EGW WritingsLuke 9

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee

DA 485.1

As the close of His ministry drew near, there was a change in Christ’s manner of labor. Heretofore He had sought to shun excitement and publicity. He had refused the homage of the people, and had passed quickly from place to place when the popular enthusiasm in His favor seemed kindling beyond control. Again and again He had commanded that none should declare Him to be the Christ.

DA 485.2

At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles His journey to Jerusalem was made swiftly and secretly. When urged by His brothers to present Himself publicly as the Messiah, His answer was, “My time is not yet come.” John 7:6. He made His way to Jerusalem unobserved, and entered the city unannounced, and unhonored by the multitude. But not so with His last journey. He had left Jerusalem for a season because of the malice of the priests and rabbis. But He now set out to return, traveling in the most public manner, by a circuitous route, and preceded by such an announcement of His coming as He had never made before. He was going forward to the scene of His great sacrifice, and to this the attention of the people must be directed.

DA 485.3

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” John 3:14. As the eyes of all Israel had been directed to the uplifted serpent, the symbol appointed for their healing, so all eyes must be drawn to Christ, the sacrifice that brought salvation to the lost world.

DA 485.4

It was a false conception of the Messiah’s work, and a lack of faith in the divine character of Jesus, that had led His brothers to urge Him to present Himself publicly to the people at the Feast of Tabernacles. Now, in a spirit akin to this, the disciples would have prevented Him from making the journey to Jerusalem. They remembered His words concerning what was to befall Him there, they knew the deadly hostility of the religious leaders, and they would fain have dissuaded their Master from going thither.

DA 486.1

To the heart of Christ it was a bitter task to press His way against the fears, disappointment, and unbelief of His beloved disciples. It was hard to lead them forward to the anguish and despair that awaited them at Jerusalem. And Satan was at hand to press his temptations upon the Son of man. Why should He now go to Jerusalem, to certain death? All around Him were souls hungering for the bread of life. On every hand were suffering ones waiting for His word of healing. The work to be wrought by the gospel of His grace was but just begun. And He was full of the vigor of manhood’s prime. Why not go forward to the vast fields of the world with the words of His grace, the touch of His healing power? Why not take to Himself the joy of giving light and gladness to those darkened and sorrowing millions? Why leave the harvest gathering to His disciples, so weak in faith, so dull of understanding, so slow to act? Why face death now, and leave the work in its infancy? The foe who in the wilderness had confronted Christ assailed Him now with fierce and subtle temptations. Had Jesus yielded for a moment, had He changed His course in the least particular to save Himself, Satan’s agencies would have triumphed, and the world would have been lost.

DA 486.2

But Jesus had “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” The one law of His life was the Father’s will. In the visit to the temple in His boyhood, He had said to Mary, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. At Cana, when Mary desired Him to reveal His miraculous power, His answer was, “Mine hour is not yet come.” John 2:4. With the same words He replied to His brothers when they urged Him to go to the feast. But in God’s great plan the hour had been appointed for the offering of Himself for the sins of men, and that hour was soon to strike. He would not fail nor falter. His steps are turned toward Jerusalem, where His foes have long plotted to take His life; now He will lay it down. He set His face steadfastly to go to persecution, denial, rejection, condemnation, and death.

DA 486.3

And He “sent messengers before His face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him.” But the people refused to receive Him, because He was on His way to Jerusalem. This they interpreted as meaning that Christ showed a preference for the Jews, whom they hated with intense bitterness. Had He come to restore the temple and worship upon Mount Gerizim, they would gladly have received Him; but He was going to Jerusalem, and they would show Him no hospitality. Little did they realize that they were turning from their doors the best gift of heaven. Jesus invited men to receive Him, He asked favors at their hands, that He might come near to them, to bestow the richest blessings. For every favor manifested toward Him, He requited a more precious grace. But all was lost to the Samaritans because of their prejudice and bigotry.

DA 487.1

James and John, Christ’s messengers, were greatly annoyed at the insult shown to their Lord. They were filled with indignation because He had been so rudely treated by the Samaritans whom He was honoring by His presence. They had recently been with Him on the mount of transfiguration, and had seen Him glorified by God, and honored by Moses and Elijah. This manifest dishonor on the part of the Samaritans, should not, they thought, be passed over without marked punishment.

DA 487.2

Coming to Christ, they reported to Him the words of the people, telling Him that they had even refused to give Him a night’s lodging. They thought that a grievous wrong had been done Him, and seeing Mount Carmel in the distance, where Elijah had slain the false prophets, they said, “Wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” They were surprised to see that Jesus was pained by their words, and still more surprised as His rebuke fell upon their ears, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And He went to another village.

DA 487.3

It is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, that seek to compel the conscience. Under a pretense of zeal for righteousness, men who are confederate with evil angels bring suffering upon their fellow men, in order to convert them to their ideas of religion; but Christ is ever showing mercy, ever seeking to win by the revealing of His love. He can admit no rival in the soul, nor accept of partial service; but He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love. There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, or who act contrary to our ideas.

DA 488.1

Every human being, in body, soul, and spirit, is the property of God. Christ died to redeem all. Nothing can be more offensive to God than for men, through religious bigotry, to bring suffering upon those who are the purchase of the Saviour’s blood.

