EGW WritingsMark 2

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 27—“Thou Canst Make Me Clean”

DA 262.1

Of all diseases known in the East the leprosy was most dreaded. Its incurable and contagious character, and its horrible effect upon its victims, filled the bravest with fear. Among the Jews it was regarded as a judgment on account of sin, and hence was called “the stroke,” “the finger of God.” Deep-rooted, ineradicable, deadly, it was looked upon as a symbol of sin. By the ritual law, the leper was pronounced unclean. Like one already dead, he was shut out from the habitations of men. Whatever he touched was unclean. The air was polluted by his breath. One who was suspected of having the disease must present himself to the priests, who were to examine and decide his case. If pronounced a leper, he was isolated from his family, cut off from the congregation of Israel, and was doomed to associate with those only who were similarly afflicted. The law was inflexible in its requirement. Even kings and rulers were not exempt. A monarch who was attacked by this terrible disease must yield up the scepter, and flee from society.

DA 262.2

Away from his friends and his kindred, the leper must bear the curse of his malady. He was obliged to publish his own calamity, to rend his garments, and sound the alarm, warning all to flee from his contaminating presence. The cry, “Unclean! unclean!” coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile, was a signal heard with fear and abhorrence.

DA 262.3

In the region of Christ’s ministry, there were many of these sufferers, and the news of His work reached them, kindling a gleam of hope. But since the days of Elisha the prophet, such a thing had never been known as the cleansing of one upon whom this disease had fastened. They dared not expect Jesus to do for them what He had never done for any man. There was one, however, in whose heart faith began to spring up. Yet the man knew not how to reach Jesus. Debarred as he was from contact with his fellow men, how could he present himself to the Healer? And he questioned if Christ would heal him. Would He stoop to notice one believed to be suffering under the judgment of God? Would He not, like the Pharisees, and even the physicians, pronounce a curse upon him, and warn him to flee from the haunts of men? He thought of all that had been told him of Jesus. Not one who had sought His help had been turned away. The wretched man determined to find the Saviour. Though shut out from the cities, it might be that he could cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads, or find Him as He was teaching outside the towns. The difficulties were great, but this was his only hope.

DA 263.1

The leper is guided to the Saviour. Jesus is teaching beside the lake, and the people are gathered about Him. Standing afar off, the leper catches a few words from the Saviour’s lips. He sees Him laying His hands upon the sick. He sees the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and those dying of various maladies rise up in health, praising God for their deliverance. Faith strengthens in his heart. He draws nearer and yet nearer to the gathered throng. The restrictions laid upon him, the safety of the people, and the fear with which all men regard him are forgotten. He thinks only of the blessed hope of healing.

DA 263.2

He is a loathsome spectacle. The disease has made frightful inroads, and his decaying body is horrible to look upon. At sight of him the people fall back in terror. They crowd upon one another in their eagerness to escape from contact with him. Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but in vain. He neither sees nor hears them. Their expressions of loathing are lost upon him. He sees only the Son of God. He hears only the voice that speaks life to the dying. Pressing to Jesus, he casts himself at His feet with the cry, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.”

DA 263.3

Jesus replied, “I will; be thou made clean,” and laid His hand upon him. Matthew 8:3, R. V.

DA 263.4

Immediately a change passed over the leper. His flesh became healthy, the nerves sensitive, the muscles firm. The rough, scaly surface peculiar to leprosy disappeared, and a soft glow, like that upon the skin of a healthy child, took its place.

DA 264.1

Jesus charged the man not to make known the work that had been wrought, but straightway to present himself with an offering at the temple. Such an offering could not be accepted until the priests had made examination and pronounced the man wholly free from the disease. However unwilling they might be to perform this service, they could not evade an examination and decision of the case.

DA 264.2

The words of Scripture show with what urgency Christ enjoined upon the man the necessity of silence and prompt action. “He straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” Had the priests known the facts concerning the healing of the leper, their hatred of Christ might have led them to render a dishonest sentence. Jesus desired the man to present himself at the temple before any rumors concerning the miracle had reached them. Thus an impartial decision could be secured, and the restored leper would be permitted to unite once more with his family and friends.

DA 264.3

There were other objects which Christ had in view in enjoining silence on the man. The Saviour knew that His enemies were ever seeking to limit His work, and to turn the people from Him. He knew that if the healing of the leper were noised abroad, other sufferers from this terrible disease would crowd about Him, and the cry would be raised that the people would be contaminated by contact with them. Many of the lepers would not so use the gift of health as to make it a blessing to themselves or to others. And by drawing the lepers about Him, He would give occasion for the charge that He was breaking down the restrictions of the ritual law. Thus His work in preaching the gospel would be hindered.

DA 264.4

The event justified Christ’s warning. A multitude of people had witnessed the healing of the leper, and they were eager to learn of the priests’ decision. When the man returned to his friends, there was great excitement. Notwithstanding the caution of Jesus, the man made no further effort to conceal the fact of his cure. It would indeed have been impossible to conceal it, but the leper published the matter abroad. Conceiving that it was only the modesty of Jesus which laid this restriction upon him, he went about proclaiming the power of this Great Healer. He did not understand that every such manifestation made the priests and elders more determined to destroy Jesus. The restored man felt that the boon of health was very precious. He rejoiced in the vigor of manhood, and in his restoration to his family and society, and felt it impossible to refrain from giving glory to the Physician who had made him whole. But his act in blazing abroad the matter resulted in hindering the Saviour’s work. It caused the people to flock to Him in such multitudes that He was forced for a time to cease His labors.

DA 265.1

Every act of Christ’s ministry was far-reaching in its purpose. It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition. He left untried no means by which they might be reached. In sending the healed leper to the priests, He gave them a testimony calculated to disarm their prejudices.

DA 265.2

The Pharisees had asserted that Christ’s teaching was opposed to the law which God had given through Moses; but His direction to the cleansed leper to present an offering according to the law disproved this charge. It was sufficient testimony for all who were willing to be convinced.

DA 265.3

The leaders at Jerusalem had sent out spies to find some pretext for putting Christ to death. He responded by giving them an evidence of His love for humanity, His respect for the law, and His power to deliver from sin and death. Thus He bore witness of them: “They have rewarded Me evil for good, and hatred for My love.” Psalm 109:5. He who on the mount gave the precept, “Love your enemies,” Himself exemplified the principle, not rendering “evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing.” Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 3:9.

DA 265.4

The same priests who condemned the leper to banishment certified his cure. This sentence, publicly pronounced and registered, was a standing testimony for Christ. And as the healed man was reinstated in the congregation of Israel, upon the priests’ own assurance that there was not a taint of the disease upon him, he himself was a living witness for his Benefactor. Joyfully he presented his offering, and magnified the name of Jesus. The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour’s life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension “a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7.

DA 266.1

The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was “full of leprosy.” Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,—deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.” Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,” shall hear the answer, “I will; be thou made clean.” Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V.

DA 266.2

In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. And “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

DA 267.1

In the healing of the paralytic at Capernaum, Christ again taught the same truth. It was to manifest His power to forgive sins that the miracle was performed. And the healing of the paralytic also illustrates other precious truths. It is full of hope and encouragement, and from its connection with the caviling Pharisees it has a lesson of warning as well.

DA 267.2

Like the leper, this paralytic had lost all hope of recovery. His disease was the result of a life of sin, and his sufferings were embittered by remorse. He had long before appealed to the Pharisees and doctors, hoping for relief from mental suffering and physical pain. But they coldly pronounced him incurable, and abandoned him to the wrath of God. The Pharisees regarded affliction as an evidence of divine displeasure, and they held themselves aloof from the sick and the needy. Yet often these very ones who exalted themselves as holy were more guilty than the sufferers they condemned.

DA 267.3

The palsied man was entirely helpless, and, seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, he had sunk into despair. Then he heard of the wonderful works of Jesus. He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had been healed; even lepers had been cleansed. And the friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus. But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease had been brought upon him. He feared that the pure Physician would not tolerate him in His presence.

DA 267.4

Yet it was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from the burden of sin. If he could see Jesus, and receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with Heaven, he would be content to live or die, according to God’s will. The cry of the dying man was, Oh that I might come into His presence! There was no time to lose; already his wasted flesh was showing signs of decay. He besought his friends to carry him on his bed to Jesus, and this they gladly undertook to do. But so dense was the crowd that had assembled in and about the house where the Saviour was, that it was impossible for the sick man and his friends to reach Him, or even to come within hearing of His voice.

DA 267.5

Jesus was teaching in the house of Peter. According to their custom, His disciples sat close about Him, and “there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem.” These had come as spies, seeking an accusation against Jesus. Outside of these officials thronged the promiscuous multitude, the eager, the reverent, the curious, and the unbelieving. Different nationalities and all grades of society were represented. “And the power of the Lord was present to heal.” The Spirit of life brooded over the assembly, but Pharisees and doctors did not discern its presence. They felt no sense of need, and the healing was not for them. “He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.” Luke 1:53.

DA 268.1

Again and again the bearers of the paralytic tried to push their way through the crowd, but in vain. The sick man looked about him in unutterable anguish. When the longed-for help was so near, how could he relinquish hope? At his suggestion his friends bore him to the top of the house and, breaking up the roof, let him down at the feet of Jesus. The discourse was interrupted. The Saviour looked upon the mournful countenance, and saw the pleading eyes fixed upon Him. He understood the case; He had drawn to Himself that perplexed and doubting spirit. While the paralytic was yet at home, the Saviour had brought conviction to his conscience. When he repented of his sins, and believed in the power of Jesus to make him whole, the life-giving mercies of the Saviour had first blessed his longing heart. Jesus had watched the first glimmer of faith grow into a belief that He was the sinner’s only helper, and had seen it grow stronger with every effort to come into His presence.

DA 268.2

Now, in words that fell like music on the sufferer’s ear, the Saviour said, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”

DA 268.3

The burden of despair rolls from the sick man’s soul; the peace of forgiveness rests upon his spirit, and shines out upon his countenance. His physical pain is gone, and his whole being is transformed. The helpless paralytic is healed! the guilty sinner is pardoned!

DA 268.4

In simple faith he accepted the words of Jesus as the boon of new life. He urged no further request, but lay in blissful silence, too happy for words. The light of heaven irradiated his countenance, and the people looked with awe upon the scene.

DA 268.5

The rabbis had waited anxiously to see what disposition Christ would make of this case. They recollected how the man had appealed to them for help, and they had refused him hope or sympathy. Not satisfied with this, they had declared that he was suffering the curse of God for his sins. These things came fresh to their minds when they saw the sick man before them. They marked the interest with which all were watching the scene, and they felt a terrible fear of losing their own influence over the people.

DA 269.1

These dignitaries did not exchange words together, but looking into one another’s faces they read the same thought in each, that something must be done to arrest the tide of feeling. Jesus had declared that the sins of the paralytic were forgiven. The Pharisees caught at these words as blasphemy, and conceived that they could present this as a sin worthy of death. They said in their hearts, “He blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but One, even God?” Mark 2:7, R. V.

