The Crises the Christ
The Crises the Christ
1969 Quater 1
THE CRISES OF THE CHRIST
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
Senior Division, No. 295, First Quarter, 1969 THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY “The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on mind and character.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 132. “There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. . . . If God’s Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times.”—Steps to Christ, page 90.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each day of the week.
Noma
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1. Provision for the Crisis of Sin
2. Satan's Attacks
3. Early Crises in the Life of Christ
4. Preparation for Service
5. Jesus Accepts the Call to Service
6. Tempted to Self-assertion
7. Resistance to Control
8. To Make Him King
9. Looking Forward to the Cross
10. Ancient Israel's Decisive Hour
11. Crisis of Crises
12. "Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?"
13. The Sacrifice Accepted
All quotations from The New English Bible are used with permission of the Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 295, January-March, 1969. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a year (four issues) • no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1968, by Pacific Press Publishing Association COVER PAINTING BY HARRY ANDERSON; ©PPRA. TAKEN FROM THE DESIRE OF AGES.”
LITHO IN U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly THE CRISES OF THE CHRIST
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
A crisis is defined as a “decisive mo- reached their climax in Gethsemane, when ment.” God foresaw the crisis of man’s the fate of the world hung in the balance. fall, and “made provision to meet the But failure in any one of the lesser con- terrible emergency.”—The Desire of Ages, flicts would have been as decisive for the page 22. future of mankind as a refusal by the The decision to permit a member of the Saviour to drink of the bitter cup. Deity to come as the Saviour of mankind Today the final hour of crisis looms be- was for Christ the first in a series of fore the people of God. Responding to the crises. These would not end until evil is appeals of the Holy Spirit, each believer destroyed, root and branch, in the cleansing must make decisions that, in his individual flames. From the time man fell until Christ life, will enlist the infinite power of the was born, the adversary sought in various Holy Spirit. By means of this power there ways to destroy the people of God, and will be created in him a perfect reflection thus to prevent the coming of the prom- of the character of the Christ. The same ised Redeemer. When at last Jesus was power that was given to Christ to help born, He faced a succession of decisive Him in His battles with temptation is moments of conflict with the cunning available to us. A study of the victories He tempter, who was “unwearied in his ef- won should aid us in overcoming all forts to overcome the Child of Nazareth,” temptation, whether coming from within and who made His life “one long struggle or without. Thus will we be prepared to against the powers of darkness.”—The De- share in the final victory of the Christ and sire of Ages, page 71. The series of crises of His beloved church.
Lesson 1, for January 4, 1969
Provision for the Crisis of Sin
MEMORY VERSE: “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and fore- knowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” Acts 2:23. STUDY HELPS: “Patriarchs and Prophets,” pages 63-70; “SDA Bible Commentary.” STUDY AIM: To appreciate more fully God’s great love, “from the foundation of the world,” in providing for my salvation at infinite cost.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 11-13. 0 Sunday: Ques. 1-5. Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Ques. 6-8. 0 helps. Tuesday: Ques. 9, 10; begin Friday: Review.
reading study helps. 0
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Lesson Outline: 7. “The Mighty God,” a title for Christ. Isa. 9:6 (second part). Introduction 8. The incarnation made Christ one I. Sin Foreseen of us. Isa. 9:6 (first part). 1. God declares the end from the beginning. Isa. 46:10. IV. The Result of Sin 2. God’s intimate knowledge of His 9. Sin separated between God and children. Ps. 139:16. man. Isa. 59:2.
- Slain From the Foundation of 10. Man became a slave of Satan.
the World Rom. 6:16.
- Christ “slain from the foundation of the world.” Rev. 13:8 (last V. The Remedy for Sin part). 11. The Father gave His own Son.
- A willing sacrifice. John 10:17, 18. John 3:16.
- The decision to carry out the 12. The foreordained plan was plan of redemption. Acts 2:23. announced to the sinful pair. I11. Christ Is God Gen. 3:15.
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In the beginning the Word was 13. Lucifer’s doom foretold. Rom. God. John 1:1-3. 16:20.
THE LESSON Introduction 4:13) ; 'declaring the end from the begin- ning' (Isa. 46:10) ; 'known unto God are "The plan for our redemption was not all His works from the beginning.' (Acts an afterthought, a plan formulated after 15:18). The past, present, and future are the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of all equally known to Him."-SDA Bible `the mystery which bath been kept in Commentary, on Rom. 8:29. silence through times eternal.' Rom. 16:25, R.V. It was an unfolding of the principles 2. How definite is God's knowledge that from eternal ages have been the foun- dation of God's throne. From the begin- of man? Ps. 139:16. ning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provi- Slain From the Foundation sion to meet the terrible emergency. So of the World great was His love for the world, that He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son, 3. What does John say about the `that whosoever believeth in Him should sacrifice of the Lamb? Rev. 13:8 (last not perish, but have everlasting life.' "- part). Compare Rom. 16:25. The Desire of Ages, page 22. NOTE.-"Before the foundations of the Sin Foreseen earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man
- Who alone declares the end from if he should be overcome by Satan. They the beginning? Isa. 46:10. had clasped their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race.”-The Desire of Ages, page 834. “If he should be overcome by Satan.” NOTE.-“God foreknows because He is Although God foresaw Adam’s decision to omniscient, that is, He knows all things. rebel, it was Adam who made that deci- Of Him the Scriptures affirm: ‘All things sion. Until the time that he should make are naked and opened unto the eyes of it, the fall and the plan of salvation were Him with whom we have to do.’ (Heb. kept secret by the Godhead. “The plan [4] that should be carried out upon the de- NOTE.—”In taking our nature, the Sav- fection of any of the high intelligences of iour has bound Himself to humanity by a heaven—this is the secret, the mystery tie that is never to be broken. Through the which has been hid from ages.”—Ellen G. eternal ages He is linked with us. ‘God so White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, loved the world, that He gave His only- Vol. 6, p. 1082. begotten Son.’ John 3:16. He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as
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What words of the Saviour show our sacrifice ; He gave Him to the fallen that His sacrifice for us was freely race. To assure us of His immutable coun- made? John 10:17, 18. sel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature.”— The Desire of Ages, page 25.
- How did Peter speak of the de- The Result of Sin cision to permit the Saviour to die 9. How does sin affect man’s re- for mankind? Acts 2:23. lationship to God? Isa. 59:2.
NoTE.—This “counsel of peace” (Zech. NOTE.—”Sin not only shuts away from 6 : 13 ) represented the first of the crises of God, but destroys in the human soul both the Christ. See Patriarchs and Prophets, the desire and the capacity for knowing page 63. Him. Through sin, the whole human or- ganism is deranged, the mind is perverted, Christ Is God the imagination corrupted; the faculties of the soul are degraded. There is an absence
- What brief words of John de- of pure religion, of heart holiness. The scribe the eternal Deity of Christ? converting power of God has not wrought in transforming the character. The soul is John 1:1-3. weak, and for want of moral force to overcome, is polluted and debased.”— Prophets and Kings, page 233.
NOTE.—”From the days of eternity the 10. Under whose control is fallen Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Fa- man? Rom. 6:16. Compare Rom. 7:14. ther ; He was ‘the image of God,’ . . . ‘the outshining of His glory.’ It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world . . to be ‘God with us.’“—The Desire of Ages, Nora—”But should they once yield to page 19. temptation, their nature would become so depraved that in themselves they would
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What remarkable titles does have no power, and no disposition, to Isaiah give to Christ? Isa. 9:6 (second resist Satan.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, part). page 53.
The Remedy for Sin 11. Why did God permit the suf- NOTE.—"Christ was God essentially, and fering and death of His Son? John in the highest sense. He was with God 3:16. from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 247. NOTE.—"The plan of salvation had been - To whom was this Son born, laid before the creation of the earth; for this Child given? Isa. 9:6 (first part). Christ is ‘the Lamb slain from the founda- [ 5 ] tion of the world’ (Rev. 13:8) ; yet it was Calvary.”—Ellen G. White Comments, a struggle, even with the King of the uni- SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 1084. verse, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. But ‘God so loved the world, 13. What prediction of ultimate that He gave His only-begotten Son, that victory did Paul make? Rom. 16:20. whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ “—Patri- archs and Prophets, page 63. NoTE.—”When Satan heard that enmity
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What announcement was made should exist between himself and the to Adam and Eve when they sinned? woman, and between his seed and her seed, he knew that his work of depraving human Gen. 3:15. nature would be interrupted; that by some means man would be enabled to resist his power.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 66.
Questions for Personal Meditation NOTE.—"As soon as there was sin, there 1. Do I spend time each day in quiet was a Saviour. Christ knew that He would contemplation of the greatness of the sacri- have to suffer, yet He became man's sub- fice made for me? If not, should I not form stitute. As soon as Adam sinned, the Son the habit? (See The Desire of Ages, page of God presented Himself as surety for 83.) the human race, with just as much power 2. Do I respond in gratitude for the in- to av2rt the doom pronounced upon the finite love that led God to make the guilty as when He died upon the cross of supreme sacrifice? Lesson 2, for January 11, 1969 Satan's Attacks
MEMORY VERSE: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Rom. 4:20-22. STUDY HELPS: “Patriarchs and Prophets,” pages 71-79; 241-256; “Prophets and Kings,” pages 293-300; 518-521; “SDA Bible Commentary.” STUDY AIM: To understand more fully the marvelous way in which God has protected and preserved His chosen people.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 11-13; read Sunday: Ques. 1-4. ❑ further from study helps. ❑ Monday: Ques. 5, 6; begin read- Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps. ❑ helps. Tuesday: Ques. 7-10. ❑ Friday: Review.
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Lesson Outline: IV. Satan and the Empires Introduction 7. Satan’s use of kings and rulers to attempt to destroy the seed of I. The First Attack Abraham. Jer. 50:17. 1. Satan destroyed Abel. Gen. 4:8. 8. Egypt set out to destroy every 2. Seth replaced Abel. Gen. 4:25. male Hebrew child. Ex. 1:22.
- Satan Appears to Triumph 9. The plagues upon Egypt meet the
crisis. Deut. 4:34.
- The human race utterly corrupted. 10. Israel estranged from God. Gen. 6:5, 7. 2 Kings 17:22, 23.
- Noah and his family preserved. Gen. 6:18. 11. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges Israel’s God. Dan. 3:28, 29; I11. The Promise Repeated 4:34-37.
- Abraham called of God. 12. Haman thwarted by Esther. Gen. 26:4, 5. Esther 3:13.
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The promised child received by 13. The world prepared for the coming faith. Rom. 4:19-21. of the promised Seed.
THE LESSON Introduction NoTE.-Not only was righteous Abel slain in this crisis, but Cain disqualified himself "The Saviour's coming was foretold in for the honor of being the ancestor of the Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard the Christ. promise, they looked for its speedy fulfill- ment. They joyfully welcomed their first- "The murder of Abel was the first ex- ample of the enmity that God had declared born son, hoping that he might be the Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the prom- would exist between the serpent and the seed of the woman-between Satan and ise tarried. Those who first received it died without the sight. From the days of Enoch his subjects and Christ and His follow- the promise was repeated through patri- ers."-Patriarchs and Prophets, page 77. archs and prophets, keeping alive the hope "But Cain lived only to harden his heart, of His appearing, and yet He came not. . . . and to become the head of a line of The prophecy of Daniel revealed the time bold, abandoned sinners."-Ibid., p. 78. of His advent, but not all rightly inter- preted the message. Century after century 2. Who was given to replace Abel? passed away; the voices of the prophets Gen. 4:25. ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel, and many were ready to exclaim, 'The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth.' Eze. 12:22. "But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God's purposes know NOTE.-"Seth, like Cain, inherited the no haste and no delay."-The Desire of fallen nature of his parents. But he re- Ages, pages 31, 32. ceived also the knowledge of the Redeemer Satan incited the nations to oppress and and instruction in righteousness. By divine destroy the seed of Abraham. But God grace . . . he labored, as Abel would have always preserved a remnant of the Hebrew done, had he lived, to turn the minds of race of which Christ was to be born. sinful men to revere and obey their Cre- ator."-Patriarchs and Prophets, page 80. The First Attack Satan Appears to Triumph
- Which son of Adam was the first to fall under the power of death? 3. To what crisis did Satan bring Gen. 4:8. the antediluvian world? Gen. 6:5, 7. [7] NOTE.—”God had given these men knowl- Word of God. In order to strengthen faith, edge. He had given them valuable ideas, we must often bring it in contact with the that they might carry out His plan. But Word.”—Education, pages 253, 254. the Lord saw that those whom He de- signed should possess wisdom, tact, and Satan and the Empires judgment, were using every quality of the mind to glorify self. . . . When the earth 7. What had the Assyrians and was repeopled, the Lord trusted His wis- Babylonians done to Israel? Jer. dom more sparingly to men, giving them 50:17. only the ability they would need in carry- ing out His great plan.”—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 1089. NoTE.—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo- Persia, Grecia, pagan Rome, and papal
- How was the human race pre- Rome—each in turn had the opportunity served at the time of the Flood? Gen. to serve the God who sets up kings. See 6:18. Dan. 2:21. Egypt welcomed Jacob and his family to share the store of wheat during the famine and could have helped him to spread the knowledge of the true God to NoTE.—”He [Satan] knows better than all the world. Babylon protected the rem- we do the limit of his power and how nant of Judah and proclaimed the superi- easily he can be overcome if we resist and ority of the God of Israel to every nation. face him.”—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 293. See Dan. 4:1-3. Medo-Persia reestablished “The enemy dare not go one hairbreadth Jerusalem. Yet each in turn chose to be- beyond his appointed sphere. There is no come a tool of Satan in his attempt to power in the whole satanic force that can exterminate the seed of the woman, and disable the soul that trusts, in simple con- each in turn was soon overthrown. fidence, in the wisdom that comes from God.”—My Life Today, page 316. 8. How did Egypt turn upon the sons of Israel and threaten to destroy The Promise Repeated the seed of Abraham? Ex. 1:22.
- Why was Abraham called to be the ancestor of the promised Seed? Gen. 26:4, 5. 9. How did God meet the crisis His people faced in Egypt? Deut. 4:34.