DA 488.2

“And He arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto Him again; and, as He was wont, He taught them again.” Mark 10:1.

DA 488.3

A considerable part of the closing months of Christ’s ministry was spent in Perea, the province on “the farther side of Jordan” from Judea. Here the multitude thronged His steps, as in His early ministry in Galilee, and much of His former teaching was repeated.

DA 488.4

As He had sent out the twelve, so He “appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself was about to come.” Luke 10:1, R. V. These disciples had been for some time with Him, in training for their work. When the twelve were sent out on their first separate mission, other disciples accompanied Jesus in His journey through Galilee. Thus they had the privilege of intimate association with Him, and direct personal instruction. Now this larger number also were to go forth on a separate mission.

DA 488.5

The directions to the seventy were similar to those that had been given to the twelve; but the command to the twelve, not to enter into any city of the Gentiles or of the Samaritans, was not given to the seventy. Though Christ had just been repulsed by the Samaritans, His love toward them was unchanged. When the seventy went forth in His name, they visited, first of all, the cities of Samaria.

DA 488.6

The Saviour’s own visit to Samaria, and later, the commendation of the good Samaritan, and the grateful joy of that leper, a Samaritan, who alone of the ten returned to give thanks to Christ, were full of significance to the disciples. The lesson sank deep into their hearts. In His commission to them, just before His ascension, Jesus mentioned Samaria with Jerusalem and Judea as the places where they were first to preach the gospel. This commission His teaching had prepared them to fulfill. When in their Master’s name they went to Samaria, they found the people ready to receive them. The Samaritans had heard of Christ’s words of commendation and His works of mercy for men of their nation. They saw that, notwithstanding their rude treatment of Him, He had only thoughts of love toward them, and their hearts were won. After His ascension they welcomed the Saviour’s messengers, and the disciples gathered a precious harvest from among those who had once been their bitterest enemies. “A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” “And in His name shall the Gentiles trust.” Isaiah 42:3, margin; Matthew 12:21.

DA 489.1

In sending out the seventy, Jesus bade them, as He had bidden the twelve, not to urge their presence where they were unwelcome. “Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not,” He said, “go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” They were not to do this from motives of resentment or through wounded dignity, but to show how grievous a thing it is to refuse the Lord’s message or His messengers. To reject the Lord’s servants is to reject Christ Himself.

DA 489.2

“I say unto you,” Jesus added, “that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.” Then His mind reverted to the Galilean towns where so much of His ministry had been spent. In deeply sorrowful accents He exclaimed, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.”

DA 489.3

To those busy towns about the Sea of Galilee, heaven’s richest blessings had been freely offered. Day after day the Prince of life had gone in and out among them. The glory of God, which prophets and kings had longed to see, had shone upon the multitudes that thronged the Saviour’s steps. Yet they had refused the heavenly Gift.

DA 489.4

With a great show of prudence the rabbis had warned the people against receiving the new doctrines taught by this new teacher; for His theories and practices were contrary to the teachings of the fathers. The people gave credence to what the priests and Pharisees taught, in place of seeking to understand the word of God for themselves. They honored the priests and rulers instead of honoring God, and rejected the truth that they might keep their own traditions. Many had been impressed and almost persuaded; but they did not act upon their convictions, and were not reckoned on the side of Christ. Satan presented his temptations, until the light appeared as darkness. Thus many rejected the truth that would have proved the saving of the soul.

DA 489.5

The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Revelation 3:20. Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.

DA 490.1

Like the apostles, the seventy had received supernatural endowments as a seal of their mission. When their work was completed, they returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” Jesus answered, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”

DA 490.2

The scenes of the past and the future were presented to the mind of Jesus. He beheld Lucifer as he was first cast out from the heavenly places. He looked forward to the scenes of His own agony, when before all the worlds the character of the deceiver should be unveiled. He heard the cry, “It is finished” (John 19:30), announcing that the redemption of the lost race was forever made certain, that heaven was made eternally secure against the accusations, the deceptions, the pretensions, that Satan would instigate.

DA 490.3

Beyond the cross of Calvary, with its agony and shame, Jesus looked forward to the great final day, when the prince of the power of the air will meet his destruction in the earth so long marred by his rebellion. Jesus beheld the work of evil forever ended, and the peace of God filling heaven and earth.

DA 490.4

Henceforward Christ’s followers were to look upon Satan as a conquered foe. Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them; that victory He desired them to accept as their own. “Behold,” He said, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

DA 490.5

The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper.

DA 493.1

There are Christians who think and speak altogether too much about the power of Satan. They think of their adversary, they pray about him, they talk about him, and he looms up greater and greater in their imagination. It is true that Satan is a powerful being; but, thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who cast out the evil one from heaven. Satan is pleased when we magnify his power. Why not talk of Jesus? Why not magnify His power and His love?

DA 493.2

The rainbow of promise encircling the throne on high is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. It testifies to the universe that God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil. It is an assurance to us of strength and protection as long as the throne itself shall endure.