DA 269.2

Fixing His glance upon them, beneath which they cowered, and drew back, Jesus said, “Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,” He said, turning to the paralytic, “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.”

DA 269.3

Then he who had been borne on a litter to Jesus rises to his feet with the elasticity and strength of youth. The life-giving blood bounds through his veins. Every organ of his body springs into sudden activity. The glow of health succeeds the pallor of approaching death. “And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.”

DA 269.4

Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?

DA 269.5

It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation “spake, and it was,” who “commanded, and it stood fast,” (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, “that ye may know,” He said, “that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.”

DA 270.1

The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, “Thy sins are forgiven.” The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body.

DA 270.2

Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil.” “In Him was life,” and He says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” He is “a quickening spirit.” 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He “forgiveth all thine iniquities,” He “healeth all thy diseases.” Psalm 103:3.

DA 270.3

The effect produced upon the people by the healing of the paralytic was as if heaven had opened, and revealed the glories of the better world. As the man who had been cured passed through the multitude, blessing God at every step, and bearing his burden as if it were a feather’s weight, the people fell back to give him room, and with awe-stricken faces gazed upon him, whispering softly among themselves, “We have seen strange things today.”

DA 270.4

The Pharisees were dumb with amazement and overwhelmed with defeat. They saw that here was no opportunity for their jealousy to inflame the multitude. The wonderful work wrought upon the man whom they had given over to the wrath of God had so impressed the people that the rabbis were for the time forgotten. They saw that Christ possessed a power which they had ascribed to God alone; yet the gentle dignity of His manner was in marked contrast to their own haughty bearing. They were disconcerted and abashed, recognizing, but not confessing, the presence of a superior being. The stronger the evidence that Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins, the more firmly they entrenched themselves in unbelief. From the home of Peter, where they had seen the paralytic restored by His word, they went away to invent new schemes for silencing the Son of God.

DA 271.1

Physical disease, however malignant and deep-seated, was healed by the power of Christ; but the disease of the soul took a firmer hold upon those who closed their eyes against the light. Leprosy and palsy were not so terrible as bigotry and unbelief.

DA 271.2

In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step. Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 27—The First Leper to Be Cleansed by Christ

HLv 169.1

Of all diseases known in the East, leprosy was most dreaded. Its incurable and contagious character and its horrible effect on its victims, filled the bravest with fear. Among the Jews it was regarded as a judgment on account of sin, and hence “the finger of God.” It was looked upon as a symbol of sin.

HLv 169.2

Like one already dead, the leper was shut out from the habitations of men. Whatever he touched was unclean. The air was polluted by his breath. One suspected of having the disease must present himself to the priests. If pronounced a leper, he was doomed to associate only with those similarly afflicted. The law was inflexible. Kings and rulers were not exempt.

HLv 169.3

Away from friends and kindred, the leper must bear the curse. He was obliged to publish his calamity and sound the alarm, warning all to flee his contaminating presence. The cry, “Unclean! Unclean!” coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile was a signal heard with fear and abhorrence.

HLv 169.4

News of Christ’s work reached many of these sufferers, kindling a gleam of hope. But since the days of Elisha such a thing had never been known as the cleansing of one upon whom this disease had fastened. There was one man, however, in whose heart faith began to spring up. Yet how could he present himself to the Healer? And would Christ heal him? Would He notice one believed to be suffering the judgment of God? Would He pronounce a curse on him?

HLv 169.5

The leper thought of all that had been told him of Jesus. Not one who had sought His help had been turned away. The wretched man determined to find the Saviour. It might be that he could cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads or as He was teaching outside the towns. This was his only hope.

HLv 170.1

The leper was guided to the Saviour as He taught beside the lake. Standing afar off, the leper caught a few words from the Saviour’s lips. He saw Him laying His hands on the sick, the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and those dying of various maladies rose up and praised God for their deliverance. Faith strengthened in his heart. He drew nearer. The restrictions laid on him, and the fear with which all men regarded him were forgotten. He thought only of the blessed hope of healing.

HLv 170.2

He was a loathsome spectacle, his decaying body horrible to look upon. At sight of him the people fell back in terror, crowding upon one another in their eagerness to escape from contact with him. Some tried to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but he neither saw nor heard them. He saw only the Son of God. Pressing to Jesus, he cast himself at His feet with the cry, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.”

HLv 170.3

Jesus replied, “I will; be thou clean,” and laid His hand on him.

HLv 170.4

Immediately a change passed over the leper. His flesh became healthy, the nerves sensitive, the muscles firm. The rough, scaly surface disappeared, and a soft glow, like that upon the skin of a healthy child, took its place.

HLv 170.5

With urgency Christ enjoined on the man the necessity of silence and prompt action. Jesus said to him, “See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” Had the priests known the facts concerning the healing, their hatred of Christ might have led them to render a dishonest sentence. Jesus desired the man to present himself at the temple before rumors of the healing had reached them. Thus an impartial decision could be secured, and the restored leper would be permitted to unite once more with his family and friends.

HLv 171.1

The Saviour also knew that if the healing of the leper were noised abroad, other sufferers from this disease would crowd about Him, and the cry would be raised that the people would be contaminated. Many lepers would not use the gift of health as a blessing to themselves or others. And by drawing lepers about Him, He would give occasion for the charge that He was breaking down the restrictions of the law. Thus His preaching would be hindered.

HLv 171.2

A multitude had witnessed the healing of the leper and were eager to learn of the priests’ decision. When the man returned to his friends, there was great excitement. The man made no effort to conceal his cure. It would indeed have been impossible to conceal, but the leper published the matter, conceiving that only the modesty of Jesus laid this restriction on him. He did not understand that every such manifestation made the priests and elders more determined to destroy Jesus. The restored man rejoiced in the vigor of manhood and felt it impossible to refrain from giving glory to the Physician who had made him whole. But his act in blazing abroad the matter caused the people to flock to Him in such multitudes that He was forced for a time to cease His labors.

HLv 171.3

Every act of Christ’s ministry was far-reaching in its purpose. He left untried no means by which the priests and teachers, shut in by prejudice and tradition, might be reached. In sending the healed leper to the priests, He gave them a testimony calculated to disarm their prejudices. The Pharisees had asserted that Christ was opposed to the law, but His direction to the cleansed leper to present an offering according to the law disproved this charge. Christ gave evidence of His love for humanity, His respect for the law, and His power to deliver from sin and death.

HLv 172.1

The same priests who condemned the leper to banishment certified his cure publicly. And the healed man, reinstated in the congregation, was a living witness for his Benefactor. Joyfully he magnified the name of Jesus. Opportunity was granted the priests to know the truth. During the Saviour’s life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from them, but after His ascension “a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7.

HLv 172.2

The work of Christ in cleansing the leper is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was “full of leprosy.” The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him. But in laying His hand on the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power.

HLv 172.3

Thus it is with the leprosy of sin—deadly, impossible to be cleansed by human power. “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.” Isaiah 1:6. But Jesus has healing virtue. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, “Lord, if You will, You can make me clean,” shall hear the answer, “I will; be clean.” RSV.

HLv 172.4

In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. In the case of the leper, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask. But not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us, make us His children, and enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. “If we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15, RSV.

HLv 173.1

In the healing of the paralytic at Capernaum, Christ again taught the same truth. To manifest His power to forgive sins, the miracle was performed. Like the leper, this paralytic had lost all hope. His disease was the result of a life of sin, and his sufferings were embittered by remorse. He had appealed to the Pharisees and doctors, but they coldly pronounced him incurable and abandoned him to the wrath of God.

HLv 173.2

Seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, the palsied man had sunk into despair. Then he heard of Jesus. Friends encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus.

HLv 173.3

It was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from the burden of sin. If he could receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with Heaven, he would be content to die. The dying man had no time to lose. He besought his friends to carry him on his bed to Jesus, and this they gladly undertook to do. But so dense was the crowd where the Saviour was that it was impossible for the sick man and his friends even to come within hearing of His voice.

HLv 173.5

The bearers of the paralytic tried to push their way through the crowd, but in vain. Must the sick man relinquish hope? At his suggestion his friends bore him to the top of the house and, breaking up the roof, let him down at the feet of Jesus.

HLv 174.1

The Saviour saw the pleading eyes fixed upon Him. He understood the case. While the paralytic was at home, the Saviour had brought conviction to his conscience. When he repented of his sins, the life-giving mercies of the Saviour first blessed his longing heart. Jesus had watched the first glimmer of faith grow stronger with every effort to come into His presence.

HLv 174.2

Now, in words that fell like music on the sufferer’s ear, the Saviour said, “Son ... thy sins be forgiven thee.” The burden of despair rolled from the sick man’s soul; the peace of forgiveness shone out on his countenance. His pain was gone, his whole being was transformed. The helpless paralytic was healed, the guilty sinner pardoned!

HLv 174.3

In simple faith he accepted the words of Jesus. He urged no further request, but lay in blissful silence. The people looked on with awe.

HLv 174.4

The rabbis recollected how the man had appealed to them for help, and they, refusing him hope or sympathy, had declared he was suffering the curse of God for his sins. They marked the interest with which all were watching the scene and felt a terrible fear of losing their influence over the people. Looking into one another’s faces they read the same thought—something must be done to arrest the tide of feeling. Jesus had declared the sins of the paralytic forgiven. The Pharisees could present this as blasphemy, a sin worthy of death. “It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” RSV.

HLv 174.5

Fixing His glance on them, Jesus said, “Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” RSV.

HLv 174.6

Then he who had been borne on a litter to Jesus rose to his feet with the elasticity and strength of youth. Every organ of his body sprang into activity. The glow of health succeeded the pallor of approaching death. “And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.”

HLv 175.1

Creative power restored health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth spoke life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, “that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.”

HLv 175.2

Thousands today suffering from physical disease, like the paralytic, long for the message, “Thy sins are forgiven.” Sin is the foundation of their maladies. The Healer of the soul alone can impart vigor to the mind and health to the body.

HLv 175.3

Jesus still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He “forgiveth all thine iniquities”; He “healeth all thy diseases.” Psalm 103:3; see 1 John 3:8; John 1:4-10; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45.

HLv 175.4

As the man who had been cured passed through the multitude bearing his burden as if it were a feather’s weight, the people fell back to give him room. With awestricken faces they whispered softly among themselves, “We have seen strange things today.”

HLv 175.5

The Pharisees were dumb with amazement and overwhelmed with defeat. Disconcerted and abashed, they recognized but did not confess the presence of a superior being. From the home of Peter, where they had seen the paralytic restored, they went away entrenched in unbelief to invent new schemes for silencing the Son of God.

HLv 175.6

In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing. His family gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step. Joy and hope were written on his countenance. Purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith in Him who had brought light into their darkened home.

From Heaven With Love

The Burden of Sin

HLv 173.4

Jesus was teaching in the house of Peter, His disciples close about Him. And “there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem” as spies. Outside thronged the multitude, the eager, the reverent, the curious, the unbelieving. “And the power of the Lord was present to heal.” But the Pharisees and doctors did not discern the Spirit’s presence. They felt no need, and the healing was not for them. “He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.” Luke 1:53.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 391, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 391, 1907, par. 19

“But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone? And immediately when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned so within themselves, He said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say unto the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed and walk? But that thou mayest know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (He saith to the sick of the palsy) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all, insomuch that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” “But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” [Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:8.]

