EGW WritingsMatthew 21

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 63—“Thy King Cometh”

DA 569.1

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zechariah 9:9.

DA 569.2

Five hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah thus foretold the coming of the King to Israel. This prophecy is now to be fulfilled. He who has so long refused royal honors now comes to Jerusalem as the promised heir to David’s throne.

DA 569.3

It was on the first day of the week that Christ made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Multitudes who had flocked to see Him at Bethany now accompanied Him, eager to witness His reception. Many people were on their way to the city to keep the Passover, and these joined the multitude attending Jesus. All nature seemed to rejoice. The trees were clothed with verdure, and their blossoms shed a delicate fragrance on the air. A new life and joy animated the people. The hope of the new kingdom was again springing up.

DA 569.4

Purposing to ride into Jerusalem, Jesus had sent two of His disciples to bring to Him an ass and its colt. At His birth the Saviour was dependent upon the hospitality of strangers. The manger in which He lay was a borrowed resting place. Now, although the cattle on a thousand hills are His, He is dependent on a stranger’s kindness for an animal on which to enter Jerusalem as its King. But again His divinity is revealed, even in the minute directions given His disciples for this errand. As He foretold, the plea, “The Lord hath need of them,” was readily granted. Jesus chose for His use the colt on which never man had sat. The disciples, with glad enthusiasm, spread their garments on the beast, and seated their Master upon it. Heretofore Jesus had always traveled on foot, and the disciples had at first wondered that He should now choose to ride. But hope brightened in their hearts with the joyous thought that He was about to enter the capital, proclaim Himself King, and assert His royal power. While on their errand they communicated their glowing expectations to the friends of Jesus, and the excitement spread far and near, raising the expectations of the people to the highest pitch.

DA 570.1

Christ was following the Jewish custom for a royal entry. The animal on which He rode was that ridden by the kings of Israel, and prophecy had foretold that thus the Messiah should come to His kingdom. No sooner was He seated upon the colt than a loud shout of triumph rent the air. The multitude hailed Him as Messiah, their King. Jesus now accepted the homage which He had never before permitted, and the disciples received this as proof that their glad hopes were to be realized by seeing Him established on the throne. The multitude were convinced that the hour of their emancipation was at hand. In imagination they saw the Roman armies driven from Jerusalem, and Israel once more an independent nation. All were happy and excited; the people vied with one another in paying Him homage. They could not display outward pomp and splendor, but they gave Him the worship of happy hearts. They were unable to present Him with costly gifts, but they spread their outer garments as a carpet in His path, and they also strewed the leafy branches of the olive and the palm in the way. They could lead the triumphal procession with no royal standards, but they cut down the spreading palm boughs, Nature’s emblem of victory, and waved them aloft with loud acclamations and hosannas.

DA 570.2

As they proceeded, the multitude was continually increased by those who had heard of the coming of Jesus and hastened to join the procession. Spectators were constantly mingling with the throng, and asking, Who is this? What does all this commotion signify? They had all heard of Jesus, and expected Him to go to Jerusalem; but they knew that He had heretofore discouraged all effort to place Him on the throne, and they were greatly astonished to learn that this was He. They wondered what could have wrought this change in Him who had declared that His kingdom was not of this world.

DA 571.1

Their questionings are silenced by a shout of triumph. Again and again it is repeated by the eager throng; it is taken up by the people afar off, and echoed from the surrounding hills and valleys. And now the procession is joined by crowds from Jerusalem. From the multitudes gathered to attend the Passover, thousands go forth to welcome Jesus. They greet Him with the waving of palm branches and a burst of sacred song. The priests at the temple sound the trumpet for evening service, but there are few to respond, and the rulers say to one another in alarm. “The world is gone after Him.”

DA 571.2

Never before in His earthly life had Jesus permitted such a demonstration. He clearly foresaw the result. It would bring Him to the cross. But it was His purpose thus publicly to present Himself as the Redeemer. He desired to call attention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission to a fallen world. While the people were assembling at Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, He, the antitypical Lamb, by a voluntary act set Himself apart as an oblation. It would be needful for His church in all succeeding ages to make His death for the sins of the world a subject of deep thought and study. Every fact connected with it should be verified beyond a doubt. It was necessary, then, that the eyes of all people should now be directed to Him; the events which preceded His great sacrifice must be such as to call attention to the sacrifice itself. After such a demonstration as that attending His entry into Jerusalem, all eyes would follow His rapid progress to the final scene.

DA 571.3

The events connected with this triumphal ride would be the talk of every tongue, and would bring Jesus before every mind. After His crucifixion, many would recall these events in their connection with His trial and death. They would be led to search the prophecies, and would be convinced that Jesus was the Messiah; and in all lands converts to the faith would be multiplied.

DA 571.4

In this one triumphant scene of His earthly life, the Saviour might have appeared escorted by heavenly angels, and heralded by the trump of God; but such a demonstration would have been contrary to the purpose of His mission, contrary to the law which had governed His life. He remained true to the humble lot He had accepted. The burden of humanity He must bear until His life was given for the life of the world.

DA 571.5

This day, which seemed to the disciples the crowning day of their lives, would have been shadowed with gloomy clouds had they known that this scene of rejoicing was but a prelude to the suffering and death of their Master. Although He had repeatedly told them of His certain sacrifice, yet in the glad triumph of the present they forgot His sorrowful words, and looked forward to His prosperous reign on David’s throne.

DA 572.1

New accessions were made continually to the procession, and, with few exceptions, all who joined it caught the inspiration of the hour, and helped to swell the hosannas that echoed and re-echoed from hill to hill and from valley to valley. The shouts went up continually, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.”

DA 572.2

Never before had the world seen such a triumphal procession. It was not like that of the earth’s famous conquerors. No train of mourning captives, as trophies of kingly valor, made a feature of that scene. But about the Saviour were the glorious trophies of His labors of love for sinful man. There were the captives whom He had rescued from Satan’s power, praising God for their deliverance. The blind whom He had restored to sight were leading the way. The dumb whose tongues He had loosed shouted the loudest hosannas. The cripples whom He had healed bounded with joy, and were the most active in breaking the palm branches and waving them before the Saviour. Widows and orphans were exalting the name of Jesus for His works of mercy to them. The lepers whom He had cleansed spread their untainted garments in His path, and hailed Him as the King of glory. Those whom His voice had awakened from the sleep of death were in that throng. Lazarus, whose body had seen corruption in the grave, but who now rejoiced in the strength of glorious manhood, led the beast on which the Saviour rode.

DA 572.3

Many Pharisees witnessed the scene, and, burning with envy and malice, sought to turn the current of popular feeling. With all their authority they tried to silence the people; but their appeals and threats only increased the enthusiasm. They feared that this multitude, in the strength of their numbers, would make Jesus king. As a last resort they pressed through the crowd to where the Saviour was, and accosted Him with reproving and threatening words: “Master, rebuke Thy disciples.” They declared that such noisy demonstrations were unlawful, and would not be permitted by the authorities. But they were silenced by the reply of Jesus, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” That scene of triumph was of God’s own appointing. It had been foretold by the prophet, and man was powerless to turn aside God’s purpose. Had men failed to carry out His plan, He would have given a voice to the inanimate stones, and they would have hailed His Son with acclamations of praise. As the silenced Pharisees drew back, the words of Zechariah were taken up by hundreds of voices: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

DA 575.1

When the procession reached the brow of the hill, and was about to descend into the city, Jesus halted, and all the multitude with Him. Before them lay Jerusalem in its glory, now bathed in the light of the declining sun. The temple attracted all eyes. In stately grandeur it towered above all else, seeming to point toward heaven as if directing the people to the only true and living God. The temple had long been the pride and glory of the Jewish nation. The Romans also prided themselves in its magnificence. A king appointed by the Romans had united with the Jews to rebuild and embellish it, and the emperor of Rome had enriched it with his gifts. Its strength, richness, and magnificence had made it one of the wonders of the world.

DA 575.2

While the westering sun was tinting and gilding the heavens, its resplendent glory lighted up the pure white marble of the temple walls, and sparkled on its gold-capped pillars. From the crest of the hill where Jesus and His followers stood, it had the appearance of a massive structure of snow, set with golden pinnacles. At the entrance to the temple was a vine of gold and silver, with green leaves and massive clusters of grapes executed by the most skillful artists. This design represented Israel as a prosperous vine. The gold, silver, and living green were combined with rare taste and exquisite workmanship; as it twined gracefully about the white and glistening pillars, clinging with shining tendrils to their golden ornaments, it caught the splendor of the setting sun, shining as if with a glory borrowed from heaven.

DA 575.3

Jesus gazes upon the scene, and the vast multitude hush their shouts, spellbound by the sudden vision of beauty. All eyes turn upon the Saviour, expecting to see in His countenance the admiration they themselves feel. But instead of this they behold a cloud of sorrow. They are surprised and disappointed to see His eyes fill with tears, and His body rock to and fro like a tree before the tempest, while a wail of anguish bursts from His quivering lips, as if from the depths of a broken heart. What a sight was this for angels to behold! their loved Commander in an agony of tears! What a sight was this for the glad throng that with shouts of triumph and the waving of palm branches were escorting Him to the glorious city, where they fondly hoped He was about to reign! Jesus had wept at the grave of Lazarus, but it was in a godlike grief in sympathy with human woe. But this sudden sorrow was like a note of wailing in a grand triumphal chorus. In the midst of a scene of rejoicing, where all were paying Him homage, Israel’s King was in tears; not silent tears of gladness, but tears and groans of insuppressible agony. The multitude were struck with a sudden gloom. Their acclamations were silenced. Many wept in sympathy with a grief they could not comprehend.

DA 576.1

The tears of Jesus were not in anticipation of His own suffering. Just before Him was Gethsemane, where soon the horror of a great darkness would overshadow Him. The sheepgate also was in sight, through which for centuries the beasts for sacrificial offerings had been led. This gate was soon to open for Him, the great Antitype, toward whose sacrifice for the sins of the world all these offerings had pointed. Near by was Calvary, the scene of His approaching agony. Yet it was not because of these reminders of His cruel death that the Redeemer wept and groaned in anguish of spirit. His was no selfish sorrow. The thought of His own agony did not intimidate that noble, self-sacrificing soul. It was the sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of Jesus—Jerusalem that had rejected the Son of God and scorned His love, that refused to be convinced by His mighty miracles, and was about to take His life. He saw what she was in her guilt of rejecting her Redeemer, and what she might have been had she accepted Him who alone could heal her wound. He had come to save her; how could He give her up?

DA 576.2

Israel had been a favored people; God had made their temple His habitation; it was “beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth.” Psalm 48:2. The record of more than a thousand years of Christ’s guardian care and tender love, such as a father bears his only child, was there. In that temple the prophets had uttered their solemn warnings. There had the burning censers waved, while incense, mingled with the prayers of the worshipers, had ascended to God. There the blood of beasts had flowed, typical of the blood of Christ. There Jehovah had manifested His glory above the mercy seat. There the priests had officiated, and the pomp of symbol and ceremony had gone on for ages. But all this must have an end.

DA 576.3

Jesus raised His hand,—that had so often blessed the sick and suffering,—and waving it toward the doomed city, in broken utterances of grief exclaimed: “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!—” Here the Saviour paused, and left unsaid what might have been the condition of Jerusalem had she accepted the help that God desired to give her,—the gift of His beloved Son. If Jerusalem had known what it was her privilege to know, and had heeded the light which Heaven had sent her, she might have stood forth in the pride of prosperity, the queen of kingdoms, free in the strength of her God-given power. There would have been no armed soldiers standing at her gates, no Roman banners waving from her walls. The glorious destiny that might have blessed Jerusalem had she accepted her Redeemer rose before the Son of God. He saw that she might through Him have been healed of her grievous malady, liberated from bondage, and established as the mighty metropolis of the earth. From her walls the dove of peace would have gone forth to all nations. She would have been the world’s diadem of glory.