DA 493.3

Jesus added, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Rejoice not in the possession of power, lest you lose sight of your dependence upon God. Be careful lest self-sufficiency come in, and you work in your own strength, rather than in the spirit and strength of your Master. Self is ever ready to take the credit if any measure of success attends the work. Self is flattered and exalted, and the impression is not made upon other minds that God is all and in all. The apostle Paul says, “When I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10. When we have a realization of our weakness, we learn to depend upon a power not inherent. Nothing can take so strong a hold on the heart as the abiding sense of our responsibility to God. Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ. We are to come in touch with God, then we shall be imbued with His Holy Spirit, that enables us to come in touch with our fellow men. Then rejoice that through Christ you have become connected with God, members of the heavenly family. While you look higher than yourself, you will have a continual sense of the weakness of humanity. The less you cherish self, the more distinct and full will be your comprehension of the excellence of your Saviour. The more closely you connect yourself with the source of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power will be yours to work for God. Rejoice that you are one with God, one with Christ, and with the whole family of heaven.

DA 494.1

As the seventy listened to the words of Christ, the Holy Spirit was impressing their minds with living realities, and writing truth upon the tablets of the soul. Though multitudes surrounded them, they were as though shut in with God.

DA 494.2

Knowing that they had caught the inspiration of the hour, Jesus “rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father, and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him.”

DA 494.3

The honored men of the world, the so-called great and wise men, with all their boasted wisdom, could not comprehend the character of Christ. They judged Him from outward appearance, from the humiliation that came upon Him as a human being. But to fishermen and publicans it had been given to see the Invisible. Even the disciples failed of understanding all that Jesus desired to reveal to them; but from time to time, as they surrendered themselves to the Holy Spirit’s power, their minds were illuminated. They realized that the mighty God, clad in the garb of humanity, was among them. Jesus rejoiced that though this knowledge was not possessed by the wise and prudent, it had been revealed to these humble men. Often as He had presented the Old Testament Scriptures, and showed their application to Himself and His work of atonement, they had been awakened by His Spirit, and lifted into a heavenly atmosphere. Of the spiritual truths spoken by the prophets they had a clearer understanding than had the original writers themselves. Hereafter they would read the Old Testament Scriptures, not as the doctrines of the scribes and Pharisees, not as the utterances of wise men who were dead, but as a new revelation from God. They beheld Him “whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:17.

DA 494.4

The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour.

DA 495.1

Full of instruction were the lessons which Christ taught as He slowly made His way from Galilee toward Jerusalem. Eagerly the people listened to His words. In Perea as in Galilee the people were less under the control of Jewish bigotry than in Judea, and His teaching found a response in their hearts.

DA 495.2

During these last months of His ministry, many of Christ’s parables were spoken. The priests and rabbis pursued Him with ever-increasing bitterness, and His warnings to them He veiled in symbols. They could not mistake His meaning, yet they could find in His words nothing on which to ground an accusation against Him. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, the self-sufficient prayer, “God, I thank Thee that I am not as the rest of men,” stood out in sharp contrast to the penitent’s plea, “Be merciful to me the sinner.” Luke 18:11, 13, R. V., margin. Thus Christ rebuked the hypocrisy of the Jews. And under the figures of the barren fig tree and the great supper He foretold the doom about to fall upon the impenitent nation. Those who had scornfully rejected the invitation to the gospel feast heard His warning words: “I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper.” Luke 14:24.

DA 495.3

Very precious was the instruction given to the disciples. The parable of the importunate widow and the friend asking for bread at midnight gave new force to His words, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9. And often their wavering faith was strengthened by the memory that Christ had said, “Shall not God do justice for His elect, which cry to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will do them justice speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8, R. V., margin.

DA 495.4

The beautiful parable of the lost sheep Christ repeated. And He carried its lesson still farther, as He told of the lost piece of silver and the prodigal son. The force of these lessons the disciples could not then fully appreciate; but after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as they saw the ingathering of the Gentiles and the envious anger of the Jews, they better understood the lesson of the prodigal son, and could enter into the joy of Christ’s words, “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad;” “for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:32, 24. And as they went out in their Master’s name, facing reproach and poverty and persecution, they often strengthened their hearts by repeating His injunction, spoken on this last journey, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:32-34.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee

HLv 328.1

As the close of His ministry drew near, there was a change in Christ’s manner of labor. Heretofore He had sought to shun publicity, refused the homage of the people, and had commanded that none should declare Him to be the Christ.

HLv 328.2

At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles He had made His way to Jerusalem unobserved, and entered the city unannounced. But not so with His last journey. He now traveled in the most public manner, preceded by such an announcement of His coming as He had never made before. He was going to the scene of His great sacrifice, and to this the attention of the people must be directed.

HLv 328.3

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” John 3:14. All eyes must be drawn to Christ, the sacrifice that brought salvation to the lost world.

HLv 328.4

The disciples would have prevented Him from making the journey to Jerusalem. They knew the deadly hostility of the religious leaders. To Christ it was a bitter task to lead His beloved disciples to the anguish and despair that awaited them at Jerusalem. And Satan was at hand to press his temptations. Why should He now go to Jerusalem, to certain death? On every hand were suffering ones waiting for healing. He was full of the vigor of manhood’s prime. Why not go to the vast fields of the world with the words of His grace, the touch of His healing power? Why not give light and gladness to those darkened and sorrowing millions? Why face death now and leave the work in its infancy? The foe assailed Christ with fierce and subtle temptations. Had Jesus changed His course in the least to save Himself, the world would have been lost.

