EGW WritingsLuke 6
Ellen G. White
Read Luke 6 in the BibleLuke 6:3-4
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 29—The Sabbath
DA 285.1
The Jewish teachers prided themselves on their knowledge of the Scriptures, and in the Saviour’s answer there was an implied rebuke for their ignorance of the Sacred Writings. “Have ye not read so much as this,” He said, “what David did, when himself was an hungered, and they which were with him; how he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread,... which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?” “And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” “Have ye not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.” “The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:3, 4; Mark 2:27, 28; Matthew 12:5, 6.To Be Like Jesus
The Sabbath Designed to Bring Us Into Harmony With God, May 15
BLJ 146.3
The Jewish teachers prided themselves on their knowledge of the Scriptures, and in the Savior’s answer there was an implied rebuke for their ignorance of the Sacred Writings. “Have ye not read so much as this,” He said, “what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; how he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread ...; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?” (Luke 6:3, 4). “And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27). “Have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple” (Matthew 12:5, 6). “The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Mark 2:28)....From Heaven With Love
A Sabbath Lesson
HLv 187.4
In the Saviour’s answer to His accusers there was an implied rebuke for their ignorance of the Sacred Writings: “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?” “And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” “Or have you not read in the law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.” “The Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:3, 4, RSV; Mark 2:27, 28; Matthew 12:5, 6, 8, RSV.Luke 6:6
From the Heart
What Is Lawful on the Sabbath? December 12
FH 358.1
Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. Luke 6:6.Luke 6:6-11
The Story of Jesus
Chapter 11—Sabbathkeeping
SJ 70.3
“And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.” Luke 6:6-9, 11; Mark 3:5.Luke 6:9
To Be Like Jesus
Jesus Kept the Sabbath by Doing Good, May 21
BLJ 152.1
Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” Luke 6:9, NKJV.Luke 6:9-11
Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 47—The Truth as It Is in Jesus
1SM 313.3
There are many who profess Christ, but who never become mature Christians. They admit that man is fallen, that his faculties are weakened, that he is unfitted for moral achievement, but they say that Christ has borne all the burden, all the suffering, all the self-denial, and they are willing to let Him bear it. They say that there is nothing for them to do but to believe; but Christ said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus kept the commandments of God. The Pharisees declared that He broke the fourth commandment because He made a man every whit whole on the Sabbath day; but Jesus turned to the accusing Pharisees, and asked, “Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:9-11).Luke 6:12
God’s Amazing Grace
Whole Nights of Prayer, June 8
AG 167.1
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12.Reflecting Christ
Divine Power Obtained Through Prayer, April 14
RC 118.2
No other life was ever so crowded with labor and responsibility as was that of Jesus; yet how often He was found in prayer! How constant was His communion with God! Again and again in the history of His earthly life are found records such as these: ... “Great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 5:15, 16; 6:12).That I May Know Him
And Jesus Prayed, September 9
TMK 258.1
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 38—Come Rest Awhile
DA 362.3
No other life was ever so crowded with labor and responsibility as was that of Jesus; yet how often He was found in prayer! How constant was His communion with God! Again and again in the history of His earthly life are found records such as these: “Rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” “Great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” “And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15, 16; 6:12.The Upward Look
Prayer—The Secret of Power, March 7
UL 80.1
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12.UL 80.2
In Luke we read of Christ, “It came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (chap. 6:12). Men of the world often spend whole nights planning, in order to secure success; and Jesus spent many nights in prayer. He was alone with His Father, earnestly seeking the Lord with strong crying and tears. He seemed to be in an agony of distress. Why was this? He had come to His vineyard to claim His own, but He was rejected, abused. They [His enemies] were then laying plans to crucify Him. He was more and more ... beset by satanic agencies. The resistance shown by the priests and rulers to His work corresponded to the convincing evidences of His divinity. They were jealous of Him because He possessed a power that drew the people to Him. His tongue was like the pen of a ready writer. He was the very treasure house of knowledge, and His parables and illustrations made the truth plain to the unlearned. Under His teaching those who could not learn the truth from books could learn it from nature.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 38—Christ and the Twelve Take a Vacation
HLv 242.4
No other life was so crowded with labor as was that of Jesus; yet how often He was found in prayer! Again and again are found records such as these: “Rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” “Great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” “And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15, 16; 6:12.Homeward Bound
Nights in Prayer, May 28
HB 169.1
Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.—Luke 6:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 31a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 31a, 1898, par. 9
In Luke we read of Christ, “It came to pass in those days that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” [Luke 6:12.] Men of the world often spend whole nights planning, in order to secure success, and Jesus spent many nights in prayer. He was along with His Father, earnestly seeking the Lord with strong crying and tears. He seemed to be in an agony of distress. Why was this? He had come to his vineyard to claim His own, but he was rejected, abused. <The people to whom He came were even then laying plans to crucify Him.> He was more and more hardly beset by satanic agencies.Luke 6:12-13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 38, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 38, 1889, par. 3
The Lord Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, but Satan obtained no victory over Him, for He preserved His oneness with Infinite Power. Prayer to His Father strengthened Him for His work and for His conflicts, just as prayer will strengthen every soul who comes to the Father in faith. The world’s Redeemer “rising up a great while before day, he went into a solitary place there prayed.” [Mark 1:35.] On one occasion His disciples went to look for Him, and when they had found Him, said to Him, “All men are seeking for thee.” [Verse 37.] Again, Luke makes the statement, “He withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed.” [Luke 5:16.] And again the statement is made: “And when it was day, He departed and went into a desert place.” [Luke 4:42.] And again, “And it came to pass in those days, that he went into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God; and when it was day, he called unto him his disciples; and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.” [Luke 6:12, 13.]Luke 6:12-16
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 30—“He Ordained Twelve”
DA 290.1
“And He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.”DA 290.2
It was beneath the sheltering trees of the mountainside, but a little distance from the Sea of Galilee, that the twelve were called to the apostolate, and the Sermon on the Mount was given. The fields and hills were the favorite resorts of Jesus, and much of His teaching was given under the open sky, rather than in the temple or the synagogues. No synagogue could have received the throngs that followed Him; but not for this reason only did He choose to teach in the fields and groves. Jesus loved the scenes of nature. To Him each quiet retreat was a sacred temple.DA 290.3