NOTE.—”After the dispersion from Babel idolatry again became well-nigh universal, NOTE.—”The Lord would give the Egyp- and the Lord finally left the hardened tians an opportunity to see how vain was transgressors to follow their evil ways, the wisdom of their mighty men, how fee- while He chose Abraham, of the line of ble the power of their gods, when opposed Shem, and made him the keeper of His to the commands of Jehovah. He would law for future generations.”—Patriarchs punish the people of Egypt for their idol- and Prophets, page 125. atry and silence their boastings of the blessings received from their senseless de-
- How was the crisis of Abraham’s ities. God would glorify His own name, childlessness resolved? Rom. 4:19-21. that other nations might hear of His power Compare verse 3. and tremble at His mighty acts, and that His people might be led to turn from their idolatry and render Him pure worship.”— Patriarchs and Prophets, page 263. NOTE.—”Faith that enables us to receive God’s gifts is itself a gift, of which some 10. How successful was Satan in measure is imparted to every human being. leading Israel astray? 2 Kings 17: It grows as exercised in appropriating the 22, 23. [8] NOTE.—”About two years later, Samaria 12. Under what circumstances did was invested by the hosts of Assyria under Satan use Persia in an attempt to Shalmaneser. . . . The broken remnant of destroy the seed of Abraham? Esther the ten tribes were carried away captive 3:13. and scattered in the provinces of the As- syrian realm.”—Prophets and Kings, page 291. NOTE.—”Through Haman the Agagite,
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By what means was Nebuchad- . . . Satan worked at this time to counter- nezzar led to acknowledge the true work the purposes of God. . . . God? Dan. 3:28, 29; 4:34-37. “Misled by the false statements of Ha- man, Xerxes was induced to issue a decree providing for the massacre of all the Jews. . . . Satan himself, the hidden instigator of the scheme, was trying to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the NoTE.—The results of the faithfulness of true God.”—Prophets and Kings, pages the three God-fearing young men on the 600, 601. plain of Dura is stated in these words: “The three Hebrews declared to the whole 13. How did God use Rome to nation of Babylon their faith in Him prepare for the coming of the prom- whom they worshiped. . . . And in a mar- ised Seed? velous manner their faith in the living Word had been honored in the sight of all. The tidings of their wonderful deliverance were carried to many countries by the ANSWER.—”Providence had directed the representatives of the different nations that movements of nations, and the tide of had been invited by Nebuchadnezzar to the human impulse and influence, until the dedication. Through the faithfulness of world was ripe for the coming of the De- His children, God was glorified in all the liverer. The nations were united under one earth.”—Prophets and Kings, page 512. government. One language was widely With reference to Nebuchadnezzar’s sev- spoken, and was everywhere recognized en-year period of insanity, this is stated: as the language of literature.”—The Desire “The once proud monarch had become of Ages, page 32. a humble child of God; the tyrannical, overbearing ruler, a wise and compassion- Questions for Personal Meditation ate king. . . . Under the rebuke of Him 1. As a member of the last remnant, am who is King of kings and Lord of lords, I keeping myself from the idolatrous wor- Nebuchadnezzar had learned at last the ship of the conveniences and luxuries of lesson which all rulers need to learn—that present-day living? true greatness consists in true goodness. . . . 2. Am I, by daily trust in God in little “God’s purpose that the greatest king- things, building a faith that will enable dom in the world should show forth His me to stand in Satan’s last attack upon praise was now fulfilled.”—!bid., p. 521. the seed of the woman?
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are published each quarter in Braille and supplied free to the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record Braille Foundation, Inc., Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506. [9]Lesson 3, for January 18, 1969
Early Crises in the Life of Christ
MEMORY VERSE: “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, 0 God.” Heb. 10:7. STUDY HELPS: Selections from “The Desire of Ages,” pages 19-74 (chapters 1-7); “Christ’s Object Lessons,” pages 80-89 (“Other Lessons From Seed Sowing”); “SDA Bible Commentary.” STUDY AIM: To gain an understanding and appreciation of the victories of the youthful Jesus.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 10-12; read Sunday: Ques. 1-3; begin read- further in study helps.
ing study helps. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Ques. 4-6. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Ques. 7-9. ❑ Friday: Review. ❑
Lesson Outline: I11. Resistance to Sin Introduction 7. Christ was tempted as we are. Heb. 4:15 (second part). I. His Own Received Him Not 8. Christ’s sinless life confounded 1. The Word made flesh. John 1:14. the Jews. John 8:46 (first part). 2. Denied by His own. John 1:10, 11. 9. Christ came to do the will of God. 3. Strangers came to worship Him. Heb. 10:5, 7. Matt 2:1, 2. IV. Begotten of the Holy Spirit
- The First Attempt Upon His Life 10. The Redeemer begotten of the
- The dragon ready to devour the Holy Spirit. Matt. 1:18, 20; Child. Rev. 12:4 (last part). Luke 1:35.
- Satan moved Herod to attempt 11. Jesus’ reliance on the Father. to destroy Jesus. Matt. 2:16. John 5:30; 8:28; 14:10 (last part).
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Joseph warned to flee into Egypt. 12. Early life of Christ pleasing to Matt 2:13-15. God and man. Luke 2:52.
THE LESSON Introduction rest nor safety for the infant Saviour. Jehovah could not trust to the inhabi- "This was the reception the Saviour met tants of the world His Son, who came into as He came to a fallen world. He left His the world that through His divine power heavenly home, His majesty, and riches, He might redeem fallen man. He who and high command, and took upon Him- came to bring life to man, met, from the self man's nature, that He might save the very ones He came to benefit, insult, ha- fallen race. Instead of men glorifying God tred, and abuse. God could not trust His for the honor He had conferred upon beloved Son with men while carrying on them in thus sending His Son in the like- His benevolent work for their salvation, ness of sinful flesh, by giving Him a place and final exaltation to His own throne. in their affections, there seemed to be no He sent angels to attend His Son and pre- [ 10 3serve His life, till His mission on earth The First Attempt Upon His Life should be accomplished, and He should die by the hands of the very men He came to 4. Who awaited the birth of the save.”—Ellen G. White, The Review and Son of God into the human family Herald, Dec. 24, 1872. and with what purpose? Rev. 12:4 (last part). Compare verse 9. His Own Received Him Not
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How does John describe the first advent of Christ to the earth? John 1:14. NOTE.—”From the time when He ap- peared as a babe in Bethlehem, the usurper worked to bring about His destruction. In every possible way he sought to prevent Jesus from developing a perfect child- NOTE.—”Christ did not make-believe hood, a faultless manhood, a holy min- take human nature; He did verily take it. istry, and an unblemished sacrifice. But He did in reality possess human nature. he was defeated. He could not lead Jesus ‘As the children are partakers of flesh and into sin.”—The Desire of Ages, page 759. blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same.’ He was the Son of Mary ; He was of the seed of David according to 5. What attempt was made upon human descent. He is declared to be a the life of the infant Jesus? Matt. man, even the man Christ Jesus.”—Ellen 2:16. G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com- mentary, Vol. 5, p. 1130.
- How was Jesus received by His NoTE.—”Herod in Jerusalem impatiently own people? John 1:10, 11. awaited the return of the wise men. . . . The unwillingness of the rabbis to point out the Messiah’s birthplace seemed to indicate that they had penetrated his design, and NOTE.—”With amazement the heavenly that the magi had purposely avoided him. messengers beheld the indifference of that He was maddened at the thought. . . . people whom God had called to communi- “Soldiers were at once sent to Bethle- cate to the world the light of sacred hem, with orders to put to death all the truth. . . . Hearts selfish and world-en- children of two years and under. . . . grossed were untouched by the joy that “This calamity the Jews had brought thrilled all heaven. Only a few were long- upon themselves. If they had been walking ing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven’s in faithfulness and humility before God, He embassy was sent.”—The Desire of Ages, would in a signal manner have made the page 44. wrath of the king harmless to them. But they had . . . rejected the Holy Spirit,
- Who recognized the sign of the which was their only shield.”—The Desire birth of the “King of the Jews”? of Ages, page 65. Matt. 2:1, 2. 6. How did God meet this crisis? Matt. 2:13-15.
NorE.—”The light of God is ever shin- ing amid the darkness of heathenism. As these magi studied the starry heavens, . . . NoTE.—”In like manner Joseph received they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seek- warning to flee into Egypt with Mary and ing clearer knowledge, they turned to the the Child…. Hebrew Scriptures. . . . The magi learned “And through the gifts of the magi from with joy that His coming was near, and a heathen country, the Lord supplied the that the whole world was to be filled with means for the journey into Egypt and the a knowledge of the glory of the Lord.”– sojourn in a land of strangers.”—The De- The Desire of Ages, pages 59, 60. sire of Ages, pages 64, 65. Resistance to Sin “From the time that He was born an infant in Bethlehem till He hung on the
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How fully and in what manner cross of Calvary, and cried out in a voice was Jesus tempted? Heb. 4:15 (second that shook the universe, ‘It is finished,’ part). the Saviour was pure and spotless.”— Ellen G. White Manuscript 165, 1899, page 4.
9. What commitment did the Son NOTE.—"Satan was unwearied in his ef- of God make? Heb. 10:5, 7. forts to overcome the Child of Nazareth. From His earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of dark- ness. That there should be upon the earth NOTE.—"Nearly two thousand years ago, one life free from the defilement of evil a voice of mysterious import was heard in was an offense and a perplexity to the heaven, from the throne of God, . . . prince of darkness. He left no means un- I come' . . . `to do Thy will, 0 God.' Heb. tried to ensnare Jesus. No child of hu- 10:5-7. In these words is announced the manity will ever be called to live a holy fulfillment of the purpose that had been life amid so fierce a conflict with tempta- hidden from eternal ages."—The Desire of tion as was our Saviour."—The Desire of Ages, page 23. Ages, page 71. Begotten of the Holy Spirit -
With what challenge did Jesus’ sinless life confront the Jews? John 10. What aspect of the conception 8:46 (first part). of Jesus made Him divine as well as human? Matt. 1:18, 20; Luke 1:35.
NOTE.—”In His life on earth, Christ developed a perfect character, He rendered NOTE.—”The limited capacity of man perfect obedience to His Father’s com- cannot define this wonderful mystery—the mandments. . . . Not one stain of sin was blending of the two natures, the divine and found upon Him. He stood before the the human. It, can never be explained. world the spotless Lamb of God.”—Sons Man must wonder and be silent. And yet and Daughters of God, page 25. man is privileged to be a partaker of the “He was born without a taint of sin, divine nature, and in this way he can to but came into the world in like manner some degree enter into the mystery.”— as the human family.”—Ellen G. White Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 904. 7, p. 925. “He [Christ] was to take His position 11. How did Jesus express His de- at the head of humanity by taking the pendence upon His Father? John 5: nature but not the sinfulness of man.”— 30; 8:28; 14:10 (last part). Ibid. “He prayed for His disciples and for Himself, thus identifying Himself with our needs, our weaknesses, and our failings, which are so common with humanity. He NOTE.—”As one with us, a sharer in our was a mighty petitioner, not possessing the needs and weaknesses, He was wholly de- passions of our human, fallen natures, but pendent upon God, and in the secret place compassed with like infirmities, tempted in of prayer He sought divine strength. . . all points even as we are.”—Testimonies, “As a man He supplicated the throne of Vol. 2, pp. 508, 509. God till His humanity was charged with a “He is a brother in our infirmities, but heavenly current that should connect hu- not in possessing like passions.”—Ibid., p. manity with divinity.”—The Desire of
- Ages, page 363. (12 1 12. What testimony is given con- the open scroll of Scriptures; . . . the study cerning Jesus’ early development? of creation and providence; and the soul’s Luke 2:52. communion with God—these were the con- ditions and opportunities of the early life of Jesus.”—The Ministry of Healing, pages 365, 366. NOTE.—”He came as God’s ambassador, Questions for Personal Meditation to show us how to live so as to secure life’s best results. What were the conditions 1. Has a new life been begotten in me chosen by the infinite Father for His Son? by the Holy Spirit, and do I feed and A secluded home in the Galilean hills; a strengthen that “new man” by living as household sustained by honest, self-respect- Jesus lived? ing labor; a life of simplicity; daily con- 2. Why do I sometimes fail to claim flict with difficulty and hardship; . . the and use the power to overcome temptation hour of study at His mother’s side, with which is offered me by the Spirit of God?
Lesson 4, for January 25, 1969
Preparation for Service
MEMORY VERSE: “How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49.
STUDY HELPS: “The Desire of Ages,” pages 75-92 (chapters 8, 9); “Education,” pages 73-78; “SDA Bible Commentary.”
STUDY AIM: A realization that, under the guiding power of the Holy Spirit, the helpless Babe in Mary’s arms grew to perfect manhood by the same means that are open to us.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 11, 12; read Sunday: Ques. 1-3; begin read- further from study helps. ❑
ing study helps. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Ques. 4-8. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Ques. 9, 10; read Friday: Review. ❑
further from study helps. ❑
Lesson Outline: 3. The parables reflect a knowledge of nature. Matt. 13:3-9, 24-30, Introduction 31, 32. I. Studying the Scriptures and Nature 11. Recognition of His Mission 1. The grace of God upon Jesus 4. Jesus’ visit to the temple at the as a youth. Luke 2:40. age of twelve. Luke 2:41, 42. 2. Jesus was well acquainted with 5. Jesus asks questions of the the Scriptures. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10. rabbis. Luke 2:46. [ 13] 6. Jesus’ amazing understanding of Nazareth. Luke 2:51 (first part). the Scriptures. Luke 2:47. 10. Jesus continued obedience to His 7. Joseph and Mary seek Jesus. earthly parents. Luke 2:51 (last Luke 2:44, 45. part). 8. Jesus revealed His sense of 11. Jesus’ brothers reject His claim. mission while visiting the temple. Mark 3:21 (margin), 31. Luke 2:49. 12. The bitterness of misunderstanding I11. The Homelife and reproach. Isa. 53:3 (first 9. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return to part).