22LtMs, Lt 391, 1907, par. 21

“And it came to pass that as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners came also together with Jesus and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto them, How is it that He eateth with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, He said unto them, ... I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:13-17.]

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 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 30, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 30, 1911, par. 11

As a people we need greater faith in the Word of God. Individually we need a work done for us by the Holy Spirit. All who are engaged in the ministry of the gospel need to learn of Christ His meekness and lowliness of heart. Then they can testify to the power of Christ as the great Restorer. Christ was the great Medical Missionary. Read in the second chapter of Mark and the fifth chapter of Luke the record of His works for the spiritual and physical needs of those who sought His help. There are precious lessons to be learned from a study of Christ’s ministry of healing.

To Be Like Jesus

Personal Ministry Is Key to Winning Souls, September 15

BLJ 273.1

Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men.... When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” Mark 2:3-5, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 105, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 105, 1901, par. 19

We need to put our trust in a sin-pardoning Saviour. In the days of Christ a poor paralytic was told by the priests and rulers, “Your sins have brought your affliction upon you. You can never be healed.” They left him to die. But he had heard of Jesus. Someone told him that he could be taken where Christ was. On an improvised litter he was carried to the house where the Saviour was speaking to the people. But so great was the crowd by which Christ was surrounded that it was impossible for the man to get near Him. Realizing the danger of losing the last chance for recovery, the paralytic said to his attendants, “Take me to the roof, and let me down.” So “they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.” And the first words of the Saviour to the one suddenly let down before Him were, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Mark 2:4, 5.] Today sin is hindering the recovery of hundreds. If the peace of God were in their hearts, their sickness would be regarded as of much less consequence. Peace of mind prepares the way for the faith that Christ will do as He has promised to do.

16LtMs, Ms 105, 1901, par. 20

“But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” [Verses 6-12.] The faultfinders excepted, all praised God for the wonderful works they had seen.

Counsels on Health

The Physician Can Point to Jesus

CH 334.1

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked should be carefully improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is his companion, close by his side. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Never should the physician neglect to direct the minds of his patients to Christ, the Chief Physician. If he has the Saviour abiding in his own heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the Healer of soul and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who, when on earth, restored the sick to health and healed the soul as well as the body, saying, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 12, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 12, 1888, par. 19

We hear much of faith; but the quality of our faith is discerned by our works. There is much need of alarm, much need of self-examination, much need of humility and lowliness of mind. Only come, hanging your helpless soul upon Jesus Christ, and He will say to you, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Mark 2:5.] He will not quench the faintest spark of spiritual life. He will not break the feeblest reed. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might, He increaseth strength. Humble sincerity in the ways of God will make us obedient children, and we may claim His promise. Do not cherish the feeling that you are whole and are in no need of a physician. Fall on the Rock and be broken. We are nearing the time when every man’s work will be brought into judgment, when all will receive according to the deeds done in the body, whether they be good, or whether they be evil.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 36, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 36, 1898, par. 11

Christ saw the man suffering with bodily disease. He also saw Him suffering with a sinsick soul. In order to heal the bodily maladies, He must bring relief to the mind, and cleanse the soul from sin. The Saviour was not unmindful of the efforts that had been made to bring the man to Him. His heart of love and pity was at once moved. “When he saw their faith,” it was enough. He said unto the sick man, “Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.” [Luke 5:20; Mark 2:5.] Many were watching with bated breath every movement in this strange transaction. Many felt that Christ’s words were an invitation to them. Were they not soul-sick because of sin? Were they not anxious to get rid of this burden?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 159, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 159, 1899, par. 2

God calls for a doing of practical, Christlike work. Those who have accepted the truth are to practice it because it is the truth. The patients who come to our sanitariums are to see carried out the principles laid down in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. The truth is to be preserved in all its sacred influence in the work of God in our institutions. When the time comes that physicians cannot do this, the Lord would have no more medical institutions established. The medical practitioner should in all places keep his religious principles clear and untarnished. Truth should be paramount in his practice. He is to use his influence as a means of cleansing the soul by the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. If Christ abides in his heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the great Healer of soul and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who when here on earth restored the sick to health, and healed the soul as well as the body, saying, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Mark 2:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 168, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 168, 1899, par. 11

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked should be carefully improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is his companion, close by his side. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Never should the physician neglect to direct the minds of his patients to Christ. If he has the Saviour abiding in his own heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the great Healer of soul and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who when on earth restored the sick to health, and healed the soul as well as the body, saying, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 99, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 99, 1899, par. 9

As the sick man’s friends stood round the house where Christ was speaking, unable to get in, some one suggested that they take off part of the roof, and let him down at Christ’s feet. The priests had told this man that his sins were the cause of his sickness, and they could give him no hope that there was any way in which he could be saved from sin. With this burden of sin upon him, the paralytic was let down before Christ. The Saviour knew just where to commence His work for the sufferer. He knew that he was longing for help, and He said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Mark 2:5.] Hope sprang up in the man’s heart. But the wrath of the priests was roused, and they said, “Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” [Luke 5:21.]

Faith and Works

The Faith of the Paralytic

FW 67.4

And so he manifested his earnest faith. They did it, and he was brought right before Jesus, where He could look at him. And Jesus as He looked at him, pitied him, and He said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5). Well, what a joy that was! Jesus knew just what that sin-sick soul needed. He knew that he had been tortured on account of his own conscience, so He said, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” What a relief came to his mind! What hope filled his heart!

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

MR No. 1412—The Case of J. H. Kellogg; Christ, the Great Medical Missionary; Physicians to Labor as Christ Labored

19MR 361.2

There is no work in which the workers need a closer fellowship with Christ than the medical missionary work. Oh, how greatly the physician, as he stands at the bedside of a sufferer, needs an intimate acquaintance with Christ. The one to whom he is ministering may be losing his hold on this life. Can he, with tenderness and simplicity, and with the assurance of certain knowledge, speak to him of the One who died that He might say to every sinner, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” [Mark 2:5]?

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3

Spiritual Gifts

3SG 28.2

It is humble, confiding faith that moves omnipotence. Those only who have this faith may expect the manifestation of the gifts. Mark 2:5. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Chapter 9:23. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Matthew 9:21, 22.“For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her he said, Daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” Chapter 15:28. “Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”

Temperance

Chapter 1—Counsel on How to Work

Te 129.1

Remember that you do not work alone. Ministering angels unite in service with every truehearted son and daughter of God. And Christ is the Restorer. The Great Physician Himself stands beside His faithful workers, saying to the repentant soul, “Child, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5, and A.R.V. margin.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 27—The Physician’s Work for Souls

6T 231.4

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked should be carefully improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is his companion, close by his side. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Never should the physician neglect to direct the minds of his patients to Christ, the Chief Physician. If he has the Saviour abiding in his own heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the Healer of soul and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who when on earth restored the sick to health and healed the soul as well as the body, saying: “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 11—Working for the Intemperate

MH 174.1

Remember that you do not work alone. Ministering angels unite in service with every truehearted son and daughter of God. And Christ is the restorer. The Great Physician Himself stands beside His faithful workers, saying to the repentant soul, “Child, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5, A.R.V. margin.

The Kress Collection

The Physician’s Work a Cure of Souls

KC 51.3

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked should be carefully improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is his companion, close by his side. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Never should the physician neglect to direct the minds of his patients to Christ. If he has the Saviour abiding in his own heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the great Healer of soul and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who when on earth restored the sick to health, and healed the soul as well as the body, saying, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Angels Will Impress Mind

2TT 488.4

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked should be carefully improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is his companion, close by his side. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Never should the physician neglect to direct the minds of his patients to Christ, the Chief Physician. If he has the Saviour abiding in his own heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the Healer of soul and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who when on earth restored the sick to health and healed the soul as well as the body, saying: “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 77, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 77, 1899, par. 12

Do you want to be healed from your sins? Heed the invitation of Christ. Come to Him of your own free will, and put yourself under the care of this mighty Healer. Then Christ can say to you as He did to the poor paralytic, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” [Mark 2:5, 9.] We must understand this soul-healing. Then we shall not inquire, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?” [Jeremiah 8:22.] There is One who is longing to be your Healer, One who has all power. But you must place yourself under His care, to do His will and take His prescriptions. He may say to the man whose physical and spiritual health is in danger, You must have a change of climate. You must no longer breathe a malarious atmosphere. You will be helped in every way by this change.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 62, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 62, 1900, par. 10

Christ’s work for the paralytic is an illustration of the way in which we are to work. This man had been told by his friends of the mighty Healer, and he had faith to believe that he could be healed. His friends carried him to the house where Jesus was teaching, but the crowd was so great that they could not find entrance. Then the sick man suggested that they remove part of the roof, and let him down into the room. This they did, and when Jesus saw the sufferer lying before Him, what was His first work? It was to give Him peace of mind. The Saviour knew that the paralytic had been tortured by the suggestions of the priests that God had cast him off for his sins. “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee,” were Christ’s first words. [Mark 2:5.] This was what the sick man needed. Peace and joy filled his heart.

15LtMs, Ms 62, 1900, par. 11

Some present began to murmur, saying in their hearts, “Who can forgive sins but God only?” [Verse 7.] Then, that they might know that the Son of man had power to forgive sins, Christ said to the sick man, “Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way unto thine house.” [Verse 9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 1, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 1, 1889, par. 22

And so he manifested his earnest faith. They did it, and he was brought right before Jesus, where He could look at him. And Jesus, as He looked at him, pitied him, and He said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5. Well, what a joy that was! Jesus knew just what that sin-sick soul needed. He knew that he had been tortured on account of his own conscience, so He said, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” What a relief came to his mind! What hope filled his heart!

6LtMs, Ms 1, 1889, par. 25

But that mighty evidence given to the Pharisees did not convert them. Men can so encase themselves in unbelief, doubt, and infidelity that the raising of the dead would not convict them. Because of their unbelief, they would be in the same unbelieving position, unconvicted, unconverted. But all those who have hearts to receive the truth, and ears to hear, glorify God. They exclaim, “We have never seen it on this wise before!” [Mark 2:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 87, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 87, 1898, par. 16

All who strive in the name of the Lord Jesus to counteract the evil of self-indulgence are doing the very work Jesus of Nazareth came to our world to do. Make every effort to save all you possibly can. Do not argue that the evil is so deep and so widespread, and is increasing so rapidly that your efforts will not avail. Christians, do not reason in this way. Rally round the standard of Christ. See in the degraded specimens of humanity men and women whom Christ came to save. Although they may have sunk to the very lowest depths of sin, there is a possibility of saving them. Feed the hungry, clothe and naked, presenting at the same time the love of the great Physician, who came to seek and to save that which was lost. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” He said. [Mark 2:17.] It is sinners that the church of God is called upon to seek and to save.

