EGW WritingsMatthew 11
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 8
Read Matthew 11 in the BibleMatthew 11:1-11
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 22—Imprisonment and Death of John
DA 214.1
John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ’s kingdom, and he was first also in suffering. From the free air of the wilderness and the vast throngs that had hung upon his words, he was now shut in by the walls of a dungeon cell. He had become a prisoner in the fortress of Herod Antipas. In the territory east of Jordan, which was under the dominion of Antipas, much of John’s ministry had been spent. Herod himself had listened to the preaching of the Baptist. The dissolute king had trembled under the call to repentance. “Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy; ... and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” John dealt with him faithfully, denouncing his iniquitous alliance with Herodias, his brother’s wife. For a time Herod feebly sought to break the chain of lust that bound him; but Herodias fastened him the more firmly in her toils, and found revenge upon the Baptist by inducing Herod to cast him into prison.DA 214.2
The life of John had been one of active labor, and the gloom and inaction of his prison life weighed heavily upon him. As week after week passed, bringing no change, despondency and doubt crept over him. His disciples did not forsake him. They were allowed access to the prison, and they brought him tidings of the works of Jesus, and told how the people were flocking to Him. But they questioned why, if this new teacher was the Messiah, He did nothing to effect John’s release. How could He permit His faithful herald to be deprived of liberty and perhaps of life?DA 215.1
These questions were not without effect. Doubts which otherwise would never have arisen were suggested to John. Satan rejoiced to hear the words of these disciples, and to see how they bruised the soul of the Lord’s messenger. Oh, how often those who think themselves the friends of a good man, and who are eager to show their fidelity to him, prove to be his most dangerous enemies! How often, instead of strengthening his faith, their words depress and dishearten!DA 215.2
Like the Saviour’s disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ’s kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled. He had declared to the people that in order for the way to be prepared before the Lord, the prophecy of Isaiah must be fulfilled; the mountains and hills must be brought low, the crooked made straight, and the rough places plain. He had looked for the high places of human pride and power to be cast down. He had pointed to the Messiah as the One whose fan was in His hand, and who would thoroughly purge His floor, who would gather the wheat into His garner, and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Like the prophet Elijah, in whose spirit and power he had come to Israel, he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God that answereth by fire.DA 215.3
In his mission the Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity, both in high places and in low. He had dared to face King Herod with the plain rebuke of sin. He had not counted his life dear unto himself, that he might fulfill his appointed work. And now from his dungeon he watched for the Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor, and to deliver the poor and him that cried. But Jesus seemed to content Himself with gathering disciples about Him, and healing and teaching the people. He was eating at the tables of the publicans, while every day the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel, while King Herod and his vile paramour worked their will, and the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven.DA 216.1
To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming. There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? Then what meant the message that he himself had been impelled to bear? John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission. He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8, 9); that there would follow a deep-seated work of repentance and returning unto the Lord. For the success of this mission his whole life had been sacrificed. Had it been in vain?DA 216.2
John was troubled to see that through love for him, his own disciples were cherishing unbelief in regard to Jesus. Had his work for them been fruitless? Had he been unfaithful in his mission, that he was now cut off from labor? If the promised Deliverer had appeared, and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor’s power, and set free His herald?DA 216.3
But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ. The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour’s presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,—all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One.DA 216.4
John would not discuss his doubts and anxieties with his companions. He determined to send a message of inquiry to Jesus. This he entrusted to two of his disciples, hoping that an interview with the Saviour would confirm their faith, and bring assurance to their brethren. And he longed for some word from Christ spoken directly for himself.DA 216.5
The disciples came to Jesus with their message, “Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?”DA 216.6
How short the time since the Baptist had pointed to Jesus, and proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” “He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me.” John 1:29, 27. And now the question, “Art Thou He that should come?” It was keenly bitter and disappointing to human nature. If John, the faithful forerunner, failed to discern Christ’s mission, what could be expected from the self-seeking multitude?DA 216.7
The Saviour did not at once answer the disciples’ question. As they stood wondering at His silence, the sick and afflicted were coming to Him to be healed. The blind were groping their way through the crowd; diseased ones of all classes, some urging their own way, some borne by their friends, were eagerly pressing into the presence of Jesus. The voice of the mighty Healer penetrated the deaf ear. A word, a touch of His hand, opened the blind eyes to behold the light of day, the scenes of nature, the faces of friends, and the face of the Deliverer. Jesus rebuked disease and banished fever. His voice reached the ears of the dying, and they arose in health and vigor. Paralyzed demoniacs obeyed His word, their madness left them, and they worshiped Him. While He healed their diseases, He taught the people. The poor peasants and laborers, who were shunned by the rabbis as unclean, gathered close about Him, and He spoke to them the words of eternal life.DA 217.1
Thus the day wore away, the disciples of John seeing and hearing all. At last Jesus called them to Him, and bade them go and tell John what they had witnessed, adding, “Blessed is he, whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in Me.” Luke 7:23, R. V. The evidence of His divinity was seen in its adaptation to the needs of suffering humanity. His glory was shown in His condescension to our low estate.DA 217.2
The disciples bore the message, and it was enough. John recalled the prophecy concerning the Messiah, “The Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Isaiah 61:1, 2. The works of Christ not only declared Him to be the Messiah, but showed in what manner His kingdom was to be established. To John was opened the same truth that had come to Elijah in the desert, when “a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire:” and after the fire, God spoke to the prophet by “a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:11, 12. So Jesus was to do His work, not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice.DA 218.1
The principle of the Baptist’s own life of self-abnegation was the principle of the Messiah’s kingdom. John well knew how foreign all this was to the principles and hopes of the leaders in Israel. That which was to him convincing evidence of Christ’s divinity would be no evidence to them. They were looking for a Messiah who had not been promised. John saw that the Saviour’s mission could win from them only hatred and condemnation. He, the forerunner, was but drinking of the cup which Christ Himself must drain to its dregs.DA 218.2
The Saviour’s words, “Blessed is he, whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in Me,” were a gentle reproof to John. It was not lost upon him. Understanding more clearly now the nature of Christ’s mission, he yielded himself to God for life or for death, as should best serve the interests of the cause he loved.DA 218.3
After the messengers had departed, Jesus spoke to the people concerning John. The Saviour’s heart went out in sympathy to the faithful witness now buried in Herod’s dungeon. He would not leave the people to conclude that God had forsaken John, or that his faith had failed in the day of trial. “What went ye out into the wilderness to see?” He said. “A reed shaken with the wind?”DA 218.4
The tall reeds that grew beside the Jordan, bending before every breeze, were fitting representatives of the rabbis who had stood as critics and judges of the Baptist’s mission. They were swayed this way and that by the winds of popular opinion. They would not humble themselves to receive the heart-searching message of the Baptist, yet for fear of the people they dared not openly oppose his work. But God’s messenger was of no such craven spirit. The multitudes who were gathered about Christ had been witnesses to the work of John. They had heard his fearless rebuke of sin. To the self-righteous Pharisees, the priestly Sadducees, King Herod and his court, princes and soldiers, publicans and peasants, John had spoken with equal plainness. He was no trembling reed, swayed by the winds of human praise or prejudice. In the prison he was the same in his loyalty to God and his zeal for righteousness as when he preached God’s message in the wilderness. In his faithfulness to principle he was as firm as a rock.DA 218.5
Jesus continued, “But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.” John had been called to reprove the sins and excesses of his time, and his plain dress and self-denying life were in harmony with the character of his mission. Rich apparel and the luxuries of this life are not the portion of God’s servants, but of those who live “in kings’ courts,” the rulers of this world, to whom pertain its power and its riches. Jesus wished to direct attention to the contrast between the clothing of John, and that worn by the priests and rulers. These officials arrayed themselves in rich robes and costly ornaments. They loved display, and hoped to dazzle the people, and thus command greater consideration. They were more anxious to gain the admiration of men than to obtain the purity of heart which would win the approval of God. Thus they revealed that their allegiance was not given to God, but to the kingdom of this world.DA 219.1
“But what,” said Jesus, “went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written,—DA 219.2
“Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face,Which shall prepare Thy way before Thee.
