EGW WritingsMatthew 9

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 4—Results of Transgression

PK 73.2

In the intervals of His journeys to and fro, Jesus dwelt at Capernaum, which came to be known as “His own city.” Matthew 9:1. Situated on the highway from Damascus to Jerusalem and Egypt and to the Mediterranean Sea, it was well adapted to be the center of the Saviour’s work. People from many lands passed through the city or tarried for rest. There Jesus met with those of all nations and all ranks, and thus His lessons were carried to other countries and into many households. By this means interest was aroused in the prophecies pointing forward to the Messiah, attention was directed to the Saviour, and His mission was brought before the world.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 26—Busy and Happy Days at Capernaum

HLv 161.1

In the intervals of His journeys to and fro, Jesus dwelt at Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and it came to be known as “His own city.” Matthew 9:1. The shores of the lake and the hills that at a little distance encircle it, were dotted with towns and villages. The lake was covered with fishing boats. Everywhere was the stir of busy, active life.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 27—“Thou Canst Make Me Clean”

DA 262.1

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

DA 262.2

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

DA 262.3

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

DA 263.1

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

DA 263.2

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

DA 263.3

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

DA 263.4

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

DA 264.1

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

DA 264.2

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

DA 264.3

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

DA 264.4

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

DA 265.1

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

DA 265.2

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

DA 265.3

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

DA 265.4

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

DA 266.1

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

DA 266.2

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

DA 267.1

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

DA 267.2

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

DA 267.3

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

DA 267.4

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

DA 267.5

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

DA 268.1

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

DA 268.2

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

DA 268.3

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

DA 268.4

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

DA 268.5

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

DA 269.1

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

DA 269.2

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

DA 269.3

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

DA 269.4

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

DA 269.5

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

DA 270.1

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

DA 270.2

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

DA 270.3

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

DA 270.4

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

DA 271.1

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

DA 271.2

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

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 27—The First Leper to Be Cleansed by Christ

HLv 169.1

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

HLv 169.2

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

HLv 169.3

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

HLv 169.4

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

HLv 169.5

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

HLv 170.1

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

HLv 170.2

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

HLv 170.3

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

HLv 170.4

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

HLv 170.5

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

HLv 171.1

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

HLv 171.2

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

HLv 171.3

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

HLv 172.1

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

HLv 172.2

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

HLv 172.3

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

HLv 172.4

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

HLv 173.1

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

HLv 173.2

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

HLv 173.3

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

HLv 173.5

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

HLv 174.1

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

HLv 174.2

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

HLv 174.3

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

HLv 174.4

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

HLv 174.5

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

HLv 174.6

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

HLv 175.1

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

HLv 175.2

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

HLv 175.3

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

HLv 175.4

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

HLv 175.5

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

HLv 175.6

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

From Heaven With Love

The Burden of Sin

HLv 173.4

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 115, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, par. 8

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” [Matthew 9:35-38.]

21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, par. 14

“And it came to pass as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that be sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:1-13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

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

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 32, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 32, 1903, par. 1

I have just been reading the ninth chapter of Matthew. If our churches could but understand the wonderful things there related, what a history of experience would be opened before us.

18LtMs, Lt 32, 1903, par. 2

“Behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed; and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose and departed, to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” [Verses 2-8.]

18LtMs, Lt 32, 1903, par. 8

“And He entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into His own city.” [Matthew 9:1.] He took the people at their word. Never does He force His presence on any one.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 376, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 376, 1906, par. 9

The ninth chapter of Matthew also is a chapter of deep interest. Study carefully verses 27 to 30:

21LtMs, Lt 376, 1906, par. 11

The words from the lips of the blind men fell upon the ears of the multitude with convincing power. These afflicted ones recognized in Christ the promised Messiah, but their words, “Thou son of David,” made a painful impression upon the priests and rabbis. [Verse 27.] And they, when they were healed, could not hold their peace. When they were departed, they “spread abroad His fame in all that country. [Verse 31.]

21LtMs, Lt 376, 1906, par. 14

“And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease.” [Matthew 9:32-38; 10:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 138, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 138, 1908, par. 15

Matthew, ninth chapter, is very interesting. Take this chapter. We receive all classes into our sanitariums, and the poor and suffering ones are all labored for. This, chapter ten, is full of excellent instruction. Matthew 10.

Christ Triumphant

Christ Healed the Palsied Man and Forgave His Sins, August 18

CTr 237.1

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Matthew 9:2.

The Ministry of Healing

God’s Promises

MH 122.2

The Scriptures are to be received as God’s word to us, not written merely, but spoken. When the afflicted ones came to Christ, He beheld not only those who asked for help, but all who throughout the ages should come to Him in like need and with like faith. When He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee;” when He said to the woman of Capernaum, “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace,” He spoke to other afflicted, sin-burdened ones who should seek His help. Matthew 9:2; Luke 8:48.

The Upward Look

The Great Medical Missionary, August 3

UL 229.4

In His breast, mercy may be said to have held her court. Hear His words of compassion, spoken to relieve the sin-sick culprit, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2).... He brought healing to soul and body. In His life was enshrouded the love, the pity, the compassion, the joy, of heaven. Thousands were healed by His word, “I will; be thou whole.” By His work, His glory was so plainly revealed that demons were pained, and when compelled to cease tormenting human beings, confessed Christ to be the Holy One of God.

This Day With God

Christ, the Magnet, April 7

TDG 106.2

Christ recognizes no caste, no nationality. He holds it as His prerogative, divine and incommunicable, to work after His own might and pleasure. The compassionate Redeemer, He labored among all classes. When the paralytic was let down through the roof at His feet, He saw at a glance the trouble of the sufferer, and He immediately exercised His power as a sin-pardoning Saviour. “Be of good cheer,” He said; “thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2).

