Sun
Apr 13
1. THE HOME LIFE OF JESUS
a. What serious challenge did Jesus face in His own home? John 7:5.
“At a very early age, Jesus had begun 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. ‘It is written’ was His reason for every act that varied from the family customs. But the influence of the rabbis made His life a bitter one. Even in His youth He had to learn the hard lesson of silence and patient endurance.
“His brothers, as the sons of Joseph were called, sided with the rabbis. They insisted that the traditions must be heeded, as if they were the requirements of God. They even regarded the precepts of men more highly than the word of God, and they were greatly annoyed at the clear penetration of Jesus in distinguishing between the false and the true. His strict obedience to the law of God they condemned as stubbornness. They were surprised at the knowledge and wisdom He showed in answering the rabbis. They knew that He had not received instruction from the wise men, yet they could not but see that He was an instructor to them. They recognized that His education was of a higher type than their own. But they did not discern that He had access to the tree of life, a source of knowledge of which they were ignorant.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 86.
Mon
Apr 14
2. THE SONS OF JOSEPH
a. What suggestion did Christ’s brothers make to Him in anticipation of the annual Feast of Tabernacles? John 7:3, 4.
“[Christ’s] brothers thought it a mistake for Him to alienate the great and learned men of the nation. They felt that these men must be in the right, and that Jesus was at fault in placing Himself in antagonism to them. But they had witnessed His blameless life, and though they did not rank themselves with His disciples, they had been deeply impressed by His works. His popularity in Galilee was gratifying to their ambition; they still hoped that He would give an evidence of His power which would lead the Pharisees to see that He was what He claimed to be. What if He were the Messiah, the Prince of Israel! They cherished this thought with proud satisfaction.
“So anxious were they about this that they urged Christ to go to Jerusalem. ‘Depart hence,’ they said, ‘and go into Judea, that Thy disciples also may see the works that Thou doest. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If Thou do these things, show Thyself to the world.’ The ‘if’ expressed doubt and unbelief. They attributed cowardice and weakness to Him. If He knew that He was the Messiah, why this strange reserve and inaction? If He really possessed such power, why not go boldly to Jerusalem, and assert His claims? Why not perform in Jerusalem the wonderful works reported of Him in Galilee? Do not hide in secluded provinces, they said, and perform your mighty works for the benefit of ignorant peasants and fishermen. Present yourself at the capital, win the support of the priests and rulers, and unite the nation in establishing the new kingdom.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 450.
b. Describe the problem that has always been faced by the meek. Psalm 86:14.
“These brothers of Jesus reasoned from the selfish motive so often found in the hearts of those ambitious for display. This spirit was the ruling spirit of the world. They were offended because, instead of seeking a temporal throne, Christ had declared Himself to be the bread of life. They were greatly disappointed when so many of His disciples forsook Him. They themselves turned from Him to escape the cross of acknowledging what His works revealed—that He was the Sent of God.”—Ibid., p. 451.
Tue
Apr 15
3. CONTROVERSY OVER JESUS
a. What contradictory opinions were raised about Jesus? John 7:11, 12.
“From Jerusalem the report of Christ’s miracles had spread wherever the Jews were dispersed; and although for many months He had been absent from the feasts, the interest in Him had not abated. Many from all parts of the world had come up to the Feast of Tabernacles in the hope of seeing Him. At the beginning of the feast many inquiries were made for Him. The Pharisees and rulers looked for Him to come, hoping for an opportunity to condemn Him. They anxiously inquired, ‘Where is He?’ but no one knew. The thought of Him was uppermost in all minds. Through fear of the priests and rulers, none dared acknowledge Him as the Messiah, but everywhere there was quiet yet earnest discussion concerning Him. Many defended Him as one sent from God, while others denounced Him as a deceiver of the people.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 451, 452.
b. How did Jesus silence the contradictory opinions concerning Himself? John 7:14–18; Luke 4:32.
