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| 1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, |
And Jesus – Not God, for "God tempteth not, neither is tempted of any." (James 1:13) R370:2
Being full – "God gave not the spirit by measure unto him." (John 3:34) T37; R72:5
Of the holy Ghost – The holy Spirit, from his baptism, but not before. A224
The zeal to accomplish his appointed mission. R1688:1
This new power is what Satan wanted him to use for the flesh, but it was not given for that purpose. R681:3
Returned from Jordan – Notice that special trials immediately followed consecration. R3296:2
Led by the Spirit – The Gospel age is the Spirit dispensation; hence it is proper to say that it began with the anointing of Jesus, "by the Holy Spirit, and with power." (Acts 10:38) A224; R273:1
His earnest desire to know fully and completely the will of the Father. R4641:5, 4970:2; CR95:6
We should never voluntarily go into temptation, but knowing our own imperfection, seek to avoid it. R3715:6
His own spirit, his new mind. Thus it is our new minds, the result of our full consecration, that lead us into temptations, trials and difficulties. R3716:1, 4970:2, 4641:5; CR95:6
Into the wilderness – For study and meditation relative to the great work to which he had just consecrated himself, represented in his baptism. R680:1
Away from every distracting person or thing, that he might study the Word treasured in his perfect memory, now fully intelligible by the power of the Spirit. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit." (1 Cor. 2:14) R3297:3, 3716:4, 1688:2, 680:1
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| 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. |
Being forty days – Doubtless the entire period was spent in prayer and contemplation of the prophecies, including those which showed that he would be lifted up as the serpent in the wilderness (Num. 21:8, 9); be despised and rejected of men, and led as a lamb to the slaughter (Isa. 53:3, 7). He found it necessary, before attempting to serve God, to Study to show himself approved. (2 Tim. 2:15) R3716:5, 3717:1
While carefully studying the Law, he endured a most subtle and severe conflict with the powers of darkness. R1917:2
Tempted – Along the lines of selfishness. R3715:3
He was not tempted like the world--to godlessness, vice and criminality. R1689:4, 4970:3
Of the devil – Greek, diabolus. The word always appears in the singular and evidently refers to Satan. R3716:1
Whose very existence is now denied by many. F609
Afterward hungered – When he was weak from fasting and was overwhelmed with the importance and cost of the covenant he had made, the Adversary appeared--as a tempter. R4970:2
Up to this time his perfect mind was so absorbed in his great theme that he probably neither ate nor slept. R3716:6, 1689:2
Shipwrecked sailors have been exonerated for cannibalism when they have been without food much less than 40 days. In the siege of Jerusalem mothers ate their own children. R2243:4
The sin is not in being tempted, but in yielding to temptation. R1689:5
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| 3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. |
And the devil – Choosing the time when his overtaxed human powers sought refreshment and recuperation. R3717:2
Appearing not as an enemy and a fiend, but as a friend. R4970:3
Said unto him – Probably not personally, but by suggestion; representing himself as an "angel of light." (2 Cor. 11:14) R3717:3, 1688:1
Be made bread – Use your consecrated talents and powers, and your office as God's children and representatives, in such a manner as to further your "bread and butter" interests. R681:3, 4970:6, 3717:6; E111, E123
For a man to use any or all of his powers to satisfy hunger would certainly, under normal circumstances, be no sin. But the circumstances were peculiar--Jesus had just consecrated himself as a man, and had received special powers in connection with the holy Spirit. R681:3
Illustrating our temptations to preach for worldly applause, wealth and social position, and to seek the healing of our bodies, which we have consecrated to death in God's service. R3717:6, 4970:6, 1689:2
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| 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
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Jesus answered – Ignoring all suggestions contrary to God's plan. R1125:5
It is written – Though tempted in all points like as we are, he ignored his own will and all suggestions from others contrary to God's plan, and obeyed God implicitly. Therein lay the secret of his success. HG292:6
Our Lord's success was by being rightly exercised by his knowledge of God; as it is written: "By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many," while bearing their iniquities. (Isa. 53:11) R1125:5
Our Lord's reply to temptation; the sure defense of the true child of God. F200; R1688:4
Live by bread alone – Refusing to use divine power for his personal comfort. F636, F650
My eternal life is not dependent upon the maintenance of this physical body. R4970:4
Our meat and drink should be to do the will of God. (John 4:34) R1689:3
I am not afraid of starving, God has more ways and means of sustaining my life than food. R681:4
Another thought, especially for the sisters: In your daily life remember that "man shall not live by bread alone," and, therefore, that all your energies should not be spent in merely gratifying the palate. ( Luke 10:40-42) R681:4
Word of God – The Scriptures do claim to be the Word of God, though their authority by no means depends upon the finding of that expression in the Scriptures. R1584:3
My hope is in God and in his promise. R4970:4
Not merely the milk of the Word. R3622:2
Every admonition, encouragement and promise is necessary for those now called. R3060:4
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| 5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. |
The devil – Satan, "the prince of this world" (John 14:30), came to our Lord just as he comes to his followers--as an angel of light, and with his real character and purposes cloaked. R1688:1
Again posing as a friend. R3719:3
Taking him up – Mentally, not physically. R3719:2, 3299:1
From no mountain on earth could all the kingdoms of the world be seen. R4970:5, 3719:2, 3299:1
An high mountain – Kingdom; Satan's own dominion over the world. R1688:6, 4970:5, 3719:2
All the kingdoms – Christ clearly understood that at some time he was to have authority over these kingdoms, but probably he did not yet see how or when, hence the peculiar force of this temptation. R3299:1-3
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| 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. |
The devil – He is the instigator; the natural and often legitimate desires of the flesh are the mediums through which his temptations are presented. R1689:5
Said – Some erroneously regard this as a sham temptation; that he offered what he did not possess. R680:2
Will I give thee – Satan's dominion has both an invisible spiritual and a visible human phase. A251
