EGW WritingsMatthew 23
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2
Read Matthew 23 in the BibleMatthew 23:8-10
The Faith I Live By
Built on the Rock, October 31
FLB 310.4
Instead of appointing one to be their head, Christ said to the disciples, “Be not ye called Rabbi;” “neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” Matthew 23:8, 10.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 45—The Foreshadowing of the Cross
HLv 279.4
The Saviour did not commit the work of the gospel to Peter individually. Later, repeating the words spoken to Peter, He applied them to the church, and also to the Twelve as representatives of the body of believers. If Jesus had delegated any special authority to one disciple above the others, we should not find them so often contending as to who should be the greatest. They would have honored the one chosen. Instead of appointing one to be their head, Christ said, “Be not ye called Rabbi.” “Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” Matthew 23:8, 10.HLv 279.5
“The head of every man is Christ.” God, who put all things under the Saviour’s feet, “gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.” 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22, 23. The church is built on Christ as its foundation. It is not to depend on man or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and do. The Saviour declares, “All ye are brethren.” Matthew 23:8. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency. See Jeremiah 17:5; Psalm 2:12.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 45—The Foreshadowing of the Cross
DA 414.2
Instead of appointing one to be their head, Christ said to the disciples, “Be not ye called Rabbi;” “neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” Matthew 23:8, 10.Matthew 23:8-11
Testimony for the Church — No. 25
Leadership.
T25 181.1
Text.—“One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” Matthew 23:8.T25 182.1
And at no time during his public ministry does Christ intimate that any one of his disciples should be designated as their leader. He does say, however, “that he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11. And on the occasion of submitting the great commission to his first ministers, to be perpetuated in the Christian ministry to the close of the age, Christ gives the pledge that ever has been and ever will be the supporting staff of every true minister, “Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.Matthew 23:8-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 19, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 19, 1887, par. 6
We are not to place our dependence upon man nor expect homage from our fellow men. Jesus says, “Be ye not called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren; call no man your father upon the earth, for one is your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 23:8, 9.] We should remember that the best and most intelligent men have only a limited ability, and we should pray for discernment to understand what is each man’s true place. We are not to be blind; we may see the prejudices which some have, and which are criticized by those with whom we associate; we may see the errors that hinder their religious growth, we may discern their instability of opinion, their partiality of action; but because we see this we should not feel that we are superior to them, measuring ourselves among ourselves and leaning to our own understanding. As we see the deficiencies of others, it should lead us to have less self-confidence, to be jealous of our own spirit and action. No living man should come in to take the place of God in your mind. “Call no man your father upon earth, for one is your Father which is in heaven. Neither [be ye] called masters, for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be [your servant], ... and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” [Verses 9-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 1c, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 1c, 1890, par. 8
We are not to place our dependence upon man nor expect homage from our fellowmen. Jesus says, “Be ye not called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Matthew 23:8, 9. We should remember that the best and most intelligent of men have only a limited ability, and we should pray for discernment to understand what is each man’s true place.6LtMs, Lt 1c, 1890, par. 10
“Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:9-12.Matthew 23:9
Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1474—Christ’s Manner of Teaching
20MR 245.2
God never designed that one man’s judgment and plans should be regarded as supreme. He says, “Ye are laborers together with God.” Let no man undertake to repress or discourage. Let him not seek to put his armor upon his brother, for he has not proved it. The president of our General Conference is not to consider it his work to lay plans as to how the minister shall carry forward his work. And the ministers are never to copy any man’s gestures, his habits, his attitude, his expressions, the tones of his voice. They are to become no man’s shadow, in thought, in sentiment, or in devising and execution of the great whole. If God has made you a shepherd of the flock, He has given you qualification to do that work. Christ says, “Call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in heaven” [Matthew 23:9]. Let every man take his Bible, and place himself in divine communion with the great Teacher. God is the source from which all knowledge and wisdom flows.The Voice in Speech and Song
Chapter 52—Every Person an Original
VSS 299.1
No Man’s Shadow—Ministers are never to copy any man’s gestures, his habits, his attitude, his expressions, the tones of his voice. They are to become no man’s shadow, in thought, in sentiment, or in devising and executing the great whole. If God has made you a shepherd of the flock, He has given you qualification to do that work. Christ says, “Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” [Matthew 23:9]. Let every man take his Bible, and place himself in divine communion with the great Teacher. God is the source from which all knowledge and wisdom flows.—Manuscript 104, 1898.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 104, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 104, 1898, par. 19
God never designed that one man’s judgment and plans should be regarded as supreme. He says, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let no man undertake to repress or discourage. Let him not seek to put his armor upon his brother, for he has not proved it. The president of our General Conference is not to consider it is his work to lay plans as to how the minister shall carry forward his work. And the ministers are never to copy any man’s gestures, his habits, his attitude, his expressions, the tones of his voice. They are to become man’s shadow, in thought, in sentiment, or in devising and execution of the great whole. If God has made you a shepherd of the flock, he has given you qualification to do that work. Christ says, “Call no man your father which is upon to earth; for one is your Father, even God.” [Matthew 23:9.] Let every man take his Bible, and place himself in divine communion with the great Teacher. God is the source from which all knowledge and wisdom flows.Matthew 23:10
The Faith I Live By
Holy and Reverend Is His Name, February 4
FLB 41.6
If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by those who bear the title of “Reverend” or “Right Reverend,” would He not repeat His saying, “Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ”? Matthew 23:10. The Scripture declares of God, “Holy and reverend is his name.” To what human being is such a title befitting? How little does man reveal of the wisdom and righteousness it indicates! How many of those who assume this title are misrepresenting the name and character of God! Alas, how often have worldly ambition, despotism, and the basest sins been hidden under the broidered garments of a high and holy office! 18The Desire of Ages, 613.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 40, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 40, 1903, par. 29
Christ desires to rule in our hearts without a rival. He has purchased us, and we belong to Him alone. He has delegated to no one His right of authority. We must place ourselves wholly under His control. He said to His disciples, “Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” “Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ.” [John 13:13; Matthew 23:10.] In these words He affirms His claims and calls for the allegiance of mind, will, soul, and strength. When man recognizes the authority of the Majesty of Heaven, he will make a determined effort rightly to represent Him.Matthew 23:12
Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 949—Standard of Truth To Be Upheld in Christ’s Love
12MR 117.1
The lesson of Christ in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican is recorded for the benefit of all who believe the words of Christ. It was spoken to some who the great Teacher saw were self-conceited, full of their own righteousness, and who despised others. “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” [Matthew 23:12]. Your position is that of exalting self. Your assumption of excellency that does not belong to you will certainly exclude you from the grace which, can truly exalt. True righteousness never produces such fruit; false righteousness always does.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 9, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 72
I warn you to root out every fiber of the root of bitterness, and make the lessons of Christ your daily study and practice. You have a desire to stand first; well, Christ declares that those who humble themselves shall be great in the kingdom of heaven, and those who exalt themselves shall be abased. [Matthew 23:12.] “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity: whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.]Matthew 23:13-35
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 105, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 105, 1893, par. 1