DA 577.1

But the bright picture of what Jerusalem might have been fades from the Saviour’s sight. He realizes what she now is under the Roman yoke, bearing the frown of God, doomed to His retributive judgment. He takes up the broken thread of His lamentation: “But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”

DA 577.2

Christ came to save Jerusalem with her children; but Pharisaical pride, hypocrisy, jealousy, and malice had prevented Him from accomplishing His purpose. Jesus knew the terrible retribution which would be visited upon the doomed city. He saw Jerusalem encompassed with armies, the besieged inhabitants driven to starvation and death, mothers feeding upon the dead bodies of their own children, and both parents and children snatching the last morsel of food from one another, natural affection being destroyed by the gnawing pangs of hunger. He saw that the stubbornness of the Jews, as evinced in their rejection of His salvation, would also lead them to refuse submission to the invading armies. He beheld Calvary, on which He was to be lifted up, set with crosses as thickly as forest trees. He saw the wretched inhabitants suffering torture on the rack and by crucifixion, the beautiful palaces destroyed, the temple in ruins, and of its massive walls not one stone left upon another, while the city was plowed like a field. Well might the Saviour weep in agony in view of that fearful scene.

DA 577.3

Jerusalem had been the child of His care, and as a tender father mourns over a wayward son, so Jesus wept over the beloved city. How can I give thee up? How can I see thee devoted to destruction? Must I let thee go to fill up the cup of thine iniquity? One soul is of such value that, in comparison with it, worlds sink into insignificance; but here was a whole nation to be lost. When the fast westering sun should pass from sight in the heavens, Jerusalem’s day of grace would be ended. While the procession was halting on the brow of Olivet, it was not yet too late for Jerusalem to repent. The angel of mercy was then folding her wings to step down from the golden throne to give place to justice and swift-coming judgment. But Christ’s great heart of love still pleaded for Jerusalem, that had scorned His mercies, despised His warnings, and was about to imbrue her hands in His blood. If Jerusalem would but repent, it was not yet too late. While the last rays of the setting sun were lingering on temple, tower, and pinnacle, would not some good angel lead her to the Saviour’s love, and avert her doom? Beautiful and unholy city, that had stoned the prophets, that had rejected the Son of God, that was locking herself by her impenitence in fetters of bondage,—her day of mercy was almost spent!

DA 578.1

Yet again the Spirit of God speaks to Jerusalem. Before the day is done, another testimony is borne to Christ. The voice of witness is lifted up, responding to the call from a prophetic past. If Jerusalem will hear the call, if she will receive the Saviour who is entering her gates, she may yet be saved.

DA 578.2

Reports have reached the rulers in Jerusalem that Jesus is approaching the city with a great concourse of people. But they have no welcome for the Son of God. In fear they go out to meet Him, hoping to disperse the throng. As the procession is about to descend the Mount of Olives, it is intercepted by the rulers. They inquire the cause of the tumultuous rejoicing. As they question, “Who is this?” the disciples, filled with the spirit of inspiration, answer this question. In eloquent strains they repeat the prophecies concerning Christ:

DA 578.3

Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head.

DA 578.4

Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is “Melchizedek King of Salem,” King of Peace. Genesis 14:18.

DA 578.5

Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah.

DA 578.6

Isaiah will tell you, “Immanuel,” “Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 7:14; 9:6.

DA 578.7

Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, “the Lord our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:6.

DA 579.1

Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah.

DA 579.2

Hosea will tell you, He is “the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is His memorial.” Hosea 12:5.

DA 579.3

John the Baptist will tell you, He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

DA 579.4

The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, “This is My beloved Son.” Matthew 3:17.

DA 579.5

We, His disciples, declare, This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of life, the Redeemer of the world.

DA 579.6

And the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him, saying, “I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God.” Mark 1:24.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 63—Jesus Acclaimed as Israel’s King

HLv 380.1

Five hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah foretold the coming of the King to Israel: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zechariah 9:9. He who had so long refused royal honors now came to Jerusalem as the promised heir to David’s throne.

HLv 380.2

On the first day of the week Christ made His triumphal entry. Multitudes who had flocked to see Him at Bethany accompanied Him. Many on their way to keep the Passover joined the multitude. All nature seemed to rejoice. The trees were clothed with verdure, and their blossoms shed a delicate fragrance. The hope of the new kingdom was again springing up.

HLv 380.3

Jesus had sent two disciples to bring Him an ass and its colt. Although “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10) are His, He was dependent on a stranger’s kindness for an animal on which to enter Jerusalem as its King. But again His divinity was revealed, even in the minute directions given. As He foretold, the plea, “The Lord hath need of them,” was readily granted. The disciples spread their garments on the beast and seated their Master on it. Jesus had always traveled on foot, and the disciples wondered that He should now choose to ride. But hope brightened in their hearts with the thought that He was about to enter the capital, proclaim Himself King, and assert His royal power. Excitement spread far and near, raising the expectations of the people to the highest pitch.

HLv 381.1

Christ was following the Jewish custom for a royal entry. Prophecy had foretold that thus the Messiah should come to His kingdom. No sooner was He seated on the colt than the multitude hailed Him as Messiah, their King. The disciples and the multitude in imagination saw the Roman armies driven from Jerusalem and Israel once more an independent nation. All vied with one another in paying Him homage. Unable to present Him with costly gifts, they spread their outer garments as a carpet in the path and strewed the leafy branches of the olive and the palm in the way. With no royal standards to wave, they cut down the spreading palm boughs, Nature’s emblem of victory, and waved them aloft.

HLv 381.2

Spectators mingling with the throng asked, Who is this? What does all this commotion signify? They knew that Jesus had discouraged all effort to place Him on the throne, and were astonished to learn that this was He. What wrought this change in Him who had declared that His kingdom was not of this world?

HLv 381.3

From the multitudes gathered to attend the Passover, thousands greeted Him with the waving of palm branches and a burst of sacred song. The priests at the temple sounded the trumpet for evening service, but few responded, and the rulers said to one another in alarm, “The world has gone after Him.”

HLv 381.4

Never before had Jesus permitted such a demonstration. He clearly foresaw the result. It would bring Him to the cross. But He desired to call attention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission to a fallen world. He, the antitypical Lamb, by a voluntary act set Himself apart as an oblation. His church in all succeeding ages must make His death a subject of deep thought and study. Every fact connected with it should be verified beyond a doubt. The events which preceded His great sacrifice must call attention to the sacrifice itself. After such a demonstration as that attending His entry into Jerusalem, all eyes would follow His rapid progress to the final scene. This triumphal ride would be the talk of every tongue and bring Jesus before every mind. After His crucifixion, many would recall these events and be led to search the prophecies. They would be convinced that Jesus was the Messiah.

HLv 382.1

This day, which seemed to the disciples the crowning day of their lives, would have been shadowed with clouds had they known it was but a prelude to the death of their Master. He had repeatedly told them of His sacrifice, yet in the glad triumph they had forgotten His sorrowful words.

HLv 382.2

With few exceptions, all who joined the procession caught the inspiration of the hour. The shouts went up continually, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!”

HLv 382.3

Never had the world seen such a triumphal procession. About the Saviour were the glorious trophies of His labors of love for sinful man. These were the captives rescued from Satan’s power. The blind He had restored to sight led the way. The dumb whose tongues He had loosed, shouted the loudest hosannas. Cripples whom He had healed bounded with joy. Lepers He had cleansed spread their untainted garments in His path. Awakened from the sleep of death, Lazarus led the beast on which the Saviour rode.

HLv 382.4

Many Pharisees, burning with envy, tried to silence the people, but their appeals and threats only increased the enthusiasm. As a last resort they accosted the Saviour with reproving and threatening words: “Master, rebuke Thy disciples.” They declared that such noisy demonstrations were unlawful. But they were silenced by the reply of Jesus, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” That scene of triumph had been foretold by the prophet. Had men failed to carry out the plan, God would have given voice to inanimate stones, and they would have hailed His Son with praise. As the silenced Pharisees drew back, the words of Zechariah were taken up by hundreds of voices: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

HLv 383.1

When the procession reached the brow of the hill, Jesus and all the multitude halted. Before them lay Jerusalem in its glory, bathed in the light of the declining sun. In stately grandeur the temple towered above all else, long the pride and glory of the Jewish nation. The Romans also prided themselves in its magnificence. Its strength and richness had made it one of the wonders of the world.

HLv 383.2

While the westering sun was gilding the heavens, its resplendent glory lighted up the pure white marble of the temple walls and sparkled on its gold-capped pillars. From the hill where Jesus stood, it had the appearance of a massive structure of snow, set with golden pinnacles, shining as if with glory borrowed from heaven.

HLv 383.3

Jesus gazed upon the scene, and the multitude hushed their shouts, spellbound by the sudden vision of beauty. All eyes turned upon the Saviour. They were surprised and disappointed to see His eyes fill with tears and His body rock to and fro like a tree before the tempest. A wail of anguish burst from His quivering lips, as if from a broken heart. What a sight for angels to behold! What a sight for the glad throng that were escorting Him to the glorious city, where they hoped He was about to reign! This sudden sorrow was like a note of wailing in a grand triumphal chorus. Israel’s King was in tears; not silent tears of gladness, but of insuppressible agony. The multitude were struck with a sudden gloom. Many wept in sympathy with a grief they could not comprehend.

HLv 384.1

Just before Jesus was Gethsemane, where soon the horror of a great darkness would overshadow Him. The sheepgate also was in sight, through which for centuries the beasts for sacrificial offerings had been led. This gate was soon to open for Him, the great Antitype, toward whose sacrifice all these offerings had pointed. Nearby was Calvary, the scene of His approaching agony. Yet His was no selfish sorrow. The thought of His own agony did not intimidate that noble, self-sacrificing soul. It was the sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of Jesus—Jerusalem that had rejected the Son of God, scorned His love, and was about to take His life. He saw what she might have been had she accepted Him who alone could heal her wound. How could He give her up?

HLv 384.2

Israel had been a favored people; God had made their temple His habitation; it was “beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth.” Psalm 48:2. In it Jehovah had manifested His glory, the priests had officiated, and the pomp of symbol and ceremony had gone on for ages. But all this must have an end. Jesus waved His hand toward the doomed city, and in grief exclaimed, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!” The Saviour left unsaid what might have been the condition of Jerusalem had she accepted the help that God desired to give her—the gift of His Son. Jerusalem might have stood forth in the pride of prosperity, the queen of kingdoms, free in the strength of her God-given power, no Roman banners waving from her walls. The Son of God saw that she might have been liberated from bondage and established as the mighty metropolis of the earth. From her walls the dove of peace would have gone forth to all nations. She would have been the world’s diadem of glory.

HLv 384.3

But the Saviour realized she now was under the Roman yoke, doomed to God’s retributive judgment: “But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”

HLv 385.1

Jesus saw the doomed city encompassed with armies, the besieged inhabitants driven to starvation and death, mothers feeding on the dead bodies of their children, and parents and children snatching the last morsel of food from one another—natural affection destroyed by the gnawing pangs of hunger. He saw that the stubbornness of the Jews would lead them to refuse submission to the invading armies. He beheld Calvary set with crosses as thickly as forest trees. He saw the beautiful palaces destroyed, the temple in ruins, and of its massive walls not one stone left on another, while the city was plowed like a field.

HLv 385.2

As a tender father mourns over a wayward son, so Jesus wept over the beloved city. How can I give thee up? How can I see thee devoted to destruction? When the westering sun should pass from sight, Jerusalem’s day of grace would be ended. While the procession was halting on Olivet, it was not yet too late for Jerusalem to repent. While the last rays of the setting sun were lingering on temple, tower, and pinnacle, would not some good angel lead her to the Saviour’s love? Beautiful, unholy city, that had stoned the prophets and rejected the Son of God—her day of mercy was almost spent!

HLv 385.3

Yet again the Spirit of God would speak to Jerusalem. Before the day was done, another testimony would be borne to Christ. If Jerusalem would receive the Saviour entering her gates, she might yet be saved!

HLv 385.4

But the rulers in Jerusalem had no welcome for the Son of God. As the procession was about to descend the Mount of Olives, they intercepted it, inquiring the cause of the tumult. As they questioned, “Who is this?” the disciples, filled with the spirit of inspiration, repeated the prophecies concerning Christ:

HLv 386.1

Adam will tell you: It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head. See Genesis 3:15.

HLv 386.2

Abraham will tell you: It is Melchizedek, King of Salem, King of Peace. See Genesis 14:18.

HLv 386.3

Isaiah will tell you: “Immanuel,” “Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 7:14; 9:6.

HLv 386.4

Jeremiah will tell you: The Branch of David, “the Lord our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:6.

HLv 386.5

Daniel will tell you: He is the Messiah (“the Anointed One”). See Daniel 9:24-27.

HLv 386.6

John the Baptist will tell you: He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

HLv 386.7

The great Jehovah has proclaimed: “This is My beloved Son.” Matthew 3:17.

HLv 386.8

We, His disciples, declare: This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of life, the Redeemer of the world.