HLv 329.1

But Jesus had “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” The one law of His life was the Father’s will. In His boyhood, He had said to Mary, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. But in God’s great plan the hour for the offering of Himself for the sins of men was soon to strike. He would not fail nor falter. His foes had long plotted to take His life; now He would lay it down.

HLv 329.2

And He “sent messengers before His face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him.” But the people refused to receive Him, because He was on His way to Jerusalem. Little did they realize that they were turning from their doors the best gift of heaven. But all was lost to the Samaritans because of their prejudice and bigotry.

HLv 329.3

James and John, Christ’s messengers, were greatly annoyed at the insult; they were filled with indignation because He had been so rudely treated by the Samaritans. They reported to Christ that the people had even refused to give Him a night’s lodging. Seeing Mount Carmel in the distance, where Elijah had slain the false prophets, they said, “Wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?” They were surprised at Jesus’ rebuke: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And He went to another village.

HLv 329.4

It is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love. There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, who act contrary to our ideas. Nothing can be more offensive to God than for men, through religious bigotry, to bring suffering on those who are the purchase of the Saviour’s blood.

HLv 330.1

A considerable part of the closing months of Christ’s ministry was spent in Perea, the province beyond the Jordan from Judea. See Mark 10:1. Here the multitude thronged His steps, and much of His former teaching was repeated.

HLv 330.2

As He had sent out the Twelve, so He “appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of Him, two by two into every town and place where He Himself was about to come.” RSV. For some time these disciples had been in training for their work. They had had the privilege of intimate association with Him and direct personal instruction.

HLv 330.3

The command to the Twelve—not to enter into any city of the Gentiles or the Samaritans—was not given to the Seventy. Though Christ had been repulsed by the Samaritans, His love toward them was unchanged. In His name the Seventy visited, first of all, the cities of Samaria.

HLv 330.4

In His commission to the disciples just before His ascension, Jesus mentioned Samaria with Jerusalem and Judea as the places where they were first to preach the gospel. When they went to Samaria, they found the people ready to receive them. The Samaritans saw that, notwithstanding their rude treatment of Him, Jesus had only thoughts of love toward them, and their hearts were won. After His ascension the disciples gathered a precious harvest from among those who had once been their bitterest enemies. “A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” Isaiah 42:3, margin.

HLv 330.5

In sending out the Seventy, Jesus bade them not to urge their presence where they were unwelcome. “Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not,” He said, “go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” They were not to do this from resentment or wounded dignity, but to show how grievous it is to refuse the Lord’s message. To reject the Lord’s servants is to reject Christ Himself.

HLv 331.1

“I say unto you,” Jesus added, “it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.” Then His mind reverted to the Galilean towns where so much of His ministry had been spent. Day after day the Prince of life had gone in and out among them. The glory of God had shone upon the multitudes that thronged the Saviour’s steps. Yet they had refused the heavenly Gift.

HLv 331.2

The rabbis had warned against receiving the doctrines taught by this new teacher. In place of seeking to understand the Word of God for themselves, the people honored the priests and rulers, rejected the truth, and kept their traditions. Many had been almost persuaded, but they did not act on their convictions. Thus many rejected the truth that would have proved the saving of the soul.

HLv 331.4

When their work was completed, the Seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” Jesus answered, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” Beyond the cross of Calvary, with its agony and shame, Jesus looked forward to the great final day when Satan will meet his destruction in the earth so long marred by his rebellion.

HLv 332.1

Henceforth Christ’s followers were to look on Satan as a conquered foe. Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them; that victory He desired them to accept as their own. “Behold,” He said, “I have given unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

HLv 332.2

The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. When temptations and trials come, look to Jesus, your helper. Thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who cast out the evil one from heaven. Why not talk of Him? God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil.

HLv 333.1

As the Seventy listened to Christ, the Holy Spirit was writing truth on the soul. Though multitudes surrounded them, they were as though shut in with God.

HLv 333.2

Knowing that they had caught the inspiration of the hour, Jesus “rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.”

HLv 333.4

The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. Human science is too limited to comprehend the plan of redemption. Philosophy cannot explain it. But the science of salvation can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour.

HLv 333.5

Full of instruction were the lessons Christ taught as He slowly made His way toward Jerusalem. In Perea the people were less under the control of Jewish bigotry than in Judea, and His teaching found a response in their hearts.

From Heaven With Love

Religious Leaders Turned Many Against Christ

HLv 331.3

The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Revelation 3:20. Every entreaty in the Word or through God’s messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit, if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life and of eternity beyond. Condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.

From Heaven With Love

Secret of Personal Power

HLv 332.3

Jesus added, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Be careful lest self-sufficiency come in, and you work in your own strength. Self is ever ready to take the credit if any success attends the work. When we realize our weakness, we learn to depend on a power not inherent. See 2 Corinthians 12:10. Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ. We are to come in touch with God; then we shall be imbued with His Holy Spirit that enables us to come in touch with our fellowmen. The more closely you connect yourself with the Source of light and power, the greater power will be yours to work for God.

