EGW WritingsLuke 23

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 700—Satan’s Confederacy of Evil Angels and Evil Men

9MR 109.1

[Luke 22:66-71; 23:1 is quoted.]—Manuscript 104, 1897, pp. 9, 10. (“Condemned by the Jews,” no date.)

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

MR No. 1387—The Lot of God’s People in a World of Sin; Peter’s Denial and Jesus’ Trial; Satan’s Confederacy of Evil Angels and Evil Men

19MR 170.2

“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led Him unto Pilate” [Luke 23:1].—Manuscript 104, 1897.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 104, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 27

“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.” Luke 23:1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 112, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 1

“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying, that he himself is Christ a King.” [Luke 23:1, 2.]

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 4

“And Pilate asked him saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.” [Verses 3, 4.]

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 5

Pilate was convinced that no evidence of the guilt of Christ could be substantiated, notwithstanding the priests and rulers had declared that He had spoken blasphemy. But the Jews were under the inspiration of Satan as was Cain and other murderers who have determined to destroy life rather than to save it. “And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.” [Verse 5.]

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 6

Here Pilate thought he saw a chance how he might rid himself of the whole matter of the trial of Christ. He perceived clearly that the Jews had delivered Christ up from envy. When therefore he “heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself was at Jerusalem at that time.” [Verses 6, 7.]

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 7

This was the Herod whose hands were stained with the blood of John. “And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.” [Verses 8, 9.]

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 17

The only hope of man was this submission of Christ to all that He should endure from the hands and hearts of men. Stirred by a power from Satan they did a work that seemed as if all humanity had been cut away from their character. “And Herod with his men of war set him at naught, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.” [Luke 23:11, 12.]

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 29

Pilate was unwilling to condemn Christ, and he thought he could, irrespective of the rulers, make an appeal to the sympathy of the human side of the character of the mob. He knew he had nothing to hope for in this line from the priests and rulers. He made a short speech declaring that he found no fault in Christ at all. He confirmed the testimony of Herod that the witnesses against Christ were worthless; they did not agree. “I will chastise Christ,” he said, “and let him go.” [Luke 23:22.] O Pilate, if there is, as you declare, no fault in Him, why will you cause that weary, suffering One to be scourged? Your conscience will ever more be scourged after this day’s transaction. This first faltering on the part of Pilate, after he had before all the people pronounced Christ innocent of all crime, that no fault even could be found in him, was the most cruel inhumanity. To gratify the satanic attributes of priests and rulers, he caused His human body great pain.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 77—In Pilate’s Judgment Hall

DA 723.1

In the judgment hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, Christ stands bound as a prisoner. About Him are the guard of soldiers, and the hall is fast filling with spectators. Just outside the entrance are the judges of the Sanhedrin, priests, rulers, elders, and the mob.

DA 723.2

After condemning Jesus, the council of the Sanhedrin had come to Pilate to have the sentence confirmed and executed. But these Jewish officials would not enter the Roman judgment hall. According to their ceremonial law they would be defiled thereby, and thus prevented from taking part in the feast of the Passover. In their blindness they did not see that murderous hatred had defiled their hearts. They did not see that Christ was the real Passover lamb, and that, since they had rejected Him, the great feast had for them lost its significance.

DA 723.3

When the Saviour was brought into the judgment hall, Pilate looked upon Him with no friendly eyes. The Roman governor had been called from his bedchamber in haste, and he determined to do his work as quickly as possible. He was prepared to deal with the prisoner with magisterial severity. Assuming his severest expression, he turned to see what kind of man he had to examine, that he had been called from his repose at so early an hour. He knew that it must be someone whom the Jewish authorities were anxious to have tried and punished with haste.

DA 724.1

Pilate looked at the men who had Jesus in charge, and then his gaze rested searchingly on Jesus. He had had to deal with all kinds of criminals; but never before had a man bearing marks of such goodness and nobility been brought before him. On His face he saw no sign of guilt, no expression of fear, no boldness or defiance. He saw a man of calm and dignified bearing, whose countenance bore not the marks of a criminal, but the signature of heaven.

DA 724.2

Christ’s appearance made a favorable impression upon Pilate. His better nature was roused. He had heard of Jesus and His works. His wife had told him something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet, who cured the sick and raised the dead. Now this revived as a dream in Pilate’s mind. He recalled rumors that he had heard from several sources. He resolved to demand of the Jews their charges against the prisoner.

DA 724.3

Who is this Man, and wherefore have ye brought Him? he said. What accusation bring ye against Him? The Jews were disconcerted. Knowing that they could not substantiate their charges against Christ, they did not desire a public examination. They answered that He was a deceiver called Jesus of Nazareth.

DA 724.4

Again Pilate asked, “What accusation bring ye against this Man?” The priests did not answer his question, but in words that showed their irritation, they said, “If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up unto thee.” When those composing the Sanhedrin, the first men of the nation, bring to you a man they deem worthy of death, is there need to ask for an accusation against him? They hoped to impress Pilate with a sense of their importance, and thus lead him to accede to their request without going through many preliminaries. They were eager to have their sentence ratified; for they knew that the people who had witnessed Christ’s marvelous works could tell a story very different from the fabrication they themselves were now rehearsing.

DA 724.5

The priests thought that with the weak and vacillating Pilate they could carry through their plans without trouble. Before this he had signed the death warrant hastily, condemning to death men they knew were not worthy of death. In his estimation the life of a prisoner was of little account; whether he were innocent or guilty was of no special consequence. The priests hoped that Pilate would now inflict the death penalty on Jesus without giving Him a hearing. This they besought as a favor on the occasion of their great national festival.

DA 725.1

But there was something in the prisoner that held Pilate back from this. He dared not do it. He read the purposes of the priests. He remembered how, not long before, Jesus had raised Lazarus, a man that had been dead four days; and he determined to know, before signing the sentence of condemnation, what were the charges against Him, and whether they could be proved.

DA 725.2

If your judgment is sufficient, he said, why bring the prisoner to me? “Take ye Him, and judge Him according to your law.” Thus pressed, the priests said that they had already passed sentence upon Him, but that they must have Pilate’s sentence to render their condemnation valid. What is your sentence? Pilate asked. The death sentence, they answered; but it is not lawful for us to put any man to death. They asked Pilate to take their word as to Christ’s guilt, and enforce their sentence. They would take the responsibility of the result.

DA 725.3

Pilate was not a just or a conscientious judge; but weak though he was in moral power, he refused to grant this request. He would not condemn Jesus until a charge had been brought against Him.

DA 725.4

The priests were in a dilemma. They saw that they must cloak their hypocrisy under the thickest concealment. They must not allow it to appear that Christ had been arrested on religious grounds. Were this put forward as a reason, their proceedings would have no weight with Pilate. They must make it appear that Jesus was working against the common law; then He could be punished as a political offender. Tumults and insurrection against the Roman government were constantly arising among the Jews. With these revolts the Romans had dealt very rigorously, and they were constantly on the watch to repress everything that could lead to an outbreak.

DA 725.5

Only a few days before this the Pharisees had tried to entrap Christ with the question, “Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar?” But Christ had unveiled their hypocrisy. The Romans who were present had seen the utter failure of the plotters, and their discomfiture at His answer, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s.” Luke 20:22-25.

DA 725.6

Now the priests thought to make it appear that on this occasion Christ had taught what they hoped He would teach. In their extremity they called false witnesses to their aid, “and they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King.” Three charges, each without foundation. The priests knew this, but they were willing to commit perjury could they but secure their end.

DA 726.1

Pilate saw through their purpose. He did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government. His meek and humble appearance was altogether out of harmony with the charge. Pilate was convinced that a deep plot had been laid to destroy an innocent man who stood in the way of the Jewish dignitaries. Turning to Jesus he asked, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?” The Saviour answered, “Thou sayest it.” And as He spoke, His countenance lighted up as if a sunbeam were shining upon it.

DA 726.2

When they heard His answer, Caiaphas and those that were with him called Pilate to witness that Jesus had admitted the crime with which He was charged. With noisy cries, priests, scribes, and rulers demanded that He be sentenced to death. The cries were taken up by the mob, and the uproar was deafening. Pilate was confused. Seeing that Jesus made no answer to His accusers, Pilate said to Him, “Answerest Thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against Thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing.”

DA 726.3

Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse; but to all the false charges against Him He answered not a word. His whole bearing gave evidence of conscious innocence. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him. It was as if the heavy surges of wrath, rising higher and higher, like the waves of the boisterous ocean, broke about Him, but did not touch Him. He stood silent, but His silence was eloquence. It was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man.

DA 726.4

Pilate was astonished at His bearing. Does this Man disregard the proceedings because He does not care to save His life? he asked himself. As he looked at Jesus, bearing insult and mockery without retaliation, he felt that He could not be as unrighteous and unjust as were the clamoring priests. Hoping to gain the truth from Him and to escape the tumult of the crowd, Pilate took Jesus aside with him, and again questioned, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?”

DA 726.5

Jesus did not directly answer this question. He knew that the Holy Spirit was striving with Pilate, and He gave him opportunity to acknowledge his conviction. “Sayest thou this thing of thyself,” He asked, “or did others tell it thee of Me?” That is, was it the accusations of the priests, or a desire to receive light from Christ, that prompted Pilate’s question? Pilate understood Christ’s meaning; but pride arose in his heart. He would not acknowledge the conviction that pressed upon him. “Am I a Jew?” he said. “Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me: what hast Thou done?”

DA 727.1

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

DA 727.2

“My kingdom is not of this world,” He said; “if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art Thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice.”

DA 727.3

Christ affirmed that His word was in itself a key which would unlock the mystery to those who were prepared to receive it. It had a self-commending power, and this was the secret of the spread of His kingdom of truth. He desired Pilate to understand that only by receiving and appropriating truth could his ruined nature be reconstructed.

DA 727.4

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

DA 727.5

These words from a heathen judge were a scathing rebuke to the perfidy and falsehood of the rulers of Israel who were accusing the Saviour. As the priests and elders heard this from Pilate, their disappointment and rage knew no bounds. They had long plotted and waited for this opportunity. As they saw the prospect of the release of Jesus, they seemed ready to tear Him in pieces. They loudly denounced Pilate, and threatened him with the censure of the Roman government. They accused him of refusing to condemn Jesus, who, they affirmed, had set Himself up against Caesar.

DA 728.1

Angry voices were now heard, declaring that the seditious influence of Jesus was well known throughout the country. The priests said, “He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

DA 728.2

Pilate at this time had no thought of condemning Jesus. He knew that the Jews had accused Him through hatred and prejudice. He knew what his duty was. Justice demanded that Christ should be immediately released. But Pilate dreaded the ill will of the people. Should he refuse to give Jesus into their hands, a tumult would be raised, and this he feared to meet. When he heard that Christ was from Galilee, he decided to send Him to Herod, the ruler of that province, who was then in Jerusalem. By this course, Pilate thought to shift the responsibility of the trial from himself to Herod. He also thought this a good opportunity to heal an old quarrel between himself and Herod. And so it proved. The two magistrates made friends over the trial of the Saviour.

DA 728.3

Pilate delivered Jesus again to the soldiers, and amid the jeers and insults of the mob He was hurried to the judgment hall of Herod. “When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad.” He had never before met the Saviour, but “he was desirous to see Him of a long season, because he had heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him.” This Herod was he whose hands were stained with the blood of John the Baptist. When Herod first heard of Jesus, he was terror-stricken, and said, “It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead;” “therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.” Mark 6:16; Matthew 14:2. Yet Herod desired to see Jesus. Now there was opportunity to save the life of this prophet, and the king hoped to banish forever from his mind the memory of that bloody head brought to him in a charger. He also desired to have his curiosity gratified, and thought that if Christ were given any prospect of release, He would do anything that was asked of Him.

DA 729.1

A large company of the priests and elders had accompanied Christ to Herod. And when the Saviour was brought in, these dignitaries, all speaking excitedly, urged their accusations against Him. But Herod paid little regard to their charges. He commanded silence, desiring an opportunity to question Christ. He ordered that the fetters of Christ should be unloosed, at the same time charging His enemies with roughly treating Him. Looking with compassion into the serene face of the world’s Redeemer, he read in it only wisdom and purity. He as well as Pilate was satisfied that Christ had been accused through malice and envy.

DA 729.2

Herod questioned Christ in many words, but throughout the Saviour maintained a profound silence. At the command of the king, the decrepit and maimed were then called in, and Christ was ordered to prove His claims by working a miracle. Men say that Thou canst heal the sick, said Herod. I am anxious to see that Thy widespread fame has not been belied. Jesus did not respond, and Herod still continued to urge: If Thou canst work miracles for others, work them now for Thine own good, and it will serve Thee a good purpose. Again he commanded, Show us a sign that Thou hast the power with which rumor hath accredited Thee. But Christ was as one who heard and saw not. The Son of God had taken upon Himself man’s nature. He must do as man must do in like circumstances. Therefore He would not work a miracle to save Himself the pain and humiliation that man must endure when placed in a similar position.

DA 729.3

Herod promised that if Christ would perform some miracle in his presence, He should be released. Christ’s accusers had seen with their own eyes the mighty works wrought by His power. They had heard Him command the grave to give up its dead. They had seen the dead come forth obedient to His voice. Fear seized them lest He should now work a miracle. Of all things they most dreaded an exhibition of His power. Such a manifestation would prove a deathblow to their plans, and would perhaps cost them their lives. Again the priests and rulers, in great anxiety, urged their accusations against Him. Raising their voices, they declared, He is a traitor, a blasphemer. He works His miracles through the power given Him by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils. The hall became a scene of confusion, some crying one thing and some another.

