.1

Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. Luke 22:7, 8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 35, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 35, 1897, par. 1

“Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, the Master saith unto thee. Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; For I say unto you, I will not anymore eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.” [Luke 22:7-18.]

12LtMs, Ms 35, 1897, par. 2

The symbols of the Lord’s house are simple and plainly understood, and the truths represented by them are of the deepest significance to us. In instituting the sacramental service to take the place of the Passover, Christ left for His church a memorial of His great sacrifice for man. “This do,” He said “in remembrance of me.” [Verse 19.] This was the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. The one was to close forever; the other, which He has just established, is to take place, and to control through all time as the memorial of His death.

12LtMs, Ms 35, 1897, par. 3

“And he took bread, and gave thanks and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined; but woe unto him by whom he is betrayed!” [Verses 19-22.] “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.” [John 13:18.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 71—A Servant of Servants

DA 642.1

In the upper chamber of a dwelling at Jerusalem, Christ was sitting at table with His disciples. They had gathered to celebrate the Passover. The Saviour desired to keep this feast alone with the twelve. He knew that His hour was come; He Himself was the true paschal lamb, and on the day the Passover was eaten He was to be sacrificed. He was about to drink the cup of wrath; He must soon receive the final baptism of suffering. But a few quiet hours yet remained to Him, and these were to be spent for the benefit of His beloved disciples.

DA 642.2

The whole life of Christ had been a life of unselfish service. “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” (Matthew 20:28), had been the lesson of His every act. But not yet had the disciples learned the lesson. At this last Passover supper, Jesus repeated His teaching by an illustration that impressed it forever on their minds and hearts.

DA 642.3

The interviews between Jesus and His disciples were usually seasons of calm joy, highly prized by them all. The Passover suppers had been scenes of special interest; but upon this occasion Jesus was troubled. His heart was burdened, and a shadow rested upon His countenance. As He met the disciples in the upper chamber, they perceived that something weighed heavily upon His mind, and although they knew not its cause, they sympathized with His grief.

DA 643.1

As they were gathered about the table, He said in tones of touching sadness, “With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.”

DA 643.2

Christ knew that the time had come for Him to depart out of the world, and go to His Father. And having loved His own that were in the world, He loved them unto the end. He was now in the shadow of the cross, and the pain was torturing His heart. He knew that He would be deserted in the hour of His betrayal. He knew that by the most humiliating process to which criminals were subjected He would be put to death. He knew the ingratitude and cruelty of those He had come to save. He knew how great the sacrifice that He must make, and for how many it would be in vain. Knowing all that was before Him, He might naturally have been overwhelmed with the thought of His own humiliation and suffering. But He looked upon the twelve, who had been with Him as His own, and who, after His shame and sorrow and painful usage were over, would be left to struggle in the world. His thoughts of what He Himself must suffer were ever connected with His disciples. He did not think of Himself. His care for them was uppermost in His mind.

DA 643.3

On this last evening with His disciples, Jesus had much to tell them. If they had been prepared to receive what He longed to impart, they would have been saved from heartbreaking anguish, from disappointment and unbelief. But Jesus saw that they could not bear what He had to say. As He looked into their faces, the words of warning and comfort were stayed upon His lips. Moments passed in silence. Jesus appeared to be waiting. The disciples were ill at ease. The sympathy and tenderness awakened by Christ’s grief seemed to have passed away. His sorrowful words, pointing to His own suffering, had made little impression. The glances they cast upon each other told of jealousy and contention.

DA 643.4

There was “a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.” This contention, carried on in the presence of Christ, grieved and wounded Him. The disciples clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His power, and take His position on the throne of David. And in heart each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. They had placed their own estimate upon themselves and upon one another, and, instead of regarding their brethren as more worthy, they had placed themselves first. The request of James and John to sit on the right and left of Christ’s throne had excited the indignation of the others. That the two brothers should presume to ask for the highest position so stirred the ten that alienation threatened. They felt that they were misjudged, that their fidelity and talents were not appreciated. Judas was the most severe upon James and John.

DA 644.1

When the disciples entered the supper room, their hearts were full of resentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ on the left side; John was on the right. If there was a highest place, Judas was determined to have it, and that place was thought to be next to Christ. And Judas was a traitor.

DA 644.2

Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them to do. By their silence they refused to humble themselves.

DA 644.3

How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain over them a decided victory? How could He show that a mere profession of discipleship did not make them disciples, or insure them a place in His kingdom? How could He show that it is loving service, true humility, which constitutes real greatness? How was He to kindle love in their hearts, and enable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them?

DA 644.4

The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements, He took a towel, and girded Himself. With surprised interest the disciples looked on, and in silence waited to see what was to follow. “After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.” This action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts. They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in altogether a new light.

DA 644.5

So Christ expressed His love for His disciples. Their selfish spirit filled Him with sorrow, but He entered into no controversy with them regarding their difficulty. Instead He gave them an example they would never forget. His love for them was not easily disturbed or quenched. He knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came from God, and went to God. He had a full consciousness of His divinity; but He had laid aside His royal crown and kingly robes, and had taken the form of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself as a servant, and perform a servant’s part.

DA 645.1

Before the Passover Judas had met a second time with the priests and scribes, and had closed the contract to deliver Jesus into their hands. Yet he afterward mingled with the disciples as though innocent of any wrong, and interested in the work of preparing for the feast. The disciples knew nothing of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret. Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hungered for his soul. He felt for him such a burden as for Jerusalem when He wept over the doomed city. His heart was crying, How can I give thee up? The constraining power of that love was felt by Judas. When the Saviour’s hands were bathing those soiled feet, and wiping them with the towel, the heart of Judas thrilled through and through with the impulse then and there to confess his sin. But he would not humble himself. He hardened his heart against repentance; and the old impulses, for the moment put aside, again controlled him. Judas was now offended at Christ’s act in washing the feet of His disciples. If Jesus could so humble Himself, he thought, He could not be Israel’s king. All hope of worldly honor in a temporal kingdom was destroyed. Judas was satisfied that there was nothing to be gained by following Christ. After seeing Him degrade Himself, as he thought, he was confirmed in his purpose to disown Him, and confess himself deceived. He was possessed by a demon, and he resolved to complete the work he had agreed to do in betraying his Lord.

DA 645.2

Judas, in choosing his position at table, had tried to place himself first, and Christ as a servant served him first. John, toward whom Judas had felt so much bitterness, was left till the last. But John did not take this as a rebuke or slight. As the disciples watched Christ’s action, they were greatly moved. When Peter’s turn came, he exclaimed with astonishment, “Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?” Christ’s condescension broke his heart. He was filled with shame to think that one of the disciples was not performing this service. “What I do,” Christ said, “thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” Peter could not bear to see his Lord, whom he believed to be the Son of God, acting the part of a servant. His whole soul rose up against this humiliation. He did not realize that for this Christ came into the world. With great emphasis he exclaimed, “Thou shalt never wash my feet.”

DA 646.1

Solemnly Christ said to Peter, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me.” The service which Peter refused was the type of a higher cleansing. Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin. In refusing to allow Christ to wash his feet, Peter was refusing the higher cleansing included in the lower. He was really rejecting his Lord. It is not humiliating to the Master to allow Him to work for our purification. The truest humility is to receive with thankful heart any provision made in our behalf, and with earnestness do service for Christ.

DA 646.2

At the words, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me,” Peter surrendered his pride and self-will. He could not endure the thought of separation from Christ; that would have been death to him. “Not my feet only,” he said, “but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.”

DA 646.3

These words mean more than bodily cleanliness. Christ is still speaking of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the lower. He who came from the bath was clean, but the sandaled feet soon became dusty, and again needed to be washed. So Peter and his brethren had been washed in the great fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Christ acknowledged them as His. But temptation had led them into evil, and they still needed His cleansing grace. When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust from their feet, He desired by that very act to wash the alienation, jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This was of far more consequence than the washing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they then had, not one of them was prepared for communion with Christ. Until brought into a state of humility and love, they were not prepared to partake of the paschal supper, or to share in the memorial service which Christ was about to institute. Their hearts must be cleansed. Pride and self-seeking create dissension and hatred, but all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet. A change of feeling was brought about. Looking upon them, Jesus could say, “Ye are clean.” Now there was union of heart, love for one another. They had become humble and teachable. Except Judas, each was ready to concede to another the highest place. Now with subdued and grateful hearts they could receive Christ’s words.

DA 646.4

Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart’s purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but how often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity and pride! Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His efficacy.

DA 649.1

Jesus said to the disciples, “Ye are clean, but not all.” He had washed the feet of Judas, but the heart had not been yielded to Him. It was not purified. Judas had not submitted himself to Christ.

DA 649.2

After Christ had washed the disciples’ feet, and had taken His garments and sat down again, He said to them, “Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”

DA 649.3

Christ would have His disciples understand that although He had washed their feet, this did not in the least detract from His dignity. “Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” And being so infinitely superior, He imparted grace and significance to the service. No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, and which strengthens by self-serving, Christ Himself set the example of humility. He would not leave this great subject in man’s charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it, that He Himself, One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. While they were contending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve, bowed down to wash the feet of those who called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer.

DA 649.4

In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is constantly ministering for others. “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. This ideal of ministry God has committed to His Son. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by His example He might teach what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it.