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” [Matthew 23:13.] As Christ pronounced this woe, he was looking into the faces of those who were thirsting for life. He dared to lay bare the true condition of their hearts. Divinity flashed through humanity as he stood before them defenseless and despised, yet unmasking their hypocrisy with a power and eloquence that held the large assembly spellbound. No one ventured to interrupt him or sought to stop his words which he uttered with tremendous power. Every syllable of the pronounced woes reached the ears of all and seemed to be echoed from the temple walls. The scribes and Pharisees were charged with the most terrible guilt, inasmuch as they shut up the kingdom of heaven against men, refusing to enter themselves and hindering those who would venture in. The responsibility of Israel was fearfully great; for Jesus had come unto his own and his own received him not. He was the light of the world, and all were required not only to receive the light, but to practice the light; for the only hope for Israel was to believe and obey the truth.8LtMs, Ms 105, 1893, par. 7
The true character of the scribes and Pharisees, the deceitfulness of the Jewish nation, was all open to Christ, and in words of eloquent denunciations, he presented before the people the doom of those who perverted his words, and hindered those who were entering into the kingdom of God. He had been engaged in public ministry three years and a half, and he claimed that he had given abundant evidence for faith in the works which he had wrought; for they were a divine endorsement attesting the verity of his claims. He had exalted truth as above human reasoning; but he found that the minds of the people were loaded down with the exactions and traditions of men to so great a degree that it was almost impossible to reach them with divine oracles. Men exalted reason above truth, and clung to theories which they thought within their conception. Christ the source of all true wisdom, found truth darkened, its light almost extinguished by the perverted reasoning of human philosophy. But he clears away the rubbish and recovers the lost treasures and resets the jewels of truth, and surrounded by divine credentials, he presents a system of truth exalted in loveliness, and demanding the credence of the people. He spake as one having authority and although Satan opposed his influence through the cooperation’s of his agents, yet the divine seed was sown and took root in the hearts of men who were clothed with humility and who having become acquainted with the will of God, purposed to walking in the light. They took accepted the sayings of Christ as they were—as spirit and life. His words revealed principles which are the foundation of the sacred science of salvation to all who believe. There was no uncertainty in his utterances, and he had a message for every soul. In solemn voice, full of pathos and melody he said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you.” Then a message would follow impressed with the stamp and seal of God. As he denounced the scribes and Pharisees, he felt solemnity and power of his condemnation; for was ever touched with human woe and was meek and lowly of heart. As he surveyed the hypocritical and guilty throng that surrounded him, and noted the cold, lowering brows and stubborn faces that told their intention to resist him to the last, he clothed himself with zeal as with a garment and was filled with consuming indignation for the insulted honor of his Father, and pronounced judgments against the rejecters of his mercy. But the national guilt was not yet full. He bids the nation fill up the measure of their guilt was not yet full. He bids the nation fill up the measure of their guilt, and points them to the example of their fathers, saying “Fill ye up the measure of your fathers.” [Matthew 23:32.] Their fathers had slain prophets and through their precepts and example had cast their influence in such a way as to produce at last the ripeness of iniquity which was to end in the withdrawal of the long suffering patience of an insulted, dishonored God. Instead of being softened by the patience of which they had so long been the objects they encouraged their hearts in persistent resistance; but Christ gave them to understand in his last discourse that there was a limit to the forbearance of God and that it was possible to pass the boundaries as did Judas.8LtMs, Ms 105, 1893, par. 8
God allows to all nations a certain period of probation, of grace, but if all his goodness mercy and compassion are trifled with they can expect nothing but an outbreak of indignation, a demonstration of judgments such as fell upon the Sodomites and came up the world in the time of Noah. The truth concerning the Jewish nation is depicted as Jesus gives his last message to a gain-saying and rebellious people. His denunciations are most awful because they came from lips that never reviled. He said, “Behold, I send unto you prophets and wise men, and scribes; and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues and persecute them from city to city; that upon you may come all the righteous bloodshed upon the earth from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.” [Verses 34, 35.] He bids the rejecters of his mercy and love to fill up the measure of their hatred; for when their last murderous act should be done in putting him to death, the day of repentance would be ended. When the judgment fell it was seen that their past wickedness was not forgotten though the day of its visitation was long put off and they acknowledged that it was a terrible mistake in them that they continued in wickedness and obstinately opposed the truth that was presented to them by the Son of God.Matthew 23:13-39
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 77, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 3
“Even so ye also appear outwardly righteous, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” Then in words of lamentation He declared, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 23:13, 27, 28, 37-39.]Matthew 23:17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 11b, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 11b, 1894, par. 14
When Christ came to the earth He found the truth hidden by error. He had to rescue truth from the error that surrounded it and present [it] to men in such a way as to show the loveliness of its character. Error may be hoary with age, but this does not make it truth. The Jews held their customs received through traditions of the fathers, from age to age and generation to generation. Christ said to them, “Ye are blind.” “Ye are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God.” [Matthew 23:17; 22:29.] They were teaching for truth the traditions of men. Christ came, He said, to give “recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that were bruised.” [Luke 4:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 11, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 11, 1894, par. 14
The Jews held their customs received from tradition and repeated from age to age and from generation to generation, and they kept accumulating until He says to them, “Ye are blind.” “Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God.” [Matthew 23:17; 22:29.] What was the matter? Why they had taught tradition for the commandments of God. That is not the way to do. What did Christ come to present? He says, “The recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” [Luke 4:18.] Now you can see that that is in perfect harmony with what we have been reading. “When thou seest the naked that thou cover him.” [Isaiah 58:7.] What are you doing if you have the glorious light of truth? What are you doing if God has chosen you to be a peculiar people, a royal people, a holy people? You are to show forth the power of Him who hath called you out of darkness, out of blindness, into His marvelous light. Well, if God lets His light shine upon you, do not let your mouth be stopped. Do not let anybody put a falsehood in your mouth because of tradition. Speaking the truth as it is in Christ Jesus.Matthew 23:23
Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1100—Warnings Against Worldliness, Rejecting Light, and Unconverted Leaders; An Appeal to Exalt Christ and Proclaim the Message of Righteousness by Faith
14MR 116.3
Read the words of Christ in Matthew 23:23: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithes of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” These denunciations are given as a warning to all who “outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within” “are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” They say, We are delivered to do all these things. They also say, “If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. “Wherefore,” said Jesus, “ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.” What lessons are here; how fearful and decisive! Jesus said, “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.” This prophecy was literally fulfilled by the Jews in their treatment of Christ and of the messengers whom God sent to them. Will men in these last days follow the example of those whom Christ condemned?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 3, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 3, 1898, par. 33
The Scribes and Pharisees were annoyed that Christ did not approve of their pretension. Instead, Christ reproved them for depending upon forms and ceremonies for salvation while their hearts were full of wickedness. “Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin,” He said, “and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the others undone.” “Ye teach for doctrine the commandments of men.” [Matthew 23:23; 15:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 125, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 125, 1901, par. 4
The law of God was being buried beneath the minutiae of outward forms—such as the frequent washing of the hands before eating, and the washing of pots and cups. Tithes were exacted on simple garden herbs. To those who made so much of these minor things, Christ said, “Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” [Matthew 23:23.]Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Result of Separation from God
TM 79.1