DA 219.3
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.” In the announcement to Zacharias before the birth of John, the angel had declared, “He shall be great in the sight of the Lord.” Luke 1:15. In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. If intellectual greatness, apart from any higher consideration, is worthy of honor, then our homage is due to Satan, whose intellectual power no man has ever equaled. But when perverted to self-serving, the greater the gift, the greater curse it becomes. It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most. John was great in the sight of the Lord, when, before the messengers from the Sanhedrin, before the people, and before his own disciples, he refrained from seeking honor for himself, but pointed all to Jesus as the Promised One. His unselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed in man.DA 219.4
The witness borne of him after his death, by those who had heard his testimony to Jesus, was, “John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this Man were true.” John 10:41. It was not given to John to call down fire from heaven, or to raise the dead, as Elijah did, nor to wield Moses’ rod of power in the name of God. He was sent to herald the Saviour’s advent, and to call upon the people to prepare for His coming. So faithfully did he fulfill his mission, that as the people recalled what he had taught them of Jesus, they could say, “All things that John spake of this Man were true.” Such witness to Christ every disciple of the Master is called upon to bear.DA 220.1
As the Messiah’s herald, John was “much more than a prophet.” For while prophets had seen from afar Christ’s advent, to John it was given to behold Him, to hear the testimony from heaven to His Messiahship, and to present Him to Israel as the Sent of God. Yet Jesus said, “He that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”DA 220.2
The prophet John was the connecting link between the two dispensations. As God’s representative he stood forth to show the relation of the law and the prophets to the Christian dispensation. He was the lesser light, which was to be followed by a greater. The mind of John was illuminated by the Holy Spirit, that he might shed light upon his people; but no other light ever has shone or ever will shine so clearly upon fallen man as that which emanated from the teaching and example of Jesus. Christ and His mission had been but dimly understood as typified in the shadowy sacrifices. Even John had not fully comprehended the future, immortal life through the Saviour.DA 220.3
Aside from the joy that John found in his mission, his life had been one of sorrow. His voice had been seldom heard except in the wilderness. His was a lonely lot. And he was not permitted to see the result of his own labors. It was not his privilege to be with Christ and witness the manifestation of divine power attending the greater light. It was not for him to see the blind restored to sight, the sick healed, and the dead raised to life. He did not behold the light that shone through every word of Christ, shedding glory upon the promises of prophecy. The least disciple who saw Christ’s mighty works and heard His words was in this sense more highly privileged than John the Baptist, and therefore is said to have been greater than he.DA 220.4
Through the vast throngs that had listened to John’s preaching, his fame had spread throughout the land. A deep interest was felt as to the result of his imprisonment. Yet his blameless life, and the strong public sentiment in his favor, led to the belief that no violent measures would be taken against him.DA 220.5
Herod believed John to be a prophet of God, and he fully intended to set him at liberty. But he delayed his purpose from fear of Herodias.DA 221.1
Herodias knew that by direct measures she could never win Herod’s consent to the death of John, and she resolved to accomplish her purpose by stratagem. On the king’s birthday an entertainment was to be given to the officers of state and the nobles of the court. There would be feasting and drunkenness. Herod would thus be thrown off his guard, and might then be influenced according to her will.DA 221.2
When the great day arrived, and the king with his lords was feasting and drinking, Herodias sent her daughter into the banqueting hall to dance for the entertainment of the guests. Salome was in the first flush of womanhood, and her voluptuous beauty captivated the senses of the lordly revelers. It was not customary for the ladies of the court to appear at these festivities, and a flattering compliment was paid to Herod when this daughter of Israel’s priests and princes danced for the amusement of his guests.DA 221.3
The king was dazed with wine. Passion held sway, and reason was dethroned. He saw only the hall of pleasure, with its reveling guests, the banquet table, the sparkling wine and the flashing lights, and the young girl dancing before him. In the recklessness of the moment, he desired to make some display that would exalt him before the great men of his realm. With an oath he promised to give the daughter of Herodias whatever she might ask, even to the half of his kingdom.DA 221.4
Salome hastened to her mother, to know what she should ask. The answer was ready,—the head of John the Baptist. Salome knew not of the thirst for revenge in her mother’s heart, and she shrank from presenting the request; but the determination of Herodias prevailed. The girl returned with the terrible petition, “I will that thou forthwith give me in a charger the head of John the Baptist.” Mark 6:25, R. V.DA 221.5
Herod was astonished and confounded. The riotous mirth ceased, and an ominous silence settled down upon the scene of revelry. The king was horror-stricken at the thought of taking the life of John. Yet his word was pledged, and he was unwilling to appear fickle or rash. The oath had been made in honor of his guests, and if one of them had offered a word against the fulfillment of his promise, he would gladly have spared the prophet. He gave them opportunity to speak in the prisoner’s behalf. They had traveled long distances in order to hear the preaching of John, and they knew him to be a man without crime, and a servant of God. But though shocked at the girl’s demand, they were too besotted to interpose a remonstrance. No voice was raised to save the life of Heaven’s messenger. These men occupied high positions of trust in the nation, and upon them rested grave responsibilities; yet they had given themselves up to feasting and drunkenness until the senses were benumbed. Their heads were turned with the giddy scene of music and dancing, and conscience lay dormant. By their silence they pronounced the sentence of death upon the prophet of God to satisfy the revenge of an abandoned woman.DA 222.1
Herod waited in vain to be released from his oath; then he reluctantly commanded the execution of the prophet. Soon the head of John was brought in before the king and his guests. Forever sealed were those lips that had faithfully warned Herod to turn from his life of sin. Never more would that voice be heard calling men to repentance. The revels of one night had cost the life of one of the greatest of the prophets.DA 222.2
Oh, how often has the life of the innocent been sacrificed through the intemperance of those who should have been guardians of justice! He who puts the intoxicating cup to his lips makes himself responsible for all the injustice he may commit under its besotting power. By benumbing his senses he makes it impossible for him to judge calmly or to have a clear perception of right and wrong. He opens the way for Satan to work through him in oppressing and destroying the innocent. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. Thus it is that “judgment is turned away backward, ... and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:14, 15. Those who have jurisdiction over the lives of their fellow men should be held guilty of a crime when they yield to intemperance. All who execute the laws should be lawkeepers. They should be men of self-control. They need to have full command of their physical, mental, and moral powers, that they may possess vigor of intellect, and a high sense of justice.DA 222.3
The head of John the Baptist was carried to Herodias, who received it with fiendish satisfaction. She exulted in her revenge, and flattered herself that Herod’s conscience would no longer be troubled. But no happiness resulted to her from her sin. Her name became notorious and abhorred, while Herod was more tormented by remorse than he had been by the warnings of the prophet. The influence of John’s teachings was not silenced; it was to extend to every generation till the close of time.DA 223.1
Herod’s sin was ever before him. He was constantly seeking to find relief from the accusings of a guilty conscience. His confidence in John was unshaken. As he recalled his life of self-denial, his solemn, earnest appeals, his sound judgment in counsel, and then remembered how he had come to his death, Herod could find no rest. Engaged in the affairs of the state, receiving honors from men, he bore a smiling face and dignified mien, while he concealed an anxious heart, ever oppressed with the fear that a curse was upon him.DA 223.2
Herod had been deeply impressed by the words of John, that nothing can be hidden from God. He was convinced that God was present in every place, that He had witnessed the revelry of the banqueting room, that He had heard the command to behead John, and had seen the exultation of Herodias, and the insult she offered to the severed head of her reprover. And many things that Herod had heard from the lips of the prophet now spoke to his conscience more distinctly than had the preaching in the wilderness.DA 223.3
When Herod heard of the works of Christ, he was exceedingly troubled. He thought that God had raised John from the dead, and sent him forth with still greater power to condemn sin. He was in constant fear that John would avenge his death by passing condemnation upon him and his house. Herod was reaping that which God had declared to be the result of a course of sin,—“a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: and thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life: in the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.” Deuteronomy 28:65-67. The sinner’s own thoughts are his accusers; and there can be no torture keener than the stings of a guilty conscience, which give him no rest day nor night.DA 223.4
To many minds a deep mystery surrounds the fate of John the Baptist. They question why he should have been left to languish and die in prison. The mystery of this dark providence our human vision cannot penetrate; but it can never shake our confidence in God when we remember that John was but a sharer in the sufferings of Christ. All who follow Christ will wear the crown of sacrifice. They will surely be misunderstood by selfish men, and will be made a mark for the fierce assaults of Satan. It is this principle of self-sacrifice that his kingdom is established to destroy, and he will war against it wherever manifested.DA 224.1
The childhood, youth, and manhood of John had been characterized by firmness and moral power. When his voice was heard in the wilderness saying, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:3), Satan feared for the safety of his kingdom. The sinfulness of sin was revealed in such a manner that men trembled. Satan’s power over many who had been under his control was broken. He had been unwearied in his efforts to draw away the Baptist from a life of unreserved surrender to God; but he had failed. And he had failed to overcome Jesus. In the temptation in the wilderness, Satan had been defeated, and his rage was great. Now he determined to bring sorrow upon Christ by striking John. The One whom he could not entice to sin he would cause to suffer.DA 224.2
Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would the Saviour have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to place Himself in the hands of enemies and imperil His own mission. Gladly would He have delivered His faithful servant. But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience!DA 224.3
Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God’s messenger; but that life which “is hid with Christ in God,” the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3. He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed of conquering John. Death itself only placed him forever beyond the power of temptation. In this warfare, Satan was revealing his own character. Before the witnessing universe he made manifest his enmity toward God and man.DA 224.4
Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God’s people through the coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, “Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end.” Matthew 28:20, R. V., margin.DA 224.5
God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 22—The Imprisonment and Death of John
HLv 137.1
John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ’s kingdom, and he was first also in suffering. From the free air of the wilderness, he was now shut in by the walls of a dungeon, a prisoner in the fortress of Herod Antipas. Herod himself had listened to the Baptist and trembled under the call to repentance. “Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy.” John denounced his iniquitous alliance with Herodias, his brother’s wife. For a time Herod feebly sought to break the chain of lust that bound him; but Herodias fastened him more firmly in her toils and found revenge on the Baptist by inducing Herod to cast him into prison.HLv 137.2
The gloom and inaction of his prison life weighed heavily on John. As week after week passed, bringing no change, despondency and doubt crept over him. His disciples brought him tidings of the works of Jesus and how the people were flocking to Him. But why, if this new teacher was the Messiah, did He do nothing to effect the release of John? Doubts which otherwise would never have arisen were suggested to John. Satan rejoiced to see how the words of these disciples bruised the soul of the Lord’s messenger. How often the friends of a good man prove to be his most dangerous enemies!HLv 137.3
John the Baptist expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed. He had looked for the high places of human pride and power to be cast down. The Messiah would thoroughly purge His floor, gather the wheat into His garner, and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. See Isaiah 40; Matthew 3. Like Elijah, he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God who would answer by fire.HLv 138.1
The Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity in high places and low. He had dared to face king Herod with the plain rebuke of sin. And now from his dungeon he watched for the Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor and to deliver the poor. But Jesus seemed to content Himself with healing and teaching the people. He was eating at the tables of the publicans, while every day the Roman yoke rested more heavily on Israel, while King Herod and his vile paramour worked their will, and the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven.HLv 138.2
All this seemed a mystery. The whisperings of demons tortured John’s spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission. He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8), that there would follow a deep work of repentance. Had his whole life been sacrificed in vain? Had his work for his own disciples been fruitless? Had he been unfaithful in his mission, that he was now cut off from labor? If the promised Deliverer had appeared and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor’s power and set free His herald?HLv 138.3
But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ. The voice from heaven, the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested on John as he came into the Saviour’s presence, the testimony of the Scriptures—all testified that Jesus was the Promised One.HLv 139.1
John determined to send a message to Jesus. This he entrusted to two of his disciples, hoping that an interview with the Saviour would confirm their faith. And he longed for some word from Christ spoken directly for himself.HLv 139.2
The two disciples came to Jesus with their message: “Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?” The question was keenly bitter and disappointing to human nature. If John, the faithful forerunner, failed to discern Christ’s mission, what could be expected from the self-seeking multitude?HLv 139.3
The Saviour did not at once answer the disciples’ question. As they stood wondering at His silence, the sick and afflicted were coming to be healed. The blind, the diseased were eagerly pressing into the presence of Jesus. The voice of the mighty Healer penetrated the deaf ear. A word, a touch of His hand, opened the blind eyes. Jesus rebuked disease and banished fever. His voice reached the ears of the dying, and they arose in health and vigor. While He healed their diseases, the poor peasants and laborers who were shunned by the rabbis as unclean gathered close about Him, and He spoke to them the words of eternal life.HLv 139.4
Thus the day wore away, the disciples of John seeing and hearing all. At last Jesus called them to Him and told them to go and tell John what they had witnessed, adding, “Blessed is he, whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in Me.” RV. The evidence of His divinity was seen; His glory was shown in His condescension to our low estate.HLv 140.1
The principle of the Baptist’s own life was the principle of the Messiah’s kingdom. But that which was to him convincing evidence of Christ’s divinity would be no evidence to the leaders in Israel. John saw that the Saviour’s mission could win from them only hatred and condemnation. He, the forerunner, was drinking of the cup which Christ Himself must drain to its dregs.HLv 140.2
The Saviour’s gentle reproof was not lost upon John. Understanding more clearly now the nature of Christ’s mission, he yielded himself to God for life or for death, as should best serve the interests of the cause he loved.HLv 140.3
The Saviour’s heart went out in sympathy to the faithful witness in Herod’s dungeon. He would not leave the people to conclude that God had forsaken John or that his faith had failed in the day of trial. “What went ye out into the wilderness to see?” He said. “A reed shaken by the wind?”HLv 140.4
As tall reeds beside the Jordan, the rabbis who had stood as critics of the Baptist’s mission were swayed this way and that by the winds of popular opinion. Yet for fear of the people they dared not openly oppose his work. But God’s messenger was of no such craven spirit. To Pharisees, Sadducees, King Herod and his court, princes and soldiers, publicans and peasants, John had spoken with equal plainness. He was no trembling reed. In prison he was the same in loyalty to God; in faithfulness to principle he was firm as a rock.HLv 140.5
Jesus continued, “What went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.” Rich apparel and the luxuries of this life are not the portion of God’s servants. The priests and rulers arrayed themselves in rich robes. They were more anxious to gain the admiration of men than to win the approval of God. Their allegiance was not given to God but to the kingdom of this world.HLv 141.1
“But what went ye out for to see?” asked Jesus. “A prophet? ... This is he, of whom it is written,HLv 141.2
Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face,HLv 141.3
Which shall prepare Thy way before Thee.”HLv 141.5
John was “more than a prophet.” While prophets had seen from afar Christ’s advent, to John it was given to behold Him and to present Him to Israel as the Sent of God. The prophet John was the lesser light to be followed by a greater. No other light ever will shine so clearly on fallen man as the teaching and example of Jesus.HLv 141.6
Aside from the joy that John found in his mission, his life had been one of sorrow. His was a lonely lot. And he was not permitted to see the result of his own labors. It was not his privilege to be with Christ and behold the light that shone through every word of Christ, shedding glory on the promises of prophecy.HLv 141.7
Herod believed John to be a prophet of God and fully intended to set him at liberty. But he feared Herodias. She knew that by direct measures she could never win Herod’s consent to the death of John; hence she resolved to accomplish her purpose by stratagem. On the king’s birthday an entertainment was to be given. There would be feasting and drunkenness. Herod might then be influenced according to her will.HLv 142.1
When the great day arrived, the king with his lords was feasting and drinking. Herodias sent her daughter into the banquet hall to dance for the guests. Salome was in the first flush of womanhood, and her voluptuous beauty captivated the lordly revelers. A flattering compliment was paid to Herod when this daughter of Israel’s priests and princes danced for his guests.HLv 142.2
The king was dazed with wine. Passion held sway, and reason was dethroned. He saw only the reveling guests, the banquet, the wine, the flashing lights, and the girl dancing before him. In the recklessness of the moment he desired to make some display that would exalt him before the great men of his realm. With an oath he promised the daughter of Herodias whatever she might ask, even to half of his kingdom.HLv 142.3
Salome hastened to her mother. What should she ask? The answer was ready—the head of John the Baptist. Salome shrank from presenting the request, but the determination of Herodias prevailed. The girl returned with the terrible petition: “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” RSV.HLv 142.4
Herod was astonished and confounded. He was horror-stricken at the thought of taking the life of John. Yet he was unwilling to appear fickle or rash. The oath had been made in honor of his guests, and if one of them had offered a word against the fulfillment of his promise, he would gladly have spared the prophet. He gave them opportunity to speak in the prisoner’s behalf. They knew John to be a servant of God. But though shocked at the girl’s demand, they were too besotted to remonstrate. No voice was raised to save the life of Heaven’s messenger. Upon these men of high positions rested grave responsibilities, yet they had given themselves up to drunkenness. Their heads were turned with the giddy scene of music and dancing, and conscience lay dormant. By their silence they pronounced the sentence of death on the prophet of God, to satisfy the revenge of an abandoned woman.HLv 143.1
Herod reluctantly commanded the execution of the prophet. Soon the head of John was brought in. Never more would that voice be heard calling men to repentance. The revels of one night cost the life of one of the greatest of the prophets.HLv 143.2
How often have the innocent been sacrificed through the intemperance of those who should have been guardians of justice! He who puts the intoxicating cup to his lips makes himself responsible for all the injustice he may commit under its besotting power. Those who have jurisdiction over the lives of their fellowmen should be held guilty of a crime when they yield to intemperance. They need full command of their physical, mental, and moral powers that they may possess vigor of intellect, and a high sense of justice.HLv 143.3
Herodias exulted in her revenge and flattered herself that Herod’s conscience would no longer be troubled. But no happiness resulted. Her name became abhorred, while Herod was tormented by remorse. He was constantly seeking to find relief from a guilty conscience. As he recalled John’s self-denial, his solemn, earnest appeals, his sound judgment in counsel, and then remembered how he had come to his death, Herod could find no rest. In the affairs of state, receiving honors from men, he bore a smiling face while he concealed an anxious heart oppressed with fear. He was convinced that God had witnessed the revelry of the banqueting room, that He had seen the exultation of Herodias, and the insult she offered to the severed head of her reprover.HLv 143.4
When Herod heard of the works of Christ, he thought God had raised John from the dead. He was in constant fear that John would avenge his death by condemning him and his house. Herod was reaping the result of sin—“a trembling heart, and failing eyes, and a languishing soul... . In the morning you shall say, ‘Would it were evening!’ and at evening ... ‘Would it were morning!’ because of the dread which your heart shall fear.” Deuteronomy 28:65-67, RSV. No torture is keener than a guilty conscience which gives no rest day nor night.HLv 144.1
Many minds question why John the Baptist should have been left to languish and die in prison. But this dark providence can never shake our confidence in God when we remember that John was but a sharer in the sufferings of Christ. All who follow Christ will wear the crown of sacrifice. Satan will war against the principle of self-sacrifice wherever it is manifested.HLv 144.2
Satan had been unwearied in his efforts to draw away the Baptist from a life of unreserved surrender to God; but he had failed. In the temptation in the wilderness, Satan had been defeated. Now he determined to bring sorrow upon Christ by striking John. The One whom he could not entice to sin he would cause to suffer.HLv 144.3
Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would the Saviour have come to brighten John’s dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to imperil His own mission. For the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist had passed through a similar experience!From Heaven With Love
Jesus Presents Evidence
HLv 139.5
The disciples bore the message, and it was enough. John recalled the prophecy concerning the Messiah, “The Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.” Isaiah 61:1. The works of Christ declared Him to be the Messiah. Jesus was to do His work, not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice.From Heaven With Love
No Man Greater
HLv 141.4
“I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.” Yet, said Jesus, “He that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” In the announcement to Zacharias before the birth of John, the angel had declared, “He will be great in the sight of the Lord.” Luke 1:15. In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world counts greatness. It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most. John was great in the sight of the Lord when he refrained from seeking honor for himself but pointed all to Jesus as the Promised One. His unselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed in man.From Heaven With Love
The Reason Christ Did Not Deliver John
HLv 144.4
John was not forsaken. He had the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ and the precious promises of Scripture. To John, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matthew 28:20, RSV.HLv 145.1
God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the purpose they are fulfilling as coworkers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29. Of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.Matthew 11:1-30
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 81—“The Lord Is Risen”
HLv 520.1
The night of the first day of the week had worn slowly away. Christ was still a prisoner in His tomb. The Roman seal was unbroken; the Roman guards were keeping their watch. Had it been possible, the prince of darkness would have kept forever sealed the tomb that held the Son of God. But heavenly angels that excel in strength were waiting to welcome the Prince of life.HLv 520.2
“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven.” The bright beams of God’s glory illuminated his pathway. “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”HLv 520.3
This messenger was he who fills the position from which Satan fell. As he rolled away the stone, heaven seemed to come down to earth. The soldiers saw him removing the stone as he would a pebble, and heard him cry, Son of God, come forth; Thy Father calls Thee. They saw Jesus come forth from the grave and heard Him proclaim over the rent sepulcher, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” As He came forth in majesty and glory, the angel host welcomed Him with songs of praise.HLv 520.4
At sight of the angels and the glorified Saviour, the Roman guard had fainted and become as dead men. When the heavenly train was hidden from their view, they arose and, staggering like drunken men, hurried to the city, telling those whom they met the wonderful news. They were making their way to Pilate, but the priests and rulers sent for them to be brought first into their presence. Trembling with fear, their faces colorless, the soldiers told all, just as they had seen it. They said, It was the Son of God who was crucified; we have heard an angel proclaiming Him as the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory.HLv 521.1