DA 650.1

Again and again Jesus had tried to establish this principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for pre-eminence, He had said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” Matthew 20:26. In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others.

DA 650.2

Now, having washed the disciples’ feet, He said, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” In these words Christ was not merely enjoining the practice of hospitality. More was meant than the washing of the feet of guests to remove the dust of travel. Christ was here instituting a religious service. By the act of our Lord this humiliating ceremony was made a consecrated ordinance. It was to be observed by the disciples, that they might ever keep in mind His lessons of humility and service.

DA 650.3

This ordinance is Christ’s appointed preparation for the sacramental service. While pride, variance, and strife for supremacy are cherished, the heart cannot enter into fellowship with Christ. We are not prepared to receive the communion of His body and His blood. Therefore it was that Jesus appointed the memorial of His humiliation to be first observed.

DA 650.4

As they come to this ordinance, the children of God should bring to remembrance the words of the Lord of life and glory: “Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord’s Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother.

DA 650.5

The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Saviour’s humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up, memories of God’s great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil thinking and evilspeaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity.

DA 651.1

As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ’s righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

DA 651.2

To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become a mere ceremonial. Its constant lesson will be, “By love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13. In washing the feet of His disciples, Christ gave evidence that He would do any service, however humble, that would make them heirs with Him of the eternal wealth of heaven’s treasure. His disciples, in performing the same rite, pledge themselves in like manner to serve their brethren. Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into a holy relationship, to help and bless each other. They covenant that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry. And this, not only for one another. Their field of labor is as wide as their Master’s was. The world is full of those who need our ministry. The poor, the helpless, the ignorant, are on every hand. Those who have communed with Christ in the upper chamber will go forth to minister as He did.

DA 651.3

Jesus, the served of all, came to be the servant of all. And because He ministered to all, He will again be served and honored by all. And those who would partake of His divine attributes, and share with Him the joy of seeing souls redeemed, must follow His example of unselfish ministry.

DA 651.4

All this was comprehended in the words of Jesus, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” This was the intent of the service He established. And He says, “If ye know these things,” if you know the purpose of His lessons, “happy are ye if ye do them.”

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 71—A Servant of Servants

HLv 433.1

Christ with His disciples had gathered to celebrate the Passover. The Saviour knew that His hour was come; He Himself was the true paschal lamb, and on the day the Passover was eaten He was to be sacrificed. A few quiet hours yet remained to Him to be spent for the benefit of His disciples.

HLv 433.2

The life of Christ had been one of unselfish service. “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28) had been the lesson of His every act. But not yet had the disciples learned the lesson. At this last Passover Jesus was troubled. A shadow rested upon His countenance. The disciples perceived that something weighed heavily on His mind.

HLv 433.3

As they were gathered about the table, He said, “With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not anymore eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.”

HLv 433.4

Christ was now in the shadow of the cross, and the pain was torturing His heart. He knew He would be deserted; He knew that by the most humiliating process to which criminals were subjected He would be put to death. He knew the ingratitude and cruelty of those He had come to save. He knew that for many the sacrifice He must make would be in vain. Knowing all that was before Him, He might naturally have been overwhelmed with the thought of His own humiliation and suffering. But He did not think of Himself. His care for His disciples was uppermost in His mind.

HLv 434.1

On this last evening, Jesus had much to tell them. But He saw that they could not bear what He had to say. As He looked into their faces, the words were stayed on His lips. Moments passed in silence. The disciples were ill at ease. The glances they cast on each other told of jealousy and contention.

HLv 434.2

There was “a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.” This contention grieved and wounded Jesus. Each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. That James and John should presume to ask for the highest position so stirred the ten that alienation threatened. Judas was the most severe on James and John.

HLv 434.3

When the disciples entered the upper room, Judas pressed next to Christ on the left side; John was on the right. If there was a highest place, Judas was determined to have it.

HLv 434.4

Another cause of dissension had arisen. It was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests. On this occasion the pitcher, the basin, and the towel were in readiness; but no servant was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern. By their silence they refused to humble themselves.

HLv 434.5

How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain over them a decided victory? How could He show that a mere profession of discipleship did not make them disciples? How was He to kindle love in their hearts and enable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them?

HLv 434.6

Jesus waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements, He took a towel. In silence the disciples waited to see what was to follow. “After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.” This action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame filled their hearts, and they saw themselves in a new light.

HLv 435.1

Christ gave them an example they would never forget. His love for them was not easily disturbed. He had full consciousness of His divinity; but He had laid aside His royal crown, and had taken the form of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself as a servant, and perform a servant’s part.

HLv 435.2

Before the Passover Judas had closed the contract to deliver Jesus into the hands of the priests and scribes. The disciples knew nothing of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret, yet He did not expose him. He felt for him such a burden as for Jerusalem when He wept over the doomed city.

HLv 435.3

The constraining power of that love was felt by Judas. When the Saviour’s hands were bathing those soiled feet and wiping them with the towel, the heart of Judas thrilled with the impulse to confess his sin. But he would not humble himself. He hardened his heart against repentance, and the old impulses again controlled him. Judas was now offended at Christ’s act in washing the feet of His disciples. If Jesus could so humble Himself, he thought, He could not be Israel’s king. After seeing Him degrade Himself, as he thought, he was confirmed in his purpose to disown Him, and confess himself deceived. Possessed by a demon, he resolved to complete the work he had agreed to do in betraying his Lord.

HLv 435.4

Judas, in choosing his position at table, had tried to place himself first, and Christ as a Servant served him first. John was left till last. But John did not take this as a rebuke or slight. When Peter’s turn came he exclaimed with astonishment, “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” Christ’s condescension broke his heart. He was filled with shame to think that one of the disciples was not performing this service. “What I do,” Christ said, “thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” Peter could not bear to see his Lord, the Son of God, acting the part of a servant. His whole soul rose up against this humiliation. With great emphasis he exclaimed, “Thou shalt never wash my feet.”

HLv 436.1

Christ said, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me.” Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin. Peter was refusing the higher cleansing included in the lower. He was really rejecting his Lord. It is not humiliating to the Master to allow Him to work for our purification.

HLv 436.2

Peter surrendered his pride. Separation from Christ would have been death to him. “Not my feet only,” he said, “but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.”

HLv 436.3

These words mean more than bodily cleanliness. Christ is speaking of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the lower. He who came from the bath was clean, but the sandaled feet soon again needed to be washed. So Peter and his brethren had been washed in the great fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. But temptation had led them into evil, and they still needed Christ’s cleansing grace.

HLv 436.4

Jesus desired to wash the alienation, jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This was of far more consequence than washing their dusty feet. With the spirit they had, not one was prepared for communion with Christ. Until brought into a state of humility and love, they were not prepared to share in the memorial service Christ was about to institute. Pride and self-seeking create dissension, but all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet. A change of feeling was brought about. Jesus could say, “Ye are clean.” Now there was union of heart, love for one another. Except Judas, each was ready to concede to another the highest place. Now they could receive Christ’s words.

HLv 437.1

We too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often the heart’s purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for cleansing grace. How often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity, our pride! Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean.

HLv 437.2

After Christ had washed the disciples’ feet, He said: “Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”

HLv 437.3

That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, Christ Himself set the example of humility. He Himself, equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. He to whom every knee shall bow, bowed down to wash the feet of those who called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer.

HLv 437.4

God does not live for Himself. He is constantly ministering for others. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by His example He might teach what it means to minister. He served all, ministered to all. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it.

HLv 437.5

Having washed the disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” In these words Christ was instituting a religious service. By the act of our Lord this humiliating ceremony was made a consecrated ordinance. It was to be observed by the disciples, that they might ever keep in mind His lessons of humility and service.

HLv 437.6

This ordinance is Christ’s appointed preparation for the sacramental service. While pride, variance, and strife for supremacy are cherished, we are not prepared to receive the communion of His body and His blood. Therefore Jesus appointed the memorial of His humiliation to be first observed.

HLv 438.1

There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness. The ordinance preceding the Lord’s Supper is to bring man out of his selfishness, down from self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother. The holy Watcher from heaven is present to make this season one of soul searching, conviction of sin, and the assurance of sins forgiven. Christ is there to change the current of thoughts that have been running in selfish channels.

HLv 438.2

As the Saviour’s humiliation for us is remembered, a chain of memories is called up, memories of God’s goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, kindnesses slighted are called to mind. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude, coldness, are called to remembrance. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Sins are confessed; they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ draws hearts together. The desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness filling the soul temple.

HLv 438.3

To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become merely ceremonial. Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God covenant that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry for one another. The world is full of those who need our ministry. Those who have communed with Christ in the upper chamber will go forth to minister as He did.

HLv 438.4

“If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 19, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 19, 1897, par. 31

“And they went and found as he had said unto them, and they made ready the Passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come.” [Luke 22:7-18.]

12LtMs, Ms 19, 1897, par. 32

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is broken for you, This do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed. And they began to inquire among themselves which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also strife among them which of them should be accounted greatest.” [Verses 19-24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 54, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 54, 1897, par. 2

“And they went, and found as he had said unto them; and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; For I say unto you, I will not anymore eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament of my blood, which is shed for you.” [Luke 22:7-20.]