HLv 333.3

The honored of the world, the so-called great and wise men, could not comprehend the character of Christ. But to fishermen and publicans it had been given to see the Invisible. From time to time, as they surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s power, the disciples’ minds were illuminated. They realized that the mighty God, clad in the garb of humanity, was among them. Often as He had presented the Old Testament Scriptures, and showed their application to Himself, they had been lifted into a heavenly atmosphere. They had a clearer understanding than the original writers themselves. Hereafter they would read the Old Testament Scriptures as a new revelation from God. They beheld Him “whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him.” John 14:17.

HLv 333.6

During the last months of His ministry, many of Christ’s parables were spoken. The priests and rabbis could not mistake His meaning, yet they could find nothing on which to ground an accusation against Him. The beautiful parable of the lost sheep Christ repeated. And He carried its lesson still farther, as He told of the lost piece of silver and the prodigal son. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as the disciples went out in their Master’s name facing reproach, poverty, and persecution, they often strengthened their hearts by repeating His injunction spoken on this last journey: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:32-34.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 55, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 55, 1886, par. 28

Christ was our example in all things. Where do the Romanists find the first intimation of an excuse for their wicked cruelty? Is it like Christ? No, but it is precisely like the character of Satan and his works. When John felt wounded in spirit because he saw that his beloved Teacher was insulted and treated with contempt by the Samaritans, the indignant spirit of revenge stirred his soul and he asked with deep earnestness, “Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” Luke 9:54. Christ did not justify this spirit for a moment. He replied, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” Verse 55.

Reflecting Christ

John Learned Well the Lessons Jesus Taught, March 20

RC 93.1

The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. Luke 9:56.

RC 93.4

The disciples were aware of the purpose of Christ to bless the Samaritans with His presence; and when they saw the coldness, jealousy, and disrespect shown to their Master, they were filled with surprise and indignation. James and John were especially stirred. That He whom they so highly reverenced should be thus treated seemed to them a crime too great to be passed over without immediate punishment. In their zeal they said, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” (Luke 9:54)....

RC 93.5

Jesus rebuked His disciples, saying, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (verses 55, 56). John and his fellow disciples were in a school in which Christ was teacher. Those who were ready to see their own defects, and were anxious to improve in character, had ample opportunity. John treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the Divine Pattern.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 35—Liberty of Conscience Threatened

GC 570.2

Christ gives no example in His life for men and women to shut themselves in monasteries in order to become fitted for heaven. He has never taught that love and sympathy must be repressed. The Saviour’s heart overflowed with love. The nearer man approaches to moral perfection, the keener are his sensibilities, the more acute is his perception of sin, and the deeper his sympathy for the afflicted. The pope claims to be the vicar of Christ; but how does his character bear comparison with that of our Saviour? Was Christ ever known to consign men to the prison or the rack because they did not pay Him homage as the King of heaven? Was His voice heard condemning to death those who did not accept Him? When He was slighted by the people of a Samaritan village, the apostle John was filled with indignation, and inquired: “Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” Jesus looked with pity upon His disciple, and rebuked his harsh spirit, saying: “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:54, 56. How different from the spirit manifested by Christ is that of His professed vicar.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 35—Character and Aims of the Papacy

GC88 570.2

Christ gives no example in his life for men and women to shut themselves in monasteries in order to become fitted for Heaven. He has never taught that love and sympathy must be repressed. The Saviour’s heart overflowed with love. The nearer man approaches to moral perfection, the keener are his sensibilities, the more acute is his perception of sin, and the deeper his sympathy for the afflicted. The pope claims to be the vicar of Christ; but how does his character bear comparison with that of our Saviour? Was Christ ever known to consign men to the prison or the rack because they did not pay him homage as the King of Heaven? Was his voice heard condemning to death those who did not accept him? When he was slighted by the people of a Samaritan village, the apostle John was filled with indignation, and inquired, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” Jesus looked with pity upon his disciple, and rebuked his harsh spirit, saying, “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” [Luke 9:54, 56.] How different from the spirit manifested by Christ is that of his professed vicar.

The Sanctified Life

Pride and Ambition Reproved

SL 58.2

The disciples were aware of the purpose of Christ to bless the Samaritans with His presence; and when they saw the coldness, jealousy, and disrespect shown to their Master, they were filled with surprise and indignation. James and John were especially stirred. That He whom they so highly reverenced should be thus treated, seemed to them a crime too great to be passed over without immediate punishment. In their zeal they said, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” (Luke 9:54), referring to the destruction of the Syrian captains and their companies sent out to take the prophet Elijah.