Radiant Religion

Be of Good Cheer Because He Has Forgiven My Sins, May 1

RRe 123.1

Behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Matthew 9:2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 17, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, par. 26

The Christian physician is a minister of the highest order. He is a missionary. Those who through their skill and faithful, earnest effort, by wisdom from God, can relieve bodily pain, place themselves in such a relation to their patients that they can point them to the Soul-healer, who can say, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.] The God-fearing, God-loving physician longs to reveal Jesus to the sin-sick soul and tell him how free, how complete, is the provision made by the sin-pardoning Redeemer. “His tender mercies are over all his works.” [Psalm 145:9.] But for humanity more ample provision is made, and the promise is full which points to Jesus as the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. What can make a heart so light, what can spread so much sunshine through the soul, as the sense of sins forgiven? The peace of Christ is life and health.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 13, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 13, 1890, par. 25

The Christian physician is a minister after the highest order. He is a missionary. He is where he can exert an influence for the Master. Those who through their skill and faithful, earnest effort, by wisdom from God, can relieve bodily pain, place themselves in such a relation to their patients that they can point them to the Soul-Healer, who can say, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.] The God-fearing, God-loving physician longs to reveal Jesus to the sin-sick soul, and tell him how free, how complete, is the provision made by the sin-pardoning Redeemer. “His tender mercies are over all his works” [Psalm 145:9]; but for humanity more ample provision is made, and the promise is full which points to Jesus as the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. What can make a heart so light, what can spread so much sunshine through the soul, as the sense of sin forgiven? The peace of Christ is health and peace.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 120, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 120, 1893, par. 7

The words falling from the lips of Jesus, “Thy sins be forgiven thee,” are worth everything to us. [Matthew 9:2.] He saith, I have borne your sins in My own body on Calvary’s cross. He sees your sorrows. His hand is laid upon the head of every contrite soul, and Jesus becomes our Advocate before the Father, and our Saviour. The lowly, contrite heart will make very much of forgiveness and pardon. Shall we not appreciate such love and consecrate the whole life to Jesus? This alone will satisfy our Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 7, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 16

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou liveth, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Revelation 3:1, 2.] Here the problem is solved. The persons here described have [had] light that would have prompted them to altogether different works, if they had followed the light and had strengthened the things that remained that were ready to die. The light which was glowing in their own hearts when Jesus spoke to their souls, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” [Matthew 9:2], they might have kept alive by helping those who needed help.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 58, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 58, 1896, par. 31

It is because this work is neglected that so many young disciples never advance beyond the mere alphabet of Christian experience. The light which was glowing in their own hearts, when Jesus spoke to them, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” [Matthew 9:2], they might have kept alive by helping those who needed help. The restless energy that is so often a source of danger to the young might be directed into channels through which it would flow out in streams of blessing. Self would be forgotten in earnest work to do others good.

God’s Amazing Grace

Power in the Promises, September 15

AG 266.3

The Scriptures are to be received as God’s word to us, not written merely, but spoken. When the afflicted ones came to Christ, He beheld not only those who asked for help, but all who throughout the ages should come to Him in like need and with like faith. When He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2) ..., He spoke to other afflicted, sin-burdened ones who should seek His help. So with all the promises of God’s word. In them He is speaking to us individually, speaking as directly as if we could listen to His voice. It is in these promises that Christ communicates to us His grace and power. They are leaves from that tree which is “for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2). Received, assimilated, they are to be the strength of the character, the inspiration and sustenance of the life. Nothing else can have such healing power.37The Ministry of Healing, 122.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 71, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 71, 1898, par. 7

“As many as received him, to them gave he power to became the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] To all who receive Christ by faith these words are applicable. And all who receive the gospel message in the heart will long to proclaim it to others. The heaven-born love of Christ will find expression. Those who have put on Christ will relate their experiences, tracing step by step the leadings of the Holy Spirit—their hungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, the result of their search of the Scriptures, their prayers, their soul agony, and the words of Christ to them, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 56, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 56, 1899, par. 12

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 56, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 56, 1900, par. 9

“Thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.] These words are spoken to the repentant, believing soul. Wonderful Saviour! All need to understand the process of conversion. The fruit is seen in the changed life. True repentance will be shown to be sincere by producing fruit in good works. None can depend upon their profession of faith as proof that they have a saving connection with Christ. It is by conformity to the will of God in our words, our deportment, our character that we prove our connection with Him. We cannot depend on the other one to do our work for us. We must perform our duties for ourselves. We must work the will of God, and delight to do His commandments. Then we shall not lean upon any one but Jesus Christ for support and efficiency.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 52, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 52, 1904, par. 49

We ask Thy blessing upon those who have arisen to express their desire to be prepared for Thy coming. As they leave this pavilion, may they seek Thee in earnest prayer. May they go in companies of two or three, to seek Thee. Thou hast said that where two or three are gathered in Thy name, there Thou wilt be. O give them a spirit of earnest pleading for the pardon of their sins, that Thou mayest say to them, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1170—Right Preparation for Medical Missionary Work

15MR 260.4

In His breast mercy may be said to have held her court. Hear His words of compassion, spoken to relieve the sin-sick culprit, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” [Matthew 9:2]. His work was a representation of true medical missionary work. He brought healing to soul and body. In His life was enshrouded the love, the pity, the compassion, the joy, of heaven. Thousands were healed by His word, “I will; be thou whole.” By His work, His glory was so plainly revealed that demons were pained, and when compelled to cease tormenting human beings, confessed Christ to be the Holy One of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 145, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 145, 1904, par. 10

But I will go no further on this line. The proclamation of truth is needed to prepare a people to stand in this time of increasing wickedness and violence. Men and women are to be shown the need of loving God supremely and keeping His commandments. There are but two classes in our world—those who keep God’s law, and who in obedience find health and peace and joy, and those who transgress, and in transgression reap the terrible results of self-indulgence. Drugged liquors are making men and women mad. The use of these liquors is filling the insane asylums. Violence and crime are rapidly increasing. In this time of iniquity, the Lord would have memorials for Him established in many places, that genuine medical missionary work may be done. In these institutions, Bible principles are to be taught. Men and women are to be healed of physical disease and are to be led to the Saviour, that they may hear Him saying, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 14, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 14, 1904, par. 2

In no work is a closer fellowship with Christ needed than in medical missionary work. The physician is to stand in Christ’s stead, bearing to the sick the gospel of physical and spiritual healing. As he stands at the bedside of a sufferer, how greatly he needs an intimate acquaintance with Christ. The one to whom he is ministering may be losing his hold on life. Can he, with tenderness and simplicity and with the assurance of certain knowledge, speak to him of the One who died that He might say to every sinner, “Thy sins be forgiven thee”? [Matthew 9:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 95, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, par. 77

My Lord and my God, I ask Thee to carry through the reformation that is to be done in this place, and the reformation that is to be done in the different meeting places in this community. Let the salvation of God be revealed. My Saviour, my Saviour, Thou art inviting: Thou art waiting for them to come, so that Thou canst say, “Thy sins be forgiven thee; go, and sin no more.” [Matthew 9:2; John 8:11.] May the healing power of God come upon body and soul. My Father, my Father, I ask Thee for Christ’s sake to come into the midst of us, and break the terrible power of darkness, and let souls go free, and Thy blessed name shall have all the glory. Amen.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 56, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 56, 1907, par. 11

