The Desire of Ages
by Ellen G. White
Chapter 14: "We Have Found the Messias"
This chapter is based on John 1:19-51.
John the Baptist was now preaching and baptizing at
Bethabara, beyond Jordan. It was not far from this spot that God had stayed the
river in its flow until Israel had passed over. A little distance from here the
stronghold of Jericho had been overthrown by the armies of heaven. The memory
of these events was at this time revived, and gave a thrilling interest to the
Baptist's message. Would not He who had wrought so wonderfully in ages past
again manifest His power for Israel's deliverance? Such was the thought
stirring the hearts of the people who daily thronged the banks of the Jordan. {DA 132.1}
The preaching of John had taken so deep a hold on the nation
as to demand the attention of the religious authorities. The danger of
insurrection caused every popular gathering to be looked upon with suspicion by
the Romans, and whatever pointed toward an uprising of the people excited the
fears of the Jewish rulers. John had not recognized the authority of the
Sanhedrin by seeking their sanction for his work; and [133] he had
reproved rulers and people, Pharisees and Sadducees alike. Yet the people
followed him eagerly. The interest in his work seemed to be continually
increasing. Though he had not deferred to them, the Sanhedrin accounted that,
as a public teacher, he was under their jurisdiction. {DA 132.2}
This body was made up of members chosen from the priesthood,
and from the chief rulers and teachers of the nation. The high priest was
usually the president. All its members were to be men advanced in years, though
not aged; men of learning, not only versed in Jewish religion and history, but
in general knowledge. They were to be without physical blemish, and must be
married men, and fathers, as being more likely than others to be humane and
considerate. Their place of meeting was an apartment connected with the temple
at Jerusalem. In the days of Jewish independence the Sanhedrin was the supreme
court of the nation, possessing secular as well as ecclesiastical authority.
Though now subordinated by the Roman governors, it still exercised a strong
influence in civil as well as religious matters. {DA 133.1}
The Sanhedrin could not well defer an investigation of John's
work. There were some who recalled the revelation made to Zacharias in the
temple, and the father's prophecy, that had pointed to his child as the
Messiah's herald. In the tumults and changes of thirty years, these things had
in a great measure been lost sight of. They were now called to mind by the
excitement concerning the ministry of John. {DA 133.2}
It was long since Israel had had a prophet, long since such
a reformation as was now in progress had been witnessed. The demand for
confession of sin seemed new and startling. Many among the leaders would not go
to hear John's appeals and denunciations, lest they should be led to disclose
the secrets of their own lives. Yet his preaching was a direct announcement of
the Messiah. It was well known that the seventy weeks of Daniel's prophecy,
covering the Messiah's advent, were nearly ended; and all were eager to share
in that era of national glory which was then expected. Such was the popular
enthusiasm that the Sanhedrin would soon be forced either to sanction or to
reject John's work. Already their power over the people was waning. It was
becoming a serious question how to maintain their position. In the hope of
arriving at some conclusion, they dispatched to the Jordan a deputation of
priests and Levites to confer with the new teacher. {DA 133.3}
A multitude were gathered, listening to his words, when the
delegates approached. With an air of authority designed to impress the people [134]
and to command the deference of the prophet the haughty rabbis came. With a
movement of respect, almost of fear, the crowd opened to let them pass. The
great men, in their rich robes, in the pride of rank and power, stood before
the prophet of the wilderness. {DA 133.4}
"Who art thou?" they demanded. {DA 134.1}
Knowing what was in their thoughts, John answered, "I
am not the Christ." {DA
134.2}
"What then? Art thou Elias?" {DA 134.3}
"I am not." {DA 134.4}
"Art thou that prophet?" {DA 134.5}
"No." {DA 134.6}
"Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that
sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?" {DA 134.7}
"I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make
straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." {DA 134.8}
The scripture to which John referred is that beautiful
prophecy of Isaiah: "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God.
Speak [135]
ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her appointed time is
accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. . . . The voice of him
that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in
the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every
mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and
all flesh shall see it together." Isaiah 40:1-5, margin. {DA 134.9}
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented
parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to
level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel
in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to
illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and
every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with
its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly
pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God"
are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience
of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love,
so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of
the gospel, of which John's message was a part. {DA 135.1}
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest
thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?"