Caiaphas tried to speak. His lips moved, but they uttered no sound. The soldiers were about to leave when Caiaphas at last found speech. Wait, wait, he said. Tell no one the things you have seen.HLv 521.2
“Say ye,” said the priests, “His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept.” Here the priests overreached themselves. If they were asleep, how could they know? And if the disciples had been proved guilty of stealing Christ’s body, would not the priests have been first to condemn them? Or if the sentinels had slept, would not the priests have been foremost in accusing them to Pilate?HLv 521.3
The soldiers were horrified. Sleeping at their post was an offense punishable with death. Should they bear false witness and place their own lives in peril? How could they stand the trial, even for the sake of money, if they perjured themselves?HLv 521.4
The priests promised to secure the safety of the guard, saying that Pilate would not desire to have such a report circulated any more than they did. The Roman soldiers sold their integrity for money. They came before the priests burdened with a startling message of truth; they went out with a burden of money, and on their tongues a lying report.HLv 521.5
Meanwhile the report of Christ’s resurrection had been carried to Pilate. Though he had condemned the Saviour unwillingly, he had felt no real compunction until now. In terror he now shut himself within his house, determined to see no one. But the priests made their way into his presence and urged him to overlook the sentinels’ neglect of duty. He himself privately questioned the guard. They dared not conceal anything, and Pilate drew from them an account of all that had taken place. He did not prosecute the matter further, but from that time there was no peace for him.HLv 522.1
The priests, in putting Christ to death, had made themselves the tools of Satan. Now they were entirely in his power, entangled in a snare from which they saw no escape but in continuing their warfare against Christ. The only hope for them was to prove Christ an impostor by denying that He had risen. They bribed the soldiers and secured Pilate’s silence.HLv 523.1
As Christ arose, He brought from the grave a multitude of captives. See Matthew 27:52. They were those who at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth. Now they were to be witnesses for Him who had raised them from the dead.HLv 523.2
During His ministry, Jesus had raised the dead to life. But these resurrected ones were not clothed with immortality. They were still subject to death. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ’s resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave. They went into the city and appeared unto many, declaring, Christ has risen from the dead, and we be risen with Him. Risen saints bore witness to the truth of the words, “Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise.” Isaiah 26:19.HLv 523.3
In our Saviour, the life that was lost through sin is restored. He is invested with the right to give immortality. “I am come,” He said, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:54. To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. “When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:4.HLv 523.4
The voice that cried from the cross, “It is finished,” will penetrate the graves and unbar the tombs, and the dead in Christ shall arise. At the Saviour’s resurrection a few graves were opened, but at His second coming all the precious dead shall hear His voice and come forth to glorious immortal life. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise His church above all powers, not only in this world, but also in the world to come.From Heaven With Love
Caiaphas Urges Deceit
HLv 522.2
But there were witnesses whom they could not silence. Many had heard of the soldiers’ testimony to Christ’s resurrection. And certain of the dead who came forth with Christ appeared to many and declared that He had risen. The priests and rulers were in continual dread, lest in walking the streets or within the privacy of their own homes, they should come face to face with Christ. Bolts and bars were but poor protection against the Son of God. By day and by night that awful scene when they had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children,” was before them. Matthew 27:25.From Heaven With Love
The Guarantee of Our Resurrection
HLv 522.3
When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ’s tomb, saying, Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came forth from the grave by the life that was in Himself. Christ had proclaimed in triumph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings are dependent recipients of the life of God. Only He who is one with God could say, I have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again. See John 10:18.HLv 522.4
Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord. For more than a thousand years when the people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, the sheaf of first fruits, the first heads of ripened grain, was waved as a thank offering before the Lord. Not until this was presented could the sickle be put to the grain. The sheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest. So Christ’s resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14.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 16 (1901)
Lt 22, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 22, 1901, par. 14
The eleventh chapter of Matthew contains important instruction. We read there of Christ, “Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Verses 20-24.]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 21 (1906)
Lt 58, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 58, 1906, par. 5
I have not heard from any one in Battle Creek recently. I hope that Elder Farnsworth will have much of the Holy Spirit and will do the very work that should be done. May the Lord give His grace, is my constant prayer. Our faith must center in Christ as the only One who can help us. He is the One to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess, as men behold His exalted glory. He is the One to whom all allegiance will be given. Legions of angels stand ready to do His bidding. Behold Him by faith. He is our Redeemer, the One who is to be crowned and honored and worshipped. And He is the One who said to His disciples, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] He said again, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.]21LtMs, Lt 58, 1906, par. 17
When I see erratic measures entered upon, when I see a counterworking of God’s plans, when I see those who hold the truth failing to proclaim it as they should, I call to mind the words recorded in the eleventh chapter of Matthew:21LtMs, Lt 58, 1906, par. 20
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Verses 20-30.]Matthew 11:3-4
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 24b, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, par. 26
A lesson of faith is given us in the experience of Christ with the disciples of John the Baptist. Imprisoned in the lonely dungeon, John had fallen into discouragement, and he sent his disciples to Jesus, saying, “Art thou he that should come or do we look for another?” Christ knew on what errand the messengers had come, and by a mighty demonstration of His power, He gave them unmistakable evidence of His divinity. Turning to the multitude, He spoke, and the deaf heard His voice. He spoke again, and the eyes of the blind were opened to behold the beauties of nature, and to look upon the face of their compassionate Restorer. He put forth His hand, and at His touch the fever left the afflicted ones. At His command demoniacs were healed, and falling at His feet, worshipped Him. Then turning to the disciples of John He said, “Go and show John again the things ye see and hear.” [Matthew 11:3, 4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 24, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, par. 17
A lesson of faith is given us in the experience of Christ with the disciples of John the Baptist. Imprisoned in the lonely dungeon, John had fallen into discouragement, and he sent his disciples to Jesus, saying, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” Christ knew on what errand the messengers had come, and by a mighty demonstration of His power, He gave them unmistakable evidence of His divinity. Turning to the multitude, He spoke, and the deaf heard His voice. He spoke again, and the eyes of the blind were opened to behold the beauties of nature, and to look upon the face of their compassionate Restorer. He put forth His hand, and at His touch the fever left the afflicted ones. At His command demoniacs were healed, and falling at His feet, worshipped Him. Then turning to the disciples of John, He said, “Go and show John again the things which ye do see and hear!” [Matthew 11:3, 4.]Matthew 11:3-5
The Story of Jesus
Chapter 12—The Good Shepherd
SJ 80.3
“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Matthew 11:3-5.Matthew 11:3-6
The Ministry of Healing
Chapter 2—Days of Ministry
MH 34.2
“Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?” Matthew 11:3.MH 35.1
Thus the day wore away, the disciples of John seeing and hearing all. At last Jesus called them to Him, and bade them go and tell John what they had seen and heard, adding, “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.” Verse 6. The disciples bore the message, and it was enough.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 96, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 96, 1897, par. 15
The disciples sent by John inquired of Jesus, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” [Matthew 11:3.] Why was this question sent by John to Christ? The disciples of John were offended because Christ did not deliver the Baptist from prison, and they made suggestions to John, casting reflections upon Christ, that were painful to him. John said, “I send you to the great Teacher to ask Him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” Christ was in the midst of His work of restoring the afflicted, and by this work seeking to reach hearts and plant the seeds of truth. After He had performed His work, He answered the question of the disciples, “Go and show John again those things ye do hear and see. The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the poor have the gospel preached unto them. And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me.” [Verses 4-6.]Matthew 11:4-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 107, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 107, 1902, par. 8
When Jesus would prove to John the Baptist that He was the Messiah, He said to John’s messengers, “Go, and show John the things which ye do see and hear; the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached unto them.” [Matthew 11:4, 5.] The fruit that He bore in His life was His answer to John’s question.Matthew 11:5
In Heavenly Places
The Gold of Christian Character, June 15
HP 173.4
The highest honor that can be conferred upon human beings, be they young or old, rich or poor, is to be permitted to lift up the oppressed, to comfort the feeble-minded. The world is full of suffering. Go, and preach the gospel to the poor; heal the sick. This is the work to be connected with the gospel message. “The poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:5). Colaborers with God are to fill the space they occupy in the world with the love of Jesus.... The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull the love for those for whom Christ died will degenerate....Our Father Cares
The Gold of Christian Character, June 15
OFC 178.4
The highest honor that can be conferred upon human beings, be they young or old, rich or poor, is to be permitted to lift up the oppressed, to comfort the feeble-minded. The world is full of suffering. Go, and preach the gospel to the poor; heal the sick. This is the work to be connected with the gospel message. “The poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:5). Colaborers with God are to fill the space they occupy in the world with the love of Jesus.... The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull the love for those for whom Christ died will degenerate....From Here to Forever
Chapter 1—A Forecast of the World’s Destiny
HF 18.2
For three years the Lord of light and glory had gone in and out among His people, “doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil,” setting at liberty them that were bound, restoring sight to the blind, causing the lame to walk and the deaf to hear, cleansing lepers, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel to the poor. See Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18; Matthew 11:5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 22, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 22, 1898, par. 26
Christ declared, “The poor have the gospel preached unto them.” [Matthew 11:5.] Poverty abounds, and why? Because of the selfishness of men. The Lord Jesus knows what poverty means. He is the great missionary to the poor, the sick, the suffering. The king of heaven, He could have led a life of wealth and have lived among the wealthiest; but He chose poverty. And He has honored the poor who believe in Him, for He blessed them forever. Poverty with Christ is riches of the highest value. This poverty is sanctified and blessed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 61, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 61, 1898, par. 3
The commission given to the disciples is given to all who are connected with Christ. They are to make any and every sacrifice for the joy of seeing the souls saved who are perishing out of Christ. Whatever is done in the name of Jesus to bless and elevate and restore to human beings the image of God, is as acceptable to God as was the work of Moses. You who are the elect and chosen ones are to receive the divine commission to yoke up with Christ. You must never grow weary in well doing, for only in this can you represent Christ. The highest honor that can be conferred upon human beings, be they young or old, rich or poor, is to be permitted to lift up the oppressed, to comfort the feeble-minded. The world is full of suffering; go, and preach the gospel to the poor, heal the sick. This is the work to be connected with the gospel message. “The poor have the gospel preached unto them.” [Matthew 11:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 65b, 1898
NP
May 21, 1898
Portions of this manuscript are published in WM 22, 170-172.