Saying, Let us unite to bring humanity out of sin and death. Thus you will attain your hopes without suffering. R4970:5
Satan says: "Serve God, bless mankind, and spread the Gospel; but do it my way." R681:5
Look well to it that no element of worldly ambition or worldly policy ensnare your feet and allure you from the narrow way. R2163:2
Delivered unto me – You realize that I am the prince of this world. R4970:5
Your church must first of all recognize these governments of mine, and must call them Christian governments, no matter how un-Christlike may be their rulers and laws. R680:6
To whomsoever I will I give it – Satan, faithful to his promise, exalted the nominal church. R680:6
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| 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. |
Worship me – The thought is not of adoration and prayer, but of service, to follow Satan's directions. R680:3
Cooperate with me for the world's uplift. E113; R680:4
As does the nominal church when it seeks to increase its membership by resorting to worldly forms, customs, fairs, games, entertainments, etc. R3719:5
When Papacy did this, Satan was true to his promise. B293
The Adversary tempts the Lord's followers to compromise with the spirit and methods of the world, by church federations, etc. R4970:6, 3719:5
This same temptation beset the infant Church during the first five centuries, and finally was successful. Satan, faithful to his promise, exalted the nominal church, resulting in the placing over the world the Church of Rome as the head of both civil and ecclesiastical government. R680:5
Satan presented the same temptation to the Reformers, and again with success. R680:6
To us the same temptation is one of the most difficult to withstand--associate yourselves with some large and influential organization. Thus your influence among men will be greater and more good will be accomplished. R681:1
Others are tempted to think that they can serve God's cause and truth best by spending their best energies and talents in acquiring wealth, to be spent in spreading the Gospel. R681:2
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| 8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
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Behind me, Satan – Adversary, opposing spirit. F611
I will not serve you nor cooperate with you in any sense of the word. R4970:6, 3299:4; E74
The loyalty of the Lord's heart was shown. Q184:T
He did not say, Let us talk it over and discuss it a little. Q184:T
It is written – This was his reply to temptation. R1688:4
God, and him only – As the great Supreme Ruler. E74
But reverence of others, if not rivals of Jehovah, is entirely proper. E73
Jesus could not accept any suggestion out of harmony with God's plan. R1689:1
All of Israel's difficulties and failures to attain the blessings that were before them were because they did not sufficiently sanctify the Lord God in their hearts and let him be their only fear and only dread. R3468:1
Similarly, nominal spiritual Israel has neglected putting the Lord first and has been disposed to forget the Lord and to affiliate with the world, to seek worldly favor and cooperation. R3468:4
Shalt thou serve – Jesus escaped this temptation, not by arguing the reasonableness of God's plan, but by simply relying on the fact that under all circumstances it was right to obey God, and wrong to disobey. R680:5
He ignored his own will, and all suggestions from others contrary to God's plan, and obeyed God implicitly. R1125:5
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| 9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: |
To Jerusalem – Mentally, not physically. R3718:2, 4970:4
On a pinnacle – The roof of the southern wing. R3718:2
Probably the central part of the royal portico, which was very high and overlooked a deep ravine. Josephus says 100 cubits high over a 400 cubit valley. R681:4
Overlooking the valley of Gehenna. R3718:2, 3298:2
About 600 feet above the bottom of the valley. R3298:2, 681:4
And said unto him – Still posing as a friend, an angel of light. R3718:3
Cast thyself down – Recklessly expose yourself in proof of mission, thus drawing the immediate attention of all Israel to the fact that you are the Messiah. E111; R4970:4
This would have been reckless presumption and daring, and not the proper faith in God. R681:5
The Adversary tempts the Lord's followers by suggesting some wild, foolish way of capturing the world for God. R4970:6
"A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign" (Matt. 16:4), such as the laying on of hands, the gift of tongues, physical healing, peculiar dress, robes, mitres, relics of saints, etc. R3718:5
Illustrating additionally our temptations to go into debt without knowing how the debt can be paid, or to recklessly expose ourselves to any danger, moral, financial, physical or spiritual, expecting miraculous deliverance. R2244:3, 2
We not only need the Bible, but we also need the guidance of the holy Spirit to apply the Word. R3719:1, 3298:3, 681:5
It is this temptation which sometimes leads men to call upon God loudly, to come down in power and convert fifty sinners here this evening. R681:5
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| 10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: |
It is written – The Adversary can use Scripture, and does use it often in the presentation of error. R681:5, 3718:6, 288:1
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| 11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. |
Bear thee up – Quotation from Psa. 91:12. R4970:4
Foot – Feet or last part of the Body of Christ. R288:1, 3719:1, 3298:4, 757:6, 681:5
This prophecy refers to the Christ as a whole; its personal application was rejected by Jesus; but when we apply the reference "foot" to the feet, or last part of the body of Christ, all is harmonious. R757:6, 681:6, 288:1
"The feet of him" have been privileged to say "unto Zion, Thy God reigneth." (Isa. 52:7) R288:5, 757:3
Possibly our Lord himself did not at this time know the correction of this Scripture; that the "feet" refer to the last members of the Body of Christ, and that he himself was to be the "stone" of stumbling and rock of offence to both the houses of Israel. (Isa. 8:14) R3298:3,4
Against a stone – The stone referred to, we understand, is the same as that of Isa. 8:14--that Jesus is the stone of stumbling. R757:6, 681:6
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| 12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
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Jesus answering – Seemingly conflicting Scriptures could be harmonized by examining underlying principles. R3298:3
Ignoring all suggestions contrary to God's plan. R1125:5, 3718:4
It is said – Its personal application by Satan was rejected by Jesus as a misapplication of Scripture. R288:1, 757:6
Not tempt the Lord – Try the Lord. R681:4
By doing things which are directly contrary to the laws of nature, which would require miraculous intervention to save you. R3718:4, 4970:5, 1688:4