HLv 386.9

And the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him: “I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God.” Mark 1:24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 7a, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 2

We read also Matthew 21:5-9. Here was to be a scene that the people who should witness it should never forget. They would never lose the impression given. It was a special occasion, and the multitude had poured out from Jerusalem to join the company in order to fulfil prophecy. But they did not know that they were fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. In that multitude were those who had felt in their body the healing power of Jesus. There were those who had been cripples who were healed; there were those whose eyes were opened by the power of Jesus; there were lepers who had been cleansed from their impurities and who spread their garments in the way; and there were those who had been raised from the dead, crying, “Hosanna to the Lord.”

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 8

In (Matthew 21:12) we read that He “went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves.” Here our Saviour, as He came down from the crest of Olivet, entered into the temple, and there were the temple courts filled with all sorts of rubbish. There were the boxes for the doves, the pens for the sheep, and there were the oxen and all these things. And there was the quarreling of the priests and the moneychangers and general confusion in that place.

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 9

Christ stands upon the steps of the temple, His eye looks over that crowd, and divinity flashes through humanity as He looks upon the scene. There was a terrible period of silence upon all that was remarkable. Every eye was cast upon Jesus. He took up a small whip of cords in His hand and as He raised it He said, “Take these things hence.” John 2:16. “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13. That flash of divinity through humanity sent terror through every soul, and they fled from that temple as though a band of armed soldiers were behind them.

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 10

As they went away they met a great company coming to the temple with their sick, and they said to them, “Go back, go back, He has driven us all out of the temple.” But did they go back? No, they had come a long way with their sick and their dying ones, that Jesus might heal them; and should they give up now? They felt that some of their loved ones would not live until they could reach the temple, and they pressed on their way to the place where Jesus was. With what gracious love He receives every one of them. (Verse 14 of Matthew 21): “And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple; and He healed them.”

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 11

After the priests saw that they were not followed by those that were after them, they could not understand by what power they had been driven out of the temple, and they said, “Let us go back and challenge Him by what power and authority He has done this thing.” Verses 15, 16. Here were the little children that had been healed of their diseases. Jesus had bent over their suffering ones and touched them with His finger and healed them. The multitude that had been crying, “Hosanna,” had become so terrified that their voices were hushed, and these little children had picked up the palm branches which they had dropped in the way, and they were walking through the temple and crying, “Hosanna, Hosanna,” which the leaders dared not do. Thus the prophecy was fulfilled.

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 12

Mark 11:12, 13. Here was a fig orchard in the way that Christ traveled, and in that fig orchard was a tree that had put forth its green leaves. The other trees had not yet put forth their leaves, but here stood one tree with its pretentious leaves, pretending that there was fruit thereon. But the Master came and, searching from the topmost boughs down to the lowest branches, He found nothing but leaves. It was stated to Him that the time of figs was not yet. In California the trees always put forth the figs before the leaves appear, and here Christ had reason to believe that there was fruit on the tree, but He finds none. He says, “Let no fruit grow on thee from henceforward forever.” Matthew 21:19. And as they returned that way again, the disciples call attention to that tree which is withered to its very roots.

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 17

But hear the mournful cry of Christ, “O that thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” Luke 19:42, margin R.V. There is nothing that He requires of you that He does not lead the way. And here He has told us of the fate of Jerusalem, (verse 43 Matthew 21): “Therefore I say unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” Here the judgments were to come because they knew not the time of their visitation. At the destruction of Jerusalem there was not one Christian that perished because they heeded the instruction of Christ, “When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, ... then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains.” Luke 21:20, 21.

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 14 (1899)

Ms 164, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 164, 1899, par. 1

In the twenty-first chapter of Matthew is recorded the parable of the unfaithful husbandmen. “There was a certain householder,” Christ said, “which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.” [Verses 33-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 82, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 82, 1907, par. 9

The twenty-first chapter of Matthew, telling of the journey of Christ to Jerusalem at the time of His triumphal entry, is a powerful chapter and one that we need to study and understand. We need to take warning from the lesson of the pretentious fig tree that bore no fruit; it represents those who profess to serve God, whose names are on the church books, but who bear no fruit in their lives to the glory of God. O my heart is longing to see the Man who was despised and rejected, crowned and seated upon His throne.

Christ Triumphant

Jesus Triumphal Entry Witnessed by Many, September 3

CTr 253.1

Ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them. Matthew 21:2, 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 128, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 2

The afternoon was half spent when Jesus sent His disciples to the village of Bethphage, saying, “Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them, and straightway he will send them.” [Matthew 21:2, 3.]

14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 5

Many flatter themselves that the hour of Israel’s emancipation is at hand. In imagination they see the Romans dispersed and driven from Jerusalem, and the nation once again free from the yoke of the oppressor. From lip to lip the question passes, Will He at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? Many in the throng recall the words of the prophet, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion: shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just and having salvation; lowly and riding on an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass.” [Zechariah 9:9.] Each strives to excel the other in responding to the prophetic past. The shout echoes from mountain and valley, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!” [Matthew 21:9.]

14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 13

“And when he was come to Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the people said, It is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” [Matthew 21:10, 11.] A large number in that throng bear in their own bodies the evidence that divine power is among them, and each has His story to tell of the merciful works of Christ. The relation of those wonderful works increases the fervor of their feelings until it reaches an intensity that is indescribable. Disciples and people join in the songs of praise.

14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 16

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that bought and sold in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and seats of them that sold doves.” [Matthew 21:12.]

14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 17

The temple courts were filled with cattle, sheep, and oxen, and doves. Above the noise of the lowing of cattle, the bleating of the sheep, and the cooing of the doves could be heard the voice of the traffickers, as they offered for sale at the highest rates the animals and birds to those who had come to the passover to offer sacrifice. Jesus said, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Verse 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 155, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 155, 1896, par. 23

Cannot we discern the signs of the times? Cannot we see the end of all things is at hand? Cannot we see that, individually, self-pleasing must be overcome, that individually we must accept the yoke of Christ and learn His meekness, His lowliness, and find rest and pleasure in devoting our life to the service of God? Verily “the Lord hath need of them.” [Matthew 21:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 92a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 92a, 1897, par. 4

We are now in great need of a meetinghouse in this place, and I shall pledge one thousand dollars on the strength of receiving the one thousand dollars I put in to the Bible Mission in Chicago from whatever source that one thousand dollars was appropriated to. All I can say is “The Lord has need of it here.” [See Matthew 21:3.] Two hundred pounds I wish to invest in the meeting[house] here. I have already pledged twenty-five pounds here for the meetinghouse, but the Lord will help us. Will you, Elder Loughborough, look into the matter for me? We need money so much as the work opens in every new field. A church is raised up, and we must have means to build a humble house of worship.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 6—Huss and Jerome

GC 99.3

About this time there arrived in Prague two strangers from England, men of learning, who had received the light and had come to spread it in this distant land. Beginning with an open attack on the pope’s supremacy, they were soon silenced by the authorities; but being unwilling to relinquish their purpose, they had recourse to other measures. Being artists as well as preachers, they proceeded to exercise their skill. In a place open to the public they drew two pictures. One represented the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, “meek, and sitting upon an ass” (Matthew 21:5), and followed by His disciples in travel-worn garments and with naked feet. The other picture portrayed a pontifical procession—the pope arrayed in his rich robes and triple crown, mounted upon a horse magnificently adorned, preceded by trumpeters and followed by cardinals and prelates in dazzling array.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 6—Huss and Jerome

GC88 99.3

About this time there arrived in Prague two strangers from England, men of learning, who had received the light, and had come to spread it in this distant land. Beginning with an open attack on the pope’s supremacy, they were soon silenced by the authorities; but being unwilling to relinquish their purpose, they had recourse to other measures. Being artists as well as preachers, they proceeded to exercise their skill. In a place open to the public they drew two pictures. One represented the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, “meek, and sitting upon an ass” [Matthew 21:5.] and followed by his disciples in travel-worn garments and with naked feet. The other picture portrayed a pontifical procession,—the pope arrayed in his rich robes and triple crown, mounted upon a horse magnificently adorned, preceded by trumpeters, and followed by cardinals and prelates in dazzling array.

From Here to Forever

Two Pictures Impress Huss

HF 62.3

About this time, two strangers from England, men of learning, had received the light and had come to spread it in Prague. They were soon silenced, but being unwilling to relinquish their purpose, had recourse to other measures. Being artists as well as preachers, in a place open to the public they drew two pictures. One represented the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, “meek, and sitting upon an ass” (Matthew 21:5) and followed by His disciples in travel-worn garments and with naked feet. The other picture portrayed a pontifical procession—the pope in his rich robes and triple crown, mounted upon a horse magnificently adorned, preceded by trumpeters and followed by cardinals and prelates in dazzling array.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 20—A Great Religious Awakening

GC 367.2

It was God’s will that the tidings of the Saviour’s coming should be given in the Scandinavian countries; and when the voices of His servants were silenced, He put His Spirit upon the children, that the work might be accomplished. When Jesus drew near to Jerusalem attended by the rejoicing multitudes that, with shouts of triumph and the waving of palm branches, heralded Him as the Son of David, the jealous Pharisees called upon Him to silence them; but Jesus answered that all this was in fulfillment of prophecy, and if these should hold their peace, the very stones would cry out. The people, intimidated by the threats of the priests and rulers, ceased their joyful proclamation as they entered the gates of Jerusalem; but the children in the temple courts afterward took up the refrain, and, waving their branches of palm, they cried: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Matthew 21:8-16. When the Pharisees, sorely displeased, said unto Him, “Hearest Thou what these say?” Jesus answered, “Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” As God wrought through children at the time of Christ’s first advent, so He wrought through them in giving the message of His second advent. God’s word must be fulfilled, that the proclamation of the Saviour’s coming should be given to all peoples, tongues, and nations.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 20—A Great Religious Awakening

GC88 367.2

It was God’s will that the tidings of the Saviour’s coming should be given in the Scandinavian countries; and when the voices of his servants were silenced, he put his Spirit upon the children, that the work might be accomplished. When Jesus drew near to Jerusalem attended by the rejoicing multitudes that, with shouts of triumph and the waving of palm branches, heralded him as the Son of David, the jealous Pharisees called upon him to silence them; but Jesus answered that all this was in fulfillment of prophecy, and if these should hold their peace, the very stones would cry out. The people, intimated by the threats of the priests and rulers, ceased their joyful proclamation as they entered the gates of Jerusalem; but the children in the temple courts afterward took up the refrain, and, waving their branches of palm, they cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” [Matthew 21:8-16]. When the Pharisees, sorely displeased, said unto him, “Hearest thou what these say?” Jesus answered, “Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” As God wrought through children at the time of Christ’s first advent, so he wrought through them in giving the message of his second advent. God’s Word must be fulfilled, that the proclamation of the Saviour’s coming should be given to all peoples, tongues, and nations.

From Here to Forever

Child-Preachers of Scandinavia

HF 228.4

It was God’s will that tidings of the Saviour’s coming should be given in Scandinavia, and He put His Spirit upon the children that the work might be accomplished. When Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, the people, intimidated by the priests and rulers, ceased their joyful proclamation as they entered the gates of Jerusalem. But the children in the temple courts took up the refrain, and cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Matthew 21:8-16. As God wrought through children at the time of Christ’s first advent, so He wrought through them in giving the message of His second advent.

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

The Passing Of The Time

CET 56.1

Our disappointment was not so great as that of the disciples. When the Son of man rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, they expected Him to be crowned king. The people flocked from all the region about, and cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Matthew 21:9. And when the priests and elders besought Jesus to still the multitude, He declared that if they should hold their peace, even the stones would cry out, for prophecy must be fulfilled. Yet in a few days these very disciples saw their beloved Master, who they believed would reign on David’s throne, stretched upon the cruel cross above the mocking, taunting Pharisees. Their high hopes were disappointed, and the darkness of death closed about them. Yet Christ was true to His promises. Sweet was the consolation He gave His people, rich the reward of the true and faithful.