SL 59.1

Jesus rebuked His disciples, saying, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (verses 55, 56). John and his fellow disciples were in a school in which Christ was teacher. Those who were ready to see their own defects, and were anxious to improve in character, had ample opportunity. John treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the Divine Pattern. The lessons of Jesus, setting forth meekness, humility, and love as essential to growth in grace, and a fitness for his work, were of the highest value to John. These lessons are addressed to us as individuals and as brethren in the church, as well as to the first disciples of Christ.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 30—Character and Aims of the Papacy

4SP 386.3

Christ gives no example in his life for men and women to shut themselves in monasteries in order to become fitted for Heaven. He has never taught that love and sympathy must be repressed. The Saviour’s heart overflowed with love. The nearer man approaches to moral perfection, the keener are his sensibilities, the more acute is his perception of sin, and the deeper his sympathy for the afflicted. The pope claims to be the vicar of Christ. How does his character bear comparison with that of our Saviour? Was Christ ever known to consign men to the prison or the rack because they did not pay him homage as the King of Heaven? Was his voice heard condemning to death those who did not accept him? When he was slighted by the people of a Samaritan village, the apostle John was filled with indignation, and inquired, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” Jesus looked with pity upon his disciple, and rebuked his harsh spirit, saying, “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” [Luke 9:54, 56.] How different from the spirit manifested by Christ is that of his professed vicar.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 53—John the Beloved

AA 540.2

The disciples knew that it was the purpose of Christ to bless the Samaritans by His presence; and the coldness, jealousy, and disrespect shown to their Master filled them with surprise and indignation. James and John especially were aroused. That He whom they so highly reverenced should be thus treated, seemed to them a wrong too great to be passed over without immediate punishment. In their zeal they said, “Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” referring to the destruction of the Samaritan captains and their companies sent out to take the prophet Elijah. They were surprised to see that Jesus was pained by their words, and still more surprised as His rebuke fell upon their ears: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:54-56.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 53—John, the Beloved Disciple

TT 284.1

The coldness and disrespect shown to their Master filled the disciples with indignation. In their zeal James and John said, “Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” Jesus was pained by their words. “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:54-56.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 62, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 62, 1886, par. 63

When John saw the insult put upon his Master in the deportment showing insult and contempt toward Jesus, he felt the wound for his Master, and asked: “Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” Luke 9:54. Christ answered, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Verses 55, 56.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 50, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 50, 1894, par. 17

God has power for us. And since I have been present here, during the night season it has been opened and unfolded to me the power of God that will be revealed in our labor if we will obey His commands—if we will obey them! But we do not obey them. We have not loved God supremely, neither our neighbor as ourselves. Now God wants every one of us to turn over a new leaf, and if we will do it we shall be enabled to strengthen one another. Jesus Christ said, when John spoke to Him about the offence that was shown to Christ, saying, “Shall we call down fire from heaven upon those Samaritans?”—why Christ said, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. The Son of man hath not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” [Luke 9:54-56.] Thus everyone that believeth in Christ is precious to the heart of Christ, and anyone that shall lay a snare for another by his words, actions, or deportment, God charges it as done to Himself. He says it. He identifies His interests with suffering humanity, and if we will unite and knit our heart with Jesus Christ we shall have the Spirit of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 55, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 55, 1894, par. 7

The disciples were much offended at the disrespect shown to their Lord. They asked, “Wilt thou that we call down fire from heaven and consume them, as did Elijah?” But Jesus rebuked their indignation, and said, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” “The Son of man came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” [Luke 9:54-56.] How effectually this lesson rebukes the spirit of persecution. Professed Christians who would proscribe the faith of others have no authority in sacred record for seeking to force the conscience of anyone. Those who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ will be kind to their enemies even as was Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 106, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 106, 1894, par. 9

He who believes the truth will seek to follow in the footsteps of the Master going forward and upward. As he stands under the cross of Calvary his heart will be stirred with inspiration from on high, and his words and actions will be of a high character. He will seek to act in such a way that even his good may not be evil spoken of; for even in his zeal, he will shun the very appearance of evil. When John was with the Master and the Samaritans refused to listen to the voice of the divine Teacher, John said, “Master, shall we call down fire from heaven to consume them?” But Jesus answered, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of; for the Son of man came not to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” [Luke 9:54-56.] Even in our zeal for God we must be temperate, guarding ourselves against the manifestation of a strong spirit that will misrepresent the character of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 21, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 19

On one occasion John, in company with the other disciples, solicited the hospitality of the Samaritans who, however, refused to entertain them. This so aroused the indignation of the disciples that John said, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and devour them, even as Elias did? But he turned and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” [Luke 9:54-56.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 176, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 176, 1898, par. 3

“Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” [Luke 9:55; 1 Corinthians 5:6.] The leaven of malice, which should not be admitted to the soul, has taken possession of the members of the church, and is permeating their minds and hearts. The men who have been set as watchmen over little churches in the suburbs of Melbourne are unfaithful to their trusts. God does not acknowledge these men as teachers, because they will not be instructed, but follow their own perverse way, by reason of which the truth is evil spoken of. They have led the people into false paths. There has not been a close investigation of the spirit cherished by those who have been appointed to instruct.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 75, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 75, 1898, par. 10

By this course of action, you have convinced many that you are not what you claim to be. In spirit and action you are no more true to God than are those watching you. The spirit which has led you to link up with the world in political matters has so dimmed your spiritual discernment, that you would lay yourselves open to the world as some of you have done, hiding the fact that you have God as a leader and guide. You have carried to worldlings matters which concern only our own people, called out from the world to be a peculiar people, who are to look for guidance and direction to heavenly agencies. Of those who have acted thus, after having great light and great opportunities, God says, “Ye know not what spirit ye are of.” [Luke 9:55.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 47, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 47, 1901, par. 20

God calls for the extinction of all this Satanic devising. The love of Christ in the heart forbids all oppression. Remember His words to the disciples when they desired Him to permit them to call down fire from heaven upon those who did not give Him due honor. “He turned and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” [Luke 9:55.] Those who work for the Redeemer must cultivate love. But for years some even among those who claim to believe present truth have acted in an oppressive manner, cherishing in the heart that fearful, hateful thing which has led them to exclude their brethren from their fellowship and their counsels, because they supposed them wanting in some respects;as though the Lord had made them judges of character. The spirit has been entertained which presumes to limit the Holy One in the judicial working of His grace. In the place of coming close to those through whom the Lord has seen fit to work, men have stood apart, saying, “I am holier than thou. I cannot connect with you in religious service. Your ways and my ways do not agree.”