DA 730.1

Herod’s conscience was now far less sensitive than when he had trembled with horror at the request of Herodias for the head of John the Baptist. For a time he had felt the keen stings of remorse for his terrible act; but his moral perceptions had become more and more degraded by his licentious life. Now his heart had become so hardened that he could even boast of the punishment he had inflicted upon John for daring to reprove him. And he now threatened Jesus, declaring repeatedly that he had power to release or to condemn Him. But no sign from Jesus gave evidence that He heard a word.

DA 730.2

Herod was irritated by this silence. It seemed to indicate utter indifference to his authority. To the vain and pompous king, open rebuke would have been less offensive than to be thus ignored. Again he angrily threatened Jesus, who still remained unmoved and silent.

DA 730.3

The mission of Christ in this world was not to gratify idle curiosity. He came to heal the brokenhearted. Could He have spoken any word to heal the bruises of sin-sick souls, He would not have kept silent. But He had no words for those who would but trample the truth under their unholy feet.

DA 730.4

Christ might have spoken words to Herod that would have pierced the ears of the hardened king. He might have stricken him with fear and trembling by laying before him the full iniquity of his life, and the horror of his approaching doom. But Christ’s silence was the severest rebuke that He could have given. Herod had rejected the truth spoken to him by the greatest of the prophets, and no other message was he to receive. Not a word had the Majesty of heaven for him. That ear that had ever been open to human woe, had no room for Herod’s commands. Those eyes that had ever rested upon the penitent sinner in pitying, forgiving love had no look to bestow upon Herod. Those lips that had uttered the most impressive truth, that in tones of tenderest entreaty had pleaded with the most sinful and the most degraded, were closed to the haughty king who felt no need of a Saviour.

DA 730.5

Herod’s face grew dark with passion. Turning to the multitude, he angrily denounced Jesus as an impostor. Then to Christ he said, If You will give no evidence of Your claim, I will deliver You up to the soldiers and the people. They may succeed in making You speak. If You are an impostor, death at their hands is only what You merit; if You are the Son of God, save Yourself by working a miracle.

DA 731.1

No sooner were these words spoken than a rush was made for Christ. Like wild beasts, the crowd darted upon their prey. Jesus was dragged this way and that, Herod joining the mob in seeking to humiliate the Son of God. Had not the Roman soldiers interposed, and forced back the maddened throng, the Saviour would have been torn in pieces.

DA 731.2

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

DA 731.3

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

DA 731.4

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

DA 731.5

Pilate was disappointed and much displeased. When the Jews returned with their prisoner, he asked impatiently what they would have him do. He reminded them that he had already examined Jesus, and found no fault in Him; he told them that they had brought complaints against Him, but they had not been able to prove a single charge. He had sent Jesus to Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee, and one of their own nation, but he also had found in Him nothing worthy of death. “I will therefore chastise Him,” Pilate said, “and release Him.”

DA 731.6

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

DA 732.1

Even now Pilate was not left to act blindly. A message from God warned him from the deed he was about to commit. In answer to Christ’s prayer, the wife of Pilate had been visited by an angel from heaven, and in a dream she had beheld the Saviour and conversed with Him. Pilate’s wife was not a Jew, but as she looked upon Jesus in her dream, she had no doubt of His character or mission. She knew Him to be the Prince of God. She saw Him on trial in the judgment hall. She saw the hands tightly bound as the hands of a criminal. She saw Herod and his soldiers doing their dreadful work. She heard the priests and rulers, filled with envy and malice, madly accusing. She heard the words, “We have a law, and by our law He ought to die.” She saw Pilate give Jesus to the scourging, after he had declared, “I find no fault in Him.” She heard the condemnation pronounced by Pilate, and saw him give Christ up to His murderers. She saw the cross uplifted on Calvary. She saw the earth wrapped in darkness, and heard the mysterious cry, “It is finished.” Still another scene met her gaze. She saw Christ seated upon the great white cloud, while the earth reeled in space, and His murderers fled from the presence of His glory. With a cry of horror she awoke, and at once wrote to Pilate words of warning.

DA 732.2

While Pilate was hesitating as to what he should do, a messenger pressed through the crowd, and handed him the letter from his wife, which read:

DA 732.3

“Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.”

DA 733.1

Pilate’s face grew pale. He was confused by his own conflicting emotions. But while he had been delaying to act, the priests and rulers were still further inflaming the minds of the people. Pilate was forced to action. He now bethought himself of a custom which might serve to secure Christ’s release. It was customary at this feast to release some one prisoner whom the people might choose. This custom was of pagan invention; there was not a shadow of justice in it, but it was greatly prized by the Jews. The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas, who was under sentence of death. This man had claimed to be the Messiah. He claimed authority to establish a different order of things, to set the world right. Under satanic delusion he claimed that whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery was his own. He had done wonderful things through satanic agencies, he had gained a following among the people, and had excited sedition against the Roman government. Under cover of religious enthusiasm he was a hardened and desperate villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty. By giving the people a choice between this man and the innocent Saviour, Pilate thought to arouse them to a sense of justice. He hoped to gain their sympathy for Jesus in opposition to the priests and rulers. So, turning to the crowd, he said with great earnestness, “Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?”

DA 733.2

Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the answer of the mob, “Release unto us Barabbas!” Louder and louder swelled the cry, Barabbas! Barabbas! Thinking that the people had not understood his question, Pilate asked, “Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” But they cried out again, “Away with this Man, and release unto us Barabbas”! “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” Pilate asked. Again the surging multitude roared like demons. Demons themselves, in human form, were in the crowd, and what could be expected but the answer, “Let Him be crucified”?

DA 733.3

Pilate was troubled. He had not thought it would come to that. He shrank from delivering an innocent man to the most ignominious and cruel death that could be inflicted. After the roar of voices had ceased, he turned to the people, saying, “Why, what evil hath He done?” But the case had gone too far for argument. It was not evidence of Christ’s innocence that they wanted, but His condemnation.

DA 733.4

Still Pilate endeavored to save Him. “He said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done? I have found no cause of death in Him: I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.” But the very mention of His release stirred the people to a tenfold frenzy. “Crucify Him, crucify Him,” they cried. Louder and louder swelled the storm that Pilate’s indecision had called forth.

DA 734.1

Jesus was taken, faint with weariness and covered with wounds, and scourged in the sight of the multitude. “And the soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium, and they call together the whole band. And they clothed Him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they ... did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshiped Him.” Occasionally some wicked hand snatched the reed that had been placed in His hand, and struck the crown upon His brow, forcing the thorns into His temples, and sending the blood trickling down His face and beard.

DA 734.2

Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! Behold the oppressor and the oppressed. A maddened throng enclose the Saviour of the world. Mocking and jeering are mingled with the coarse oaths of blasphemy. His lowly birth and humble life are commented upon by the unfeeling mob. His claim to be the Son of God is ridiculed, and the vulgar jest and insulting sneer are passed from lip to lip.

DA 734.3

Satan led the cruel mob in its abuse of the Saviour. It was his purpose to provoke Him to retaliation if possible, or to drive Him to perform a miracle to release Himself, and thus break up the plan of salvation. One stain upon His human life, one failure of His humanity to endure the terrible test, and the Lamb of God would have been an imperfect offering, and the redemption of man a failure. But He who by a command could bring the heavenly host to His aid—He who could have driven that mob in terror from His sight by the flashing forth of His divine majesty—submitted with perfect calmness to the coarsest insult and outrage.

DA 734.4

Christ’s enemies had demanded a miracle as evidence of His divinity. They had evidence far greater than any they had sought. As their cruelty degraded His torturers below humanity into the likeness of Satan, so did His meekness and patience exalt Jesus above humanity, and prove His kinship to God. His abasement was the pledge of His exaltation. The blood drops of agony that from His wounded temples flowed down His face and beard were the pledge of His anointing with “the oil of gladness” (Hebrews 1:9.) as our great high priest.

DA 735.1

Satan’s rage was great as he saw that all the abuse inflicted upon the Saviour had not forced the least murmur from His lips. Although He had taken upon Him the nature of man, He was sustained by a godlike fortitude, and departed in no particular from the will of His Father.

DA 735.2

When Pilate gave Jesus up to be scourged and mocked, he thought to excite the pity of the multitude. He hoped they would decide that this was sufficient punishment. Even the malice of the priests, he thought, would now be satisfied. But with keen perception the Jews saw the weakness of thus punishing a man who had been declared innocent. They knew that Pilate was trying to save the life of the prisoner, and they were determined that Jesus should not be released. To please and satisfy us, Pilate has scourged Him, they thought, and if we press the matter to a decided issue, we shall surely gain our end.

DA 735.3

Pilate now sent for Barabbas to be brought into the court. He then presented the two prisoners side by side, and pointing to the Saviour he said in a voice of solemn entreaty, “Behold the Man!” “I bring Him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in Him.”

DA 735.4

There stood the Son of God, wearing the robe of mockery and the crown of thorns. Stripped to the waist, His back showed the long, cruel stripes, from which the blood flowed freely. His face was stained with blood, and bore the marks of exhaustion and pain; but never had it appeared more beautiful than now. The Saviour’s visage was not marred before His enemies. Every feature expressed gentleness and resignation and the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. In His manner there was no cowardly weakness, but the strength and dignity of long-suffering. In striking contrast was the prisoner at His side. Every line of the countenance of Barabbas proclaimed him the hardened ruffian that he was. The contrast spoke to every beholder. Some of the spectators were weeping. As they looked upon Jesus, their hearts were full of sympathy. Even the priests and rulers were convicted that He was all that He claimed to be.

DA 735.5

The Roman soldiers that surrounded Christ were not all hardened; some were looking earnestly into His face for one evidence that He was a criminal or dangerous character. From time to time they would turn and cast a look of contempt upon Barabbas. It needed no deep insight to read him through and through. Again they would turn to the One upon trial. They looked at the divine sufferer with feelings of deep pity. The silent submission of Christ stamped upon their minds the scene, never to be effaced until they either acknowledged Him as the Christ, or by rejecting Him decided their own destiny.

DA 736.1

Pilate was filled with amazement at the uncomplaining patience of the Saviour. He did not doubt that the sight of this Man, in contrast with Barabbas, would move the Jews to sympathy. But he did not understand the fanatical hatred of the priests for Him, who, as the Light of the world, had made manifest their darkness and error. They had moved the mob to a mad fury, and again priests, rulers, and people raised that awful cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” At last, losing all patience with their unreasoning cruelty, Pilate cried out despairingly, “Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him.”

DA 736.2

The Roman governor, though familiar with cruel scenes, was moved with sympathy for the suffering prisoner, who, condemned and scourged, with bleeding brow and lacerated back, still had the bearing of a king upon his throne. But the priests declared, “We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

DA 736.3

Pilate was startled. He had no correct idea of Christ and His mission; but he had an indistinct faith in God and in beings superior to humanity. A thought that had once before passed through his mind now took more definite shape. He questioned whether it might not be a divine being that stood before him, clad in the purple robe of mockery, and crowned with thorns.

DA 736.4

Again he went into the judgment hall, and said to Jesus, “Whence art Thou?” But Jesus gave him no answer. The Saviour had spoken freely to Pilate, explaining His own mission as a witness to the truth. Pilate had disregarded the light. He had abused the high office of judge by yielding his principles and authority to the demands of the mob. Jesus had no further light for him. Vexed at His silence, Pilate said haughtily:

DA 736.5

“Speakest Thou not unto me? knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee?”

DA 736.6

Jesus answered, “Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin.”

DA 736.7

Thus the pitying Saviour, in the midst of His intense suffering and grief, excused as far as possible the act of the Roman governor who gave Him up to be crucified. What a scene was this to hand down to the world for all time! What a light it sheds upon the character of Him who is the Judge of all the earth!

DA 737.1

“He that delivered Me unto thee,” said Jesus, “hath the greater sin.” By this Christ meant Caiaphas, who, as high priest, represented the Jewish nation. They knew the principles that controlled the Roman authorities. They had had light in the prophecies that testified of Christ, and in His own teachings and miracles. The Jewish judges had received unmistakable evidence of the divinity of Him whom they condemned to death. And according to their light would they be judged.

DA 737.2

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

DA 737.3

Again Pilate proposed to release the Saviour. “But the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend.” Thus these hypocrites pretended to be jealous for the authority of Caesar. Of all the opponents of the Roman rule, the Jews were most bitter. When it was safe for them to do so, they were most tyrannical in enforcing their own national and religious requirements; but when they desired to bring about some purpose of cruelty, they exalted the power of Caesar. To accomplish the destruction of Christ, they would profess loyalty to the foreign rule which they hated.

DA 737.4

“Whosoever maketh himself a king,” they continued, “speaketh against Caesar.” This was touching Pilate in a weak point. He was under suspicion by the Roman government, and he knew that such a report would be ruin to him. He knew that if the Jews were thwarted, their rage would be turned against him. They would leave nothing undone to accomplish their revenge. He had before him an example of the persistence with which they sought the life of One whom they hated without reason.

DA 737.5

Pilate then took his place on the judgment seat, and again presented Jesus to the people, saying, “Behold your King!” Again the mad cry was heard, “Away with Him, crucify Him.” In a voice that was heard far and near, Pilate asked, “Shall I crucify your King?” But from profane, blasphemous lips went forth the words, “We have no king but Caesar.”

DA 737.6

Thus by choosing a heathen ruler, the Jewish nation had withdrawn from the theocracy. They had rejected God as their king. Henceforth they had no deliverer. They had no king but Caesar. To this the priests and teachers had led the people. For this, with the fearful results that followed, they were responsible. A nation’s sin and a nation’s ruin were due to the religious leaders.