The Story of Redemption

Chapter 52—The Midnight Cry

SR 370.3

The midnight cry was not so much carried by argument, though the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. There went with it an impelling power that moved the soul. There was no doubt, no questioning. Upon the occasion of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the people who were assembled from all parts of the land to keep the feast, flocked to the Mount of Olives, and as they joined the throng that were escorting Jesus, they caught the inspiration of the hour and helped to swell the shout, “Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Matthew 21:9. In like manner did unbelievers who flocked to the Adventist meetings—some from curiosity, some merely to ridicule—feel the convincing power attending the message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 45, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 45, 1898, par. 33

No one can search the Old and New Testaments in the Spirit of Christ without being rewarded. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,” He says, “and I will give you rest. Take my yoke (of obedience) 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.] The great Teacher’s invitation is before you. Will you willingly respond to this invitation? You cannot draw near, placing yourself as a learner, to be taught of Christ, without your mind being enlightened, your heart quickened, with a pure, holy admiration; and you will then say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 21:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 19, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 19, 1900, par. 13

Let parents teach their little ones the truth as it is in Jesus. The children in their simplicity will repeat to their associates that which they have learned. In Christ’s day the children sang in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 21:9.] So in these days children’s voices will be raised in giving the last warning to a perishing world. By them God’s message will be made known, and His saving health to all nations.

In Heavenly Places

Glory Indescribable, December 17

HP 358.3

Christ is now acknowledged as the King of Glory. “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9). The question of His divinity is forever settled. Where are those who held the Saviour bound at Pilate’s bar, who smote Him in the face, who scourged Him, who drove the nails through His hands and feet? those who mocked Him, saying, “He saved others; himself he cannot save ...” (Matthew 27:42)? Where is the puny arm that will be lifted against Him now? The scene is changed. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Christ, Lord of heaven and earth....

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

The Passing of the Time

LS 62.3

Our disappointment was not so great as that of the disciples. When the Son of man rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, they expected Him to be crowned king. The people flocked from all the region about, and cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Matthew 21:9. And when the priests and elders besought Jesus to still the multitude, He declared that if they should hold their peace, even the stones would cry out, for prophecy must be fulfilled. Yet in a few days these very disciples saw their beloved Master, whom they believed would reign on David’s throne, stretched upon the cruel cross above the mocking, taunting Pharisees. Their high hopes were disappointed, and the darkness of death closed about them. Yet Christ was true to His promises. Sweet was the consolation He gave His people, rich the reward of the true and faithful.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 66—Controversy

DA 608.3

The Pharisees had gathered close about Jesus as He answered the question of the scribe. Now turning He put a question to them: “What think ye of Christ? whose son is He?” This question was designed to test their belief concerning the Messiah,—to show whether they regarded Him simply as a man or as the Son of God. A chorus of voices answered, “The Son of David.” This was the title which prophecy had given to the Messiah. When Jesus revealed His divinity by His mighty miracles, when He healed the sick and raised the dead, the people had inquired among themselves, “Is not this the Son of David?” The Syrophoenician woman, blind Bartimaeus, and many others had cried to Him for help, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David.” Matthew 15:22. While riding into Jerusalem He had been hailed with the joyful shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Matthew 21:9. And the little children in the temple had that day echoed the glad ascription. But many who called Jesus the Son of David did not recognize His divinity. They did not understand that the Son of David was also the Son of God.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

GC 402.2

The message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!” was not so much a matter of argument, though the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. There went with it an impelling power that moved the soul. There was no doubt, no questioning. Upon the occasion of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem the people who were assembled from all parts of the land to keep the feast flocked to the Mount of Olives, and as they joined the throng that were escorting Jesus they caught the inspiration of the hour and helped to swell the shout: “Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Matthew 21:9. In like manner did unbelievers who flocked to the Adventist meetings—some from curiosity, some merely to ridicule—feel the convincing power attending the message: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

GC88 402.1

The message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!” was not so much a matter of argument, though the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. There went with it an impelling power that moved the soul. There was no doubt, no questioning. Upon the occasion of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the people who were assembled from all parts of the land to keep the feast, flocked to the Mount of Olives, and as they joined the throng that were escorting Jesus, they caught the inspiration of the hour and helped to swell the shout, “Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!” [Matthew 21:9.] In like manner did unbelievers who flocked to the Adventist meetings—some from curiosity, some merely to ridicule—feel the convincing power attending the message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 17—The Midnight Cry

4SP 250.3

The midnight cry was not so much carried by argument, though the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. There went with it an impelling power that moved the soul. There was no doubt, no questioning. Upon the occasion of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the people who were assembled from all parts of the land to keep the feast, flocked to the Mount of Olives, and as they joined the throng that were escorting Jesus, they caught the inspiration of the hour, and helped to swell the shout, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!” [Matthew 21:9.] In like manner did unbelievers who flocked to the Adventist meetings—some from curiosity, some merely to ridicule—feel the convincing power attending the message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 13—Riding Into Jerusalem

SJ 85.2

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.” Matthew 21:9.

SJ 86.9

Reports had come to the rulers that Jesus was nearing the city with a vast company of followers. They went out to meet Him, hoping to scatter the throng. With a show of much authority they asked: “Who is this?” Matthew 21:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 43, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 43, 1886, par. 8

There is to be a mighty angel to assist the third angel in his work. The whole earth is to be lighted with his glory. The proclamation as presented represents a people crying the very words. Christ’s riding into Jerusalem when the people cried “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:15) was a fulfilment of prophecy. The Pharisees were disturbed to see the attention paid to the Son of God. Their understanding was so blunted that they could not see in this very act the fulfilment of prophecy, and some of the Pharisees said, “Master, rebuke Thy disciples. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:39, 40. God has shown John in vision the work in the future. It was while the apostle was on the isle of Patmos that these truths that are now due were presented before his mind, and no man can stop the proclamation any more than they could stop the voices of those that cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” [Matthew 21:9, 15, 16; Luke 19:39, 40.]

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 14—“Take These Things Hence”

SJ 91.3

“Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Matthew 21:9.

SJ 91.8

Jesus replied, “Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” Matthew 21:16.

Christ Triumphant

“My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer,” September 5

CTr 255.1

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. Matthew 21:12.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 7—Luther’s Separation From Rome

GC 127.1

The Roman Church had made merchandise of the grace of God. The tables of the money-changers (Matthew 21:12) were set up beside her altars, and the air resounded with the shouts of buyers and sellers. Under the plea of raising funds for the erection of St. Peter’s Church at Rome, indulgences for sin were publicly offered for sale by the authority of the pope. By the price of crime a temple was to be built up for God’s worship—the cornerstone laid with the wages of iniquity! But the very means adopted for Rome’s aggrandizement provoked the deadliest blow to her power and greatness. It was this that aroused the most determined and successful of the enemies of popery, and led to the battle which shook the papal throne and jostled the triple crown upon the pontiff’s head.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 7—Luther’s Separation from Rome

GC88 126.4

The Roman Church had made merchandise of the grace of God. The tables of the money-changers [Matthew 21:12.] were set up beside her altars, and the air resounded with the shouts of buyers and sellers. Under the plea of raising funds for the erection of St. Peter’s church at Rome, indulgences for sin were publicly offered for sale by the authority of the pope. By the price of crime a temple was to be built up for God’s worship,—the corner-stone laid with the wages of iniquity. But the very means adopted for Rome’s aggrandizement provoked the deadliest blow to her power and greatness. It was this that aroused the most determined and successful of the enemies of popery, and led to the battle which shook the papal throne, and jostled the triple crown upon the pontiff’s head.

Report of Special Meeting

Held November 8, 1898

PH146 17.2

“‘And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.’ Luke 19:41, 42. ‘And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.’ Matthew 21:12, 13. It was here divinity flashed through humanity, and the priests and rulers fled from before him; for there was as the appearance of a flashing sword, turning every way like the sword to guard the tree of life. I send you these things with a trembling of soul, for I scarcely can gather faith to believe that they will receive credence, or work reforms; but I dare not hold my peace.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 41, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 41, 1890, par. 26

Many of the physicians who today claim to believe the present truth are represented to me as being in no better a spiritual condition than were the priests and rulers in the time of Christ, for their religion is like India rubber, capable of being stretched to suit their circumstances at different times and on different occasions. Exorbitant prices were exacted from those who desired beasts for sacrifice at the temple, but Jesus rebuked this unholy traffic. Divinity flashed through humanity, as he went into the temple of God, “and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:12, 13.] The same words are applicable to many practicing physicians who are called Christians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 84a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 84a, 1896, par. 4

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:12, 13. It was here divinity flashed through humanity, and the priests and rulers fled from before Him, for there appeared as it were a flashing sword turning every way, like the sword to guard the tree of life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 23, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 23, 1908, par. 37

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold doves and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:12, 13.]

23LtMs, Ms 23, 1908, par. 38

“And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple; and He healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying in the temple, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, and said unto Him, Hearest Thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” [Verses 14-16.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

A Lesson in Commercialism

9T 75.2

“And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple; and He healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, and said unto Him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” Matthew 21:12-16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 127, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 1

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves.” [Matthew 21:12.]

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 2

Christ drove the dishonest traffickers from the temple courts with heaven’s authority flashing from His face. His voice spoke to the conscience and soul with the power of God. “Take these things hence,” He said, “it is written, my Father’s house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] The guilty ones knew what these words meant. They feared the wrath of the Lamb. This was evidence which they had not looked for. Amazed and terrified they obeyed the command of Christ without excuse or resistance.

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 3

When their terror was abated, they returned to the temple to find still further evidence of Christ’s Messiahship. The Saviour was healing the sick and dying. “The blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.” [Verse 14.] They heard the voice of rejoicing and the song of praise. In the very temple itself, the children who had been restored to health were waving palm branches and singing praises and hosannahs to the Son of David. Baby voices were lisping the praises of the mighty Healer.

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 5

“And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?” [Verse 23.]

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 6

Christ answered them by asking a question, “I also will ask you one thing,” He said, “which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?” [Verses 24, 25.]

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 7

The priests and rulers were perplexed. “They reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? And if we shall say of men: we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” [Verses 25-27.]

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 10

“But what think ye,” Christ continued. “A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, to work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second and said likewise, And he answered and said, I go sir, and went not.” [Verses 28-30.]

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 11

In these two sons are represented the obedient and the disobedient, the righteous and the unrighteous. The son who refused to obey the command, saying, I will not, represented the open transgressor, who cared neither for God nor man—those who make no pretension of piety, and who openly refused to come under the yoke of service to Christ. But these afterward repented went. When the gospel came to them in the message of John the Baptist, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” they repented and confessed their sins. [Matthew 3:2.] This class was in a much better condition to do the will of God than those who said, “I go, sir,” but went not. [Matthew 21:30.]

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 13

The Saviour contrasted the two classes. The ones whom the Pharisees looked upon with contempt at first refused the invitation, but they afterward repented and went. The Pharisees who said, “I go, sir,” but went not, acted a deceptive part. The two cases thus presented, Christ asked, “Whether of them twain did the will of his Father?” Forgetting themselves the Pharisees answered, “The first.” Christ said to them, “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of heaven before you.” [Verse 31.]

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 20

Had the conversion of the Jews been genuine, they would have received this testimony of John, and would have accepted Christ as the Messiah, the one to whom all their sacrificial offerings pointed, He who was the foundation of their whole economy. But the Pharisees and Sadducees did not produce the fruits of repentance and sanctification and righteousness. They were of the class who said, “I go sir,” but went not. [Matthew 21:30.]

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 26

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

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 40

Self-righteousness is not true righteousness, and those [who] cling to it, and refuse to give it up, will be left to take the consequences of holding to a deception. Those who claim to keep the commandments of God, but who are unsympathetic and cold, self-important and self-centered, have not the love of God in their hearts to flow forth to others. They say, “I go, sir,” but they do not go. [Matthew 21:30.] The open sinner has far better prospects of gaining eternal life than have these pretentious ones.

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 55

Let none flatter themselves that the sins of their youth can easily be given up by and by. This is not so. Every sin cherished weakens the character and strengthens the habit; and physical, mental, and moral depravity result. You may repent of the wrong you have done, and set your feet in right paths; but the mold of your mind and your familiarity with evil will make it difficult for you to distinguish between right and wrong. Through the wrong habits you have formed Satan will assail you again and again. You have so often been overcome by his specious reasoning, and he has his nets prepared to take you captive on those points where you have so repeatedly failed. In obedience to the requirement, “Go work in my vineyard,” your safety lies. [Matthew 21:28.] Heartily, boldly answer, I go sir. Do not wait a moment to consult with your friends in sin. Press right in to Christ’s ranks. Stand under Christ’s banner.

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 56

Christ did not condemn the first son for refusing the command. At the same time He did not commend him. The class who act the part of the son who said, “I will not,” deserve no credit for holding the position they do. [Verse 30.] This open frankness is not to be commended as a virtue. This openness of character, sanctified by truth and holiness, will make them bold witnesses for Christ; but used as it is by the sinner, it is insulting and defiant, and approaches to blasphemy. Because a man is not a hypocrite he is nonetheless a sinner. When the appeals of the Holy Spirit come to the heart, our only safety lies in responding to them without delay.