12LtMs, Ms 54, 1897, par. 5

“There was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted greatest.” [Luke 22:24.] This contention, carried on in the presence of Christ, grieved and wounded Him. They still clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His power, and take His position on the throne of David. And in their hearts they each longed for the highest place in the kingdom they hoped He would set up. They had placed their own estimate upon themselves, and upon each other, and in the place of regarding their brethren as more worthy than themselves, they had placed themselves first.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 106, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 2

Christ had chosen Peter and John, who were to be closely associated in labor, to prepare for the supper. “Go and prepare us the passover,” He said, “that we may eat. And they said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we prepare? And He said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready. And they went, and found as He had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.” [Luke 22:8-13.]

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 6

“And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.” [Verse 14.]

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 8

Christ’s first words after they had gathered about the table were, “With desire have I desired to eat the Passover with you before I suffer; for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” [Verses 15, 16.]

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 9

“And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come.” [Verses 17, 18.]

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 13

There was “a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.” [Luke 22:24.] This contention carried on in the presence of Christ grieved and wounded Him. The disciples clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His power and take His position on the throne of David. And in heart each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. They had placed their own estimate upon themselves and upon one another, and instead of regarding their brethren as more worthy, they had placed themselves first. The request of James and John to sit on the right and left of Christ’s throne had excited the indignation of the others. That the two brothers should presume to ask for the highest position, so stirred the ten that alienation threatened. They felt that they were misjudged, that their fidelity and talents were not appreciated. Judas was the most severe upon James and John.

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 28

Judas the betrayer was present at the sacramental service. He received from Jesus the emblems of His broken body and His spilled blood. He heard the words, “This do in remembrance of Me.” [Luke 22:19.] And sitting there in the very presence of the Lamb of God, the betrayer brooded upon his dark purposes and cherished his sullen, revengeful thoughts.

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 53

Judas was present at the sacramental supper. He received from Jesus the emblems of His broken body and spilled blood. He heard the words, “This do in remembrance of Me.” [Luke 22:19.] And sitting there in the very presence of the Lamb of God, the betrayer brooded upon his own dark purposes and cherished his sullen, revengeful thoughts.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 15—At the Passover Supper

SJ 95.1

“Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.” Luke 22:11, 15, 17, 18.

SJ 98.2

“Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:19, 20.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 72—“In Remembrance of Me”

DA 652.1

“The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

DA 652.2

Christ was standing at the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. He, the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin offering, that He would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death. As He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by His followers in all lands and through all ages.

DA 652.3

The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. God had directed that, year by year, as the children should ask the meaning of this ordinance, the history should be repeated. Thus the wonderful deliverance was to be kept fresh in the minds of all. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ. Till He shall come the second time in power and glory, this ordinance is to be celebrated. It is the means by which His great work for us is to be kept fresh in our minds.

DA 653.1

At the time of their deliverance from Egypt, the children of Israel ate the Passover supper standing, with their loins girded, and with their staves in their hands, ready for their journey. The manner in which they celebrated this ordinance harmonized with their condition; for they were about to be thrust out of the land of Egypt, and were to begin a painful and difficult journey through the wilderness. But in Christ’s time the condition of things had changed. They were not now about to be thrust out of a strange country, but were dwellers in their own land. In harmony with the rest that had been given them, the people then partook of the Passover supper in a reclining position. Couches were placed about the table, and the guests lay upon them, resting upon the left arm, and having the right hand free for use in eating. In this position a guest could lay his head upon the breast of the one who sat next above him. And the feet, being at the outer edge of the couch, could be washed by one passing around the outside of the circle.

DA 653.2

Christ is still at the table on which the paschal supper has been spread. The unleavened cakes used at the Passover season are before Him. The Passover wine, untouched by fermentation, is on the table. These emblems Christ employs to represent His own unblemished sacrifice. Nothing corrupted by fermentation, the symbol of sin and death, could represent the “Lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:19.

DA 653.3

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

DA 653.4

Judas the betrayer was present at the sacramental service. He received from Jesus the emblems of His broken body and His spilled blood. He heard the words, “This do in remembrance of Me.” And sitting there in the very presence of the Lamb of God, the betrayer brooded upon his own dark purposes, and cherished his sullen, revengeful thoughts.

DA 653.5

At the feet washing, Christ had given convincing proof that He understood the character of Judas. “Ye are not all clean” (John 13:11), He said. These words convinced the false disciple that Christ read his secret purpose. Now Christ spoke out more plainly. As they were seated at the table He said, looking upon His disciples, “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me.”

DA 654.1

Even now the disciples did not suspect Judas. But they saw that Christ appeared greatly troubled. A cloud settled over them all, a premonition of some dreadful calamity, the nature of which they did not understand. As they ate in silence, Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray Me.” At these words amazement and consternation seized them. They could not comprehend how any one of them could deal treacherously with their divine Teacher. For what cause could they betray Him? and to whom? Whose heart could give birth to such a design? Surely not one of the favored twelve, who had been privileged above all others to hear His teachings, who had shared His wonderful love, and for whom He had shown such great regard by bringing them into close communion with Himself!

DA 654.2

As they realized the import of His words, and remembered how true His sayings were, fear and self-distrust seized them. They began to search their own hearts to see if one thought against their Master were harbored there. With the most painful emotion, one after another inquired, “Lord, is it I?” But Judas sat silent. John in deep distress at last inquired, “Lord, who is it?” And Jesus answered, “He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” The disciples had searched one another’s faces closely as they asked, “Lord, is it I?” And now the silence of Judas drew all eyes to him. Amid the confusion of questions and expressions of astonishment, Judas had not heard the words of Jesus in answer to John’s question. But now, to escape the scrutiny of the disciples, he asked as they had done, “Master, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied, “Thou hast said.”

DA 654.3

In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose, Judas rose hastily to leave the room. “Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.... He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.” Night it was to the traitor as he turned away from Christ into the outer darkness.

DA 654.4

Until this step was taken, Judas had not passed beyond the possibility of repentance. But when he left the presence of his Lord and his fellow disciples, the final decision had been made. He had passed the boundary line.

DA 655.1

Wonderful had been the long-suffering of Jesus in His dealing with this tempted soul. Nothing that could be done to save Judas had been left undone. After he had twice covenanted to betray his Lord, Jesus still gave him opportunity for repentance. By reading the secret purpose of the traitor’s heart, Christ gave to Judas the final, convincing evidence of His divinity. This was to the false disciple the last call to repentance. No appeal that the divine-human heart of Christ could make had been spared. The waves of mercy, beaten back by stubborn pride, returned in a stronger tide of subduing love. But although surprised and alarmed at the discovery of his guilt, Judas became only the more determined. From the sacramental supper he went out to complete the work of betrayal.

DA 655.2

In pronouncing the woe upon Judas, Christ also had a purpose of mercy toward His disciples. He thus gave them the crowning evidence of His Messiahship. “I tell you before it come,” He said, “that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I AM.” Had Jesus remained silent, in apparent ignorance of what was to come upon Him, the disciples might have thought that their Master had not divine foresight, and had been surprised and betrayed into the hands of the murderous mob. A year before, Jesus had told the disciples that He had chosen twelve, and that one was a devil. Now His words to Judas, showing that his treachery was fully known to his Master, would strengthen the faith of Christ’s true followers during His humiliation. And when Judas should have come to his dreadful end, they would remember the woe that Jesus had pronounced upon the betrayer.

DA 655.3

And the Saviour had still another purpose. He had not withheld His ministry from him whom He knew to be a traitor. The disciples did not understand His words when He said at the feet washing, “Ye are not all clean,” nor yet when at the table He declared, “He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me.” John 13:11, 18. But afterward, when His meaning was made plain, they had something to consider as to the patience and mercy of God toward the most grievously erring.

DA 655.4

Though Jesus knew Judas from the beginning, He washed his feet. And the betrayer was privileged to unite with Christ in partaking of the sacrament. A long-suffering Saviour held out every inducement for the sinner to receive Him, to repent, and to be cleansed from the defilement of sin. This example is for us. When we suppose one to be in error and sin, we are not to divorce ourselves from him. By no careless separation are we to leave him a prey to temptation, or drive him upon Satan’s battleground. This is not Christ’s method. It was because the disciples were erring and faulty that He washed their feet, and all but one of the twelve were thus brought to repentance.

DA 656.1

Christ’s example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord’s Supper. It is true that open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy Spirit plainly teaches. 1 Corinthians 5:11. But beyond this none are to pass judgment. God has not left it with men to say who shall present themselves on these occasions. For who can read the heart? Who can distinguish the tares from the wheat? “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” For “whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” “He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11:28, 27, 29.

DA 656.2

When believers assemble to celebrate the ordinances, there are present messengers unseen by human eyes. There may be a Judas in the company, and if so, messengers from the prince of darkness are there, for they attend all who refuse to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Heavenly angels also are present. These unseen visitants are present on every such occasion. There may come into the company persons who are not in heart servants of truth and holiness, but who may wish to take part in the service. They should not be forbidden. There are witnesses present who were present when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and of Judas. More than human eyes beheld the scene.

DA 656.3

Christ by the Holy Spirit is there to set the seal to His own ordinance. He is there to convict and soften the heart. Not a look, not a thought of contrition, escapes His notice. For the repentant, brokenhearted one He is waiting. All things are ready for that soul’s reception. He who washed the feet of Judas longs to wash every heart from the stain of sin.