It was under the trees of Eden that the first dwellers on earth had chosen their sanctuary. There Christ had communed with the father of mankind. When banished from Paradise, our first parents still worshiped in the fields and groves, and there Christ met them with the gospel of His grace. It was Christ who spoke with Abraham under the oaks at Mamre; with Isaac as he went out to pray in the fields at the eventide; with Jacob on the hillside at Bethel; with Moses among the mountains of Midian; and with the boy David as he watched his flocks. It was at Christ’s direction that for fifteen centuries the Hebrew people had left their homes for one week every year, and had dwelt in booths formed from the green branches “of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook.” Leviticus 23:40.DA 291.1
In training His disciples, Jesus chose to withdraw from the confusion of the city to the quiet of the fields and hills, as more in harmony with the lessons of self-abnegation He desired to teach them. And during His ministry He loved to gather the people about Him under the blue heavens, on some grassy hillside, or on the beach beside the lake. Here, surrounded by the works of His own creation, He could turn the thoughts of His hearers from the artificial to the natural. In the growth and development of nature were revealed the principles of His kingdom. As men should lift up their eyes to the hills of God, and behold the wonderful works of His hands, they could learn precious lessons of divine truth. Christ’s teaching would be repeated to them in the things of nature. So it is with all who go into the fields with Christ in their hearts. They will feel themselves surrounded with a holy influence. The things of nature take up the parables of our Lord, and repeat His counsels. By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.DA 291.2
The first step was now to be taken in the organization of the church that after Christ’s departure was to be His representative on earth. No costly sanctuary was at their command, but the Saviour led His disciples to the retreat He loved, and in their minds the sacred experiences of that day were forever linked with the beauty of mountain and vale and sea.DA 291.3
Jesus had called His disciples that He might send them forth as His witnesses, to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of Him. Their office was the most important to which human beings had ever been called, and was second only to that of Christ Himself. They were to be workers together with God for the saving of the world. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stand as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles were to stand as representatives of the gospel church.DA 291.4
The Saviour knew the character of the men whom He had chosen; all their weaknesses and errors were open before Him; He knew the perils through which they must pass, the responsibility that would rest upon them; and His heart yearned over these chosen ones. Alone upon a mountain near the Sea of Galilee He spent the entire night in prayer for them, while they were sleeping at the foot of the mountain. With the first light of dawn He summoned them to meet Him; for He had something of importance to communicate to them.DA 292.1
These disciples had been for some time associated with Jesus in active labor. John and James, Andrew and Peter, with Philip, Nathanael, and Matthew, had been more closely connected with Him than the others, and had witnessed more of His miracles. Peter, James, and John stood in still nearer relationship to Him. They were almost constantly with Him, witnessing His miracles, and hearing His words. John pressed into still closer intimacy with Jesus, so that he is distinguished as the one whom Jesus loved. The Saviour loved them all, but John’s was the most receptive spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of the child’s confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviour’s deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to His people.DA 292.2
At the head of one of the groups into which the apostles are divided stands the name of Philip. He was the first disciple to whom Jesus addressed the distinct command, “Follow Me.” Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. He had listened to the teaching of John the Baptist, and had heard his announcement of Christ as the Lamb of God. Philip was a sincere seeker for truth, but he was slow of heart to believe. Although he had joined himself to Christ, yet his announcement of Him to Nathanael shows that he was not fully convinced of the divinity of Jesus. Though Christ had been proclaimed by the voice from heaven as the Son of God, to Philip He was “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45. Again, when the five thousand were fed, Philip’s lack of faith was shown. It was to test him that Jesus questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” Philip’s answer was on the side of unbelief: “Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” John 6:5, 7. Jesus was grieved. Although Philip had seen His works and felt His power, yet he had not faith. When the Greeks inquired of Philip concerning Jesus, he did not seize upon the opportunity of introducing them to the Saviour, but he went to tell Andrew. Again, in those last hours before the crucifixion, the words of Philip were such as to discourage faith. When Thomas said to Jesus, “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?” the Saviour answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.... If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also.” From Philip came the response of unbelief: “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” John 14:5-8. So slow of heart, so weak in faith, was that disciple who for three years had been with Jesus.DA 293.1
In happy contrast to Philip’s unbelief was the childlike trust of Nathanael. He was a man of intensely earnest nature, one whose faith took hold upon unseen realities. Yet Philip was a student in the school of Christ, and the divine Teacher bore patiently with his unbelief and dullness. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, Philip became a teacher after the divine order. He knew whereof he spoke, and he taught with an assurance that carried conviction to the hearers.DA 293.2
While Jesus was preparing the disciples for their ordination, one who had not been summoned urged his presence among them. It was Judas Iscariot, a man who professed to be a follower of Christ. He now came forward, soliciting a place in this inner circle of disciples. With great earnestness and apparent sincerity he declared, “Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest.” Jesus neither repulsed nor welcomed him, but uttered only the mournful words: “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” Matthew 8:19, 20. Judas believed Jesus to be the Messiah; and by joining the apostles, he hoped to secure a high position in the new kingdom. This hope Jesus designed to cut off by the statement of His poverty.DA 294.1
The disciples were anxious that Judas should become one of their number. He was of commanding appearance, a man of keen discernment and executive ability, and they commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist Him in His work. They were surprised that Jesus received him so coolly.DA 294.2
The disciples had been much disappointed that Jesus had not tried to secure the co-operation of the leaders in Israel. They felt that it was a mistake not to strengthen His cause by securing the support of these influential men. If He had repulsed Judas, they would, in their own minds, have questioned the wisdom of their Master. The after history of Judas would show them the danger of allowing any worldly consideration to have weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God. The co-operation of such men as the disciples were anxious to secure would have betrayed the work into the hands of its worst enemies.DA 294.3
Yet when Judas joined the disciples, he was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ. He felt the influence of that divine power which was drawing souls to the Saviour. He who came not to break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax would not repulse this soul while even one desire was reaching toward the light. The Saviour read the heart of Judas; He knew the depths of iniquity to which, unless delivered by the grace of God, Judas would sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where he might, day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would banish the demon of selfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God.DA 294.4