13LtMs, Ms 87, 1898, par. 23

Thousands might have been saved if those who have acted as the priest and Levite had acted the part of the good Samaritan. Who will now awake to their God-given responsibilities? One soul rescued is a soul saved from Satan’s grasp. The great Physician stands by the side of the faithful worker, saying to the repentant, discouraged soul, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Mark 2:5.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Christ’s Victory Over Unbelief

8T 202.2

“But there were certain of the scribes sitting there,” who “began to reason,” not openly, “but in their hearts, “saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Mark 2:6; Luke 5:21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 156, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 156, 1903, par. 2

“But there were certain of the scribes sitting there,” who “began to reason,” not openly, but “in their hearts,” “saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? who can forgive sins, but God alone?” [Mark 2:6; Luke 5:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 254, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 254, 1903, par. 5

“But there were certain of the scribes sitting there,” who “began to reason,” not openly, but “in their hearts,” “saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? who can forgive sins, but God alone?” [Mark 2:6; Luke 5:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 89, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 89, 1900, par. 29

I was invited to speak to the patients in the sanitarium. The parlor was full of patients—some in rolling chairs, some on sofas, some in rocking chairs, bolstered up with pillows. My message is always to encourage and comfort the suffering ones, and to speak the truth to them in love. I spoke of the healing of the paralytic. The Lord attended first to the work he most needed. He said, “Son, ... thy sins be forgiven thee.” Had he not been told by priests and rulers that they had no words of comfort for him for he had brought this affliction upon himself through his wickedness? Had they not left him in hopeless despair? And were not the first words of Christ the sweetest words that ever fell upon his ears that was music to his soul? “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.] Then the murmuring commenced: “Who can forgive sins but God only?” [Mark 2:7.] “And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine own house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitude saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” [Matthew 9:3-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 140, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 39

The Pharisees caught at these words as blasphemy and conceived that they could present this as sin worthy of death. They said in their hearts, “He blasphemeth; who can forgive sins but one, even God?” [Mark 2:7.]

This Day With God

Christ, the Magnet, April 7

TDG 106.3

At this, some of the scribes said within themselves, “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:7). How astonished they were to have their unspoken thoughts opened before them. “Why reason ye these things in your hearts?” Jesus asked. “Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house” (verses 8-11).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 56, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 56, 1899, par. 12

Christ recognizes no caste, no nationality. He holds it as His prerogative, divine and incommunicable, to work after His own might and pleasure. The compassionate Redeemer, He labored among all classes. When the paralytic was let down through the roof at His feet, He saw at a glance the trouble of the sufferer, and He immediately exercised His power as a sin-pardoning Saviour. “Be of good cheer,” He said, “thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.] At this, some of the scribes said within themselves. “Why doth this man thus speak, blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [Mark 2:7.]

14LtMs, Ms 56, 1899, par. 13

How astonished they were to have their unspoken thoughts opened before them. “Why reason ye these things in your hearts?” Jesus said. “Whether is easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.” [Verses 8-11.]

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 5—Healing of the Soul

MH 76.3

But the Pharisees, fearful of losing their influence with the multitude, said in their hearts, “He blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but One, even God?” Mark 2:7, R.V.

MH 77.1

Then he who had been borne on a litter to Jesus rose to his feet with the elasticity and strength of youth. And immediately he “took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:12.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 28—Levi-Matthew

DA 272.1

Of the Roman officials in Palestine, none were more hated than the publicans. The fact that the taxes were imposed by a foreign power was a continual irritation to the Jews, being a reminder that their independence had departed. And the taxgatherers were not merely the instruments of Roman oppression; they were extortioners on their own account, enriching themselves at the expense of the people. A Jew who accepted this office at the hands of the Romans was looked upon as betraying the honor of his nation. He was despised as an apostate, and was classed with the vilest of society.

DA 272.2

To this class belonged Levi-Matthew, who, after the four disciples at Gennesaret, was the next to be called to Christ’s service. The Pharisees had judged Matthew according to his employment, but Jesus saw in this man a heart open for the reception of truth. Matthew had listened to the Saviour’s teaching. As the convicting Spirit of God revealed his sinfulness, he longed to seek help from Christ; but he was accustomed to the exclusiveness of the rabbis, and had no thought that this Great Teacher would notice him.

DA 273.1

Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus approaching. Great was his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself, “Follow Me.”

DA 273.2

Matthew “left all, rose up, and followed Him.” There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged for poverty and hardship. It was enough for him that he was to be with Jesus, that he might listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work.

DA 273.3

So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not hesitate, and inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.” Luke 22:35.

DA 273.4

To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest.

DA 273.5

Principle is always exacting. No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart is in the work and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. No man who makes any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less can he be His colaborer. When men appreciate the great salvation, the self-sacrifice seen in Christ’s life will be seen in theirs. Wherever He leads the way, they will rejoice to follow.

DA 273.6

The calling of Matthew to be one of Christ’s disciples excited great indignation. For a religious teacher to choose a publican as one of his immediate attendants was an offense against the religious, social, and national customs. By appealing to the prejudices of the people the Pharisees hoped to turn the current of popular feeling against Jesus.

DA 273.7

Among the publicans a widespread interest was created. Their hearts were drawn toward the divine Teacher. In the joy of his new discipleship, Matthew longed to bring his former associates to Jesus. Accordingly he made a feast at his own house, and called together his relatives and friends. Not only were publicans included, but many others who were of doubtful reputation, and were proscribed by their more scrupulous neighbors.

DA 274.1

The entertainment was given in honor of Jesus, and He did not hesitate to accept the courtesy. He well knew that this would give offense to the Pharisaic party, and would also compromise Him in the eyes of the people. But no question of policy could influence His movements. With Him external distinctions weighed nothing. That which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the water of life.

DA 274.2

Jesus sat as an honored guest at the table of the publicans, by His sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. New impulses were awakened, and the possibility of a new life opened to these outcasts of society.

DA 274.3

At such gatherings as this, not a few were impressed by the Saviour’s teaching who did not acknowledge Him until after His ascension. When the Holy Spirit was poured out, and three thousand were converted in a day, there were among them many who first heard the truth at the table of the publicans, and some of these became messengers of the gospel. To Matthew himself the example of Jesus at the feast was a constant lesson. The despised publican became one of the most devoted evangelists, in his own ministry following closely in his Master’s steps.

DA 275.1

When the rabbis learned of the presence of Jesus at Matthew’s feast, they seized the opportunity of accusing Him. But they chose to work through the disciples. By arousing their prejudices they hoped to alienate them from their Master. It was their policy to accuse Christ to the disciples, and the disciples to Christ, aiming their arrows where they would be most likely to wound. This is the way in which Satan has worked ever since the disaffection in heaven; and all who try to cause discord and alienation are actuated by his spirit.

DA 275.2

“Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” questioned the envious rabbis.

DA 275.3

Jesus did not wait for His disciples to answer the charge, but Himself replied: “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The Pharisees claimed to be spiritually whole, and therefore in no need of a physician, while they regarded the publicans and Gentiles as perishing from diseases of the soul. Then was it not His work, as a physician, to go to the very class that needed His help?

DA 275.4

But although the Pharisees thought so highly of themselves, they were really in a worse condition than the ones they despised. The publicans were less bigoted and self-sufficient, and thus were more open to the influence of truth. Jesus said to the rabbis, “Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.” Thus He showed that while they claimed to expound the word of God, they were wholly ignorant of its spirit.

DA 275.5

The Pharisees were silenced for the time, but only became more determined in their enmity. They next sought out the disciples of John the Baptist, and tried to set them against the Saviour. These Pharisees had not accepted the mission of the Baptist. They had pointed in scorn to his abstemious life, his simple habits, his coarse garments, and had declared him a fanatic. Because he denounced their hypocrisy, they had resisted his words, and had tried to stir up the people against him. The Spirit of God had moved upon the hearts of these scorners, convicting them of sin; but they had rejected the counsel of God, and had declared that John was possessed of a devil.

DA 276.1

Now when Jesus came mingling with the people, eating and drinking at their tables, they accused Him of being a glutton and a winebibber. The very ones who made this charge were themselves guilty. As God is misrepresented, and clothed by Satan with his own attributes, so the Lord’s messengers were falsified by these wicked men.

DA 276.2

The Pharisees would not consider that Jesus was eating with publicans and sinners in order to bring the light of heaven to those who sat in darkness. They would not see that every word dropped by the divine Teacher was a living seed that would germinate and bear fruit to the glory of God. They had determined not to accept the light; and although they had opposed the mission of the Baptist, they were now ready to court the friendship of his disciples, hoping to secure their co-operation against Jesus. They represented that Jesus was setting at nought the ancient traditions; and they contrasted the austere piety of the Baptist with the course of Jesus in feasting with publicans and sinners.

DA 276.3

The disciples of John were at this time in great sorrow. It was before their visit to Jesus with John’s message. Their beloved teacher was in prison, and they passed their days in mourning. And Jesus was making no effort to release John, and even appeared to cast discredit on his teaching. If John had been sent by God, why did Jesus and His disciples pursue a course so widely different?

DA 276.4

The disciples of John had not a clear understanding of Christ’s work; they thought there might be some foundation for the charges of the Pharisees. They observed many of the rules prescribed by the rabbis, and even hoped to be justified by the works of the law. Fasting was practiced by the Jews as an act of merit, and the most rigid among them fasted two days in every week. The Pharisees and John’s disciples were fasting when the latter came to Jesus with the inquiry, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but Thy disciples fast not?”

DA 276.5

Very tenderly Jesus answered them. He did not try to correct their erroneous conception of fasting, but only to set them right in regard to His own mission. And He did this by employing the same figure that the Baptist himself had used in his testimony to Jesus. John had said, “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.” John 3:29. The disciples of John could not fail to recall these words of their teacher, as, taking up the illustration, Jesus said, “Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?”

DA 277.1

The Prince of heaven was among His people. The greatest gift of God had been given to the world. Joy to the poor; for Christ had come to make them heirs of His kingdom. Joy to the rich; for He would teach them how to secure eternal riches. Joy to the ignorant; He would make them wise unto salvation. Joy to the learned; He would open to them deeper mysteries than they had ever fathomed; truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the world would be opened to men by the Saviour’s mission.

DA 277.2

John the Baptist had rejoiced to behold the Saviour. What occasion for rejoicing had the disciples who were privileged to walk and talk with the Majesty of heaven! This was not a time for them to mourn and fast. They must open their hearts to receive the light of His glory, that they might shed light upon those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.

DA 277.3

It was a bright picture which the words of Christ had called up, but across it lay a heavy shadow, which His eye alone discerned. “The days will come,” He said, “when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” When they should see their Lord betrayed and crucified, the disciples would mourn and fast. In His last words to them in the upper chamber, He said, “A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me. Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:19, 20.

DA 277.4

When He should come forth from the tomb, their sorrow would be turned to joy. After His ascension He was to be absent in person; but through the Comforter He would still be with them, and they were not to spend their time in mourning. This was what Satan wanted. He desired them to give the world the impression that they had been deceived and disappointed; but by faith they were to look to the sanctuary above, where Jesus was ministering for them; they were to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit, His representative, and to rejoice in the light of His presence. Yet days of temptation and trial would come, when they would be brought into conflict with the rulers of this world, and the leaders of the kingdom of darkness; when Christ was not personally with them, and they failed to discern the Comforter, then it would be more fitting for them to fast.