DA 656.4

None should exclude themselves from the Communion because some who are unworthy may be present. Every disciple is called upon to participate publicly, and thus bear witness that he accepts Christ as a personal Saviour. It is at these, His own appointments, that Christ meets His people, and energizes them by His presence. Hearts and hands that are unworthy may even administer the ordinance, yet Christ is there to minister to His children. All who come with their faith fixed upon Him will be greatly blessed. All who neglect these seasons of divine privilege will suffer loss. Of them it may appropriately be said, “Ye are not all clean.”

DA 656.5

In partaking with His disciples of the bread and wine, Christ pledged Himself to them as their Redeemer. He committed to them the new covenant, by which all who receive Him become children of God, and joint heirs with Christ. By this covenant every blessing that heaven could bestow for this life and the life to come was theirs. This covenant deed was to be ratified with the blood of Christ. And the administration of the Sacrament was to keep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice made for each of them individually as a part of the great whole of fallen humanity.

DA 659.1

But the Communion service was not to be a season of sorrowing. This was not its purpose. As the Lord’s disciples gather about His table, they are not to remember and lament their shortcomings. They are not to dwell upon their past religious experience, whether that experience has been elevating or depressing. They are not to recall the differences between them and their brethren. The preparatory service has embraced all this. The self-examination, the confession of sin, the reconciling of differences, has all been done. Now they come to meet with Christ. They are not to stand in the shadow of the cross, but in its saving light. They are to open the soul to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. With hearts cleansed by Christ’s most precious blood, in full consciousness of His presence, although unseen, they are to hear His words, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27.

DA 659.2

Our Lord says, Under conviction of sin, remember that I died for you. When oppressed and persecuted and afflicted for My sake and the gospel’s, remember My love, so great that for you I gave My life. When your duties appear stern and severe, and your burdens too heavy to bear, remember that for your sake I endured the cross, despising the shame. When your heart shrinks from the trying ordeal, remember that your Redeemer liveth to make intercession for you.

DA 659.3

The Communion service points to Christ’s second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how “He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord’s return. Unspeakably precious to them was the thought, “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26.

DA 660.1

These are the things we are never to forget. The love of Jesus, with its constraining power, is to be kept fresh in our memory. Christ has instituted this service that it may speak to our senses of the love of God that has been expressed in our behalf. There can be no union between our souls and God except through Christ. The union and love between brother and brother must be cemented and rendered eternal by the love of Jesus. And nothing less than the death of Christ could make His love efficacious for us. It is only because of His death that we can look with joy to His second coming. His sacrifice is the center of our hope. Upon this we must fix our faith.

DA 660.2

The ordinances that point to our Lord’s humiliation and suffering are regarded too much as a form. They were instituted for a purpose. Our senses need to be quickened to lay hold of the mystery of godliness. It is the privilege of all to comprehend, far more than we do, the expiatory sufferings of Christ. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” even so has the Son of man been lifted up, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15. To the cross of Calvary, bearing a dying Saviour, we must look. Our eternal interests demand that we show faith in Christ.

DA 660.3

Our Lord has said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.... For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” John 6:53-55. This is true of our physical nature. To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf. It is reflected in every water spring. All this Christ has taught in appointing the emblems of His great sacrifice. The light shining from that Communion service in the upper chamber makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament.

DA 660.4

And how much more are Christ’s words true of our spiritual nature. He declares, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” It is by receiving the life for us poured out on Calvary’s cross, that we can live the life of holiness. And this life we receive by receiving His word, by doing those things which He has commanded. Thus we become one with Him. “He that eateth My flesh,” He says, “and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” John 6:54, 56, 57. To the holy Communion this scripture in a special sense applies. As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ. That soul will receive spiritual strength from every Communion. The service forms a living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ, and thus bound up with the Father. In a special sense it forms a connection between dependent human beings and God.

DA 661.1

As we receive the bread and wine symbolizing Christ’s broken body and spilled blood, we in imagination join in the scene of Communion in the upper chamber. We seem to be passing through the garden consecrated by the agony of Him who bore the sins of the world. We witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with God was obtained. Christ is set forth crucified among us.

DA 661.2

Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.

DA 661.3

He who beholds the Saviour’s matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 72—The Lord’s Supper Instituted

HLv 439.1

“The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

HLv 439.2

Christ, the Lamb of God, was about to bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death. The Passover, the national festival of the Jews, was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established in its place was to be observed by His followers in all lands and through all ages.

HLv 439.3

The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ. This ordinance is the means by which His great work for us is to be kept fresh in our minds.

HLv 439.4

In Christ’s time, the people partook of the Passover supper in a reclining position. The guests lay on couches placed about the table, the right hand free for use in eating. In this position a guest could lay his head on the breast of the one who sat next above him. And the feet, at the outer edge of the couch, could be washed by one passing around the outside of the circle.

HLv 440.1

Christ was still at the table on which the paschal supper had been spread. The unleavened cakes were before Him. The Passover wine, untouched by fermentation, was on the table. These emblems Christ employed to represent His own unblemished sacrifice. See 1 Peter 1:19.

HLv 440.2

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

HLv 440.3

Judas the betrayer received from Jesus the emblems of His broken body and spilled blood. Sitting in the very presence of the Lamb of God, the betrayer brooded on his dark purposes, and cherished his revengeful thoughts.

HLv 440.4

At the feet washing, Christ had given convincing proof that He understood the character of Judas. “Ye are not all clean,” He said. John 13:11. Now Christ spoke out more plainly: “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me.”

HLv 440.5

Even now the disciples did not suspect Judas. But a cloud settled over them, a premonition of some dreadful calamity. As they ate in silence, Jesus said, “Verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray Me.” Consternation seized them. How could any one of them deal treacherously with their divine Teacher? Betray Him? To whom? Surely not one of the favored Twelve!

HLv 440.6

As they remembered how true His sayings were, fear and self-distrust seized them. With painful emotion, one after another inquired, “Lord, is it I?” But Judas sat silent. John at last inquired, “Lord, who is it?” And Jesus answered, “He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me.” The silence of Judas drew all eyes to him. Amid the confusion of questions and astonishment, Judas had not heard the words of Jesus in answer to John’s question. But now, to escape the scrutiny of the disciples, he asked as they had done, “Master, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied, “Thou hast said.”

HLv 441.1

In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose, Judas rose hastily to leave the room. Then said Jesus, “That thou doest, do quickly... . He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.” Night it was as the traitor turned from Christ into outer darkness.

HLv 441.2

Until this step, Judas had not passed the possibility of repentance. But when he left his Lord and his fellow disciples, he had passed the boundary line. Nothing that could be done to save Judas had been left undone. After he had twice covenanted to betray his Lord, Jesus still gave him opportunity for repentance. By reading the secret purpose of the traitor’s heart, Christ gave to Judas the final, convincing evidence of His divinity. This was the last call to repentance. From the sacramental supper Judas went out to complete the work of betrayal.

HLv 441.3

In pronouncing the woe on Judas, Christ also had a purpose of mercy toward His disciples. “I tell you before it come,” He said, “that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am.” Had Jesus remained silent, the disciples might have thought that their Master had not divine foresight, and had been surprised. A year before, Jesus had told the disciples that He had chosen twelve, and that one was a devil. Now His words to Judas would strengthen the faith of Christ’s true followers during His humiliation. When Judas should come to his dreadful end, they would remember the woe that Jesus had pronounced on the betrayer.

HLv 441.4

And the Saviour had still another purpose. The disciples had something to consider as to the patience and mercy of God toward the most grievously erring. The betrayer was privileged to unite with Christ in partaking of the sacrament. This example is for us. When we suppose one to be in error and sin, we are not to divorce ourselves from him, to leave him a prey to temptation, or drive him on Satan’s battleground. It was because the disciples were erring and faulty that Christ washed their feet, and all but one were thus brought to repentance.

HLv 442.2

When believers assemble to celebrate the ordinances, there may be a Judas in the company; and if so, messengers from the prince of darkness are there, for they attend all who refuse to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Heavenly angels also are present. There may come into the company persons who are not servants of truth and holiness, but who wish to take part in the service. They should not be forbidden. There are witnesses present who were present when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples.

HLv 442.3

Christ by the Holy Spirit is there to convict and soften the heart. Not a thought of contrition escapes His notice. For the repentant, brokenhearted one He is waiting. He who washed the feet of Judas longs to wash every heart from the stain of sin.

HLv 442.4

None should exclude themselves from Communion because some who are unworthy may be present. At these, His own appointments, Christ meets His people and energizes them by His presence. Hearts and hands that are unworthy may even administer the ordinance, yet all who come with their faith fixed on Christ will be greatly blessed. All who neglect these seasons will suffer loss. The administration of the Sacrament was to keep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice made for each of them individually as part of the great whole of fallen humanity.

HLv 443.2

Our Lord says, When oppressed and afflicted for My sake and the gospel’s, remember My love, so great that for you I gave My life. When your duties appear severe, your burdens too heavy to bear, remember that for your sake I endured the cross, despising the shame. Your Redeemer liveth to make intercession for you.

HLv 443.4

Christ instituted this service that it may speak to our senses of the love of God. There can be no union between our souls and God except through Christ. And nothing less than the death of Christ could make His love efficacious for us. Only because of His death can we look with joy to His second coming. Our senses need to be quickened to lay hold of the mystery of godliness, to comprehend, far more than we do, the expiatory sufferings of Christ.