I have a charge to give, a message to bear to our sanitarium workers. Keep your souls in purity. Do a work that will have a winning influence on those placed in your charge. You can speak often, to the sick, of the great Physician, who can heal the diseases of the body as verily as He heals the sickness of the soul. Pray with the sick, and try to lead them to see in Christ their Healer. Tell them that if they will look to Him in faith, He will say to them, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.] It means very much to the sick to learn this lesson.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Healer of the Soul, March 21

JNN 89.1

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”—Matthew 9:2

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 750—Jesus, Friend of Sinners

9MR 304.4

Now do not worry yourself out of the arms of the dear Saviour, but rest trustingly in faith. He loves you; He cares for you. He is blessing you, and will give you His peace and grace. He is saying to you, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2). You may be depressed with bodily infirmities, but that is not evidence that the Lord is not working in your behalf every day. He will pardon you, and that abundantly. Gather to your soul the sweet promises of God. Jesus is our constant, unfailing Friend, and He wants you to trust in Him.

Our Father Cares

The Mighty Deliverer, May 20

OFC 152.4

The words falling from the lips of Jesus, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2), are worth everything to us. He saith, I have borne your sins in My own body on Calvary’s cross. He sees your sorrows. His hand is laid upon the head of every contrite soul, and Jesus becomes our Advocate before the Father, and our Saviour. The lowly, contrite heart will make very much of forgiveness and pardon....

Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce

Chapter 41—God’s Love for the Sinner

TSB 258.3

Sweet Promises of God—Now, do not worry yourself out of the arms of the dear Saviour, but rest trustingly in faith. He loves you; He cares for you. He is blessing you, and will give you His peace and grace. He is saying to you, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” [Matthew 9:2]. You may be depressed with bodily infirmities, but that is not evidence that the Lord is not working in your behalf every day. He will pardon you, and that abundantly. Gather to your soul the sweet promises of God. Jesus is our constant, unfailing Friend, and He wants you to trust in Him.

That I May Know Him

The Mighty Deliverer, August 17

TMK 235.4

The words falling from the lips of Jesus, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2), are worth everything to us. He saith, I have borne your sins in My own body on Calvary’s cross. He sees your sorrows. His hand is laid upon the head of every contrite soul, and Jesus becomes our Advocate before the Father, and our Saviour. The lowly, contrite heart will make very much of forgiveness and pardon....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 156, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 156, 1903, par. 1

While upon this earth, the Son of God was the Son of man; yet there were times when His divinity flashed forth in the manifestation of superior power. Thus it was when He said to the paralytic brought to Him: “Be of good cheer: thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.]

18LtMs, Ms 156, 1903, par. 3

“And Jesus, knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is it easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” [Matthew 9:4-6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 254, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 254, 1903, par. 4

While upon this earth, the Son of God was the Son of man; yet there were times when His divinity flashed forth. Thus it was when He said to the paralytic, “Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.]

18LtMs, Lt 254, 1903, par. 6

“And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is it easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” [Matthew 9:4-6.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Christ’s Victory Over Unbelief

8T 202.1

While upon this earth, the Son of God was the Son of man; yet there were times when His divinity flashed forth. Thus it was when He said to the paralytic: “Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Matthew 9:2.

8T 202.3

“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” Matthew 9:4-6.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 5—Healing of the Soul

MH 75.2

The discourse was interrupted. The Saviour looked upon the mournful countenance and saw the pleading eyes fixed upon Him. Well He knew the longing of that burdened soul. It was Christ who had brought conviction to his conscience when he was yet at home. When he repented of his sins and believed in the power of Jesus to make him whole, the mercy of the Saviour had blessed his heart. Jesus had watched the first glimmer of faith grow into a conviction that He was the sinner’s only helper, and had seen it grow stronger with every effort to come into His presence. It was Christ who had drawn the sufferer to Himself. Now, in words that fell like music on the listener’s ear, the Saviour said, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Matthew 9:2.

MH 76.4

Fixing His glance upon them, beneath which they cowered and drew back, Jesus said, “Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,” He said, turning to the paralytic, “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” Matthew 9:4-6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 10, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 10, 1891, par. 12

Jesus knew how to help that soul, and He said, Thy sins be forgiven thee. The burden of his sins weighed upon his soul, and his case had been pronounced hopeless, but, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” The Pharisees took up the point, Who is this that forgives sins? But Jesus read their hearts like an open book, and He said, Why is it easier to heal this man or to say thy sins be forgiven thee? He said there was no difference, but that you may know that the Son of man has power to forgive sins, He said, Take up thy bed and walk. [Matthew 9:2-6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 11, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 11, 1885, par. 9

The Saviour knew what the man wanted. He saw the faith of those who had brought him, and He said, “Son, be of good comfort; thy sins be forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.] What comfort and peace and joy filled the heart of the sick man as he heard these words!

4LtMs, Ms 11, 1885, par. 10

“And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is it easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven; or to say, Arise and walk. But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.” [Verses 3-7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 89, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 89, 1900, par. 29

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 36, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 36, 1898, par. 10

The message that God gives to His longing, starving people, the same that Jesus gave to the palsied man who was brought to Him, and let down through the roof as the only way in which he could reach the great Physician, is given to us. “Behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed.” [Matthew 9:2.] There was a crowd about the house, and the sick man’s friends sought means to bring him directly to Christ, that they might lay him before Him. “And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in, because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.” [Luke 5:18, 19.]

13LtMs, Ms 36, 1898, par. 16

“And Levi made him a great feast in his own house.” [Verse 29.] He felt himself highly honored by Christ’s call, and gave expression to his feelings by making a feast and calling his friends, for he was to be no longer engaged in the business he had followed. Jesus and His disciples were invited, and “many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.” [Matthew 9:10.] Jesus never refused invitations of this kind, because here He could ask and answer questions that would diffuse light. He came to sow the seeds of truth in human hearts, knowing that the time would come when hearts would respond to the truth that fell from His lips.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 140, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 38

Christ exercised His prerogative to forgive sins as in harmony with His divine nature. What did He say to the poor paralytic? “Be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee.” [Matthew 9:2.]

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 40

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is it easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,” He said, turning to the paralytic, “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” [Matthew 9:4-6.]