Read the words of Christ in Matthew 23:23: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” These denunciations are given as a warning to all who “outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within” “are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” They say, We are delivered to do all these things. They also say, “If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore,” said Jesus, “ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.” What lessons are here; how fearful and decisive! Jesus said, “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.” This prophecy was literally fulfilled by the Jews in their treatment of Christ and of the messengers whom God sent to them. Will men in these last days follow the example of those whom Christ condemned?The Desire of Ages
Chapter 9—Days of Conflict
DA 88.1
Jesus was misunderstood by His brothers because He was not like them. His standard was not their standard. In looking to men they had turned away from God, and they had not His power in their lives. The forms of religion which they observed could not transform the character. They paid “tithe of mint and anise and cummin,” but omitted “the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.” Matthew 23:23. The example of Jesus was to them a continual irritation. He hated but one thing in the world, and that was sin. He could not witness a wrong act without pain which it was impossible to disguise. Between the formalists, whose sanctity of appearance concealed the love of sin, and a character in which zeal for God’s glory was always paramount, the contrast was unmistakable. Because the life of Jesus condemned evil, He was opposed, both at home and abroad. His unselfishness and integrity were commented on with a sneer. His forbearance and kindness were termed cowardice.Special Testimony to Battle Creek Church
Result of Separation from God
PH154 21.3
Read the words of Christ in Matthew 23:23: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” These denunciations are given as a warning to all who “outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within” “are full of hypocrisy and iniquity,” They say, “We are delivered to do all these things.” They also say, “If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore,” said Jesus, “ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.” What lessons are here; how fearful and decisive! Jesus said, “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.” This prophecy was literally fulfilled by the Jews in their treatment of Christ and of the messengers whom God sent to them. Will men in these last days follow the example of those whom Christ condemned?The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Warnings Against Worldliness, Rejecting Light, and Unconverted Leaders; An Appeal to Exalt Christ and Proclaim the Message of Righteousness by Faith
1888 1324.3
Read the words of Christ in Matthew 23:23: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithes of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” These denunciations are given as a warning to all who “outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within” “are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” They say, We are delivered to do all these things. They also say, “If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. “Wherefore,” said Jesus, “ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.” What lessons are here; how fearful and decisive! Jesus said, “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.” This prophecy was literally fulfilled by the Jews in their treatment of Christ and of the messengers whom God sent to them. Will men in these last days follow the example of those whom Christ condemned?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 62, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 62, 1886, par. 76
Now if the people had not been afraid of these priests and rulers, and if they had not placed such entire confidence in them because they were educated men, then they would have commenced to think and study and search the Scriptures for themselves. They allowed the priests and rulers to be conscience for them, and Christ called these teachers false teachers, blind guides. They interpreted the Scriptures to suit their ideas. They wrested the Scriptures, and Christ once said to these professedly pious men, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.” [Matthew 22:29.] He said on another occasion, “Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” [Matthew 23:23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 31, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 31, 1894, par. 30
Christ pronounced a woe upon the cities and the people who had been favored with His labors, who had witnessed His gracious works, and listened to His gracious words and had failed to repent. To those who made a great profession of godliness while failing to bring forth corresponding works, He gave His most scathing rebukes. To the Pharisees He said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” [Matthew 23:23.] The mercy and love of God will flow forth from the lips of those in whose heart abides the mercy and love of God.Matthew 23:23-34
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 57, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 9
Read the words of Christ in (Matthew 23:23): “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” These denunciations are given as a warning to all who “outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ... are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” [Verse 28.] They say, We are delivered to do all these things. They say also, “If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 10
“Wherefore,” said Jesus, “ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.” [Verses 30, 31.] What lessons are here; how fearful and decisive! Jesus said, “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city.” [Verse 34.] This prophecy was literally fulfilled by the Jews in their treatment of Christ and of the messengers whom God sent them. Will men in these last days follow the example of those whom Christ condemned?Matthew 23:24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 1, 1873
2LtMs, Lt 1, 1873, par. 53
I think that in watching and accusing us, you were both engaged in the same work as were the Pharisees in accusing Christ. They watched to catch Him in His words or to find something in His actions that they could use as occasion against Him. As Christ said to them, I say to you, “Ye strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.” [Matthew 23:24.] Set your poor proud hearts right, and you will have so great a work to do you will feel that you have nothing to do in accusing your brethren and sisters. I do not think the best way to glorify God in observing the Sabbath is to go to bed and sleep away the sacred hours.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 39a, 1878
3LtMs, Lt 39a, 1878, par. 20
There sat Brother Joseph Clark, naturally so kind, so sympathetic that he was censuring his brethren for cruelty in killing birds, and yet here was a poor blind man, of as much more value than birds as man, formed in the image of God and bought by the infinite price of the Son of God, is above the dumb creatures of His care. “Ye ... strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel” [Matthew 23:24] would be the verdict of Him who spake as never man spake, were His voice heard in your assembly. Those who had such tender compassion for birds might have exercised a praiseworthy, reasonable, Godlike compassion and love for Jesus Christ in the person of His saints. But you were as men blindfolded.Matthew 23:25
This Day With God
The Fruits of Repentance, July 7
TDG 197.1
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Matthew 23:25.Matthew 23:27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 13, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 13, 1893, par. 46
The outward gloss may be put on, and men may be, as were the Pharisees whom Jesus describes as “whited sepulchers,” full of corruption and dead men’s bones. [Matthew 23:27.] But all the deformity of the soul is open to Him who judgeth righteously, and unless the truth is planted in the heart, it cannot control the life. Cleansing the outside of the cup will never make the vessel pure within. A nominal acceptance of truth is good as far as it goes, and the ability to give a reason for our faith is a good accomplishment, but if the truth does not go deeper than this, the soul will never be saved. The heart must be purified from all moral defilement. “I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hath pleasure in uprightness.” [1 Chronicles 29:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 2, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 2, 1896, par. 10
But His life shamed the whited sepulchers, whose outward appearance of sanctity said, We are the most righteous people on the face of the earth. The contrast was unmistakably marked between [“whited sepulchers” and] the rich loveliness of a Godlike disposition and character, in which God’s glory marked each trait of character, and which could hate only one thing in our world—sin. [See Matthew 23:27.] This Christ could not see without sorrow and pain which He could not disguise.Matthew 23:29-35
Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)
A Statement the Author Would Like You to Read
3BIO 9.1
The role of prophets has never been easy. The Master emphasized this one day as He talked with His disciples and the “multitude,” which included many of the religious leaders of the nation. After reviewing the past He looked into the future and declared that persecution, and even death, awaited heaven’s messengers (Matthew 23:29-35).Matthew 23:32-35
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 60, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 60, 1893, par. 17
Each century of increased profligacy has treasured up wrath, and Christ said unto those who resisted all His mercy, all the blessings He presented to them, addressing the rejecters of His salvation, “Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers,” for the blood of all the prophets which had been shed from the foundation of the world should be required of the nation He addressed. [Matthew 23:32, 35.] They had the beacon warning in the jealousies, in the hatred, in the despisings of warnings and messages sent to them, and God’s punishment came upon them for their cruelty, and notwithstanding all this, those who separated from God repeated the history of their fathers, and thus it is in our day.Matthew 23:34