DA 278.1

The Pharisees sought to exalt themselves by their rigorous observance of forms, while their hearts were filled with envy and strife. “Behold,” says the Scripture, “ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” Isaiah 58:4, 5.

DA 278.2

The true fast is no mere formal service. The Scripture describes the fast that God has chosen,—“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke;” to “draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul.” Isaiah 58:6, 10. Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of the world. Whether fasting in the wilderness of temptation or eating with the publicans at Matthew’s feast, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost. Not in idle mourning, in mere bodily humiliation and multitudinous sacrifices, is the true spirit of devotion manifested, but it is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man.

DA 278.3

Continuing His answer to the disciples of John, Jesus spoke a parable, saying, “No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.” The message of John the Baptist was not to be interwoven with tradition and superstition. An attempt to blend the pretense of the Pharisees with the devotion of John would only make more evident the breach between them.

DA 278.4

Nor could the principles of Christ’s teaching be united with the forms of Pharisaism. Christ was not to close up the breach that had been made by the teachings of John. He would make more distinct the separation between the old and the new. Jesus further illustrated this fact, saying, “No man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.” The skin bottles which were used as vessels to contain the new wine, after a time became dry and brittle, and were then worthless to serve the same purpose again. In this familiar illustration Jesus presented the condition of the Jewish leaders. Priests and scribes and rulers were fixed in a rut of ceremonies and traditions. Their hearts had become contracted, like the dried-up wine skins to which He had compared them. While they remained satisfied with a legal religion, it was impossible for them to become the depositaries of the living truth of heaven. They thought their own righteousness all-sufficient, and did not desire that a new element should be brought into their religion. The good will of God to men they did not accept as something apart from themselves. They connected it with their own merit because of their good works. The faith that works by love and purifies the soul could find no place for union with the religion of the Pharisees, made up of ceremonies and the injunctions of men. The effort to unite the teachings of Jesus with the established religion would be vain. The vital truth of God, like fermenting wine, would burst the old, decaying bottles of the Pharisaical tradition.

DA 279.1

The Pharisees thought themselves too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly honored to need the honor that comes from Christ. The Saviour turned away from them to find others who would receive the message of heaven. In the untutored fishermen, in the publican at the market place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common people who heard Him gladly, He found His new bottles for the new wine. The instrumentalities to be used in the gospel work are those souls who gladly receive the light which God sends them. These are His agencies for imparting the knowledge of truth to the world. If through the grace of Christ His people will become new bottles, He will fill them with new wine.

DA 279.2

The teaching of Christ, though it was represented by the new wine, was not a new doctrine, but the revelation of that which had been taught from the beginning. But to the Pharisees the truth of God had lost its original significance and beauty. To them Christ’s teaching was new in almost every respect, and it was unrecognized and unacknowledged.

DA 279.3

Jesus pointed out the power of false teaching to destroy the appreciation and desire for truth. “No man,” He said, “having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.” All the truth that has been given to the world through patriarchs and prophets shone out in new beauty in the words of Christ. But the scribes and Pharisees had no desire for the precious new wine. Until emptied of the old traditions, customs, and practices, they had no place in mind or heart for the teachings of Christ. They clung to the dead forms, and turned away from the living truth and the power of God.

DA 280.1

It was this that proved the ruin of the Jews, and it will prove the ruin of many souls in our own day. Thousands are making the same mistake as did the Pharisees whom Christ reproved at Matthew’s feast. Rather than give up some cherished idea, or discard some idol of opinion, many refuse the truth which comes down from the Father of light. They trust in self, and depend upon their own wisdom, and do not realize their spiritual poverty. They insist on being saved in some way by which they may perform some important work. When they see that there is no way of weaving self into the work, they reject the salvation provided.

DA 280.2

A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion. Fasting or prayer that is actuated by a self-justifying spirit is an abomination in the sight of God. The solemn assembly for worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external humiliation, the imposing sacrifice, proclaim that the doer of these things regards himself as righteous, and as entitled to heaven; but it is all a deception. Our own works can never purchase salvation.

DA 280.3

As it was in the days of Christ, so it is now; the Pharisees do not know their spiritual destitution. To them comes the message, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” Revelation 3:17, 18. Faith and love are the gold tried in the fire. But with many the gold has become dim, and the rich treasure has been lost. The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched. To them it is said, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5.

DA 280.4

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 28—Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle

HLv 177.1

Roman officials in Palestine were hated. The fact that taxes were imposed by a foreign power was a continual irritation, a reminder to the Jews that their independence had departed. And the taxgatherers, the publicans, were not merely instruments of Roman oppression, they were extortioners on their own account, enriching themselves at the expense of the people. A Jew who accepted this office was despised and classed with the vilest of society.

HLv 177.2

To this class belonged Levi-Matthew, who was to be called to Christ’s service. Matthew had listened to the Saviour’s teaching, and as the Spirit of God revealed his sinfulness he longed to seek help from Christ; but accustomed to the exclusiveness of the rabbis, he had no thought that this Great Teacher would notice him.

HLv 177.3

Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus approaching. Great was his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself, “Follow Me.”

HLv 177.4

Matthew “left all, rose up, and followed Him.” There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged for poverty and hardship. It was enough for him to be with Jesus, to listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work.

HLv 177.5

So it was when Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him. Immediately they left their boats and nets. Some had friends dependent on them for support, but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? When afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.” Luke 22:35.

HLv 178.1

To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is stronger.

HLv 178.2

No one can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart is in the work. No one who makes any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less His colaborer. When men and women appreciate the great salvation, the self-sacrifice seen in Christ’s life will be seen in theirs. Wherever He leads the way, they will follow.

HLv 178.3

The call of Matthew excited great indignation. For Christ to choose a publican as one of His immediate attendants was an offense against religious, social, and national customs. By appealing to prejudice the Pharisees hoped to turn popular feeling against Jesus. But among the publicans widespread interest was created. In the joy of his new discipleship, Matthew made a feast at his house and called together his relatives, friends, and former associates. Not only were publicans included, but many others who were proscribed by their more scrupulous neighbors.

HLv 178.4

The entertainment was given in honor of Jesus, and He did not hesitate to accept. He well knew it would give offense to the Pharisaic party and also compromise Him in the eyes of the people. But no question of policy could influence His movements.

HLv 178.5

Jesus sat as an honored guest at the table of the publicans. By sympathy and social kindliness He showed that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence. New impulses were awakened, and the possibility of a new life opened to these outcasts of society.

HLv 179.1

Not a few were impressed who did not acknowledge the Saviour until after His ascension. When 3000 were converted in a day, there were among them many who first heard the truth at the table of the publicans. To Matthew himself the example of Jesus at the feast was a constant lesson. The despised publican became one of the most devoted evangelists, following in his Master’s steps.

HLv 179.2

The rabbis seized the opportunity of accusing Jesus, but chose to work through the disciples. By arousing their prejudices they hoped to alienate them from their Master. “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” they questioned.

HLv 179.3

Jesus did not wait for the disciples to answer, but Himself replied: “They that be whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick; ... I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The Pharisees claimed to be spiritually whole, and therefore in no need of a physician, but they regarded the publicans and Gentiles as perishing from diseases of the soul. Then was it not His work, as a physician, to go to the very class that needed His help?

HLv 179.4

Jesus said to the rabbis, “Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.” They claimed to expound the Word of God, but they were wholly ignorant of its spirit.

HLv 179.5

The Pharisees, silenced for the time but more determined in their enmity, next tried to set the disciples of John the Baptist against the Saviour. These Pharisees had pointed in scorn to the Baptist’s simple habits and coarse garments and had declared him a fanatic. They had tried to stir up the people against him. The Spirit of God had moved upon the hearts of these scorners, convicting them of sin, but they had declared that John was possessed by a devil.

HLv 179.6

Now when Jesus came mingling with the people, eating and drinking at their tables, they accused Him of being a glutton and a winebibber. They would not consider that Jesus was eating with sinners in order to bring the light of heaven to those who sat in darkness. They would not consider that every word dropped by the divine Teacher was living seed that would germinate and bear fruit to the glory of God. They had determined not to accept the light, and although they had opposed the mission of the Baptist, they were now ready to court the friendship of his disciples, hoping to secure their cooperation against Jesus. They represented that Jesus was setting at nought the ancient traditions, and they contrasted the austere piety of the Baptist with Jesus’ feasting with publicans and sinners.

HLv 180.1

The disciples of John were at this time in great sorrow. With their beloved teacher in prison, they passed their days in mourning. And Jesus was making no effort to release John, and even appeared to cast discredit on his teaching. If John had been sent by God, why did Jesus and His disciples pursue a course so widely different?

HLv 180.2

The disciples of John thought there might be some foundation for the charges of the Pharisees. They observed many rules prescribed by the rabbis. Fasting was practiced by the Jews as an act of merit; the most rigid fasted two days every week. The Pharisees and John’s disciples were fasting when the latter came to Jesus with the inquiry, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but Thy disciples fast not?”

HLv 181.1

The Prince of heaven was among His people. The greatest gift of God had been given to the world. Joy to the poor, for He had come to make them heirs of His kingdom. Joy to the rich, for He would teach them to secure eternal riches. Joy to the ignorant, for He would make them wise unto salvation. Joy to the learned, for He would open to them deeper mysteries than they had ever fathomed. This was not a time for the disciples to mourn and fast. They must open their hearts to receive the light of His glory, that they might shed light on those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.

HLv 181.2

It was a bright picture, but across it lay a heavy shadow which Christ’s eye alone discerned. “The days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast.” When they should see their Lord betrayed and crucified, the disciples would mourn and fast.

HLv 181.3

When He should come forth from the tomb, their sorrow would be turned to joy. After His ascension, through the Comforter He would still be with them, and they were not to spend their time mourning. Satan desired them to give the impression that they had been deceived and disappointed. But by faith they were to look to the sanctuary above where Jesus was ministering for them; they were to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit and rejoice in the light of His presence. Yet days of trial would come. When Christ was not personally with them and they failed to discern the Comforter, then it would be more fitting for them to fast.

HLv 181.4

The Scripture describes the fast that God has chosen—“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke”; to “draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul.” Isaiah 58:6, 10. Here is set forth the character of the work of Christ. Whether fasting in the wilderness or eating with publicans, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost. The true spirit of devotion is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man.

HLv 182.1

Continuing His answer to the disciples of John, Jesus spoke a parable: “No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made.” Matthew 9:16, RSV. An attempt to blend the tradition and superstition of the Pharisees with the devotion of John would only make more evident the breach between them.