The Church is tempted as Jesus was: to a deceitful handling of the Word of God, to ambitious efforts to gain present power and advantage, to take the sacrifice off the altar. R1689:4
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| 13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. |
Departed from him – The sword of the Spirit did its work; Satan left in disgust. R1689:5; CR95:6
"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) R1689:5
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| 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. |
Jesus returned – Remembering the proverb, "A prophet has no honor in his own country," our Lord did not begin his ministry in Nazareth, but in Judea. The people of Nazareth heard of his works and words. This would tend to prepare them to receive Messiah and his message, offsetting the familiarity which so frequently breeds contempt. R2579:1
Our Lord began his ministry in Judea, and is supposed to have spent a year there before going to Galilee. R3300:1
Power of the spirit – The people "were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was with power." ( Luke 4:32) R1917:2, 1921:1
"God gave not the spirit by measure unto him." (John 3:34) R1917:1
The secret of all power in the work of the Lord. Learning, worldly wisdom or fluency of speech are no substitutes. No preaching, no teaching is of value, except it be in the power of the holy Spirit. R1917:1
Jesus obtained this power in the same way his followers may obtain it; viz., by entire consecration to God, faithfulness to that consecration, and by communion with him in prayer, and meditation upon his Word. R1917:2
The preacher or teacher acceptable to God must, like his Lord, be first sincerely and fully consecrated to God. Then, when tried and tempted, he must prove his faithfulness to that consecration. R1917:3
Fame of him – Because of his miracles and teaching. R1735:3
As Messiah, with power and authority. R1743:1
Tending to his immediate advancement to the kingly office. R1754:3
Attracting one class and repelling another. R3153:2, 356:5
As his fame increased, the opposition became more and more pronounced, especially from the chief priests, scribes and Pharisees, as they were brought into competition and unfavorable comparison with him as public teachers. R1735:3
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| 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. |
Taught in their synagogues – The Lord and the apostles could go into the synagogues and teach the people for a time, but they were soon hindered. R986:5
Today the clergy keep out all who would feed the sheep "meat in due season" (Matt. 24:45); hence the sheep are called out of Babylon. R986:6
Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue in Capernaum, our Lord's home city, sometimes called upon him to read the Sabbath lesson. R4588:3
Glorified of all – Honored. R1069:3
So great was the attention which his teaching and works attracted that Pharisees and doctors of the Law came out of every town of Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem to hear and to see. R1921:2
On more than one occasion it appeared as though the people would take him by force to make him a king; but our Lord avoided the matter and withdrew himself and discouraged the efforts. NS629:3
As you enter a field mixed with tares, being filled with the Spirit, you may be received and welcomed, as was Jesus before the truth began to cut. R356:4
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| 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. |
He came to Nazareth – Even when he did go to his home province he chose to go to Capernaum before going to his native city, Nazareth. R3300:2
The beginning of the second year of his ministry. R3300:1
A prophet is generally less esteemed at home than abroad. R3300:2
The people of Nazareth were proud of Jesus as the representative of their city, and hoped that he would perform great miracles there. R3301:6
Had been brought up – From about three years of age to 30. R3300:2
As his custom was – Not only to attend the synagogue meetings every Sabbath, but to be the reader for the congregation. R3300:3
Implying an education far beyond that of the majority of his day. R2579:1
"Forsake not the assembling of yourselves." (Heb. 10:25) R2579:2
Into the synagogue – Our Lord's example in seeking to associate as far as possible with the most religious people of his day, and his willingness to take part in the public services, are a lesson to his people everywhere. R2579:2
The synagogue more nearly resembled present-day Bible classes, where the Scriptures are read and freely discussed, a method still appropriate to the Lord's people and still beneficial for the elucidation of truth. R3300:3
A certain amount of pride in their fellow-townsman had been awakened, and we may be sure that there was a large attendance on the first Sabbath day after our Lord's arrival in Nazareth. R3300:2
For to read – Quite probably the passage was the stated Scripture lesson for that day. R2579:2
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| 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, |
Delivered unto him – He had been recognized as one of the few able to read, and had done the congregational reading of the Holy Scriptures. R5068:1
The prophet Esaias – The Jews had a certain order in which the Scriptures were read in the synagogue, and apparently the book of Isaiah was the appropriate one for this occasion. R3300:3
Where it was written – A Greek translation of Isaiah 61. R2579:2
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| 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
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Spirit of the Lord – Not the "ghost" nor a person in any sense. E169
There is no ground for thinking of the holy Spirit as another God. Quite to the contrary, it was the Father's Spirit that was communicated to our Lord Jesus. E169
Is upon me – Since the time of my baptism. A224; R273:1
Because – The anointing is for the very purpose of fitting those so anointed, whether male or female, to preach the good tidings. Therefore all the anointed, male or female, Jew or Greek, bond or free, are anointed to preach. R1549:1
He hath anointed – At 30 years of age. R240:1
The holy Spirit had come upon the Lord Jesus about a year before, after his consecration at Jordan. It constituted his anointing. R3300:5
The value of the anointing was that by it the Father gave witness that the sacrifice was accepted; it was the seal or evidence to him that the Father would give him the promised divine nature when he had actually given his life. R240:4
Our Lord told how he was ordained to be a preacher; and the Scriptures tell us we are to walk in his steps. All who have received the ordination of God have the authority to preach according to their opportunities and abilities. R5807:3
From the time of Jesus' baptism God dwelt in him in a peculiar manner; as the Apostle John says of the Church, "God dwelleth in us and we in God." (1 John 4:16) R5291:6