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1515—God’s Judgments on the Cities
21MR 79.9
For years Jesus labored to convince the Jews that great calamities would come upon their nation unless they should repent. Christ pronounced the woes that would come upon Jerusalem. To the blind priests and unbelieving Pharisees He spoke words of entreaty, but denounced the wickedness of their course. [Matthew 23:34; 24:1, 2, quoted.]Matthew 23:34-35
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Answer of the Apostles
TM 72.1
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” (See Matthew 23:34, 35.) “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.”Special Testimony to Battle Creek Church
Answer of the Apostles
PH154 13.1
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” (See Matthew 23:34, 35.) “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.”The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 180—To S. N. Haskell
1888 1548.1
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them saying, “Did not we straitly command ye that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” See Matthew 23:34, 35. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 38, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, par. 28
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them saying, Did not we straitly command ye that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” [Verses 27, 28.] See Matthew 23:34, 35. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” [Acts 5:29-33.]Matthew 23:34-36
From Here to Forever
God’s People Not Misled
HF 380.4
When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast will be poured out. The plagues on Egypt were similar to those more extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God’s people. Says the revelator: “There fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.” The sea “became as the blood of a dead man.” And “the rivers and fountains of waters ... became blood.” The angel declares: “Thou art righteous, O Lord, ... because thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.” Revelation 16:2-6, 8, 9. By condemning the people of God to death, they have as truly incurred the guilt of their blood as if it had been shed by their hands. Christ declared the Jews of His time guilty of all the blood of holy men shed since the days of Abel (Matthew 23:34-36), for they possessed the same spirit as these murderers of the prophets.Matthew 23:34-39
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 18a, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 18a, 1906, par. 10
“Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, all these things shall come upon this generation.” [Matthew 23:34-36.]21LtMs, Lt 18a, 1906, par. 13
“And Jesus went out and departed from the temple: and His disciples came to Him, for to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily, I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” [Matthew 23:37-39; 24:1, 2.]Loma Linda Messages
Established Prosperity
LLM 38.7
What is our individual responsibility in this matter? When God moves forward in His work, it divides men into two classes, those who follow in the way He leads, and those who turn aside. Are not the words of Mordecai to Esther applicable to each of us today: “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance rise to the Jews (the work) from another place, but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom (the work) for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14. Or shall the prophetic words of Christ as He wept over Jerusalem, Matthew 23:34-39 describe our attitude and our condemnation at last?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 13, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 13, 1892, par. 28
“Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 23:34-39.] “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. 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.” [Luke 19:41-44.]7LtMs, Ms 13, 1892, par. 29
Christ was approaching Jerusalem for the last time. He knew that His entrance within the gate would fill up the measure of their guilt, and He lingered a moment as though He could not give up His chosen people. The Sun of Righteousness had been shedding forth divine beams of light upon the inhabitants of the doomed city, but the light was persistently rejected. He lingered on Mount Olivet, and His body swayed as a tree before the tempest, as He wept in agony over the rejecters of His mercy. In the parable of the unfruitful tree and the gardener, He had represented His attitude toward the Jewish nation, and had pleaded that they might be spared yet one year more that He might make new experiments of mercy and grace, but now the irrevocable sentence must be passed, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:38.] Past opportunities, privileges and blessings now rise up before Him. He could see Jerusalem as she might have been—holiness unto the Lord.Matthew 23:37
Lift Him Up
Christ Spoke as a Judge, November 19
LHU 337.1
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matthew 23:37.From Here to Forever
Chapter 1—A Forecast of the World’s Destiny
HF 18.6
Looking down the ages, He saw the covenant people scattered in every land, “like wrecks on a desert shore.” Divine pity, yearning love, found utterance in the mournful words: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Matthew 23:37.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 7a, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 7
The last clause comes from His pale and quivering lips. “But now they are hid from thine eyes.” He has done what He could for the people, but they would not come to Him that they might have life. We look with sorrow when we see a mother weeping over the bed of her dying child, but here was a sorrow a hundredfold greater than that of the mother for her child. “How can I give thee up? O Jerusalem,” was the language of our Saviour. [Hosea 11:8.] He exclaims in one place, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ... how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Matthew 23:37. What loving care He would have had for them! Christ came to our world in human form, and He would have encircled them with His human arm while with His divine arm He would have connected them with the God of heaven. The apostle exclaims, “Who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth?” Galatians 3:1. He will ask you today, What has come over you that you will not come to God and in full sincerity receive your Saviour? Certainly it is a benumbing power that has come over the souls of many who have had a knowledge of the truth, that they cannot understand the great love of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 16, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 16, 1888, par. 40
The words of Jesus were no mistake. He did not say, “O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye could not”—no, but “ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] Often did I seek to avert this now inevitable hour; but your defiant position, your resistance, [made] my warnings and entreaties to repent and be obedient and avert this terrible retribution of God all in vain—“Ye would not.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 13, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 13, 1888, par. 23
The real laborers will be careworn, oppressed in spirit, and they will feel as did Christ when He wept over Jerusalem. When they see crookedness and impenitence, and when they see people who will not listen to the Word of the Lord, why they will feel as He felt when He exclaimed, “Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] Here are precious invitations of mercy, and while we carry them and try to let the light be reflected upon the world in darkness, we cannot see, perhaps, that the rays of light are being penetrated everywhere. We may not see this, but it is so, if we carry the light and have the right spirit, and we want the right spirit, and we want to labor in Christ and have Christ with us constantly.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 30a, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 29
Jesus knocks; will you open the door unto Him? Shall He be compelled to write upon the lintel of the doorway, in the place of His blood that cleanseth from all sin, the sentence that leaves you to the power of the destroying angels? “He is joined to his idols.” Guardian angels, “let him alone.” [Hosea 4:17.] “How often I would have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] To all who will open the door, Jesus comes in and takes possession. Will you not say, “Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; come in; wherefore standest thou without?” [Genesis 24:31.] Will you accept the gold—the riches of His love, His grace, His salvation, the robe of Christ’s righteousness? Of such He says, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am sat down with my Father in his throne.” [Revelation 3:21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 45, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 45, 1891, par. 3
The vineyard is the whole house of Israel. But the natural branches, the Jewish people, were broken off because of unbelief. The Jewish people closed their eyes lest they should see. Christ came to His own, and His own received Him not. In their ostentation and pride they refused the only One who could save them, and Christ broke forth into lamentation over them, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] With quivering lips and breaking heart He said, “O that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace.” But the irrevocable sentence was pronounced, “Now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 2, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 12
God does not want any poor soul to bear the sins of any. Christ is the sin-bearer. Do not be overanxious as to what your brother should do. Christ said to Peter’s inquiry, “What is that to thee? Follow thou me.” [John 21:22.] You that have been feeding upon what is worse than what the swine fed upon—the mistakes of others—why won’t you feed upon something more beneficial? We cannot be saved in our sins. Let Christ take them and the vacuum be supplied with His righteousness. There is healing in His wings. See Matthew 23:37.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 51a, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 51a, 1895, par. 31