14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 57

When the call comes, “Son, go work today in my vineyard,” do not refuse the invitation. [Verse 28.] Cease working on the enemy’s side and take your position under the bloodstained banner of the Prince of life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. While it is called today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. It may be you will never hear the invitation again. A mere answer in the affirmative is not sufficient. We are to repent and forsake every sin and work the works of righteousness. Will the sinner acknowledge God’s claims? Will he serve the Lord God, or will he continue in sin?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 88, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 1

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:12, 13.]

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 4

“Hearest thou what these say?” they asked Christ; and He answered, “Yea; and have ye never read, out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” [Verse 16.]

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 5

After Christ had cleansed the temple courts and healed the sick, “he went out of the city into Bethany. Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and he said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto ye, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea, it shall be done.” [Verses 17-21.]

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 8

Soon after this Christ again entered the temple, and as He was teaching, the chief priests and elders of the people came to Him with the question, “By what authority doest thou these things, and who gave thee this authority?” [Verse 23.] They had been given unmistakeable evidence of Christ’s power. Amazed and terrified they had fled from His presence, returning to find Him healing the sick and suffering, who were rejoicing, not only in the courts, but in the temple itself. And yet after passing through this wonderful experience, the Jewish rulers asked Christ, “By what authority doest thou these things?”

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 9

In answer the Saviour said, “I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven, he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men, we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” [Verses 24-27.]

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 10

“We cannot tell.” [Verse 27.] What an admission this was for men to make who had the living Oracles of God as their guide, who by their privileges were exalted to heaven. This answer was a falsehood. But they saw the position they were in, and falsified to save themselves. John had preached the coming of the Messiah.

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 14

Remembering the power with which John had repeated the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and the scene at the baptism, the priests and rulers dared not say that his baptism was from heaven. If they had acknowledged John to be a prophet, as they believed him to be, how could they deny the testimony of John that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God? Neither could they say his baptism was from men, because of the people who believed John to be a prophet. So they said, “We cannot tell.” [Matthew 21:27.]

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 15

Then Christ gave the parable of the father and the two sons. A certain man had two sons, and he went to the first, saying, “Son, go work today in my vineyard.” He promptly answered, “I will not.” [Verses 28, 29.] He refused to obey, and gave himself up to wicked ways and association. But afterward he repented and obeyed the call.

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 16

The father went to the second son, saying, “Go work today in my vineyard.” He promptly made reply, “I go, sir;” but he went not. [Verse 30.]

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 17

Christ gave this parable to the multitude which surrounded Him. In the company there were scribes and Pharisees, priests and rulers, and when, in making an application of the parable, Christ asked, “Whether of them twain did the will of his father?” They answered, “The first.” [Verse 31.] This answer was correct, but they gave it without realizing that they were pronouncing sentence against themselves.

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 18

Then there fell from Christ’s lips the denunciation, “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him; and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.” [Verses 31, 32.] John came teaching truth, and by his teaching sinners were convicted and converted. These would go into the kingdom of heaven before those who in self-righteousnesss had resisted warning which abandoned sinners had received.

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 19

The second son said, “I go, sir;” but he went not. [Verse 30.] Like this Son the Jewish leaders were impenitent and self-sufficient. The religious life of the Jewish nation had become a pretense. When the law was proclaimed upon Mount Sinai, God spoke with a voice of divine authority; and all the people intended to obey. They said, “I go, sir;” but they went not. Christ gave the Jewish leaders abundant evidence of His authority and divine power, but although they were convinced, they would not receive this evidence. He showed them that they continued to disbelieve because they had not the spirit which leads to obedience. He said to them, Ye make void the law of God by your traditions. In vain do ye worship Me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 20

Today God speaks to professing Christians, saying, “Go work today in my vineyard.” Many say, “I go sir,” but they go not. [Verses 28, 30.] Their pretensions are not acknowledged by God. There are many who while they promise obedience have no intention of obeying any law but one of their own invention. God’s law is holy, just, and good. It is perfect, converting the soul. This law is plainly defined; and yet the professed Christian churches of today do not obey it, but set up a standard of their own. How many there are today who hear the truth and do it not. They refuse to obey the first four commandments, which reveal their duty to their Creator, and the last six, which command them to love their fellow men as themselves. Many make false promises to God, saying, “I go;” but they do not obey Him. They have never surrendered the will to God.

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 26

Thousands of professing Christians say, like the second son, “I go, sir;” but they go not. [Matthew 21:30.] The promise of positive obedience is fulfilled if they find that they can lift the cross without inconvenience to themselves. But self-denial is required to do this, and as time passes the conviction of truth wears away; known transgression of God’s commandments becomes habit. There are many who do not realize that God is holy, and that He requires holiness in all who serve Him. Nadab and Abihu used common fire in the service of God, and the record says that fire went out from God and destroyed them.

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 33

Those who by pen or voice are aping the supposedly great men of the world, who say, “I go, sir,” but do not go, are hindering others instead of helping them. [Matthew 21:30.] Their own hearts are not controlled by the Holy Spirit. A personal religious experience has not found place in their life. Their stewardship will not bear the inspection of the great Judge. They say to the Master, “I go, sir,” but they are exalting self in the place of Jesus. Precious truth is buried under a display of fancied merit and smartness. They wear their own garments in the place of the garments Christ has prepared for them, and in the day of final reckoning they will find themselves last and least.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again

DA 589.1

At the beginning of His ministry, Christ had driven from the temple those who defiled it by their unholy traffic; and His stern and godlike demeanor had struck terror to the hearts of the scheming traders. At the close of His mission He came again to the temple, and found it still desecrated as before. The condition of things was even worse than before. The outer court of the temple was like a vast cattle yard. With the cries of the animals and the sharp chinking of coin was mingled the sound of angry altercation between traffickers, and among them were heard the voices of men in sacred office. The dignitaries of the temple were themselves engaged in buying and selling and the exchange of money. So completely were they controlled by their greed of gain that in the sight of God they were no better than thieves.

DA 589.2

Little did the priests and rulers realize the solemnity of the work which it was theirs to perform. At every Passover and Feast of Tabernacles, thousands of animals were slain, and their blood was caught by the priests and poured upon the altar. The Jews had become familiar with the offering of blood, and had almost lost sight of the fact that it was sin which made necessary all this shedding of the blood of beasts. They did not discern that it prefigured the blood of God’s dear Son, which was to be shed for the life of the world, and that by the offering of sacrifices men were to be directed to a crucified Redeemer.

DA 590.1

Jesus looked upon the innocent victims of sacrifice, and saw how the Jews had made these great convocations scenes of bloodshed and cruelty. In place of humble repentance of sin, they had multiplied the sacrifice of beasts, as if God could be honored by a heartless service. The priests and rulers had hardened their hearts through selfishness and avarice. The very symbols pointing to the Lamb of God they had made a means of getting gain. Thus in the eyes of the people the sacredness of the sacrificial service had been in a great measure destroyed. The indignation of Jesus was stirred; He knew that His blood, so soon to be shed for the sins of the world, would be as little appreciated by the priests and elders as was the blood of beasts which they kept incessantly flowing.

DA 590.2

Against these practices Christ had spoken through the prophets. Samuel had said, “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” And Isaiah, seeing in prophetic vision the apostasy of the Jews, addressed them as rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah: “Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts?” “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” 1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:10-12, 16, 17.

DA 590.3

He who had Himself given these prophecies now for the last time repeated the warning. In fulfillment of prophecy the people had proclaimed Jesus king of Israel. He had received their homage, and accepted the office of king. In this character He must act. He knew that His efforts to reform a corrupt priesthood would be in vain; nevertheless His work must be done; to an unbelieving people the evidence of His divine mission must be given.

DA 590.4

Again the piercing look of Jesus swept over the desecrated court of the temple. All eyes were turned toward Him. Priest and ruler, Pharisee and Gentile, looked with astonishment and awe upon Him who stood before them with the majesty of heaven’s King. Divinity flashed through humanity, investing Christ with a dignity and glory He had never manifested before. Those standing nearest Him drew as far away as the crowd would permit. Except for a few of His disciples, the Saviour stood alone. Every sound was hushed. The deep silence seemed unbearable. Christ spoke with a power that swayed the people like a mighty tempest: “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” His voice sounded like a trumpet through the temple. The displeasure of His countenance seemed like consuming fire. With authority He commanded, “Take these things hence.” John 2:16.

DA 591.1

Three years before, the rulers of the temple had been ashamed of their flight before the command of Jesus. They had since wondered at their own fears, and their unquestioning obedience to a single humble Man. They had felt that it was impossible for their undignified surrender to be repeated. Yet they were now more terrified than before, and in greater haste to obey His command. There were none who dared question His authority. Priests and traders fled from His presence, driving their cattle before them.

DA 592.1

On the way from the temple they were met by a throng who came with their sick inquiring for the Great Healer. The report given by the fleeing people caused some of these to turn back. They feared to meet One so powerful, whose very look had driven the priests and rulers from His presence. But a large number pressed through the hurrying crowd, eager to reach Him who was their only hope. When the multitude fled from the temple, many had remained behind. These were now joined by the newcomers. Again the temple court was filled by the sick and the dying, and once more Jesus ministered to them.

DA 592.2

After a season the priests and rulers ventured back to the temple. When the panic had abated, they were seized with anxiety to know what would be the next movement of Jesus. They expected Him to take the throne of David. Quietly returning to the temple, they heard the voices of men, women, and children praising God. Upon entering, they stood transfixed before the wonderful scene. They saw the sick healed, the blind restored to sight, and deaf receive their hearing, and the crippled leap for joy. The children were foremost in the rejoicing. Jesus had healed their maladies; He had clasped them in His arms, received their kisses of grateful affection, and some of them had fallen asleep upon His breast as He was teaching the people. Now with glad voices the children sounded His praise. They repeated the hosannas of the day before, and waved palm branches triumphantly before the Saviour. The temple echoed and re-echoed with their acclamations, “Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the Lord!” “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is just, and having salvation!” Psalm 118:26; Zechariah 9:9. “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

DA 592.3

The sound of these happy, unrestrained voices was an offense to the rulers of the temple. They set about putting a stop to such demonstrations. They represented to the people that the house of God was desecrated by the feet of the children and the shouts of rejoicing. Finding that their words made no impression on the people, the rulers appealed to Christ: “Hearest Thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” Prophecy had foretold that Christ should be proclaimed as king, and that word must be fulfilled. The priests and rulers of Israel refused to herald His glory, and God moved upon the children to be His witnesses. Had the voices of the children been silent, the very pillars of the temple would have sounded the Saviour’s praise.

DA 593.1

The Pharisees were utterly perplexed and disconcerted. One whom they could not intimidate was in command. Jesus had taken His position as guardian of the temple. Never before had He assumed such kingly authority. Never before had His words and works possessed so great power. He had done marvelous works throughout Jerusalem, but never before in a manner so solemn and impressive. In presence of the people who had witnessed His wonderful works, the priests and rulers dared not show Him open hostility. Though enraged and confounded by His answer, they were unable to accomplish anything further that day.

DA 593.2

The next morning the Sanhedrin again considered what course to pursue toward Jesus. Three years before, they had demanded a sign of His Messiahship. Since that time He had wrought mighty works throughout the land. He had healed the sick, miraculously fed thousands of people, walked upon the waves, and spoken peace to the troubled sea. He had repeatedly read the hearts of men as an open book; He had cast out demons, and raised the dead. The rulers had before them the evidences of His Messiahship. They now decided to demand no sign of His authority, but to draw out some admission or declaration by which He might be condemned.

DA 593.3

Repairing to the temple where He was teaching, they proceeded to question Him: “By what authority doest Thou these things? and who gave Thee this authority?” They expected Him to claim that His authority was from God. Such an assertion they intended to deny. But Jesus met them with a question apparently pertaining to another subject, and He made His reply to them conditional on their answering this question. “The baptism of John,” He said, “whence was it? from heaven, or of men?”

DA 593.4

The priests saw that they were in a dilemma from which no sophistry could extricate them. If they said that John’s baptism was from heaven, their inconsistency would be made apparent. Christ would say, Why have ye not then believed on him? John had testified of Christ, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. If the priests believed John’s testimony, how could they deny the Messiahship of Christ? If they declared their real belief, that John’s ministry was of men, they would bring upon themselves a storm of indignation; for the people believed John to be a prophet.