God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image.DA 294.5
Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples. He listened to the same precious lessons. But the practice of the truth, which Christ required, was at variance with the desires and purposes of Judas, and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from Heaven.DA 295.1
How tenderly the Saviour dealt with him who was to be His betrayer! In His teaching, Jesus dwelt upon principles of benevolence that struck at the very root of covetousness. He presented before Judas the heinous character of greed, and many a time the disciple realized that his character had been portrayed, and his sin pointed out; but he would not confess and forsake his unrighteousness. He was self-sufficient, and instead of resisting temptation, he continued to follow his fraudulent practices. Christ was before him, a living example of what he must become if he reaped the benefit of the divine mediation and ministry; but lesson after lesson fell unheeded on the ears of Judas.DA 295.2
Jesus dealt him no sharp rebuke for his covetousness, but with divine patience bore with this erring man, even while giving him evidence that He read his heart as an open book. He presented before him the highest incentives for right doing; and in rejecting the light of Heaven, Judas would be without excuse.DA 295.3
Instead of walking in the light, Judas chose to retain his defects. Evil desires, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts, were cherished, until Satan had full control of the man. Judas became a representative of the enemy of Christ.DA 295.4
When he came into association with Jesus, he had some precious traits of character that might have been made a blessing to the church. If he had been willing to wear the yoke of Christ, he might have been among the chief of the apostles; but he hardened his heart when his defects were pointed out, and in pride and rebellion chose his own selfish ambitions, and thus unfitted himself for the work that God would have given him to do.DA 295.5
All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service. Even John, who came into closest association with the meek and lowly One, was not himself naturally meek and yielding. He and his brother were called “the sons of thunder.” While they were with Jesus, any slight shown to Him aroused their indignation and combativeness. Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. He was proud, and ambitious to be first in the kingdom of God. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. He opened his heart to the divine influence, and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Saviour’s words. Self was hid in Christ. He learned to wear the yoke of Christ and to bear His burden.DA 296.1
Jesus reproved His disciples, He warned and cautioned them; but John and his brethren did not leave Him; they chose Jesus, notwithstanding the reproofs. The Saviour did not withdraw from them because of their weakness and errors. They continued to the end to share His trials and to learn the lessons of His life. By beholding Christ, they became transformed in character.DA 296.2
The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition. There were the publican, Levi-Matthew, and the fiery zealot Simon, the uncompromising hater of the authority of Rome; the generous, impulsive Peter, and the mean-spirited Judas; Thomas, truehearted, yet timid and fearful, Philip, slow of heart, and inclined to doubt, and the ambitious, outspoken sons of Zebedee, with their brethren. These were brought together, with their different faults, all with inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil; but in and through Christ they were to dwell in the family of God, learning to become one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit. They would have their tests, their grievances, their differences of opinion; but while Christ was abiding in the heart, there could be no dissension. His love would lead to love for one another; the lessons of the Master would lead to the harmonizing of all differences, bringing the disciples into unity, till they would be of one mind and one judgment. Christ is the great center, and they would approach one another just in proportion as they approached the center.DA 296.3
When Jesus had ended His instruction to the disciples, He gathered the little band close about Him, and kneeling in the midst of them, and laying His hands upon their heads, He offered a prayer dedicating them to His sacred work. Thus the Lord’s disciples were ordained to the gospel ministry.DA 296.4
As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity, that He might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity; for it required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. Divinity needed humanity, that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. So with the servants and messengers of Christ. Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good.DA 297.1
He who called the fishermen of Galilee is still calling men to His service. And He is just as willing to manifest His power through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of partnership with Himself, of apprenticeship to Christ. He invites us to come under the divine instruction, that, uniting with Christ, we may work the works of God.DA 297.2
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7, R. V. This is why the preaching of the gospel was committed to erring men rather than to the angels. It is manifest that the power which works through the weakness of humanity is the power of God; and thus we are encouraged to believe that the power which can help others as weak as ourselves can help us. And those who are themselves “compassed with infirmity” should be able to “have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.” Hebrews 5:2. Having been in peril themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and difficulties of the way, and for this reason are called to reach out for others in like peril. There are souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with infirmities, weak in faith, and unable to grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they can see, coming to them in Christ’s stead, can be a connecting link to fasten their trembling faith upon Christ.DA 297.3
We are to be laborers together with the heavenly angels in presenting Jesus to the world. With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for our co-operation; for man must be the channel to communicate with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ in wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God’s love.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 30—Christ Ordains Twelve Apostles
HLv 192.1
“And He went up into the hills, and called to Him those whom He desired; and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve, to be with Him, and to be sent out to preach.” RSV.HLv 192.2
Beneath the sheltering trees of the mountainside, a little distance from the Sea of Galilee, the Twelve were called to the apostolate, and the Sermon on the Mount was given. In training His disciples Jesus chose to withdraw from the confusion of the city to the quiet of the fields and hills, as more in harmony with the lessons of self-abnegation He desired to teach. And during His ministry He loved to gather the people about Him under the blue heavens, on some grassy hillside, or on the beach beside the lake. Here He could turn His hearers from the artificial to the natural. In the growth and development of nature, they could learn precious lessons of divine truth.HLv 192.3
The first step was now to be taken in the organization of the church that after Christ’s departure was to be His representative on earth. No costly sanctuary was at their command, but the Saviour led His disciples to the retreat He loved, and in their minds the sacred experiences of that day were forever linked with the beauty of mountain, vale, and sea.HLv 192.4
Jesus had called His disciples that He might send them forth to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of Him. Their office, the most important to which human beings had ever been called, was second only to that of Christ Himself. They were to work with God for the saving of the world.HLv 193.1
The Saviour knew the character of the men He had chosen; their weaknesses and errors were open before Him. He knew the perils through which they must pass; and His heart yearned over these chosen ones. Alone on a mountain He spent the entire night in prayer for them, while they were sleeping at the foot of the mountain. With the first light of dawn He summoned them to meet Him.HLv 193.2