By continual resistance the sinner places himself where he knows nothing but resistance. When he disregards the calls of God’s mercy, and continues to sow the seeds of unbelief, the dread mark is placed over his doorway, “Ephraim is joined to his idols; let him alone.” [Hosea 4:17.] Jesus grieves over you, saying, “How often would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing; but ye would not.” [See Matthew 23:37.] No longer grieve the Saviour by your resistance. “Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” [Romans 13:11, 12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 88, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 88, 1897, par. 10
This lamentation is made for backsliding. When Christ the Majesty of heaven, came in person to His vineyard, that He might receive the first fruits thereof, they said, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.” [Luke 20:14.] Christ’s lamentation over Jerusalem is the lamentation of a breaking heart. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thee together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 67, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 67, 1897, par. 2
The Lord is full of mercy and truth and lovingkindness. His solicitude for us is without a parallel. With what solicitude He contemplated the giving up of Jerusalem. He wept over the impenitent city. With tears and in broken accents He expressed His keen sorrow, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee. How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye (could not? No) would not.” [Matthew 23:37.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1389—As It Was in the Days of Noah
19MR 181.2
This lamentation is made for backsliding. When Christ the Majesty of heaven, came in person to His vineyard that He might receive the first fruits thereof, they said, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours” [Luke 20:14]. Christ’s lamentation over Jerusalem is the lamentation of a breaking heart. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not” [Matthew 23:37].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 139, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 139, 1897, par. 21
Jesus wept over obdurate Jerusalem. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” He said, “thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathered her chickens under her wings, but ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34.] Again He weeps over the devoted city, exclaiming, “O that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace.” Then with tears in His eyes and quivering lips, He pronounced the irrevocable sentence, “But now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 31a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 31a, 1898, par. 14
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” Christ cried as He stood on Mount Olivet, and looked down over the city, “Thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] It was this generation, then acting its part under the guidance of Satan, that was guilty of the murder of the Son of God. A solemn responsibility rested upon the Jewish people when Christ was among them; but the wisdom of His appeals could not reach their hard, impenitent hearts. “Ye would not come unto me that ye might have life,” He declared. [John 5:40.] “Ye would none of my counsel: ye despised all my reproof. If thou art destroyed, thou thyself art responsible.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 149, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 149, 1898, par. 17
The mournful lamentation of Christ over Jerusalem shows the determination of Israel to be stubborn and disloyal to the bitter end. Overlooking Jerusalem, in mournful tones He exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thee together, even as a hen gathered her chickens under her wings, but ye would not”—Ye could not? No, ye would not. [Matthew 23:37.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 82, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 82, 1899, par. 28
It is obedience to the Word of the living God that brings men into close relationship with Christ. Today He is saying as He said to the Jewish people, “O that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day the things that belong unto thy peace!” And soon will be heard the irrevocable sentence, “But now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.] He said again as He wept over the devoted city, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] It was not that the Jewish people could not receive Christ; they would not. Thus it will be with many in our day.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 138, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 37
As Christ stood upon the mount of Olives and looked upon the doomed city, He could not control His emotion. With weeping He exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” [Matthew 23:37.] Christ’s tears on this occasion were shed for the impenitent of all time. His sorrow embraced the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 177, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 177, 1904, par. 2
Who will at this time make most earnest decisions to be wholly for the Lord God of Israel? Shall the Lord again cause the idols of your choice—beautiful buildings—to be consumed by fire? Shall the reason be taken away because the God-given powers of the mind have been exercised in strange devising? By their unsanctified projects, men have burdened themselves and retarded the progress of the cause of God, till it is years behind where it should be. Our cities are still unwarned. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ... how often would I have gathered thee as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] Satan prepares the way for the doing of many things that God has not commanded. If all had used their powers to the glory of God, the knowledge of the truth would have been more widely extended than it is.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 377, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 377, 1904, par. 22
Who will at this time make most earnest decisions to be wholly for the Lord God of Israel? Shall the Lord again cause the idols of your choice—beautiful buildings—to be consumed by fire? Shall the reason be taken away because the God-given powers of the mind have been exercised in strange devising? By their unsanctified projects men have burdened themselves and retarded the progress of the cause of God till it is years behind where it should be. Our cities are still unwarned. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thee as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] Satan prepares the way for the doing of many things that God has not commanded. If all had used their powers to the glory of God, the knowledge of the truth would have been much more widely extended than it is.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 12—A Departure from Right
8T 67.2
Jerusalem is a representation of what the church will be if it refuses to walk in the light that God has given. Jerusalem was favored of God as the depositary of sacred trusts. But her people perverted the truth, and despised all entreaties and warnings. They would not respect His counsels. The temple courts were polluted with merchandise and robbery. Selfishness and love of mammon, envy and strife, were cherished. Everyone sought for gain from his quarter. Christ turned from them, saying: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” how can I give thee up? “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Matthew 23:37.Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903
Chapter 7—Warnings and Counsels Given to the Battle Creek Church
PH151 38.2
Jerusalem is a representation of what the church will be if it refuses to receive and walk in the light that God has given. Jerusalem was favored of God as the depositary of sacred trusts. But her people perverted the truth, and despised all entreaties and warnings. They would not respect His counsels. The temple courts were polluted with merchandise and robbery. Selfishness and love of mammon, envy, and strife, were cherished. Every one sought for gain from his quarter. Christ turned from them, saying, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” how can I give thee up? “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Matthew 23:37.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Minister’s Relationship to God’s Word
1SAT 67.1
The real laborers will be careworn, oppressed in spirit, and they will feel as did Christ when He wept over Jerusalem. When they see crookedness and impenitence, and when they see people who will not listen to the Word of the Lord, why they will feel as He felt when He exclaimed, “O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not” [Matthew 23:37]. Here are precious invitations of mercy, and while we carry them and try to let the light be reflected upon the world in darkness, we cannot see, perhaps, that the rays of light are penetrating everywhere. We may not see this, but it is so, if we carry the light and have the right spirit—and we want the right spirit—and we want to labor in Christ and have Christ with us constantly.Matthew 23:37-38
The Great Controversy
Chapter 1—The Destruction of Jerusalem
GC 21.2
Looking down the ages, He saw the covenant people scattered in every land, “like wrecks on a desert shore.” In the temporal retribution about to fall upon her children, He saw but the first draft from that cup of wrath which at the final judgment she must drain to its dregs. Divine pity, yearning love, found utterance in the mournful words: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” O that thou, a nation favored above every other, hadst known the time of thy visitation, and the things that belong unto thy peace! I have stayed the angel of justice, I have called thee to repentance, but in vain. It is not merely servants, delegates, and prophets, whom thou hast refused and rejected, but the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer. If thou art destroyed, thou alone art responsible. “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.” Matthew 23:37; John 5:40.GC 24.2