HLv 182.2

Nor could the principles of Christ’s teaching be united with the forms of Pharisaism. Christ was to make more distinct the separation between the old and the new. “Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17, RSV. Skin bottles used as vessels to contain new wine, after a time became dry and brittle, and were then worthless to serve the same purpose again. The Jewish leaders were fixed in a rut of ceremonies and traditions. Their hearts had become like dried-up wine skins. Satisfied with a legal religion, it was impossible for them to become the depositaries of living truth. They did not desire that a new element should be brought into their religion. The faith that works by love and purifies the soul could find no place for union with the religion of the Pharisees, made up of ceremonies and the injunctions of men. To unite the teachings of Jesus with the established religion would be vain. The vital truth of God, like wine, would burst the old decaying bottles of the Pharisaical tradition.

HLv 182.3

The Saviour turned away from the Pharisees to find others who would receive the message of heaven. In untutored fishermen, in the publican at the market place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common people who heard Him gladly, He found His new bottles for the new wine. Those souls who gladly receive the light which God sends are His agencies for imparting truth to the world.

HLv 183.1

The teaching of Christ, represented by new wine, was not new doctrine but that which had been taught from the beginning. But to the Pharisees, Christ’s teaching was new in almost every respect, and it was unrecognized and unacknowledged.

HLv 183.2

“No man having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old was better.” The truth given through patriarchs and prophets shone out in new beauty in the words of Christ. But the scribes and Pharisees had no desire for the precious new wine. Until emptied of old traditions and practices, they had no place in mind or heart for the teachings of Christ.

HLv 183.3

This proved the ruin of the Jews, and it will prove the ruin of many in our day. Rather than give up some cherished idea or idol of opinion, many refuse the truth which comes from the Father of light. They insist on being saved in some way by which they may perform some important work. When they see there is no way of weaving self into the work, they reject the salvation provided.

HLv 183.4

A legal religion is a loveless, Christless religion. Fasting or prayer actuated by a self-justifying spirit is an abomination in the sight of God. Our own works can never purchase salvation. To those who do not know their spiritual destitution comes the message, “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen.” Revelation 3:17, 18, RSV. Faith and love are the gold. But with many, the gold has become dim, the rich treasure lost. The righteousness of Christ is a robe unworn, a fountain untouched.

HLv 184.1

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him the character of Christ will be manifest.

From Heaven With Love

Attempt to Alienate Disciples

HLv 180.3

Tenderly Jesus answered. He did not try to correct their erroneous concept of fasting, but only to set them right in regard to His own mission. John the Baptist himself had said, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice; therefore this joy of mine is now full.” John 3:29, RSV. The disciples of John could not fail to recall these words of their teacher. Taking up the illustration, Jesus said, “Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?”

Reflecting Christ

Christ an Example in Social Power, January 17

RC 31.1

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. Mark 2:15.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 6—The Answer Lies in the Soil

CSA 24.5

The “honest and good heart” of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. He has an honest heart who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. He has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey it. The good heart is a believing heart, one that has faith in the word of God. Without faith it is impossible to receive the word. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. 44Christ’s Object Lessons, 58, 59.

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

Faith Is More Than Talk

NL 22.2

The whole work is the Lord’s from the beginning to the end. The perishing sinner may say: “I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Mark 2:17). I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.”

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

“He Will Save Me Now”

NL 40.1

The perishing sinner may say: “I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Mark 2:17). I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.” [Selected Messages 1:392.]

True Revival

Faith Is More Than Talk

TR 31.1

The whole work is the Lord’s from the beginning to the end. The perishing sinner may say: “I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Mark 2:17). I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.”

True Revival

“He Will Save Me Now”

TR 47.1

The perishing sinner may say: “I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Mark 2:17). I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.”—Selected Messages 1:392.

With God at Dawn

Christ Came to Call Sinners, October 21

WGD 296.1

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mark 2:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 22, 1868

1LtMs, Ms 22, 1868, par. 1

I was shown that while Sister Wilson and Brother and Sister Maynard see the wrongs and errors in Brother and Sister Noyse and the Gravel family, they have not made that effort to correct their wrongs and help them that they ought to have made. They have left them too much alone, held them off at arms’ length, and have felt that it was no use to try to do anything for them. This is wrong. They commit an error in thus doing. Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] The Lord would have us help those who most need help.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 57, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 57, 1876, par. 2

I had a long conversation with Mary upon some of these points. She believed intellectually that Christ came into the world to save sinners. The Pharisees felt no need of a Saviour. Said Christ, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] It is those who feel their need of a Saviour, those who will by faith give the full consent of their hearts to receive Christ because they have personal need of Him. If we do not do this we cannot believe in Jesus in a saving sense.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 18, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 18, 1876, par. 8

I do not love to have you speak so much against California, as though it was no use to labor for them. They have not had the experience with us, and know not our life, as those the other side of the mountains. And yet our most severe and cutting trials that have bruised the soul and worn the flesh, have been experienced by us in connection with those who know us best. The cause in Oakland is in its infancy. The people who need help the most should not be left to perish while those who do not need help as much shall have the labor. Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 60, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 60, 1876, par. 3

I feel free in writing here, and shall not think of attending camp meetings without [knowing it is my] positive duty. Why does not my husband abide by what he told us all when he left, that if we did not go then we had better remain one year? Now I see no good reason that should change this arrangement, so count me out at the camp meetings. Will you write me what you know in regard to Littlejohn and other matters? I want to hear in reference to these things that have perplexed me so much. I feel the deepest interest in the cause of God in California. Their great need makes them more especially objects of labor. Says Christ, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] It is the most needy that need the very help that proper labor will give them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 83, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 83, 1886, par. 29

Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] It is not because a man is poor that he is of no value to Christ. What does God care for your riches? Does He make any difference in these things? Instead of this, it is the man who is poor and needy that is of high value in the eyes of Heaven.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow”

COL 58.2

The “honest and good heart” of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. He has an honest heart who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. He has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey it. The good heart is a believing heart, one that has faith in the word of God. Without faith it is impossible to receive the word. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 20, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 20, 1885, par. 16

I said, “Jesus stands at the door of your heart, my sister, knocking for entrance, inviting you to let Him in. Will you hear His voice? Will you open the door? Will you renounce self and welcome Jesus?” “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ... and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord of hosts.” 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. Jesus came to save sinners, not to destroy them. He declares, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. You who are sin-sick need the aid of the great, all-powerful Physician. Let Him do His work for you. “Wilt thou be made whole?” [John 5:6.] He is saying to you. What answer have you to give?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 4, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 4, 1888, par. 10

I think of how much Jesus has had to bear with our perversity. How many, many times we have disappointed Jesus, but He has not cut us off, but worked for us still. Then let us work kindly, patiently for the erring ones. They need help. Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] This is the great work that is greatly neglected and that needs to be done to help those whom Satan is working to lead into false paths that he might secure them to his service. Many, many souls he has secured that, had the Lord’s professed people been workers together with God, might have been saved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 21, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 21, 1887, par. 3

Christ says, I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance [Mark 2:17]; therefore if we are co-laborers with the Master, we are to work to build up the Master’s kingdom. We are to go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, and doubtless we shall return again, bringing our sheaves with us. It is the greatest work, it is the most elevated work that was ever given to mortals, presenting and lifting up Jesus Christ to the people. There is no work that is so paying as this work; it may not be in dollars and cents, and yet it is a work that the reward to the faithful worker is nothing less than an eternal weight of glory. Can we measure it? Can we take it in—an eternal weight of glory? You will never know all there is to it, for eternity is revealing and opening the new treasures that are reserved for the saints of the most high God; therefore I tell you it is a paying business, and we have proved the Lord, and we know that even in this life we have the blessings of God resting upon us, and we would not exchange our experience for all the gold in California.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 20, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 2

Said Jesus, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] And again, “I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance.” [Luke 15:7.] Will you not believe these precious words? Will you not receive them into your heart? “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] Is not this promise broad and deep and full? Can you ask more? Will you not allow the Lord right here to erect a standard for you against the enemy? Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Exercise faith, fight the good fight of faith, wrestle with these doubts. Become acquainted with the promises.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 21, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 17

We must believe that Jesus is our personal Saviour, and that He has made provisions to save us individually. We want to become a part of God’s great plan, and be learning more and more of the love and goodness of Jesus. He is willing to save me, even me, and to take me just as I am—not because I am righteous but because I am a sinner, and Jesus came to save sinners, and to make them righteous like Himself. “I came not,” says Christ, “to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 18f, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 18f, 1890, par. 1

I am interested in your case, as one who has erred; but I know not your sin, or the nature of your present sad condition. But I say to you the words of Christ, “I come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 1e, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 1e, 1890, par. 7

We are not saved because we are sinless. Christ came into the world to make a propitiation for our sins. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] “For 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.] “And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth, cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God.” [Verses 19-21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 85, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 85, 1891, par. 7

You may say, “Oh, I am a great sinner.” I admit it; Jesus is well acquainted with all this, and He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” [Mark 2:17]. He has paid the ransom money for sour soul, and the price was His own flesh and blood. The badness of your heart should not keep you away from Christ, but bring you closer to your only Hope, your only Helper. Will you allow Satan to triumph? He has unbalanced your mind, so that you are not able to reason calmly and sensibly. Oh, the marvels of the grace of Christ for you! Behold, how Jesus loves you! Satan is pleased to have you look upon God as a tyrant. There is no wrath in God except for the hateful character of sin. Lay your sin on Jesus; leave it to Him; then do what He tells you to do, as a little child, irrespective of consequences.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9a, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 6

Now, my sister, let your prayers ascend to your heavenly Father, and let this fifty-first Psalm be assurance and comfort to you. Do not keep yourself away from Jesus, for He loves you. You may say, He will not hear my prayers; I am a sinner. But Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Then you are not to wait, but come now, and believe that He will receive 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.” [John 3:16.] You cannot enjoy His blessing without any action on your part. Salvation is a gift offered to you free; on no other condition can you obtain it; only as a free gift. But co-operation on your part is essential to salvation. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] You are to come humbly, saying,

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 1, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 1, 1891, par. 33

Now when we begin to be discouraged and despairing, then if we search the Scriptures, why we will hang in memory’s hall the sweet utterances of God. And in the place of discouragement and darkness you will talk light, and rejoice in Christ your Saviour. Satan will tell you you are a sinner; yes, I know it, but Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] But now when temptation comes upon us, and we err and make mistakes, what shall we do? “Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another.” [James 5:16.] Clear the King’s highway! Talk of the truth of Jesus. Don’t let your conversation be on low, cheap things. If you are abiding in Christ you can do this. You want your words to be like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Then what? Talk of faith; talk of Jesus Christ; educate your mind to dwell upon Him; and don’t allow a single seed to be sown of discouragement or doubt, for it will spring up and bear fruit.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 6 [Nos. 347-418]

Cooperation Between Man and God in Salvation

6MR 18.4

[Mark 2:17 quoted:] Then you are not to wait, but come now, and believe that He will receive 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.” You cannot enjoy His blessing without any action on your part. Salvation is a gift offered to you free; on no other condition can you obtain it, only as a free gift. But cooperation on your part is essential for your salvation....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 61, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 61, 1891, par. 13

Then you, my dear sister, Reuben, and your attendant, have reason to hope in His mercy and to believe on Jesus Christ, that He can save you. Why? Because you are guiltless? No; because you are sinners, and Jesus says, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] When the devil whispers to you, There is no hope, tell him you know there is, for “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.] What more could God do for you, more than He has done, to make you love Him? Lizzie, believe, simply believe that Jesus means just what He says. Take Him at His word and hang your helpless soul on Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 32, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 32, 1893, par. 12