John and James, Andrew and Peter, with Philip, Nathanael, and Matthew, had been more closely connected with Jesus in active labor than the others. Peter, James, and John stood in still nearer relationship to Him, witnessing His miracles and hearing His words. The Saviour loved them all, but John’s was the most receptive spirit. Younger than the others, with more of a child’s confiding trust, he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviour’s deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to His people.HLv 194.2
In happy contrast to Philip’s unbelief was the childlike trust of Nathanael, whose faith took hold upon unseen realities. Yet Philip was a student in the school of Christ, and the divine Teacher bore patiently with his unbelief and dullness. When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, Philip taught with an assurance that carried conviction to the hearers.HLv 194.3
While Jesus was preparing the disciples for ordination, one who had not been summoned urged his presence among them. Judas Iscariot, a professed follower of Christ, came forward, soliciting a place in this inner circle. By joining the apostles he hoped to secure a high place in the new kingdom. He was of commanding appearance, of keen discernment and executive ability, and the disciples commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist Him in His work. If Jesus had repulsed Judas, they would have questioned the wisdom of their Master. However, the after-history of Judas would show the danger of allowing worldly consideration to have weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God.HLv 194.4
Yet Judas felt the influence of that divine power which was drawing souls to the Saviour. Jesus would not repulse this soul while even one desire was reaching toward the light. The Saviour read the heart of Judas; He knew the depths of iniquity to which, unless delivered by the grace of God, he would sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where he might, day by day, be brought in contact with His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God.HLv 195.1
God takes men as they are and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. Through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image.HLv 195.2
Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples. But the practice of the truth was at variance with his desires and purposes, and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from Heaven.HLv 195.3
Tenderly the Saviour dealt with him who was to be His betrayer! Jesus presented before Judas the heinous character of greed. Many a time the disciple realized that his character had been portrayed and his sin pointed out; but he would not confess and forsake his unrighteousness. He continued to follow fraudulent practices. Lesson after lesson fell unheeded on the ears of Judas.HLv 195.4
With divine patience Jesus bore with this erring man, even while giving him evidence that He read his heart as an open book. He presented before him the highest incentives for right doing; but evil desires, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts were cherished, until Satan had full control.HLv 195.5
If Judas had been willing to wear the yoke of Christ, he might have been among the chief of the apostles. But he chose his own selfish ambitions and thus unfitted himself for the work God would have given him to do.HLv 195.6
All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them. John and his brother were called “the sons of thunder.” Any slight shown to Jesus aroused their indignation. Evil temper, revenge, criticism, were all in John, the beloved disciple. But day by day he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus and heard His lessons of humility and patience. He opened his heart to the divine influence and learned to wear the yoke of Christ.HLv 196.1
Jesus reproved and cautioned His disciples but John and his brethren did not leave Him. They continued to the end to share His trials and to learn the lessons of His life. By beholding Christ, they became transformed in character.HLv 196.2
The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition. There were the publican, Levi-Matthew; the fiery zealot Simon; generous, impulsive Peter; mean-spirited Judas; Thomas, truehearted, yet timid and fearful; Philip, inclined to doubt; the ambitious, outspoken sons of Zebedee, with their brethren. These were brought together, all with inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil. But in Christ they were to learn to become one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit. They would have their differences of opinion, but while Christ was abiding in the heart, there could be no dissension. The lessons of the Master would lead to the harmonizing of all differences, till the disciples would be of one mind and one judgment. Christ is the great center, and they would approach one another in proportion as they approached the center.HLv 196.3
Jesus gathered the little band close about Him, and kneeling in the midst of them and laying His hands on their heads, offered a prayer dedicating them to His sacred work.HLv 196.4
As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity. It required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. So with the servants and messengers of Christ. Humanity lays hold on divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through cooperation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good.HLv 197.1
He who called the fishermen of Galilee is still calling men to His service. However imperfect and sinful we may be, the Lord offers us apprenticeship to Christ. Uniting with Him, we may work the works of God.HLv 197.4
Man must be the channel to communicate with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God’s love.From Heaven With Love
Slow to Believe
HLv 193.3
Philip was the first to whom Jesus addressed the distinct command, “Follow Me.” He had heard John the Baptist’s announcement of Christ as the Lamb of God. He was a sincere seeker for truth, but was slow of heart to believe, as his announcement of Him to Nathanael shows. Though Christ had been proclaimed by the voice from heaven as the Son of God, to Philip He was “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45. Again, when the 5000 were fed, Philip’s lack of faith was shown. It was to test him that Jesus questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” Philip’s answer, on the side of unbelief, grieved Jesus: “Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” John 6:5, 7. Philip had seen Jesus’ works and felt His power, yet he had not faith.HLv 194.1
When the Greeks inquired of Philip concerning Jesus, he did not seize the opportunity of introducing them to the Saviour, but went to tell Andrew. Again, in those last hours before the crucifixion, the words of Philip were such as to discourage faith. When Thomas said, “Lord, ... how can we know the way?” the Saviour answered, “I am the Way... . If ye had known Me, ye would have known My Father also.” From Philip came the response of unbelief: “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” John 14:5-8.From Heaven With Love
Ordained for Sacred Work
HLv 197.2
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7, RSV. It is manifest that the power which works through the weakness of humanity is the power of God. Thus we believe that the power which can help others as weak as ourselves can help us.HLv 197.3
Those who are themselves “compassed with infirmity” should be able to “have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.” Hebrews 5:2. There are souls perplexed with doubt, weak in faith, and unable to grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they can see, coming in Christ’s stead, can be a connecting link to fasten their trembling faith on Christ.Luke 6:13
Jesus, Name Above All Names
Greatest Educator, April 6
JNN 106.1
And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.—Luke 6:13Luke 6:17-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 158, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 158, 1902, par. 53
After this night of prayer, Christ came down with His disciples to the plain. “And a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea-coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases; and they that were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed.” [Luke 6:17, 18.]Luke 6:17-19
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
Chapter 1—On the Mountainside
MB 4.2