The holy anointing oil was poured upon the head of Aaron, but ran down even unto the skirts of his garments, thus anointing in the figure, each member of his body. R3301:2, 72:3; F132; T37
As this ordination came upon Jesus, it later came upon the disciples at Pentecost; and all down the Gospel age it has come upon the followers of Christ, anointing them to preach the Gospel. Q514:3
Although this anointing did not come directly upon them until Pentecost, they had previously had a foretaste of it in that the Lord conferred upon them a share of his holy Spirit, power, when he sent them out to preach. F212
See what was the purpose of his anointing, and learn therefrom the purpose of your own anointing under him. R942:4
None but the anointed body of Christ are commissioned to preach the good tidings, and every member of that body is so commissioned, irrespective of human distinctions of "clergy" and "laity"; and whosoever does not fulfill this mission is unfaithful to his commission. R2580:5
All of those called of God to preach have the anointing of the holy Spirit of God as their necessary preparation for this service. Without this anointing they are as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals, having no commission from God to declare his truth. R2057:3, 241:2
They could teach the people in the synagogue, for a time, but as they shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God, they soon found little, and finally, no opportunity to teach the people in the synagogue. R986:5
The commission of the apostles was, in the main, the same as the commission of the Lord and of the whole Church. R1521:5
This commission, through the Prophet Isaiah, is the only divinely authorized commission that was ever given to any man to preach the Gospel. No man should be regarded by the saints as a minister of the Gospel, or received or heard as such, who cannot claim this commission. R1715:2
The Apostle John says that "the anointing which we have received of him abideth in us." (1 John 2:27) R5536:6, 241:2
The anointing of the Church is for a work yet future. R5537:1, 3301:2
Speaking of the ultimate result of his work. As we gladly accept the divine arrangement, so we must also accept the divine times and seasons, and realize that they are wisely ordained. R2098:5
With God, human ordination counts for nothing. In human ordination, each denomination qualifies its own ministers. But the ordained ministers of God are servants of God and not of error. R5537:2
Our Lord's authority to preach did not come from the Jewish ecclesiastics. "The anointing which ye have received abideth in you." (1 John 2:27) R1917:5
Every member of the anointed Body of Christ will be a preacher of the Gospel. R942:4
Me – To all appearance the prophet Isaiah was the person meant, yet when Jesus here points out its fulfillment in himself, we see that in him its conditions were fully met. R436:2, 240:1
While this prophecy was primarily fulfilled in Jesus and applied especially to him, we understand also that it applies to the members of Christ. R5536:5
Intimating that nobody is to speak in God's name except those who have been divinely commissioned to do so. R5537:2
As the unleavened wafers of fine floor were anointed with oil in Lev. 2:1. R84:3
To preach – The commission was one of service--they were to serve one another, to serve the Lord, and to lay down their lives for the brethren. These services were to be rendered especially in connection with the promulgation of the Gospel. F212
We are to distinguish between the preaching of the Gospel and the good tidings promised, which are to come to pass in due time. R2579:6
After this preaching of the Gospel shall have been given and shall have accomplished its purpose and intention, then will follow the glorious actualities referred to in it. R2580:1
Every member of the Body, however humble or obscure, being "anointed to preach," is failing in his mission if he does not preach. R1917:5
Preaching is not always public declaration. Every influence that we can send out is preaching the Gospel. R1917:5
Tract distribution, personal visits, personal letters and personal conversation (wise, discreet and backed by noble and consistent Christian character) are effective means. In these various ways all can preach the Gospel. R1891:2, 241:3
Some can do several of these things, some can do all of them, and all can and should preach by their life and customs the power of the good news to transform, for we are all living epistles, known and read of all men. (2 Cor. 3:2) R241:4
Preaching a good message rather than raising a great army. R3300:6
The gospel – Jesus preached the "good news" in two parts: first, to the world, a restitution of all things, illustrated by his miracles; second, the great prize obtainable by those who will now walk in the "narrow way," illustrated in his own person. R241:2
The news was so new to them and so good that the Pharisees and religious leaders could not believe it to be true. R241:3
To the poor – Not the literally poor any more than the literally broken-hearted, but the "poor in spirit," the humble minded, who are also the sympathetic, the tender, the heart-broken, as in contrast with the hard-hearted. R2580:1
To all who were meek enough to receive it by faith from the humble and unpretentious Nazarene. R1714:3
The meek of the earth, who gladly receive the truth and constitute the Church of God. R931:6
To the meek, not to the rebellious or indifferent; these are to be dealt with by and by. R5537:2
Not wasting time and effort upon those whom they find to be mentally "rich and increased in goods, and feeling that they have need of nothing." (Rev. 3:17) R2580:2
Rather than rallying round himself the rich, wise and proud. R3300:6
"I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me." (John 17:9) R798:6
The meek, not the proud, hard-hearted, profane. E488; R3300:6, 2821:4, 2310:5, 798:6
The meek alone can or shall see Present Truth. E90
"The poor have the gospel preached to them." (Matt. 11:5) R5145:1
He hath sent me – Jesus merely proclaimed these things, with a few examples of healing, etc.; the actual blessings belong to the Messianic Kingdom time. R5068:5
To heal – Greek, iaomai, meaning to heal; also has the significance of saved, as in Matt. 13:15. R4099:3
As in "Pray for one another that ye may be healed." (James 5:16) R4099:3
The broken-hearted – Broken by the trials, difficulties, perplexities and adversities of the present life. R2580:2
The anointed ones are not to spend their time endeavoring to break the hard hearts of the worldly, for this is not part of their commission. R2580:2, 3436:1, 3301:2, 2965:6, 2821:4
They had expected their deliverer would be the one who would cause the loss of many lives and the breaking of many hearts with sorrow and trouble. R3300:6
How his words ought to have appealed to all that were broken-hearted! The difficulty probably was that they were hard-hearted. R5608:4
To tell those in trouble that by and by the Kingdom would bring order, peace and joy out of present confusion and trouble. R1714:3