THE LESSON
Introduction 2. How did Jesus' replies to the
tempter reflect His familiarity with "At a very early age, Jesus had begun the Scriptures? Matt. 4:4, 7, 10. to act for Himself in the formation of His character, and not even respect and love for His parents could turn Him from obedience to God's Word. . . . But the NOTE.—"The Child Jesus did not receive influence of the rabbis made His life a instruction in the synagogue schools. His bitter one. Even in His youth He had to mother was His first human teacher. From learn the hard lesson of silence and patient her lips and from the scrolls of the proph- endurance."—The Desire of Ages, page 86. ets, He learned of heavenly things. . . . "Of the bitterness that falls to the lot "Since He gained knowledge as we may of humanity, there was no part which do, His intimate acquaintance with the Christ did not taste. There were those Scriptures shows how diligently His early who tried to cast contempt upon Him be- years were given to the study of God's cause of His birth, and even in His child- Word."—The Desire of Ages, page 70. hood He had to meet their scornful looks and evil whisperings. If He had responded 3. Name several parables that in- by an impatient word or look, if He had dicate Jesus' familiarity with nature. conceded to His brothers by even one wrong act, He would have failed of being Matt. 13:3-9, 24-30, 31, 32. a perfect example. Thus He would have failed of carrying out the plan for our redemption. Had He even admitted that there could be an excuse for sin, Satan NOTE.—"He studied the life of plants would have triumphed, and the world and animals, and the life of man. . . . Con- would have been lost."—Ibid., p. 88. tinually He was seeking to draw from
things seen illustrations by which to pre- "To every sufferer He brought relief, sent the living oracles of God. The para- His kind words having a soothing balm. bles . . . show how open His spirit was to None could say that He had worked a the influences of nature, and how He had miracle; but virtue—the healing power gathered the spiritual teaching from the of love—went out from Him to the sick surroundings of His daily life."—The De- and distressed. Thus in an unobtrusive way sire of Ages, page 70. He worked for the people from His very childhood."—Ibid., p. 92.
Recognition of His Mission
4. Where did Jesus go at the age
Studying the Scriptures
of twelve? Luke 2:41, 42.
and Nature 1. How does Luke describe the de- velopment of the Child Jesus? Luke 5. While in Jerusalem, what did 2:40. Jesus do? Luke 2:46.
[ 14 ]
NOTE.—”For the first time the Child NOTE.—”In the answer to His mother, Jesus looked upon the temple. . . . He be- Jesus showed for the first time that He held the bleeding victim upon the altar of understood His relation to God. Before sacrifice. . . . He witnessed the impressive His birth the angel had said to Mary, ‘He rites of the paschal service. Day by day shall be great, and shall be called the Son He saw their meaning more clearly. Every of the Highest: and the Lord God shall act seemed to be bound up with His own give unto Him the throne of His father life. New impulses were awakening within David: and He shall reign over the house Him. Silent and absorbed, He seemed to of Jacob forever.’ Luke 1:32, 33. These be studying out a great problem. The words Mary had pondered in her heart; mystery of His mission was opening to the yet while she believed that her child was to Saviour.”—The Desire of Ages, page 78. be Israel’s Messiah, she did not compre- hend His mission. Now she did not under-
-
How did Jesus’ penetrating ques- stand His words; but she knew that He tions affect the learned rabbis? Luke had disclaimed kinship to Joseph, and had 2:47. declared His Sonship to God.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 81, 82.
The Homelife NOTE.—"The rabbis spoke of the won- derful elevation which the Messiah's com- 9. After the incident at the temple ing would bring to the Jewish nation; but where did Jesus go? Luke 2:51 (first Jesus presented the prophecy of Isaiah, and part). asked them the meaning of those Scrip- tures that point to the suffering and death of the Lamb of God. . . . "If followed, the lines of truth He pointed out would have worked a reforma- NOTE.—"As Joseph and Mary should re- tion in the religion of the day."—The De- turn from Jerusalem alone with Jesus, He sire of Ages, pages 78, 79. hoped to direct their minds to the proph- "In their pride they would have scorned ecies of the suffering Saviour. Upon Cal- to admit that they could receive instruc- vary He sought to lighten His mother's tion from anyone. If Jesus had appeared to grief. He was thinking of her now. Mary be trying to teach them, they would have was to witness His last agony, and Jesus disdained to listen.. . desired her to understand His mission, that "They would not admit that they had she might be strengthened to endure, when misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed the sword should pierce through her soul." to teach. . . . The light was shining in —The Desire of Ages, page 82. darkness; but 'the darkness apprehended it not.' "—Ibid., p. 80. 10. What was Jesus' attitude toward -
What were Joseph and Mary do- His parents upon returning to Naza- ing while Jesus talked with the rab- reth? Luke 2:51 (last part). bis? Luke 2:44, 45.
NOTE.—”They searched for Him through- NoTa.—”He hid in His own heart the out their company, but in vain. Shudder- mystery of His mission, waiting submis- ing they remembered how Herod had tried sively for the appointed time. . . . For to destroy Him in His infancy. Dark fore- eighteen years after He had recognized bodings filled their hearts. They bitterly that He was the Son of God, He acknowl- reproached themselves.”—The Desire of edged the tie that bound Him to the home Ages, page 80. at Nazareth.”—The Desire of Ages, page 82.
-
In what words did Jesus reveal 11. What attitude did Jesus’ family that He understood His mission? take toward Him and His mission? Luke 2:49. Mark 3:21 (margin), 31. [ 15] NOTE.—”When His relatives learned of 12. What had Isaiah predicted con- it, they came out to check Him, for they cerning the attitude of men toward said, ‘He is deranged !’” “His mother and the Messiah? Isa. 53:3 (first part). His brothers came and, standing outside, they sent word to call Him. A crowd was sitting around Him when they told Him, `Your mother and your brothers and sis- NOTE.—”Jesus did not contend for His ters are outside asking for You.’ He an- rights. Often His work was made unneces- swered them, Who are My mother and My sarily severe because He was willing and brothers? Looking at those sitting around uncomplaining. Yet He did not fail nor Him in a circle, He said, See! My mother become discouraged. He lived above these and My brothers! Whoever does the will difficulties, as if in the light of God’s of God, that one is My brother and sister countenance. He did not retaliate when and mother.” Mark 3:21, 31-35, Berkeley. roughly used, but bore insult patiently.”— (Used by permission.) A footnote to verse The Desire of Ages, page 89. (See also the 35 comments, “Relationship with Him sur- Introduction to the lesson.) passes family ties.” “Harmless and undefiled, He walked “The sons of Joseph were far from being among the thoughtless, the rude, the un- in sympathy with Jesus in His work. The courteous ; amid the unjust publicans, the reports that reached them in regard to His reckless prodigals, the unrighteous Samari- life and labors filled them with astonish- tans, the heathen soldiers, the rough peas- ment and dismay. . . . ants, and the mixed multitude. He spoke “They knew what a tumult His words a word of sympathy here and a word there, and works created, and were not only as He saw men weary, yet compelled to alarmed at His bold statements, but indig- bear heavy burdens.”—Ibid., p. 90. nant at His denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. They decided that He must Questions for Personal Meditation be persuaded or constrained to cease this 1. Would the Boy Jesus have been happy manner of labor, and they induced Mary in my home? to unite with them, thinking that through 2. Does pride of opinion blind me to His love for her they might prevail upon unfolding truth? Him to be more prudent.”—The Desire 3. Do I, reborn in the image of Christ, of Ages, page 321. go about doing good?
Lesson 5, for February 1, 1969 Jesus Accepts the Call to Service MEMORY VERSE: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 97-113 (chapters 10, 11); "SDA Bible Commentary." STUDY AIM: To discover how the Father rewards and encourages faith. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 10-12. ❑ Sunday: Ques. 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Ques. 5-7. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Ques. 8, 9; begin read- Friday: Review. ❑ ing study helps. ❑ [ 16 ]Lesson Outline: 7. Baptism required to “fulfill all righteousness.” Matt. 3:15. Introduction I11. The Anointing I. The Call 8. Jesus’ prayer for power and 1. The promised forerunner of the recognition. Luke 3:21 (first part). Messiah. Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:2. 9. The anointing by the Spirit of 2. All Judea stirred by John. God. Luke 3:21 (last part), 22 Matt. 3:5. (first part). 3. The Jewish leaders challenged John’s authority. John 1:19-25. IV. The Acknowledgment 4. “There standeth One among you.” John 1:26, 27. 10. The Father acknowledges the Son. Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22 (second
- The Baptism part).
- Jesus’ request for baptism. 11. John is convinced that Jesus is Matt. 3:13. the Saviour. John 1:32-34.
-
John shrinks from baptizing Jesus. 12. John proclaims Jesus as the Matt. 3:14. Lamb of God. John 1:29.
THE LESSON Introduction 2. How widespread was the in- fluence of John's preaching? Matt. For eighteen years after Jesus had 3:5. learned from the prophetic Scriptures and the temple services that He was the Son of God, He continued to live as the Son of Mary. The news of the work of the Baptist came to Jesus as a call to service. NOTE.—"The preaching of John had Would He accept the call? Could He face taken so deep a hold on the nation as to the skepticism and scorn foretold for the demand the attention of the religious au- Messiah? thorities. . . . John had not recognized the Believing in the Scriptures, and in the authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their signs and wonders that had attended His sanction for his work; and he had reproved birth, the Saviour made His way to Jor- rulers and people, Pharisees and Sadducees dan. As He stood in the crowds around alike. Yet the people followed him eagerly. John, He heard the ringing cry, "There The interest in his work seemed to be standeth One among you whom ye know continually increasing."—The Desire of not." He stepped forward for baptism. Ages, pages 132, 133. The need of assurance from the Father pressed upon Jesus as He left the water. 3. Hearing of the work of John, He prayed for confirmation of His faith what did the Jewish leaders do? John and a sign to encourage those for whom He 1:19-25. must work. The answer came, first in the descent of the anointing Spirit of God— He was the Messiah, the Anointed One— and then in the voice of the Father saying, "This is My beloved Son." NOTE.—"The Sanhedrin could not well defer an investigation of John's work. The Call There were some who recalled the revela- tion made to Zacharias in the temple, and
- What prophecies were fulfilled the father’s prophecy that had pointed to by John the Baptist? Matt. 3:3; Mark his child as the Messiah’s herald. In the 1:2. Compare Isa. 40:3; Mal. 3:1. tumults and changes of thirty years, these [ 17 ] things had in a great measure been lost NOTE.—”Jesus did not receive baptism sight of. They were now called to mind by as a confession of guilt on His own ac- the excitement concerning the ministry of count. He identified Himself with sinners, John.”—The Desire of Ages, page 133. taking the steps that we are to take, and doing the work that we must do. His life
- What was the delegation told of suffering and patient endurance after concerning the Messiah? John 1: His baptism was also an example to us.”— The Desire of Ages, page 111. 26, 27. The Anointing 8. Leaving the water of baptism, The Baptism what did Jesus do? Luke 3:21 (first part).
-
For what purpose did Jesus go to John at the Jordan? Matt. 3:13.
NOTE.—"The Saviour's glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out His NOTE.—"Tidings of the wilderness soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has prophet and his wonderful announcement hardened the hearts of men, and how dif- spread throughout Galilee. The message ficult it will be for them to discern His reached the peasants in the remotest hill mission, and accept the gift of salvation. towns, and the fisher folk by the sea, and He pleads with the Father for power to in these simple, earnest hearts found its overcome their unbelief, to break the fet- truest response. In Nazareth it was told in ters with which Satan has enthralled them, the carpenter shop that had been Joseph's, and in their behalf to conquer the de- and One recognized the call. His time had stroyer. He asks for the witness that God come. Turning from His daily toil, He accepts humanity in the person of His bade farewell to His mother, and followed Son."—The Desire of Ages, pages 111, 112. in the steps of His countrymen who were flocking to the Jordan."—The Desire of 9. What followed Jesus' prayer? Ages, page 109. Luke 3:21 (last part), 22 (first part). Compare Mark 1:10. b. Why did John at first decline to baptize Jesus? Matt. 3:14. NOTE.—"The Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son. Direct from the NoTE.—"When Jesus came to be bap- throne issue the beams of His glory. The tized, John recognized in Him a purity of heavens are opened, and upon the Saviour's character that he had never before per- head descends a dovelike form of purest ceived in any man. . . . Never had he come light,—fit emblem of Him, the meek and in contact with a human being from whom lowly One."—The Desire of Ages, page 112. there breathed an influence so divine. All this was in harmony with what had been The Acknowledgment revealed to John regarding the Messiah. 10. What did a voice from heaven Yet he shrank from granting the request of Jesus. How could he, a sinner, baptize the declare? Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22 (sec- Sinless One? And why should He who ond part). needed no repentance submit to a rite that was a confession of guilt to be washed away ?"—The Desire of Ages, page 110. NoTE.—"These words of confirmation - What did Jesus say that led to were given to inspire faith in those who John’s assent? Matt. 3:15. witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the [ 18 ] Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding NOTE.—”None among the hearers, and that the sins of a guilty world were laid not even the speaker himself, discerned the upon Christ, notwithstanding the humilia- import of these words, ‘the Lamb of God.’ tion of taking upon Himself our fallen na- Upon Mount Moriah, Abraham had heard ture, the voice from heaven declared Him the question of his son, ‘My father, where to be the Son of the Eternal.”—The Desire is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ The fa- of Ages, page 112. ther answered, ‘My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.’ Gen. 22:7, 8. And in the ram divinely provided
- To the Baptist, of what was the in the place of Isaac, Abraham saw a sym- descent of the Spirit a sign? John 1: bol of Him who was to die for the sins of 32-34. men.”—The Desire of Ages, page 112. “God spoke to Jesus as our representa- tive. With all our sins and weaknesses, we are not cast aside as worthless. . . . The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of NOTE.—”John had been deeply moved as the power of prayer,—how the human he saw Jesus bowed as a suppliant, plead- voice may reach the ear of God, and our ing with tears for the approval of the Fa- petitions find acceptance in the courts of ther. As the glory of God encircled Him, heaven.”—Ibid., page 113. and the voice from heaven was heard, John recognized the token which God had Questions for Personal Meditation promised. He knew that it was the world’s Redeemer whom he had baptized.”—The 1. Am I ready to accept the call to ser- Desire of Ages, page 112. vice and suffering as Jesus did for me? 2. The same Bible that tells me that Jesus was the Son of God also tells me
-
What significant title did John that I am now a son of God. Do I really use as he spoke of Jesus? John 1:29. believe this, and act accordingly?