Besides the usual crowd from the Galilean towns, there were great numbers from Judea, and from Jerusalem itself; from Perea, and from the half-heathen population of Decapolis; from Idumea, away to the south of Judea, and from Tyre and Sidon, the Phoenician cities on the shore of the Mediterranean. “Hearing what great things He did,” they “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases; and ... power came forth from Him, and healed them all.” Mark 3:8 , R.V.; Luke 6:17-19 , R.V.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
HLv 198.2
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples, was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of the apostles, Jesus went to the seaside. In the early morning people had begun to assemble. “When they had heard what great things He did,” they “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases; ... there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all.” Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17-19.Luke 6:17-35
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
DA 298.2
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples, was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of the apostles, Jesus went with them to the seaside. Here in the early morning the people had begun to assemble. Besides the usual crowds from the Galilean towns, there were people from Judea, and even from Jerusalem itself; from Perea, from Decapolis, from Idumea, away to the south of Judea; and from Tyre and Sidon, the Phoenician cities on the shore of the Mediterranean. “When they had heard what great things He did,” they “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases: ... there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all.” Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17-19.DA 311.1
God pours His blessings upon all. “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” He is “kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35. He bids us to be like Him. “Bless them that curse you,” said Jesus; “do good to them that hate you, ... that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” These are the principles of the law, and they are the wellsprings of life.Luke 6:19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 90, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 90, 1894, par. 8
In enticing men to educate themselves in the liquor habit, the rumseller is effectually taking away the righteousness of the soul, and leading men to become the abject slaves of Satan. The Lord Jesus, the Prince of Life, is in controversy with Satan, the prince of darkness. Christ declares that His mission is to lift men up. He says, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:13.] He healed the sick, and cleansed the leper, and cast out demons, “And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.” [Luke 6:19.]Luke 6:20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 100, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 100, 1902, par. 8
Christ pronounces His blessing upon those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. In Luke we read, “Blessed be ye poor.” [Luke 6:20.] The poor have not a hundredth part of the delusive temptations of the rich. In Matthew we read, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:3.] Poverty of spirit signifies wealth to be supplied by the riches of the grace of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 107, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 107, 1902, par. 7
Christ pronounces His blessing upon those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. In Luke we read, “Blessed be ye poor.” [Luke 6:20.] The poor have not a hundredth part of the delusive temptations of the rich. In Matthew we read, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:3.] Poverty of spirit signifies wealth to be supplied by the riches of the grace of God.Luke 6:21
Radiant Religion
We Have Been Forewarned of Trials, April 25
RRe 117.1
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Luke 6:21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 153, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 153, 1902, par. 26
God demands of us perfect obedience to His law—the expression of His character. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid it; yea, we establish the law.” [Romans 3:31.] This law is the echo of God’s voice, saying to us, Holier, yes, holier still. Desire the fulness of the grace of Christ; yea, long—hunger and thirst—after righteousness. The promise is, “Ye shall be filled.” [Matthew 5:6; Luke 6:21.] Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for this righteousness—the work of which God’s Word declares is peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever.Luke 6:22-23
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 59—Power of Example
1T 285.6
Luke 6:22, 23: “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b
Power of Example
4bSG 76.2
Luke 6:22, 23. “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”The Review and Herald
June 25, 1861
RH June 25, 1861, par. 37
Luke 6:22, 23: “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”The Review and Herald
July 1, 1875
RH July 5, 1875, par. 11
Luke 6:22, 23: “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for behold your reward is great in Heaven; for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”Testimony for the Church — No. 7
Power of Example
T07 43.5
Luke 6:22, 23. “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”Luke 6:23
Radiant Religion
This Hope Should Gladden My Heart, December 5
RRe 341.1
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. Luke 6:23.Luke 6:25
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 28, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 28, 1897, par. 12
Christ said, “Woe unto you who laugh now, for ye shall mourn and weep.” [Luke 6:25.] This does not contradict the apostle’s statement when he enjoins upon Christians the necessity of rejoicing in the hope set before them in the gospel. The cheerfulness of the Christian is created by the consideration of the great blessings we enjoy because we are children of God. “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved,” he says, “and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” [Philippians 4:1.] The cheerful enlightenment of the mind and the soul temple by the assurance that we have reconciliation with God, the hope we have of everlasting life through Christ, and the pleasure of blessing others, are joys which bring no sorrow with them. Those who indulge in chaffing, mirth, levity, and vanity of spirit, which arise from a superficial, cheap experience, have no real, solid foundation for hope and joy in the love of God and belief of the truth. The giddy, the heedless, the gay, the jovial spirit is not the joy which Paul is anxious that Christ’s followers shall have. This class spend their time in frivolity and excessive levity. Time is passing, the end is near; yet they have not laid up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on everlasting life.Luke 6:26
The Great Controversy
Chapter 7—Luther’s Separation From Rome
GC 144.1
Said Jesus to His disciples: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.” John 15:19, 20. And on the other hand our Lord declared plainly: “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26. The spirit of the world is no more in harmony with the spirit of Christ today than in earlier times, and those who preach the word of God in its purity will be received with no greater favor now than then. The forms of opposition to the truth may change, the enmity may be less open because it is more subtle; but the same antagonism still exists and will be manifested to the end of time.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 7—Luther’s Separation from Rome
GC88 144.1
Said Jesus to his disciples: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” [John 15:19, 20.] And on the other hand our Lord declared plainly: “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. [Luke 6:26.] The spirit of the world is no more in harmony with the Spirit of Christ today than in earlier times; and those who preach the Word of God in its purity will be received with no greater favor now than then. The forms of opposition to the truth may change, the enmity may be less open because it is more subtle; but the same antagonism still exists, and will be manifested to the end of time.From Here to Forever
A Terrible Crisis
HF 90.1
Opposition is the lot of all whom God employs to present truths specially applicable to their time. There was a present truth in the days of Luther; there is present truth for the church today. But truth is no more desired by the majority today than it was by papists who opposed Luther. Those who present the truth for this time should not expect to be received with greater favor that were earlier reformers. The great controversy between truth and error, between Christ and Satan, is to increase to the close of this world’s history. See John 15:19, 20; Luke 6:26.Luke 6:27-49