Are there those in the church who are looking for the backsliding ones? Those who have gone on Satan’s ground are the very ones who need your help the most. Said Christ, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] “Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Revelation 3:2.] There is need of much more of the mind of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 39, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 39, 1894, par. 4

Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] We should do very much more to carry the light into “regions beyond,” that sinners may be converted to the truth. [2 Corinthians 10:16.] Many of those who profess to believe the truth have heard a great deal from the Scriptures, have had golden opportunities and valuable privileges. Because of the abundance of privileges that have been given them they have not valued them as they should, or appropriated the truth to their souls as they should. Had the people had less instruction, and had unbelievers had a great deal more, it would have been more after the order of God. The living testimony should have been borne, and persons should have been set to work for those who are unbelievers. Christian growth is promoted by active work for others.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 70, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 70, 1894, par. 15

Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Let none dream that these obligations do not belong to this time, for they do rest upon all. “Moreover it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful.” [1 Corinthians 4:2.] Those who are making it manifest that they are not faithful in doing the very work that God has enjoined upon them are working in an exactly opposite direction to Christ. “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then thou shalt see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:5.] Be careful yourselves not to become tempters in evil things.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 62, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 62, 1894, par. 37

The Lord Jesus has come to our world to seek and to save that which was lost. He said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] “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.] How earnestly we should believe in Christ as our personal Saviour, cultivating an intense desire to use every God-given faculty, every God-intrusted capability of means and influence to present a crucified and risen Saviour to those who are in darkness. What a pity it is that so many professed Christians are infatuated and deluded with the flattering prospect of becoming rich, in order to make a display and to glorify self before the world!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 109, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 109, 1895, par. 10

God will not always give blessings to those who do not bless. He will not give grace to those who do not impart grace. He will not forgive those who have no spirit of forgiveness. How tender, how sensitive, how sympathetic should those whom the Lord has forgiven much be for those who are straying, who are wounded and bruised by the enemy. Will they unite with the adversary of souls to destroy? Will they work out the very spirit and attributes of the enemy who is forever pleading to use his power upon those who fall into error and do wickedly? Christ said to the Pharisees, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 38, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 38, 1895, par. 31

In every church the members are to be helpers, workers together with God. What was it that moved Christ to leave the heavenly courts and come to this world? Was it to save people who felt no need of salvation? Was it to confine His labors to those who, though they had been blessed with great light, had not improved their privileges? He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] The mission of Christ was to seek and to save that which was lost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 24, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 24, 1895, par. 9

The long human arm of Christ encircles the race, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. Satan will tell you that you are a sinner, and that it is of no use for you to pray; but sinners are just the ones who can pray, for Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Christ has opened the way for our prayers to ascend to God, and the fragrance of Christ’s righteousness ascends with the prayer of every repentant sinner. His spotless character is imputed to all who will come confessing their sins. We are not left in this world as orphans, for Christ has united fallen man to the Infinite God. No one who comes to the Father through Him is left helpless.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 43, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 43, 1895, par. 12

We are to follow the example of Jesus, who says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] We are to be wide awake, so that we may know what we can do to bless and save those around us. The moral image of God has been lost, but those who are laborers together with God are to restore in men the likeness of Christ. They are to impart ideas that will work their salvation, and that will prepare them to be temples of the Holy Ghost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 64a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 64a, 1895, par. 3

Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Let our ministers go forth weighted with the solemn message of warning. When men have had every advantage to obtain a knowledge of the truth how shall plans be laid to keep our laborers from the work of saving souls in the darkness of error? The time is short. Let the message of warning be given, clear and distinct. The Lord is coming to execute judgment upon all who obey not the gospel.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1020—Message to a Sinner: Look to Jesus, and Live!

13MR 150.2

You may say, “Oh, I am a great sinner.” I admit it; Jesus is well acquainted with all this, and He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” [Mark 2:17]. He has paid the ransom money for your soul, and the price was His own flesh and blood. The badness of your heart should not keep you away from Christ, but bring you closer to your only Hope, your only Helper. Will you allow Satan to triumph? He has unbalanced your mind, so that you are not able to reason calmly and sensibly. Oh, the marvels of the grace of Christ for you! Behold, how Jesus loves you! Satan is pleased to have you look upon God as a tyrant. There is no wrath in God except for the hateful character of sin. Lay your sin on Jesus; leave it to Him; then do what He tells you to do, as a little child, irrespective of consequences.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 24, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 24, 1895, par. 6

You may say, I have sinned against God; but if you have, you are just the one who needs the Saviour, for Christ is our Sin-bearer. He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] When Satan tells you that the Lord has forgotten you and will not regard you with favor, tell him you know in whom you believe.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 97, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 61

The wages of sin is death, and He freely offered Himself as a propitiation for the sins of men. We have every reason to hope in His mercy, to believe in His love. You have every reason to believe that He can, and will save you. Why? Because you are guiltless? No; because you are a sinner, and Jesus says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] The call is addressed to you, and when Satan says to you that there is no hope, tell him you know there is, “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 7, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 14

“I came not,” said Christ, “to call the righteous (you who feel no need of repentance), but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Those who are laborers together with God will work in Christ’s lines. There is many a poor soul who is misunderstood, unappreciated, full of distress and agony—a lost, straying sheep. His mind is beclouded, he cannot find God, and almost hopeless unbelief takes possession of him. Yet he has an intense, longing desire for pardon and peace.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 72, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 8

This was His parable. The Pharisees would not receive His lessons. His teachings were the very things they needed, because they were indeed sick; but, He said, ye will not come unto Me, that ye might have life, spiritual health, and soundness of principle. [John 5:40.] “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Those who felt their need He could help, [but the Pharisees] entertained the idea that they needed no enlightenment. They were perfectly satisfied with their spiritual condition.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 51, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, par. 1

The Word of God is given me to you, “We are laborers together with God” in working out your own salvation, and the achievements of personal religion. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Whenever the human agent accomplishes anything, it is in co-operation with God, in obedience to His Word. God works through His agencies, and man works in harmony with God. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] This is encouragement to you. It is His divine theory to guide you in all His plans, to do His good pleasure in His service. Declaim not against your inefficiency and defects of character. Jesus says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 101, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 101, 1896, par. 5

No man or woman can grieve the heart of God more deeply than to help Satan in his work by making souls unhappy and wretched and hopeless, and then leave them to perish. Christ was accused of eating with publicans and sinners. He turned toward them, while divinity flashed through humanity, and with a voice of authority, said, “I came not to call the righteous” (those who feel whole), “but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] As one who has a right, He encircles the erring and lost with His human arm, while with His divine arm He firmly lays hold of the throne of the Infinite. The radiant glory above the mercy seat is approachable unto Him whose attributes and mercy in behalf of man placed it there. It will never dim; it will shine as long as there is a soul to look and live.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 86, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, par. 13

O how earnest, persevering, and untiring should be the efforts of every sin pardoned soul to seek to bring other souls to Jesus Christ, that their neighbors shall become joint heirs with Jesus. Whoever is your neighbor is to be sought for, labored for. Is he ignorant? Let your communication, your association, make him more intelligent. The outcast, the youth full of defects in character, are the very ones God enjoins upon us to help. “I came not to call the righteous,” said Christ, “but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 95, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 95, 1897, par. 1

I write to you, my sister, as one of the Lord’s children. If you have spoken any words unfavorable to me, or even against me, it is not the unpardonable sin. The Lord is merciful and just. He will pardon all our transgressions and sins. He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] I freely forgive any words you have spoken against me, and I know the Lord is more tender and compassionate toward you than it is possible for me to be. My heart is drawn up in pitying love for you, and my prayers shall ascend to God in your behalf. Your Redeemer has given His life upon the cross of shame, in order to save all who will receive Him. Come to Jesus just as you are, and believe that He does love you. You must feast in the love of Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 73, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 7

The pious rulers would not receive John, and neither would they receive Christ, who declared unto them, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Christ clothed His divinity with humanity to meet humanity where it was, but not to speak the words of humanity. He sat at the table with publicans and sinners, where He was treated with much greater respect than among those of His own nation. He went among the most needy to speak words of life and to sow the seeds of truth, for there He found more hopeful subjects than among the jealous, prejudiced scribes and Pharisees, who thought themselves exalted to heaven by their position.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 147, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 6

The Pharisees could not understand why a holy Teacher sent from God should eat with publicans and sinners. Why did Christ accept the invitation to eat with publicans? Because He knew that at their tables there would be sinners to be saved. In all His words He scattered the seeds of truth. Thus the ambassadors commissioned by God are to do. They are to study how they can reach souls. They are to be found in every place where there are souls in need of a Saviour. To the priests Christ spoke words that were to live through all time, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Ye make the Word of God of none effect through your tradition. Ye teach for doctrines the commandments of men. Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 48—The Divine Standard

1SM 325.1

When the enemy comes in like a flood, and seeks to overwhelm you with the thought of your sin, tell him: “I know I am a sinner. If I were not, I could not go to the Saviour; for He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Mark 2:17). And because I am a sinner I am entitled to come to Christ. I am sinful and polluted, but He suffered humiliation and death, and exhausted the curse that belongs to me. I come. I believe. I claim His sure promise, “Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16).”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 133, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 133, 1897, par. 7

Jesus, whose purchased possession you are, is crucified afresh and put to open shame, because you do not represent Him in character, but follow your own will. Go to the great Physician. He knows exactly what is wrong with each one. He knows how to deal sympathizingly and pityingly with each soul. He has a balm for every wound that sin has made. He declares, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Then come just as you are. You will never have reason to turn away saying, “He does not understand my case.” Christ looks into our inmost soul; He knows everything about us. There are no secret chambers to which He has not free access. Every thought, every feeling is seen and read by Him. We need not wish to hide away from the only One who is able to deliver us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 144, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 144, 1897, par. 8

“I came not to call the righteous,” said Christ, “but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] All are carrying a heavy burden, which must wear upon them. It cannot be avoided. From the light given me by the Lord, the interest is too largely centered where the Spirit of God is evidently working, to be neglected. No time is to be lost; no labor or money spared in making this effort a success, both in Melbourne and in Sydney. Pray; watch for souls as they that must give an account.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 143, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 143, 1898, par. 21

This is our time to take hold of Christ by faith. The message of truth must go forth in the highways and hedges to gather up the halt, the poor, the maimed, and bring them to the gospel feast. This is the work all who believe in Jesus Christ will do. They are first to receive of Christ for themselves, and then give to others the blessings they have received. They are to give the gracious invitation, Come, for all things are now ready; come to the gospel feast. And those who come will receive the white garment, they will be clothed and adorned with the righteousness of Christ. God’s wardrobe is supplied with the appropriate dress. They will be feasted without money and without price. All who come in humility are thrice welcome. Christ declared to His disciples and the Pharisees, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] He declares that His work in coming to our world was to seek and to save that which was lost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 63, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 63, 1898, par. 10