The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been
inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to
heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist
began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from
the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of
the history of Israel. {DA
135.2}
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent,
Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but
his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John,
"If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come."
Matthew 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a
work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been
accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not
Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish. [136]
{DA 135.3}
Many of those gathered at the Jordan had been present at the
baptism of Jesus; but the sign then given had been manifest to but few among
them. During the preceding months of the Baptist's ministry, many had refused
to heed the call to repentance. Thus they had hardened their hearts and
darkened their understanding. When Heaven bore testimony to Jesus at His
baptism, they perceived it not. Eyes that had never been turned in faith to Him
that is invisible beheld not the revelation of the glory of God; ears that had
never listened to His voice heard not the words of witness. So it is now. Often
the presence of Christ and the ministering angels is manifest in the assemblies
of the people, and yet there are many who know it not. They discern nothing
unusual. But to some the Saviour's presence is revealed. Peace and joy animate
their hearts. They are comforted, encouraged, and blessed. {DA 136.1}
The deputies from Jerusalem had demanded of John, "Why
baptizest thou?" and they were awaiting his answer. Suddenly, as his
glance swept over the throng, his eye kindled, his face was lighted up, his
whole being was stirred with deep emotion. With outstretched hands he cried,
"I baptize in water: in the midst of you standeth One whom ye know not,
even He that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to
unloose." John 1:26, 27, R. V., margin. {DA 136.2}
The message was distinct and unequivocal, to be carried back
to the Sanhedrin. The words of John could apply to no other than the
long-promised One. The Messiah was among them! In amazement priests and rulers
gazed about them, hoping to discover Him of whom John had spoken. But He was
not distinguishable among the throng. {DA 136.3}
When at the baptism of Jesus, John pointed to Him as the
Lamb of God, a new light was shed upon the Messiah's work. The prophet's mind
was directed to the words of Isaiah, "He is brought as a lamb to the
slaughter." Isaiah 53:7. During the weeks that followed, John with new
interest studied the prophecies and the teaching of the sacrificial service. He
did not distinguish clearly the two phases of Christ's work,—as a
suffering sacrifice and a conquering king,—but he saw that His [137]
coming had a deeper significance than priests or people had discerned. When he
beheld Jesus among the throng on His return from the desert, he confidently
looked for Him to give the people some sign of His true character. Almost
impatiently he waited to hear the Saviour declare His mission; but no word was
spoken, no sign given. Jesus did not respond to the Baptist's announcement of
Him, but mingled with the disciples of John, giving no outward evidence of His
special work, and taking no measures to bring Himself to notice. {DA 136.4}
The next day John sees Jesus coming. With the light of the
glory of God resting upon him, the prophet stretches out his hands, declaring,
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! This is
He of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is become before me.
. . . And I knew Him not; but that He should be made manifest to
Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water. . . . I have beheld
the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon Him. And I knew
Him not: but He that sent me to baptize in water, He said unto me, Upon
whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon Him, the same
is He that baptizeth with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen, and have borne
witness that this is the Son of God." John 1:29-34, R. V., margin. {DA 137.1}
Was this the Christ? With awe and wonder the people looked
upon the One just declared to be the Son of God. They had been deeply moved by
the words of John. He had spoken to them in the name of God. They had listened
to him day after day as he reproved their sins, and daily the conviction that
he was sent of Heaven had strengthened. But who was this One greater than John
the Baptist? In His dress and bearing there was nothing that betokened rank. He
was apparently a simple personage, clad like themselves in the humble garments
of the poor. {DA 137.2}
There were in the throng some who at Christ's baptism had
beheld the divine glory, and had heard the voice of God. But since that time
the Saviour's appearance had greatly changed. At His baptism they had seen His
countenance transfigured in the light of heaven; now, pale, worn, and
emaciated, He had been recognized only by the prophet John. {DA 137.3}
But as the people looked upon Him, they saw a face where divine
compassion was blended with conscious power. Every glance of the eye, every
feature of the countenance, was marked with humility, and expressive of
unutterable love. He seemed to be surrounded by an [138]
atmosphere of spiritual influence. While His manners were gentle and
unassuming, He impressed men with a sense of power that was hidden, yet could
not be wholly concealed. Was this the One for whom Israel had so long waited? {DA 137.4}
Jesus came in poverty and humiliation, that He might be our
example as well as our Redeemer. If He had appeared with kingly pomp, how could
He have taught humility? how could He have presented such cutting truths as in
the Sermon on the Mount? Where would have been the hope of the lowly in life
had Jesus come to dwell as a king among men? {DA 138.1}
To the multitude, however, it seemed impossible that the One
designated by John should be associated with their lofty anticipations. Thus
many were disappointed, and greatly perplexed. {DA 138.2}
The words which the priests and rabbis so much desired to
hear, that Jesus would now restore the kingdom to Israel, had not been spoken.