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 59, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 22
The Lord desires men and women to behold Christ so constantly that they will be changed into His likeness, from glory to glory—from character to character. When they think that they see wrongs in a brother, they are to remember the instruction and warning given by Christ: “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” [Luke 6:27-31.] If you follow this instruction, it will keep you from speaking evil of those whom God is using, and whom, if your spiritual discernment were not beclouded by Satan’s misrepresentations, you would know are engaged in a good work.17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 23
“If ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father (in heaven) also is merciful.” [Verses 32-36.] We recommend this recipe to those who claim to be sons and daughters of God and upon whom His light is shining. “Love as brethren.” [1 Peter 3:8.]17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 24
“And why call ye Me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” “Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” [Luke 6:46-49.]17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 32
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.” [Luke 6:37.]17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 33
My brethren in the Southern field, I ask you, in the name of the Lord God of Israel, to “quit you like men.” [1 Corinthians 16:13.] Use your talent of speech to a worthy purpose. Cultivate pleasantness of voice and fragrance of speech. Teach God’s Word—present truth—to those who are in the darkness of error. No longer imperil the salvation of your souls and the souls of others by speaking words of condemnation. “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” [Luke 6:37, 38.] Do you believe the words of a God too wise to err and too good to do us harm?17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 35
He who cherishes a mischievous disposition and an unsanctified tongue, he who indulges his desire for criticism and talebearing, places himself in Satan’s power. He lives in darkness. His influence is of such a nature that many others are affected by the darkness surrounding his soul. Concerning such men Christ “spake a parable,” saying: “Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” Mark closely this lesson that Christ taught. He continued: “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? ... Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good measure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” [Verses 39-45.]Luke 6:31
Child Guidance
Chapter 45—With Love and Firmness
CG 260.2
The Saviour’s rule—“As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31)—should be the rule of all who undertake the training of children and youth. They are the younger members of the Lord’s family, heirs with us of the grace of life. Christ’s rule should be sacredly observed toward the dullest, the youngest, the most blundering, and even toward the erring and rebellious.11Education, 292, 293.Education
Chapter 34—Discipline
Ed 292.4
The Saviour’s rule—“As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31)—should be the rule of all who undertake the training of children and youth. They are the younger members of the Lord’s family, heirs with us of the grace of life. Christ’s rule should be sacredly observed toward the dullest, the youngest, the most blundering, and even toward the erring and rebellious.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 18, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 18, 1890, par. 2
Ye are a spectacle unto the world, to angels and to men. Your mission is the same as that which was pronounced by Jesus as His mission at the beginning of His ministry. He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bound, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” [Luke 4:18, 19.] “Ye are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to carry forward the work placed in our hands by the Master. “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” [Luke 6:31.] “If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shalt thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:10, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 101, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 101, 1894, par. 8
Let those who have been assigned positions of trust in our institutions of learning and publishing never forget that if they deal rigidly and fail to blend mercy and compassion in their dealings with the erring, God will deal after this manner with them. The very laws you rigidly enforce upon others, God will enforce upon you. If you have formed a standard of discipline that lacks tenderness, so that those in your charge shall be deeply humiliated for sins that are pardonable, then God will judge you according to your acknowledged standard of righteousness. I have been shown that in the judgment there will be an army of souls lost because those with whom they were associated did not deal with them in compassion, in tenderness, and manifest forbearance toward them that the leaders would wish to have exercised toward them were they placed in similar circumstances. The golden rule [should be followed]—“As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” [Luke 6:31.]Luke 6:31-36
That I May Know Him
An Attribute We May Share, February 9
TMK 46.1
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36.TMK 46.6
God’s love and mercy are ever extended toward sinners. Shall men who themselves have sinned against God, refuse to forgive and accept a repentant sinner? ... God loved us while we were yet sinners. How clear and unmistakable the line of duty is made by the words, “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31).... Only those who walk with Christ can be truly merciful.13Letter 202, 1901.Luke 6:31-38
In Heavenly Places
Living by the Golden Rule, October 10
HP 290.1
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke 6:37.HP 290.2
The duty of every Christian is plainly outlined in the words: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (verses 37, 38, 31). These are the principles that we shall do well to cherish....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 202, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 202, 1901, par. 10
But to return to the question: What do you intend to do for your brother? In every such case, let mercy and the love of God predominate. Improve every opportunity to help a brother in distress. The condition of this brother calls for real, genuine mercy. Our duty is plainly outlined in the Word of God: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father in heaven also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” [Luke 6:36-38.] These are the principles that we shall do well to cherish; for by cherishing them we shall become complete in Christ.16LtMs, Lt 202, 1901, par. 17
I have a request to make: For Christ’s sake, give Sister Cudney’s son another trial for six months. And even if at the end of that time he still proves unworthy, if he still disobeys as he has disobeyed, I will not promise that I should not plead for him, after knowing all the circumstances; for God might put it into my heart to plead then as I now am pleading. “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” [Luke 6:36.] Mercy is an attribute that the human agent may share with God, thus co-operating with Him. As did Christ, so man may with his human arm lay hold on the divine arm, coming into connection with divine power. We do well, then, to be merciful, even as our Father in heaven is merciful. To man has been given a service to perform for his fellow man, in order that he may be a laborer together with God.16LtMs, Lt 202, 1901, par. 20
God’s love and mercy are ever extended toward sinners. Shall men who themselves have sinned against God refuse to forgive and accept a repentant sinner? Just as they deal with a fellow being who in spirit or in action has done wrong and afterward repented, so God will deal with them for their defections of character. God loved us while we were yet sinners. How clear and unmistakable the line of duty is made by the words, “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” [Verse 31.]Luke 6:35
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”—Matthew 5:48.