HLv 444.3

As we receive the bread and wine symbolizing Christ’s broken body and spilled blood, we in imagination witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with God was obtained. Christ is set forth crucified among us. The thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary. He who beholds the Saviour’s matchless love will be transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love.

From Heaven With Love

Christ’s Example Forbids Exclusiveness

HLv 442.1

It is true that open sin excludes the guilty at the Lord’s Supper. See 1 Corinthians 5:11. But beyond this none are to judge. Who can read the heart or distinguish tares from wheat? “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” “Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” “He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11:28, 27, 29.

From Heaven With Love

The Reasons for Celebrating the Lord’s Supper

HLv 443.1

But the Communion service was not to be a season of sorrowing. As the Lord’s disciples gather about His table, they are not to lament their shortcomings. They are not to recall differences between them and their brethren. The preparatory service has embraced all this. Now they come to meet with Christ. They are not to stand in the shadow of the cross, but in its saving light. They are to open the soul to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. They are to hear His words, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27.

HLv 443.3

The Communion service points to Christ’s second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the mind. “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26.

HLv 444.1

Our Lord has said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you... . For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” John 6:53-55. To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body; the water we drink, of His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf; it is reflected in every water spring. The light shining from that Communion service makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament.

HLv 444.2

Of our spiritual nature Jesus declares, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” By receiving His word, by doing those things which He has commanded, we become one with Him. “He that eateth My flesh,” He says, “and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” John 6:54, 56, 57. As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ. Every Communion service forms a living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ, and thus with the Father.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

True Paschal Lamb, October 2

JNN 291.1

Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”—Luke 22:15

Counsels for the Church

A Reminder of Christ’s Second Coming

CCh 301.3

As they were gathered about the table, He said in tones of touching sadness, “With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.” Luke 22:15-18.

The Faith I Live By

In Remembrance of Me, October 21

FLB 300.1

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19.

The Faith I Live By

“The New Testament in My Blood,” October 22

FLB 301.1

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 45, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 45, 1896, par. 1

My dear sister, you will not be left at peace by the enemy. Doubts will come into your mind, but let not Satan get hold of you and carry away with him your faith. Bear in mind that faith which is the life of the soul. You feel your need of a Redeemer, you feel your need of a Saviour. When the cross was just before Him, and He was, as it were, walking in the shadow of the cross, He said for the comfort and assurance of every tempest-tossed soul, “This is the cup of the New Testament in my blood shed for you for the remission of sins.” [Luke 22:20; Matthew 26:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 195, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 195, 1903, par. 6

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto Him, Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death. And He said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me. And He said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said He unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in Me, and He was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning Me have an end.” [Luke 22:21-37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 61, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 61, 1890, par. 1

Last night I was, in my dreams, with you and talking with you. I said to you, Be not discouraged. The Lord has not forsaken you. His Spirit is striving with you. Satan has woven a net for your feet and he has desired to have you that he might sift you as wheat, but Jesus says, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:23.

Christ Triumphant

If We Want to Be Great, We Must Give Humble Service, September 12

CTr 262.1

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. Luke 22:24.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 19—Light Through Darkness

GC 348.2

Purposes of infinite mercy were reaching their fulfillment, even through the disappointment of the disciples. While their hearts had been won by the divine grace and power of His teaching, who “spake as never man spake,” yet intermingled with the pure gold of their love for Jesus, was the base alloy of worldly pride and selfish ambitions. Even in the Passover chamber, at that solemn hour when their Master was already entering the shadow of Gethsemane, there was “a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.” Luke 22:24. Their vision was filled with the throne, the crown, and the glory, while just before them lay the shame and agony of the garden, the judgment hall, the cross of Calvary. It was their pride of heart, their thirst for worldly glory, that had led them to cling so tenaciously to the false teaching of their time, and to pass unheeded the Saviour’s words showing the true nature of His kingdom, and pointing forward to His agony and death. And these errors resulted in the trial—sharp but needful—which was permitted for their correction. Though the disciples had mistaken the meaning of their message, and had failed to realize their expectations, yet they had preached the warning given them of God, and the Lord would reward their faith and honor their obedience. To them was to be entrusted the work of heralding to all nations the glorious gospel of their risen Lord. It was to prepare them for this work that the experience which seemed to them so bitter had been permitted.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 19—Light Through Darkness

GC88 348.2

Purposes of infinite mercy were reaching their fulfillment, even through the disappointment of the disciples. While their hearts had been won by the divine grace and power of His teaching, who “spake as never man spake,” yet intermingled with the pure gold of their love for Jesus, was the base alloy of worldly pride and selfish ambitions. Even in the passover chamber, at that solemn hour when their Master was already entering the shadow of Gethsemane, there was “a strife among them, which of them should be accounted greatest.” [Luke 22:24.] Their vision was filled with the throne, the crown, and the glory, while just before them lay the shame and agony of the garden, the judgment-hall, the cross of Calvary. It was their pride of heart, their thirst for worldly glory, that had led them to cling so tenaciously to the false teaching of their time, and to pass unheeded the Saviour’s words showing the true nature of his kingdom, and pointing forward to his agony and death. And these errors resulted in the trial—sharp but needful—which was permitted for their correction. Though the disciples had mistaken the meaning of their message, and had failed to realize their expectations, yet they had preached the warning given them of God, and the Lord would reward their faith, and honor their obedience. To them was to be intrusted the work of heralding to all nations the glorious gospel of their risen Lord. It was to prepare them for this work, that the experience which seemed to them so bitter had been permitted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 115, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 115, 1902, par. 1

“And there was a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And 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 22:24-30.]

17LtMs, Ms 115, 1902, par. 5

Just before Peter’s fall, Christ said to him, “Simon, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” [Luke 22:31.]

17LtMs, Ms 115, 1902, par. 6

How true was the Saviour’s friendship for Peter! how compassionate His warning! But the warning was resented. In self-sufficiency Peter declared confidently that he would never do what Christ had warned him against. “Lord,” he said, “I am ready to go with thee to prison and to death.” [Verse 33.] His self-confidence proved his ruin. He tempted Satan to tempt him, and he fell under the arts of the wily foe. When Christ needed him most, he stood on the side of the enemy and openly denied his Lord.

17LtMs, Ms 115, 1902, par. 7

But even when Peter was denying Him, Christ showed that He still loved him. In the judgment hall, surrounded by those who were clamoring for His life, Jesus thought of His suffering, erring disciple, and turning, He looked at him. In that look, Peter read the Saviour’s love and compassion, and a tide of memories rushed over him. Christ’s mercy, His kindness and long-suffering, His gentleness and patience toward His disciples—all was remembered. He recalled the caution, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Verse 31.] He saw that he was doing the very thing that he had declared he would not do. The realization of his terrible fall came over him with overwhelming force. He thought of his ingratitude, his falsehood, his perjury. Once more he looked at his Master and saw a sacrilegious hand raised to smite Him in the face. Unable longer to endure the scene, he rushed heartbroken from the hall.

Education

Chapter 31—The Lifework

Ed 268.1

“He that is greatest among you,” He said, “let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For ... I am among you as he that serveth.” Luke 22:26, 27.

The General Conference Bulletin

October 1, 1902

GCB October 1, 1902, par. 9

“He that is greatest among you,” Christ said, “let him be as the younger, and he that is chief as he that doth serve. For... I am among you as he that serveth.” Luke 22:26, 27.

Education

The Law of Ministry

Ed 103.2

All things both in heaven and in earth declare that the great law of life is a law of service. The infinite Father ministers to the life of every living thing. Christ came to the earth “as He that serveth.” Luke 22:27. The angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” Hebrews 1:14. The same law of service is written upon all things in nature. The birds of the air, the beasts of the field, the trees of the forest, the leaves, the grass, and the flowers, the sun in the heavens and the stars of light—all have their ministry. Lake and ocean, river and water spring—each takes to give.

Reflecting Christ

Reaching Out Through Literature Evangelism, August 27

RC 253.1

I am among you as he that serveth. Luke 22:27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 181, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 181, 1903, par. 16

God’s sons and daughters will find their highest joy in service. “I am among you as one that serveth,” Christ said. [Luke 22:27.] Christians are to give those with whom they are brought in contact a correct conception of His love, His kindness, His self-denial, and the greatness of His mission.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 58, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 58, 1906, par. 14

Though Christ was rich, yet for our sake He became poor. He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. “I am among you,” He said, “as one that serveth.” [Luke 22:27.] He came to exemplify in His character the law of God. There was in His service no haphazard work. He taught and practiced the law of the kingdom of heaven. When His parents lost Him, and went back to Jerusalem to seek Him, they found Him among the doctors and lawyers in the temple, listening to them and asking them questions. The Jewish teachers were astonished at His questions, which set their minds on a train of thought of the highest consequence. When His mother asked Him, “Son, why hast Thou dealt thus with us,” He answered, with His hand uplifted in a most reverent manner, and with His countenance aglow, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.] Clearly and decidedly these words rang out; He spoke as One who understood the keynote of His life.