For such a king they had been waiting and watching; such a king they were ready
to receive. But one who sought to establish in their hearts a kingdom of
righteousness and peace, they would not accept. {DA 138.3}
On the following day, while two disciples were standing
near, John again saw Jesus among the people. Again the face of the prophet was
lighted up with glory from the Unseen, as he cried, "Behold the Lamb of
God!" The words thrilled the hearts of the disciples. They did not fully
understand them. What meant the name that John had given Him,—"the
Lamb of God"? John himself had not explained it. {DA 138.4}
Leaving John, they went to seek Jesus. One of the two was
Andrew, the brother of Simon; the other was John the evangelist. These were
Christ's first disciples. Moved by an irresistible impulse, they followed
Jesus,—anxious to speak with Him, yet awed and silent, lost in the
overwhelming significance of the thought, "Is this the Messiah?" {DA 138.5}
Jesus knew that the disciples were following Him. They were
the first fruits of His ministry, and there was joy in the heart of the divine
Teacher as these souls responded to His grace. Yet turning, He asked only,
"What seek ye?" He would leave them free to turn back or to speak of
their desire. {DA 138.6}
Of one purpose only were they conscious. One presence filled
their thought. They exclaimed, "Rabbi, . . . where dwellest Thou?"
In a brief interview by the wayside they could not receive that for which they
longed. They desired to be alone with Jesus, to sit at His feet, and hear His
words. [139]
{DA 138.7}
"He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw
where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day." {DA 139.1}
If John and Andrew had possessed the unbelieving spirit of
the priests and rulers, they would not have been found as learners at the feet
of Jesus. They would have come to Him as critics, to judge His words. Many thus
close the door to the most precious opportunities. But not so did these first
disciples. They had responded to the Holy Spirit's call in the preaching of
John the Baptist. Now they recognized the voice of the heavenly Teacher. To
them the words of Jesus were full of freshness and truth and beauty. A divine
illumination was shed upon the teaching of the Old Testament Scriptures. The
many-sided themes of truth stood out in new light. {DA 139.2}
It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to
receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the key of knowledge, and
everyone that loveth "knoweth God." 1 John 4:7. {DA 139.3}
The disciple John was a man of earnest and deep affection,
ardent, yet contemplative. He had begun to discern the glory of Christ,—not
the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but "the
glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:14. He was absorbed in contemplation of the wondrous theme. {DA 139.4}
Andrew sought to impart the joy that filled his heart. Going
in search of his brother Simon, he cried, "We have found the
Messias." Simon waited for no second bidding. He also had heard the
preaching of John the Baptist, and he hastened to the Saviour. The eye of
Christ rested upon him, reading his character and his life history. His
impulsive nature, his loving, sympathetic heart, his ambition and
self-confidence, the history of his fall, his repentance, his labors, and his
martyr death,—the Saviour read it all, and He said, "Thou art
Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation,
A stone." {DA 139.5}
"The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee,
and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me." Philip obeyed the
command, and straightway he also became a worker for Christ. {DA 139.6}
Philip called Nathanael. The latter had been among the
throng when the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. As Nathanael
looked upon Jesus, he was disappointed. Could this man, who bore the marks of toil
and poverty, be the Messiah? Yet Nathanael could not decide to reject Jesus,
for the message of John had brought conviction to his heart. [140]
{DA 139.7}
At the time when Philip called him, Nathanael had withdrawn
to a quiet grove to meditate upon the announcement of John and the prophecies
concerning the Messiah. He prayed that if the one announced by John was the
deliverer, it might be made known to him, and the Holy Spirit rested upon him
with assurance that God had visited His people and raised up a horn of
salvation for them. Philip knew that his friend was searching the prophecies,
and while Nathanael was praying under a fig tree, Philip discovered his
retreat. They had often prayed together in this secluded spot hidden by the
foliage. {DA 140.1}
The message, "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the
law, and the prophets, did write," seemed to Nathanael a direct answer to
his prayer. But Philip had yet a trembling faith. He added doubtfully,
"Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Again prejudice arose in
Nathanael's heart. He exclaimed, "Can there any good thing come out of
Nazareth?" {DA 140.2}
Philip entered into no controversy. He said, "Come and
see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite
indeed, in whom is no guile!" In surprise Nathanael exclaimed,
"Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that
Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee." {DA 140.3}
It was enough. The divine Spirit that had borne witness to
Nathanael in his solitary prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the
words of Jesus. Though in doubt, and yielding somewhat to prejudice, Nathanael
had come to Christ with an honest desire for truth, and now his desire was met.