13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 1
“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias, and when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” [Luke 4:16-19.]13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 2
This is a wonderful description of Christ’s work. The Pharisees and Sadducees despised the poor. The learned and rich neglected them, as though their wealth and knowledge made them of more value than those who were poor. But Jesus declared that it was His work to give encouragement and comfort and help where it was most needed.13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 3
These rich and learned ones exalted themselves above those who came to Jesus that they might have life. They trusted to their human wisdom for salvation. But the Word of God declares: “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness: but unto them which are saved it is the power of God; for it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ... For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are.” [1 Corinthians 1:18-20, 26-28.]13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 4
Christ came to this world not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. He was the great Physician. He knew that by His works of healing He could best reach the sick and afflicted, and that by this means He could draw the people to Himself. By being cured of physical suffering, many would be saved unto eternal life. “When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” [Matthew 8:1-4.] The leper was to follow the directions of Christ, that a testimony might be borne to the priests.13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 5
In Luke is recorded another instance of the Saviour’s power. “A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this, for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” [Luke 7:2-5.]13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 6
Christ did not need this urging. He was ever willing to give relief. He went with them, “and when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends unto him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: ... but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.” [Verses 6, 7, 9, 10.]13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 7
Christ came to the world to teach His followers the way to work. The disciples were to begin the great work by publishing the great truths of Christianity in the metropolis of Palestine, and from Jerusalem they were to go to all parts of the world. As Christ sent His disciples forth, He gave them their commission. “When he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” [Matthew 10:1.] This is just as verily a part of the work of those who proclaim the gospel message as it is to minister to the spiritual needs of the being. Christ’s followers are to act in His stead in behalf of their fellow men. And, in this age of the world, when Satan is stirred by a power from beneath to work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, the Saviour is waiting to co-operate with His servants.13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 8
Christ met with the greatest success among the poor, and with this class every human being, whether learned or unlearned, may find abundance to do. The poor need comfort and sympathy, for there are those who without a helping hand will never recover themselves. In working for these, Christ’s disciples will fulfill their commission. This is the highest credential of the gospel ministry. Had the gospel been of men, it would have been popular with the rich and mighty; but it pours contempt upon the rich and mighty, and calls upon all who accept it to work the works of Christ, helping those who are destitute, despised, forsaken, afflicted.13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 9
Those who take hold of the work for the love of Christ and the love of souls will work in Christ lines. This world is a lazar house of disease, but Christ came to heal the sick, to comfort the broken-hearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, to give sight to the blind. The gospel is the very essence of restoration, and Christ would have us bid the broken-hearted, the hopeless, and the afflicted, take hold of His strength, for the acceptable year of the Lord has come. “His own received Him not.” [John 1:11.]*****
13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 10
We must humble self today, tomorrow, and constantly. With a willing, sanctified heart, we must co-operate with God. We are living in the time when Satan has come down in great power. He is walking about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. But the Lord is ready to take away the sin that hinders us from yoking up with Christ. If we yoke up with Christ, He will be our Emmanuel—“God with us,” supplying every weakness with His strength, every inefficiency with His power and success. [Matthew 1:23.] But if we take glory in our selves, He removes His excellency from us, and we no longer ride prosperously.13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 11
Take up the stones, remove the rubbish from your hearts. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. God’s servants need constantly with one hand to lay hold of souls ready to perish, while with the hand of faith they lay hold of the throne of God. Souls possessed with evil spirits will present themselves before us. We must cultivate the spirit of earnest prayer, mingled with genuine faith, to save them from ruin, and this will confirm our faith.13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 12
God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, those possessed of evil spirits, shall hear His voice through us. Through His human agents He desires to be a comforter such as the world has never before seen. His words are to be voiced by His followers: “Let not your heart be troubled: Ye believe in God, believe also in me.” [John 14:1.]13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 13
The Lord will work through every soul that will give himself up to be worked, not only to preach but to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hearts of the hopeless. We are to act our part in relieving and softening the miseries of this life. The miseries and mysteries of this life are as dark and cloudy as they were thousands of years ago. There is something for us to do: “Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.] There are needy close by us; the suffering are in our very borders. We must try to help them. By the grace of Christ, the sealed fountains of earnest, Christlike work are to be unsealed. In the strength of Him who has all strength, we are to work as we have never worked before. The time of need and necessity makes plain our great need of a present, all-powerful God, in whom is everlasting strength, and in whose power we may work.13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 14
Day by day God must be with us, preparing us to learn of Him, that He may teach us perfect obedience. The secret of success is not in our learning, not in our position, not in our numbers, not in the greatness of our talents; it is not in the will of man. The Lord God of Israel is our strength. The willing and obedient will gain victory after victory. The Lord’s workers must feel their inefficiency, must contemplate Christ, and conquer through Him who is the thought of all thought, the strength of all strength. Grasp the hand of Christ, and say, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. He will respond, keep near to me; I will hold your hand. My grasp shall never relax. Possess your souls in patience, in meekness, in humbleness of mind, and yet, “Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Verse 1.]Matthew 11:5-28
Jesus, Name Above All Names
Only Helper, September 3
JNN 261.2
For three years the Lord of light and glory had gone in and out among His people. He “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil,” binding up the brokenhearted, setting at liberty them that were bound, restoring sight to the blind, causing the lame to walk and the deaf to hear, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel to the poor (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18; Matthew 11:5). To all classes alike was addressed the gracious call: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).The Great Controversy
Chapter 1—The Destruction of Jerusalem
GC 20.1
For three years the Lord of light and glory had gone in and out among His people. He “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil,” binding up the brokenhearted, setting at liberty them that were bound, restoring sight to the blind, causing the lame to walk and the deaf to hear, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel to the poor. Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18; Matthew 11:5. To all classes alike was addressed the gracious call: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem
GC88 20.2
For three years the Lord of light and glory had gone in and out among his people. “He went about doing good,” “healing all that were oppressed of the devil,” [Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18; Matthew 11:5.] binding up the broken-hearted, setting at liberty them that were bound, restoring sight to the blind, causing the lame to walk and deaf to hear, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel to the poor. [Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18; Matthew 11:5.] To all classes alike was addressed the gracious call, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.]Matthew 11:7-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 3, 1873
2LtMs, Ms 3, 1873, par. 6
We arose and walked in the orchard before breakfast. My head troubles me. We attended meeting at 10 a.m. At Sabbath school I spoke a few words to the children in reference to their lessons, “And what went ye out for to see?” etc. [Matthew 11:7-9.] I then spoke to the people from Malachi 3:13 and chapter 4:1-3. The ordinances followed. We think it was a profitable season. This is a delightful day. It seems like June weather rather than the fourth of January.Matthew 11:7-15
Conflict and Courage
What Made Him Great? September 27
CC 276.1
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11.CC 276.2
What was it that made John the Baptist great? He closed his mind to the mass of tradition presented by the teachers of the Jewish nation, and opened it to the wisdom which comes from above.42Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 445.CC 276.3
John the Baptist was not fitted for his high calling as the forerunner of Christ by association with the great men of the nation in the schools of Jerusalem. He went out into the wilderness, where the customs and doctrines of men could not mold his mind, and where he could hold unobstructed communion with God.43Fundamentals of Christian Education, 123.CC 276.4
John the Baptist was a man filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth, and if there was anyone who could remain unaffected by the corrupting influences of the age in which he lived, it was surely he. Yet he did not venture to trust his strength; he separated himself from his friends and relatives, that his natural affections might not prove a snare to him. He would not place himself unnecessarily in the way of temptation nor where the luxuries or even the conveniences of life would lead him to indulge in ease or to gratify his appetite, and thus lessen his physical and mental strength....CC 276.5
He subjected himself to privation and solitude in the wilderness, where he could preserve the sacred sense of the majesty of God by studying His great book of nature.... It was an atmosphere calculated to perfect moral culture and to keep the fear of the Lord continually before him. John, the forerunner of Christ, did not expose himself to evil conversation and the corrupting influences of the world. He feared the effect upon his conscience, that sin might not appear to him so exceedingly sinful. He chose rather to have his home in the wilderness, where his senses would not be perverted by his surroundings. Should we not learn something from this example of one whom Christ honored and of whom He said: “Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist”? 44Testimonies for the Church 4:108, 109.Matthew 11:10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 103, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 103, 1903, par. 10
The voice is heard, “I will send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make His paths straight.” [Matthew 11:10; 3:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 100, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 100, 1906, par. 4
God says, “Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face.” [Matthew 11:10.] This means unseen angels, who are preparing the way before us. We must be continually looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Just trust in the Lord, whether you live or die. Keep fast hold of your Saviour. Christ came to redeem humanity. Let us simply trust Him, in sickness and in all other trials. If we live, let us live unto the Lord. If we see that we are approaching death, we must still trust in the Lord. He is preparing mansions for all those who as little children put their trust in Him.Matthew 11:10-30
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 73, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 5
The Jewish priests and rulers held positions of great responsibility. But they were unworthy of the holy office. They were not ignorant men; they were looked upon by the people as wise teachers, whom they must obey. But Christ said, of them, “Whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children, sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” [Matthew 11:16-19.]12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 6
Here is shown the improper use made of the gift of speech. John was the greatest prophet born of women. “Verily I say unto you,” Christ declared, “among them that are born of women, there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist. ... This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare the way before thee.” [Verses 11, 10.] He was sent by God to prepare the way for His only begotten Son; but bitter, unkind words were spoken of Him, and those who spoke these word pronounced judgment on themselves in so doing. “They say, He hath a devil,” Christ said. [Verse 18.] Did that make it so? No; these words were spoken because he called men to repentance.12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 21
The yoke of Christ is the restraint of the Holy Spirit, and when we become heated by passion, let us say, No; I have Christ by my side, and I will not make Him ashamed of me by speaking hot, fiery words. Christ’s word to all who are connected with Him, is, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.]Matthew 11:11
Education
The Testing of Job
Ed 157.6
And in all the generations that have passed since then, suffering souls have been sustained by the testimony of John’s life. In the dungeon, on the scaffold, in the flames, men and women through centuries of darkness have been strengthened by the memory of him of whom Christ declared, “Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater.” Matthew 11:11.My Life Today
None Greater Than John the Baptist, November 21
ML 329.1
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist. Matthew 11:11.Ye Shall Receive Power
John the Baptist, September 21
YRP 273.2
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). In the announcement to Zacharias before the birth of John, the angel had declared, “He shall be great in the sight of the Lord” (Luke 1:15). In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. If intellectual greatness, apart from any higher consideration, is worthy of honor, then our homage is due to Satan, whose intellectual power no man has ever equaled. But when perverted to self-serving, the greater the gift, the greater curse it becomes.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 8b, 1894 [Copy 2]
9LtMs, Ms 8b, 1894, par. 2
In writing and speaking upon the life of John the Baptist and the life of Christ, I have tried to present that which has been presented to me in regard to the education of our youth. We are under obligation to God to study this subject candidly, for it is worthy of close, critical examination upon every side. Of John the Baptist, Christ declared, “Of them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater.” [Matthew 11:11.] That prophet was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness, away from the contaminating influences of the city, to obtain an education that would qualify him to receive instruction from God rather than from any of the learned scribes. He was not to connect himself with the rabbis. The less he became acquainted with their teachings, their maxims, and traditions, the more easily could the Lord could impress his mind and heart, and give him the pure mold of truth that was to be given to the people to prepare the way of the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 8a, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 8a, 1894, par. 1