Lesson 6, for February 8, 1969 Tempted to Self-assertion MEMORY VERSE: "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me." John 14:30. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 114-123 (chapter 12); "Testimonies," Vol. 3, pp. 371-376; "SDA Bible Commentary." STUDY AIM: To learn how to overcome in the crisis of temptation as Jesus over- came. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 11, 12; read Sunday: Ques. 1-5. ❑ further from study helps. ❑ Monday: Ques. 6, 7; begin read- Thursday: Finish reading study ing study helps. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Ques. 8-10. ❑ Friday: Review. ❑ [ 19 ]Lesson Outline: I11. The Attack 6. Satan questioned the Sonship Introduction of Jesus. Matt. 4:3 (last part). 7. The tempter suggests that Jesus I. The Battleground may be the fallen angel. 1. The Spirit leads Jesus into the IV. The Victory wilderness. Mark 1:12. 8. Jesus used the Scriptures to defeat 2. Jesus fasts. Matt. 4:2. Satan. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10. 3. Satan attacks Jesus. Matt. 4:3 9. We, too, are to use the sword of (first part). the Spirit. Eph. 6:17. 10. Sin is the result of wrong desires.
- The Issue 1 John 2:15-17.
11. When we are in submission to
- Eve’s basic sin was desire for God, we can put Satan to flight. equality with God. Gen. 3:5, 6. James 4:7.
-
Christ did not seek equality with 12. Peter’s advice relative to victory. God. Phil. 2:6, 7. 1 Peter 5:8, 9.
THE LESSON Introduction be alone, to contemplate His mission and work. By fasting and prayer He was to "Of all the lessons to be learned from brace Himself for the bloodstained path our Lord's first great temptation none is He must travel. But Satan knew that the more important than that bearing upon Saviour had gone into the wilderness, and the control of the appetites and passions. he thought this the best time to approach In all ages, temptations appealing to the Him."—The Desire of Ages, page 114. physical nature have been most effectual in corrupting and degrading mankind. . . . "Every imagination of the thoughts of 2. What did Jesus do in the wilder- the heart will be evil continually. Upon ness, and with what result? Matt. 4:2. the very verge of that fearful time we are now living, and to us should come home the lesson of the Saviour's fast. Only by the inexpressible anguish which Christ en- dured can we estimate the evil of unre- NOTE.—"When Jesus entered the wilder- strained indulgence. His example declares ness, He was shut in by the Father's glory. that our only hope of eternal life is through Absorbed in communioin with God, He was bringing the appetites and passions into lifted above human weakness. But the subjection to the will of God."—The Desire glory departed, and He was left to battle of Ages, page 122. with temptation. It was pressing upon Him every moment. His human nature shrank from the conflict that awaited Him. For The Battleground forty days He fasted and prayed. Weak
- Who was directing Jesus when and emaciated from hunger, worn and He went into the wilderness? Mark haggard with mental agony, ‘His visage 1:12. was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.’ Isa. 52:14. Now was Satan’s opportunity. Now he supposed that he could overcome Christ.”—The Desire of Ages, page 118. NOTE.—”When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, He was led by 3. While Jesus was in this weak- the Spirit of God. He did not invite ened condition, who came to Him? temptation. He went to the wilderness to Matt. 4:3 (first part). [ 20 ] The Issue tones of his voice is an expression of utter incredulity. Would God treat His own Son
- What implied desire was ap- thus? . . . ‘If Thou be the Son of God,’ parently the cause of the sin of Eve? show Thy power by relieving Thyself of Gen. 3:5, 6. this pressing hunger. Command that this stone be made bread. “The words from heaven, ‘This is My NOTE.—”Eve had been perfectly happy beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’ by her husband’s side in her Eden home; (Matt. 3:17), were still sounding in the but, like restless modern Eves, she was ears of Satan. But he was determined to flattered with the hope of entering a higher make Christ disbelieve this testimony. The sphere than that which God had assigned word of God was Christ’s assurance of her. In attempting to rise above her orig- His divine mission. He had come to live inal position, she fell far below it.”—Pa- as a man among men, and it was the Word triarchs and Prophets, page 59. that declared His connection with heaven. It was Satan’s purpose to cause Him to
- By contrast, what was Christ’s doubt that word.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 118, 119. attitude toward equality with God? Phil. 2:6, 7. 7. Who did Satan suggest that Je- sus was? NOTE.—”[He] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, . . . being born in the ANSWER.—”One of the most powerful of likeness of men.” Phil. 2:6, 7, RSV. the angels, he says, has been banished from “And Christ was not to exercise divine heaven. The appearance of Jesus indicates power for His own benefit. He had come that He is that fallen angel, forsaken by to bear trial as we must do, leaving us God, and deserted by man. A divine being an example of faith and submission.”— would be able to sustain his claim by work- The Desire of Ages, page 119. ing a miracle; ‘if Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.’ Such an act of creative power, urges the The Attack tempter, would be conclusive evidence of
- With what words did the tempter divinity. It would bring the controversy
preface his proposal that Jesus per- to an end.”—The Desire of Ages, page 119.
form a miracle? Matt. 4:3 (last part).
The Victory
8. By what means did Jesus meet
Noxg.—”There came to the Saviour, as Satan’s attacks? Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
if in answer to His prayers, one in the
guise of an angel from heaven. He [Satan]
claimed to have a commission from God to
declare that Christ’s fast was at an end. NOTE.–“Jesus met Satan with the words
. . . The Saviour was faint from hunger, of Scripture. ‘It is written,’ He said. In
He was craving for food, when Satan came every temptation the weapon of His war-
suddenly upon Him. . . . fare was the Word of God. Satan de-
“Though he appears as an angel of light, manded of Christ a miracle as a sign of
these first words betray his character. ‘If His divinity. But that which is greater
Thou be the Son of God.’ Here is the in- than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a
sinuation of distrust. Should Jesus do what
thus saith the Lord,' was a sign that Satan suggests, it would be an acceptance could not be controverted. So long as of the doubt. The tempter plans to over- Christ held to this position, the tempter throw Christ by the same means that were could gain no advantage."—The Desire of so successful with the human race in the Ages, page 120. beginning. . . . So now the tempter seeks to inspire Christ with his own sentiments. 9. What weapon is the ChristianIf Thou be the Son of God.’ The words instructed to use in his stand against rankle with bitterness in his mind. In the the wiles of the devil? Eph. 6:17. [21] NoTE.—”Not even by a thought did He 11. What must we do if we are to yield to temptation. So it may be with put Satan to flight? James 4:7. us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity ; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine NOTE.—”Satan had questioned whether nature.”—The Desire of Ages, page 123. Jesus was the Son of God. In his summary (Italics supplied.) “The tempter can never dismissal he had proof that he could not compel us to do evil. He cannot control gainsay. . . . minds unless they are yielded to his con- “So we may resist temptation, and force trol. The will must consent, faith must Satan to depart from us. Jesus gained let go its hold upon Christ, before Satan the victory through submission and faith can exercise his power upon us. But every in God, and by the apostle He says to us, ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. sinful desire we cherish affords him a foot- . . .’ We cannot save ourselves from the hold.”—Ibid., p. 125. tempter’s power; he has conquered hu- manity, and when we try to stand in our - What should be the Christian’s own strength, we shall become a prey to attitude toward the perverted desires his devices; but ‘the name of the Lord is a of this world? 1 John 2:15-17. Com- strong tower; the righteous runneth into pare James 1:14. it, and is safe.’ Prov. 18:10. Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty name.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 130, 131. (Italics supplied.)
NOTE.—”Those who overcome as Christ 12. To what did Peter compare the overcame will need to constantly guard devil, and what advice did he give themselves against the temptations of Sa- with regard to meeting the devil’s tan. The appetites and passions should be re- attacks? 1 Peter 5:8, 9. stricted and under the control of enlightened conscience, that the intellect may be un- impaired, the perceptive powers clear, so that the workings of Satan and his snares Questions for Personal Meditation may not be interpreted to be the provi- 1. Do I hold fast the promises of God in dence of God. Many desire the final reward Scripture, and does the Spirit bear witness and victory which are to be given to over- with my spirit that I am a child of God? corners, but are not willing to endure toil, 2. Am I daily subduing every lustful privation, and denial of self, as did their thought and appetite, so that I may be Redeemer.”—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 491. victorious in battle with Satan?
Lesson 7, for February 15, 1969
Resistance to Control
MEMORY VERSE: “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Matt. 4:10. STUDY HELPS: “The Desire of Ages,” pages 124-131, 144-153 (chapters 13, 15), 415-418, 449-451; “SDA Bible Commentary.” STUDY AIM: To learn from Jesus’ example to remain fully surrendered to the will of God, resisting all efforts to turn us aside into paths of self-seeking. [ 22 ] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 11, 12; continue Sunday: Ques. 1-4. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ Monday: Ques. 5, 6; begin read- Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Ques. 7-10. ❑ Friday: Review. ❑
Lesson Outline: I11. An Unexpected Rebuke Introduction 7. Peter wanted to shield the Master from suffering and death. I. Satan Attempts to Control Jesus Matt. 16:21, 22. 1. Satan puts Christ’s relationship 8. Rebuked for being an unconscious with God to the test. Matt. 4:5-7. tool of Satan. Matt. 16:23 (first 2. The demand for worship un- part). masked Satan. Matt. 4:8, 9. 9. Peter’s spiritual perceptions cir- 3. Satan commanded to depart. cumscribed. Matt. 16:23 (last part ) • Matt. 4:10. 10. All who would follow Christ 4. The defeated tempter awaited a must take up a cross. Matt. further opportunity. Luke 4:13. 16:24-26.
- A Lesson for Mary IV. “Mine Hour Is Not Yet Come”
- Mary’s hope that Jesus would 11. Jesus’ brothers did not believe display miraculous powers. Him. John 7:3-5. John 2:1-3. 12. Christ awaits the hour for the
-
Jesus’ complete submission to the final crisis. John 2:4; 7:6. will of God. John 2:4.
THE LESSON Introduction NoTE.—Again the underlying issue was trust in God. Having come to the earth to demon- "God had already testified that Jesus strate perfect obedience to the will of the was His Son; and now to ask for proof Father, Jesus could accept no counsel and that He was the Son of God would be permit no guidance that might lead Him putting God's word to the test,—tempt- from the appointed path. He rejected all ing Him. And the same would be true the attempts of men to control Him, of asking for that which God had not whether those of His believing mother or promised. It would manifest distrust, and His unbelieving brothers. In all things He be really proving, or tempting, Him. We trusted the Father and was content to be should not present our petitions to God shown step by step what to do and when to prove whether He will fulfill His word, to do it. but because He will fulfill it; not to prove that He loves us, but because He loves Satan Attempts to Control Jesus "But faith is in no sense allied to pre- sumption. Only he who has true faith is
- In his second temptation, what secure against presumption. For presump- did Satan ask Jesus to do? Matt. 4: tion is Satan’s counterfeit of faith.”—The 5-7. Desire of Ages, page 126. [ 23 2. In the third temptation, what NOTE.—”At His visit to the temple in bargain did Satan offer to Jesus? His boyhood, as the mystery of His life- Matt. 4:8, 9. work opened before Him, Christ had said to Mary, `Wilt ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?’ Luke 2:49. These words struck the keynote of His whole life and ministry. Everything was held in abeyance to His work, the great work of Nom—The demand for worship further redemption which He had come into the unmasked the tempter. The angel of proph- world to accomplish. Now He repeated ecy rejected attempts by John the revelator the lesson. . . . As Son of the Most High, to worship him. Rev. 19:10; 22:8, 9. and Saviour of the world, no earthly ties must hold Him from His mission, or in-
- How did Jesus finally rid Him- fluence His conduct. He must stand free to self of Satan’s attempts to control do the will of God. This lesson is also His actions? Matt. 4:10. for us. The claims of God are paramount even to the ties of human relationship. No earthly attraction should turn our feet from the path in which He bids us walk.” —The Desire of Ages, pages 146, 147. (Ital- ics supplied.)
- What phrase shows that this was not the last time Satan sought to An Unexpected Rebuke overcome Christ? Luke 4:13. 7. How did Peter attempt to in- fluence the Saviour’s mission? Matt. 16:21, 22.
NOTE.—”So, having come to the end of all his temptations, the devil departed, biding his time.” Luke 4:13, NEB. NOTE.—”At this Peter took Him by the arm and began to rebuke Him: ‘Heaven A Lesson for Mary forbid!’ he said.” (NEB.)
- At the wedding at Cana, what “Speechless with grief and amazement, implied request did Mary make of the disciples listened. Christ has accepted Jesus? John 2:1-3. Peter’s acknowledgment of Him as the Son of God; and now His words pointing to His suffering and death seemed incompre- hensible. Peter could not keep silent. He laid hold upon his Master, as if to draw Him back from His impending doom, ex- NorE.—”As Mary had heard the dis- claiming, ‘Be it far from Thee, Lord: this ciples’ testimony in regard to Jesus, she shall not be unto Thee.’ “—The Desire of had been gladdened with the assurance Ages, page 415. that her long-cherished hopes were not in vain. Yet she would have been more than 8. How did Jesus rebuke Peter? human if there had not mingled with this Matt. 16:23 (first part). holy joy a trace of the fond mother’s nat- ural pride. As she saw the many glances bent upon Jesus, she longed to have Him prove to the company that He was really the Honored of God. She hoped there Nom.—”When Christ revealed to Peter might be opportunity for Him to work the time of trial and suffering that was a miracle before them.”—The Desire of just before Him, and Peter replied, ‘Be it Ages, page 145. far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee,’ the Saviour commanded, ‘Get
- What was Jesus’ reply to Mary’s thee behind Me, Satan.’ Satan was speak- request? John 2:4. ing through Peter, making him act the [ 24 ] part of the tempter. Satan’s presence was NOTE.—”The brethren here referred to unsuspected by Peter, but Christ could were the sons of Joseph, and their words detect the presence of the deceiver, and were spoken in irony. It was very painful in His rebuke to Peter He addressed the to Christ that His nearest relatives should real foe.”—Ellen G. White Comments, so dimly understand His mission, and SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1095. should entertain the ideas suggested by His enemies. But the Saviour did not an-
- To what defect in Peter’s experi- swer the cruel sarcasm with words of like ence did Jesus point? Matt. 16:23 character. He pitied the spiritual ignorance (last part). of His brethren, and longed to give them a clear understanding of His mission.”— Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, pp. 1135, 1136.