“In the midst of the feast, when the excitement concerning Him was at its height, He entered the court of the temple in the presence of the multitude. Because of His absence from the feast, it had been urged that He dared not place Himself in the power of the priests and rulers. All were surprised at His presence. Every voice was hushed. All wondered at the dignity and courage of His bearing in the midst of powerful enemies who were thirsting for His life.
“Standing thus, the center of attraction to that vast throng, Jesus addressed them as no man had ever done. His words showed a knowledge of the laws and institutions of Israel, of the sacrificial service and the teachings of the prophets, far exceeding that of the priests and rabbis. He broke through the barriers of formalism and tradition. The scenes of the future life seemed outspread before Him. As one who beheld the Unseen, He spoke of the earthly and the heavenly, the human and the divine, with positive authority. His words were most clear and convincing; and again, as at Capernaum, the people were astonished at His teaching; ‘for His word was with power.’ Luke 4:32. . . . All wondered at His knowledge of the law and the prophecies.”—Ibid., pp. 452, 453.
Wed
Apr 16
4. HATRED AGAINST THE HOLY ONE
a. What did Jesus perceive in the rabbis and what question did He put to them? John 7:19.
“Jesus gave the rabbis an evidence of His divinity by showing that He read their hearts. Ever since the healing at Bethesda they had been plotting His death. Thus they were themselves breaking the law which they professed to be defending. ‘Did not Moses give you the law,’ He said, ‘and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill Me?’ ”—The Desire of Ages, p. 456.
b. In their response to Christ, of what did the rabbis accuse Him—and how did He respond in turn? John 7:20–23.
“To this insinuation [that His wonderful works were instigated by an evil spirit] Christ gave no heed. He went on to show that His work of healing at Bethesda was in harmony with the Sabbath law, and that it was justified by the interpretation which the Jews themselves put upon the law. He said, ‘Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; . . . and ye on the Sabbath day circumcise a man.’ According to the law, every child must be circumcised on the eighth day. Should the appointed time fall upon the Sabbath, the rite must then be performed. How much more must it be in harmony with the spirit of the law to make a man ‘every whit whole on the Sabbath day.’ ”—Ibid., pp. 456, 457.
c. Explain the broad significance of Christ’s next warning. John 7:24.
“The rulers were silenced; and many of the people exclaimed, ‘Is not this He, whom they seek to kill? But, lo, He speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?’ ”—Ibid., p. 457.
“[Christ] looks not on the outward appearance; He judges not as man judges. He does not value man according to his rank, talent, education, or position. ‘To this man will I look,’ He declares, ‘even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.’ ”—The Signs of the Times, October 21, 1897.
Thu
Apr 17
5. HUMAN vs. DIVINE JUDGMENT
a. How does Scripture depict the mental state of society in this world—often as seen in ancient times, but especially today? Isaiah 59:14, 15.
“The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones. . . .
“The enemy has succeeded in perverting justice and in filling men’s hearts with the desire for selfish gain. . . . The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, pp. 11, 12.
b. Amid the turmoil, why can we trust the ways of God? Isaiah 55:8, 9.
“Though the finite minds of men are inadequate to enter into the counsels of the Infinite One, or to understand fully the working out of His purposes, yet often it is because of some error or neglect on their own part that they so dimly comprehend the messages of Heaven. Not infrequently the minds of the people, and even of God’s servants, are so blinded by human opinions, the traditions and false teaching of men, that they are able only partially to grasp the great things which He has revealed in His word.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 344, 345.
“God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. He has given in His holy law a transcript of His character.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 63.
Fri
Apr 18
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Describe the home environment where Jesus was reared.
2. How is the attitude shown by Christ’s brothers often repeated today?
3. What contradictory opinions were circulated about Jesus?
4. Explain the spirit that the rabbis manifested toward Jesus.
5. Describe the huge contrast between man’s ways and those of God.