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 45

Christ was called a sinner, and the truth of His words was disputed. “He is a sinner,” said the Jews. [John 9:24.] “He eateth with publicans and sinners,” and they sneered at Him for doing this. To the charge Jesus made answer, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:11, 13.] To the homes of the publicans He went when invited, sitting at their tables as an honored guest, in word and act setting all present a godly example. Upon their thirsty hearts His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. The questions that He asked shed light into their minds. Wherever He went, He sowed the seeds of truth, confirming the convicted and drawing souls to the light of His wisdom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 72a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 72a, 1897, par. 2

It is our privilege to believe in the health-restoring power of God, the health-giving beams of the Sun of Righteousness. You may carry with you this endorsement of the power of God in your important work, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] Christ wants you to grasp more of heaven’s abundant resources. “Be of good cheer,” He said; “thy faith hath made thee whole.” [Matthew 9:2, 22.] Why do we not have faith? Be assured that at this stage of the work, when souls are making decisions to become loyal and true to all the commandments of God, Satan’s agencies will appear with vitalizing power to work against God. But greater is he that is in you than the power that controls them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 61, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 7

When Christ said to the sick of the palsy, “Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee,” He gave His enemies a sign which they could not set aside. “And the scribes and Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemy? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” But Jesus, knowing their unspoken thoughts, said, “What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee: or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things today.” [Matthew 9:2; Luke 5:21-26.]

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 9

“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, Why eatest your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:10-13.]

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 10

Next in His work came a call from a ruler, saying, “My daughter is even now dead, but come and lay thine hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose and followed him, and so did his disciples. As he went, the people pressed about him, until he was followed by a vast multitude. And, behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be made whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” [Verses 18-22.]

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 12

“And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.” [Verses 23-30.]

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 13

Notwithstanding this charge, the restored men “when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.” [Verse 31.] This added fuel to the fire of prejudice. His enemies interpreted His works of mercy and compassion as a wrong done to themselves. The people were leaving them and listening to the teachings of Christ.

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 14

“As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitude marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.” [Verses 32, 33.] These words, contrasting the works and mercy of Christ with the course pursued by the priests and Pharisees, exasperated the leading men, and in the place of the evidence softening their proud, ungodly hearts, they were filled with prejudice. Every additional proof given them provoked them to increased resistance.

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 15

When they saw that they could not prevent Him from working miracles, they put forth their skill to misrepresent and falsify him. They could bear false witness, and this they did. They said, “He casteth our devils through the prince of devils.” [Verse 34.] But Jesus worked on, irrespective of censure and prejudice, resistance, and determined opposition. The genuineness of His power and work was kept before the people, and His enemies could not turn the multitude from following after him.

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 17

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then said he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” [Verses 36-38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 112, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 112, 1909, par. 25

There are precious lessons to be learned from the study of Christ’s ministry to the sick. “Behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose and departed to his house. But when the multitude saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” [Matthew 9:2-8.]

24LtMs, Lt 112, 1909, par. 26

“And it came to pass that as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that He said, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Verses 10-13.]

24LtMs, Lt 112, 1909, par. 27

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness, and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” [Verses 35-38.]

Christ Triumphant

“We Must Obey God,” October 24

CTr 304.2

In most of the religious controversies, the foundation of the trouble is that self is striving for the supremacy. About what? About matters that are not vital points at all, and that are regarded as such only because people have given importance to them. See Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:3.

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers

Present Dangers

TM 70.2

Even Seventh-day Adventists are in danger of closing their eyes to truth as it is in Jesus, because it contradicts something which they have taken for granted as truth but which the Holy Spirit teaches is not truth. Let all be very modest, and seek most earnestly to put self out of the question, and to exalt Jesus. In most of the religious controversies the foundation of the trouble is that self is striving for the supremacy. About what? About matters which are not vital points at all, and which are regarded as such only because men have given importance to them. (See Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:3.)

Special Testimony to Battle Creek Church

Present Dangers

PH154 11.2

Even Seventh-day Adventists are in danger of closing their eyes to truth as it is in Jesus, because if contradicts something which they have taken for granted as truth, but which the Holy Spirit teaches is not truth. Let all be very modest, and seek most earnestly to put self out of the question, and to exalt Jesus. In most of the religious controversies, the foundation of the trouble is, that self is striving for the supremacy. About what?—About matters which are not vital points at all, and which are regarded as such only because men have given importance to them. (See Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:3.)

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 180—To S. N. Haskell

1888 1547.1

Even Seventh-day Adventists are in danger of closing their eyes to truth as it is in Jesus because it contradicts something which they have taken for granted as truth, but which the Holy Spirit teaches is not truth. Let all be very modest, and seek most earnestly to put self out of the question, and to exalt Jesus. In most of the religious controversies, the foundation of the trouble is, that self is striving for the supremacy. About what?—About matters which are not vital points at all, and which are regarded as such only because men have given importance to them. See Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 38, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, par. 26

Even Seventh-day Adventists are in danger of closing their eyes to truth as it is in Jesus, because it contradicts something which they have taken for granted as truth, but which the Holy Spirit teaches is not truth. Let all be very modest, and seek most earnestly to put self out of the question, and to exalt Jesus. In most of the religious controversies, the foundation of the trouble is that self is striving for the supremacy. About what? About matters which are not vital points at all, and which are regarded as such only because men have given importance to them. See Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:3.

That I May Know Him

Cheerfulness With Sobriety, May 15

TMK 141.6

“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4). Jesus reads the hearts and minds and thoughts.... There is a Witness present, tracing every word spoken and every act performed, good or evil.19Manuscript 174, 1897.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 174, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 174, 1897, par. 39

“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts” (Matthew 9:4)? Jesus reads the hearts and minds and thoughts of every student in the school. Do they think of this, that He hears every word uttered in the bedchamber, that He sees every action? There is a Witness present, tracing every word spoken and every act performed, good or evil. Do all feel they are doing honor to God? They are dependent upon Him for every supply, even for food and life and health, and yet they insult Him to His face. Will He not judge for these things? Shall we not keep the Lord ever before us?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 275, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 275, 1903, par. 22

There is no work in which the workers need a closer fellowship with Christ than the medical missionary work. O how greatly the physician, as he stands at the bedside of a sufferer, needs an intimate acquaintance with Christ. The one to whom he is ministering may be losing his hold on this life. Can he, with tenderness and simplicity, and with the assurance of certain knowledge, speak to him of the One who died that He might say to every sinner, “Thy sins be forgiven thee”? [Matthew 9:5.]