Pouring in the oil and the wine of the divine promise to cheer, comfort, bless and prepare for joint-heirship in the Kingdom. R2580:3
Help to allay the sufferings of others, especially of the Lord's household, though they are to assist any as they have suitable opportunity. But their special work in blessing and comforting the world will be in the Kingdom. R5537:1
To point them to the ransom, the resurrection, and to tell them that "joy cometh in the morning." (Psa. 30:5) R3436:1
To preach – "The hour is coming, in which all that are in their graves shall hear his [Jesus'] voice and shall come forth." (John 5:28) R240:6, 1903:3, 1714:6; NS119:1, 209:4
Deliverance – The gospel of the resurrection. E378
Signifying the liberation of Satan's captives from the bondage of sin, and ultimately the release from death and its bondage. R3300:6
By his death he secured the key. (Rev. 1:18) ; HG497:4; NS139:3, 209:3
To the captives – Surely our Lord opened no earthly prison doors at his first advent. HG497:4; NS118:6
John the Baptist was in Herod's prison at that very time, and the Lord never mentioned his deliverance, nor attempted it. NS209:3
The dead race, still lying in the prison-house of death, the grave. R1715:6
All in that prison-house shall be delivered, not one shall be left. NS209:4
Captives of sin, and receiving daily its wages--dying by inches and entering the great prison-house, the tomb. R1086:1
"Sold under sin." (Rom. 7:14) R2580:4, 2310:3; C315; E122; SM611:3
All are mentioned as "prisoners," some in the prison, and some prisoners in bondage, "captives" not yet barred in. R838:6
Sin is represented as the great oppressive Monarch, from whose power we have been delivered by Christ. Regaining our liberty, we have become associated with the Redeemer of all the slaves of sin and death. R930:6
"Prisoners of hope." (Zech. 9:12) R2601:1
The grave is really a symbol of hope; for we would not speak of it as a prison house were it not for our hopes of resurrection. R894:1
Were they not captives, bound by the fetters of sin, bound also by the chains and fetters of heredity, sickness, imperfection and death? R5068:5
Their thoughts may have gone out to John the Baptist, who at this time was in prison, and they may have wondered whether Jesus would take any steps for his release. R3300:6
We have no hope for the opening of the blind eyes in the present age--only the few now get the eyesalve. It is better that the majority should be permitted to remain blinded, that when the eyes of their understanding have been opened, and their responsibilities proportionately increased, it may be under circumstances more favorable to them. R2580:5
Under "the bondage of corruption" (Rom. 8:21), decay and death. R838:6, 2310:4; SM611:3
To the blind – Mentally, morally and physically. HG293:3
The blindness which sin has brought upon the hearts of men, perverting their mental vision, hindering them from seeing the divine being and his divine attributes in their true light. R2580:5
Whose minds the god of this world hath blinded. (2 Cor. 4:4) R2310:5
Were not some of them actually blind also, as respected the eyes of their understanding? R5068:5
To set at liberty – Freedom from the domination of Satan and sin. R3301:3
To become members of the house of sons. R3302:4
They have no liberty so long as they are under the bondage of corruption (decay and death), hence the deliverance of the prisoners in the tomb, and the captives not entombed, to perfect life, are equally the work of the Restorer. R838:6
Them that are bruised – Were they not all bruised by the fall, imperfect, blemished, wounded, sore--mentally, morally and physically. R5068:5
This figure fitly represents the bondage of corruption, infirmity, etc., which are concomitants to the death penalty. R2580:6
How comparatively valueless would all the other features of blessings be if sickness, pain and imperfection continued. R2580:6
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| 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
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The acceptable year – Time, period. R3301:1, 2581:1
The Gospel age is the only opportunity to attain unto the divine nature, immortality--we see no "second chance" for that. R527:3*
The time in which God will accept your sacrifices, because he accepts you as "members" of the Body of the Christ, the great High Priest, the great Mediator of the New Covenant. R4535:3, 3301:1, 2581:1, 241:6
The entire Gospel age, the "acceptable time" in the sense that, during this period, God is willing, through the merit of Christ's sacrifice, to accept from amongst the sinners a Little Flock of joint-sacrificers to share with their Redeemer the Kingdom. R5068:5
The Gospel age antitypes Israel's Day of Atonement, and the sacrifices of our Lord and his Church, his Body, are the "better sacrifices," foreshadowed by the bullock and goat offered typically by the Jews. SM48:2
The acceptance of the world, after their restoration by Christ, is very different from the acceptance of the Church in this present time. R3301:1
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| 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. |
He closed the book – Our Lord read discriminatingly, "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). He read the part appropriate to the time, but did not read about the day of vengeance. R3300:3, 59:3*; A218
Similarly our Lord referred to two of the "three ways" in Matt. 7:13,14, because the third was not yet due to be opened up. A218
His teaching was to test the people: if his message were received, no day of vengeance would be necessary; if not received, the day of vengeance would follow, as it did follow upon that nation after it had rejected him. R3300:3
Omitting "and the day of vengeance of our God." That part of the prophecy was not due to be proclaimed. Today the passage is due to be given as a whole. R5537:5, 1917:6, 241:6
It was not yet time to proclaim "the day of vengeance of our God," nor to comfort all that mourn--the whole "groaning creation," nor to grant unto the mourners in Zion beauty for ashes, etc. R1715:1
And sat down – It is better that we should read one verse understandingly and appreciatingly than that we should merely read chapter after chapter of the Lord's Word in a formal manner. R3300:3
Fastened on him – The audience had a mixed sentiment respecting him--the natural feeling of irreverence for those with whom we are intimately acquainted, and another feeling of pride in a fellow-citizen who had attained such renown. R2579:2
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| 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
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Began to say – The Lord's discourse is not given, but unquestionably it was a grand one, based upon so grand a text. R3301:6, 2579:2
This day – Why did he not read the entire commission? The answer is obvious: it was because the remainder was not fulfilled in that day. R1714:3