21LtMs, Lt 58, 1906, par. 15

In a world of lawbreakers, a world revolting from allegiance to God, and refusing to obey the law of Him who created the earth, Christ was to magnify the law and make it honorable. He came to show that the law could be obeyed. “Think not,” He said, “that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” [Matthew 5:17.] “I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.” [John 6:38.] “I am among you as one that serveth.” [Luke 22:27.] All His work was done in the ministry of service, for the saving of a lost world. His ministry bore not one vestige of selfishness.

That I May Know Him

An Inexhaustible Storehouse, November 28

TMK 338.2

Said Christ, “All things that the Father hath are mine.” “I and my Father are one” (John 16:15; 10:30). “I appoint unto you a kingdom” (Luke 22:29). The Lord Jesus lays His hand upon the eternal throne of God with all the ease and assurance of one who rules and reigns, putting on His head the crown of deity. He sits at the right hand of God and receives supreme honor as God, the glory He had before the world was. He distributes His gifts to all who by faith shall claim them....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 83, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 83, 1895, par. 19

Said Christ, “All things that the Father hath are mine.” [John 16:15.] “I and My Father are one. I appoint unto you a kingdom.” [John 10:30; Luke 22:29.] The Lord Jesus lays His hand upon the eternal throne of God with all the ease and assurance of one who rules and reigns, putting on His head the crown of Deity. He sits at the right hand of God and receives supreme honor as God, the glory He had before the world was. He distributes His gifts to all who by faith shall claim them.

God’s Amazing Grace

A Share in Christ’s Kingdom, February 28

AG 67.1

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.

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.

The Review and Herald

December 2, 1884

RH December 2, 1884, par. 10

Eld. Canright spoke to the people evening after the Sabbath, from Luke 22:29, 30, giving an impressive discourse.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 110, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 110, 1901, par. 2

May the Lord draw very near to Brother Rogers and save him from the severe affliction of losing one who has been heart and soul and mind united with him in the work. O, how precious our God is to us in suffering and affliction! May temptations and sorrow not come unto you in the Mission. The words of encouragement from Christ are, “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.] What a promise this is. We are to be made sharers with Christ in the kingdom He has received from His Father. This is a spiritual kingdom in which those who are the most humble and active in serving their brethren are the greatest.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 24—In the Holy of Holies

GC 426.2

In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,” was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed—one class who looked with joy to the Lord’s appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage.” The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Said the angel to John: “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” “He carried me away in the spirit,” says the prophet, “and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” Revelation 21:9, 10. Clearly, then, the bride represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. Revelation 19:9. If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;” He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to “sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,” at His table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 24—In the Holy of Holies

GC88 426.2

In the summer and autumn of 1844, the proclamation, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,” was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed,—one class who looked with joy to the Lord’s appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet him; another class that, influenced by fear, and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage.” The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of his kingdom. The holy city, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Said the angel to John, “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” “He carried me away in the spirit,” says the prophet, “and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God.” [Revelation 21:9, 10.] Clearly, then, the bride represents the holy city, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. [Revelation 19:9.] If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of days in Heaven, “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom,” he will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of his kingdom, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” [Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2.] Having received the kingdom, he will come in his glory, as King of kings, and Lord of lords, for the redemption of his people, who are to “sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,” at his table in his kingdom, [Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30.] to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Scriptural Foundations

CIHS 155.1

In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,” was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed—one class who looked with joy to the Lord’s appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage.” The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Said the angel to John: “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” “He carried me away in the spirit,” says the prophet, “and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” Revelation 21:9, 10. Clearly, then, the bride represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. Revelation 19:9. If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;” He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to “sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,” at His table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1417—Literature To Be Circulated Like Leaves of Autumn; “Exclusive” Principles To Be Eliminated

19MR 383.1

“Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” [Luke 22:31], is applicable to very many souls. Yet we are not left helpless. The Lord spreads His covering hand over us, saying, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.”

Our High Calling

Beware of Self-confidence, October 28

OHC 307.2

Just before Peter’s fall, Christ said to him, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” Luke 22:31. How true was the Saviour’s friendship for Peter! how compassionate His warning! But the warning was resented. In self-sufficiency Peter declared confidently that he would never do what Christ had warned him against. “Lord,” he said, “I am ready to go with thee to prison, and to death.” His self-confidence proved his ruin. He tempted Satan to tempt him, and he fell under the arts of the wily foe. When Christ needed him most, he stood on the side of the enemy, and openly denied his Lord....

Our High Calling

Have You Counted the Cost? November 1

OHC 311.5

To every Christian comes the word that was addressed to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31. Thank God we are not left alone. This is our safety. Satan can never touch with eternal disaster one whom Christ has prepared for temptation by His previous intercession; for grace is provided in Christ for every soul, and a way of escape has been made, so that no one need fall under the power of the enemy.1The Youth’s Instructor, December 20, 1894.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 116, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 116, 1894, par. 2

Dear Brother, will you break every yoke that the enemy has placed upon you, and will you take the yoke of Jesus Christ? You long for rest of soul, but Satan desires to have thee that he may sift thee as wheat. (Luke 22:31) Jesus, your Advocate, stands before the mercy seat under the rainbow of promise, pleading in your behalf. Shall He plead for you in vain? Shall His ministry of kindness and infinite love be in vain? He never spurns the suppliant from His presence. With longing solicitude He invites him to come. Although you grieve His heart of infinite love yet He loves you still. He has paid the ransom money for you, to purchase you from the tyranny of Satan, make you free, and adopt you into His own family that you may be an heir of God, a joint heir with Jesus Christ to imperishable riches, an immortal inheritance.

Christ Triumphant

Each of Us Needs to Know Our Own Weaknesses, September 25

CTr 275.1

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31, 32.

Sons and Daughters of God

Peter’s Sifting Resulted in His Conversion, March 25

SD 91.1

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31, 32.

That I May Know Him

“I Have Prayed for Thee,” October 7

TMK 286.1

I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. Luke 22:32.

TMK 286.2

To every Christian comes the word that was addressed to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:31, 32). Thank God we are not left alone. This is our safety. Satan can never touch with eternal disaster one whom Christ has prepared for temptation by His previous intercession, for grace is provided in Christ for every soul, and a way of escape has been made, so that no one need fall under the power of the enemy.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 85—By the Sea Once More

DA 812.3

Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and Satan had taken advantage of these characteristics to overthrow him. Just before the fall of Peter, Jesus had said to him, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31, 32. That time had now come, and the transformation in Peter was evident. The close, testing questions of the Lord had not called out one forward, self-sufficient reply; and because of his humiliation and repentance, Peter was better prepared than ever before to act as shepherd to the flock.

The Story of Redemption

Chapter 27—The Betrayal of Christ

SR 209.3

Judas knew how anxious they were to obtain Jesus and offered to betray Him to the chief priests and elders for a few pieces of silver. His love of money led him to agree to betray his Lord into the hands of His bitterest enemies. Satan was working directly through Judas, and in the midst of the impressive scene of the last supper the traitor was devising plans to betray his Master. Jesus sorrowfully told His disciples that all of them would be offended because of Him that night. But Peter ardently affirmed that although all others should be offended because of Him, he would not be offended. Jesus said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31, 32.

This Day With God

Your Case Is Not Hopeless, January 30

TDG 38.2

You have been presented before me as in doubt and despair. Christ said of you as He said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:31, 32). I bring to you good news; Jesus loves you, tempest-tossed soul. You have not made shipwreck of faith, although Satan has tried to make you believe that you have done this. Look and live. Come to Christ just as you are. Take Him as your personal Saviour.

This Day With God

That Thy Faith Fail Not, September 8

TDG 260.5

The Lord had said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:31, 32).

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”—Matthew 6:13, R. V.

MB 119.1

To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32. Thank God, we are not left alone. He who “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), will not desert us in the battle with the adversary of God and man. “Behold,” He says, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19.

Homeward Bound

You Are Not Alone, April 12

HB 121.4

To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” (Luke 22:31, 32.) Thank God, we are not left alone. He who “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), will not desert us in the battle with the adversary of God and mankind. “Behold,” He says, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 12, 1861

1LtMs, Lt 12, 1861, par. 13

In regard to the testimony that he must be converted, it was like this: his case was represented to me like Peter’s. Peter was ardent, quick, full of zeal, and he asserted that he would not only suffer for his Lord but die for Him. In the garden of Gethsemane his zeal led him to raise the sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the High Priest. But soon after he denied his Lord and even cursed and swore. Then Jesus looked upon him in sadness and grief, which broke Peter’s heart and he repented and then was converted and prepared to strengthen his brethren. Was not Peter converted when he manifested such ardent zeal for his Lord? What did Jesus say to him? “Satan hath desired to have you, that he might sift you as wheat. ... When thou art converted,” Peter, “strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:31, 32.]