DA 738.1

“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.” In fear and self-condemnation Pilate looked upon the Saviour. In the vast sea of upturned faces, His alone was peaceful. About His head a soft light seemed to shine. Pilate said in his heart, He is a God. Turning to the multitude he declared, I am clear of His blood. Take ye Him, and crucify Him. But mark ye, priests and rulers, I pronounce Him a just man. May He whom He claims as His Father judge you and not me for this day’s work. Then to Jesus he said, Forgive me for this act; I cannot save You. And when he had again scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

DA 738.2

Pilate longed to deliver Jesus. But he saw that he could not do this, and yet retain his own position and honor. Rather than lose his worldly power, he chose to sacrifice an innocent life. How many, to escape loss or suffering, in like manner sacrifice principle. Conscience and duty point one way, and self-interest points another. The current sets strongly in the wrong direction, and he who compromises with evil is swept away into the thick darkness of guilt.

DA 738.3

Pilate yielded to the demands of the mob. Rather than risk losing his position, he delivered Jesus up to be crucified. But in spite of his precautions, the very thing he dreaded afterward came upon him. His honors were stripped from him, he was cast down from his high office, and, stung by remorse and wounded pride, not long after the crucifixion he ended his own life. So all who compromise with sin will gain only sorrow and ruin. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

DA 738.4

When Pilate declared himself innocent of the blood of Christ, Caiaphas answered defiantly, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” The awful words were taken up by the priests and rulers, and echoed by the crowd in an inhuman roar of voices. The whole multitude answered and said, “His blood be on us, and on our children.”

DA 738.5

The people of Israel had made their choice. Pointing to Jesus they had said, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” Barabbas, the robber and murderer, was the representative of Satan. Christ was the representative of God. Christ had been rejected; Barabbas had been chosen. Barabbas they were to have. In making this choice they accepted him who from the beginning was a liar and a murderer. Satan was their leader. As a nation they would act out his dictation. His works they would do. His rule they must endure. That people who chose Barabbas in the place of Christ were to feel the cruelty of Barabbas as long as time should last.

DA 739.1

Looking upon the smitten Lamb of God, the Jews had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” That awful cry ascended to the throne of God. That sentence, pronounced upon themselves, was written in heaven. That prayer was heard. The blood of the Son of God was upon their children and their children’s children, a perpetual curse.

DA 739.2

Terribly was it realized in the destruction of Jerusalem. Terribly has it been manifested in the condition of the Jewish nation for eighteen hundred years,—a branch severed from the vine, a dead, fruitless branch, to be gathered up and burned. From land to land throughout the world, from century to century, dead, dead in trespasses and sins!

DA 739.3

Terribly will that prayer be fulfilled in the great judgment day. When Christ shall come to the earth again, not as a prisoner surrounded by a rabble will men see Him. They will see Him then as heaven’s King. Christ will come in His own glory, in the glory of His Father, and the glory of the holy angels. Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of angels, the beautiful and triumphant sons of God, possessing surpassing loveliness and glory, will escort Him on His way. Then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory, and before Him shall be gathered all nations. Then every eye shall see Him, and they also that pierced Him. In the place of a crown of thorns, He will wear a crown of glory,—a crown within a crown. In place of that old purple kingly robe, He will be clothed in raiment of whitest white, “so as no fuller on earth can white them.” Mark 9:3. And on His vesture and on His thigh a name will be written, “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16. Those who mocked and smote Him will be there. The priests and rulers will behold again the scene in the judgment hall. Every circumstance will appear before them, as if written in letters of fire. Then those who prayed, “His blood be on us, and on our children,” will receive the answer to their prayer. Then the whole world will know and understand. They will realize who and what they, poor, feeble, finite beings, have been warring against. In awful agony and horror they will cry to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:16, 17.

From Heaven With Love

Pilate Did Not Foresee the Consequences

HLv 490.2

Christ’s enemies had demanded a miracle as evidence of His divinity. They had evidence far greater than any they had sought. His meekness and patience proved His kinship to God. The blood drops that flowed from His wounded temples were the pledge of His anointing with “the oil of gladness” as our great High Priest. See Hebrews 1:9. Satan’s rage was great as he saw that the Saviour had departed in no particular from the will of His Father.

From Heaven With Love

Jesus’ Kindness to Pilate

HLv 494.1

Terribly will that prayer be fulfilled in the great judgment day. Christ will come in glory. Thousands and thousands of angels, the beautiful and triumphant sons of God, will escort Him on His way. Before Him shall be gathered all nations. In the place of thorns, He will wear a crown of glory. On His vesture and on His thigh a name will be written, “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16.

HLv 494.2

The priests and rulers will behold again the scene in the judgment hall. Every circumstance will appear as if written in letters of fire. Then those who prayed, “His blood be on us, and on our children,” will receive the answer to their prayer. In awful agony and horror they will cry to the rocks and mountains, Fall on us. See Revelation 6:16, 17.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 77—Christ’s Trial Before the Roman Governor

HLv 481.1

In the judgment hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, Christ stood bound as a prisoner, about Him the guard of soldiers. The hall was fast filling with spectators. Just outside were the judges of the Sanhedrin, priests, rulers, and the mob.

HLv 481.2

After condemning Jesus, the Sanhedrin had come to Pilate to have the sentence confirmed and executed. But these Jewish officials would not enter the Roman judgment hall. According to their ceremonial law they would be defiled thereby and prevented from taking part in the Passover. They did not see that murderous hatred had defiled their hearts. They did not see that since they had rejected Christ, the real Passover Lamb, the great feast had for them lost its significance.

HLv 481.3

Pilate looked on the Saviour with no friendly eyes. Called from his bedroom in haste, he determined to do his work as quickly as possible. Assuming his severest expression, he turned to see what kind of man he had to examine.

HLv 481.4

His gaze rested searchingly on Jesus. He had to deal with all kinds of criminals, but never had a man of such goodness and nobility been brought before him. On His face he saw no sign of guilt, no fear, no boldness or defiance. He saw a man whose countenance bore the signature of heaven.

HLv 481.5

Pilate’s better nature was roused. His wife had told him something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet, who cured the sick and raised the dead. He recalled rumors that he had heard from several sources. He demanded of the Jews their charges against the prisoner. Who is this Man, and why have you brought Him? They answered that He was a deceiver called Jesus of Nazareth.

HLv 482.1

Again Pilate asked, “What accusation bring ye against this Man?” The priests did not answer his question, but in irritation said, “If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up unto thee.” When the Sanhedrin brings to you a man it deems worthy of death, is there need to ask for an accusation against him? They hoped to lead Pilate to accede to their request without going through many preliminaries.

HLv 482.2

Before this, Pilate had hastily condemned to death men not worthy of death. In his estimation, whether a prisoner was innocent or guilty was of no special consequence. The priests hoped that Pilate would now inflict the death penalty on Jesus without giving Him a hearing.

HLv 482.3

But something in the prisoner held Pilate back. He dared not do it. He remembered how Jesus had raised Lazarus, a man that had been dead four days; and he determined to know the charges against Him and whether they could be proved.

HLv 482.4

If your judgment is sufficient, he said, why bring the prisoner to me? “Take ye Him, and judge Him according to your law.” The priests said they had already passed sentence on Him, but they must have Pilate’s sentence to render their condemnation valid. What is your sentence? Pilate asked. Death, they answered. They asked Pilate to enforce their sentence; they would take the responsibility of the result. Weak though he was in moral power, Pilate refused to condemn Jesus until a charge had been brought against Him.

HLv 482.5

The priests were in a dilemma. They must not allow it to appear that Christ had been arrested on religious grounds, for this would have no weight with Pilate. They must make it appear that Jesus was a political offender. The Romans were constantly on the watch to repress everything that could lead to an outbreak.

HLv 483.1

In their extremity the priests called false witnesses. “And they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King.” Three charges, each without foundation. The priests knew this but were willing to commit perjury.

HLv 483.2

Pilate did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government. He was convinced that a deep plot had been laid to destroy an innocent man. Turning to Jesus he asked, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?” The Saviour answered, “Thou sayest it.” And as He spoke, His countenance lighted up as if a sunbeam were shining on it.

HLv 483.3

When they heard His answer, Caiaphas called Pilate to witness that Jesus had admitted the crime with which He was charged. Pilate said, “Answerest Thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against Thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing.”

HLv 483.4

Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse; but to all the false charges He answered not a word. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him. It was as if the heavy surges of wrath, rising like the waves of the ocean, broke about Him but did not touch Him. His silence was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man.

HLv 483.5

Pilate was astonished. Does this Man not care to save His life? As he looked at Jesus, he felt that He could not be as unrighteous as were the clamoring priests. To escape the tumult of the crowd, Pilate took Jesus aside and again questioned, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?”

HLv 483.6

Jesus did not directly answer. The Holy Spirit was striving with Pilate, and He gave him opportunity to acknowledge his conviction. “Sayest thou this thing of thyself,” He asked, “or did others tell it thee of Me?” Pilate understood Christ’s meaning, but he would not acknowledge the conviction that pressed upon him. “Am I a Jew?” he said. “Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me; what hast Thou done?”

HLv 484.1

Jesus did not leave Pilate without further light. He gave him to understand that He was not seeking an earthly throne.

HLv 484.2

“My kingdom is not of this world,” He said; “if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art Thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice.” Christ desired Pilate to understand that only by receiving and appropriating truth could his ruined nature be reconstructed.

HLv 484.3

Pilate’s mind was confused. His heart was stirred with a great longing to know what the truth really was and how he could obtain it. “What is truth?” he inquired. But he did not wait for an answer. The priests were clamorous for immediate action. Going out to the Jews, he declared emphatically, “I find in Him no fault at all.”

HLv 484.4

As the priests and elders heard this from Pilate, their disappointment and rage knew no bounds. As they saw the prospect of the release of Jesus, they seemed ready to tear Him in pieces. They loudly denounced Pilate, and threatened him with the censure of the Roman government. They accused him of refusing to condemn Jesus who, they affirmed, had set Himself up against Caesar. Angry voices declared that the seditious influence of Jesus was well known throughout the country. “He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

HLv 485.1

Pilate at this time had no thought of condemning Jesus. He knew that the Jews had accused Him through hatred and prejudice. Justice demanded that Christ should be released. But should he refuse to give Jesus into the hands of the people, a tumult would be raised, and this he feared to meet. When he heard that Christ was from Galilee, he decided to send Him to Herod, the ruler of that province, who was then in Jerusalem. By this course, Pilate thought to shift the responsibility to Herod. He also thought this a good opportunity to heal an old quarrel between himself and Herod. And so it proved. The two magistrates made friends over the trial of the Saviour.

HLv 485.2

Amid the insults of the mob Jesus was hurried to Herod. “When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad.” He had “heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him.” This Herod was he whose hands were stained with the blood of John the Baptist. When Herod first heard of Jesus, he was terror-stricken, and said, “It is John ... risen from the dead.” Yet he desired to see Jesus. Now there was opportunity to save the life of this prophet, and the king hoped to banish forever from his mind the memory of that bloody head brought to him in a charger. He also desired to have his curiosity satisfied and thought that if Christ were given a prospect of release, He would do anything that was asked of Him.

HLv 485.3

When the Saviour was brought in, the priests and elders excitedly urged their accusations against Him. But Herod commanded silence. He ordered that the fetters of Christ should be unloosed, at the same time charging His enemies with roughly treating Him. He as well as Pilate was satisfied that Christ had been accused through malice and envy.

HLv 485.4

Herod questioned Christ in many words, but the Saviour maintained a profound silence. At the command of the king, the decrepit and maimed were then called in, and Christ was ordered to prove His claim by working a miracle. Jesus did not respond, and Herod continued to urge: Show us a sign that Thou hast the power with which rumor has credited Thee. But the Son of God had taken upon Himself man’s nature, and He must do as man must do in like circumstances. Therefore, He would not work a miracle to save himself the pain and humiliation that man must endure in a similar position.

HLv 486.1

Herod promised that if Christ would perform some miracle, He should be released. Fear seized Christ’s accusers lest He should now work a miracle. Such a manifestation would prove a deathblow to their plans and would perhaps cost them their lives. Raising their voices, the priests and rulers declared, He is a traitor, a blasphemer; He works His miracles through the powers of the prince of the devils!

HLv 486.2

Herod’s conscience was now far less sensitive than when he had trembled with horror at the request of Herodias for the head of John the Baptist. His moral perceptions had become more and more degraded by his licentious life. He could even boast of the punishment he had inflicted on John for daring to reprove him. And he now threatened Jesus, declaring that he had power to condemn Him. But no sign from Jesus gave evidence that He heard a word.

HLv 486.3

Herod was irritated by this silence. It seemed to indicate utter indifference to his authority. Again he angrily threatened Jesus, who still remained unmoved and silent.

HLv 486.4

The mission of Christ was not to gratify idle curiosity. Could He have spoken any word to heal sin-sick souls, He would not have kept silent. But He had no words for those who trample truth under their unholy feet. Herod had rejected the truth spoken to him by the greatest of the prophets, and no other message was he to receive. Not a word had the Majesty of heaven for him. Those lips were closed to the haughty king who felt no need of a Saviour.

HLv 486.5

Herod’s face grew dark with passion. He angrily denounced Jesus as an impostor. Then to Christ he said, If You will give no evidence of Your claim, I will deliver You up to the soldiers and the people. If You are an impostor, death is what You merit; if You are the Son of God, save Yourself by working a miracle.

HLv 487.1

No sooner were these words spoken than, like wild beasts, the crowd darted upon their prey. Jesus was dragged this way and that, Herod joining the mob in seeking to humiliate the Son of God. Had not the Roman soldiers interposed, the Saviour would have been torn in pieces.