Now, in the harvest of their age, for the first time it could be said that it was fulfilled. R3300:5
Fulfilled – He did not, in any coarse or rude manner, say: "I am the Messiah, I am the anointed of Jehovah." He did it in a quiet, unassuming manner, by calling attention to the prophecy and declaring that its fulfillment had now taken place. R3300:5
Primarily fulfilled in Jesus, but applies also to the members of Christ. R5536:5, 1714:3
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| 22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? |
And all – Lengthy quotes praising Jesus from Rousseau and Napoleon Bonaparte. E154, E155
Bare him witness – His superiority as a reader and exponent was recognized, and the service was usually turned over to him. R4957:3
Yet faithfulness to the truth quickly aroused hatred and opposition. Very soon the great ones in the church began to oppose him bitterly; but still many of the common people heard him gladly. R1069:3
The people of Nazareth would of course feel a certain sense of pride in their fellow-citizen, whose fame was spreading throughout all Galilee and Judea. R5067:3
Wondered at – Recognizing him as far beyond the ordinary. "Never man spake like this man." (John 7:46) E154
They had never before seen one in whom was Life. R4107:4
Filled with admiration. R2579:3
The explanation of the matter is that Jesus was perfect, while all about him were imperfect. R4957:3, 4107:4
Not merely because he was a perfect man, but also because his words were indited of the indwelling Spirit of the Father. R240:4
Receiving his testimony, but later deserting him, walking no more with him as he continued to enforce the lessons of divine truth. (See verse 28) R5507:6
Gracious words – Words of favor, of blessing, of comfort. R3301:3
Words of love, and promises of release from death. R241:3
"Never man spake like this man" (John 7:46); "Beautiful words, wonderful words of life." SM263:1
"He taught as one having authority [as one who understood his subject thoroughly] and not as the scribes [not doubtfully]." (Matt. 7:29) R3803:2
"Grace is poured into thy lips" (Psa. 45:2); "Let your speech be always with grace [with manifest love and kindness], seasoned with salt [a purifying and preservative influence]." (Col. 4:6) R1937:2
No threats of eternal torment to nine-tenths of the human family. R2569:6, 1502:4
Yet faithfulness to the truth quickly aroused hatred and opposition. R1069:3, 5068:2
The grace of our Lord's lips is manifest to us in the message which he left. SM55:1
Even at the age of twelve, he was intellectually superior to the mature and learned doctors. R1682:2
Out of his mouth – "Grace is poured into thy lips" (Psa. 45:2). "My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb and as the showers upon the grass." (Deut. 32:2) R1937:2
Is not this Joseph's son? – It was just as some remarked on other occasions: "Whence hath this man this wisdom?" (Matt. 13:54) Ah, it was by reason of the anointing. R1715:5
One of their humblest citizens. R1715:5
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| 23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
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Do also here – Our Lord does not say that he was not permitted of the Father to do miracles at Nazareth, although this is implied in the fact that he did none, and in the examples and illustrations which he gave. R2579:3
He might not use his power selfishly in his own interest. We may likewise suppose that he would not be at liberty to use it simply as a gratification to curiosity, but that it could be used only in response to proper faith. R2579:4
We may surmise the reason the Lord did not perform any miracles at Nazareth was because the people, being in a right condition of mind, should have been ready to accept the good tidings without any attestation of miracles. R3494:2
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| 24 And he said, Verily, I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
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Verily I say – Words of reproof to a heedless and merely curiosity-seeking people. R1715:5
Human nature esteems grander that which is distant. R3494:2
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| 25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
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The days of Elias – Our Lord's reference to this incident confirms this entire piece of history respecting Elijah, the three and a half years of famine and his visit to Sarepta. R2326:4
Three years and six months – Foretelling the flight of the true Church into the wilderness from the face of the false church during 1260 years, while the harlot reigned as a queen. (Rev. 12:6) R389:3*
Illustrating the period of Papacy's reign "as a queen." (See 1 Kings 17:1,7) B256; R389:3*
Great famine – Israel may already have had six months' drought when Elijah announced that no rain was to be expected until he would announce it. (See 1 Kings 18:1) R4740:1
As copious rains followed, so at the end of the 1260 years, AD 1799, the power of the truth and its witnesses was manifested. B256
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| 26 But unto none of them was Elijah sent, save unto Zarephath, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
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Save unto Sarepta – In Zidon, implying that she, a Gentile, was more worthy of the blessings than were any of the widows of Israel. (See 1Kings 17:9) R5741:3, 2326:4
A woman – A Gentile, but more worthy of the blessings Elijah accorded than were any of the widows of the land of Israel. R5741:3
There was faith found in the widow. R2348:1
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| 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
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Many lepers – Had not thought it worth while to seek Elijah for help. R2348:1
Saving Naaman – There was faith found in Naaman. The "many lepers" of Israel had heard of this prophet, no doubt; but Naaman had faith in God to come seeking Elisha. R2348:1
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| 28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, |
In the synagogue – They could teach the people in the synagogue, for a time, but as they shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God, they soon found little, and finally, no opportunity to teach the people in the synagogue. R986:5
When they heard – The apt illustrations were unkindly received by his hearers because, drawing the parallel, it likened them to starving, poor and diseased lepers, and implied our Lord's comparative greatness and superiority to them as a dispenser of divine bounty. R2579:5
Filled with wrath – What a picture of the natural man in his fallen position! At one moment rejoicing in the Master's gracious words, at another desiring to destroy him because of the failure of their selfish hopes and ambitions. R3302:1
Those who followed the Lord for only a little season and then forsook him ceased then to be his disciples, and were no longer so recognized. R3153:2