NoTE.—”In the wilderness, Satan had of- 12. What reason did Christ give for fered Christ the dominion of the world on not accepting the counsel of His rela- condition of forsaking the path of humili- tives? John 2:4; 7:6. ation and sacrifice. Now he was presenting the same temptation to the disciple of Christ. . . . And through Peter, Satan was again pressing the ttmptation upon Jesus.” —The Desire of Ages, page 416. NOTE.—”He must wait patiently. He knew that He was to receive the world’s
- What lesson must all disciples hatred; He knew that His work would of Christ learn? Matt. 16:24-26. result in His death ; but to prematurely expose Himself would not be the will of His Father.”—The Desire of Ages, page 451. NOTE.—”Love for souls for whom Christ Questions for Personal Meditation died means crucifixion of self. . . . The 1. Do I so reflect the character of Christ self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, mani- fested in the life of Christ are to reappear that I, too, may compel Satan to depart in the life of the worker for God.”—The from me? (See The Desire of Ages, pages Desire of Ages, page 417. 130, 131.) 2. Do I, like Peter, give counsel with “Mine Hour Is Not Yet Come” the hidden motive of avoiding trouble for myself ?
-
How did Jesus’ brothers regard 3. In what ways am I tempted to dis- His claims? John 7:3-5. trust God’s love for me?
Lesson 8, for February 22, 1969 To Make Him King MEMORY VERSE: "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." John 6:68. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 364-394 (chapters 39-41); "SDA Bible Commentary." STUDY AIM: To learn from the example of the Saviour, who rejected the honor, wealth, and power of this world in order to follow God's plan for His life. [ 25 ]DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 11, 12; read Sunday: Ques. 1-3. ❑ further from study helps. ❑ Monday: Ques. 4, 5; begin read- Thursday: Finish reading study ing study helps. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Ques. 6-10. ❑ Friday: Review. ❑
Lesson Outline: I11. The People Take Offense 6. Jesus charged the people with Introduction seeking material things. John 6:26, 27. I. Feeding the Multitude 7. A comparison with the forty 1. Jesus had compassion on the years of manna. John 6:31. multitude. Mark 6:34. 8. Eternal life through eating 2. “Give ye them to eat.” Mark Christ’s flesh and drinking His 6:35-44. blood. John 6:49-51. 3. The attempt to make Christ king. John 6:14, 15. 9. Many followers offended. John 6:60, 66.
- The Refusal 10. With yearning heart Jesus
- Jesus commanded His disciples watches them go. John 6:67. to leave by boat. Mark 6:45 (first 11. “Thou art … the Son of the part) ; John 6:16, 17. living God.” John 6:68, 69.
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The influence of Jesus’ kingly 12. The Father had revealed truth to bearing. Mark 6:45 (last part). Peter. Matt. 16:16, 17.
THE LESSON Introduction prehended. This was to be made plain. And this new revelation would bring with "When Christ forbade the people to it a closer test."—The Desire of Ages, page declare Him king, He knew that a turn- 383. ing point in His history was reached. Mul- Feeding the Multitude titudes who desired to exalt Him to the throne today would turn from Him to- 1. How did Jesus look upon the morrow. The disappointment of their self- people who followed Him, and what ish ambition would turn their love to did He do for them? Mark 6:34. hatred, and their praise to curses. Yet knowing this, He took no measures to avert the crisis. From the first He had held out to His followers no hope of earthly rewards. . . . If men could have had the NotE.—"From the hillside He looked world with Christ, multitudes would have upon the moving multitude, and His heart proffered Him their allegiance; but such was stirred with sympathy. Interrupted as service He could not accept. Of those now He was, and robbed of His rest, He was connected with Him there were many who not impatient. . . . Leaving His retreat, He had been attracted by the hope of a found a convenient place where He could worldly kingdom. These must be unde- minister to them. . . . ceived. The deep spiritual teaching in the "They heard the gracious words, so miracle of the loaves had not been corn- simple and so plain that they were as the [ 26 ]balm of Gilead to their souls. The healing Jesus bids them take the boat and return of His divine hand brought gladness and at once to Capernaum, leaving Him to dis- life to the dying, and ease and health to miss the people. . . . those suffering with disease. The day “They protested against the arrange- seemed to them like heaven upon earth, ment; but Jesus now spoke with an au- and they were utterly unconscious of how thority He had never before assumed long it had been since they had eaten any- toward them. They knew that further op- thing.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 364, position on their part would be useless,
- and in silence they turned toward the sea.”—The Desire of Ages, page 378.
- How did Jesus respond to the disciples’ suggestion that He send the 5. What did Jesus do with the people away? Mark 6:35-44. multitude? Mark 6:45 (last part).
NOTE.—”In Christ’s act of supplying the temporal necessities of a hungry multitude NOTE.—”Jesus now commands the mul- is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for titude to disperse; and His manner is so all His workers. Christ received from the decisive that they dare not disobey. . . . Father; He imparted to the disciples; they In that throng are men of strong mind and imparted to the multitude, and the people firm determination; but the kingly bearing to one another. So all who are united to of Jesus, and His few quiet words of com- Christ will receive from Him the bread of mand, quell the tumult, and frustrate their life, the heavenly food, and impart it to designs. They recognize in Him a power others.”—The Desire of Ages, page 369. above all earthly authority, and without a question they submit.”—The Desire of
- How did the people react when Ages, pages 378, 379. they saw the miraculous supply of food? John 6:14, 15. The People Take Offense 6. How did Jesus greet the multi- tudes when they met again? John 6: NOTE.—”In their enthusiasm the people 26, 27. are ready at once to crown Him king. They see that He makes no effort to at- tract attention or secure honor to Him- self. In this He is essentially different from NOTE.—”For the moment the interest of the priests and rulers, and they fear that the hearers was awakened. They exclaimed, He will never urge His claim to David’s `What shall we do, that we might work throne. Consulting together, they agree to the works of God?’ They had been per- take Him by force, and proclaim Him the forming many and burdensome works in king of Israel. The disciples unite with the order to recommend themselves to God; multitude in declaring the throne of Da- and they were ready to hear of any vid the rightful inheritance of their Mas- new observance by which they could se- ter.”—The Desire of Ages, page 378. cure greater merit. Their question meant, What shall we do that we may deserve The Refusal heaven? . . .
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How did Jesus prevent His dis- “ ‘Jesus answered and said unto them, ciples from joining in the attempt of This is the work of. God, that ye believe the people to make Him king? Mark on Him whom He bath sent.’ The price 6:45 (first part); John 6:16, 17. of heaven is Jesus.”—The Desire of Ages, page 385.
7. What miracle of Moses' time did NOTE.—"Without delay the movement the people call to the attention of must be checked. Calling His disciples, Jesus? John 6:31. [27 7NOTE.—”Christ had indeed once fed the NoTE.—”With a yearning heart, Jesus multitude with barley loaves; but in the saw those who had been His disciples days of Moses, Israel had been fed with departing from Him, the Life and the manna forty years, and far greater bless- Light of men. The consciousness that His ings were expected from the Messiah.”— compassion was unappreciated, His love The Desire of Ages, page 385. unrequited, His mercy slighted, His sal- vation rejected, filled Him with sorrow
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In what words did Jesus claim that was inexpressible. It was such de- superiority over Moses? John 6: velopments as these that made Him a man 49-51. of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”— The Desire of Ages, page 393.
11. What answer did Peter give? NOTE.—"The people had referred Christ John 6:68, 69. to the manna which their fathers ate in the wilderness, as if the furnishing of that food was a greater miracle than Jesus had performed; but He shows how meager was that gift when compared with the blessings He had come to bestow. The manna could 12. What had the Father revealed sustain only this earthly existence ; it did to Peter? Matt. 16:16, 17. not prevent the approach of death, nor in- sure immortality; but the bread of heaven would nourish the soul unto everlasting life."—The Desire of Ages, page 388. Nom.—"The truth which Peter had con- - How did many of the followers fessed is the foundation of the believer’s of Christ react to His claims? John faith. It is that which Christ Himself has 6:60, 66. declared to be eternal life. But the pos- session of this knowledge was no ground for self-glorification. Through no wisdom or goodness of his own had it been revealed to Peter…. NoTE.—”The test was too great. The enthusiasm of those who had sought to “The word Peter signifies a stone,—a take Him by force and make Him king rolling stone. Peter was not the rock upon grew cold. This discourse in the synagogue, which the church was founded. The gates they declared, had opened their eyes. Now of hell did prevail against him when he they were undeceived. In their minds His denied his Lord with cursing and swear- words were a direct confession that He ing. The church was built upon One against was not the Messiah, and that no earthly whom the gates of hell could not prevail.” rewards were to be realized from con- —The Desire of Ages, pages 412, 413. nection with Him. They had welcomed “When Jesus presented the testing truth His miracle-working power; they were that caused so many of His disciples to eager to be freed from disease and suffer- turn back, He knew what would be the ing; but they would not come into sym- result of His words; but He had a pur- pathy with His self-sacrificing life. They pose of mercy to fulfill. He foresaw that cared not for the mysterious spiritual king- in the hour of temptation every one of dom of which He spoke. The insincere, the His beloved disciples would be severely selfish, who had sought Him, no longer tested. . . . Had no previous test been desired Him. If He would not devote His given, many who were actuated by merely power and influence to obtaining their selfish motives would have been connected freedom from the Romans, they would with them. . . . When their worldly am- have nothing to do with Him.”—The De- bitions were disappointed, these self-seek- sire of Ages, page 391. ing ones would, by renouncing their al- legiance to Jesus, have brought upon the
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What question did Jesus direct disciples a bitter, heart-burdening sorrow, to the Twelve? John 6:67. in addition to their grief and disappoint- (28 1 ment in the ruin of their fondest hopes. In ing trial, and strengthened them for the that hour of darkness, the example of final test !”-Ibid., p. 394. those who turned from Him might have carried others with them. But Jesus Questions for Personal Meditation brought about this crisis while by His 1. Am I serving the Lord for what I personal presence He could still strengthen can get, or because I love Him? the faith of His true followers. 2. Am I willing to accept God’s plans “Compassionate Redeemer, who in the for me without complaint? full knowledge of the doom that awaited 3. Do I recognize that the Saviour is Him, tenderly smoothed the way for the trying to smooth my path and prepare me disciples, prepared them for their crown- for trials to come?
Lesson 9, for March 1, 1969 Looking Forward to the Cross MEMORY VERSE: "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:24. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 410-431 (chapters 45-47); "SDA Bible Commentary." STUDY AIM: To appreciate anew Christ's great struggle as He contemplated His approaching moment of agony and cruel death-all for me. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ reading study helps. 0 Sunday: Ques. 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Ques. 5-8. ❑ helps. Tuesday: Ques. 9-11. ❑ Friday: Review. Wednesday: Ques. 12, 13; begin
Lesson Outline: 6. Moses a type of the resurrected saints. Jude 9. Introduction 7. Elijah a type of those who will be translated. 2 Kings 2:11. I. Into a Mountain to Pray 8. Moses and Elijah discuss Jesus’ 1. “Thou art the Christ.” Matt. 16:16. mission. Luke 9:31. 2. “Blessed art thou, Simon.” I11. A Partial Blessing Matt. 16:17. 9. Sleeping, the disciples loSe 3. He must suffer and be killed. part of the blessing. Luke 9:32. Matt. 16:21. 10. Peter’s inappropriate proposal. 4. Jesus retires to a mountain to Luke 9:33. pray. Luke 9:28. 11. The Father speaks. Luke 9:34, 35. 12. The predicament of the other
- Transfigured Before Them disciples. Mark 9:14-18.
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He was glorified before them. 13. Jesus’ rebuke for unbelief. Matt. 17:2; Luke 9:29. Mark 9:19. 129 ] THE LESSON
Introduction NOTE.—"Hitherto He had refrained from making known to them anything relative The transfiguration marks a crisis in the to His sufferings and death. . . . But now life of Christ. He has demonstrated that they have been with Jesus, listening to His humanity united with divinity can resist words, beholding His works, until, not- sin. This part of the work is complete, withstanding the humility of His sur- and the glory attests it. But there is more roundings, and the opposition of priests to do. He must press on to the cross. and people, they can join in the testimony From all the inhabitants of heaven, of Peter. . . . Now the time has come for Moses and Elijah were chosen to speak the veil that hides the future to be with- with the Saviour concerning His death. drawn... . Their own redemption depended on His "Speechless with grief and amazement, sacrifice. They encourage Him with the the disciples listened."—The Desire of Ages, assurance of the sympathy of Heaven. But page 415. the trembling lips of Peter, blurting out his ill-considered suggestion, show that he and 4. For what purpose did Jesus as- his fellows still cannot accept the thought cend a mountain with three of his that the present glorious experience is but the prelude to suffering and death. Yet disciples? Luke 9:28. their words and acts reveal their need of such an atonement as the death of Christ would work for them.
Into a Mountain to Pray Nora.—”The disciples do not venture to ask Christ whither He is going, or for
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- What dramatic declaration had what purpose. He has often spent entire Peter made shortly before the trans- nights in the mountains in prayer. He figuration? Matt. 16:16. whose hand formed mountain and valley is at home with nature, and enjoys its quie- tude. The disciples follow where Christ leads the way; yet they wonder why their Master should lead them up this toilsome ascent when they are weary, and when He NOTE.—”From the first, Peter had be- too is in need of rest. . . . lieved Jesus to be the Messiah. . . . Many of the disciples who had ardently expected “Stepping a little aside from them, the Jesus to take His place on David’s throne Man of Sorrows pours out His supplica- left Him when they perceived that He had tions with strong crying and tears. He no such intention. But Peter and his com- prays for strength to endure the test in panions turned not from their allegiance. behalf of humanity. He must Himself gain The vacillating course of those who praised a fresh hold on Omnipotence, for only yesterday and condemned today did not thus can He contemplate the future. And destroy the faith of the true follower of the He pours out His heart longings for His Saviour. . . . He waited not for kingly disciples, that in the hour of the power of honors to crown his Lord, but accepted darkness their faith may not fail. . . . Him in His humiliation.”—The Desire of Now the burden of His prayer is that Ages, pages 411, 412. they may be given a manifestation of the glory He had with the Father before the
- How did Jesus commend Peter world was, that His kingdom may be re- vealed to human eyes, and that His dis- for his inspired declaration? Matt. ciples may be strengthened to behold it. 16:17. He pleads that they may witness a mani- festation of His divinity that will comfort them in the hour of His supreme agony with the knowledge that He is of a surety the Son of God and that His shameful
- About this time what did Jesus death is a part of the plan of redemption.” begin to do? Matt. 16:21. —The Desire of Ages, pages 419-421. [30 1 Transfigured Before Them Saviour’s promise to the disciples was now fulfilled. Upon the mount the future king-
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How was the appearance of Je- dom of glory was represented in miniature, sus transformed? Matt. 17:2; Luke —Christ the King, Moses a representative 9:29. of the risen saints, and Elijah of the trans- lated ones.”—The Desire of Ages, page 422.