HLv 487.2

“Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe.” The Roman soldiers joined in this abuse. All that these corrupt soldiers and the Jewish dignitaries could instigate was heaped upon the Saviour. Yet His patience failed not.

HLv 487.3

But there were some who trembled in Christ’s presence. Some who came forward for mockery turned back, afraid and silenced. Herod was convicted. The last rays of merciful light were shining on his sin-hardened heart. Divinity had flashed through humanity. Herod felt that he was beholding a God upon His throne. Hardened as he was, he dared not ratify the condemnation of Christ. He sent Jesus back to the Roman judgment hall.

HLv 487.4

Pilate was disappointed when the Jews returned with their prisoner. He reminded them that he had already examined Jesus and found no fault in Him. They had not been able to prove a single charge. And Herod, one of their own nation, also had found in Him nothing worthy of death. “I will therefore chastise Him and release Him.”

HLv 487.5

Here Pilate showed his weakness. Jesus was innocent, yet he was willing to sacrifice justice in order to pacify His accusers. This placed him at a disadvantage. The crowd presumed upon his indecision. If at first Pilate had stood firm, refusing to condemn a man whom he found guiltless, he would have broken the fatal chain that was to bind him in remorse as long as he lived. Christ would have been put to death, but the guilt would not have rested on Pilate. But Pilate had taken step after step in violation of his conscience, and he now found himself almost helpless in the hands of the priests and rulers.

HLv 488.1

Even now Pilate was not left to act blindly. His wife had been visited by an angel and in a dream had conversed with the Saviour. Pilate’s wife was not a Jew, but as she looked on Jesus in her dream, she knew Him to be the Prince of God. She saw Pilate give Jesus to the scourging, after he had declared, “I find no fault in Him.” She saw him give Christ up to His murderers. She saw the cross uplifted, the earth wrapped in darkness, and heard the mysterious cry, “It is finished.”

HLv 488.2

Still another scene met her gaze. She saw Christ seated on the great white cloud and His murderers fleeing from the presence of His glory. With a cry of horror she awoke and at once wrote to Pilate words of warning.

HLv 488.3

A messenger pressed through the crowd and handed him the letter from his wife, which read: “Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.”

HLv 488.4

Pilate’s face grew pale. He was confused by his own conflicting emotions. While he had been delaying to act, the priests and rulers were inflaming the minds of the people. He now thought of a custom which might serve to secure Christ’s release. It was customary at this feast to release one prisoner whom the people might choose. There was not a shadow of justice in this custom, but it was greatly prized by the Jews. The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas, who was under sentence of death. This man claimed authority to establish a different order of things. Whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery was his own. He had gained a following among the people and had excited sedition against the Roman government. Under cover of religious enthusiasm he was a hardened villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty.

HLv 489.1

By giving the people a choice between this man and the innocent Saviour, Pilate thought to arouse them to a sense of justice.

HLv 489.2

“Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the answer, “Release unto us Barabbas!” Thinking that the people had not understood his question, Pilate asked, “Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” But they cried out again, “Away with this Man, and release unto us Barabbas!” “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” Demons in human form were in the crowd, and what could be expected but the answer, “Let Him be crucified.”

HLv 489.3

Pilate had not thought it would come to that. He shrank from delivering an innocent man to the most cruel death that could be inflicted. “Why, what evil hath He done?” But the case had gone too far for argument.

HLv 489.4

Still Pilate endeavored to save Christ. “He said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done?” But the very mention of His release stirred the people to frenzy. Louder and louder they cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

HLv 489.5

Faint and covered with wounds, Jesus was scourged, “and the soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed Him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they ... did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshiped Him. And ... they ... mocked Him.” Occasionally some wicked hand struck the crown, forcing the thorns into His temples, and sending the blood trickling down His face.

HLv 490.1

A maddened throng enclosed the Saviour of the world. Mocking and jeering were mingled with oaths of blasphemy. Satan led the mob. It was his purpose to provoke the Saviour to retaliation if possible, or to drive Him to perform a miracle to release Himself. One stain upon His human life, and the Lamb of God would have been an imperfect offering, and the redemption of man a failure. But He submitted with perfect calmness to the coarsest insult and outrage.

HLv 490.3

When Pilate gave Jesus up to be scourged, he hoped the multitude would decide that this was sufficient punishment. But with keen perception the Jews saw the weakness of punishing a man who had been declared innocent. They were determined that Jesus should not be released.

HLv 490.4

Pilate now sent for Barabbas to be brought into the court, the two prisoners side by side. Pointing to the Saviour he said, “Behold the Man!” There stood the Son of God, stripped to the waist, His back showing the long stripes from which blood flowed freely. His face was stained and bore the marks of pain, but never had it appeared more beautiful than now. Every feature expressed the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. In His manner there was the strength and dignity of long-suffering.

HLv 491.1

In striking contrast was the prisoner at His side. Every line of the countenance of Barabbas proclaimed him a hardened ruffian. The contrast spoke to every beholder. As some looked on Jesus they wept, their hearts full of sympathy. The priests and rulers were convicted that He was all that He claimed to be.

HLv 491.2

The Roman soldiers that surrounded Christ were not all hardened. They looked at the divine Sufferer with feelings of pity, His silent submission stamped upon their minds. The scene was never to be effaced until they either acknowledged Him as the Christ, or by rejecting Him decided their own destiny.

HLv 491.3

Pilate did not doubt that the sight of this Man in contrast with Barabbas would move the Jews to sympathy. But he did not understand the fanatical hatred of the priests. Again priests, rulers, and people raised that awful cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” At last, losing all patience with their unreasoning cruelty, Pilate cried out despairingly, “Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him.”

HLv 491.4

The Roman governor, though familiar with cruel scenes, was moved with sympathy for the suffering prisoner. But the priests declared, “We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

HLv 491.5

Pilate was startled; it might be a divine being that stood before him! Again he said to Jesus, “Whence art Thou?” But Jesus gave no answer. The Saviour had spoken freely to Pilate, explaining His mission. Pilate had disregarded the light. He had abused the high office of judge by yielding to the demands of the mob. Jesus had no further light for him. Vexed at His silence, Pilate said haughtily: “Speakest Thou not unto me? knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee?”

HLv 491.6

Jesus answered, “Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin.” Christ meant Caiaphas, who represented the Jewish nation. They had light in the prophecies that testified of Christ, and unmistakable evidence of the divinity of Him whom they condemned to death. The heaviest responsibility belonged to those who stood in the highest places in the nation. Pilate, Herod, and the Roman soldiers were comparatively ignorant of Jesus. They had not the light which the Jewish nation had so abundantly received. Had the light been given to the soldiers, they would not have treated Christ as they did.

HLv 492.1

Again Pilate proposed to release the Saviour. “But the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend.” Of all the opponents of Roman rule, the Jews were most bitter; but to accomplish the destruction of Christ, they would profess loyalty to the foreign rule which they hated.

HLv 492.2

“Whosoever maketh himself a king,” they continued, “speaketh against Caesar.” Pilate was under suspicion by the Roman government and knew that such a report would ruin him. He knew the Jews would leave nothing undone to accomplish their revenge.

HLv 492.3

Pilate again presented Jesus to the people, saying, “Behold your King!” Again the mad cry was heard, “Away with Him, crucify Him.” In a voice that was heard far and near, Pilate asked, “Shall I crucify your King?” But from profane, blasphemous lips went forth the words, “We have no king but Caesar.”

HLv 492.4

Thus by choosing a heathen ruler, the Jewish nation rejected God as their king. Henceforth they had no king but Caesar. To this the priests and teachers had led the people. For this, with the fearful results that followed, they were responsible. A nation’s sin and a nation’s ruin were due to the religious leaders.

HLv 492.5

“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.” Pilate looked upon the Saviour, and said in his heart, He is a God. Turning to the multitude he declared, I am clear of His blood. Crucify Him, but I pronounce Him a just man. May He whom He claims as His Father judge you and not me for this day’s work. Then to Jesus he said, Forgive me for this act; I cannot save You. And when he had again scourged Jesus, He delivered Him to be crucified.

HLv 493.1

Pilate longed to deliver Jesus, but he saw that he could not do this and yet retain his own position. Rather than lose his worldly power, he chose to sacrifice an innocent life. How many in like manner sacrifice principle. Conscience and duty point one way, and self-interest another. The current sets in the wrong direction, and he who compromises with evil is swept away into the thick darkness of guilt.

HLv 493.2

But in spite of his precautions, the very thing Pilate dreaded came upon him. He was cast down from his high office, and, stung by remorse and wounded pride, not long after the crucifixion he ended his own life.

HLv 493.3

When Pilate declared himself innocent of the blood of Christ, Caiaphas answered defiantly, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” The awful words were echoed by the crowd in an inhuman roar of voices. The whole multitude said, “His blood be on us, and on our children.”

HLv 493.4

The people of Israel had made their choice—Barabbas, the robber and murderer, the representative of Satan. Christ, the representative of God, had been rejected. In making this choice they accepted him who from the beginning was a liar and a murderer. Satan was their leader. His rule they must endure.

HLv 493.5

The Jews had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” That prayer was heard. The blood of the Son of God was on their children and their children’s children. Terribly was it realized in the destruction of Jerusalem and in the condition of the Jewish nation for nearly two thousand years—a branch severed from the vine, dead. From land to land throughout the world, from century to century, dead in trespasses and sins!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

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

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 30

When Christ was upon this earth the world preferred Barabbas. And today the world and the churches are making the same choice. The scenes of the betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion of Christ have been reenacted, and will again be reenacted on an immense scale. People will be filled with the attributes of Satan. The delusions of the arch enemy of God and man will have great power. Those who have given their affections to any leader but Christ will find themselves under the control, body, soul, and spirit, of an infatuation that is so entrancing that under its power souls turn away from hearing the truth to believe a lie. They are ensnared and taken, and by their every action they cry, “Release unto us Barabbas, but crucify Christ.” [Luke 23:18, 21.]

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 12 (1897)

Ms 95, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 95, 1897, par. 4

When it was safe for them to be so, they were most tyrannical in their church requirements; when they aimed to bring about some purpose of cruelty, they exalted the power of Caesar. They had no conscience. They had no pure principles. They declared that the world was gone after Christ, and that all men would believe in Him if He were permitted to live. They charged Him with creating insurrection, forbidding His disciples to pay tribute, “saying that he himself is a king.” [Luke 23:2.] But this charge was so wholly at variance with the appearance of the man, that Pilate did not believe their words.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 20—Before Pilate

SJ 125.1

“We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King.” Luke 23:2.

SJ 127.4

“He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.” Luke 23:5.

Living by Principle

Living by Principle

PH048 4.3

Luke 23:4: Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 107, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 107, 1893, par. 2

The Lord Jesus had been betrayed by Judas, one of His professed disciples, and a band of men and soldiers, with staves and spears, arrested Him after His long agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Sanhedrin had condemned Him to death, [but] He could not be executed without the confirmation of Pilate. Therefore He was brought before Pilate, that He might be legally condemned. After examining the accusers of the world’s Redeemer, it was found their testimony contradicted each other and was valueless, and Pilate declared, “I find no fault in this man.” [Luke 23:4.] This testimony, setting aside the contradictory testimony urged against Him, made the Jews almost frantic at the prospect that they might be baffled.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 79, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 79, 1912, par. 25

We want every one of you to seek the Lord. Is there anything that is equal to being in friendship with Jesus Christ? He died the most cruel death for us. While Pilate said, “I find no fault in the man” [Luke 23:4], yet the sentence was pronounced that He should be crucified. Let us serve the Lord with heart and soul and voice. Let us follow on to know Him and the power of His resurrection.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 129, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 129, 1897, par. 4

Then at the command of the king the decrepit and maimed were called into the presence of Christ, and He was ordered to prove His claims by demonstrating His power before them. If thou canst work miracles for other, he said, work them now for thine own good, and it will serve thee a good purpose. But Christ was as one who heard and saw not. Still Herod continued to urge Him, “Men say thou canst save the sick,” he said, “I am anxious to see that thy wide-spread fame has not been belied. Then work a miracle.” [See Luke 23:8, 9.]

Christ Triumphant

History Is Repeated Christ’s Followers Persecuted, September 21

CTr 271.1

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. Luke 23:11.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 21—Before Herod

SJ 131.2

Then the king began to shamefully abuse and ridicule the Son of God. “And Herod with his men of war set Him at naught, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe.” Luke 23:11.

Conflict and Courage

Remember Me, November 16

CC 326.1

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:42.

CC 326.2

To Jesus in His agony on the cross there came one gleam of comfort. It was the prayer of the penitent thief.... This man was not a hardened criminal; he had been led astray by evil associations.... He had seen and heard Jesus, and had been convicted by His teaching, but he had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers. Seeking to stifle conviction, he had plunged deeper and deeper into sin, until he was arrested, tried as a criminal, and condemned to die on the cross.

CC 326.3

In the judgment hall and on the way to Calvary he had been in company with Jesus. He had heard Pilate declare, “I find no fault in Him” (John 19:4). He had marked His godlike bearing, and His pitying forgiveness of His tormentors.... The conviction comes back to him that this is the Christ. Turning to his fellow criminal he says, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” The dying thieves have no longer anything to fear from man. But upon one of them presses the conviction that there is a God to fear, a future to cause him to tremble. And now, all sin-polluted as it is, his life history is about to close....

CC 326.4

When condemned for his crime, the thief had become hopeless and despairing; but strange, tender thoughts now spring up. He calls to mind all he has heard of Jesus.... The Holy Spirit illuminates his mind, and little by little the chain of evidence is joined together. In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and hanging upon the cross, he sees the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Hope is mingled with anguish in his voice as the helpless, dying soul casts himself upon a dying Saviour. “Lord, remember me,” he cries, “when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.”