What made the change? The plain declaration that, because they did not believe in him fully, therefore it would not be God's will that he should perform any miracles for them. R5068:2
The miracles were practical, and they could appreciate them; but his teaching that he was the Messiah seemed far-fetched, when they had known him for so long as the son of Joseph, the carpenter. R2579:3
Their pride and patriotism made them wild. R5068:2
What consternation would follow in the churches of today if the whole "counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) were declared! R5507:6
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| 29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. |
Thrust him out – It seems that persecution from his earthly kindred was not lacking, and that he was unwelcome in the home of his childhood. R1069:3
If you are faithful in proclaiming the truth, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, it will not be long before they will do with you as they did with Jesus. R356:5
And led him – Not daring to lay hands on him, but merely as a mob gnashing upon him and pushing onward in a direction in which they desired. R5068:2
Brow of the hill – A precipitous hill about forty or fifty feet high. R3302:1
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| 30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way, |
Passing through the midst – Not a disappearance in the sense of becoming invisible to the people. It was merely an adroit, prompt movement, by which he eluded the murderous designs of his enemies. B126
Apparently our Lord permitted the matter to go far enough to show the real spirit of his opposers. R3302:1
By the exercise of some power, possibly a power natural to a perfect human being, our Lord mastered them with his mind, and passed from their midst. R2579:6
Overawing them by the dignity of his presence. R5068:2
Went his way – His hour had not yet come and therefore he seems to have exerted that power which belonged to him as a perfect man over the weaker, imperfect men--the power of his mind alone, we believe. R1715:6
The same power was exercised on similar occasions. (See John 7:30,43-46.) But when his hour was come he opened not his mouth nor resisted in any degree the throngs that sought his life. R1715:6
As the Father had a due time for the Son in which to accomplish his work, so, doubtless, divine providence is overruling and guiding the affairs of each member of the Body of Christ so that not even a hair of their heads could fall without divine notice. R3302:1
Went his way – Unmolested; his hour had not yet come. R3302:1, 1715:6
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| 31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. |
Taught them – The Lord has not seen fit to provide us with even a condensed statement of his discourse, but the clear inference of the following story is that he was speaking against sin, and incidentally mentioned demoniacal possession. R2581:3
The sabbath days – Type of the seventh thousand-year day. B40
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| 32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. |
They were astonished – Truth is stranger than fiction. The fallen condition seems to lead us to accept as more reasonable its own imaginings or those of others, rather than the direct, clear statement of the divine Word. R3861:1
Many, as they hear of the glorious plan of the ages, make the remark that they are astonished at the teaching, its beauty, its power, its reasonableness, and the way it glorifies God. R3861:4
Never imagine you can overturn an old lie without causing terrible confusion and alarm among the children of this world living under it, as illustrated by what transpires when your turn over a big, flat stone which for years has remained surrounded by grass. R3860:3
With power – Of the holy Spirit. R1917:1
He was the greatest teacher that ever lived. R1917:1
As one who knew the truth by an implicit faith in God which admitted of no doubt, and by the practical demonstration of its power upon his own heart. R1917:2
Our Lord had a clear understanding of the subjects he handled, and his presentations were not vague, but clear-cut and distinct; and well-proven by the testimony of the Law and the Prophets. R2581:3
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| 33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, |
In the synagogue – The devil went to church then as he not infrequently does now, and he was as opposed to having the truth preached then as he is now. R3309:2
There was a man – Similar to perhaps half of the insane of the present day. R3310:4
Which had a spirit – Apparently the human will must consent before these evil spirits have power to take possession. But when they do take possession apparently the willpower is so broken down that the individual is almost helpless to resist their presence and further encroachment, even though he so desires. R2173:3
Of an unclean devil – One of the fallen angels from the time of the flood mentioned in Jude 6, 7 and 2 Pet. 2:4. R3309:3
This tendency to congregate in one person indicates the desire they have still to exercise the power originally given them; namely, the power to materialize as men. R2173:3
And cried out – Believing that the Lord's teachings were condemnatory of himself and associates using the mouth of the possessed man. R3309:3
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| 34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. |
Let us alone – Jesus had evidently made some reference in his sermon to the subject of demoniacal obsession. R2581:5
There are many amongst men who have similarly perverted notions of their vested rights to defraud, mislead, pillage and injure others. R3772:2
Wherever the true Gospel goes, its effect is to cause uproar and confusion in the kingdom of the prince of darkness. R1633:3
To do with thee – In common with thee. R3772:2 To destroy us -- Not only not attempting to deny their own identity, but admitting his lordship and power over them, and their expectation of some future termination of their present restraint or imprisonment--a culmination or judgment in their case. F626
Apparently this demon recognized that the time was still distant when the power of Satan and all the fallen angels is doomed to be overthrown. R3309:4, 2581:6, 254:5
It is expressly stated that those angels which sinned are to have a future trial. (2 Pet. 2:4) R697:1
These imprisoned spirits had in mind destruction as their final doom, but it does not prove that their suppositions were correct. R697:1; HG729:6
The faith of devils can only inspire trembling, dread and fear. (James 2:19) R606:5
I know thee – As Satan recognized Jesus in the temptation, so all of the fallen angels knew that the Holy One of God had become a man for the purpose of redeeming, reclaiming and restoring humanity. R3309:3