8. Of what did Moses and Elijah speak? Luke 9:31. NOTE.—"His prayer is heard. While He is bowed in lowliness upon the stony ground, suddenly the heavens open, the golden gates of the City of God are thrown wide, and holy radiance descends upon the NoTe.—"Moses and Elijah had been co- mount, enshrouding the Saviour's form. laborers with Christ. They had shared His Divinity from within flashes through hu- longing for the salvation of men. . . manity, and meets the glory coming from These men, chosen above every angel above. Arising from His prostrate position, around the throne, had come to commune Christ stands in Godlike majesty. The soul with Jesus concerning the scenes of His agony is gone. His countenance now shines suffering, and to comfort Him with the 'as the sun,' and His garments are 'white assurance of the sympathy of heaven. The as the light.' "—The Desire of Ages, page hope of the world, the salvation of every - human being, was the burden of their in- terview.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 422-
- Under what circumstances had 425. Moses been raised to life? Jude 9. A Partial Blessing 9. What had Peter, James, and John been doing? Luke 9:32. NOTE.—”Moses passed under the domin- ion of death, but he was not to remain in the tomb. Christ Himself called him forth to life. Satan the tempter had claimed the body of Moses because of his sin; but NoTe.—”Through being overcome with Christ the Saviour brought him forth from sleep, the disciples heard little of what the grave. Jude 9. Moses upon the mount passed between Christ and the heavenly of transfiguration was a witness to Christ’s messengers. Failing to watch and pray, they victory over sin and death. He represented had not received that which God desired those who shall come forth from the to give them,—a knowledge of the suffer- grave at the resurrection of the just.”— ings of Christ, and the glory that should The Desire of Ages, pages 421, 422. follow. They lost the blessing that might have been theirs through sharing His self-
- What glorious experience had sacrifice. . . .
come to Elijah? 2 Kings 2:11. “Yet they received great light. They
were assured that all heaven knew of the
sin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ.
They were given a clearer insight into the
work of the Redeemer. . . . They were
eyewitnesses of His majesty' (2 Peter 1: NorE.—"Elijah, who had been translated 16), and they realized that Jesus was in- to heaven without seeing death, repre- deed the Messiah, . . . and that He was sented those who will be living upon the recognized as such by the heavenly uni- earth at Christ's second coming, and who verse."—The Desire of Ages, page 425. will be 'changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;' when 'this mortal must put on immortal- 10. As the glory faded, what sug- ity,' and 'this corruptible must put on gestion did the half-awake Peter incorruption.' 1 Cor. 15:51-53. . . . The make? Luke 9:33. 1 31 7 Nom—Shortly before this experience Je- hear ye Him.' As they beheld the cloud of sus had declared that some of His disciples glory ; . . . as they heard the voice of "shall not taste of death, till they see the God, . . . the disciples fell smitten to the Son of man coming in His kingdom." earth."—The Desire of Ages, page 425. Matthew 16:28. The immediate but mis- taken reaction of the disciples to Christ's 12. Upon returning from the moun- transfiguration is described in these words: tain, in what predicament did Jesus "They believe that Elijah has come to find the other disciples? Mark 9: announce the Messiah's reign, and that the 14-18. kingdom of Christ is about to be set up on the earth. The memory of their fear and disappointment they would banish forever. Here, where the glory of God is revealed, they long to tarry. Peter exclaims, 13. How did Jesus describe HisMaster, it is good for us to be here: and contemporaries? Mark 9:19. let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one of Elias.” The disciples are confident that Moses and Elijah have been sent to protect their Mas- ter, and to establish His authority as Questions for Personal Meditation king.”—The Desire of Ages, page 422. 1. Am I so preoccupied with my own plans that I fail to recognize the Saviour’s -
What did the Father proclaim, plans for me? and what were the disciples to do? 2. Peter feared the trouble ahead. James Luke 9:34, 35. and John thought the cup so common- place that they could drink it if the Mas- ter could. Have I learned to accept the intensity of the struggle ahead with such trust in the wisdom and power of God that NoTE.—”While they were still gazing on I neither recoil with Peter nor boast with the scene upon the mount, ‘a bright cloud “the sons of thunder”? overshadowed them: and behold a voice 3. Am I losing blessings because apathy out of the cloud, which said, This is My hinders my prayerful communion with beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; Christ?
Lesson 10, for March 8, 1969 Ancient Israel's Decisive Hour
MEMORY VERSE: “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.” Matt. 21:5. STUDY HELPS: “The Desire of Ages,” pages 569-579; 589-600; 716-722 (chapters 63, 65, 76); “SDA Bible Commentary.” STUDY AIM: To appreciate better the amazing love of Jesus, even for His enemies.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 13, 14; read Sunday: Ques. 1-6. ❑ further from study helps. Monday: Ques. 7-9. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Tuesday: Ques. 10-12; begin read- helps. ❑
ing study helps. ❑ Friday: Review. El
[ 32 3
Lesson Outline: 8. They pronounce their own sentence. Matt. 21:40, 41; Introduction Luke 20:16. I. “Hosanna to the Son of David” 9. The Saviour counsels them to 1. The triumphal entry fulfilled fall on the Stone. Luke 20:17, 18. prophecy. Matt. 21:4, 5. 2. Again the people would have IV. Plain Speaking made Jesus king. Luke 19:37, 38. 10. Christ warns against the example 3. His enemies determined to destroy Him. Luke 19:47. of the Pharisees. Matt. 23:1-4.
- “The House of Prayer”
11. Eight woes upon the scribes and
Pharisees. Matt. 23:13-29.
- Jesus again cleanses the temple. Matt. 21:12, 13. 12. The Saviour spoke in sorrow, not
- Jesus heals the people. Matt. 21:14. anger. Matt. 23:37.
- They would silence the children. Matt. 21:15, 16. V. The Betrayer I11. “Those Wicked Men” 13. Judas is gently rebuked. John
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Christ depicts His foes as the 12:4-8. wicked husbandmen. Matt. 14. Judas offers to betray his Master. 21:33-39. Luke 22:3-6.
THE LESSON Introduction which He rode was that ridden by the kings of Israel, and prophecy had foretold In the months that followed the comfort that thus the Messiah should come to His and encouragement of the night on the kingdom."-The Desire of Ages, page 570. mount of transfiguration, the Saviour was led by the Spirit to avoid the final con- frontation with the Jewish leaders which 2. How did the people respond? would bring about His death and seal the Luke 19:37, 38. doom of Israel. His brief visit to Bethany to raise Lazarus convinced many of His opponents that He was the promised Sav- iour, but they refused to heed the convict- ing power of the Holy Spirit and hardened their hearts against truth. NotE.-"No sooner was He seated upon When the approaching Passover brought the colt than a loud shout of triumph rent the time for His sacrifice near, Jesus made the air. The multitude hailed Him as Mes- public claim to being the Messiah and re- siah, their King. Jesus now accepted the vealed the true character of the leaders homage which He had never before per- of the nation. mitted, and the disciples received this as proof that their glad hopes were to be "Hosanna to the Son of David" realized by seeing Him established upon
- In fulfillment of what prophecy the throne. . . . They were unable to pre- did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? Matt. sent Him with costly gifts, but they spread their outer garments as a carpet in His 21:4, 5. Compare Zech. 9:9. path. . . . They could lead the triumphal procession with no royal standards, but they cut down the spreading palm boughs, Nature’s emblem of victory, and waved Nora.-“Christ was following the Jewish them aloft with loud acclamations and custom for a royal entry. The animal on hosannas.”-The Desire of Ages, page 570. [ 33 ] 3. How did the Jews react to the 6. How did the rulers react to the triumphal entry? Luke 19:47. children’s proclaiming Jesus as the Son of David? Matt. 21:15, 16.
NOTE.—”Never before in His earthly life had Jesus permitted such a demonstration. NOTE.—”The sound of these happy, un- He clearly foresaw the result. It would bring Him to the cross. But it was His restrained voices was an offense to the purpose thus publicly to present Himself rulers of the temple. They set about put- ting a stop to such demonstrations. They as the Redeemer. He desired to call at- represented to the people that the house of tention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission to a fallen world.”—The Desire God was desecrated by the feet of the children and the shouts of rejoicing. Find- of Ages, page 571. ing that their words made no impression on the people, the rulers appealed to “The House of Prayer” Christ: ‘Hearest Thou what these say?’
- Following His triumphal entry, . . . Prophecy had foretold that Christ what previous action did Jesus re- should be proclaimed as king, and that word must be fulfilled. The priests and peat? Matt. 21:12, 13. rulers of Israel refused to herald His glory, and God moved upon the children to be His witnesses. Had the voices of the chil- dren been silent, the very pillars of the Norz.—”In place of humble repentance temple would have sounded the Saviour’s of sin, they had multiplied the sacrifice praise.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 592, of beasts, as if God could be honored by a 593. heartless service. . . . “In fulfillment of prophecy the people “Those Wicked Men” had proclaimed Jesus king of Israel. He had received their homage, and accepted 7. How did Jesus portray the char- the office of king. In this character He acter of His enemies? Matt. 21:33-39. must act. He knew that His efforts to reform a corrupt priesthood would be in vain; nevertheless His work must be done; to an unbelieving people the evidence of His divine mission must be given.”—The 8. Caught up in the story, what Desire of Ages, page 590. sentence did they pass upon them- selves? Matt. 21:40, 41; Luke 20:16.
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Having cleansed the temple, what did Jesus do? Matt. 21:14.
NOTE.—"Jesus addressed all the people present; but the priests and rulers an- NOTE.—"After a season the priests and swered. 'He will miserably destroy those rulers ventured back to the temple. When wicked men,' they said, 'and will let out the panic had abated, they were seized his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which with anxiety to know what would be the shall render him the fruits in their sea- next movement of Jesus. They expected sons.' The speakers had not at first per- Him to take the throne of David. Quietly ceived the application of the parable, but returning to the temple, they heard the they now saw that they had pronounced voices of men, women, and children prais- their own condemnation. . . . Already they ing God. Upon entering, they stood trans- were planning to slay Him whom the Fa- fixed before the wonderful scene. They saw ther had sent to them as a last appeal. In the sick healed, the blind restored to sight, the retribution inflicted upon the ungrate- the deaf receive their hearing, and the ful husbandmen was portrayed the doom of crippled leap for joy."—The Desire of those who should put Christ to death."— Ages, page 592. The Desire of Ages, pages 596, 597. ( 349. To what scripture did Jesus di- 11. For what sin did Jesus call rect the Jews, and what warning did down woes upon the leaders? Matt. He utter? Luke 20:17, 18. Compare 23:13-29. Ps. 118:22, 23.
12. How poignantly did Jesus ex- NotE.—"To those who believe, Christ is press His disappointment at Jeru- the sure foundation. These are they who salem's obstinacy? Matt. 23:37. fall upon the Rock and are broken. Sub- mission to Christ and faith in Him are here represented. To fall upon the Rock and be broken is to give up our self- righteousness, and to go to Christ with the humility of a child, repenting of our trans- NOTE.—"Christ Himself did not suppress gressions, and believing in His forgiving one word of truth, but He spoke it always love. And so also it is by faith and obedi- in love. He exercised the greatest tact, and ence that we build on Christ as our foun- thoughtful, kind attention in His inter- dation."—The Desire of Ages, page 599. course with the people. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, Plain Speaking never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He -
On His last day of teaching in fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, the temple, what warning did Jesus and iniquity, but tears were in His voice express? Matt. 23:1-4. as He uttered His scathing rebukes.”—The Desire of Ages, page 353.
The Betrayer 13. How did Judas, on one occa- NOTE.—"It was the last day of Christ's sion, earn a gentle rebuke from Je- teaching in the temple. . . . Never before sus? John 12:4-8. had such a scene been witnessed. There stood the young Galilean, bearing no earthly honor or royal badge. Surround- ing Him were priests in their rich apparel, rulers with robes and badges significant of their exalted station. . . . He had set before NOTE.—"The divine and human were at these leaders their real condition. . . . The work in the character of Judas. Satan was warning had been faithfully given. . . . working the human, Christ the divine. The "They [the people] marveled that the Lord Jesus longed to see Judas rise to rulers would not believe on Jesus, when his appointed privileges. But the human His teachings were so plain and simple. side of Judas' character was confused with They themselves knew not what course his religious sentiments, and treated by to take.. him as essential attributes. By taking this "In the parables which Christ had view of things, he left an open door for spoken, it was His purpose both to warn Satan to enter and take possession of the the rulers and to instruct the people who entire man. If Judas had practiced the les- were willing to be taught. But there was sons of Christ, he would have surrendered need to speak yet more plainly. Through to Christ, he would have consecrated his their reverence for tradition and their heart fully to God; but his confused ex- blind faith in a corrupt priesthood, the perience was misleading him."—Ellen G. people were enslaved. These chains Christ White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, must break. The character of the priests, Vol. 5, p. 1101. rulers, and Pharisees must be more fully exposed."—The Desire of Ages, pages 610- 14. What action of Judas led to - the final crisis? Luke 22:3-6. [851 NOTE.—”He went to the priests and come respond to Satan’s temptation, and offered ‘to aid them in searching for Him the soul is led captive at his will.”—The who was accounted the troubler of Israel. Desire of Ages, page 720. Thus it was that the Lord was sold as a slave, purchased by the temple money Questions for Personal Meditation used for the buying of the sacrifices.”— Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible 1. Can I tactfully rebuke wrong in Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1123. others because I love the sinner while hating the sin, or does self become in- “At the reproof from Jesus his very volved? spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down 2. If Christ were to show me myself in the barriers, and the greed so long in- a parable, would I accept the rebuke, or dulged held him in control. This will be would I defend myself and condemn Him? the experience of everyone who persists 3. Is Satan confusing me so that I may in tampering with sin. The elements of be deceived into betraying my Saviour depravity that are not resisted and over- and Friend?