Lift Him Up

He Is Always Near, March 14

LHU 87.1

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. Matthew 9:6.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance

SC 49.3

You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away. You have resolved to give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins and give you a new heart. Then believe that He does this because He has promised. This is the lesson which Jesus taught while He was on earth, that the gift which God promises us, we must believe we do receive, and it is ours. Jesus healed the people of their diseases when they had faith in His power; He helped them in the things which they could see, thus inspiring them with confidence in Him concerning things which they could not see—leading them to believe in His power to forgive sins. This He plainly stated in the healing of the man sick with palsy: “That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” Matthew 9:6. So also John the evangelist says, speaking of the miracles of Christ, “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:31.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 86—Go Teach All Nations

DA 821.4

The disciples were to have the same power which Jesus had to heal “all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” By healing in His name the diseases of the body, they would testify to His power for the healing of the soul. Matthew 4:23; 9:6. And a new endowment was now promised. The disciples were to preach among other nations, and they would receive power to speak other tongues. The apostles and their associates were unlettered men, yet through the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, their speech, whether in their own or a foreign language, became pure, simple, and accurate, both in word and in accent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 132, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 132, 1906, par. 36

Preaching the Word of God is ministering, and the minister is to take the people right where they are, whatever their position, whatever their condition, and try in every way possible to help them. That is, to relieve the suffering; to go right into their homes; to tell them, I am ready to help you, and I will do the best I can. I am not a physician. You may be a minister, and you can tell them that you are a minister. Those that are sick in body are nearly always sick in soul. When Christ healed the paralytic, the very first work He had to do for that man was to give him peace of mind. He knew that that man was so disturbed, because the priests and rulers had always said to him, “It is your sins, it is your sins,” and that God has cast him off. There was no hope for him because of his sins. That is what they were always saying, and the poor man was left where there was no hope; but the very first word Christ uttered was Peace, that his sins were forgiven. That very thing was what he wanted. And O what peace and joy came into his heart. In regard to Christ, they began to abuse Him at once; but, says He, “that ye may know that the Son of man hath power to forgive sins, He says to the paralytic, Take up your bed and go to thy house.” [Matthew 9:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 391, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 391, 1907, par. 19

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

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Consecration

GW 113.2

When Christ called His disciples to follow Him, He offered them no flattering prospects in this life. He gave them no promise of gain or worldly honor, nor did they make any stipulation as to what they should receive. To Matthew as he sat at the receipt of custom, the Saviour said, “Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him.” [Matthew 9:9.] Matthew did not, before rendering service, wait to demand a certain salary, equal to the amount received in his former occupation. Without question or hesitation he followed Jesus. It was enough for him that he was to be with the Saviour, that he might hear His words and unite with Him in His work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 179, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 179, 1898, par. 20

Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom, was seen by many as only a businessman following his ordinary occupation. Jesus looked upon Matthew. He saw more than other men discerned—a heart that was not at all satisfied, a heart longing for rest and peace. The Lord Jesus had just what Matthew needed. He could guide this soul to the haven of rest. Jesus knew his soul hunger. He called Matthew by name, and “saith unto him, Follow me.” [Matthew 9:9.] Without one word of explanation Matthew arose and followed Him. Some, at such a call, would have lost their chance. They would have wanted to know where they were going and what business they would engage in. But Matthew wanted soul rest, and he asked no question; he just obeyed the divine call.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 192, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 192, 1903, par. 21

When Christ said to the fishermen, Leave your nets, and follow Me, they left their nets, and followed Jesus. When He said to Matthew, “Follow Me,” he arose from the seat of customs and followed Him. [Matthew 4:18-20; 9:9.] So long as men desire to be in a position where they can control other minds, they have yet to learn a new lesson. Let every one realize that he is bought with a price and cannot bind himself to any living human being for one or two years, or a greater or shorter period of time.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Matthew’s Example

1MR 92.3

Christ has purchased us at an infinite cost, and today He lifts His hand, and calls our names as He did the name of Matthew as he sat at the receipt of custom. Jesus said, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9). Matthew left all,—all his gains,—and followed his Lord. He did not wait and stipulate a certain sum reaching the amount he had received in his former occupation, before he would render service, but without a question, he arose and followed Jesus. Under test and trial, many professed Christians must yet make it manifest whether they have subdued the traits of the carnal nature, or whether they are as a whited sepulchre, fair in appearance, but within full of impurity and defilement. A profession of Christianity is not sufficient to constitute us Christians....

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

MR No. 55—The Spirit that Should Characterize the Work of Seventh-day Adventist Physicians

1MR 203.2

Christ has purchased us at an infinite cost, and today He lifts His hand, and calls our names as He did the name of Matthew as he sat at the receipt of custom. Jesus said, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9). Matthew left all,—all his gains,—and followed his Lord. He did not wait and stipulate a certain sum reaching the amount he had received in his former occupation, before he would render service, but without a question, he arose and followed Jesus. Under test and trial, many professed Christians must yet make it manifest whether they have subdued the traits of the carnal nature, or whether they are as a whited sepulcher, fair in appearance, but within full of impurity and defilement.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 41, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 41, 1890, par. 18

Christ has purchased us at an infinite cost, and today He lifts His hand and calls our names as He did the name of Matthew as he sat at the receipt of custom. Jesus said, “Follow me.” [Matthew 9:9.] Matthew left all—all his gains—and followed his Lord. He did not wait and stipulate a certain sum reaching the amount he had received in his former occupation, before he would render service, but without a question, he arose and followed Jesus. Under test and trial, many professed Christians must yet make it manifest whether they have subdued the traits of the carnal nature, or whether they are as a whited sepulchre, fair in appearance, but within full of impurity and defilement.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 36, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 36, 1891, par. 45

The Lord Jesus came to Matthew. He was in a very unpopular business, and all the Jews looked upon them to be despised, and Christ said to Matthew, “Matthew, follow Me.” [Matthew 9:9.] Did he say, “Oh Lord, when I get good enough I will follow you”? Did he say, “Oh Lord, when I have this agony, this awful agony [for] my sin, then I will come”? Well, that is what many of you are saying. [No,] he rose up and followed Him. He was walking in the light, because he could not follow Christ unless he was walking in the light. Well then, what are we to do? We are just to believe as simply as a little child. We are to take our position on the Lord’s side, and we are to be Christ’s children because He wants us to be, and because He died that we might be, and will we be?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 67, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 67, 1894, par. 25

When Christ is by the side of His tried and tempted ones, there can be no such a thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat, for we can do all things through Him who strengtheneth us. We must know the truth which is revealed in Christ in all its completeness. It is perilous to turn from the truth because you cannot discern how you are to make a success of your business and obtain a livelihood. Jesus lives, and because He lives, we shall live also. He said to the fishermen, “Leave your nets, and come and follow me.” He said to Matthew sitting at the receipt of custom, “Follow me.” [Matthew 4:19; 9:9.] Did those who were invited by Christ to follow Him hesitate? Did they tarry, and with trembling faith inquire, “How shall I live, and support my family?” They were obedient to the call, and after they had followed the directions of Christ, He inquired, “When I sent you out without purse or script, lacked ye anything?” They answered, “Nothing Lord.” [Luke 22:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 99, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 99, 1895, par. 3