MB 76.1
The word “therefore” implies a conclusion, an inference from what has gone before. Jesus has been describing to His hearers the unfailing mercy and love of God, and He bids them therefore to be perfect. Because your heavenly Father “is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35), because He has stooped to lift you up, therefore, said Jesus, you may become like Him in character, and stand without fault in the presence of men and angels.Luke 6:35-36
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Christ’s Revelation of God
8T 286.7
“Love your enemies,” He bade them; “bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven;” “for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Matthew 5:44, 45; Luke 6:35, 36.The Ministry of Healing
Character of God Revealed in Christ
MH 423.2
“Love your enemies,” He bids us; “bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven;” “for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Matthew 5:44, 45; Luke 6:35; Matthew 5:45; Luke 6:36.Luke 6:35-38
The Ministry of Healing
“Give, and it shall be given unto you”
MH 208.2
“Do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35.MH 208.4
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” Luke 6:38.Luke 6:36
In Heavenly Places
Mercy for the Merciful, August 19
HP 238.1
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36.Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903
Chapter 16—A Work Misrepresented
PH151 70.1
Not the laws of the impulsive tongue or hand, but the loving pulsations of the converted heart, are from God. “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” He sets forth love as a rule of life in still another way: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:36.The General Conference Bulletin
March 30, 1903
GCB March 30, 1903, par. 1
Not the laws of the impulsive tongue or hand, but the loving pulsations of the converted heart, are from God. “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” He sets forth love as a rule of life in still another way: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:36.—Testimony.Spalding and Magan Collection
Work Misrepresented
SpM 345.6
Not the laws of the impulsive tongue or hand, but the loving pulsations of the converted heart, are from God. “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” He sets forth love as a rule of life in still another way: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:36.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 84, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 84, 1899, par. 5
God calls upon us to be like Him—pure, holy, and undefiled. We are to bear the divine image. “Love your enemies,” He said; “bless them which curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to shine upon the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” “Be ye therefore merciful, even as your Father which is in heaven is merciful.” [Matthew 5:44, 45; Luke 6:36.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 175, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 175, 1902, par. 9
Not the laws of the impulsive tongue or hand, but the loving pulsation of the converted heart, are from God. “God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” [1 John 4:16.] And when Christ would define the advancement possible for us, He said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] He interprets His love in still another way, “Be ye therefore merciful, even as your Father in heaven is merciful.” [Luke 6:36.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 82, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 82, 1903, par. 17
“Love your enemies, bless them which curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven; for He maketh His sun to shine upon the evil and upon the good; and sendeth rain upon the just and upon the unjust.” [Matthew 5:44, 45.] “Be ye therefore merciful, even as your Father which is in heaven is merciful.” [Luke 6:36.]Luke 6:37
Reflecting Christ
Let Repentant Ones Be Forgiven, July 8
RC 203.1
Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke 6:37.With God at Dawn
Forgive and Ye Shall Be Forgiven, August 19
WGD 233.1
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke 6:37.Luke 6:38
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 6—Other Lessons from Seed-Sowing
COL 85.2
Liberality both in spiritual and in temporal things is taught in the lesson of seed sowing. The Lord says, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isaiah 32:20. “This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6. To sow beside all waters means a continual imparting of God’s gifts. It means giving wherever the cause of God or the needs of humanity demand our aid. This will not tend to poverty. “He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So it is with those who are faithful in distributing God’s gifts. By imparting they increase their blessings. God has promised them a sufficiency that they may continue to give. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” Luke 6:38.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 32—A Liberal Church
AA 345.1
God declares, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isaiah 32:20. A continual imparting of God’s gifts wherever the cause of God or the needs of humanity demand our aid, does not tend to poverty. “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” Proverbs 11:24. The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So it is with those who are faithful in distributing God’s gifts. By imparting they increase their blessings. “Give, and it shall be given unto you,” God has promised; “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” Luke 6:38.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 25—The Call by the Sea
DA 249.1
Before asking them to leave their nets and fishing boats, Jesus had given them the assurance that God would supply their needs. The use of Peter’s boat for the work of the gospel had been richly repaid. He who is “rich unto all that call upon Him,” has said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” Romans 10:12; Luke 6:38. In this measure He had rewarded the disciple’s service. And every sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensed according to “the exceeding riches of His grace.” Ephesians 3:20; 2:7.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 39—“Give Ye Them to Eat”
DA 371.2
The Lord says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” “He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth with blessings shall reap also with blessings.... And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work; as it is written,— “He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor:His righteousness abideth forever.“And He that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.” Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, R. V., margin.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”—Matthew 5:6.