Christ declared, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] “They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” [Luke 5:31.] It is not according to Christ’s teaching to expend undue time and attention upon those who know the truth, for there is danger of thus creating selfishness and helplessness. We are to remember that the souls of all are of value with God. Let those who have a knowledge of the truth inquire, How can I best meet these souls who take no interest in religious things?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 19, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 19, 1898, par. 3

Pride, covetousness, and exclusiveness marked the characters of the Pharisees, and these attributes were retarding the progress and extension of the kingdom of God. They had tried to bring Christ into disrepute by accusing Him of receiving and eating with publicans and sinners; but the lesson Christ gave was intended to reveal to them His motive in coming to the world. “I came not,” He said, “to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 97, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 97, 1898, par. 17

The Lord Jesus has made a great sacrifice in order to meet man where he is. He took not on Him the nature of angels. He did not come to save angels. It is the seed of Abraham that He is helping. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Christ helps humanity by taking human nature. Thus He lays hold upon man with His long human arm, and upon the throne of God with His divine arm.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 52, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 9

“I came not to call the righteous,” said Christ, “but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] We cannot be idle or indifferent. Souls are perishing around us. Many have already perished who might now be rejoicing in the truth had the church stood in her lot and place as laborer together with God. It behooves all who claim to believe in Jesus Christ to show their faith by their works. As soon as you leave the black banner of Satan, and stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel, there is earnest work for you to do the Master. There is to be a searching for the truth as for hidden treasure. It is at the peril of your soul that you are willingly ignorant of the conditions under which you have enlisted in the army of the Lord. We are to be co-workers with Christ in seeking to save that which was lost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 156, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 156, 1899, par. 7

We have no time to lose. The message is for the world. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” Christ says. [Mark 2:17.] Let the trumpet call be given. While some give the heaven-sent message to the large assemblies, let others go from house to house and open the Scriptures to the people, and angels of God will give the people ears to hear and hearts to understand.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 127, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 26

Christ said to the unbelieving ones, “John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him; and ye when ye had seen it, repented not afterward that ye might believe him.” [Matthew 21:32.] This unbelief is not an impulse. You criticized John because of his self-denying life and strict, abstemious habits. You find fault with Me because I sit at the table with publicans and sinners. The Lord set His seal to the mission of John when publicans and harlots believed him. But you cherished unbelief. You did not repent. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] You claim to be righteous. Why do you then object to My calling publicans and sinners to partake of the waters of life?

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 62—Justified by Faith

1SM 392.1

It is God that circumcises the heart. The whole work is the Lord’s from the beginning to the end. The perishing sinner may say: “I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Mark 2:17). I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 59, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 59, 1900, par. 51

I need not present the self-denial, the self-sacrifice, the humiliation, and crucifixion of the Son of God, which was the redemption price of a lost world. This we need to contemplate, that we may better estimate the value of the human soul. As we view the agonies which Christ endured as the price of redemption, we will consider every soul of value. The love of Jesus for souls cannot be measured. Christ died to save not only the few who accept Him; no, He came to our world to save every son and daughter of Adam. He came not to seek and save those who were faultless and lovely, but He came to seek and to save them that are lost. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] He is the true Shepherd, ever ready to leave the flock which is in the fold and to go into the wilderness to seek for the lost sheep.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 147, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 147, 1900, par. 3

I fear you have committed another error. Your mother desires you to come to her and her fatherless children. Do not inquire your duty of any human being. Circumstanced as you are, a missionary in the service of God, how can you serve His cause better than by seeking to save the souls of your brothers and sisters? Said Christ, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] If you are working to save perishing souls who are not your relatives, why do you not labor most earnestly to save your relatives? Are not their souls as valuable as the souls of those who are no kith or kin to you? May the Lord help you to see your duty. He can clear away all mist and fog, and give you clear insight.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 149, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 149, 1901, par. 20

As I have seen the fields ripe unto the harvest, and as I have seen the lack of interest manifested in them, I have wondered how you could do as you have done. I cannot understand it. If you are connected with Him who gave His life to save the world, how can you see the purchase of His blood perishing in their sins without making any efforts to save them? Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] We are not to give the call to those who have received the truth and understand it, to whom it has been repeated over and over again till some one thinks he must bring in something original. He brings in little tests which are not worth a straw. These he brings forward as tests God has given, when Satan has originated them to divert minds from the true tests God has given. Thou shalt love supremely the God of heaven. This is your first work. And when you do this, you will love your neighbor as yourself. You will treat human beings as souls Christ died to save. Put away all pettishness and fretfulness. All these things are to be purged from the heart. You are to be purified through belief in the truth. God wants us to have the sanctification of the Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 6, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 6, 1901, par. 5

To those who may look on, not caring to go to Brother Barry as a brother should go to a brother, to learn the particulars of the case and where he made mistakes, I would say, Be sure he feels his position more keenly than even you would make him feel it. My brethren, put yourselves in his place. When, after you have gone out of the way and done wickedly, you repent, does not God pardon your transgressions? Here is a colored man, who has passed through severe trials. Do you suppose that God has no helping hand for him? He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 115, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 115, 1902, par. 23

When the Pharisees saw Christ associating in friendly intercourse with unbelievers, they went to His disciples with the question, “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” [Matthew 9:11.] Christ met the charge for His disciples, declaring in the presence of the Pharisees and publicans, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 37, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 37, 1902, par. 26

When accused by the Pharisees of eating and drinking with publicans and sinners, Christ answered. “I came not to call the righteous”—the self-righteous—“but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Those who work for Christ are to reveal the love He revealed for sinners. This love is to be shown much more plainly than it has been. Christians are to seek and save that which is lost. Sinners are to be made witnesses for Christ. Those who have made mistakes are not to be thrown aside as hopeless. They are the ones whom those who are laborers together with God are to pull out of the fire, “hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” [Jude 23.] With hearts filled with the love of Christ, we are to labor for the erring, placing them where they can work for others, where they can show others the tenderness showed to them, revealing the grace that was the means of their conversion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 113, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 23

Because Christ carried the gospel to all people, because He accepted invitations to the houses of publicans, knowing that in this way only could He reach them with the message of heaven, the scribes and Pharisees said, “Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.” [Matthew 11:19.] “Why eateth your master with publicans and sinners?” they asked His disciples. [Matthew 9:11.] When Christ heard this, He declared, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] This was His vindication, and He kept steadily on with His work. And while the chief priests and elders scornfully rejected the truth He brought them, the common people heard Him gladly.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 126, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 126, 1903, par. 19

Christ was the perfect pattern for the gospel medical missionary. He came to seek the lost sheep, to save souls ready to perish. In answer to the charge that He ate with publicans and sinners, He replied, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Christ understood the laws of health. He partook of simple food and only ate that which would preserve the body in a condition of health.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 72, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 72, 1903, par. 5

Act your part in helping yourself, as all must do who would be blessed. Believe that Christ helps you. Refuse to speak a word of unbelief. When the enemy tells you that the Lord has forsaken you, tell him that you know He has not; for He declares, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 75, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 75, 1905, par. 9

I believe that Brother Simpson is presenting the truth as God would have many others present it. Some of the brethren in Los Angeles felt that he should do more in the church there. When this was suggested to me, I thought of the answer that Christ gave when the priests and rulers reproached Him for eating with publicans and sinners. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” He declared. [Mark 2:17.] Let the work now being accomplished for those who have never before heard the truth lead our ministers and church members in Los Angeles to arouse; let them take hold, as they see that God is working. Let them make diligent work in repenting of their coldness and indifference and selfishness. As the church is by repentance cleansed from this neglect, and the members are converted, they will heartily engage in laboring from house to house. By teaching those who are seeking for the light of truth, they themselves will receive a valuable education.

Selected Messages Book 3

The Assurance of Salvation Now

3SM 356.1

The perishing sinner may say: “I am a lost sinner; but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Mark 2:17). I am a sinner, and He died upon Calvary’s cross to save me. I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.”—“Justified by Faith” (a pamphlet published in 1893), p. 7. Reprinted in Selected Messages 1:392.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 31, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 31, 1905, par. 4

In response to the charge made against Christ that He ate with publicans and sinners, Jesus replied, “I came not to call the righteous (the self-conceited Pharisees), but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] His work was not for those who would not receive His message, but with and for those who might be helped and saved after His crucifixion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 66, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 66, 1905, par. 25

When the Pharisees complained because Christ and His disciples ate with publicans and sinners, the Saviour said, I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. [Mark 2:17.] He accepted the invitations given Him to attend different gatherings, and every time He went to one of these places, He spoke words that reached forth to rescue the lost sheep.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 67, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 67, 1905, par. 10

“I came not to call the righteous,” Christ declared, “but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] This was His work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 282, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 282, 1907, par. 4

We have a message to bear to sinners concerning the riches of the grace of Christ and the fulness of the Spirit’s power. We have direct appeals to make to the unconverted. When our workers, instead of hovering about the churches, will go forth to seek and save the lost, they will be workers together with Christ. When the question was asked the disciples, “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” the Saviour replied, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:11; Mark 2:17.] This is the work the Saviour calls us to do. The world was never in greater need of personal effort being put forth for the recovery of the lost than it is today. If one tenth of the effort that has been given to those who already know the truth had been put forth for those who are ignorant of the plan of salvation, a great work would be accomplished that still remains undone. The Lord is calling His ministers to search for the lost sheep and to encourage every church member to put forth self-sacrificing efforts for the salvation of sinners.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 278, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 278, 1907, par. 12

We need to put away our narrowness of vision. We need to search the Scriptures, studying the works of Christ in His efforts to reach every class of people. Again and again Christ was charged with receiving sinners and eating with them. But He said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] This is the answer we may give to those who would criticize our works because they cannot reason from cause to effect.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 17, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 17, 1908, par. 9

If more earnest revival efforts had been made, many who are now living in unbelief would have come to a knowledge of the truth. If special efforts had been made by the circulation of our publications, by the giving of Bible readings, and by faithful, untiring ministry as Christ gave example, many, very many would have been converted to the truth, and these in turn would have labored for their friends. Said Christ, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

That I May Know Him

How to Resist Satan, August 27

TMK 245.3

But the question is often asked, How can I resist Satan? There is only one way by which you can do this, and that is by faith, taking Christ as your helper and pleading with Him for strength. When Satan suggests doubt to your soul, when he tells you that you are too unworthy, too sinful, to realize the blessing of God, present Christ before him as your Advocate and Saviour. Tell him you know that you are a sinner, but that Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. He came “not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17).

This Day With God

Copying Christ’s Methods, August 28

TDG 249.1

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mark 2:17.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The “New Wine” of the Kingdom, January 13

YRP 21.1

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. Mark 2:22.

From Heaven With Love

A Sabbath Lesson

HLv 187.2

The spies at once complained to Jesus, “Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day.” Mark 2:24.

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.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 11—Sabbathkeeping

SJ 69.6

The Sabbath was not made to be a burden to man. It was to do him good, to give him peace and rest. Therefore our Lord said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27.

To Be Like Jesus

The Sabbath Designed to Bring Us Into Harmony With God, May 15

BLJ 146.1

And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27, NKJV.

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)....