DA 594.1

With intense interest the multitude awaited the decision. They knew that the priests had professed to accept the ministry of John, and they expected them to acknowledge without a question that he was sent from God. But after conferring secretly together, the priests decided not to commit themselves. Hypocritically professing ignorance, they said, “We cannot tell.” “Neither tell I you,” said Christ, “by what authority I do these things.”

DA 594.2

Scribes, priests, and rulers were all silenced. Baffled and disappointed, they stood with lowering brows, not daring to press further questions upon Christ. By their cowardice and indecision they had in a great measure forfeited the respect of the people, who now stood by, amused to see these proud, self-righteous men defeated.

DA 594.3

All these sayings and doings of Christ were important, and their influence was to be felt in an ever-increasing degree after His crucifixion and ascension. Many of those who had anxiously awaited the result of the questioning of Jesus were finally to become His disciples, first drawn toward Him by His words on that eventful day. The scene in the temple court was never to fade from their minds. The contrast between Jesus and the high priest as they talked together was marked. The proud dignitary of the temple was clothed in rich and costly garments. Upon his head was a glittering tiara. His bearing was majestic, his hair and his long flowing beard were silvered by age. His appearance awed the beholders. Before this august personage stood the Majesty of heaven, without adornment or display. His garments were travel stained; His face was pale, and expressed a patient sadness; yet written there were dignity and benevolence that contrasted strangely with the proud, self-confident, and angry air of the high priest. Many of those who witnessed the words and deeds of Jesus in the temple from that time enshrined Him in their hearts as a prophet of God. But as the popular feeling turned in His favor, the hatred of the priests toward Jesus increased. The wisdom by which He escaped the snares set for His feet, being a new evidence of His divinity, added fuel to their wrath.

DA 594.4

In His contest with the rabbis, it was not Christ’s purpose to humiliate His opponents. He was not glad to see them in a hard place. He had an important lesson to teach. He had mortified His enemies by allowing them to be entangled in the net they had spread for Him. Their acknowledged ignorance in regard to the character of John’s baptism gave Him an opportunity to speak, and He improved the opportunity by presenting before them their real position, adding another warning to the many already given.

DA 595.1

“What think ye?” He said. “A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father?”

DA 595.2

This abrupt question threw His hearers off their guard. They had followed the parable closely, and now immediately answered, “The first.” Fixing His steady eye upon them, Jesus responded in stern and solemn tones: “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”

DA 595.3

The priests and rulers could not but give a correct answer to Christ’s question, and thus He obtained their opinion in favor of the first son. This son represented the publicans, those who were despised and hated by the Pharisees. The publicans had been grossly immoral. They had indeed been transgressors of the law of God, showing in their lives an absolute resistance to His requirements. They had been unthankful and unholy; when told to go and work in the Lord’s vineyard, they had given a contemptuous refusal. But when John came, preaching repentance and baptism, the publicans received his message and were baptized.

DA 595.4

The second son represented the leading men of the Jewish nation. Some of the Pharisees had repented and received the baptism of John; but the leaders would not acknowledge that he came from God. His warnings and denunciations did not lead them to reformation. They “rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” Luke 7:30. They treated his message with disdain. Like the second son, who, when called, said, “I go, sir,” but went not, the priests and rulers professed obedience, but acted disobedience. They made great professions of piety, they claimed to be obeying the law of God, but they rendered only a false obedience. The publicans were denounced and cursed by the Pharisees as infidels; but they showed by their faith and works that they were going into the kingdom of heaven before those self-righteous men who had been given great light, but whose works did not correspond to their profession of godliness.

DA 596.1

The priests and rulers were unwilling to bear these searching truths; they remained silent, however, hoping that Jesus would say something which they could turn against Him; but they had still more to bear.

DA 596.2

“Hear another parable,” Christ said: “There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?”

DA 596.3

Jesus addressed all the people present; but the priests and rulers answered. “He will miserably destroy those wicked men,” they said, “and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.” The speakers had not at first perceived the application of the parable, but they now saw that they had pronounced their own condemnation. In the parable the householder represented God, the vineyard the Jewish nation, and the hedge the divine law which was their protection. The tower was a symbol of the temple. The lord of the vineyard had done everything needful for its prosperity. “What could have been done more to my vineyard,” he says, “that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:4. Thus was represented God’s unwearied care for Israel. And as the husbandmen were to return to the lord a due proportion of the fruits of the vineyard, so God’s people were to honor Him by a life corresponding to their sacred privileges. But as the husbandmen had killed the servants whom the master sent to them for fruit, so the Jews had put to death the prophets whom God sent to call them to repentance. Messenger after messenger had been slain. Thus far the application of the parable could not be questioned, and in what followed it was not less evident. In the beloved son whom the lord of the vineyard finally sent to his disobedient servants, and whom they seized and slew, the priests and rulers saw a distinct picture of Jesus and His impending fate. Already they were planning to slay Him whom the Father had sent to them as a last appeal. In the retribution inflicted upon the ungrateful husbandmen was portrayed the doom of those who should put Christ to death.

DA 597.1

Looking with pity upon them, the Saviour continued, “Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”

DA 597.2

This prophecy the Jews had often repeated in the synagogues, applying it to the coming Messiah. Christ was the cornerstone of the Jewish economy, and of the whole plan of salvation. This foundation stone the Jewish builders, the priests and rulers of Israel, were now rejecting. The Saviour called their attention to the prophecies that would show them their danger. By every means in His power He sought to make plain to them the nature of the deed they were about to do.

DA 597.3

And His words had another purpose. In asking the question, “When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?” Christ designed that the Pharisees should answer as they did. He designed that they should condemn themselves. His warnings, failing to arouse them to repentance, would seal their doom, and He wished them to see that they had brought ruin on themselves. He designed to show them the justice of God in the withdrawal of their national privileges, which had already begun, and which would end, not only in the destruction of their temple and their city, but in the dispersion of the nation.

DA 597.4

The hearers recognized the warning. But notwithstanding the sentence they themselves had pronounced, the priests and rulers were ready to fill out the picture by saying, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him.” “But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitude,” for the public sentiment was in Christ’s favor.

DA 597.5

In quoting the prophecy of the rejected stone, Christ referred to an actual occurrence in the history of Israel. The incident was connected with the building of the first temple. While it had a special application at the time of Christ’s first advent, and should have appealed with special force to the Jews, it has also a lesson for us. When the temple of Solomon was erected, the immense stones for the walls and the foundation were entirely prepared at the quarry; after they were brought to the place of building, not an instrument was to be used upon them; the workmen had only to place them in position. For use in the foundation, one stone of unusual size and peculiar shape had been brought; but the workmen could find no place for it, and would not accept it. It was an annoyance to them as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected stone. But when the builders came to the laying of the corner, they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size and strength, and of the proper shape, to take that particular place, and bear the great weight which would rest upon it. Should they make an unwise choice for this important place, the safety of the entire building would be endangered. They must find a stone capable of resisting the influence of the sun, of frost, and of tempest. Several stones had at different times been chosen, but under the pressure of immense weights they had crumbled to pieces. Others could not bear the test of the sudden atmospheric changes. But at last attention was called to the stone so long rejected. It had been exposed to the air, to sun and storm, without revealing the slightest crack. The builders examined this stone. It had borne every test but one. If it could bear the test of severe pressure, they decided to accept it for the cornerstone. The trial was made. The stone was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found to be an exact fit. In prophetic vision, Isaiah was shown that this stone was a symbol of Christ. He says:

DA 598.1

“Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” Carried down in prophetic vision to the first advent, the prophet is shown that Christ is to bear trials and tests of which the treatment of the chief cornerstone in the temple of Solomon was symbolic. “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah 8:13-15; 28:16.

DA 598.2

In infinite wisdom, God chose the foundation stone, and laid it Himself. He called it “a sure foundation.” The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and griefs; it can endure them all. With perfect safety they may build upon it. Christ is a “tried stone.” Those who trust in Him, He never disappoints. He has borne every test. He has endured the pressure of Adam’s guilt, and the guilt of his posterity, and has come off more than conqueror of the powers of evil. He has borne the burdens cast upon Him by every repenting sinner. In Christ the guilty heart has found relief. He is the sure foundation. All who make Him their dependence rest in perfect security.

DA 599.1

In Isaiah’s prophecy, Christ is declared to be both a sure foundation and a stone of stumbling. The apostle Peter, writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, clearly shows to whom Christ is a foundation stone, and to whom a rock of offense:

DA 599.2

“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.” 1 Peter 2:3-8.

DA 599.3

To those who believe, Christ is the sure foundation. These are they who fall upon the Rock and are broken. Submission to Christ and faith in Him are here represented. To fall upon the Rock and be broken is to give up our self-righteousness and to go to Christ with the humility of a child, repenting of our transgressions, and believing in His forgiving love. And so also it is by faith and obedience that we build on Christ as our foundation.

DA 599.4

Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. This is the only foundation upon which we may securely build. It is broad enough for all, and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world. And by connection with Christ, the living stone, all who build upon this foundation become living stones. Many persons are by their own endeavors hewn, polished, and beautified; but they cannot become “living stones,” because they are not connected with Christ. Without this connection, no man can be saved. Without the life of Christ in us, we cannot withstand the storms of temptation. Our eternal safety depends upon our building upon the sure foundation. Multitudes are today building upon foundations that have not been tested. When the rain falls, and the tempest rages, and the floods come, their house will fall, because it is not founded upon the eternal Rock, the chief cornerstone Christ Jesus.

DA 600.1

“To them which stumble at the word, being disobedient,” Christ is a rock of offense. But “the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.” Like the rejected stone, Christ in His earthly mission had borne neglect and abuse. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: ... He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:3. But the time was near when He would be glorified. By the resurrection from the dead He would be declared “the Son of God with power.” Romans 1:4. At His second coming He would be revealed as Lord of heaven and earth. Those who were now about to crucify Him would recognize His greatness. Before the universe the rejected stone would become the head of the corner.

DA 600.2

And on “whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” The people who rejected Christ were soon to see their city and their nation destroyed. Their glory would be broken, and scattered as the dust before the wind. And what was it that destroyed the Jews? It was the rock which, had they built upon it, would have been their security. It was the goodness of God despised, the righteousness spurned, the mercy slighted. Men set themselves in opposition to God, and all that would have been their salvation was turned to their destruction. All that God ordained unto life they found to be unto death. In the Jews’ crucifixion of Christ was involved the destruction of Jerusalem. The blood shed upon Calvary was the weight that sank them to ruin for this world and for the world to come. So it will be in the great final day, when judgment shall fall upon the rejecters of God’s grace. Christ, their rock of offense, will then appear to them as an avenging mountain. The glory of His countenance, which to the righteous is life, will be to the wicked a consuming fire. Because of love rejected, grace despised, the sinner will be destroyed.

DA 600.3

By many illustrations and repeated warnings, Jesus showed what would be the result to the Jews of rejecting the Son of God. In these words He was addressing all in every age who refuse to receive Him as their Redeemer. Every warning is for them. The desecrated temple, the disobedient son, the false husbandmen, the contemptuous builders, have their counterpart in the experience of every sinner. Unless he repent, the doom which they foreshadowed will be his.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again

HLv 392.1

At the beginning of His ministry, Christ had driven from the temple those who defiled it by their unholy traffic. His stern and godlike demeanor had struck terror to the scheming traders.

HLv 392.2

At the close of His mission He came again to the temple and found it still desecrated as before—with the cries of animals, the sharp chinking of coin, and the sound of angry altercation. The dignitaries of the temple were themselves buying and selling. So completely were they controlled by greed of gain that in the sight of God they were no better than thieves.

HLv 392.3

At every Passover and Feast of Tabernacles, thousands of animals were slain, their blood caught by the priests and poured on the altar. The Jews had almost lost sight of the fact that sin made necessary all this shedding of blood. They did not discern that it prefigured the blood of God’s dear Son, to be shed for the life of the world.

HLv 392.4

Jesus saw how the Jews had made these great convocations scenes of bloodshed and cruelty. They had multiplied the sacrifice of beasts, as if God could be honored by a heartless service. The priests and rulers had made the symbols pointing to the Lamb of God a means of getting gain. Thus the sacredness of the sacrificial service had been in a great measure destroyed. Jesus knew that His blood, so soon to be shed for the sins of the world, would be as little appreciated by the priests and elders as was the blood of beasts!