Lesson 11, for March 15, 1969
Crisis of Crises MEMORY VERSE: "0 My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Matt. 26:39. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 685-697 (chapter 74); "SDA Bible Commentary." STUDY AIM: To appreciate more fully the supreme crisis through which Christ passed in order to redeem the guilty race.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 10-13. Sunday: Ques. 1, 2; begin read- Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps. ❑ helps. 0 Monday: Ques. 3-6. ❑ Friday: Review. 0 Tuesday: Ques. 7-9. ❑
Lesson Outline: 4. Evidence of the severity of the struggle. Luke 22:44. Introduction 5. In his humanity Jesus prayed with strong crying and tears. I. The Cup Heb. 5:7. 1. Christ’s prayer to be spared the 6. God was in Christ, reconciling cup. Matt. 26:39. the world. 2 Cor. 5:19. 2. The iniquity of all men laid I11. A Disappointment upon Him. Isa. 53:6. 7. Jesus cakes three disciples with
- The Struggle Him. Matt. 26:36, 37.
- Three petitions for the removal 8. Jesus requests the disciples to of the cup. Matt. 26:39, 42, 44. watch with Him. Matt. 26:38. ( 36 ] 9. The disciples slept. Matt. 26:40, 11. An angel comforted Him. 43, 45. Luke 22:43. 12. Jesus’ willingness to drink the cup. IV. The Victory John 18:11.
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Christ accepted the Father’s 13. Jesus tasted death for all men. will. Matt. 26:42, 44. Heb. 2:9.
THE LESSON Introduction of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even As the cup of sorrow trembled in the now refuse to drink the cup apportioned hand of the Saviour, the salvation of the to guilty man."—The Desire of Ages, page human race hung in the balance. In this 690. crisis of decision Satan tried to make the cup seem too bitter to be endured. He The Struggle pointed to the sleeping disciples, the be- trayal by Judas, and the coming denial by 3. How many times did Jesus ask Peter as proof that the church on earth to be spared the cup? Matt. 26:39, was not worth saving. Motivated by His 42, 44. great love for the lost, and buoyed up only by faith in the promises of God, the Saviour pressed on to the cross, where He drained the cup of wrath against sin. Nom.—"Three times has He uttered that The Cup prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk
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In the crisis of Gethsemane, from the last, crowning sacrifice.”—The what was the burden of Jesus’ prayer? Desire of Ages, page 690. Matt. 26:39. 4. With what earnestness did Christ pray? Luke 22:44.
- Whose iniquities did God lay upon Jesus? Isa. 53:6. 5. How did the author of Hebrews characterize the prayers of Jesus? Heb. 5:7. NOTE.—”He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father. . . . As man He must suffer the consequences of man’s sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression.”— NOTE.—”Doing this with strong cryings The Desire of Ages, page 686. and tears to the One who was able to be “The Garden of Eden with its foul blot saving Him out from within death [i.e., to of disobedience, is to be carefully studied raise Him out from the state of death].” and compared with the Garden of Geth- Heb. 5:7, Wuest. semane, where the world’s Redeemer suf- The Greek makes it clear that Jesus did fered superhuman agony when the sins of not pray to be saved from dying, but the whole world were rolled upon Him. “from the grave.” See also The New . . . Adam did not stop to calculate the English Bible. result of his disobedience.”—Ellen G. White “As Christ felt His unity with the Fa- Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. ther broken up, He feared that in His 5, p. 1103. human nature He would be unable to “The awful moment had come—that endure the coming conflict with the powers moment which was to decide the destiny of darkness. . . . With the issues of the [ 37 ] conflict before Him, Christ’s soul was filled to let the human race bear the consequences with dread of separation from God. Satan of its own guilt, while He stood innocent told Him that if He became the surety before God. If He could only know that for a sinful world, the separation would His disciples understood and appreciated be eternal. He would be identified with this, He would be strengthened.”—The Satan’s kingdom, and would nevermore be Desire of Ages, pages 687, 688. one with God.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 686, 687. 8. What special request had Jesus made of Peter, James, and John?
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How closely were the Father and Matt. 26:38. the Son associated in the work of reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:19.
NOTE.—"With Peter, James, and John, He entered its [the garden's] secluded NOTE.—"The power that inflicted retrib- recesses. These three disciples were Christ's utive justice upon man's substitute and closest companions. They had beheld His surety, was the power that sustained and glory on the mount of transfiguration; they upheld the suffering One under the tre- had seen Moses and Elijah talking with mendous weight of wrath that would have Him; they heard the voice from heaven; fallen upon a sinful world. Christ was now in His great struggle, Christ desired suffering the death that was pronounced their presence near Him. Often they had upon the transgressors of God's law."— passed the night with Him in this re- Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Commen- treat. On these occasions, after a season of tary, Vol. 5, p. 1103. watching and prayer, they would sleep "But God suffered with His Son. Angels undisturbed . . . until He awoke them in beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw the morning to go forth anew to labor. their Lord enclosed by legions of Satanic But now He desired them to spend the forces, His nature weighed down with a night with Him in prayer. Yet He could shuddering, mysterious dread. There was not bear that even they should witness silence in heaven. No harp was touched. the agony He was to endure. Could mortals have viewed the amaze- " 'Tarry ye here,' He said, 'and watch ment of the angelic host as in silent grief with Me.' "—The Desire of Ages, page 686. they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His 9. Instead of complying with Je- beloved Son, they would better under- sus' request, what were the disciples stand how offensive in His sight is sin."— doing? Matt. 26:40, 43, 45. The Desire of Ages, page 693. A Disappointment - Whom had Jesus taken with NOTE.—”Rising with painful effort, He Him as He sought the secluded place staggered to the place where He had left for prayer? Matt. 26:36, 37. His companions. . . . Had they been seek- ing refuge in God, that Satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. . . . They did not intend to forsake NOTE.—”The human heart longs for their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ stupor which they might have shaken off if felt to the very depths of His being. . . . they had continued pleading with God.”— The One who had always had words of The Desire of Ages, page 688. sympathy for them was now suffering “In these sleeping disciples He sees a superhuman agony, and He longed to know representation of a sleeping church. When that they were praying for Him and for they should be watching, they are asleep.” themselves. How dark seemed the malig- —Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible nity of sin! Terrible was the temptation Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1104. [ 38] The Victory fell, came to the side of Christ.”—The De- sire of Ages, page 693.
- With what words of resigna- “The sleeping disciples had been sud- tion did Christ close His prayers? denly awakened by the light surrounding Matt. 26:42, 44. the Saviour. They saw the angel bending over their prostrate Master. They saw him lift the Saviour’s head upon his bosom and point toward heaven. They heard his voice, like sweetest music, speaking words of NOTE.—”In the Garden of Gethsemane comfort and hope.”—Ibid., p. 694. Christ suffered in man’s stead, and the human nature of the Son of God stag- 12. How did Jesus reveal His will- gered under the terrible horror of the guilt ingness to drink the cup? John 18:11. of sin, until from His pale and quivering lips was forced the agonizing cry, ‘0 My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me:’ but if there is no other way by which the salvation of fallen man may NOTE.—”The angel came not to take the be accomplished, then ‘not as I will, but as cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Thou wilt!”—Ellen G. White Comments, Him to drink it, with the assurance of the SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1103. Father’s love. . . . He told Him that He “Christ might even now refuse to drink would see of the travail of His soul, and the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was be satisfied, for He would see a multitude not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody of the human race saved, eternally sweat from His brow, and leave man to saved…. perish in his iniquity. . . . “The storm had in no wise abated, but “But now the history of the human race He who was its object was strengthened comes up before the world’s Redeemer. He to meet its fury. He came forth calm and sees that the transgressors of the law, if serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His left to themselves, must perish. He sees bloodstained face.”—The Desire of Ages, the helplessness of man. He sees the power pages 693, 694. of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He be- 13. For how many did Jesus taste holds its impending fate, and His decision death? Heb. 2:9. is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. . . . He will become the pro- pitiation of a race that has willed to sin.” —The Desire of Ages, pages 690-693. NOTE.—”He had borne that which no
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While the disciples slept, who human being could ever bear; for He had came to comfort the Saviour? Luke tasted the sufferings of death for every 22:43. man.”—The Desire of Ages, page 694.
Questions for Personal Meditation 1. Am I still carelessly adding to the bitterness of that cup by failing to accept NoTE.—"The worlds unfallen and the the victory over sin won for me by my heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Saviour? . Angels had longed to bring relief to the 2. Like the disciples, am I sleeping in a divine sufferer, but this might not be. No crisis hour when my Saviour has bidden way of escape was found for the Son of me, "Watch and pray"? God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, . . . the heavens opened, a 3. Would a "thoughtful hour each day in light shone forth amid the stormy dark- contemplation of the life of Christ" hasten ness of the crisis hour, and the mighty the day when the Saviour can claim me angel who stands in God's presence, oc- as His own? (See The Desire of Ages, page cupying the position from which Satan 83.) [ 39 ]Lesson 12, for March 22, 1969
"Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?" MEMORY VERSE: "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." Isa. 53:4. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 741-764 (chapters 78, 79); "Testi- monies," Vol. 2, pp. 207-215; "SDA Bible Commentary." STUDY AIM: To understand something of the terrible feeling Jesus experienced, of being forsaken by God because of our sins. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 11-13; read Sunday: Ques. 1-4. ❑ further from study helps. Monday: Ques. 5, 6; begin read- Thursday: Finish reading study ing study helps. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Ques. 7-10. ❑ Friday: Review. ❑
Lesson Outline: I11. They All Forsook Him
Introduction 7. When Jesus was arrested the disciples fled. Mar. 14:50. I. The Foreshadowing of the Cross 8. Jesus’ confidence in the Father’s 1. Jesus engaged in His Father’s presence. John 16:32. business. Luke 2:42, 48, 49. 2. Prophetic details of Jesus’ life IV. “Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?” and work. Luke 24:25-27. 3. Jesus’ prediction of His coming 9. Jesus’ feeling of separation from death. Matt. 16:21; Mark 9:31. the Father. Matt. 27:46. 4. The disciples misunderstood the 10. Jesus made the sin offering for us. nature of Christ’s kingdom. 2 Cor. 5:21. Luke 22:24. 11. Jesus and the Father are one.
- Communion With the Father John 10:30.
- The Father at work in Christ. 12. The Saviour suffered for us. John 14:10. Isa. 53:4, 5.
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Christ’s confidence in the Father. 13. Jesus’ faith triumphs over doubt. John 11:41, 42 (first part). John 19:30; Luke 23:46.
THE LESSON Introduction of all sin. It is the final penalty of sin, penalty not in the sense of a blow inflicted " 'My God, My God, why hast Thou on the sinner by God, but in the sense forsaken Me?' The logical, irresistible, ir- of a result following upon sin, from which revocable issue of sin is to be God-for- God Himself cannot save the sinner. Sin saken. Sin in its genesis was rebellion is alienation from God by choice. Hell is against God. Sin in its harvest is to be the utter realization of that chosen aliena- God-abandoned. Man sinned when he de- tion. Sin therefore at last is the con- throned God and enthroned himself. He sciousness of the lack of God, and that reaps the utter harvest of his sin when he God-forsaken condition is the penalty of has lost God altogether. That is the issue the sin which forsakes God. . . . No f40 ]other human being has ever been God- of Christ. The events connected with the forsaken in this life. . . On that cross close of probation and the work of prepara- He was made sin, and therein He passed tion for the time of trouble, are clearly to the uttermost limit of sin’s outworking. presented. But multitudes have no more He was God-forsaken.”—G. Campbell Mor- understanding of these important truths gan, The Crises of the Christ, pages 297- than if they had never been revealed.
- Satan watches to catch away every im- pression that would make them wise unto The Foreshadowing of the Cross salvation, and the time of trouble will find them unready.”—The Great Controversy,
- At the age of twelve, what did page 594. He tell His parents of His relation- ship to the Father? Luke 2:42, 48, 49. 4. As Jesus approached the final crisis, what strife took place among the disciples? Luke 22:24.
NOTE.—”For the first time the Child Jesus looked upon the temple. He saw the white-robed priests performing their solemn ministry. He beheld the bleeding victim NOTE.—”There was ‘a strife among them, upon the altar of sacrifice. With the wor- which of them should be accounted the shipers He bowed in prayer, while the greatest.’ This contention, carried on in cloud of incense ascended before God. He the presence of Christ, grieved and wounded witnessed the impressive rites of the pas- Him. The disciples clung to their favorite chal service. Day by day He saw their idea that Christ would assert His power, meaning more clearly. Every act seemed to and take His position on the throne of be bound up with His own life. . . . The David. And in heart each still longed for mystery of His mission was opening to the the highest place in the kingdom.”—The Saviour.”—The Desire of Ages, page 78. Desire of Ages, pages 643, 644.
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Concerning whom had Moses Communion With the Father and the prophets written? Luke 24: 25-27. 5. How closely had Jesus been united with the Father during His work on earth? John 14:10.
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How did Christ describe His coming sacrifice? Matt. 16:21; Mark 9:31. 6. What faith did Jesus express in His ‘heavenly Father? John 11:41, 42 (first part).