CC 326.5

Quickly the answer came. Soft and melodious the tone, full of love, compassion, and power the words: Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.... To the penitent thief came the perfect peace of acceptance with God.37The Desire of Ages, 749-751.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 49, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 38

He knew every step of self-sacrifice that must be trodden, of the humiliation that He must meet. He saw Himself in the hands of men moved by demons. He saw Himself betrayed by one of His professed disciples. Before him passed the scene of rejection. He felt the agony of hearing Peter say, I know not the man; and that man his Lord and Saviour; and the cruel injustice of Pilate’s course, when he said, “I find no fault in this man” [Luke 23:14], and yet gave him up to be mocked and scourged, to endure the contradiction of sinners against Himself.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 22—Condemned by Pilate

SJ 133.3

“I will therefore chastise Him, and release Him.” Luke 23:16.

SJ 134.7

They replied, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.” Luke 23:18.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 23—The Lord’s Vineyard

COL 293.3

The Jewish rulers did not love God; therefore they cut themselves away from Him, and rejected all His overtures for a just settlement. Christ, the Beloved of God, came to assert the claims of the Owner of the vineyard; but the husbandmen treated Him with marked contempt, saying, We will not have this man to rule over us. They envied Christ’s beauty of character. His manner of teaching was far superior to theirs, and they dreaded His success. He remonstrated with them, unveiling their hypocrisy, and showing them the sure results of their course of action. This stirred them to madness. They smarted under the rebukes they could not silence. They hated the high standard of righteousness which Christ continually presented. They saw that His teaching was placing them where their selfishness would be uncloaked, and they determined to kill Him. They hated His example of truthfulness and piety and the elevated spirituality revealed in all He did. His whole life was a reproof to their selfishness, and when the final test came, the test which meant obedience unto eternal life or disobedience unto eternal death, they rejected the Holy One of Israel. When they were asked to choose between Christ and Barabbas, they cried out, “Release unto us Barabbas!” Luke 23:18. And when Pilate asked, “What shall I do then with Jesus?” they cried fiercely, “Let Him be crucified.” Matthew 27:22. “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked, and from the priests and rulers came the answer, “We have no king but Caesar.” John 19:15. When Pilate washed his hands, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person,” the priests joined with the ignorant mob in declaring passionately, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:24, 25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 90, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 90, 1898, par. 28

The Father’s wisdom and glory shines forth in His [Christ’s] majesty. He is exalted and precious to all who believe. But His own personal glory, who can describe it? He comes with His divine nature plainly revealed—He who was denied and rejected by man, who stood at the bar of Pilate as a criminal. Where is that priest who rent his robe in hypocritical horror as he charged Him with blasphemy? Look at Him as He comes forth from the dead. What think ye of Jesus now? Will men now withhold from Him recognition and honor? Will those who were actors at the bar of Pilate refuse Him worship now? Will those who made manifest what human nature will do under the control of satanic agencies, as they behold in His hands and feet the marks of the crucifixion, now cry, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas”? [Luke 23:18.] Every mouth is closed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 150, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 5

When Barabbas was placed by the side of Christ, and Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” they cried, “Barabbas, release unto us Barabbas.” [Matthew 27:17; Luke 23:18.] “What shall I do then with Jesus,” Pilate asked. And they answered, “Let him be crucified.” [Matthew 27:22.] The thief and murdered was released, while the Son of God, who was free from every taint of evil, was condemned to die. Evil angels, under their leader Satan were the unseen agencies in this work. It was they who inspired the priests and rulers with the spirit of rebellion that originated with Satan.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 198, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 198, 1899, par. 28

“My kingdom,” Christ declared, “is not of this world.” [John 18:36.] It is not established by force or by warfare or any one man’s wisdom. Human power will not accomplish this warfare. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Zechariah 4:6.] He addresses every element opposing the work for which He gave His life, suffering reproach and rejection by His own people whose moral taste was in accordance with their choice. “Away with the Lord Jesus Christ; release Barabbas, a thief, a murderer,” was their choice. [See Luke 23:18.] With thieves and murderers will they have their portion—with all those of like choice.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 30, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 30, 1900, par. 5

Did you not see the two parties distinctly outlined upon the occasion of the baptism? Did you think of the scene at the trial of Christ, when Christ was placed side by side with Barabbas, a thief and a robber, and Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you?” [Matthew 27:17.] Inspired by the priests and rulers, the mob cried out, “Release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] “What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ?” [Matthew 27:22.] Pilate asked. “Crucify him, crucify him.” “I find no fault in him,” Pilate declared. “Shall I crucify your king?” From the priests and rulers came the answer, “We have no king but Caesar.” [John 19:6, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 30, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 30, 1902, par. 5

The world that rejected Christ—who is the personification of all goodness, truth, and righteousness—choosing to have the rebel flag wave over them, will be asked by the Sovereign of the universe, What have you done with My Son? And the answer will come back, We rejected Him, we scourged Him, we crowned His brow with thorns, we struck Him in the face, we spat upon Him to show our contempt of Him. We hated Him. When Pilate asked whom we would choose to have released, we cried out, “Release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] We preferred a robber to your Son. We reviled Him, and scourged Him; and blood came from His bruised temples. He had done nothing to harm us. But we crucified Him, choosing in His stead a robber and a murderer.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Holy One of Israel, January 27

JNN 34.4

The Jewish rulers did not love God; therefore they cut themselves away from Him, and rejected all His overtures for a just settlement. Christ, the Beloved of God, came to assert the claims of the Owner of the vineyard; but the husbandmen treated Him with marked contempt, saying, We will not have this man to rule over us. They envied Christ’s beauty of character. His manner of teaching was far superior to theirs, and they dreaded His success. He remonstrated with them, unveiling their hypocrisy, and showing them the sure results of their course of action. This stirred them to madness. They smarted under the rebukes they could not silence. They hated the high standard of righteousness which Christ continually presented. They saw that His teaching was placing them where their selfishness would be uncloaked, and they determined to kill Him. They hated His example of truthfulness and piety and the elevated spirituality revealed in all He did. His whole life was a reproof to their selfishness, and when the final test came, the test which meant obedience unto eternal life or disobedience unto eternal death, they rejected the Holy One of Israel. When they were asked to choose between Christ and Barabbas, they cried out, “Release unto us Barabbas!” (Luke 23:18). And when Pilate asked, “What shall I do then with Jesus?” they cried fiercely, “Let Him be crucified” (Matthew 27:22).—Christ’s Object Lessons, 293, 294.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 5, 1872

2LtMs, Ms 5, 1872, par. 39

We had a good congregation—about five hundred—under the tent. I had liberty in speaking upon the life of Christ and the prejudice and hatred of the Jews, which increased until He was crucified by them. The Christian world is now in a similar delusion, bound by the same prejudices. The Jews cried, “Away with Christ.” [Luke 23:18.] The Christian world now cry, “Christ, Christ, but Away with the law.” The Christian world does virtually crucify the law as the Jews crucified Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 16, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 16, 1888, par. 61

Men of the world hate the Bible because it will not let them sin just as they please and carry along with them their hereditary and cultivated traits of character. They want their own ideas to be cherished as the mind of God. They oppose the Word of God for the same reason that the Jews cried, “Away with Christ!” [Luke 23:18]—because He rebuked their sins and lay bare their iniquities. In the same way will those who claim to believe the truth war against the testimonies in collision with their ways, their opinions, and when reproved, they will hate them with an intense hatred, will, like Canright, laugh at them and misconstrue them and pour all the contempt upon them that is possible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 25b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 25b, 1892, par. 27

True Christianity will always be aggressive, and wherever it exists it will arouse enmity. All who live a conscientious life, who bear testimony of the claims of God, of the evil of sin, of the judgment to come, will be called the disturbers of Israel. Those, whose testimony awakens the apprehension of the soul, offend pride and arouse opposition. The hatred of evil against good exists as surely now as in the days of Christ when the multitudes cried, “Away with him!” “Release unto us Barabbas.” [John 19:15; Luke 23:18.] There is no kind of evil in our world but that some have an interest in maintaining it. Evil is ever warring against good. And since we know that the conflict with the prince of darkness is constant and must be severe, let us be united in the warfare. Cease to war against those of your own faith. Let no one help Satan in his work. We have all that we can do in another direction.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 14, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 14, 1893, par. 14

The peace of Christ is of great value to us. Are we ashamed of Him, [through] whom, if we should come [to Him], we may have life in the kingdom of God? Are you consecrated to Christ? We ought to be consecrated to the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] We want to be fashioned after the similitude of the Lord Jesus, and not after the similitude of the world that said, “Away with Jesus, but release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] If we do not belong to Christ, we shall be classified with the murderers and unbelievers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 59, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 59, 1895, par. 32

In the contemplation of the character of Christ, His humiliation, His agony in Gethsemane, His sentence in the judgment hall, His condemnation and scourging, His crucifixion and death, we can see what humanity will do when it is not under the control of the Spirit of God. When the question was asked, whether men would have Jesus, the innocent, holy Prince of heaven, or a base thief and murderer, they cried out, “Release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] To the question, What shall we do with Jesus? the hoarse cry was raised by men who were inspired by Satan, “Crucify him, crucify him!” [Verse 21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 11, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 11, 1896, par. 5

We have no time now to consult our own inconvenience. Christ did not consult His convenience when He left the royal throne of God, and came to this earth, to be crucified by the people whom He came to save. Wonder, O heaven, and be astonished, O earth, that He, who came to win a crown of immortality for humanity, was discarded, and a murderer chosen in His place. At His trial Christ was placed side by side with Barabbas—Christ with His countenance expressive of the Father’s image, and Barabbas, a thief and a murderer. Whom will ye that release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus? Asked Pilate, and like the bellowing of wild beasts the answer came, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] “What shall I do with Christ?” “Crucify him, crucify him,” echoed and re-echoed through the company, “let him be crucified.” [Luke 23:21; Matthew 27:22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 25, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 25, 1896, par. 17

He was represented as Barabbas when placed beside Jesus, who made the world and all things that are therein. The opportunity was given to man to choose “whom shall I release unto you, Barabbas or Christ?” [Matthew 27:17.] The roar of voices was like wild beasts: “Barabbas, Barabbas, Release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] Here was Satan personified, chosen before Christ, the Son of God. What exaltation had Satan on that occasion! What exaltation he had on every such occasion.

11LtMs, Ms 25, 1896, par. 18

Now in our world the choice is being made. “Barabbas, Barabbas.” But what shall be done with Christ? “Crucify Him.” [Verse 21.] This is being repeated in our world today. Whom are we individually choosing? We are demonstrating our choice.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 136, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 136, 1899, par. 31

The priests and rulers persuaded the people to choose Barabbas, and in answer to Pilate’s question the hoarse cry was raised, “Release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” Pilate asked, and again, like the bellowing of wild beasts the cry went forth, “Crucify him, crucify him.” [Matthew 27:22; Luke 23:21.] And all heaven heard the cry.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 23, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 23, 1900, par. 8

His whole life was a constant reproof to their selfishness, and when the final test came, the test which meant obedience unto eternal life or disobedience unto eternal death, they rejected the Holy One of Israel. When they were asked to choose between Christ and Barabbas, they cried out, “Release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] And when Pilate asked, “What shall I do then with Jesus?” they cried fiercely, “Crucify him, crucify him.” [Matthew 27:22; Luke 23:21.] “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked, and from the priests and rulers came the answer, “We have no king but Caesar.” [John 19:15.] When Pilate washed his hands, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just man,” the priests joined with the ignorant mob in declaring passionately, “His blood be on us and on our children.” [Matthew 27:24, 25.]

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 13—Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies?

2SM 129.3

If you would see what man will do when he rejects the influence of the grace of God, look to that scene in the judgment hall, when the infuriated mob, headed by Jewish priests and elders, clamored for the life of the Son of God. See the divine Sufferer standing by the side of Barabbas, and Pilate asking which he should release unto them. The hoarse cry, swelled by hundreds of passionate, Satan-inspired voices, is, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas” (Luke 23:18)! And when Pilate asked what was to be done with Jesus they cried, “Crucify him, crucify him” (Luke 23:21)!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 77, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 77, 1906, par. 13

But the trumpet is waxing louder and louder, and the wicked dead come forth to confront Christ. When the multitude of the lost, those whom God has favored with great light, shall look upon the goodness, mercy, and love of Jesus; when those who might have been saved if they had accepted the light and the blessings of God’s Word, but who refused to obey His law, see the great sacrifice made in their behalf, they understand the unmeasured love of the Redeemer; they understand His incarnation, the sweat drops of blood, the marks of the nails in His hands and feet, the pierced side; and they ask to be hidden from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. They see as in reality the condemnation of Christ, they hear the loud cry, “Release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] They hear the question, “What shall be done with Jesus?” and the answer, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” [Matthew 27:22; Luke 23:21.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Divine Remedy, June 28

JNN 191.4

If you would see what humanity will do when it rejects the influence of the grace of God, look to that scene in the judgment hall, when the infuriated mob, headed by Jewish priests and elders, clamored for the life of the Son of God. See the divine Sufferer standing by the side of Barabbas, and Pilate asking which he should release unto them. The hoarse cry, swelled by hundreds of passionate, Satan-inspired voices, is, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas”! (Luke 23:18). And when Pilate asked what was to be done with Jesus they cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him”! (Luke 23:21).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 78, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 55

I spoke in the Adventist church to a full house from the first and second chapters of Acts in reference to the Holy Spirit promised by our Saviour just before His ascension to heaven. Acts 1:8-12. In the second chapter we have the fulfillment of the promise. What a firm, bold acknowledgment of Christ came from the lips of Peter. Verses 22-40. What a testimony borne to those who had rejected Jesus and cried for Barabbas to be released, who was a murderer and thief and whose countenance was marked with his debased character. Christ, the world’s Redeemer, was standing by his side with the impress of the divine shining through humanity. Pilate asks, “Which shall I release unto you?” The hoarse voices, impelled by satanic frenzy, cried out as wild beasts bellowing in a rage, “Barabbas, Barabbas. Release unto us Barabbas.” “But what shall I do with Jesus, your king?” “Crucify him, crucify him. Away with Christ to the crucifixion.” [Matthew 27:21, 22; Luke 23:18, 21; John 19:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 53, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 27

The hoarse cry swelled by hundreds of passionate, Satan-inspired voices, is “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas!” [Luke 23:18.] And when Pilate asked what was to be done with Jesus, they cried, “Crucify him, crucify him!” [Verse 21.] Human nature then, is human nature now. When the divine remedy that would have saved and exalted human nature is despised, the same spirit still lives in the hearts of men, and we cannot trust to their guidance and maintain our loyalty to Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 39, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 39, 1894, par. 15

Men were imbued with the satanic spirit at the time when they decided that they would have Barabbas, a thief and a murderer, in preference to the Son of God. The demonic power triumphed over humanity, and legions of evil angels took entire control of men, and in answer to Pilate’s question as to whom he should release unto them, they shrieked out, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.” [Luke 23:18.] When Pilate spake again to them concerning Jesus, the hoarse cry was raised, “Crucify him, crucify him.” [Verse 21.] Through yielding to demonic agencies, men were led to take their stand on the side of the great apostate.