For centuries the Jews had vainly endeavored to show wherein the promise of God given by Haggai had been fulfilled; yet pride and unbelief blinded their minds to the true meaning of the prophet’s words. The second temple was not honored with the cloud of Jehovah’s glory, but with the living presence of One in whom dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily—who was God Himself manifest in the flesh. The “Desire of all nations” had indeed come to His temple when the Man of Nazareth taught and healed in the sacred courts. In the presence of Christ, and in this only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. But Israel had put from her the proffered Gift of heaven. With the humble Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden gate, the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already were the Saviour’s words fulfilled: “Your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem
GC88 21.3
Looking down the ages, he saw the covenant people scattered in every land, “like wrecks on a desert shore.” In the temporal retribution about to fall upon her children, he saw but the first draught from that cup of wrath which at the final Judgment she must drain to its dregs. Divine pity, yearning love, found utterance in the mournful words: “‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!’ [Matthew 23:37.] Oh that thou, a nation favored above every other, hadst known the time of thy visitation, and the things that belong unto thy peace! I have stayed the angel of justice, I have called thee to repentance, but in vain. It is not merely servants, delegates, and prophets, whom thou hast refused and rejected, but the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer. If thou art destroyed, thou alone art responsible. ‘Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.’” [John 5:40.]GC88 24.2
For centuries the Jews had vainly endeavored to show wherein the promise of God given by Haggai, had been fulfilled; yet pride and unbelief blinded their minds to the true meaning of the prophet’s words. The second temple was not honored with the cloud of Jehovah’s glory, but with the living presence of One in whom dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily,—who was God himself manifest in the flesh. The “Desire of all nations” had indeed come to his temple when the Man of Nazareth taught and healed in the sacred courts. In the presence of Christ, and in this only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. But Israel had put from her the proffered gift of Heaven. With the humble Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden gate, the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already were the Saviour’s words fulfilled, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:38.]The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem
4SP 21.1
He looks down the ages, and sees the covenant people scattered in every land, like wrecks on a desert shore. He sees in the temporal retribution about to fall upon her children, but the first draught from that cup of wrath which at the final Judgment she must drain to its dregs. Divine pity, yearning love, finds utterance in the mournful words: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” [Matthew 23:37.] Oh that thou, a nation favored above every other, hadst known the time of thy visitation, and the things that belong unto thy peace! I have stayed the angel of justice, I have called thee to repentance, but all in vain. It is not merely servants, delegates, and prophets, whom thou hast refused and rejected, but the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer. If thou art destroyed, thou art alone responsible. “Ye will not come to me that ye might have life.”4SP 24.2
For centuries the Jews had vainly endeavored to show wherein the promise of God, given by Haggai, had been fulfilled; yet pride and unbelief blinded their minds to the true meaning of the prophet’s words. The second temple was not honored with the cloud of Jehovah’s glory, but with the living presence of One in whom dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily,—who was God himself manifest in the flesh. The “Desire of all nations” had indeed come to his temple when the Man of Nazareth taught and healed in the sacred courts. In the presence of Christ, and in this only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. But Israel had put from her the proffered gift of Heaven. With the humble Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden gate, the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already were fulfilled the Saviour’s words, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:38.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 807—The Vision of Moses
10MR 154.3
As Christ stood upon the mount and looked over the holy city, with weeping He exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:37, 38).Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 999—Christ as Sacrifice and High Priest
12MR 407.1
Christ’s lamentation over Jerusalem revealed His heart of love: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” [Matthew 23:37, 38].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 29, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 29, 1885, par. 30
I see the dear Saviour weeping over Jerusalem. Listen to His lamentation: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathered her brood under her wings, and ye would not.” He declares, “Thy house is left unto thee desolate.” [Matthew 23:37-38.] The grief of Christ was very great, that hearts would turn from light and life, and shall we complain of neglect?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 111, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 21
Christ’s lamentation over Jerusalem revealed His heart of love: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not. Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:37, 38.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 36, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 36, 1897, par. 15
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you that these things shall come unto this generation. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:37, 38.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 166, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 31
How was the Son received? When the husbandmen saw Him, they said among themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.” [Verses 38, 39.] Christ came to His own, but His own received Him not. They rewarded Him evil for good, and hatred for love. His soul was filled with grief as He saw the backsliding of Israel. As He looked at the devoted city, and thought of the punishment to come upon it, He exclaimed with weeping and agony, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto them, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:37, 38.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 127, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 62
Israel would have had a God to deliver them from the bondage of the Roman yoke—a God who would have done more for them than a loving father could do for his child. Christ wept over the obdurate city, saying, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto you, how often would have I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:37, 38.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 69, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 69, 1912, par. 35
As Christ stood upon the mount and looked over the holy city, with weeping He exclaimed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:37, 38.Matthew 23:37-39
Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1223—The Parable of the Ten Virgins
16MR 275.3
These parables were spoken after the solemn lessons given in the twenty-third and twenty-fourth chapters of Matthew, when Christ dwelt particularly upon His second coming, and revealed things which would transpire before His second appearing in the clouds of heaven. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” Christ said, “thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not” [Matthew 23:37].16MR 276.3
But Christ could not do for Israel all that He desired to do, because they would not respond to His invitations. “Ye would not,” He said. Their will was stubborn and unyielding. His last words to the impenitent nation were, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord” [Matthew 23:38, 39].—Manuscript 92a, 1898.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 78, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 78, 1897, par. 21
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 23:37-39.]12LtMs, Ms 78, 1897, par. 22
This was the most solemn denunciation that had ever been uttered against Jerusalem. After denouncing the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who worshiped the temple, but who were working with a hatred inspired by Satan to destroy the One who made the temple, in any way sacred, Christ bade adieu to the hallowed courts. He quitted the temple forever, declaring, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” [Verse 38.]12LtMs, Ms 78, 1897, par. 29
“Ye shall not see me henceforth till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 23:39.] When they see Him again, they will ask no sign. That day will not be to them a day of joy, although the acknowledgment will come from their lips with overwhelming power as they behold Him, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” When Christ shall come in power and great glory, they will bless Him whom they once cursed, but it will then be too late. Thus with power and authority our Lord reproved the Jewish people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 37, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 37, 1899, par. 8
This people had closed their eyes that they should not see and their ears that they should not hear. They themselves had loaded the cloud of vengeance which burst upon them to their destruction. “Ye will not come unto me,” Christ said, “that ye might have life.” [John 5:40.] The sure fate of Jerusalem, the harrowing scenes of her destruction as the result of their course of action, stood clearly revealed to Him, and He broke forth into the mournful lamentation, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 23:37-39.]Matthew 23:38
Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 43—The Death of Moses
PP 475.2
He was permitted to look down the stream of time and behold the first advent of our Saviour. He saw Jesus as a babe in Bethlehem. He heard the voices of the angelic host break forth in the glad song of praise to God and peace on earth. He beheld in the heavens the star guiding the Wise Men of the East to Jesus, and a great light flooded his mind as he called those prophetic words, “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17. He beheld Christ’s humble life in Nazareth, His ministry of love and sympathy and healing, His rejection by a proud, unbelieving nation. Amazed he listened to their boastful exaltation of the law of God, while they despised and rejected Him by whom the law was given. He saw Jesus upon Olivet as with weeping He bade farewell to the city of His love. As Moses beheld the final rejection of that people so highly blessed of Heaven—that people for whom he had toiled and prayed and sacrificed, for whom he had been willing that his own name should be blotted from the book of life; as he listened to those fearful words, “Behold your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38), his heart was wrung with anguish, and bitter tears fell from his eyes, in sympathy with the sorrow of the Son of God.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 19—An Open and a Shut Door
4SP 270.2
Men cannot with impunity reject the warnings which God in mercy sends them. A message was sent from Heaven to the world in Noah’s day, and their salvation depended upon the manner in which they treated that message. Because they rejected the warning, the Spirit of God was withdrawn from that sinful race, and they perished in the waters of the flood. In the time of Abraham, mercy ceased to plead with the guilty inhabitants of Sodom, and all but Lot with his wife and two daughters were consumed by the fire sent down from heaven. So in the days of Christ. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:38.] Looking down to the last days, the same infinite power declares, concerning those who “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” [2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.] As they reject the teachings of his word, God withdraws his Spirit, and leaves them to the deceptions which they love.Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)
Explained Further as a Charge is Answered in 1883
1BIO 260.5
There was a shut door in Christ’s day. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation, “Your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38).From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 15—An Angel Delivers Peter From Prison
TT 77.2
Meanwhile worshipers from every nation sought the temple, a glittering vision of beauty and grandeur. But Jehovah was no longer to be found in that place of loveliness. When Christ looked for the last time on the interior of the temple, He said, “Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate.” Matthew 23:38, RSV. God’s presence was withdrawn forever.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 69—Signs of the Second Coming of Christ
HLv 421.1
Christ’s words to the priests and rulers, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38), had struck terror to their hearts. The question kept rising in their minds as to the import of these words. Could it be that the magnificent temple, the nation’s glory, was soon to be a heap of ruins?From Eternity Past
Chapter 43—The Death of Moses
EP 337.1
As Moses beheld the final rejection of that people for whom he had toiled, prayed, and sacrificed, for whom he had been willing that his own name should be blotted from the book of life, as he listened to those fearful words, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38), his heart was wrung with anguish. Bitter tears fell from his eyes in sympathy with the sorrow of the Son of God.From Here to Forever
Magnificent Temple Doomed
HF 19.4
But the second temple had not equaled the first in magnificence. No cloud of glory, no fire from heaven, descended upon its altar. The ark, the mercy seat, and the tables of the testimony were not to be found there. No voice from heaven made known to the priest the will of God. The second temple was not honored with the cloud of God’s glory, but with the living presence of One who was God Himself manifest in the flesh. The “Desire of all nations” had come to His temple when the Man of Nazareth taught and healed in the sacred courts. But Israel had put from her the proffered Gift of heaven. With the humble Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden gate, the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already were the Saviour’s words fulfilled: “Your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38.From Here to Forever
Closing Work in the Sanctuary
HF 266.4
A message was sent from heaven to the world in Noah’s day, and their salvation depended on how they treated that message. Genesis 6:6-9; Hebrews 11:7. In the time of Sodom, all but Lot with his wife and two daughters were consumed by fire sent down from heaven. Genesis 19. So in the days of Christ. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews: “Your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38. Looking down to the last days, the same Infinite Power declares concerning those who “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved”: “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10, 11. As they reject the teachings of His Word, God withdraws His Spirit and leaves them to the deceptions which they love. But Christ still intercedes in man’s behalf, and light will be given those who seek it.Christ in His Sanctuary
The Tragic Result of Rejecting God’s Warning Message
CIHS 162.1
Men cannot with impunity reject the warning which God in mercy sends them. A message was sent from heaven to the world in Noah’s day, and their salvation depended upon the manner in which they treated that message. Because they rejected the warning, the Spirit of God was withdrawn from the sinful race, and they perished in the waters of the Flood. In the time of Abraham, mercy ceased to plead with the guilty inhabitants of Sodom, and all but Lot with his wife and two daughters were consumed by the fire sent down from heaven. So in the days of Christ. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation: “Your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38. Looking down to the last days, the same Infinite Power declares, concerning those who “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved”: “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. As they reject the teachings of His word, God withdraws His Spirit and leaves them to the deceptions which they love.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 4, 1882
3LtMs, Ms 4, 1882, par. 2
Of every house that has not Jesus for an abiding guest, He says when He withdraws His presence, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:38.] How can those who are destitute of divine enlightenment have correct ideas of God’s plans and ways? They either deny Him altogether and ignore His existence, or they circumscribe His power by their own finite, worldly-wise views and opinions.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 4, 1883
4LtMs, Ms 4, 1883, par. 24
There was a shut door in Christ’s day. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:38.]Selected Messages Book 1
An Answer to a Challenge
1SM 63.6
There was a shut door in Christ’s day. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation, “Your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38).The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 15—Delivered From Prison
AA 145.2
Meanwhile worshipers from every nation sought the temple which had been dedicated to the worship of God. Glittering with gold and precious stones, it was a vision of beauty and grandeur. But Jehovah was no longer to be found in that palace of loveliness. Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. When Christ, near the close of His earthly ministry, looked for the last time upon the interior of the temple, He said, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38. Hitherto He had called the temple His Father’s house; but as the Son of God passed out from those walls, God’s presence was withdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 69—On the Mount of Olives
DA 627.1
Christ’s words to the priests and rulers, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38), had struck terror to their hearts. They affected indifference, but the question kept rising in their minds as to the import of these words. An unseen danger seemed to threaten them. Could it be that the magnificent temple, which was the nation’s glory, was soon to be a heap of ruins? The foreboding of evil was shared by the disciples, and they anxiously waited for some more definite statement from Jesus. As they passed with Him out of the temple, they called His attention to its strength and beauty. The stones of the temple were of the purest marble, of perfect whiteness, and some of them of almost fabulous size. A portion of the wall had withstood the siege by Nebuchadnezzar’s army. In its perfect masonry it appeared like one solid stone dug entire from the quarry. How those mighty walls could be overthrown the disciples could not comprehend.The Great Controversy
Chapter 24—In the Holy of Holies
GC 431.1
Men cannot with impunity reject the warning which God in mercy sends them. A message was sent from heaven to the world in Noah’s day, and their salvation depended upon the manner in which they treated that message. Because they rejected the warning, the Spirit of God was withdrawn from the sinful race, and they perished in the waters of the Flood. In the time of Abraham, mercy ceased to plead with the guilty inhabitants of Sodom, and all but Lot with his wife and two daughters were consumed by the fire sent down from heaven. So in the days of Christ. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation: “Your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38. Looking down to the last days, the same Infinite Power declares, concerning those who “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved“: “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. As they reject the teachings of His word, God withdraws His Spirit and leaves them to the deceptions which they love.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 24—In the Holy of Holies