Of John the Baptist Christ declared, “Of them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater.” [Matthew 11:11.] John the Baptist was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness, was taken away from the contaminating influences of the city into a country place where he might obtain an education that would qualify him for the work of God, for he was to be instructed by God rather than by any of the learned scribes or rabbis. He was not to connect himself with any of the schools of the doctors where he would be influenced by the multitudinous traditions and maxims of the acknowledged religious leaders. In the wilderness the Lord could impress his mind and heart, and give to him the pure mold of truth that was to be given to the teacher who should prepare the way of the Lord. He could not receive this mold and be connected with the scribes and pharisees, whose teachings turned the people away from unadulterated truth which was to be presented by the great Teacher who would soon enter upon His mission. The light of heaven was to be imparted to the prophet who was to be the forerunner of Christ, and this light, unmixed with human darkness, was to penetrate the hearts and minds of men.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 8, 1894 [Copy 1]
9LtMs, Ms 8, 1894, par. 2
In writing and speaking upon the life of John the Baptist and the life of Christ, I have tried to present that which has been presented to me in regard to the education of our youth. We are under obligation to God to study this subject candidly, for it is worthy of close, critical examination upon every side. Of John the Baptist, Christ declared, “Of them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater.” [Matthew 11:11.] That prophet was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness, away from the contaminating influences of the city, to obtain an education that would qualify him to receive instruction from God rather than from any of the learned scribes or rulers. He was not to connect himself with the rabbis. Their maxims and traditions were innumerable. In the wilderness the Lord could impress his mind and heart and give him the pure mold of truth that was to be given to the people to prepare the way of the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 126, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 126, 1903, par. 17
The necessity of strictly temperate habits was outlined to John, of whom Christ said, “Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist.” [Matthew 11:11.] John lived in the wilderness, where he would not be molded by the habits and practices of society or even of the Jewish church. As the forerunner of Christ, he was to lift his voice in rebuke of sinful practices. Many, even of the priests and rulers, came to him to be baptized, and he addressed them all as sinners. He condemned their course in departing from right principles. They were riotously eating and drinking and indulging in sinful practices.Matthew 11:12
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
Second Visit to Scandinavia
LS 298.1
“In the beginning, the work goes hard and slow. Now is the time when all should bend their shoulders to raise the load and carry it forward. Advance we must, though the Red Sea be before us, and impassable mountains on either hand. God has been with us and has blessed our efforts. We must work by faith. ‘The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.’ Matthew 11:12. We are to pray, believe that our prayers are heard, and then work.Our Father Cares
The Preciousness of Secret Prayer, May 25
OFC 157.2
A deep sense of our need and a great desire for the things for which we ask must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling, but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God.... It is the design of God to reveal Himself in His providence and in His grace. The object of our prayers must be the glory of God, not the glorification of ourselves....That I May Know Him
The Preciousness of Secret Prayer, September 23
TMK 272.2
A deep sense of our need and a great desire for the things for which we ask must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling, but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God.... It is the design of God to reveal Himself in His providence and in His grace. The object of our prayers must be the glory of God, not the glorification of ourselves....Ye Shall Receive Power
The Spirit Intercedes for Us, January 19
YRP 27.3
A deep sense of our need, and a great desire for the things for which we ask, must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary, and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling; but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God. The Lord answered the prayer of Daniel, not that Daniel might glorify himself, but that the blessing might reflect glory to God. It is the design of God to reveal Himself in His providence and in His grace. The object of our prayers must be the glory of God, not the glorification of ourselves.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Diary—January 1891
1888 868.2
“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12. What an encouragement to every soul! When, armed with the promises of God, you come to the Father in the name of Jesus, the Great Intercessor is seen by faith, standing at the altar of incense and having in His hand the golden censer. You hear His voice saying, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” John 14:16. What hope will fill your poor discouraged heart! What shame and remorse will you feel for your cherished unbelief!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 40, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 40, 1891, par. 14
“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12. What an encouragement to every soul! When, armed with the promises of God, you come to the Father in the name of Jesus, the Great Intercessor is seen by faith, standing at the altar of incense and having in His hand the golden censer. You hear His voice saying, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” John 14:16. What hope will fill your poor discouraged heart! What shame and remorse will you feel for your cherished unbelief!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 105, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 105, 1898, par. 14
“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” [Matthew 11:12.] We need to experience a resurrection on the subject of faith. Without faith (a faith that will rely upon a plain statement of the Word) it is impossible to please God. A faith that is not sustained by works is worthless. Says the apostle, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say, ... Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.” [James 2:14, 18.] That faith, if cherished in our hearts, will necessarily draw after it the good works which justify and endorse the faith of the believer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 156, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 156, 1899, par. 8
The worker who labors in humble dependence upon God, seeking His counsel at every step, will be guided by heavenly wisdom. Let them not trust in their own feeble efforts, but trust in God and pray to Him in faith. Ever remember that “the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” [Matthew 11:12.] We need to cultivate that persevering faith which will hold fast to the promises. Humble yourself, but exalt God. Empty the soul of selfishness and sin and lay hold of God’s power. Then you can claim His promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 261, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 261, 1899, par. 4
“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” [Matthew 11:12.] Sometimes there is need of patience united with perseverance, that “as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and return not thither again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth. It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish the thing whereunto I sent it.” [Isaiah 55:10, 11.] Now, this warrants us to have a very strong expectation. We need more faith, much more faith. You must give yourselves far more to earnest, humble prayer and ask with the simplicity of a child. There is a deeper experience for you to gain. Search the Word of life and let the Lord’s Word come to the people through you.Matthew 11:14
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 14—“We Have Found the Messias”
DA 135.3
It was believed also that before the Messiah’s advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, “If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come.” Matthew 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 14—We Have Found the Messiah
HLv 83.1
It was believed also that before the Messiah’s advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John denied, but Jesus afterward said, referring to John, “And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” Matthew 11:14, RSV. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. But the Jews did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah.Matthew 11:15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 106, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 106, 1898, par. 4
The Lord is speaking to the church in Rockhampton. O that they would be doers of His Word. My brethren and sisters, I call upon you in the name of the Lord to hear the Word of God and to practice it. Of the Israelites the apostle says, “The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” [Hebrews 4:2.] This opens before us the secret of this matter, the reason why there is so little accomplished by the many discourses that are preached. The words may be indited by the Holy Spirit, but the result lies with the ones who hear. The oft-repeated charge of the Lord in His word is, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8; 14:35.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 121, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 121, 1898, par. 7
The great trouble is that nearly all have lost their first love. They have not the evidence of their divine acceptance. They have not the witness of the Spirit. I never felt so much convinced as at the present of the need of repeating the Saviour’s words, “He that hath ears to hear, let him, hear.” [Matthew 11:15.] There are a very small number that are genuinely in sympathy with Christ Jesus, who show their allegiance to Him by keeping His commandments. They neither love God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, nor their neighbor as themselves.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 56, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 56, 1899, par. 7
The Lord Jesus has summoned the world to hear. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Matthew 11:15.] Let all listen with submissive, reverent attention. He repeats the words given him by the One who said, This is my beloved Son. ... Hear Him. Who is listening to the words which are light and life to all who receive them? Will men and women consider how God regards the creatures He has made? He formed man’s mind. We do not think one noble thought that does not come from Him. He knows all the mysterious workings of the human mind, for did He not make it? God sees that sin has debased and degraded man, but He looks upon him with pity and compassion, for He sees that Satan has him in his power.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 72, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 72, 1901, par. 3
With commanding authority the Lord Jesus has said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Matthew 11:15.] The Excellent Glory commands every son and daughter of Adam to give attention. It is for the eternal interest of every individual to do this. The Lord God summons the world to hear, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] Christ stands pre-eminent, above every teacher and authority in the world. Every word He utters is to be obeyed as law, as life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 38, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 38, 1907, par. 17
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Matthew 11:15.] “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.] One equal with the Father came to redeem man. He was the only One who could encircle the world with the atmosphere of heaven.Matthew 11:15-28
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 108, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 17
There is presented before me the work which has not been done, but which might have been done had those professing to be Christians been Christlike in character. I am bidden to say that all boasting is evidence that Christ’s invitation, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest,” has not been heeded. [Matthew 11:28.] Those who boast show that they are not wearing His yoke, or learning of Him His meekness and lowliness. All pretense is self-deception. When Christlikeness is not revealed in the life, it shows that the Saviour has been excluded from the soul.20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 32
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” [Matthew 11:15.] Read your Bibles. From higher ground, under the instruction given me of God, I present these things before you. The time is near when the deceptive powers of satanic agencies will be fully developed. On one side is Christ, who has been given all power in heaven and earth. On the other side is Satan, continually exercising his power to allure, to deceive with strong, spiritualistic sophistries, to remove God out of the place that He should occupy in the minds of men.Matthew 11:15-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 131, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 131, 1899, par. 5
There were times when Christ spoke with the authority of true greatness. “He that hath ears to hear,” He said, “let him hear.” [Matthew 11:15.] He called for submissive attention to His words, for although He was in human form, He bore His commission from the Excellent Glory. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] God summons the world to listen while He speaks, and to receive every word He utters as law and life.14LtMs, Ms 131, 1899, par. 6
Satan is working with masterly power to corrupt the experience of human beings, so that the influence of the truth will not appear in their lives and become a savor of life unto life to all who believe. Those who are purified and sanctified will have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The principles of Christ’s life are to be received into the soul by wearing His yoke, and learning of Him the lesson of obedience. “Learn of me,” says the great Teacher, “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] In following My example of meekness and lowliness, you will find rest. There will be no strife for the supremacy, no envy, no evil surmising. The soul will rest in the pure, holy love of God. The speech is pure, for it comes from lips that have been touched with the live coal from off the altar, thus [are we] prepared to deliver the message God shall give.Matthew 11:16-26
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 106, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 106, 1902, par. 30
Christ uttered a fearful denunciation against those who, though privileged to have Him among them, did not profit by His ministry. “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:21-24.]17LtMs, Ms 106, 1902, par. 31
Christ set forth in parable the condition of the Jewish nation. But He seemed to hesitate to speak the words that must be spoken. “Whereunto shall I liken this generation?” He asked. [Verse 16.] He sought for a fitting representation. The calamity that was soon to come upon the Jewish people was no greater than they deserved. They had heard the best of gospel sermons, but they did not appropriate the truth that would make them wise unto salvation. They heard the message of John the Baptist, but it did not lead them to form characters that would give them entrance into the kingdom of heaven. They trifled with the things of eternal interest. They were filled with proud conceit. Christ made every effort to bring them to a realization of their true position, that they might repent and be saved. But they rejected His warnings and despised His entreaties.17LtMs, Ms 106, 1902, par. 32
The people of Christ’s day had great light. They had clear evidence of His miracle-working power. But they misrepresented Christ and John, His forerunner, saying of John, “He hath a devil.” [Verse 18.] They imputed his severe denunciations of their sins to satanic inspiration, saying that he was not in his right mind, that he was a poor hypochondriac, full of fancies, led by a crazed imagination. And of Christ they said, “Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.” [Verse 19.]17LtMs, Ms 106, 1902, par. 33
In sorrow Christ wept over those who, having the plainest evidence of the divinity of His mission, turned from Him. His soul was filled with sadness as He thought of the result of their hardness of heart in rejecting Him and closing their eyes to the light. But He rises above His painful thoughts and offers God thanksgiving, saying, “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” [Verses 25, 26.]Matthew 11:16-27
Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1092—A Rewarding Visit With Uriah Smith
14MR 67.2
Friday night I spoke with much power before the people. The Lord’s Spirit was working. I wrote out some things to Elder Smith, very plain things, but thought I would wait a little before giving it to him. Sabbath I spoke in the forenoon from Matthew 11:16-27. I made a pointed application of these words, and the arrows from the Lord’s quiver struck to the heart.Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 98—Adapting EGW Material for General Use; Uriah Smith Repents; Mistakes of SDA Pioneers Not To Be Publicized
2MR 5.3
We had a special meeting of deep interest after I had spoken and many excellent testimonies were borne, especially from those who were earnestly seeking the Lord. It was a good meeting. On Sabbath I spoke from Matthew 11:16-27. I made a decided application of this lesson to those who had great light, precious opportunities, and wonderful privileges, and yet their spiritual growth and advancement was not in accordance with the blessings of the light and knowledge given of God. There was a solemn impression made upon the congregation, and fully two thousand persons were present. I had great freedom in speaking. In the afternoon the meetings were divided, and I hear there were excellent meetings in these divisions.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 108—To J. S. Washburn and wife
1888 851.3
On Sabbath [Jan. 3] I spoke from Matthew 11:16-27. I made a decided application of this lesson to those who had great light, precious opportunities, and wonderful privileges, and yet their spiritual growth and advancement was not in accordance with the blessings of the light and knowledge given of God. There was a solemn impression made upon the congregation, and fully two thousand persons were present. I had great freedom in speaking. In the afternoon the meetings were divided, and I hear there were excellent meetings in these divisions. Monday [Jan. 5] Elder Smith came to me and we had an earnest, faithful talk, I could see that he had a very different spirit from that he had months ago. He was not hard and unimpressible; he felt the words I spoke to him, laying before him faithfully the course he had taken, and the harm he had done through this position. He said he wanted to come into harmony with the testimonies of the Spirit of God. I had written to him thirteen pages [Dec. 31, 1890] and sent them to him—very plain words. Tuesday [Jan. 6] he called again to see me and asked if I would meet with a select few, that he had something to say. I told him I would. Yesterday, Wednesday [Jan. 7], the meeting was held in my room in the office, and Elder Smith read the letter I had sent him, read it to them all, and said he accepted it as from the Lord. He went back to the Minneapolis meeting and made a confession of the spirit he had occupied, casting on me very heavy burdens. Brother Rupert confessed also, and we had a very profitable, excellent meeting.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
A Rewarding Visit with Uriah Smith
1888 862.2
Friday night I spoke with much power before the people. The Lord’s Spirit was working. I wrote out some things to Elder Smith, very plain things, but thought I would wait a little before giving it to him. Sabbath I spoke in the forenoon from Matthew 11:16-27. I made a pointed application of these words, and the arrows from the Lord’s quiver struck to the heart.Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)
Feelings of Loneliness
3BIO 471.6
Friday night, January 2, 1891, she spoke to a well-filled Tabernacle, giving an account of the workings of the Spirit of God in the meetings she had attended through the past three months. Sabbath morning she spoke again, taking as her text Matthew 11:16-27 with its emphatic message “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (verse 21). She wrote of the meeting:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 3, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 3, 1891, par. 6
Sabbath I spoke in the forenoon from Matthew 11:16-27. I made a pointed application of these words, and the arrows from the Lord’s quiver struck to the heart.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 32, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 32, 1891, par. 6
On Sabbath [Jan. 3] I spoke from Matthew 11:16-27. I made a decided application of this lesson to those who had great light, precious opportunities, and wonderful privileges, and yet their spiritual growth and advancement was not in accordance with the blessings of the light and knowledge given of God. There was a solemn impression made upon the congregation, and fully two thousand persons were present. I had great freedom in speaking. In the afternoon the meetings were divided, and I hear there were excellent meetings in these divisions.Matthew 11:19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 2a, 1878
3LtMs, Lt 2a, 1878, par. 8
Jesus is our example in all things. His influence was broad and extended. No teacher ever placed such signal honor upon man as did our Lord and Master. He was known as a “friend of publicans and sinners.” [Matthew 11:19.] He mingled with all classes of society that all might partake of the blessings He came to bestow. He was found in the synagogues and in the market places. He shared the social life of His countrymen, gladdening with His presence the households of all who invited Him. But He never urged His way uninvited. He was active to relieve every species of human misery that was brought to Him in faith for relief; but He did not bestow healing power indiscriminately where there was manifested an independence and selfish exclusiveness that would give no expression to their sorrows nor ask for the help so much needed. All who came unto Him in faith He was ready and willing to relieve. Sorrow fled at His presence; injustice and oppression withered beneath His rebukes; and death and hell, the cruel spoilers of our sinful race, humbled themselves before Him and obeyed His commands.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 2, 1878
3LtMs, Lt 2, 1878, par. 6
No teacher ever placed such signal honor upon man as did our Lord and Master. He was known as a “friend of publicans and sinners.” [Matthew 11:19.] He mingled with all classes of society, that all might partake of the blessings He came to bestow. He was found in the synagogue and in the market place. He shared the social life of His countrymen, gladdened with His presence the households of all who invited Him. But He never urged His way uninvited. He was active to relieve every species of human misery that was brought to Him in faith for relief; but He did not bestow healing power indiscriminately where there was manifested an independence and selfish exclusiveness that would give no expression to their sorrows nor ask for the help so much needed. All who came unto Him in faith He was ready and willing to relieve. Sorrow fled at His presence; injustice and oppression withered beneath His rebukes; and death, the cruel spoiler of our sinful race, obeyed His commands.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 82, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 82, 1903, par. 14
No teacher ever placed such signal honor upon man as did our Lord Jesus Christ. He was known as “the friend of publicans and sinners.” [Matthew 11:19.] He mingled with all classes and sowed the world with truth. In the market place and in the synagogue He proclaimed His message. He relieved every species of suffering, both physical and spiritual. Beside all waters he sowed the seeds of truth. His one desire was that all might have spiritual and physical soundness. He was the friend of every human being. Was He not pledged to bring life and light to all who would receive Him? Was He not pledged to give them power to become the sons of God? He gave Himself wholly and entirely to the work of soul-saving.Matthew 11:20-23
Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1100—Warnings Against Worldliness, Rejecting Light, and Unconverted Leaders; An Appeal to Exalt Christ and Proclaim the Message of Righteousness by Faith
14MR 115.1
These men are saying in their hearts, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” and the thought is expressed not only in action but in words. “Be not deceived in regard to Christ’s speedy appearing,” these false guides are saying. “Peace and safety. The time is not yet. All things continue as they were from the beginning.” They are denying the truth in their spirit, in their works, and in their words. They come under the denunciation of Christ: “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” [Matthew 24:48-51]. See also Luke 8:12, 13; Matthew 11:20-23.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Warnings Against Worldliness, Rejecting Light, and Unconverted Leaders; An Appeal to Exalt Christ and Proclaim the Message of Righteousness by Faith
1888 1323.1
These men are saying in their hearts, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” and the thought is expressed not only in action but in words. “Be not deceived in regard to Christ’s speedy appearing,” these false guides are saying. “Peace and safety. The time is not yet. All things continue as they were from the beginning.” They are denying the truth in their spirit, in their works, and in their words. They come under the denunciation of Christ: “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” [Matthew 24:48-51]. See also Luke 8:12, 13; Matthew 11:20-23.Matthew 11:20-24
Christ Triumphant
Strive for a Heavenly Inheritance, March 14
CTr 80.1
If the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. Matthew 11:23.CTr 80.4
There is a lesson in this destruction of Sodom to those who lived in Christ’s day, and the message comes down the lines to our time. [Matthew 11:20-24 quoted.] We can see that their guilt was measured according to the proportion of light that shone upon them. And this is a lesson to every one of us before whom God has opened the precious light of truth....Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1437—Preach The Word
20MR 67.8
Those who refuse to heed the warnings sent by God may say, It is only man who is rebuking us. They may decide to follow their own sinful way, flattering themselves that in the reproofs sent the divine and the human are commingled. They may declare that they will not be instructed, that they will do as they please. Thus said the Jews in the days of Christ. Those who claimed to be pious, the priests and rulers, said of Christ, He hath a devil; therefore we need not pay the least attention to His words. He is only a human being. [Matthew 11:20-24, quoted.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 19a, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 19a, 1886, par. 7
There is a lesson in this destruction of Sodom to those who live in Christ’s day, and the message comes down the lines to our time. Matthew 11:20-24. We can see that it was according to the proportion of light that shone upon them that their guilt was measured. And this is a lesson to every one of us before whom God has opened the precious light of truth. It is impossible for me to describe to you my feelings as I passed through the cities on my way to Bienne and Lausanne. I looked upon these large cities that we passed through, and the message of warning has not reached them. I thought of you here in Basel who have the privilege of associating together and building up each other in the faith, and I thought, No light for these places. The very commonness of hearing the truth from week to week, and of receiving the efforts of the servants of God in your behalf, it loses its value in the minds of many of you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 115, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, par. 16
“Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which have been done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto thee, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 20, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 20, 1906, par. 26
“Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 81, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 81, 1906, par. 17
“Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 222, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 222, 1907, par. 6
On one occasion Christ was moved to condemn: “Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in you, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained unto this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-24.]22LtMs, Lt 222, 1907, par. 9
And every place that has turned from light and evidence falls under the same condemnation. Woe unto thee, Battle Creek, and woe unto thee, all who, having received great light, having seen manifestations of the powers of God, and having acknowledged this light and this power as from God, have turned from the light and refused to accept the evidence! To thee as to the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida, the words are spoken: “If the mighty works which were done in thee, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” [Verse 21.]Matthew 11:20-25
Christian Education
Chapter 17—Formality, Not Organization, An Evil
CE 140.1
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom; and when God is not depended upon, the result of education is only to elevate ungodliness. The reason that the church is weak and inefficient is that there is a want of the grace of Christ among those who profess the truth for these last days. If the Lord has ever spoken by me, there is sin of almost every character cherished by many who claim to be children of God; and unless they separate themselves from Satan and cling to Jesus our righteousness, the woe of God will be upon those who have had great light, and yet have chosen to walk in darkness. “Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin; Woe unto thee, Bethsaida; for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-25.]Matthew 11:20-30
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 141, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 141, 1903, par. 17
“Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not.” [Matthew 11:20.] Light was given them, but they were not willing to renounce their worldly-wise plans and their sinful practices. They repented not under the mighty influence of the Holy Spirit, but clung to their natural and cultivated tendencies to wrong.18LtMs, Ms 141, 1903, par. 18
“Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida!” Christ continued; “for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Verses 21-24.]18LtMs, Ms 141, 1903, par. 20
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” [Verse 25.] “The wise and prudent”—those who think themselves wise. God’s Word is to be studied. Divine revelations will be made to those who seek for wisdom that comes from above.18LtMs, Ms 141, 1903, par. 21
“All things are delivered unto Me of My Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Verses 27-30.]18LtMs, Ms 141, 1903, par. 24
Human theories are followed in the schools where human wisdom guides. The knowledge gained in these schools shows that divine guidance is needed. Many things are taught that are not a help, but a hindrance. Christ, the great Teacher, says, “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” [Verse 29.] The education that I will give will prune from you the ambitious desire to exalt self and to speak great swelling words of self-importance. Christ wants men to obey His directions. He wants them to work as He worked. He will teach and lead the one whose heart is meek and lowly.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 31, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 31, 1894, par. 22
Actual efforts must be put forth to save souls from sin and Satan. Why is it that men and women who know the truth do not work with all their God-given powers while mercy’s sweet voice is heard? Jesus is entreating, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:28, 29.] Many of those who are stay-at-home believers, are not taking upon them the yoke of Christ. They refuse to lift His burdens although He says “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Verse 30.] Christ carries the pressing weight, and bears the heaviest end of the yoke.9LtMs, Lt 31, 1894, par. 31
“Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin, woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:20-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 354, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 354, 1905, par. 8
Will the church do this in love for their Redeemer? If they continue in the same course they are pursuing, they are constituting themselves as the party Christ addressed in Matthew 11:20-24. This representation is precisely as it will be with those who have heard the truth and have not kept it, who spend their talents needlessly in putting into their mouths the most disgusting, defiling indulgences, using the means so much needed to work our cities, to work in the highways and in the byways.20LtMs, Lt 354, 1905, par. 22