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 17—“Spare it this Year Also”

COL 212.1

Christ in His teaching linked with the warning of judgment the invitation of mercy. “The Son of man is not come,” He said, “to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56. “God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17. His mission of mercy in its relation to God’s justice and judgment is illustrated in the parable of the barren fig tree.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Unspeakable Gift, December 21

JNN 373.1

“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”—Luke 9:56

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 64—A Doomed People

DA 582.2

Christ’s act in cursing the fig tree had astonished the disciples. It seemed to them unlike His ways and works. Often they had heard Him declare that He came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. They remembered His words, “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56. His wonderful works had been done to restore, never to destroy. The disciples had known Him only as the Restorer, the Healer. This act stood alone. What was its purpose? they questioned.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 64—A Doomed People

HLv 388.3

Christ’s act in cursing the fig tree seemed to the disciples unlike His ways. They remembered His words, “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56. His works had been done to restore, never to destroy. This act stood alone. What was its purpose? they questioned.

From the Heart

Miraculous Transformation, September 26

FH 281.1

The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them. Luke 9:56.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Fountain of Healing Mercy for the World, July 14

JNN 208.1

“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”—Luke 9:56

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 85, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 85, 1909, par. 3

To one who came to Him, saying, “We will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest,” Christ said, “The foxes have holes, the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:57; Matthew 8:20.] Christ owned nothing in this world, and yet the world was His. Let us study His holy, self-denying example. We have no time to spend on the vanities and follies of this world. If we seek for these things, we give an example that reveals a lack of harmony with the character of Christ. There is a world to be saved, and we should carefully consider the example we give to those around us. We should conform our lives to the life of Him who became a child of humanity, that He might give a perfect example to every human being. From a study of His life and labors and His struggles with temptation, we are to learn how to become partakers of the divine nature and overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. Nowhere shall we find anything that will help our spiritual life as will a study of the life of Christ. And as we seek to walk in His footsteps, there will come to us a supply of divine grace such as sustained Christ in every circumstance.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 75, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 75, 1909, par. 18

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] I would press upon every soul the need of receiving the truth in humbleness of mind. Let no pompous words come from your lips. The same Christ that died for your brethren and for your children and your neighbors died for you. “God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Christ wants every soul to come to the truth. Do not turn away from the unconverted, but labor for them in self-sacrifice and with earnest effort consider Him who laid off His royal robe and crown, to come to our world as a poor man. When one came to Him, saying, “Lord, we will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest,” the Saviour replied: “The foxes have holes, the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:57; Matthew 8:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 130, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 28

One of the disciples who was in love with his Master’s teaching said, “I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.” He turned to him and knew just what to say, “Foxes have holes, the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” [Luke 9:57, 58.] Night after night He was upon the ground, sleeping without any good mattress. He was sleeping there. The next day He wanted to reach certain people, and His humanity reached that humanity so that He might win souls to Himself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 9, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 9, 1910, par. 14

We need to live in daily communion with heavenly agencies. Unless we do, we cannot maintain our spirituality. There is no excuse for any of us being half-hearted in Christian service. There is no excuse for us to scatter our ways, so that it can hardly be known whether we are Christians or not. Christ’s example is to be followed. When in the heavenly courts, He chose to lay aside His kingly crown and His royal robe and come to this earth as a man to live a life of poverty and self-denial. When, on one occasion during His earthly ministry, a certain man said, “I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest,” Christ answered, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:57, 58.] Night after night He would pray for His flock—pray that God would give them strength to obey: and then He would lie down upon the ground, as that was the only place He had to rest for the night.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 76, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 76, 1903, par. 18

When we want a deep problem to study, let us fix our minds on the most marvelous thing that ever took place in earth or heaven—the incarnation of the Son of God. God gave His Son to die for sinful human beings a death of ignominy and shame. He who was Commander in the heavenly courts laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothing His divinity with humanity, came to this world to stand at the head of the human race as the pattern-man. He humbled Himself to suffer with the race, to be afflicted in all their afflictions. The whole world was His, but so completely did He empty Himself that during His ministry He declared, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 145, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 145, 1904, par. 16

Let none say, “I will engage in this work for a stipulated sum. If I do not receive this sum, I will not do the work.” Those who say this show that they are not wearing Christ’s yoke; they are not learning His meekness and lowliness. Christ might have come to the world with a retinue of angels; but instead He came as a babe and lived a life of lowliness and poverty. His glory was in His simplicity. He suffered for us the privations of poverty. Shall we refuse to deny ourselves for His sake? Shall we refuse to become medical missionary workers unless we can follow the customs of the world, making a display such as worldlings make? Consider the life and sufferings of the Son of the infinite God. To save a race of sinners He lived a life of poverty and self-denial. To one who asked if he might follow Him, He said, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.] Shall those who profess to be His followers refuse to engage in the work of helping their suffering fellow beings unless they can be placed in a position that will not lessen their dignity?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 38, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 38, 1904, par. 56

Let us cut away every selfish indulgence that calls for an outlay of means, large or small. The work of God is now to be established in Washington. Means will be needed to erect a sanitarium. The building is to be plain and inexpensive. We would not waste the Lord’s money by unnecessary display. Look at the life of Christ. He stooped from His glory to the humility of poverty. He was the Majesty of heaven, yet He declared, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.]