Early Writings

The Betrayal of Christ

EW 166.1

Judas knew how anxious they were to obtain Jesus and offered to betray Him to the chief priests and elders for a few pieces of silver. His love of money led him to agree to betray his Lord into the hands of His bitterest enemies. Satan was working directly through Judas, and in the midst of the impressive scene of the last supper, the traitor was devising plans to betray his Master. Jesus sorrowfully told His disciples that all of them would be offended because of Him that night. But Peter ardently affirmed that although all others should be offended because of Him, he would not be offended. Jesus said to Peter: “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31, 32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16c, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16c, 1892, par. 12

Now, Elder Haskell, do not you think of looking down. Be of good courage in the Lord. I still think you are regarding matters in the right light. When I see things arise right in my own family and impressions received that are not correct in any wise, and yet do all the mischief as if they were correct. I feel that you will make yourself unhappy in having these thoughts, and I beg of you not to entertain them, for I have been shown this was Satan’s device to make you discouraged. I have seen the pitying love of God toward you; I have heard the words spoken to you, “Satan has desired to have you that he might sift you as wheat, but I, your Lord and Master, have prayed for you that your faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] You have aged years more than you need to have done because you entertain the ideas that you were not having confidence in your brethren, and you acted as you felt, and the result was you did not draw close to them, and they could not draw close to you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 63, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 63, 1893, par. 22

Oh, how my soul longs after a constant living connection with God! Over and over the words were spoken to me, “Faith, hope, and love brought into the practical life will develop Christlike character.” This the church needs and must have in the work of overcoming. Souls will be tempted, fiercely tempted. Peter was tempted and Christ said to Peter, “Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 3, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 3, 1893, par. 10

I know some things <of the past.> I have had these things presented to me, some of them in clear lines. I have been shown how the enemy of all righteousness is striving for your soul. But Christ is looking with pitying tenderness upon you. He is saying, If thou wilt only believe, thou shalt see the salvation of God. “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I (your Saviour) have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] Look unto Me. Behold Me, able to save to the uttermost all who come unto Me. All human wisdom and strength is as nothing. “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] All the qualities and capabilities of the mind are to be cultivated to the uttermost of our power, that we may do a better service for the Master.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 62, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 62, 1893, par. 8

I know that there must be a change for Carrie at once. She must not use up her strength over the cook stove. When she is wearied and nervous then the enemy brings his power to bear upon her, and she should not be placed where she will become a physical wreck. Satan would be only too well pleased to harass and destroy her soul. She must not be connected with any one who has not wisdom to deal with tempted human minds. One thing I know, that in all cases similar to that of this poor child’s, whom Satan has tried to sift as wheat, the words of Jesus to Peter are appropriate, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 16, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 33

Christ said, “I will be taken up to Jerusalem and mocked and crucified.” Peter did not want to hear any such story. He thought that God would raise Him up on a temporal throne, and that He would be a ruler over Israel and deliver them up from their bondage. He forgot himself and taking Christ, he rebuked Him. “No,” he said, “it shall not be thus unto thee.” Christ said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” [Matthew 16:21-23.] Where was Satan? Right between Christ and Peter, and there he stood, gracing Peter with all his doubts and unbelief. Christ said, “Get thee behind me, Satan. Stand back. Satan hath desired thee that he might sift thee as wheat, but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 1, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 1, 1894, par. 10

Christ said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] Very precious to Jesus are the souls for whom He has given His life. Jesus knows the value of the human soul, for if we are obedient to the commandments of God, we shall be capable of immortality. When the soul is lost through sin, the most valuable object in the world is lost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 91, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 91, 1895, par. 2

You have been presented before me as in doubt and despair. Christ said of you as He said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have thee, that he might sift thee as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] I bring to you good news: Jesus loves you, tempest-tossed soul. You have not made shipwreck of faith, although Satan has tried to make you believe that you have done this. Look and live. Come to Christ just as you are. Take him as your personal Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 19, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 19, 1895, par. 14

Christ says to you as He said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have thee that he may sift thee as wheat; but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] Look unto Jesus, and by faith see Him bending tenderly, pityingly over you. There is no time to dwell in the dark shadow that Satan casts athwart our pathway. Let faith pierce the dark shadow and lay hold on the light beyond. It is not good for you, and will not bring glory to God, to fix your eyes upon the image of your son. Dwell upon Christ, the Chiefest among ten thousand and the One altogether lovely.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 123, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 123, 1897, par. 7

You need the changes which will mold the life after the divine Pattern. Christ has said of you, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] Brother Philip Wessels, the Lord is inviting you to come unto Him. He says, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” [Malachi 3:7.] He will heal all your backslidings; He will love you freely. [Hosea 14:4.] Now is our day of test and trial. The precious hours are passing away. There is no place of safety or repose or justification in the transgression of the law of God. He demands nothing short of absolute surrender to Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 29, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 29, 1897, par. 17

Christ had before said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] And when Peter denied Christ, declaring that he knew not the man, Jesus turned and looked upon him. Had he spoken, he would have said, “I pardon your transgression.” Satan has not power even to sift without permission from God, and Christ was watching the terrible sifting of him for whom He had prayed. The fall of Peter was the development of the natural elements of character. Under testing trial, these revealed themselves. When Peter saw this, his repentance was sincere, and light came out of the defection.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 50a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 4

Satan is a masterly worker, and he will lose no opportunity to make the most of his chances to work for those who are left in a very disagreeable situation. There are those who make grave mistakes, but they seldom see the aggravated character of their own faults or their more disagreeable results. But if another passes over the ground and does no worse, and perhaps not nearly as bad, how easy for the brother who first sinned to bear down on his brother with an unsparing hand. There are men who are severely tempted and tried, and who meet their temptations, at times feeling desperately, because they know not what to do in an emergency. Jesus pities them. He sees them meeting their temptations with a noble purpose, and wrestling with the devil, foot to foot, breast to breast; and He says to them as He said to Peter, “Get thee behind Me, Satan. Let Me come close to My tempted one. Satan hath desired thee, that he might sift thee as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Matthew 16:23; Luke 22:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 31, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 31, 1897, par. 17

“Satan hath desired to have thee, that he might sift thee as wheat,” is applicable to very many souls. Yet we are not left helpless. The Lord spreads his covering hand over us, saying, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 186, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 186, 1897, par. 38

Christ warned Peter that he would deny Him, but in his self-confidence Peter said, “No, Lord, I never will.” [See Matthew 26:33.] He thought himself perfectly secure, and protested against being misjudged, denying the necessity of any warning. He declared that though all should be offended in Christ, yet he never would. Christ had before said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 50, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 4

Satan is a masterly worker, and he will lose no opportunity to make the most of his chances to work for those who are left in a very disagreeable situation. There are those who make grave mistakes, but they seldom see the aggravated character of their own faults or their more disagreeable results. But if another passes over the ground and does no worse, and perhaps not nearly as bad, how easy for the brother who first sinned to bear down on his brother with an unsparing hand. There are men who are severely tempted and tried, but who meet their temptations, at times feeling desperately, because they know not what to do in an emergency. Jesus pities them. He sees them meeting their temptations with a noble purpose, and wrestling with the devil, foot to foot, breast to breast; and He says to them as He said to Peter, “Get thee behind Me, Satan. Let Me come close to My tempted one. Satan hath desired thee, that he might sift thee as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Matthew 16:23; Luke 22:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 109, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 109, 1898, par. 5

The Lord had said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have thee, that he might sift thee as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:31, 32.]

13LtMs, Ms 109, 1898, par. 7

Peter fell, but he was not forsaken. In his great trial the words of Christ were written upon his soul as with a pen of iron: “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:32.] This prayer of Christ in his behalf was Peter’s only hope.

13LtMs, Ms 109, 1898, par. 18

Before his denial, Christ said to Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] I will make thee a fisher of men. In committing to his stewardship the souls for whom He had given His life, Christ could not have given Peter greater evidence of His confidence in his restoration.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 141, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 141, 1898, par. 5

You have felt a craving of soul to be in harmony with God. He knows all about this. The prayers of your wife have ascended before the throne of God. She has not lost her faith in your restoration. Will you not make her heart glad by submitting yourself to the will of God? Your lack of self-control made you ashamed and discouraged. Satan has been seeking your soul to destroy it, but Christ has stepped in between you and Satan, and He says, “Get thee behind me Satan. Let me come close to this soul.” To you He says, “Philip, Satan hath desired your soul, that he might sift it as wheat, but I have prayed for thee that thy faith shall not utterly fail.” [See Luke 22:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 59, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 59, 1900, par. 49

Jesus loves the children and youth. When they lose self-control and speak words that are passionate, an attitude of silence is often the best course to pursue, not taking up a line of reproof or argument or condemnation. Repentance will come very soon. The silence that is golden will often do more than all the words that can be uttered. Satan is only too well pleased to harass and destroy the souls of the young; therefore persons should be connected with these who have wisdom to deal with tempted human minds. The words of Jesus to Peter are appropriate, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 90, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 90, 1906, par. 5

We are to beware of those who are denying their past experience and who, through specious devising, would if possible deceive the very elect. He who is our Advocate in the heavenly courts is acquainted with every particular of the deceptive wiles of those who are doing this work. Those who are departing from the faith are at work to undermine the confidence of others, and they have been thus at work for years. Our warnings come from the One who is interested in us, because He sees our dangers and is acquainted with the conniving of those who are opposed to His truth. Satan has not yet given up the idea that the world’s armies will be so large that they will be able to overcome the heavenly host. But Christ is watching. He knows all about our burdens, our dangers, and our difficulties; and He fills His mouth with arguments in our behalf. He fits His intercessions to the needs of each soul, as He did in the case of Peter. Peter himself had not the clear perception necessary to an understanding of his danger. Christ said to him, “Behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] Our Advocate fills His mouth with arguments to teach His tried, tempted ones to brace against Satan’s temptations. He interprets every movement of the enemy. He orders events. He sends messages to His people, especially to those in leading positions; and He teaches us how to pray with fervency and hold fast with importunity. He would have every soul come to Him with their trials, and not open these trials to men who are sorely tempted and whose lips will be filled with arguments against the ways and methods of the Lord. Those whose ears are opened to hear these arguments will feel aggrieved and will enter into temptation.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Wonderful Teacher, October 24

JNN 313.4

Judas knew how anxious they were to obtain Jesus and offered to betray Him to the chief priests and elders for a few pieces of silver. His love of money led him to agree to betray his Lord into the hands of His bitterest enemies. Satan was working directly through Judas, and in the midst of the impressive scene of the last supper the traitor was devising plans to betray his Master. Jesus sorrowfully told His disciples that all of them would be offended because of Him that night. But Peter ardently affirmed that although all others should be offended because of Him, he would not be offended. Jesus said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:31, 32).—The Story of Redemption, 209, 210.