I was thankful to see that the testimony of warning and encouragement given to Brother Faulkhead more than two years ago had been fully heeded, and that he had separated himself from the secret society of which he was a member. Jesus had spoken to him as He spoke to the fishermen, saying, “Follow me,” when they left their nets and followed Him. [Matthew 4:19, 20.] He called to him as He had called to Matthew, sitting at the receipt of customs, and said, “Follow me.” [Matthew 9:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 47, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 72

Mark the features of Christ’s work. He moved in the greatest simplicity. Although His followers were fishermen, He did not advise them to first go into the school of the rabbis before entering upon the work. He called His disciples from their fishers’ nets, and said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [Matthew 4:19.] He called Matthew from the receipt of custom, and said, “Follow me.” [Matthew 9:9.] All that they were required to do was to follow Jesus, to do as He commanded them, and thus enter into His school where God could be their teacher. As long as time shall last we shall have need of schools. There will always be need for education, but we must be careful lest education shall absorb every spiritual interest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 10a, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 80

Mark the features of Christ’s work. He moved in the greatest simplicity. Although His followers were fishermen, He did not advise them to go first into the school of the rabbis before entering upon the work. He called His disciples from their fishers’ nets, and said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [Matthew 4:19.] He called Matthew from the receipt of customs, and said, “Follow Me.” [Matthew 9:9.] All that they were required to do was to follow Jesus, to do as He commanded them, and thus enter into His school, where God could be their teacher. As long as time shall last, we shall have need of schools. There will always be need of education; but we must be careful lest education shall absorb every spiritual interest.

Conflict and Courage

Publicans Not Excluded, October 5

CC 284.1

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6.

CC 284.2

The calling of Matthew to be one of Christ’s disciples excited great indignation. For a religious teacher to choose a publican as one of his immediate attendants was an offense against the religious, social, and national customs.7Ibid., 273.

CC 284.3

In his grateful humility, Matthew desired to show his appreciation of the honor bestowed upon him; and, calling together those who had been his associates in business, in pleasure, and in sin, he made a great feast for the Saviour. If Jesus would call him, who was so sinful and unworthy, He would surely accept his former companions, who were, thought Matthew, far more deserving than himself. Matthew had a great longing that they should share the benefits of the mercies and grace of Christ. He desired them to know that Christ did not ... despise and hate the publicans and sinners. He wanted them to know Christ as the blessed Saviour....

CC 284.4

Jesus never refused an invitation to such a feast. The object ever before Him was to sow in the hearts of His hearers the seeds of truth—through His winning conversation to draw hearts to Himself. In His every act Christ had a purpose, and the lesson which He gave on this occasion was timely and appropriate. By this act He declared that even publicans and sinners were not excluded from His presence....

CC 284.5

The Pharisees beheld Christ sitting and eating with publicans and sinners.... These self-righteous men, who felt no need of help, could not appreciate the work of Christ. They placed themselves where they could not accept the salvation which He came to bring. They would not come unto Him that they might have life. The poor publicans and sinners felt their need of help, and they accepted the instruction and aid which they knew Christ was able to give them.8The Signs of the Times, June 23, 1898.

CC 284.6

To Matthew himself the example of Jesus at the feast was a constant lesson. The despised publican became one of the most devoted evangelists, in his own ministry following closely in his Master’s steps.9The Desire of Ages, 275.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 28—Levi-Matthew

DA 272.1

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

DA 272.2

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

DA 273.1

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

DA 273.2

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

DA 273.3

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

DA 273.4

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

DA 273.5

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

DA 273.6

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

DA 273.7

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

DA 274.1

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

DA 274.2

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

DA 274.3

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

DA 275.1

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

DA 275.2

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

DA 275.3

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

DA 275.4

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

DA 275.5

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

DA 276.1

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

DA 276.2

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

DA 276.3

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

DA 276.4

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

DA 276.5

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

DA 277.1

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

DA 277.2

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

DA 277.3

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

DA 277.4

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

DA 278.1

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

DA 278.2

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

DA 278.3

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

DA 278.4

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

DA 279.1

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

DA 279.2

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

DA 279.3

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

DA 280.1

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

DA 280.2

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

DA 280.3

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

DA 280.4

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

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 28—Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle

HLv 177.1

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

HLv 177.2

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

HLv 177.3

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

HLv 177.4

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

HLv 177.5

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

HLv 178.1

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

HLv 178.2

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

HLv 178.3

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

HLv 178.4

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

HLv 178.5

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

HLv 179.1

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

HLv 179.2

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

HLv 179.3

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

HLv 179.4

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

HLv 179.5

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

HLv 179.6

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

HLv 180.1

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

HLv 180.2

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

HLv 181.1

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

HLv 181.2

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

HLv 181.3

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

HLv 181.4

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

HLv 182.1

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

HLv 182.2

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

HLv 182.3

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

HLv 183.1

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

HLv 183.2

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

HLv 183.3

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

HLv 183.4

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

HLv 184.1

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

From Heaven With Love

Attempt to Alienate Disciples

HLv 180.3

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 199, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 199, 1905, par. 8

“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:9-13.] Will you let this lesson sink deep into your hearts?

20LtMs, Lt 199, 1905, par. 10

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitude, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” [Verses 27-38.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1198—The Teacher Sent from God

16MR 91.2

Did this evidence that Christ was the Son of God cause the scribes and Pharisees to believe in Him? No; this demonstration of mercy and wonderful restoration only exasperated them. It was not evidence that He was the great Teacher sent from God that they wanted, but that He was a deceiver. Again and again they were on His track, to see and hear His words and works. Their hearts were not open to conviction. They were filled with intense hatred, with bitter prejudice, and they were ever seeking to find some occasion to work out their bitterness and wrath against Him. “And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” [Matthew 9:10-13].

16MR 92.3

“And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him; and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto Him, Yea, Lord. Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it” [Verses 18-30].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 282, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 282, 1907, par. 4

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 115, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 115, 1902, par. 23

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 113, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 23

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

Selected Messages Book 1

A Letter to Dr. Paulson

1SM 30.2

We can learn precious lessons from the study of the life of Christ. The envious Pharisees misinterpreted the acts and words of Christ, which, if properly received, would have been beneficial to their spiritual understanding. Instead of admiring His goodness, they charged Him, in the presence of His disciples, with impiety—“Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11). Instead of addressing our blessed Saviour Himself, whose answer would at once have convicted them of their malice, they talked with the disciples, and made their charges where, as a leaven of evil, they would do great harm. If Christ had been an impious man, He would have lost His hold upon the hearts of His believing followers. But because of their confidence in Christ, the disciples would not give ear to the insinuations of His wicked accusers.