9LtMs, Ms 39, 1894, par. 17

Christ said, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” [Verse 31.] “They shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogue ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. ... Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents and shall cause them to be put to death and ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” [Mark 13:9, 12, 13.] “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached unto all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” [Matthew 24:14.] The agencies of Satan are having their last chance to develop before the world, before angels and men, the true principles of their attributes.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 59a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 59a, 1895, par. 27

We need to contemplate Jesus and His self denial, His great humiliation; His rejection of men, His suffering in Gethsemane, in the judgment hall, His condemnation, His scourging while pronounced innocent tell us what is the spirit of man and what humanity will do when not under the control of the Spirit of God. When the question was asked, “Whom shall I release unto you?” [there was] the choosing of a base thief and murderer Barrabas, before the innocent, pure, and holy Prince of Heaven. To the question, “What shall we do with Jesus?” was the hoarse cry from men inspired of Satan, “Crucify him, crucify him.” [Matthew 27:17-22; Luke 23:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 23b, 1896

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

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 51, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 51, 1897, par. 27

Outside the judgment hall is a mob who have had their worst passions aroused by the chief priests and rulers, who wish to have no time lost, fearing that the people will have Christ and take Him out of their hands. No sooner does a rumor reach the immense crowd outside that Christ is found guilty, than their voices are raised like the yell of demons, “Crucify him; crucify him.” [Luke 23:21.] But Pilate stretches forth his hands to silence the deafening roar of voices, for Christ is not yet condemned. Guilt has not yet been found upon Him. But that roar of voices, those words, “Crucify him; crucify him,” are as music in the ears of the priests.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 5, 1882

3LtMs, Ms 5, 1882, par. 7

Jesus has traveled the way before them. Every indignity and insult and outrage which cruel hearts could invent was exercised upon the world’s Redeemer, and the pathway of the church from the first dawn of Christianity to the present time has been a path of trial and persecution of the faithful. In our day we are favored with more quiet and peaceful times. We have been protected by the civil power in the enjoyment of our Christian privileges, but human nature is human nature still. Influenced and controlled by the enemy of truth, it will be seen that it has undergone no material change, for the world serves the enemy of righteousness and he is ever opposed to Jesus Christ. The very same hostility and envy and jealousy toward Christ which prompted the rejection of Him and the murderous cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him” [Luke 23:21], which led to the arresting of men and women, confining them in prison, and exiling them to solitude and to rigorous labor, still exist. When the law shall withdraw its protecting power, when it shall exercise its power against those who keep the law of God, [this hostility will again be manifested] with malignant energy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 108, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 23

In the camp there have been many traitors in disguise, and Christ knows every one of them. God has been dishonored by disloyal subjects, who, were Christ on the earth today in human form, would cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” [Luke 23:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 73, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 73, 1908, par. 11

The resistance of truth leaves men captive to the will of Satan. Those who today hold fast to erroneous ideas, and feel satisfied with popular errors, rejecting a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” reveal that had they lived in the days of Christ, they would have helped to swell the cry of the murderous mob, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” [Luke 23:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 53, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 53, 1886, par. 10

Crosses we saw erected everywhere. Niches had been drilled out in the rocks and images of the Saviour on the cross placed in them. There was much outward show of respect for Christ, but the people were as destitute of the Spirit of Christ as were the men who cried out, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” [Luke 23:21.] They were Christ’s enemies, full of wrath and bitterness, because they themselves were not obeyed as God. The Word of God was taken by the conscientious ones seeking for truth as the voice of God to them, which was more powerful than the mandate of kings or popes or prelates.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 23, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 23, 1885, par. 10

The very men who took secret counsel against Christ did not know that they had a witness in their assemblies, the same unerring witness that was present at Belshazzar’s feast and registered with unerring accuracy the blasphemous words uttered and the profaning of the holy vessels. That bloodless hand was revealed to the king, tracing characters over against the walls of his palace. He who reads the very intents and purposes of the heart was present in the judgment hall, making the records which the very men would meet—records of the words and acts in the judgment hall and that cry that awful cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him! His blood be on us, and on our children” [Luke 23:21; Matthew 27:25] reached unto heaven and stands on record, that men may see to what lengths religious prejudice, envy, and malice will lead humanity. It shows what enmity and hatred can develop in minds who have turned from the light. That scene at the trial and crucifixion of Christ shows the power of deception upon the human mind, and to what great lengths this deception will lead men to go.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 55, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 55, 1886, par. 27

The very same enmity that was in the hearts of these would-be murderers of Christ was in the hearts of the murderers of the Vaudois—the Catholic religious zealots—making them satanic in their character. These are the religionists who display the cross of Christ and the image of Christ and the apostles and the virgin Mary as objects of worship. While they have the symbol of the cross, they have none of the spirit of Him who bore the cross. Should He come on earth today as at His first advent, they could be of the number who would cry out, “Crucify Him, crucify Him,” as did the Jews [Luke 23:21], because the life and mission of Christ would strike directly at the root and foundation of their religion. These men claim to be Christ’s representatives on earth, as the priests and rulers claimed to be the exalted of God in the days of Christ, and as Satan claimed to be an angel of light. He was the first great rebel. He deceived thousands and thought to deceive the Son of God with his pretentious claims, and to overcome Him with his temptations.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 15a, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 15a, 1886, par. 7

Yesterday it was cloudy but did not rain. This morning it rains again. This morning for the first time W. C. White, Mary, and I walked out. In the afternoon we visited the Catholic church. They are celebrating the scenes of our Saviour’s death, and what silly nonsense for men and women of sense. There are tall candles lit upon the altar, then there are smaller ones burning that are gradually extinguished at a given signal one at a time. The priests are in a room just back of the auditorium room chanting, in Latin I think, prayers, while the people are kneeling upon the benches in the auditorium. This chanting continues for two hours; then the last candle is extinguished, and there is seen standing before the door a crowd of boys of all sizes with little wooden instruments in their hands with which they keep up a deafening noise; it sounds like a rattle. These boys are not allowed to come in until a given signal; then the janitor, who has kept them back with a long stick, opens the curtains and lets them enter. There is a drum in this large room; and when this commences to beat, it is a signal for the children to make all the noise they can, and all in the house help in the tumult. This is to celebrate some feature in the crucifixion, but what part of it I cannot learn definitely. Some say it is to drown the voices of the mob who are crying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” [Luke 23:21.] Eld. A. C. Bourdeau informs us that men of intelligence on a similar occasion kicked the benches, pounded the walls, and drummed on tin pans. And this they call religion. It is a relic of papacy brought with them from the darkest of the darkened ages of superstition and idolatry. The poor, deluded people deserve the pity of all who are in the light.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 16, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 16, 1893, par. 13

Pilate seeks to release Him, and Pilate presents Him as an innocent man. After scourging Him he brings Him forward, and with Christ on one hand and Barabbas on the other, he asks the people which is their choice, which shall he release unto them. Barabbas, whose countenance expresses depravity and every mark of cruelty, and who was such a notable robber, is placed forward so that they can make their choice: [Barabbas or] Christ, [who] loved mercy and compassion, and who did not cast one reproachful look upon His enemies. Pilate thought the contrast was so evident that they would choose Christ, but hear the coarse cry to release Barabbas. Pilate says, “What shall I do with Christ?” “Crucify him, crucify him,” came from their coarse voices. [Matthew 27:22; Luke 23:21.] Now I ask you, men and women, what confidence have you in human nature unless controlled by the grace of Christ? Christ’s human arm encircled the human race while with His divine arm He grasped the throne of the Infinite One. And this world, that had been separated from the continent of heaven, He throws it back into favor with God. Here the human family may look to heaven and say, “I see its battlements. O, what path shall I tread that I may reach its happiness?” Many of you are saying this.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 52, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 15

The taunting words of mockery rose up to heaven from the religious teachers of the people. They were the ones who instigated the mixed multitude to ask for the release of Barabbas, and to cry out against Christ, “Crucify him; crucify him.” [Luke 23:21.] “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” [Matthew 27:39, 40.] Who was it that spake these words? Who was it said, “If thou be the Son of God, make these stones bread;” “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from the pinnacle of the temple;” “If thou wilt worship me, all shall be thine?” [Matthew 4:3, 6; Luke 4:7.] It was the covering cherub, once the exalted angel in the heavenly Courts.

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 17

The fact that the companions of Christ in His crucifixion were placed the one on His right hand and the other on his left is a significant one; His cross is placed in the very center of the world. The spotless Lamb of God was placed in the center of two thieves, both of which railed upon Him. In the place of their suffering begetting sympathy, there is scorn. Instead of pity; reproach. But, while on the cross, one of the thieves beheld Christ in a new light. He has wonderful, tender and strange thoughts of Jesus. He sees the many great religionists who shoot out the lip with scorn, and ridicule the Lord Jesus. He sees those wagging heads; he hears their upbraiding speaking taken up by his companion in guilt on the other side of Christ: “If he be the Christ, let him save himself and us.” [Luke 23:39.] It was as additional drops of gall to the Holy, Spotless Son of God that the vilest of sinners should pour contempt upon Him who was bearing the sin of the world.

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 19

The thief had been strongly in favor of Christ, but circumstances had occurred to awaken in his heart his own natural desires. When convicted of his crime he became hopeless and despairing. But now the conviction comes back to him that this is the Christ. Turning to his fellow criminal he says, “Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” [Verse 40.] Neither of them have the fear of man any more; for they can suffer no more at their hands. But conviction pours in upon the soul of the repentant thief that there is God to fear, a future to cause him to tremble, and that they must both stand before the judgment seat of Christ. He heard this from those who were passing by. He heard that for every action that had been done to Christ for every insult, every mockery, they must answer to God in that great day when every one shall receive his reward according to his works. O, if he had only known this before as he now viewed it! He might have lived. But now he was about to close his life history, all sin-polluted as it was.

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 20

“And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done nothing amiss.” [Verse 41.] There is no question now, no doubts, no reproaches. As the malefactor became convicted of his past transgressions and guilt, he is also convinced that the central cross which bears the inscription, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews,” held the Son of God. [Matthew 27:37.] All was plain to his mind. Jesus had done no sin; yet He was suffering as a criminal, persecuted even unto death. Then he called to mind reports that he had heard of Jesus of Nazareth, how He had healed the sick and those suffering under grievous maladies. He had heard that He had pardoned transgression and sin. And turning his dying eyes upon the Sin-bearer as He is hanging upon the cross, the malefactor said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” [Luke 23:42.]

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 21

The spectators caught the words as the man called Jesus, in His suffering and humiliation, “Lord.” How did this man know anything about His kingdom? He had heard reports; he had heard the words of those who believed in Jesus, and followed Him weeping. He had heard them relate His wondrous works, His large compassion for the sufferings of humanity of whatever kind. He had heard too the rejecters of Christ express their gratification that He would no longer be the center of attraction and call the multitudes after Him; that they would no longer hear of His miracles. He had heard their reviling, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.” [Verse 35.]

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 23

Many of the mixed multitude look and listen spellbound, as they behold that dying thief praying to a dying Saviour, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” [Verse 42.] The feelings of the multitude were varied. Some said, “This is the last of that man’s Messiahship; this forever settles the question regarding His mission. Soon His life will end His history. All these rumors in regard to His being the Son of the Majesty of heaven is an idle tale, a vain presumption.”

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 29

The prayer addressed to Jesus is no sooner offered than the response is made, “Verily, I say unto thee today, Shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:43.] From lips that are pale and quivering with anguish, the words are soft and melodious and full of love, compassion, and power. There was only one Being in all the world who could speak such words. His testimony was not heard by the many when in trial in the judgment hall; but here it is heard and acknowledged by two witnesses.