HLv 392.5

Against these practices Christ had spoken through the prophets. Isaiah, seeing in prophetic vision the apostasy of the Jews, addressed them: “What to Me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of he-goats.” “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before My eyes.” Isaiah 1:11, 16, RSV.

HLv 393.1

He who had Himself given these prophecies now for the last time repeated the warning. In fulfillment of prophecy the people had proclaimed Jesus king of Israel. He had received their homage and accepted the office of king. In this character He must act. He knew His efforts to reform a corrupt priesthood would be in vain; nevertheless, to an unbelieving people the evidence of His divine mission must be given.

HLv 393.2

Again the piercing look of Jesus swept over the desecrated court of the temple. All eyes were turned toward Him. Divinity flashed through humanity, investing Christ with a dignity and glory He had never manifested before. Those nearest Him drew as far away as the crowd would permit. Except for a few of His disciples, the Saviour stood alone. The deep silence seemed unbearable. Christ spoke with a power that swayed the people like a mighty tempest: “It is written, My house is the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” His voice sounded like a trumpet through the temple. “Take these things hence.” John 2:16.

HLv 393.3

Three years before, the rulers of the temple had been ashamed of their flight before the command of Jesus. They had felt it impossible for their undignified surrender to be repeated. Yet they were now more terrified than before, and in greater haste to obey His command. Priests and traders fled, driving their cattle before them.

HLv 393.4

On the way from the temple they were met by a throng who came with their sick inquiring for the Great Healer. The report given by the fleeing people caused some of these to turn back, but a large number pressed through the crowd, eager to reach Him. Again the temple court was filled by the sick and the dying, and once more Jesus ministered to them.

HLv 394.1

After a season the priests and rulers ventured back to the temple. They expected Jesus to take the throne of David. Upon entering the temple, they stood transfixed. They saw the sick healed, the blind restored to sight, the deaf receive their hearing, and the crippled leap for joy. Children were foremost in the rejoicing. Jesus had healed their maladies; He had clasped them in His arms. Now with glad voices the children sounded His praise. They repeated the hosannas of the day before and waved palm branches triumphantly before the Saviour.

HLv 394.2

The sound of these happy, unrestrained voices was an offense to the rulers of the temple. They represented to the people that the house of God was desecrated by the feet of the children and the shouts of rejoicing. The rulers appealed to Christ: “Hearest Thou what these say? And Jesus said to them, Yes, have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou has perfected praise?” Prophecy had foretold that Christ should be proclaimed as king, and God moved upon the children to be His witnesses. Had the voices of the children been silent, the very pillars of the temple would have sounded the Saviour’s praise.

HLv 394.3

The Pharisees were utterly disconcerted. Never before had Jesus assumed such kingly authority. He had done marvelous works, but never before in a manner so solemn and impressive. Though enraged and confounded, the priests and rulers were unable to accomplish anything further that day. The next morning the Sanhedrin again considered what course to pursue toward Jesus. For three years the rulers had evidences of His Messiahship. They now decided to demand no sign of His authority, but to draw out some admission or declaration by which He might be condemned.

HLv 394.4

In the temple they proceeded to question Him: “By what authority doest Thou these things? and who gave Thee this authority?” Jesus met them with a question apparently pertaining to another subject, and He made His reply conditional on their answering this question: “The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?”

HLv 395.1

The priests saw they were in a dilemma from which no sophistry could extricate them. If they said that John’s baptism was from heaven, Christ would say, Why have ye not then believed on him? John had testified of Christ, “Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. If the priests believed John’s testimony, how could they deny the Messiahship of Christ?

HLv 395.2

If they declared their real belief, that John’s ministry was of men, they would bring on themselves a storm of indignation, for the people believed John to be a prophet. The multitude knew that the priests had professed to accept John, and they expected them to acknowledge that he was sent from God. But after conferring secretly together, the priests decided not to commit themselves. Hypocritically professing ignorance, they said, “We cannot tell.” “Neither tell I you,” said Christ, “by what authority I do these things.”

HLv 395.3

Baffled and disappointed, scribes, priests, and rulers all stood with lowering brows, not daring to press further questions on Christ. The people stood by, amused to see these proud, self-righteous men defeated.

HLv 395.4

All these sayings and doings of Christ were important, and their influence was to be felt in an ever-increasing degree after His crucifixion and ascension. Many were finally to become His disciples, first drawn by His words on that eventful day. The contrast between Jesus and the high priest as they talked together was marked. The proud dignitary of the temple was clothed in rich and costly garments. Upon his head was a glittering tiara, his bearing majestic, his hair and beard silvered by age. Before this august person stood the Majesty of heaven, without adornment or display, His garments travel-stained, His face pale, expressing a patient sadness. Yet written there were dignity and benevolence. Many who witnessed the words and deeds of Jesus in the temple from that time enshrined Him in their hearts as a prophet of God. But as the popular feeling turned in His favor, the hatred of the priests toward Jesus increased.

HLv 396.1

It was not Christ’s purpose to humiliate His opponents. He had an important lesson to teach. The acknowledged ignorance of His enemies in regard to John’s baptism gave Him opportunity to speak, presenting before them their real position, and adding another warning to the many already given:

HLv 396.2

“What think ye?” He said. “A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whither of them twain did the will of his father?”

HLv 396.3

This abrupt question threw His hearers off their guard. They immediately answered, “The first.” Fixing His steady eye on them, Jesus responded in stern and solemn tones: “Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”

HLv 396.4

The priests and rulers could not but give a correct answer to Christ’s question, and thus He obtained their opinion in favor of the first son, who represented the publicans. When John came, preaching repentance and baptism, the publicans received his message and were baptized.

HLv 397.1

The priests and rulers remained silent. But Christ said: “Hear another parable. There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?”

HLv 397.2

The priests and rulers answered, “He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.” The speakers now saw that they had pronounced their own condemnation. As the husbandmen were to return to the lord a due proportion of the fruits of the vineyard, so God’s people were to honor Him by a life corresponding to their sacred privileges. But as the husbandmen had killed the servants whom the master sent to them for fruit, so the Jews had put to death the prophets whom God sent to call them to repentance.

HLv 397.3

Thus far the application of the parable could not be questioned, and in what followed it was no less evident. In the beloved son whom the lord of the vineyard finally sent to his disobedient servants, and whom they seized and slew, the priests and rulers saw a distinct picture of Jesus and His impending fate. In the retribution inflicted on the ungrateful husbandmen was portrayed the doom of those who should put Christ to death.

HLv 398.1

Looking with pity on them, the Saviour continued, “Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”

HLv 398.2

This prophecy the Jews had often repeated in the synagogues, applying it to the coming Messiah. Christ was the Cornerstone of the Jewish economy, and of the whole plan of salvation. This foundation stone the Jewish builders were now rejecting. By every means in His power the Saviour sought to make plain the nature of the deed they were about to do. His warnings, failing to arouse them to repentance, would seal their doom, and He designed to show them the justice of God in the withdrawal of their national privileges, which would end not only in the destruction of their temple and their city, but in the dispersion of the nation.

HLv 398.3

The hearers recognized the warning, but notwithstanding the sentence they themselves had pronounced, the priests and rulers were ready to fill out the picture by saying, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him.” “But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes,” for the public sentiment was in Christ’s favor.

HLv 398.4

In quoting the prophecy of the rejected stone, Christ referred to an actual incident connected with the building of the first temple. It had a special lesson at Christ’s first advent, but it also has a lesson for us. When the temple of Solomon was erected, the immense stones were entirely prepared at the quarry. After they were brought to the place of building, the workmen had only to place them in position. For the foundation, one stone of unusual size and peculiar shape had been brought, but the workmen could find no place for it. It was an annoyance as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected stone.

HLv 399.1

But when the builders came to laying of the corner, they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size and strength, and of the proper shape, to bear the great weight which would rest on it. Should they make an unwise choice, the safety of the entire building would be endangered. Several stones had been chosen, but under the pressure of immense weights they had crumbled to pieces.

HLv 399.2

But at last attention was called to the stone so long rejected. It had been exposed to sun and storm without revealing the slightest crack. It had borne every test but one—the test of severe pressure. The trial was made. The stone was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found to be an exact fit. This stone was a symbol of Christ. Isaiah says:

HLv 399.4

God chose the foundation stone and called it “a sure foundation.” The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and griefs. With perfect safety they may build upon it. Those who trust in Him, He never disappoints. He has borne every test. He has borne the burdens cast upon Him by every repenting sinner. All who make Him their dependence rest in perfect security.

HLv 400.2

To those who believe, Christ is the sure foundation. They fall on the Rock and are “broken.” To fall on the Rock and be broken is to give up our self-righteousness, to go to Christ with the humility of a child, repenting of our transgressions, and believing in His forgiving love. So also by faith and obedience we build on Christ as our foundation.

HLv 400.5

And on “whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” The people who rejected Christ were soon to see their city and nation destroyed, their glory scattered as the dust before the wind. And what was it that destroyed the Jews? The rock which, had they built on it, would have been their security. It was the goodness of God despised, mercy slighted. Men set themselves in opposition to God, and all that would have been their salvation was turned to their destruction.

HLv 401.1

In the Jews’ crucifixion of Christ was involved the destruction of Jerusalem. The blood shed on Calvary was the weight that sank them to ruin.

HLv 401.2

So in the great final day, when judgment shall fall on the rejecters of God’s grace. Christ, their rock of offense, will then appear as an avenging mountain. The glory of His countenance, which to the righteous is life, will be to the wicked a consuming fire. Because of love rejected, grace despised, the sinner will be destroyed. The desecrated temple, the disobedient son, the false husbandmen, the contemptuous builders have their counterpart in the experience of every sinner. Unless he repents, the doom which they foreshadowed will be his.

From Heaven With Love

Priests and Rulers Silenced

HLv 396.5

The second son represented the leading men of the Jewish nation who would not acknowledge that John came from God. They “rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” Luke 7:30. Like the second son, the priests and rulers professed obedience, but acted disobedience.

From Heaven With Love

The Strange Stone That Prefigured Christ

HLv 399.3

“He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel... . And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” Christ was to bear trials and tests of which the chief cornerstone in the temple of Solomon was symbolic. “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah 8:14, 15; 28:16.

HLv 400.1

Christ is both “a sure foundation” and “a stone of stumbling.” “Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.” 1 Peter 2:7, 8.

From Heaven With Love

How to Be Built-up by Being Broken

HLv 400.3

Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. It is broad enough for all, and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world. By connection with Christ all who build on this foundation become living stones. See 1 Peter 2:5.

HLv 400.4

“To them which stumble at the word, being disobedient,” Christ is a Rock of offense. Like the rejected stone, Christ had borne neglect and abuse. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... . He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:3. But by the resurrection from the dead He would be declared the “Son of God with power.” Romans 1:4. At His second coming He would be revealed as Lord of heaven and earth. Before the universe the rejected stone would become the head of the corner.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 890—Counsels to A. T. Jones

11MR 208.2

You have been given great light upon the Bible. God has helped you to make truth appear in its true bearing before the people, but this is no excuse for you to speak words that have no foundation in the Word of God; words that, if carried out, would bring our churches to the place where they would need the reproof, “My house shall be called a house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 25, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 25, 1894, par. 6

Were Christ upon the earth, the indignation of His soul would be made manifest in the same manner as when He was in the temple at Jerusalem. Divinity would flash through humanity, and with a voice of authority, He would exclaim, “Take these things hence.” “It is written, My house should be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] As Christ wept over Jerusalem, He saw not merely the retributive judgment of God about to fall upon that apostate nation, but His prophetic eye beheld Jerusalem as a type of the whole world, and He saw in her inhabitants those who professed godliness from her day to ours, and who practiced the evil doings of the ungodly. The seething rebukes that fell upon Jerusalem are applicable to all those who practice injustice, who are greedy of gain, and who feel at liberty to oppress their fellow men. They also are they who have despised His counsels, who have desecrated His temple court, and who, if they do not repent, will meet the retribution of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 37, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 37, 1894, par. 1

“And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen, and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” [John 2:13-16.] These were the words He spoke at the first cleansing of the temple; and at the second cleansing of the temple, just prior to His crucifixion, He said unto them, “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.] That was a very decided statement of condemnation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 4, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 4, 1895, par. 11

It should be written on the conscience as with a pen of iron upon a rock, that no man can achieve true success while violating the eternal principles of right. There must be a cleansing of the institutions similar to Christ’s cleansing of the temple of old. “It is written,” saith the Lord, “my house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.] There are in our institutions today transactions similar to those that took place in the temple <courts> in Christ’s time; and all heaven is looking on.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 56, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, par. 8