1SM 31.2

Work of this same character will be brought to bear upon true believers today. The Lord Jesus reads the heart; He discerns the interests and purposes of the thoughts of all men concerning Himself and His believing disciples. He answers their thoughts concerning the faultfinding ones, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Matthew 9:12). The insolent Pharisees had an exalted idea of their own piety and holiness, while they were ready to pass censure on the lives of others.—Letter 206, 1906.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 206, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 206, 1906, par. 28

Truth will surely bear away the victory. One who gave His life to ransom man from the delusions of Satan is not asleep, but watching. When His sheep turn away from following the voice of a stranger whose sheep they are not, they will rejoice in the voice they have loved to follow. We can learn precious lessons from the study of the life of Christ. The envious Pharisees misinterpreted the acts and words of Christ, which, if properly received, would have been beneficial to their spiritual understanding. Instead of admiring His goodness, they charged Him, in the presence of His disciples, with impiety—“Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” [Matthew 9:11.] Instead of addressing our blessed Saviour Himself, whose answer would at once have convicted them of their malice, they talked with the disciples and made their charges where, as a leaven of evil, they would do great harm. If Christ had been an impious man, He would have lost His hold upon the hearts of His believing followers. But because of their confidence in Christ, the disciples would not give ear to the insinuations of His wicked accusers.

21LtMs, Lt 206, 1906, par. 29

Desiring to bring censure upon the disciples, these wicked accusers went again and again to Christ with the question, Why do Thy disciples that which is not lawful? And when they judged our Lord to have transgressed, they spake not to Himself, but to His disciples, to plant the seeds of unbelief in the hearts of His followers. Thus they worked to bring in doubt and dissension. Every method was tried to bring doubt into the hearts of the little flock, that it might cause them to watch for something that would check the good and gracious work of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Work of this same character will be brought to bear upon true believers today. The Lord Jesus reads the heart; He discerns the interests and purposes of the thoughts of all men concerning Himself and His believing disciples. He answers their thoughts concerning the fault-finding ones. “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” [Verse 12.] The insolent Pharisees had an exalted idea of their own piety and holiness, while they were ready to pass censure on the lives of others.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 3—Work for Church Members

7T 18.1

We have a message from the Lord to bear to the world, a message that is to be borne in the rich fullness of the Spirit’s power. Let our ministers see the need of seeking to save the lost. Direct appeals are to be made to the unconverted. “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” the Pharisees asked Christ’s disciples. And the Saviour responded: “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:11, 13. This is the work He has given us. And never was there greater need of it than at the present time.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Work for Church Members

3TT 81.1

We have a message from the Lord to bear to the world, a message that is to be borne in the rich fullness of the Spirit’s power. Let our ministers see the need of seeking to save the lost. Direct appeals are to be made to the unconverted. “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” the Pharisees asked Christ’s disciples. And the Saviour responded: “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:11, 13. This is the work He has given us. And never was there greater need of it than at the present time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 98, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 18

Said Christ in response to the accusation of the Scribes and Pharisees, “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” “I am come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:11, 13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 106, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 106, 1902, par. 2

I wish to encourage my ministering brethren to work for those who have not heard the truth. We have a plain, straightforward message from the Lord to bear to the world—a message that is to be borne in all the rich fullness of the Holy Spirit’s power. There is a special work to be done, and we have no time to lose. Let our ministers feel it their duty to seek to save that which is lost. Direct appeals are to be made to the unconverted. “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” the Pharisees asked Christ’s disciples. The Saviour responded, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:11, 13.] This work He has given us to do. And never was there a greater need of it than at the present time. Darkness has covered the earth, and gross darkness the people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 3, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 3, 1898, par. 5

The Pharisees beheld Christ sitting and eating with publicans and sinners. He was calm and self-possessed, kind, courteous, and friendly; and while they could not but admire the picture presented, it was so unlike their own course of action [that] they could not endure the sight. The haughty Pharisees exalted themselves, and demerited those who had not been blessed with such privileges and light as they themselves had had. They hated and despised the publicans and sinners. Yet in the sight of God their guilt was the greater. Heaven’s light was flashing across their pathway, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; but they had spurned the gift. Turning to the disciples of Christ, they said, “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” [Matthew 9:11.] By this question they hoped to arouse the prejudice which they knew had existed in the minds of the disciples, and thus shake their weak faith. They aimed their arrows where they would be most likely to bruise and wound.

13LtMs, Ms 3, 1898, par. 8

The world’s Redeemer heard every word uttered against Him by the Pharisees. “When Christ heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Verses 12, 13.] These self-righteous men, who felt no need of help, could not appreciate the work or mission of Christ. They placed themselves where they could not accept the salvation which He came to bring. They would not come unto Him that they might have life. The poor publicans an sinners felt their need of help, and they accepted the instruction and aid which they knew Christ was able to give them.

13LtMs, Ms 3, 1898, par. 13

“Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?” [Matthew 9:14.]

13LtMs, Ms 3, 1898, par. 15

Christ’s answer met both classes of complainants. “Can the children of the bridechamber mourn,” He said, “as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then shall they fast.” [Verse 15.] The disciples of Christ had the bridegroom in their midst. He was everything to them. It would not be appropriate for them to spend their days in mourning and fasting. They must now be catching the rays of light from Jesus, learning the spiritual nature of His kingdom, and the grace of His character, that they might work when He should leave them.

13LtMs, Ms 3, 1898, par. 32

The Pharisees had yet to learn that righteousness exalts a nation, that form and ceremony cannot take the place of righteousness. Christ was teaching the people as verily when enshrouded in the pillar of cloud as when seated on the mount. The same compassionate consideration for the poor was enjoined as in the lessons given to the disciples. But the responsibility of every individual in the sight of God, His mercy, love, and compassion, were not included in the lessons given to the people by the rulers in Israel. Said Christ, “No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.” [Matthew 9:16.] The truth, the life, the light, which should characterize true godliness could not be united with the manufactured religion of the Pharisees.