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 32

And He pledged that dying soul His word, saying, “Verily I say unto you today, (while I am giving My life for the world) thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” [Verse 43.] Christ was not in paradise that day. After His resurrection on the third day, He said to Mary, “I have not yet ascended to the Father.” [John 20:17.] The Lord designed in this scene of repentance and conversion to kindle a light that would be carried from thence, one that would never lose its bright beams in behalf of the sinner and to the glory of the Redeemer. As long as time shall last, this wonderful exercise of the power of Christ would be repeated throughout the world.

Conflict and Courage

The Cross Bearer, November 15

CC 325.1

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. Luke 23:26.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Uncondemned, April 11

JNN 111.1

Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.—Luke 23:26

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 205, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 205, 1899, par. 3

Since the Passover supper with his disciples, neither food nor drink had been given Jesus. Since then he had agonized in the garden of Gethsemane in conflict with Satanic agencies, the struggle so severe that great drops of blood came from the pores of his skin. From the garden he had been taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas. From Caiaphas he had been taken to Pilate, and from Pilate to Herod. He had borne with fortitude the cruel scourging and the crown of thorns. But when the cross was placed upon his shoulders, human nature could bear no more, and he fell fainting beneath the burden. The priests and rulers, seeing that Christ was unable to carry the burden, laid hold of “one Simon a Cyrenian, coming out of the country,” and on him [was] placed the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. [Luke 23:26.]

14LtMs, Ms 205, 1899, par. 4

While the mob, led on by the priests and rulers, raise the rude shout and laughter, a mournful lament reaches the ear of Christ. It comes from those whose sick Christ has healed, from those who have been restored to health by his divine power, from the once blind upon whose darkened pathway he has shed light, and those who have once lifted up their voice in the pathetic cry, Unclean, unclean. Jesus had not appeared to hear the rude jest and mockery, but at this sympathetic cry he turns, and in pitying tones says, “Weep not for me.” Before his eye arises the picture of Jerusalem besieged and famine-stricken, its inhabitants dying amid the horrors of war; and forgetful of his own sufferings he says, “Weep for yourselves, and for your children.” [Verse 28.]

14LtMs, Ms 205, 1899, par. 5

The sorrowing disciples follow Christ at a distance behind the murderous throng. When they come to Calvary, and see their loved Teacher nailed to the cross, their hearts almost burst with anguish that he should suffer thus. Around the cross stand the blind, bigoted faithless priests and elders, taunting, mocking, jeering. “Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it again in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests, mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God, let him deliver him now; if he will have him; for he said, I am the Son of God.” [Matthew 27:40-43.] But a word does Jesus answer to all this. While the nails are being driven into his hands, and the sweat drops of agony are forced from his brow, from the pale lips of the innocent Sufferer a prayer of pardoning love is breathed for his murderers. “Father, forgive them,” he prays; “for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.]

14LtMs, Ms 205, 1899, par. 8

The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb. Bright hope did not present to him his coming forth a conqueror. The sin of the world was felt to the utmost by the Son of God. The displeasure of the Father for sin, and the penalty, which is death, were all that he could realize through this amazing darkness. He was tempted to fear that sin was so offensive to the Father that he could never again be reconciled to his Son. Faith and hope trembled in the expiring agonies of Christ; for God had removed the assurance he had heretofore given his Son of his approbation and acceptance. Then the Saviour relied upon the evidences that had hitherto been given him that his Father accepted his labors and was pleased with his work. As he yields up his precious life, he has by faith alone to trust in Him whom it has ever been his joy to serve. Denied even bright hope and confidence in the triumph which will be his in the future, he still cries with a loud voice, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” [Luke 23:46.] He is acquainted with the character of his Father, with his justice his mercy, and his great love, and in submission he drops into his hands. Christ had wrapped his life in the life of God. He clung in faith to his Father, and this faith sustained him.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 78—Calvary

DA 741.1

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him.”

DA 741.2

“That He might sanctify the people with His own blood,” Christ “suffered without the gate.” Hebrews 13:12. For transgression of the law of God, Adam and Eve were banished from Eden. Christ, our substitute, was to suffer without the boundaries of Jerusalem. He died outside the gate, where felons and murderers were executed. Full of significance are the words, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” Galatians 3:13.

DA 741.3

A vast multitude followed Jesus from the judgment hall to Calvary. The news of His condemnation had spread throughout Jerusalem, and people of all classes and all ranks flocked toward the place of crucifixion. The priests and rulers had been bound by a promise not to molest Christ’s followers if He Himself were delivered to them, and the disciples and believers from the city and the surrounding region joined the throng that followed the Saviour.

DA 741.4

As Jesus passed the gate of Pilate’s court, the cross which had been prepared for Barabbas was laid upon His bruised and bleeding shoulders. Two companions of Barabbas were to suffer death at the same time with Jesus, and upon them also crosses were placed. The Saviour’s burden was too heavy for Him in His weak and suffering condition. Since the Passover supper with His disciples, He had taken neither food nor drink. He had agonized in the garden of Gethsemane in conflict with satanic agencies. He had endured the anguish of the betrayal, and had seen His disciples forsake Him and flee. He had been taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas, and then to Pilate. From Pilate He had been sent to Herod, then sent again to Pilate. From insult to renewed insult, from mockery to mockery, twice tortured by the scourge,—all that night there had been scene after scene of a character to try the soul of man to the uttermost. Christ had not failed. He had spoken no word but that tended to glorify God. All through the disgraceful farce of a trial He had borne Himself with firmness and dignity. But when after the second scourging the cross was laid upon Him, human nature could bear no more. He fell fainting beneath the burden.

DA 742.1

The crowd that followed the Saviour saw His weak and staggering steps, but they manifested no compassion. They taunted and reviled Him because He could not carry the heavy cross. Again the burden was laid upon Him, and again He fell fainting to the ground. His persecutors saw that it was impossible for Him to carry His burden farther. They were puzzled to find anyone who would bear the humiliating load. The Jews themselves could not do this, because the defilement would prevent them from keeping the Passover. None even of the mob that followed Him would stoop to bear the cross.

DA 742.2

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

DA 742.3

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

DA 742.4

Not a few women are in the crowd that follow the Uncondemned to His cruel death. Their attention is fixed upon Jesus. Some of them have seen Him before. Some have carried to Him their sick and suffering ones. Some have themselves been healed. The story of the scenes that have taken place is related. They wonder at the hatred of the crowd toward Him for whom their own hearts are melting and ready to break. And notwithstanding the action of the maddened throng, and the angry words of the priests and rulers, these women give expression to their sympathy. As Jesus falls fainting beneath the cross, they break forth into mournful wailing.

DA 743.1

This was the only thing that attracted Christ’s attention. Although full of suffering, while bearing the sins of the world, He was not indifferent to the expression of grief. He looked upon these women with tender compassion. They were not believers in Him; He knew that they were not lamenting Him as one sent from God, but were moved by feelings of human pity. He did not despise their sympathy, but it awakened in His heart a deeper sympathy for them. “Daughters of Jerusalem,” He said, “weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” From the scene before Him, Christ looked forward to the time of Jerusalem’s destruction. In that terrible scene, many of those who were now weeping for Him were to perish with their children.

DA 743.2

From the fall of Jerusalem the thoughts of Jesus passed to a wider judgment. In the destruction of the impenitent city He saw a symbol of the final destruction to come upon the world. He said, “Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” By the green tree, Jesus represented Himself, the innocent Redeemer. God suffered His wrath against transgression to fall on His beloved Son. Jesus was to be crucified for the sins of men. What suffering, then, would the sinner bear who continued in sin? All the impenitent and unbelieving would know a sorrow and misery that language would fail to express.

DA 743.3

Of the multitude that followed the Saviour to Calvary, many had attended Him with joyful hosannas and the waving of palm branches as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. But not a few who had then shouted His praise, because it was popular to do so, now swelled the cry of “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” When Christ rode into Jerusalem, the hopes of the disciples had been raised to the highest pitch. They had pressed close about their Master, feeling that it was a high honor to be connected with Him. Now in His humiliation they followed Him at a distance. They were filled with grief, and bowed down with disappointed hopes. How were the words of Jesus verified: “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31.

DA 744.1

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

DA 744.2

The Saviour made no murmur of complaint. His face remained calm and serene, but great drops of sweat stood upon His brow. There was no pitying hand to wipe the death dew from His face, nor words of sympathy and unchanging fidelity to stay His human heart. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, Jesus prayed for His enemies, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” His mind passed from His own suffering to the sin of His persecutors, and the terrible retribution that would be theirs. No curses were called down upon the soldiers who were handling Him so roughly. No vengeance was invoked upon the priests and rulers, who were gloating over the accomplishment of their purpose. Christ pitied them in their ignorance and guilt. He breathed only a plea for their forgiveness,—“for they know not what they do.”

DA 744.3

Had they known that they were putting to torture One who had come to save the sinful race from eternal ruin, they would have been seized with remorse and horror. But their ignorance did not remove their guilt; for it was their privilege to know and accept Jesus as their Saviour. Some of them would yet see their sin, and repent, and be converted. Some by their impenitence would make it an impossibility for the prayer of Christ to be answered for them. Yet, just the same, God’s purpose was reaching its fulfillment. Jesus was earning the right to become the advocate of men in the Father’s presence.

DA 745.1

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

DA 745.2

As soon as Jesus was nailed to the cross, it was lifted by strong men, and with great violence thrust into the place prepared for it. This caused the most intense agony to the Son of God. Pilate then wrote an inscription in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, and placed it upon the cross, above the head of Jesus. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.” This inscription irritated the Jews. In Pilate’s court they had cried, “Crucify Him.” “We have no king but Caesar.” John 19:15. They had declared that whoever should acknowledge any other king was a traitor. Pilate wrote out the sentiment they had expressed. No offense was mentioned, except that Jesus was the King of the Jews. The inscription was a virtual acknowledgment of the allegiance of the Jews to the Roman power. It declared that whoever might claim to be the King of Israel would be judged by them worthy of death. The priests had overreached themselves. When they were plotting the death of Christ, Caiaphas had declared it expedient that one man should die to save the nation. Now their hypocrisy was revealed. In order to destroy Christ, they had been ready to sacrifice even their national existence.

DA 745.3

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

DA 745.4

A higher power than Pilate or the Jews had directed the placing of that inscription above the head of Jesus. In the providence of God it was to awaken thought, and investigation of the Scriptures. The place where Christ was crucified was near to the city. Thousands of people from all lands were then at Jerusalem, and the inscription declaring Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah would come to their notice. It was a living truth, transcribed by a hand that God had guided.

DA 746.1

In the sufferings of Christ upon the cross prophecy was fulfilled. Centuries before the crucifixion, the Saviour had foretold the treatment He was to receive. He said, “Dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet. I may tell all My bones: they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Psalm 22:16-18. The prophecy concerning His garments was carried out without counsel or interference from the friends or the enemies of the Crucified One. To the soldiers who had placed Him upon the cross, His clothing was given. Christ heard the men’s contention as they parted the garments among them. His tunic was woven throughout without seam, and they said, “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.”

DA 746.2

In another prophecy the Saviour declared, “Reproach hath broken My heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave Me also gall for My meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.” Psalm 69:20, 21. To those who suffered death by the cross, it was permitted to give a stupefying potion, to deaden the sense of pain. This was offered to Jesus; but when He had tasted it, He refused it. He would receive nothing that could becloud His mind. His faith must keep fast hold upon God. This was His only strength. To becloud His senses would give Satan an advantage.

DA 746.3

The enemies of Jesus vented their rage upon Him as He hung upon the cross. Priests, rulers, and scribes joined with the mob in mocking the dying Saviour. At the baptism and at the transfiguration the voice of God had been heard proclaiming Christ as His Son. Again, just before Christ’s betrayal, the Father had spoken, witnessing to His divinity. But now the voice from heaven was silent. No testimony in Christ’s favor was heard. Alone He suffered abuse and mockery from wicked men.

DA 746.4

“If Thou be the Son of God,” they said, “come down from the cross.” “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” In the wilderness of temptation Satan had declared, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” “If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down” from the pinnacle of the temple. Matthew 4:3, 6. And Satan with his angels, in human form, was present at the cross. The archfiend and his hosts were co-operating with the priests and rulers. The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob to pronounce judgment against One upon whom many of them had never looked, until urged to bear testimony against Him. Priests, rulers, Pharisees, and the hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy. Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels. They were doing his bidding.

DA 749.1

Jesus, suffering and dying, heard every word as the priests declared, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Christ could have come down from the cross. But it is because He would not save Himself that the sinner has hope of pardon and favor with God.

DA 749.2

In their mockery of the Saviour, the men who professed to be the expounders of prophecy were repeating the very words which Inspiration had foretold they would utter upon this occasion. Yet in their blindness they did not see that they were fulfilling the prophecy. Those who in derision uttered the words, “He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God,” little thought that their testimony would sound down the ages. But although spoken in mockery, these words led men to search the Scriptures as they had never done before. Wise men heard, searched, pondered, and prayed. There were those who never rested until, by comparing scripture with scripture, they saw the meaning of Christ’s mission. Never before was there such a general knowledge of Jesus as when He hung upon the cross. Into the hearts of many who beheld the crucifixion scene, and who heard Christ’s words, the light of truth was shining.