Lift Him Up

Christ Delegates Power to Us, June 10

LHU 175.1

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. Luke 22:31, 32.

LHU 175.5

Christ said to Peter: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:31, 32). Who can estimate the result of the prayers of the world’s Redeemer? When Christ shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied, then will be seen and realized the value of His earnest prayers while His divinity was veiled with humanity.

Lift Him Up

The Converted Peter, an Undershepherd, July 29

LHU 224.1

When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:32.

LHU 224.3

Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and Satan had taken advantage of these characteristics to overthrow him. Just before the fall of Peter, Jesus had said to him, “Satan hath desired to have, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:31, 32). That time had now come, and the transformation in Peter was evident. The close, testing questions of the Lord had not called out one forward, self-sufficient reply; and because of his humiliation and repentance, Peter was better prepared than ever before to act as shepherd to the flock....

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1093—The Holy Spirit and God’s Word Agree

14MR 72.4

Christ said to Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” [Luke 22:31, 32]. Very precious to Jesus are the souls for whom He has given His life. Jesus knows the value of the human soul, for if we are obedient to the commandments of God, we shall be capable of immortality. When the soul is lost through sin, the most valuable object in the world is lost.

Prayer

“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13, R.V.

Pr 301.4

To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32. Thank God, we are not left alone. He who “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), will not desert us in the battle with the adversary of God and man. “Behold,” He says, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 13—“What Doest Thou Here?”

PK 175.3

To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32. Christ will never abandon those for whom He has died. We may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life. Could our spiritual vision be quickened, we should see souls bowed under oppression and burdened with grief, pressed as a cart beneath sheaves, and ready to die in discouragement. We should see angels flying quickly to the aid of these tempted ones, forcing back the hosts of evil that encompass them, and placing their feet on the sure foundation. The battles waging between the two armies are as real as those fought by the armies of this world, and on the issue of the spiritual conflict eternal destinies depend.

This Day With God

Pride Goeth Before a Fall, September 7

TDG 259.2

Just before Peter’s fall, Christ said to him, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31).

TDG 259.3

How true was the Saviour’s friendship for Peter! how compassionate His warning! But the warning was resented. In self-sufficiency Peter declared confidently that he would never do what Christ had warned him against. “Lord,” he said, “I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (verse 33). His self-confidence proved his ruin. He tempted Satan to tempt him, and he fell under the arts of the wily foe. When Christ needed him most, he stood on the side of the enemy, and openly denied his Lord....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 61, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 61, 1898, par. 2

Luke, the inspired evangelist, in his record of the life of Christ reveals the purpose of Satan. “And the Lord said to Simon, Behold, Satan hath desired to have thee; that he might sift thee as wheat.” [Luke 22:31.] Had Satan been permitted to have his way, poor Simon would have been a lost sheep, never to be recovered. Satan was permitted to tempt the too confident Peter, as he had been permitted to tempt Job, but when that work was done, he had to retire. He dared not go one hair’s breath beyond his appointed sphere.

13LtMs, Lt 61, 1898, par. 6

There is not power in the whole satanic force that can disable the soul who lives in simple confidence in the wisdom which cometh from God. Here is where the apostle Peter failed. It was essential that he should become intelligent in regard to his own defects of character and see his need of the power and grace of Christ, in order to know himself. But Peter was not left hopeless. He had a precious assurance in the word of Christ: “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:32.] This watchcare that Christ had over Peter was the cause of his restoration. Peter came to appreciate the words, “I have prayed for thee.” Satan could do nothing against the all powerful intercession of Christ.

13LtMs, Lt 61, 1898, par. 8

The Lord would restore to himself all who have put him to open shame by their unscriptural course of action. The apostle Peter was restored, and the message was brought to him from Christ, “Go tell my disciples that I have risen from the dead.” Tell Peter also to meet me in Galilee. [See Mark 16:7.] O, what love, what wondrous love, dwells in the bosom of our divine Lord! O matchless grace, wondrous love! While Peter’s soul was passing [through] deep humiliation, through the awful struggle with satanic agencies, he remembered the words of Christ, “I have prayed for thee.” [Luke 22:32.] With startling vividness his self-confident words lashed upon his mind, “Though all shall deny thee, yet will not I.” “I will go with thee to prison and to death.” [Mark 14:29; Luke 22:33.] Yet Peter denied his Lord with cursing and swearing. O, how active is Satan in casting his seeds of tares. But the awakening came before the restoration. Peter had committed sin against light and knowledge and great and exalted privileges. His sin was very great, but it was his self-confidence that caused him to fail.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 65, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 65, 1894, par. 7

Satan is ever intruding himself between the souls of men and God. He is ever seeking to make the human agent voice the suggestions of Satan rather than the words of God. This lesson in regard to Peter needs to be studied carefully. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have thee, that he may sift thee as wheat: but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:31, 32.]

9LtMs, Lt 65, 1894, par. 8

How little did Peter understand his own weakness. He could not discern but that his spirit was all right, even when he sought to make of none effect the solemn words of Christ which opened to them a future full of sorrow and of suffering, both to him and to them. Christ saw that unless Peter was changed in spirit, he would not be able to endure the test and the trial of the Lord’s rejection, humiliation, condemnation and death. To his Master’s warning words he responded, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.” [Verses 33, 34.]

Conflict and Courage

Peter Learned His Lesson, November 3

CC 313.1

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31, 32.

CC 313.2

Bold, aggressive, and self-confident, quick to perceive and forward to act, prompt in retaliation yet generous in forgiving, Peter often erred, and often received reproof. Nor were his warmhearted loyalty and devotion to Christ the less decidedly recognized and commended. Patiently, with discriminating love, the Saviour dealt with His impetuous disciple, seeking to check his self-confidence, and to teach him humility, obedience, and trust. But only in part was the lesson learned.... Over and over again was given the warning, “Thou shalt ... deny that thou knowest me.” It was the grieved, loving heart of the disciple that spoke out in the avowal, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.” ...

CC 313.3

When in the judgment hall the words of denial had been spoken; when Peter’s love and loyalty, awakened under the Saviour’s glance of pity and love and sorrow, had sent him forth to the garden where Christ had wept and prayed; when his tears of remorse dropped upon the sod that had been moistened with the blood drops of His agony—then the Saviour’s words, “I have prayed for thee” ... were a stay to his soul. Christ, though foreseeing his sin, had not abandoned him to despair.

CC 313.4

If the look that Jesus cast upon him had spoken condemnation instead of pity; if in foretelling the sin He had failed of speaking hope, how dense would have been the darkness that encompassed Peter! ...

CC 313.5

He who could not spare His disciple the anguish, left him not alone to its bitterness. His is a love that fails not nor forsakes. Human beings, themselves given to evil, are prone to deal untenderly with the tempted and the erring. They cannot read the heart, they know not its struggle and pain. Of the rebuke that is love, of the blow that wounds to heal, of the warning that speaks hope, they have need to learn....

CC 313.6

A miracle of divine tenderness was Peter’s transformation. It is a life lesson to all who seek to follow in the steps of the Master Teacher.4Education, 88-91.

Education

From Weakness to Strength

Ed 88.5

For them all, Peter’s experience had a lesson. To self-trust, trial is defeat. The sure outworking of evil still unforsaken, Christ could not prevent. But as His hand had been outstretched to save when the waves were about to sweep over Peter, so did His love reach out for his rescue when the deep waters swept over his soul. Over and over again, on the very verge of ruin, Peter’s words of boasting brought him nearer and still nearer to the brink. Over and over again was given the warning, “Thou shalt ... deny that thou knowest Me.” Luke 22:34. It was the grieved, loving heart of the disciple that spoke out in the avowal, “Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33); and He who reads the heart gave to Peter the message, little valued then, but that in the swift-falling darkness would shed a ray of hope: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31, 32.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Consecration to the Work

GW92 30.2

Christ said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:31, 32.] Who can estimate the result of the prayers of the world’s Redeemer? When Christ shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied, then will be seen and realized the value of his earnest prayers while his divinity was veiled with humanity.

GW92 35.3

There is need of prayer,—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer,—such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” “I have longed after thy precepts;” “I have longed for thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments.” [Psalm 42:1; 119:40, 174; 84:2; 119:20.] This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by the royal psalmist. Daniel prayed to God, not exalting himself or claiming any goodness: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God.” [Daniel 9:19.] This is what James calls the effectual, fervent prayer. Of Christ it is said, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly.” [Luke 22:44.] In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip-service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.