The Holy One of God – The testimony of the demon seemed to be reverential, and might by some have been construed in the Lord's favor. Jesus, however, was not willing to accept such a testimony from such a source. R3309:4, 3122:3
By contrast, the Pharisees said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph?" (John 6:42) R1680:1
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| 35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. |
Rebuked him – Our Lord did not deign to hold conversation with these spirit beings, a lesson to every one of his followers. R2581:6
The divine method seems to be to make a clear separation between the servants of God and the servants of evil. The privilege of testifying for God, being Ambassadors for the truth, is a favor reserved for the Lord's own people. R3309:4
Being unwilling to accept testimony from such a source. The Lord's people should resent the service of any who do not give evidence of heart-union with the Lord. R3309:5
Come out of him – Give up his hold upon the man's mind and body. R3727:2
Evil spirits can do nothing except as God permits them. R1722:1
When the devil – Today Satan, acting more skillfully than in the past, is leading on as a scientist and is pooh-poohing suggestions that there are evil spirits or a Beelzebub or prince of demons. R3310:5, 3122:5
Had thrown him – Tearing him, that is to say, causing a convulsion, a fit. R3310:3
Our Lord could have forbidden such manifestations of the demon spirit, but preferred to allow it to be so, that thus might be manifested the malignant disposition of the evil spirits. R2582:1, 3727:3
The demon was powerless to resist the authority of Jesus, but he caused the man considerable torture in going from him. R3727:2
There are no such obsessions or possessions by holy Spirits. R3727:3
In the midst – On the floor of the synagogue, in the midst of the people. R3310:4
He came out – Undoubtedly there are cases of demon possession today--obsession. The customs of our day removes these to asylums, where they are called insane. R3310:4
Hurt him not – Not having power to do him injury, under the Lord's command. R3310:4
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| 36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. |
What a word is this! – Inquiring, What new teaching is this which has authority to cast out the evil demons? R3310:4
He commandeth – Exercising in their very presence a superhuman power--controlling spirit beings. R2582:2
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| 37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. |
The fame of him – There was a reason why miracles were necessary at the beginning of this dispensation. Had our Lord Jesus performed no miracles, how could we today feel the confidence, the assurance, that we do feel respecting him? R3310:1
Today we have no necessity for such manifestations of miraculous power. R3310:1
As Messiah, with power and authority. R1743:1
Tending to his immediate advancement of the kingly office. R1754:3
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| 38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. |
Out of the synagogue – It was the Sabbath day, and the Jews, however irreligious and even devilish some of them were, were all strict Sabbatarians. R3311:1
A great fever – How many today are being consumed by a fever of ambition, pride or discontent? R2582:6
They besought him – The casting out of the demon suggested to them our Lord's power to heal diseases. R3727:4
How can we, who have devoted or consecrated our earthly advantages for the heavenly ones, ask to have again the earthly advantages? R3310:3
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| 39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. |
Stood over her – Took her by the hand and helped her up. R2582:2, 3727:5
It left her – Jesus is unquestionably able to heal the sickness of our bodies today, but should we expect such healings? R3311:4, 3301:6
Immediately she arose – Instead of being weak and enervated, as is usually the case after a severe fever. R3310:6, 2582:2
Ministered unto them – Probably in the setting forth of refreshments and other household matters. R3311:1
An operation of the mind could not have restored at once the strength lost by the fever. R3311:1
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| 40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. |
When the sun was setting – The cooler time of the day, in which the diseased could come in a warm country such as Palestine. R3311:1, 2582:2
Divers diseases – The lamenesses and impotencies of the past find analogies in the present: dead hands, worse than dead, used actively in the service of evil, have been recovered for activity in the service of the Lord; men and women, dead in trespasses and sins, awakened to newness of life in the service of the truth. R2582:6
Healed them – As Jesus preached freedom from evil maladies and death, he exemplified the power and authority of his preaching by "healing all manner of diseases." (Matt. 4:23) R241:1
Why such miracles? Why not more of them? Why not rebuke all the fevers? The miracles were merely a prophecy of the healing blessing which is to be fulfilled in due time in his Kingdom. R2582:3
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| 41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. |
And devils also – Persons; not human propensities. R2171:6
Out of many – Apparently there were great numbers thus possessed throughout Israel. R2173:2
Thou art Christ – Spiritualists talk much as we do; but every counterfeit is a proof of a genuine; second, only valuable things are counterfeited; and a counterfeit must resemble the genuine very closely, or it would not deceive. R267:4
Rebuking them – Praise and commendation from an evil source are never to be desired. R2582:2
Suffered them – Notice the personality and intelligence attributed to these demons. R2171:6; HG725:5
Not to speak – Further. R2171:6
The Lord does not desire the testimony of devils respecting himself or his plan. "Unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes?" (Psa. 50:16) R3727:6
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| 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. |
A desert place – A wilderness, a place deserted. R114:1
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| 43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
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Preach the kingdom – Not only was the Kingdom the topic with which the Lord began his public ministry, but it was really the main topic of all his preaching, other subjects being mentioned merely in connection with or in explanation of this one subject. A273
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| 44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee. |
Synagogues – The Lord could go into the synagogues and teach for a time; but soon found little, and finally no, opportunity to teach there. R986:5
Today the "clergy" keep out all who would feed the sheep "meat in due season" (Matt. 24:45); hence the sheep are called out of Babylon. R986:6
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