We are not to drift into worldly channels. Consider the cleansing of the temple at the beginning of Christ’s ministry. He found the Jews intent on gain. They had made the court of the temple a scene of sacrilegious traffic, and had turned the ancient and sacred institution of the Passover into a means of vile profit. They bartered deeply, turning the service instituted by Christ Himself into the worship of mammon. But Christ came suddenly into the temple court, divinity flashed through humanity, and raising a whip of small cords in His hand, with a voice that they will hear again in the execution of the judgment, He said, “Take these things hence. It is written, My Father’s house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] The priests and rulers saw as it were an avenging angel, such as guarded the way to the tree of life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 80, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 80, 1897, par. 4

Were the Lord Jesus upon the earth today, He would reprove the same practices that He reproved in the courts of the temple. To the church members He would say, “Take these things hence. It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] These denunciations He has uttered for years against the managers in the office of publication. The opinion of those handling sacred things has been that God did not expect them to be too liberal in business deal. The income must be brought into the work and cause of God; therefore, scheming and artful presentations and false representations have been made. And if it is never revealed in this time of probation, the future will show accounts standing in the books of heaven that reveal dishonesty, sharpness in business deal. These can never be washed away by the blood of the Lamb until full repentance and restitution show the conversion of the soul from sinful practices to righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 51, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 51, 1897, par. 2

Because Jesus had rebuked the hypocrisy and avarice of the chief priests and rulers, they evidenced a most bitter hatred against Him. The Sadducees were still more bitter, although Jesus had not directed against them so plain and decided a reproof as against the Pharisees. But it was at His second act of cleansing the temple, that their most bitter enmity was aroused. In His act in interfering with the merchandise in the temple court, He set aside and condemned all the arrangement which to them was great gain. He told them that they had made the temple courts a den of thieves. [Matthew 21:13.] By their extortion and dishonesty, they had made the service of God contemptible. Avarice was the besetting sin of the Jews. It was on this point that Judas was overcome. The erection of stalls for sales brought in great profits, and any interference with these plans for extortion and commercial income was an act that would not be tolerated.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 32, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 32, 1898, par. 4

Just before this Christ had made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. For the second time He had cleansed the temple, and had driven out from its courts the traffickers, saying, “Take these things hence. It is written, My Father’s house shall be called a house of prayer but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] Dishonest dealing was practiced by the men who brought cattle to sell in the temple courts; but the word of command was given; divinity flashed through humanity, and no priest in his gorgeous dress, or trafficker looking on that countenance, dared to remain. They fled from the temple courts in great haste.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 105, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 25

They used the courts of the temple as though the animals brought there made them of the highest value. O, what deceit, what hypocrisy was practiced. Twice Christ’s displeasure was evidenced against them. Divinity flashed through humanity, and He drove out the buyers and sellers from the temple courts saying, “Take these things hence. It is written, My Father’s house shall be [called] a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] He overturned the tables of the money changers, and priests and people fled from before that one Man as though an army of soldiers with drawn swords were pursuing them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 47, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 47, 1898, par. 28

It is not in God’s order that the literature published in the Echo office shall dishonor the Redeemer. By accepting and publishing this class of matter, you will send forth to the world any army of educated infidels, and then Satan’s object is accomplished. If Christ were upon the earth today, He would cleanse the office of all the things that defile it, as He cleansed the temple courts at Jerusalem. He would say, as He said then, Take these things hence. It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves. [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 17—A Solemn Warning

8T 92.3

The Review and Herald office has been defiled as the temple was defiled, only the result has been tenfold more disastrous. Overturning the tables of the money-changers, Christ drove the sheep and cattle from the precincts of the temple, saying: “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13. Worse even than the defilement of the temple has been the defilement of the publishing house by the printing of matter which should never have been placed in the hands of the workers in God’s institution.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 133, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 133, 1901, par. 4

I have a word from the Lord to you who are handling sacred things and yet who do not appreciate the value of eternal realities and have not spiritual discernment to understand the work that you are doing. The Spirit of God is grieved because works of a worldly character which are calculated to charm the senses, to fill the mind with that which can only be compared to wood, hay, and stubble, are multiplied in the office of publication. These books are read with eagerness, and they contain no spiritual nourishment, whereby the soul can acquire more strength; give no true idea of Christian life or instruction in regard to the common duties of life. The atmosphere they breathe is one that is detrimental to solid Christian experience. Were Christ upon the earth today, He would cleanse the office of many things that are not in accordance with our high profession, as He cleansed the temple of its unholy traffic. It is written, “My house shall be called an house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.] Let every one begin to cleanse his own soul-temple and thus co-operate with Christ in the work of purifying the office.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 120, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 120, 1901, par. 4

Although it had been foretold that in a few years hence the temple would be destroyed, yet Christ and His disciples sought to give all possible dignity and sacredness to the temple and its services, which, according to the appointment of God, were to continue until type met antitype in the death of the Lamb of God. Christ cleansed the temple of the shameful traffic. “Take these things hence,” He said. “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] Here He referred to the robbery of the priests in taking advantage of circumstances to charge exorbitant prices.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 138, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 138, 1901, par. 11

The Review and Herald Office has been defiled as the temple was defiled, only the result has been tenfold more disastrous. Overturning the tables of the moneychangers, Christ drove the sheep and cattle from the precincts of the temple saying, “It is written, My Father’s house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13; John 2:16.] Worse even than the defilement of the temple has been the defilement of the publishing house by the printing of matter which should never have been placed in the hands of the workers in God’s institution.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 2, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 2, 1902, par. 11

In our publishing houses, as it was in the temple-courts, there is unholy traffic, unrighteous barter. If Christ were on the earth, He would say, “Take these things hence.” “My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 215, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 215, 1902, par. 2

You have been given great light upon the Bible. God has helped you to make truth appear in its true bearing before the people, but this is no excuse for you to speak words that have no foundation in the word of God, words that, if carried out, would bring our churches to the place where they would need the reproof, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 7, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 7, 1902, par. 20

It is time that there should be a spiritual awakening in every sanitarium, every publishing house, every divinely established institution. Let the workers connected with these institutions awake to a realization of their sacred trust, that Christ may not be compelled to say, “Take these things hence.” “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] Charges that men do not anticipate will come. Unfaithful stewardship must be met and accounted for. There is now a need of most thorough self-examination. Shall unholy works testify against us as a people? The true believer in Christ Jesus will be conscientious in every transaction, because the live coal from the altar has touched and cleansed his lips. He will have confidence in his brethren and sisters.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 113, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 113, 1903, par. 20

Again the piercing look of Christ swept over the desecrated court of the temple; and He spoke with a power that swayed the people like a mighty tempest: “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.] His voice sounded like a trumpet through the temple. The displeasure of His countenance seemed like consuming fire. With authority He commanded, “Take these things hence.” [John 2:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 301, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 301, 1903, par. 6

It is written, “My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13. This is applicable to many of the devisings and plannings under the suggestions of the power of him who is called the prince of the power of the air. As God sends warnings, and these warnings have had no influence, then the prince of the power of the air has some wonderful, successful thing to present in beautiful pictures and soft, smooth sayings—words that please the fancy of the human mind. Nought but the clear discernment of the Holy Spirit of God can perceive the genuine track of truth. Solid, eternal truth is our only safety now from specious errors dressed in the angelic robes of science.

Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903

Chapter 5—A Solemn Warning

PH151 21.4

The Review and Herald Office has been defiled as the temple was defiled, only the result has been tenfold more disastrous. Overturning the tables of the money-changers, Christ drove the sheep and cattle from the precincts of the temple, saying, “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13. Worse even than the defilement of the temple has been the defilement of the publishing house by the printing of matter which should never have been placed in the hands of the workers in God’s institution.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 78, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 78, 1903, par. 8

Once again Jesus cleansed the temple courts. He drove from them those who were desecrating them, saying, “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Circumstances No Excuse

1TT 500.1

Like many of our brethren, you are becoming entangled with the transgressors of God’s law, viewing matters in their light and falling into their errors. God will visit with His judgments those who are professedly serving Him, yet really serving mammon. Those who disregard the Lord’s express injunction for their personal advantage are heaping future woe upon themselves. The church in ----- should inquire closely if they have not, like the Jews, made the temple of God a place of merchandise. Christ said: “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 2, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 2, 1885, par. 23

What did attract the multitudes? It was the purity of His character, the goodness and loveliness of His character. It was this which was to charm; and as His eye sweeps over the scene, His divinity held power over mortal man. They held themselves perfectly quiet with bated breath. They looked upon that Man to see what would come next. The silence was painful. He says, “Take these things away. It is written, My Father’s house shall be the house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13], and then they fled from the place as if a band of soldiers was following. What was it that had taken the place? The sick were brought into the court of the temple, and He was healing the soul as well as the body. He bent in love over the tender infant, over the decrepit, and those who were suffering with loathsome diseases He healed every one of them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 31, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 31, 1891, par. 24

Were Christ upon the earth today, He would cleanse the office of many things that are not in accordance with our high profession as He cleansed the temple of its unholy traffic. It is written, “My house shall be called an house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.] Let every one begin to cleanse his own soul temple, and thus co-operate with Christ in the work of purifying the office.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 31a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 31a, 1894, par. 14

I have not dared to speak to you smooth things. I have not dared to prophesy deceit. I have declared to you the word of the Lord, but some things I have not communicated in so plain and sharp a manner as the case demanded. You have not accepted the testimonies of warning and reproof which the Lord has given. You have had a hatred of the message which His chosen messengers have proclaimed. You have acted and expressed the hatred of your hearts just as far as you have dared to do so. If Jesus had been upon the earth, He would have cleansed His temple courts from the buyers and the sellers; He would have driven out the men who were dealing unjustly, and would have said, “Take these things hence; for it is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [See John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 63, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 63, 1899, par. 20

Christ rebuked the Pharisees and doctors of the law because of the dishonest practices which they had brought into the temple courts. These men influenced the buyers and sellers to purchase cattle at the lowest prices, and then to sell them for a high price to those coming from a distance, who could not bring their offerings with them and were therefore compelled to buy them in Jerusalem. As these men sat at the table, counting the money they had gained by robbery and extortion, Christ stood before them. His eye flashed with indignation as He saw the fraudulent transactions which were carried on. Picking up a scourge of small cords, which had been used to drive cattle to the temple, He drove out those who sold and bought, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, saying, “It is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.]

14LtMs, Ms 63, 1899, par. 21

Then the Restorer practiced His medical missionary work. “The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” [Verse 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 45, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 45, 1891, par. 4

Jerusalem symbolizes the world. Just as Jerusalem received her doom, so will the world receive its doom. Christ bore long with the nation He wished to save, but they disappointed all His hopes. After cleansing the temple, driving out the buyers and sellers, He declared, “My Father’s house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [Matthew 21:13.] Yet He longed with an intense longing that the Jewish people might recover themselves from the snare of the enemy.

7LtMs, Lt 45, 1891, par. 5

On one occasion as Christ was on His way from Bethany to Jerusalem, He saw a fig tree covered with leaves. He searched its branches for fruit, but in vain. It bore nothing but leaves, and Christ pronounced on it a withering curse. “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth forever,” He said. “And presently the fig tree withered away.” [Verse 19.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

Search the Scriptures

3MR 90.3

There is to be a mighty angel to assist the third angel in his work. The whole earth is to be lighted with His glory. The proclamation as presented represents a people crying the very words. Christ’s riding into Jerusalem when the people cried “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:15) was a fulfillment of prophecy. The Pharisees were disturbed to see the attention paid to the Son of God. Their understanding was so blunted that they could not see in this very act the fulfillment of prophecy and some of the Pharisees said, “Master, rebuke Thy disciples. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:39, 40. God has shown John in vision the work in the future. It was while the apostle was on the isle of Patmos that these truths that are now due were presented before his mind, and no man can stop the proclamation any more than they could stop the voices of those that cried “Hosanna to the Son of David.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 117, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 117, 1899, par. 7

As the children sang in the temple courts, “Hosannah to the Highest, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord,” so in these days children’s voices will be raised to give the last message of warning to a perishing world. [Mark 11:9, 10; Matthew 21:15.] We are not to shut ourselves away from our fellow beings. We are to be in the world, while not of the world.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Even Children May Share Their Faith, June 13

YRP 173.1

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, and said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? Matthew 21:15, 16.