DA 749.3

To Jesus in His agony on the cross there came one gleam of comfort. It was the prayer of the penitent thief. Both the men who were crucified with Jesus had at first railed upon Him; and one under his suffering only became more desperate and defiant. But not so with his companion. This man was not a hardened criminal; he had been led astray by evil associations, but he was less guilty than many of those who stood beside the cross reviling the Saviour. He had seen and heard Jesus, and had been convicted by His teaching, but he had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers. Seeking to stifle conviction, he had plunged deeper and deeper into sin, until he was arrested, tried as a criminal, and condemned to die on the cross. In the judgment hall and on the way to Calvary he had been in company with Jesus. He had heard Pilate declare, “I find no fault in Him.” John 19:4. He had marked His godlike bearing, and His pitying forgiveness of His tormentors. On the cross he sees the many great religionists shoot out the tongue with scorn, and ridicule the Lord Jesus. He sees the wagging heads. He hears the upbraiding speeches taken up by his companion in guilt: “If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us.” Among the passers-by he hears many defending Jesus. He hears them repeat His words, and tell of His works. The conviction comes back to him that this is the Christ. Turning to his fellow criminal he says, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” The dying thieves have no longer anything to fear from man. But upon one of them presses the conviction that there is a God to fear, a future to cause him to tremble. And now, all sin-polluted as it is, his life history is about to close. “And we indeed justly,” he moans; “for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss.”

DA 750.1

There is no question now. There are no doubts, no reproaches. When condemned for his crime, the thief had become hopeless and despairing; but strange, tender thoughts now spring up. He calls to mind all he has heard of Jesus, how He has healed the sick and pardoned sin. He has heard the words of those who believed in Jesus and followed Him weeping. He has seen and read the title above the Saviour’s head. He has heard the passers-by repeat it, some with grieved, quivering lips, others with jesting and mockery. The Holy Spirit illuminates his mind, and little by little the chain of evidence is joined together. In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and hanging upon the cross, he sees the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Hope is mingled with anguish in his voice as the helpless, dying soul casts himself upon a dying Saviour. “Lord, remember me,” he cries, “when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.”

DA 750.2

Quickly the answer came. Soft and melodious the tone, full of love, compassion, and power the words: Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.

DA 750.3

For long hours of agony, reviling and mockery have fallen upon the ears of Jesus. As He hangs upon the cross, there floats up to Him still the sound of jeers and curses. With longing heart He has listened for some expression of faith from His disciples. He has heard only the mournful words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.” How grateful then to the Saviour was the utterance of faith and love from the dying thief! While the leading Jews deny Him, and even the disciples doubt His divinity, the poor thief, upon the brink of eternity, calls Jesus Lord. Many were ready to call Him Lord when He wrought miracles, and after He had risen from the grave; but none acknowledged Him as He hung dying upon the cross save the penitent thief who was saved at the eleventh hour.

DA 751.1

The bystanders caught the words as the thief called Jesus Lord. The tone of the repentant man arrested their attention. Those who at the foot of the cross had been quarreling over Christ’s garments, and casting lots upon His vesture, stopped to listen. Their angry tones were hushed. With bated breath they looked upon Christ, and waited for the response from those dying lips.

DA 751.2

As He spoke the words of promise, the dark cloud that seemed to enshroud the cross was pierced by a bright and living light. To the penitent thief came the perfect peace of acceptance with God. Christ in His humiliation was glorified. He who in all other eyes appeared to be conquered was a Conqueror. He was acknowledged as the Sin Bearer. Men may exercise power over His human body. They may pierce the holy temples with the crown of thorns. They may strip from Him His raiment, and quarrel over its division. But they cannot rob Him of His power to forgive sins. In dying He bears testimony to His own divinity and to the glory of the Father. His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear, neither His arm shortened that it cannot save. It is His royal right to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him.

DA 751.3

I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. Christ did not promise that the thief should be with Him in Paradise that day. He Himself did not go that day to Paradise. He slept in the tomb, and on the morning of the resurrection He said, “I am not yet ascended to My Father.” John 20:17. But on the day of the crucifixion, the day of apparent defeat and darkness, the promise was given. “Today” while dying upon the cross as a malefactor, Christ assures the poor sinner, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.

DA 751.4

The thieves crucified with Jesus were placed “on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.” This was done by the direction of the priests and rulers. Christ’s position between the thieves was to indicate that He was the greatest criminal of the three. Thus was fulfilled the scripture, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:12. But the full meaning of their act the priests did not see. As Jesus, crucified with the thieves, was placed “in the midst,” so His cross was placed in the midst of a world lying in sin. And the words of pardon spoken to the penitent thief kindled a light that will shine to the earth’s remotest bounds.

DA 752.1

With amazement the angels beheld the infinite love of Jesus, who, suffering the most intense agony of mind and body, thought only of others, and encouraged the penitent soul to believe. In His humiliation He as a prophet had addressed the daughters of Jerusalem; as priest and advocate He had pleaded with the Father to forgive His murderers; as a loving Saviour He had forgiven the sins of the penitent thief.

DA 752.2

As the eyes of Jesus wandered over the multitude about Him, one figure arrested His attention. At the foot of the cross stood His mother, supported by the disciple John. She could not endure to remain away from her Son; and John, knowing that the end was near, had brought her again to the cross. In His dying hour, Christ remembered His mother. Looking into her grief-stricken face and then upon John, He said to her, “Woman, behold thy son!” then to John, “Behold thy mother!” John understood Christ’s words, and accepted the trust. He at once took Mary to his home, and from that hour cared for her tenderly. O pitiful, loving Saviour; amid all His physical pain and mental anguish, He had a thoughtful care for His mother! He had no money with which to provide for her comfort; but He was enshrined in the heart of John, and He gave His mother to him as a precious legacy. Thus He provided for her that which she most needed,—the tender sympathy of one who loved her because she loved Jesus. And in receiving her as a sacred trust, John was receiving a great blessing. She was a constant reminder of his beloved Master.

DA 752.3

The perfect example of Christ’s filial love shines forth with undimmed luster from the mist of ages. For nearly thirty years Jesus by His daily toil had helped bear the burdens of the home. And now, even in His last agony, He remembers to provide for His sorrowing, widowed mother. The same spirit will be seen in every disciple of our Lord. Those who follow Christ will feel that it is a part of their religion to respect and provide for their parents. From the heart where His love is cherished, father and mother will never fail of receiving thoughtful care and tender sympathy.

DA 752.4

And now the Lord of glory was dying, a ransom for the race. In yielding up His precious life, Christ was not upheld by triumphant joy. All was oppressive gloom. It was not the dread of death that weighed upon Him. It was not the pain and ignominy of the cross that caused His inexpressible agony. Christ was the prince of sufferers; but His suffering was from a sense of the malignity of sin, a knowledge that through familiarity with evil, man had become blinded to its enormity. Christ saw how deep is the hold of sin upon the human heart, how few would be willing to break from its power. He knew that without help from God, humanity must perish, and He saw multitudes perishing within reach of abundant help.

DA 753.1

Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The guilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of God against sin, the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with consternation. All His life Christ had been publishing to a fallen world the good news of the Father’s mercy and pardoning love. Salvation for the chief of sinners was His theme. But now with the terrible weight of guilt He bears, He cannot see the Father’s reconciling face. The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was this agony that His physical pain was hardly felt.

DA 753.2

Satan with his fierce temptations wrung the heart of Jesus. The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, or tell Him of the Father’s acceptance of the sacrifice. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal. Christ felt the anguish which the sinner will feel when mercy shall no longer plead for the guilty race. It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father’s wrath upon Him as man’s substitute, that made the cup He drank so bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of God.

DA 753.3

With amazement angels witnessed the Saviour’s despairing agony. The hosts of heaven veiled their faces from the fearful sight. Inanimate nature expressed sympathy with its insulted and dying Author. The sun refused to look upon the awful scene. Its full, bright rays were illuminating the earth at midday, when suddenly it seemed to be blotted out. Complete darkness, like a funeral pall, enveloped the cross. “There was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” There was no eclipse or other natural cause for this darkness, which was as deep as midnight without moon or stars. It was a miraculous testimony given by God that the faith of after generations might be confirmed.

DA 753.4

In that thick darkness God’s presence was hidden. He makes darkness His pavilion, and conceals His glory from human eyes. God and His holy angels were beside the cross. The Father was with His Son. Yet His presence was not revealed. Had His glory flashed forth from the cloud, every human beholder would have been destroyed. And in that dreadful hour Christ was not to be comforted with the Father’s presence. He trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.

DA 754.1

In the thick darkness, God veiled the last human agony of His Son. All who had seen Christ in His suffering had been convicted of His divinity. That face, once beheld by humanity, was never forgotten. As the face of Cain expressed his guilt as a murderer, so the face of Christ revealed innocence, serenity, benevolence,—the image of God. But His accusers would not give heed to the signet of heaven. Through long hours of agony Christ had been gazed upon by the jeering multitude. Now He was mercifully hidden by the mantle of God.

DA 754.2

The silence of the grave seemed to have fallen upon Calvary. A nameless terror held the throng that was gathered about the cross. The cursing and reviling ceased in the midst of half-uttered sentences. Men, women, and children fell prostrate upon the earth. Vivid lightnings occasionally flashed forth from the cloud, and revealed the cross and the crucified Redeemer. Priests, rulers, scribes, executioners, and the mob, all thought that their time of retribution had come. After a while some whispered that Jesus would now come down from the cross. Some attempted to grope their way back to the city, beating their breasts and wailing in fear.

DA 754.3

At the ninth hour the darkness lifted from the people, but still enveloped the Saviour. It was a symbol of the agony and horror that weighed upon His heart. No eye could pierce the gloom that surrounded the cross, and none could penetrate the deeper gloom that enshrouded the suffering soul of Christ. The angry lightnings seemed to be hurled at Him as He hung upon the cross. Then “Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” As the outer gloom settled about the Saviour, many voices exclaimed: The vengeance of heaven is upon Him. The bolts of God’s wrath are hurled at Him, because He claimed to be the Son of God. Many who believed on Him heard His despairing cry. Hope left them. If God had forsaken Jesus, in what could His followers trust?

DA 754.4

When the darkness lifted from the oppressed spirit of Christ, He revived to a sense of physical suffering, and said, “I thirst.” One of the Roman soldiers, touched with pity as he looked at the parched lips, took a sponge on a stalk of hyssop, and dipping it in a vessel of vinegar, offered it to Jesus. But the priests mocked at His agony. When darkness covered the earth, they had been filled with fear; as their terror abated, the dread returned that Jesus would yet escape them. His words, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” they had misinterpreted. With bitter contempt and scorn they said, “This man calleth for Elias.” The last opportunity to relieve His sufferings they refused. “Let be,” they said, “let us see whether Elias will come to save Him.”

DA 755.1

The spotless Son of God hung upon the cross, His flesh lacerated with stripes; those hands so often reached out in blessing, nailed to the wooden bars; those feet so tireless on ministries of love, spiked to the tree; that royal head pierced by the crown of thorns; those quivering lips shaped to the cry of woe. And all that He endured—the blood drops that flowed from His head, His hands, His feet, the agony that racked His frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father’s face—speaks to each child of humanity, declaring, It is for thee that the Son of God consents to bear this burden of guilt; for thee He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise. He who stilled the angry waves and walked the foam-capped billows, who made devils tremble and disease flee, who opened blind eyes and called forth the dead to life,—offers Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice, and this from love to thee. He, the Sin Bearer, endures the wrath of divine justice, and for thy sake becomes sin itself.

DA 756.1

In silence the beholders watched for the end of the fearful scene. The sun shone forth; but the cross was still enveloped in darkness. Priests and rulers looked toward Jerusalem; and lo, the dense cloud had settled over the city and the plains of Judea. The Sun of Righteousness, the Light of the world, was withdrawing His beams from the once favored city of Jerusalem. The fierce lightnings of God’s wrath were directed against the fated city.

DA 756.2

Suddenly the gloom lifted from the cross, and in clear, trumpetlike tones, that seemed to resound throughout creation, Jesus cried, “It is finished.” “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” A light encircled the cross, and the face of the Saviour shone with a glory like the sun. He then bowed His head upon His breast, and died.

DA 756.3

Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. He was acquainted with the character of His Father; He understood His justice, His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in submission He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor.

DA 756.4

Never before had the earth witnessed such a scene. The multitude stood paralyzed, and with bated breath gazed upon the Saviour. Again darkness settled upon the earth, and a hoarse rumbling, like heavy thunder, was heard. There was a violent earthquake. The people were shaken together in heaps. The wildest confusion and consternation ensued. In the surrounding mountains, rocks were rent asunder, and went crashing down into the plains. Sepulchers were broken open, and the dead were cast out of their tombs. Creation seemed to be shivering to atoms. Priests, rulers, soldiers, executioners, and people, mute with terror, lay prostrate upon the ground.

DA 756.5

When the loud cry, “It is finished,” came from the lips of Christ, the priests were officiating in the temple. It was the hour of the evening sacrifice. The lamb representing Christ had been brought to be slain. Clothed in his significant and beautiful dress, the priest stood with lifted knife, as did Abraham when he was about to slay his son. With intense interest the people were looking on. But the earth trembles and quakes; for the Lord Himself draws near. With a rending noise the inner veil of the temple is torn from top to bottom by an unseen hand, throwing open to the gaze of the multitude a place once filled with the presence of God. In this place the Shekinah had dwelt. Here God had manifested His glory above the mercy seat. No one but the high priest ever lifted the veil separating this apartment from the rest of the temple. He entered in once a year to make an atonement for the sins of the people. But lo, this veil is rent in twain. The most holy place of the earthly sanctuary is no longer sacred.

DA 757.1

All is terror and confusion. The priest is about to slay the victim; but the knife drops from his nerveless hand, and the lamb escapes. Type has met antitype in the death of God’s Son. The great sacrifice has been made. The way into the holiest is laid open. A new and living way is prepared for all. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest. Henceforth the Saviour was to officiate as priest and advocate in the heaven of heavens. It was as if a living voice had spoken to the worshipers: There is now an end to all sacrifices and offerings for sin. The Son of God is come according to His word, “Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God.” “By His own blood” He entereth “in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 10:7; 9:12.