13LtMs, Ms 3, 1898, par. 35

The lesson given to the disciples of John and the Pharisees is for us. There is a work to do in seeking to bring sinners to repentance. The time spent in needless mourning and bodily humiliation might far better be devoted to merciful acts for suffering humanity. While souls are under the dominion of Satan there must be no saving of self. There is stern practical work to be done. The works of righteousness revealed in kindness to the needy, clothing the naked, relieving the oppressed, give evidence that the Spirit of God is operating on the heart. In the place of advancing and enriching ourselves, oppressing others and neglecting the simple duties of life, in the place of putting on an appearance of great devotion and afflicting our bodies, we should humble our hearts before God. “Go,” says Christ, “and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:13.]

Counsels for the Church

Cooperation

CCh 46.4

The sin that is most nearly hopeless and incurable is pride of opinion, self-conceit. This stands in the way of all growth. When a man has defects of character, yet fails of realizing this; when he is so imbued with self-sufficiency that he cannot see his fault, how can he be cleansed? “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Matthew 9:12. How can one improve when he thinks his ways perfect?

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 80—Satan’s Science of Self-exaltation

2MCP 726.4

The Most Incurable Sin—God cannot connect with those who live to please themselves, to make themselves first. Those who do this will in the end be last of all. The sin that is most nearly hopeless and incurable is pride of opinion, self-conceit. This stands in the way of all growth. When a man has defects of character, yet fails of realizing this; when he is so imbued with self-sufficiency that he cannot see his fault, how can he be cleansed? “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Matthew 9:12). How can one improve when he thinks his ways perfect?—Testimonies for the Church 7:199, 200 (1902).

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 39—Self-Control and Fidelity

7T 199.5

God cannot connect with those who live to please themselves, to make themselves first. Those who do this will in the end be last of all. The sin that is most nearly hopeless and incurable is pride of opinion, self-conceit. This stands in the way of all growth. When a man has defects of character, yet fails of realizing this; when he is so imbued with self-sufficiency that he cannot see his fault, how can he be cleansed? “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Matthew 9:12. How can one improve when he thinks his ways perfect?

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Self-Control and Fidelity

3TT 183.5

God cannot connect with those who live to please themselves, to make themselves first. Those who do this will in the end be last of all. The sin that is most nearly hopeless and incurable is pride of opinion, self-conceit. This stands in the way of all growth. When a man has defects of character, yet fails of realizing this; when he is so imbued with self-sufficiency that he cannot see his fault, how can he be cleansed? “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Matthew 9:12. How can one improve when he thinks his ways are perfect?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 74, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, par. 37

To the surprised inquiry, “Lord, when saw we [Thee] thus?” The answer is given, “In as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these (who were afflicted and needed your sympathy) ye did it not to me.” [Verses 44, 45.] “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” [Matthew 9:12.] The bruised and wounded, the lame of the flock, are among us, and these test the character of those who claim to be children of God.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Mighty Healer of the Sin-Sick Soul, June 8

JNN 171.1

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”—Matthew 9:12

In Heavenly Places

Mercy for the Merciful, August 19

HP 238.3

“I will have mercy,” God says, “and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). Mercy is kind, pitiful. Mercy and the love of God purify the soul, beautify the heart, and cleanse the life from selfishness. Mercy is a manifestation of divine love and is shown by those who, identified with God, serve Him by reflecting the light of heaven upon the pathway of their fellow creatures. The condition of many persons calls for the exercise of genuine mercy. Christians, in their dealing with one another, are to be controlled by principles of mercy and love. They are to improve every opportunity for helping fellow beings in distress....

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Christ and the Law

1888 340.1

And when the devil comes and points to your sins and hateful crimes, tell him, “Yes, I am a sinner, but Christ is a Saviour, and He says, ‘I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’” [Matthew 9:13]. Thus you arm yourself with the whole armor of Christ’s righteousness? How is it you have not on the armor of Christ’s righteousness? What did He come to this world for? Why, if it had been a possible thing for us to have been brought back to keeping God’s commandments, He never would have come to this world; but He came here because it was impossible for man to redeem himself and bring himself into a position where Adam stood before the fall. Then what was he to do? Christ came, our substitute and surety.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 46, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 46, 1886, par. 5

Now the question for us to decide is, Shall we have connection with Christ and the Father? Shall we accept the help needed? Shall we enter the bloodstained path that our Saviour trod? Heaven has been opened before us. Christ has been accepted by the Father, and if we will comply, we can be accepted also. The plan of salvation has been laid for the human race, and they need not be discouraged. Help has been laid on one that is mighty to save. The gates of heaven are ajar to the children of men, to the weakest ones, the ones that need a Saviour the most. When our Saviour ate with the publicans, the Pharisees complained and would make capital of this. Christ’s reply was, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 84, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 84, 1886, par. 11

I believe Professor Ramsey and the old hands can harmonize. Let them remember the words of Christ, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:13.] We are working in the establishment of schools that give proper instruction to reform characters. We are dealing with those who need everything done for them after the similitude of Christ’s work, and this work of reformation can be done only by faith and love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 5, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 10

And when the devil comes and points to your sins and hateful crimes, tell him, “Yes, I am a sinner, but Christ is a Saviour, and He says, ‘I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’” Matthew 9:13. Thus you arm yourself with the whole armor of Christ’s righteousness. How is it you have not on the armor of Christ’s righteousness? What did He come to this world for? Why, if it had been a possible thing for us to have been brought back to keeping God’s commandments, He never would have come to this world; but He came here because it was impossible for man to redeem himself, and bring himself into a position where Adam stood before the fall. Then what was he to do? Christ came, our Substitute and Surety.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 62, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 62, 1893, par. 10

I need not present before you the self-denial, the self-sacrifice, the humiliation and crucifixion of the Son of God, which was the redemption price of a lost world. This we need to contemplate that we may better estimate the value of the human soul. As we view the agonies Christ endured, then we shall consider every soul of value that cost Jesus Christ so much. The love of Jesus for these souls cannot be measured. It is not only the small portion who accept of Christ that He died to save. No! He came to save every son and daughter of Adam. He came not to seek and save those who were faultless and lovely; but He came to seek and save them that are lost. Jesus said, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 16, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 41

Satan says to you, “You are a sinner and have no need to pray any longer.” But that is why I need to pray. That is why I need a Saviour. Should I say because I have sinned that I will not come to Christ till I make myself better? No, for that will be never. Christ declares that He came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. [Matthew 9:13.] It is my privilege to lay hold of the sacrifice that has been made for me at an infinite cost. I take hold of Jesus Christ as my Saviour, and commit the keeping of my soul unto Him as unto a faithful Redeemer. He will keep that which I have committed unto Him in trust against that day. Praise God!