GC88 431.1
Men cannot with impunity reject the warnings which God in mercy sends them. A message was sent from Heaven to the world in Noah’s day, and their salvation depended upon the manner in which they treated that message. Because they rejected the warning, the Spirit of God was withdrawn from the sinful race, and they perished in the waters of the flood. In the time of Abraham, mercy ceased to plead with the guilty inhabitants of Sodom, and all but Lot with his wife and two daughters were consumed by the fire sent down from heaven. So in the days of Christ. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:38.] Looking down to the last days, the same infinite power declares, concerning those who “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” [2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.] As they reject the teachings of his Word, God withdraws his Spirit, and leaves them to the deceptions which they love.Matthew 23:39
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 64—A Doomed People
DA 580.1
The triumphal ride of Christ into Jerusalem was the dim foreshadowing of His coming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory, amid the triumph of angels and the rejoicing of the saints. Then will be fulfilled the words of Christ to the priests and Pharisees: “Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Matthew 23:39. In prophetic vision Zechariah was shown that day of final triumph; and he beheld also the doom of those who at the first advent had rejected Christ: “They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.” Zechariah 12:10. This scene Christ foresaw when He beheld the city and wept over it. In the temporal ruin of Jerusalem He saw the final destruction of that people who were guilty of the blood of the Son of God.From Here to Forever
Chapter 42—Eternal Peace: The Controversy Ended
HF 401.2
Every eye is turned to behold the glory of the Son of God. With one voice the wicked hosts exclaim: “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Matthew 23:39. It is not love that inspires this utterance. The force of truth urges the words from unwilling lips. As the wicked went in to the graves, so they come forth with the same enmity to Christ and the same spirit of rebellion. They are to have no new probation in which to remedy their past lives.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Chapter 11—Victory of Love
GrH_c 50.2
Every eye is turned to behold the glory of the Son of God. With one voice the wicked hosts exclaim: “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Matthew 23:39. It is not love that inspires this utterance. The force of truth urges the words from unwilling lips. As the wicked went in to the graves, so they come forth with the same enmity to Christ and the same spirit of rebellion. They are to have no new probation in which to remedy their past lives.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 90, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 90, 1898, par. 29
Christ is now acknowledged as the King of Glory. “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” [Matthew 23:39.] 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. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him; for he said, I am the Son of God”? [Matthew 27:42, 43.] 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, to the glory of God the Father.” [Philippians 2:10, 11.] The angels of heaven bow in adoration before him. His enemies discern the mistake they have made, and every tongue confesses His divinity.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 23:8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 130, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 130, 1899, par. 20
God’s servants are engaged in doing work in one common vineyard. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Their object should not be to make a show, not to exalt self, but to convert souls, to do a work that will stand the assaults of the enemies of truth and righteousness. Let no man belittle another man’s work because it is not in exactly the same line as his own. The souls for whom we labor are not to be converted to the minister, but to Jesus Christ. Let man keep himself in the background; let Christ appear. Talk of Christ. Exalt Christ. Lift him up, the Man of Calvary.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 46, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 46, 1900, par. 25
True death to self means true life through Jesus Christ. You carry a live human self within you, and until you shall see what it means to hide self in Jesus Christ, you cannot do acceptable service for God. There is great need of your receiving Christ by opening the door of the heart to Him. Christ is revealed as abiding in the heart by faith which works—not your English methods, which greatly need the sanctification of the Spirit of God—but Christ’s methods. You have clung to your English education and training and sentiments as though they were as precious as gold. God calls upon you to be converted from these things to His methods, to His training. The character of Christ revealed in the man in little things will also be revealed in larger things. In faithfulness, in words, in manifesting a spirit striving for unity as co-workers with Christ, one man cannot exercise dominion or authority over any of his brethren to order and dictate his fellow workers. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Counsel together, pray together, and let christ be the leader in all things.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 73, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 73, 1900, par. 3
One of great dignity stood forth and said to you, Is this the fruit of righteousness which glorifies God? Your medical missionary work is bearing wild berries. Do your prayers come up before God mingled with the fragrance of Christ’s righteousness? “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Why will you walk so contrary to the will and example of Christ? Why will you pervert the way of the Lord under a semblance of truth? The enemy is seeking for your soul, that he may sift it as wheat. You cannot follow your own way and be accepted by the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 92, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 92, 1900, par. 19
There is coming in among us a spirit which God will not suffer to rule. Never should Christians feel that they are lords over God’s heritage. There should not be among Christians a spirit which makes some patrons and some proteges. The commandments of God forbid this. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] No man is to think that he is the owner of the minds and capabilities of his brethren. He is not to think that others must submit to his dictation. He is liable to err, liable to make mistakes, as every man is. He is not to try to control matters in accordance with his ideas. He who yields to this spirit of self-exaltation places himself under the control of the enemy. If ministers of the gospel cannot harmonize with all his ideas and imaginings, he turns from them and speaks against them, pouring out the sarcasm and bitterness in his heart upon ministers and ministry.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 68, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 68, 1900, par. 14
Please read Zephaniah 3:14-20. The Lord will have His people stand true to His honor, and carefully guard the interests of one another. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Lord has entrusted money and advantages to His stewards, that they may guard the interests of one another, that there may be a continual praise to God, and that there may be unity among His covenant-keeping people, that they may be praise in the earth, a people that God can bless with still greater advantages, both temporal and spiritual, thus honoring them above the transgressors of His law. God employs His people to do His sacred work in the earth, to be His hand of ministration in imparting these blessings and gifts to one another.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 6, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 6, 1900, par. 3
A work is to be done which has not yet been done; a people are to be raised up who will stand before the world as a commandment-keeping people. The believers in present truth must take counsel with God and with their brethren. “All ye are brethren,” Christ declared. [Matthew 23:8.] The very best talents, the very ability, that God has given to men, is to be brought into the work of raising up churches to do their appointed work. When a converting element is brought in, the work will not be carried on in the way in which it has been carried in the past. Men will not use thousands and thousands of dollars in erecting buildings for a class of work which brings neither talent, money, nor sanctified ability into the cause of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 138, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 138, 1900, par. 6
Then One drew near and took the hand of Brother Crothers, and placing it upon His own arm, said, “All we are brethren.” [See Matthew 23:8.] Looking upon several who were beholding the actions of indifference, and who were withdrawing from Brother Crothers, he said solemnly, “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” [Hebrews 12:12, 13.] To Brother Crothers he said, “Lean hard, I will guide you.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 4, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 4, 1900, par. 8
When [he] is entrusted with a large responsibility, when he is commissioned to represent the compassionate, beneficent spirit which Christ revealed to the world, the wealthy man can be a representative of Christ in good works. Between true Christians no barrier of rank or wealth will be built up. “All ye are brethren,” Christ declared. [Matthew 23:8.] The same God and Father is over us all, and we are to treat all, believers and unbelievers, with tender respect, that they may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. We must work the works of Christ, having a special regard for the poor and sorrowing, and bestowing upon them substantial benefits.