His faith went beyond that of the one who had brought him to Jesus. He answered
and said, "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of
Israel." {DA 140.4}
If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance, he
would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that he [141]
became a disciple. So in the case of many today whom prejudice withholds from
good. How different would be the result if they would "come and see"!
{DA 140.5}
While they trust to the guidance of human authority, none
will come to a saving knowledge of the truth. Like Nathanael, we need to study
God's word for ourselves, and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. He
who saw Nathanael under the fig tree will see us in the secret place of prayer.
Angels from the world of light are near to those who in humility seek for
divine guidance. {DA
141.1}
With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and
Nathanael, began the foundation of the Christian church. John directed two of
his disciples to Christ. Then one of these, Andrew, found his brother, and
called him to the Saviour. Philip was then called, and he went in search of
Nathanael. These examples should teach us the importance of personal effort, of
making direct appeals to our kindred, friends, and neighbors. There are those
who for a lifetime have professed to be acquainted with Christ, yet who have
never made a personal effort to bring even one soul to the Saviour. They leave
all the work for the minister. He may be well qualified for his calling, but he
cannot do that which God has left for the members of the church. {DA 141.2}
There are many who need the ministration of loving Christian
hearts. Many have gone down to ruin who might have been saved if their
neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them. Many
are waiting to be personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood,
the town, where we live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ.
If we are Christians, this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted
than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious
friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut
up in his heart. {DA
141.3}
All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light.
God makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His grace. His
promise is, "I will make them and the places round about My hill a
blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall
be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26. {DA 141.4}
Philip said to Nathanael, "Come and see." He did
not ask him to accept another's testimony, but to behold Christ for himself.
Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His disciples are His representatives
among men, and one of the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in [142]
exemplifying His character in our daily life. Our influence upon others depends
not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our
logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an
argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness
of Christ, is a power in the world. {DA 141.5}
The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought
conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the
divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through
it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and
convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in
the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and
the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen,
and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him
through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live
coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works
sanctification upon the character. {DA 142.1}
And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be
blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth
shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25. God could have reached His
object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a
character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His
joy,—the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,—we
must participate in His labors for their redemption. {DA 142.2}
Nathanael's first expression of his faith, so full and
earnest and sincere, fell like music on the ears of Jesus. And He "answered
and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree,
believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." The Saviour
looked forward with joy to His work in preaching good tidings to the meek,
binding up the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives of Satan.
At thought of the precious blessings He had brought to men, Jesus added,
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and
the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." {DA 142.3}
Here Christ virtually says, On the bank of the Jordan the
heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended like a dove upon Me. That scene
was but a token that I am the Son of God. If you believe on Me as such, your
faith shall be quickened. You shall see that the heavens are opened, and are
never to be closed. I have opened them to you. The [143] angels
of God are ascending, bearing the prayers of the needy and distressed to the
Father above, and descending, bringing blessing and hope, courage, help, and
life, to the children of men. {DA 142.4}
The angels of God are ever passing from earth to heaven, and
from heaven to earth. The miracles of Christ for the afflicted and suffering
were wrought by the power of God through the ministration of the angels. And it
is through Christ, by the ministration of His heavenly messengers, that every
blessing comes from God to us. In taking upon Himself humanity, our Saviour
unites His interests with those of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam, while
through His divinity He grasps the throne of God. And thus Christ is the medium
of communication of men with God, and of God with men. {DA 143.1}
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"At the Marriage Feast"
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