NOTE.—”Before His crucifixion the Sav- iour explained to His disciples that He was to be put to death and to rise again from the tomb. . . . But the disciples were NOTE.—”In all that He did, Christ was looking for temporal deliverance from the cooperating with His Father. Ever He Roman yoke, and they could not tolerate had been careful to make it evident that the thought that He in whom all their He did not work independently; it was hopes centered should suffer an ignominious by faith and prayer that He wrought His death. . . . The death of Jesus as fully miracles. Christ desired all to know His destroyed their hopes as if He had not relationship with His Father. . . . They forewarned them. So in the prophecies the were to be shown that Christ’s claim was future is opened before us as plainly as not a deception.”—The Desire of Ages, it was opened to the disciples by the words page 536. [ 41 They All Forsook Him pleasure of the Father for sin, and its penalty, which is death, were all that He
- When Jesus was arrested, what could realize through this amazing dark- did the disciples do? Mark 14:50. ness. . . . The fierce temptation that His own Father had forever left Him, caused that piercing cry from the cross: ‘My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?’ “Christ felt much as sinners will feel when the vials of God’s wrath shall be NOTE.—”The disciples were terrified as poured out upon them. Black despair, like they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken the pall of death, will gather about their and bound. They were offended that He guilty souls, and then they will realize should suffer this humiliation to Himself to the fullest extent the sinfulness of ( and them. They could not understand His sin. … conduct, and they blamed Him for sub- “Faith and hope trembled in the ex- mitting to the mob. In their indignation piring agonies of Christ because God had and fear, Peter proposed that they save removed the assurance He had heretofore themselves. Following this suggestion, ‘they given His beloved Son of His approbation all forsook Him, and fled.’ “—The Desire of and acceptance. . . . In His dying agony, Ages, page 697. as He yields up His precious life, He has by faith alone to trust in Him whom it has ever been His joy to obey.”—Testi-
- When Jesus foretold His aban- monies, Vol. 2, pp. 209, 210. donment by the disciples, what con- “He had not one ray of light to brighten fidence did He express? John 16:32. the future. And He was struggling with the power of Satan, who was declaring that he had Christ in his power, that he was superior in strength to the Son of God, that the Father had disowned His Son, NOTE.—”He must turn aside from a life and that He was no longer in the favor of God any more than himself.”—/bid., p. of ceaseless activity and contact with hu- 214. man needs, to seek retirement and un- broken communion with His Father. . . . In communion with God He could un- 10. In carrying out the plan of burden the sorrows that were crushing salvation, what had Jesus become for Him…. us? 2 Cor. 5:21. “Through continual communion He re- ceived life from God, that He might impart life to the world.”—The Desire of Ages, page 363. NOTE.—”Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. “Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?” He was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation
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What cry came from Jesus’ lips of the law. The guilt of every descendant as He hung upon the cross? Matt. of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The 27:46. wrath of God against sin, the terrible mani- festation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with consternation. . . . The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour in NOTE.—”Even doubts assailed the dying this hour of supreme anguish pierced His Son of God. He could not see through the heart with a sorrow that can never be portals of the tomb. Bright hope did not fully understood by man. So great was present to Him His coming forth from the this agony that His physical pain was tomb a conqueror and His Father’s ac- hardly felt.”—The Desire of Ages, page ceptance of His sacrifice. . . . The dis- 753. [ 42 11. What unity did Jesus declare manity, declaring, It is for thee that the existed between Him and the Father? Son of God consents to bear this burden John 10:30. of guilt; for thee He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise.”— The Desire of Ages, page 755.
13. In His parting breath, what NOTE.—"God Himself was crucified with did Jesus exclaim? John 19:30; Luke Christ; for Christ was one with the Fa- 23:46. ther."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1108. "In that thick darkness God's presence was hidden. He makes darkness His pa- vilion, and conceals His glory from human NOTE.—"Christ did not yield up His life eyes. God and His holy angels were beside till He had accomplished the work which the cross. The Father was with His Son. He came to do, and with His parting breath Yet His presence was not revealed. . . . He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John 19:30. And in that dreadful hour Christ was not The battle had been won. His right hand to be comforted with the Father's pres- and His holy arm had gotten Him the ence. He trod the winepress alone, and of victory. As a conqueror He planted His the people there was none with Him."— banner on the eternal heights. Was there The Desire of Ages, pages 753, 754. not joy among the angels? All heaven tri- umphed in the Saviour's victory. Satan -
In what words does Isaiah show was defeated, and knew that his kingdom that it was our sins that brought such was lost.”—The Desire of Ages, page 758. suffering to the Saviour? Isa. 53:4, 5. Questions for Personal Meditation 1. Christ suffered to save me from being forsaken by God because of sin. Am I NorE.—”And all that He endured—the doing my part to accept the gift He offers? blood drops that flowed from His head, 2. Is concern for status preventing me His hands, His feet, the agony that racked from heeding the warnings that foretell His frame, and the unutterable anguish that the close of this world’s history? filled His soul at the hiding of His Fa- 3. Do I remember to thank my Lord ther’s face—speaks to each child of hu- daily for His great sacrifice?
Lesson 13, for March 29, 1969 The Sacrifice Accepted
MEMORY VERSE: “Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. . . . And let all the angels of God worship Him.” Heb. 1:5, 6. STUDY HELPS: “The Desire of Ages,” pages 769-794, 829-835 (chapters 80, 81, 82, 87); “The Great Controversy,” pages 635-652 (chapter 40); “SDA Bible Commentary.” STUDY AIM: To accept Christ’s sacrifice for me, and to awaken a greater sense of gratitude for Christ’s victory in my behalf. [43 ] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Ques. 12, 13; read Sunday: Ques. 1-5. ❑ further from study helps. ❑ Monday: Ques. 6, 7; begin read- Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Ques. 8-11. ❑ Friday: Review. ❑
Lesson Outline: I11. The Wave Sheaf Introduction 8. The wave sheaf offered on day after Passover. Lev. 23:11. I. The Stone Rolled Back 9. Angels sang the triumph of the 1. The tomb sealed and guarded. Redeemer as He neared heaven. Matt. 27:65, 66. Ps. 24:7-10. 2. The angel of the Lord rolls back the stone. Matt. 28:2. IV. The Acceptance 3. The angel’s announcement to 10. The Saviour seated at the right the women. Matt. 28:5-7. hand of God. Eph. 1:20. 4. Christ had made a cleansing of 11. The Father commands the angels sin. Heb. 1:3. to worship Christ. Heb. 1:5, 6. 5. On this day Christ was “begotten” from the grave. Acts 13:32, 33. V. The Full Harvest
- Detain Me Not 12. An innumerable company of the
- Jesus revealed Himself to saved. Rev. 7:9. Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9; 13. A united universe sings the John 20:1, 14-16. praises of God and the Lamb.
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Jesus warns Mary not to detain Rev. 5:11-13. Him. John 20:17.
THE LESSON Introduction was introduced to the heavenly hosts as the First-begotten from the tomb. The The final crises in the earthly experience last crisis was ended. The Redeemer then of Jesus Christ were of the utmost im- returned to earth to work with His doubt- portance to us. He had been numbered ing disciples for another forty days. among the transgressors and made a sin offering for our sakes, but Christ had died The Stone Rolled Back without having sinned and could not be held by the grave. At the Father's call 1. What had been done to prevent Jesus rose to life that was in Himself. Jesus from leaving the tomb? Matt. This call was entrusted to the messenger 27:65, 66. who fills the position from which Satan fell. (See The Desire of Ages, page 780.) After lingering awhile to comfort Mary Magdalene and, through her, the disciples, the Saviour hastened to heaven with the wave sheaf. He refused the homage and NOTE.-"The night of the first day of worship of the unfallen hosts until His the week had worn slowly away. . . . sacrifice was accepted by the Father. When Christ was still a prisoner in His narrow this joyful formality was completed, He tomb. The great stone was in its place ; the 44Roman seal was unbroken; the Roman NOTE.—”By inspiration Paul applies the guards were keeping their watch. And words of this psalm to Christ as the King there were unseen watchers. Hosts of evil of Israel and as God’s Son in a unique angels were gathered about the place. Had sense, and to His resurrection. . . . Chris- it been possible, the prince of darkness tian believers made the resurrection the with his apostate army would have kept foundation of their belief in Christ’s Son- forever sealed the tomb that held the Son ship. Christ was ‘the First-begotten of the of God. But a heavenly host surrounded dead’ (Rev. 1:5), and the resurrection is the sepulcher. Angels that excel in strength understood as confirming to Him the title were guarding the tomb, and waiting to `Son of God.’“—SDA Bible Commentary, welcome the Prince of life.”—The Desire on Acts 13:33. of Ages, page 779. Detain Me Not
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How was the sealed tomb opened? Matt. 28:2. 6. After the resurrection, to whom did Jesus first reveal Himself? Mark 16:9; John 20:1, 14-16.
- What did the angel tell the women who came to the sepulcher? NOTE.—”But now in His own familiar Matt. 28:5-7. voice Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ . . . In her joy she forgot that He had been crucified. Springing toward Him, as if to embrace His feet, she said, `Rabboni.’ “— The Desire of Ages, page 790. NOTE.—”When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ’s tomb, saying, 7. Why did Jesus forbid Mary to Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came touch Him? John 20:17. forth from the grave by the life that was in Himself. . . “Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph Christ had proclaimed in triumph, ‘I am the res- urrection and the life.’ These words could be spoken only by the Deity.”—The Desire NOTE.—The Greek phrase translated of Ages, page 785. “Touch Me not” may be rendered “Do not cling to Me.” The Revised Standard Ver- sion says “Do not hold Me,” and Ellen G.
- Before being seated at the right White writes, “Detain Me not.” hand of God, what had Jesus done “But Christ raised His hand, saying, with our sins? Heb. 1:3. Detain Me not; ‘for I am not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.’ And Mary went her way to the NOTE.—It was by His own efforts that disciples with the joyful message. Christ made a cleansing of sin. He died in “Jesus refused to receive the homage of place of sinners, separated from God by be- His people until He had the assurance that ing made guilty of the sins of the whole His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. world. Now the God-man was called to He ascended to the heavenly courts, and rise in the purity and perfection of His from God Himself heard the assurance that Deity and His sinless humanity. His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal life. The Father ratified
- What prophecy does Paul say the covenant made with Christ, that He was fulfilled when God called Christ would receive repentant and obedient men, from the grave? Acts 13:32, 33. Com- and would love them even as He loves His pare Ps. 2:7; Rom. 1:4. Son.”—The Desire of Ages, page 790. [ 45 ] The Wave Sheaf lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph;
- What symbolic service took He presents to God the wave sheaf, those place on the day after the Passover raised with Him as representatives of that Sabbath? Lev. 23:11. great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. . .. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome NOTE.—”Christ arose from the dead as by Satan. . . . This pledge Christ has ful- the first fruits of those that slept. He was filled.”—The Desire of Ages, page 834. the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His resurrection took place on the very day 11. What were the angels com- when the wave sheaf was to be presented manded to do? Heb. 1:5, 6. before the Lord. . . . “During His ministry, Jesus had raised the dead to life. . . . But these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised, they were still subject to death. NOTE.—”The voice of God is heard pro- But those who came forth from the grave claiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is at Christ’s resurrection were raised to vanquished. Christ’s toiling, struggling ones everlasting life. They ascended with Him on earth are ‘accepted in the Beloved.’ . . . as trophies of His victory over death and The Father’s arms encircle His Son, and the grave.”—The Desire of Ages, pages the word is given, ‘Let all the angels of 785, 786. God worship Him.’“—The Desire of Ages, page 834.
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What dialogue does the psalmist record? Ps. 24:7-10. The Full Harvest 12. What scene did the revelator see displayed before the throne of God? Rev. 7:9. NOTE.—”All heaven was waiting to wel- come the Saviour to the celestial courts. As He ascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives set free at His resur- rection followed. . . . NorE.—”The Saviour’s joy is in seeing, in the kingdom of glory, the souls that “As they draw near to the City of God, have been saved by His agony and humili- the challenge is given by the escorting an- ation.”—The Great Controversy, page 647. gels,—
Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates.' . . . "Joyfully the waiting sentinels respond, 13. What chorus of praise to God —'Who is this King of Glory?' . . . and to the Lamb did the revelator "The escorting angels make reply,—The hear? Rev. 5:11-13. Lord of hosts; He is the King of Glory !’ “ The Desire of Ages, page 833.The Acceptance Questions for Personal Meditation - How is Christ’s position with 1. Am I denying Christ the pleasure of respect to His Father since the resur- seeing me become more and more like rection described? Eph. 1:20. Him every day ? 2. Have I allowed the power that raised Jesus from the dead to come into my life and cause me to be reborn—changed from NOTE.—”He enters into the presence of sinner to saint? (See Rom. 8:11.) His Father. He points to His wounded 3. Am I practicing the song of praise for head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He my Saviour? [46 1 THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING March 29, 1969 Trans-Africa Division Beautiful for situation is the location of Kendu Hospital, on the shores of Lake Victoria near the town of Kendu Bay in Western Kenya, East Africa. But when we look at this mission hospital, the beauty ends with the situation. The buildings are about thirty years old and are in poor condition—in fact, so poor that is is almost impossible to repair them. Inside the wards space is so limited that beds are placed only a foot or a foot and a half apart. In an average year 5,600 inpatients and 45,000 outpatients are treated. The Christian influence of Kendu Hospital is far-reaching. Patients come from hundreds of miles even though travel is slow and difficult. The closest government hospital is twenty-five miles away, and patients often pass it by in order to come to Kendu. Kendu must prepare to educate young people as fully qualified regis- tered nurses to go out and teach health education to their own people as well as to be able to work in our own hospitals and others. The government is imposing new requirements in order that nurses be better trained. Don’t you want to have a part in replacing the run-down buildings of Kendu with a modern plant and modern medical facilities so that it can care for the sick as well as train young people in the medical arts? Remember Kendu Hospital on March 29.
ti SPECIAL NOTICE: As a supplement to the study of the lessons for the second quarter may we suggest Elder Harry W. Lowe’s new book Redeeming Grace. It is available at your Book and Bible House for $1.95. Teacher and student alike will appreciate this comprehensive aid. Pacific Press Publishing Association.
Lessons for the Second Quarter, 1969 Sabbath School members who have not received a senior Lesson Quarterly for the second quarter of 1969 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the series is "Redeeming Grace." The title of the first lesson is "Redemptive Activity of the Godhead." The memory verse is Ephesians 1:4. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. Prov. 8:1, 22, 23. Ques. 7. The Ministry of Healing, Ques. 2. John 1:1-3, 14; 17:5, 24. page 161. Ques. 3. Rev. 13:8; Eph. 1:3, 4; Ques. 8. Gen. 3:2, 6, 15.
1 Peter 1:18-20. Ques. 9. Rom. 3:23-25. Ques. 4. 2 Tim. 1:9. Ques. 10. 1 Tim. 2:4, 6; Titus 2:11. Ques. 5. John 1:14, 17. Ques. 11. 2 Peter 3:9. Ques. 6. Rom. 3:24. Ques. 12. John 6:44, 45; 1 Cor. 15:10.
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4Erauto - Arica 9)iviaion Church Sab. Sch. Unions Population Churches Members Members
Central African U. 5,500,000 427 76,956 165,938
Congo U. 16,400,000 144 18,181 47,358
East African U. 17,314,915 357 65,445 115,838
South African U. C. 6,211,371 136 11,735 13,818
South-East Africa U. 4,042,412 152 26,394 27,451
Southern U. 14,979,000 147 9,481 14,439
Tanzania U. 9,800,000 120 20,217 32,581
Zambesi U. 7,511,900 298. 45,493 86,448
Totals 81,759,598 1,781 273,902 503,871
PROJECT:
Remodeling and enlarging Kendu Hos-
pital, Kenya, Africa.
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