MB 20.3
“Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38); for the word of God is “a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams of Lebanon” (Song of Solomon 4:15). The heart that has once tasted the love of Christ, cries out continually for a deeper draft, and as you impart you will receive in richer and more abundant measure. Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love. The continual cry of the heart is, “More of Thee,” and ever the Spirit’s answer is, “Much more.” Romans 5:9, 10. For our God delights to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20. To Jesus, who emptied Himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy Spirit was given without measure. So it will be given to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is surrendered for His indwelling. Our Lord Himself has given the command, “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), and this command is also a promise of its fulfillment. It was the good pleasure of the Father that in Christ should “all the fullness dwell,” and “in Him ye are made full.” Colossians 1:19 , R.V.; 2:10, R.V.From Trials to Triumph
Why the Gifts of the Poor Are Valuable
TT 182.1
“One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” Proverbs 11:24, RSV. The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So those who are faithful in imparting God’s gifts increase their blessings. See Luke 6:38.From Heaven With Love
Sacrifice Rewarded
HLv 158.4
Before asking them to leave their fishing boats, Jesus had given them the assurance that God would supply their needs. The use of Peter’s boat had been richly repaid. He who is “rich unto all that call upon Him,” has said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” Romans 10:12; Luke 6:38. In this measure He had rewarded Peter’s service. And every sacrifice made in His ministry will be recompensed. See Ephesians 3:20; 2:7.From Heaven With Love
How We Often Repeat Andrew’s Unbelief
HLv 248.3
The Lord says, “Give, and it will be given to you.” “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity.” Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:10, 11, RSV.From Splendor to Shadow
The Lord Still Heals the Bitter Springs
SS 126.1
“Give, and it shall be given unto you”; for the word of God is “a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.” Luke 6:38; Song of Solomon 4:15.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 145, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 145, 1899, par. 19
“He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” [Proverbs 19:17.] “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosoms. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” [Luke 6:38.] “True religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” [James 1:27.]Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 26—“Friends by the Mammon of Unrighteousness”
COL 374.4
To those who have squandered His goods, Christ still gives opportunity to secure lasting riches. He says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” “Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” Luke 6:38; 12:33. “Charge them that are rich in this world, ... that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 131, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 34
Our intelligence and knowledge of God is to be increased by unselfish works. As we use our tact and skill for others we become channels of usefulness, and God gives the increase, for His law is, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” [Luke 6:38.]Education
The Law of Ministry
Ed 103.3
As each thing in nature ministers thus to the world’s life, it also secures its own. “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38), is the lesson written no less surely in nature than in the pages of Holy Writ.Education
Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods
Ed 140.2
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38.God’s Amazing Grace
Blessings of the Covenant, May 23
AG 151.1
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38.God’s Amazing Grace
The Reaping, November 25
AG 337.6
He who is “rich unto all that call upon him,” has said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you” ... (Romans 10:12; Luke 6:38).... Every sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensed according to “the exceeding riches of his grace.” 51The Desire of Ages, 249.Lift Him Up
Spiritual Development Through Service, September 18
LHU 275.1
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38.Our High Calling
The Gift God Accepts, July 10
OHC 197.1
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 18—The Healing of the Waters
PK 234.3
“Give, and it shall be given unto you;” for the word of God is “a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.” Luke 6:38; Song of Solomon 4:15.Luke 6:43
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye?”—Matthew 7:3.
MB 127.2
But the difficulty lies with the individual members of the church, and it is here that the cure must be wrought. Jesus bids the accuser first cast the beam out of his own eye, renounce his censorious spirit, confess and forsake his own sin, before trying to correct others. For “a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Luke 6:43. This accusing spirit which you indulge is evil fruit, and shows that the tree is evil. It is useless for you to build yourselves up in self-righteousness. What you need is a change of heart. You must have this experience before you are fitted to correct others; for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34.Luke 6:44
In Heavenly Places
Obedience the Test of True Religion, May 4
HP 131.1
Every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. Luke 6:44.Luke 6:45
Our High Calling
Preoccupying the Mind, April 15
OHC 111.1
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 3, 1861
1LtMs, Ms 3, 1861, par. 26
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 186, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 186, 1897, par. 47
If these men who went out from us had, as faithful stewards, searched deep into the Word of God, and heeded Paul’s words in the sixth chapter of Ephesians, they would now be standing firmly in the faith. Paul enjoins us: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” [Verse 14.] These men did not yield to Bible truth. They thought to wrap themselves up in a spurious sanctification which would accord with any false theories which men might choose to accept. They added not to their faith, but rather detracted from it. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things; but an evil man, out of the evil treasure of his heart, bringeth forth evil things.” [Matthew 12:35; Luke 6:45.] There is no middle ground to occupy. The heart is either given to God to be purified, and sanctified and refined, or it is the sport of Satan’s temptations.Luke 6:46
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 69, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 69, 1897, par. 7
I ask you, my brother, not to act like a child in understanding. Act like a child who is practicing the Word of God. Christ says, “Why call ye me Master and Lord, and do not the things which I say?” [Luke 6:46.] The consistency of our conduct in words, in patience, in meekness, will reveal the Christ in the heart. Take yourself seriously in hand, my brother, and move steadily onward step by step to be an overcomer. That which I have written to you are the facts of the past. It was written at the same time that the other testimony was written. At that time I had not had a word [of] conversation with your wife. Whatever you have written to me I cannot speak in reference to, for I know nothing of it. You are a very impulsive, passionate man. I have told you the truth just as it is. I want you to be saved. Sin is a disease, a cancer that is eating away all your prospect of a future holy, happy, sinless life in the heavenly family above. I have spoken plainly to you in letter lest you should not make that repentance that needeth not to be repented of.Luke 6:47-48
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 25, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 25, 1894, par. 16
Willie has struggled on alone. For about three years he has not seen the faces of his motherless children. He suffers in silence. I often find him weeping. He overworks all the time. He does not spend money in traveling to gratify himself. He denies himself everything in order to use the means as the cause of God demands it. If he keeps on laboring as he has done for years, I fear he will break down and become a physical wreck. He has yoked himself with the care of duty, and nothing can turn him aside from the path of obedience. He keeps himself in the attitude of one who is listening for the Saviour’s voice. “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock.” [Luke 6:47, 48.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Luke 6:1-49
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.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.