19LtMs, Ms 38, 1904, par. 90

Let us cut away every selfish indulgence that calls for an outlay of means, large or small. The work of God is now to be established in Washington. Means will be needed to erect a sanitarium. This building is to be plain and inexpensive. We would not eat up the Lord’s money by unnecessary display. Look at the life of Christ. He stooped from His glory to the humiliation of poverty. He was the Majesty of heaven, yet He declared, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.] He gave His life for the life of a sinful race.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 107, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 107, 1905, par. 8

“Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests,” He said, “but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 44, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 44, 1905, par. 9

As a people we cannot spend money to make a display, because this is contrary to the example of Christ. He made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant. He might have called to His side the highest of the heavenly angels and bidden him show the importance of His position as Commander of the heavenly hosts. But He did not do this. He came to this work in lowliness and humility. He was born of lowly parentage, and during His sojourn on this earth, He lived the life of a poor man. In a world of His own creating, He had no place that He could call His home. “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests,” He said, “but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 182, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 182, 1907, par. 30

I was trying to speak in the little school up here, for them to have little contribution boxes for the South. I advised them to make them and have these little boxes, and teach their children, in the place of laying out money for candies and for things that they can do without, to put their pennies and small silver bits into these little boxes. Some of you will be ingenious enough to get up that box and fasten it up for a month, and then when it is opened to see how much there is to send on to the missionaries to help educate the colored people. This is what we are trying to do in missionary efforts, and there is a work for every one of us to do. Do not waste God’s money on anything, on bows, on ribbons, or on any portions of dress that are not necessary. It is God’s money you are handling. It is God’s money that you are wasting, and God wants us to be fitting up for His kingdom by self-denial. He said to one, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” [Luke 9:58.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 20, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 20, 1892, par. 25

Last night I obtained some rest, for which I thank my heavenly Father. I am cheered and blessed as I contemplate the life and mission of Christ on this earth. He was in a world which He had created, but He was unrecognized and unhonored <by the many.> “Foxes have holes,” He said, “and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” [Luke 9:58.] He came to show man the way to the haven of eternal rest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 158, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 158, 1902, par. 31

Christ came to this world in humility. He was of lowly birth. He might have chosen the highest parentage, for He was the Prince of heaven, but He choose to come in poverty and humiliation. The Owner of the world, He had not where to lay His head. Unrecognized and unhonored, He walked in and out among the people for whom He had done so much. Of Himself He said, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.] And to His followers He says, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 106, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 40

Judas had himself solicited a place in the inner circle of disciples. With great earnestness and apparent sincerity he declared, “Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest.” [Matthew 8:19.] Jesus neither repulsed nor welcomed him, but uttered only the mournful words, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 117, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 117, 1903, par. 5

This world has been visited by the Majesty of heaven, the Son of God. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Christ came to this world as the expression of the very heart and mind and nature and character of God. He was the brightness of the Father’s glory, the express image of His person. But He laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and stepped down from His high command to take the place of a servant. He was rich, but for our sake, that we might have eternal riches, He became poor. He made the world, but so completely did He empty Himself that during His ministry He declared, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 138, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 138, 1903, par. 2

The giving that is the fruit of self-denial is a wonderful help to the giver. It imparts an education that enables us more fully to comprehend the work of Him who went about doing good, relieving the suffering and supplying the needs of the destitute. The Saviour lived not to please Himself. In His life there was no trace of selfishness. Though in a world that He Himself had created, He claimed no part of it as His home. “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests,” He said, “but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” [Luke 9:58.]

Lift Him Up

Christ Invites Our Confidence, June 4

LHU 169.1

[Jesus] said ..., follow me. Luke 9:58, 59.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 19, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 19, 1895, par. 24

Christ said to a certain man when He was upon earth, “Follow me.” The man answered, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” [Luke 9:59, 60.] The truth is to be proclaimed by precept and example. It is your privilege to use your influence as a co-workers with Christ. By pen and voice you should seek to reproduce the likeness of Christ. You should be a representative of Christ to the world. You should present Him as a Saviour who will save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. Every moment you need to be learning in the school of Christ in order that you may teach others also.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Qualifications for the Work

GW92 248.1

“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” [Luke 9:59-62.]

Conflict and Courage

All on the Altar, August 4

CC 222.1

No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62.

Our Father Cares

All on the Altar, July 19

OFC 212.1

No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62.

Living by Principle

Marriage

PH048 27.4

Luke 9:62: And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.