While Satan is rejoiced to see the work retarded, strange ways of expending large means to make a display that counts very little should not and cannot be afforded. God will help every one of His churches who work in the meekness of Christ. We should all care much more than we have done to follow Christ’s example. He invites, “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29, 30. Who will heed this testimony?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 410, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 410, 1907, par. 19
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” [Matthew 11:20-27.]22LtMs, Lt 410, 1907, par. 21
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Verses 28-30.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 248, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 248, 1908, par. 9
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered unto Me of My Father; and no man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, but the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” [Matthew 11:20-27.]23LtMs, Lt 248, 1908, par. 10
To all, the Saviour gives the blessed invitation: “Come unto Me,” He says, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Verses 28-30.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1415—Counsels Concerning Sanitarium Work; Importance of Personal Holiness
19MR 374.3
[Matthew 11:20-27, quoted.] This is Bible truth. And of those who have clung to their own hereditary and cultivated tendencies, I can only say, They must have the converting power of God before they can be a blessing to others. Unless they are converted daily, they will have a continual warfare with self. They may plead for their own way, but their way is not always the right way. They must fall upon the Rock, and be broken. There is hope for them if they will heed the gracious invitation: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” [Matthew 11:28-30].—Letter 410, 1907.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
A Warning
9T 265.5
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:20-30.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
A Warning
3TT 413.4
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:20-30.Matthew 11:21
Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 994—An Appeal to Live the Truth and Share It
12MR 319.2
The more and increased light God has given makes the receiver more responsible. It does not place the receiver in any safer position unless the privileges are wisely improved, prized, and used to advance God’s glory. Christ said, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” [Matthew 11:21].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 164, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 4
They were just the same and carried on the very same unbelief and did not co-operate with Jesus Christ; therefore the woe was pronounced upon them. “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:21).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 184, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 24
Christ said: “Woe, woe unto thee, Bethsaida.” [Matthew 11:21.] Why, they had had the great work of preaching done in them, and they had not repented. They had heard it, but not repented. Now the work for us is to correct our defects of character. Why? We are educating for the higher school. Our education does not cease here, altogether. There are things we cannot understand in the Bible, that cannot be understood. We can guess at it, but He will take us, He will read it to us, so that we may know it is the truth.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Cherishing Faith, Not Doubt
1SAT 144.2
Now, I feel this in every meeting where I have been. I have felt that there is a pressure of unbelief. It is just as evident as it ever has been. I can go among the unbelieving (just as Christ spoke to the Samaritan woman, and the Samaritans came out and heard); I can go among those that have never heard of the truth, and their hearts are more susceptible than those that have been in the truth and had the evidences of the work of God. But they excuse it all. “Why, we did not know that some things were so and so.” When we get the Spirit of God in our hearts, He will speak to us. There is the trouble. When they see that God is working in a certain line, they commence with all the power of brain, and all the power of thought, and all the power of talk, as it has been the case here, to stay the work of God. Let me tell you, the testimony will be this: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” [Matthew 11:21].The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Cherishing Faith, Not Doubt
1888 611.2
Now, I feel this in every meeting where I have been. I have felt that there is a pressure of unbelief. It is just as evident as it ever has been. I can go among the unbelieving (just as Christ spoke to the Samaritan woman, and the Samaritans came out and heard); I can go among those that have never heard of the truth, and their hearts are more susceptible than those that have been in the truth and had the evidences of the work of God. But they excuse it all. “Why, we did not know that some things were so and so.” When we get the Spirit of God in our hearts, He will speak to us. There is the trouble. When they see that God is working in a certain line, they commence with all the power of brain, and all the power of thought, and all the power of talk, as it has been the case here, to stay the work of God. Let me tell you, the testimony will be this: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” [Matthew 11:21].Ellen G. White: The Early Elmshaven Years: 1900-1905 (vol. 5)
The Journey Home
5BIO 145.4
At Oakland, C. H. Jones met the travelers and took them by streetcar to his home for the night. While on the tram Ellen White brought up the subject of a call to Jones to go to Battle Creek to manage the publishing house there. That matter had been discussed with her in the East. She saw no light in the proposal. At breakfast she brought up the subject again, and Jones showed her his letter turning down the invitation. She nodded her approval and then in sad, yet yearning, tones repeated the words of Christ appearing in Matthew 11:21: “‘Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.’”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 55, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 55, 1886, par. 5
The more and increased light God has given makes the receiver more responsible. It does not place the receiver in any safer position unless the privileges are wisely improved, prized, and used to advance God’s glory. Christ said, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” [Matthew 11:21].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 2, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 2, 1890, par. 14
Now I feel this in every meeting where I have been. I have felt that there is a pressure of unbelief. It is just as evident as it ever has been. I can go among the unbelieving (just as Christ spoke to the Samaritan woman, and the Samaritans came out and heard); I can go among those that have never heard of the truth, and their hearts are more susceptible than those that have been in the truth and had the evidences of the work of God. But they excuse it all. “Why, we did not know that some things were so and so.” When we get the Spirit of God in our hearts, He will speak to us. There is the trouble. When they see that God is working in a certain line, they commence with all the power of brain, and all the power of thought, and all the power of talk, as it has been the case here, to stay the work of God. Let me tell you, the testimony will be this: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” [Matthew 11:21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 49, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 32
Shall we have to say of our churches in Melbourne, and especially of the oldest church, the North Fitzroy church, It is dark itself, and cannot diffuse light; it is cold at heart, and has not overflowing and subduing influence to pour out upon the lost? With all its members, that church is weak, and for the service of Christ, worthless. It is a dark church, that cannot shine. Have its members done despite to the Spirit of God? I fear greatly that were Christ on earth today, He would say, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been dine in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” [Matthew 11:21.]Matthew 11:21-22
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 66, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 66, 1905, par. 7
“Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida!” Christ said; “for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you.” [Matthew 11:21, 22.]Matthew 11:21-23
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 13, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 13, 1892, par. 21
I have my fears for Battle Creek, that the light that has been shining upon them will not exalt them to a deeper, higher plain of action. Day and night these words are ringing in my ears, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes ... And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained unto this day.” [Matthew 11:21, 23.] I tremble for Battle Creek. Oh, that God would roll back the mist and clouds that are gathering over her at the present time! But our trust must be in the Lord God of Israel. Jesus, precious Saviour, Thou alone canst be the help of Thy people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 121, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 33
Who among those now claiming to believe the truth are in a position similar to this—enjoying great light, yet standing in impenitence. Listen to the words of the Saviour: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.” [Matthew 11:21-23.]Matthew 11:21-24
The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters
July 2, 1907
PC 71.6
On one occasion Christ was moved to condemn: “Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto Heaven, shall be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in you, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained unto this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and in the day of judgment than for thee.” (Matthew 11:21-24)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 90, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 90, 1894, par. 16
“Woe unto thee Chorazin! woe unto thee Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained unto this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Matthew 11:21-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 102, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 102, 1901, par. 9
Of Chorazin and Bethsaida, cities in which the most of Christ’s mighty works had been done, which were exalted to heaven by being honored with His presence, the Saviour declared, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which are exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Matthew 11:21-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 180, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 180, 1902, par. 14
Mark the woe pronounced upon those who, having been given great light, refused to walk in God’s way. Speaking of the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, Christ said: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:21-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 93, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 93, 1907, par. 21
“Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then said Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” [Matthew 4:8-10.] Sometimes we must speak so decidedly that we shall not be misunderstood. After Christ had passed through these temptations, he fainted and was apparently dying. But there were angels of God, on whose bosom He leaned. They strengthened Him and provided Him with food. Then He was fitted to go out and proclaim the truth in correct lines with the power of the Spirit. After He had preached in the most powerful manner He said, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment, then for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Matthew 11:21-24.]Matthew 11:21-25
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 226, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 226, 1907, par. 12
One who looks beneath the surface, and who reads the purposes and designs of men, says to these souls who have had great light, but who are rejecting that light, as He said to the rejecters of His grace in His own day, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin, woe unto thee, Bethsaida, for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained unto this day. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:21-24.]22LtMs, Lt 226, 1907, par. 13
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” [Verse 25.] After Jesus had spoken to the multitude the parable of the sower and the seed, the disciples came to Him, saying, “Why speakest Thou to them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing, see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing, ye shall see and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Matthew 11:21-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 9, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 9, 1900, par. 7
I have no words with which I can make matters plain to you. I see from the light given me by God that there is no way whereby you may be made to comprehend. When Christ was upon this earth He witnessed against the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, saying, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ... And thou Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.” [Matthew 11:21, 23, 24.]15LtMs, Lt 9, 1900, par. 9
Amid the abounding of Israel’s sin, Christ recognized the grace of God. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:11, 12.] He declared, “My meat is to do the will of my Father, and to finish his work.” [John 4:34.] At the time of His rejection, He said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father; and no man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” [Matthew 11:25-27.] Man’s rejection of God did not impair Christ’s confidence in His Father.Matthew 11:21-29
The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca
1888 932.3
It is easier to crush and destroy the world than to reform it, but Christ gave His life to reform it. Disorder, darkness, and death cover the world like a funeral pall. Cannot men limited in experience learn by sitting at Jesus’ feet? By beholding His ways and His works, and viewing His self denying life, they become changed. “Learn of me,” He says, “for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest [peace] unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29.1888 948.3
It is no time now for us who claim to keep God’s commandments to range ourselves on the side of the transgressors, to see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their perverted senses. We must press together. We must labor to be a unit, to be holy in life and character, and no longer bow the knees to the idol of men’s opinions or to any shameful lust. We must no longer bring the offering of a polluted, sin-stained soul to the Lord. “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and in ashes. But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell.” Matthew 11:21-23.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 11:1-6
Conflict and Courage
In Prison for Christ’s Sake, September 28
CC 277.1
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29.CC 277.2
John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ’s kingdom, and he was also first in suffering.... He was now shut in by the walls of a dungeon cell.... As week after week passed, bringing no change, despondency and doubt crept over him. His disciples did not forsake him.... But they questioned why, if this new teacher was the Messiah, He did nothing to effect John’s release....CC 277.3
Like the Saviour’s disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ’s kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled.... There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? ...CC 277.4
But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ.... He determined to send a message of inquiry to Jesus. This he entrusted to two of his disciples.... The disciples came to Jesus with their message, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” ... The Saviour did not at once answer the disciples’ question. As they stood wondering at His silence, the sick and afflicted were coming to Him to be healed.... While He healed their diseases, He taught the people....CC 277.5
Thus the day wore away, the disciples of John seeing and hearing all. At last Jesus called them to Him, and bade them go and tell John what they had witnessed.... The evidence of His divinity was seen in its adaptation to the needs of suffering humanity....CC 277.6
The disciples bore the message, and it was enough.... The works of Christ not only declared Him to be the Messiah, but showed in what manner His kingdom was to be established.... Understanding more clearly now the nature of Christ’s mission, he [John] yielded himself to God for life or for death, as should best serve the interests of the cause he loved.45The Desire of Ages, 214-218.