Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" These words would not be misunderstood, but priests and rulers interpreted them to suit their own understanding. With bitter contempt and scorn, they said, "This man calleth for Elias." Jesus said, "I thirst." These words, which should have awakened compassion in every heart, were held up to ridicule by the priests, in whose hearts humanity was eclipsed by satanic malignity. One of the hardened Roman soldiers, touched with pity as he looked at the parched lips, took a stalk of hyssop, and dipping it in a vessel of vinegar, lifted it to the Saviour's lips. But from the mockers came the words, "Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him." {RH, December 28, 1897 par. 13}

This scene was transacted in the sight of heaven and earth. Angels beheld the pitiless scorn and contempt shown to Jesus by those who should have acknowledged him as the Messiah. To this length they were led when unrestrained by the Lord of heaven. So it is with all religious zealots who separate from heavenly influences. {RH, December 28, 1897 par. 14}

Memory Text

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? {Mat. 27:46}

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This week's SS Lesson directs our attention to the very life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, His early nativity and growth as a child, and a shred of evidence that he passed through difficulties, afflictions, and challenges in human life. This includes the description of how he had suffered emotionally, mentally, and physically as He bore the sins of the world.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: The Early Days (The Crucible in His Childhood) - Luke 2:7, 22-24; Lev. 12:6-9; John 1:46

Monday: Despised and Rejected of Men (The Crucible in His Ministry) - Mat. 12:22-24; Luke 4:21-30; John 8:58. 59; Mat. 23:37

Tuesday: Jesus in Gethsemane (The Crucible at Gethsemane) - Eph. 1:1-4; 2Tim. 1:8, 9; Titus 1:1, 2; Mat. 26:39; Mk 14:33-36; Lk. 22:41-44; Zech. 13:7

Wednesday: The Crucified God (Crucible at the Cross) - Mat. 27:45, 51, 52; 15:38

Thursday: The Suffering God (In the Crucible with Christ) - Acts 14:22; Phil. 1:29; 2Tim. 3:12; Isa. 53:4; 2Cor. 4:21; John 10:28; Rom. 6:23; Titus 1:2; 1John 2:25

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

Sunday: The Early Days (The Crucible in His Childhood) - Luke 2:7, 22-24; Lev. 12:6-9; John 1:46

““Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46)

Manifested in our Mortal Flesh

Paul reminded his brethren that as Christ's messengers he and his fellow laborers were continually in peril. The hardships they endured were wearing away their strength. "We which live," he wrote, "are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you." Suffering physically through privation and toil, these ministers of Christ were conforming to His death. But that which was working death in them was bringing spiritual life and health to the Corinthians, who by a belief in the truth was being made partakers of life eternal. In view of this, the followers of Jesus were to be careful not to increase, by neglect and disaffection, the burdens and trials of the laborers. {AA 331.1}

Jesus Example a Life Worth Following

The life of Jesus was filled with industry, and He took exercise in performing varied tasks in harmony with His developing physical strength. In doing the work that was marked out for Him, He had no time for indulgence in exciting, useless amusements. He took no part in that which would poison the moral and lower the physical tone, but was trained in useful labor and even for the endurance of hardship. {AH 506.4}

In His earth life Christ was an example to all the human family, and He was obedient and helpful in the home. He learned the carpenter's trade and worked with His own hands in the little shop at Nazareth. . . . {AH 507.1}

The Bible says of Jesus, "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him." As He worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but gave them such exercise as would keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By precept and example Christ has dignified useful labor. {AH 507.2}

Jesus Acted Independently of the Rabbinical Laws

From its earliest years the Jewish child was surrounded with the requirements of the rabbis. Rigid rules were prescribed for every act, down to the smallest details of life. Under the synagogue teachers the youth were instructed in the countless regulations which as orthodox Israelites they were expected to observe. But Jesus did not interest Himself in these matters. From childhood He acted independently of the rabbinical laws. The Scriptures of the Old Testament were His constant study, and the words, “Thus saith the Lord,” were ever upon His lips. {CSA 8.2}

Consider the Following

Jesus could choose the environment where He would be born as a man.

— His family didn’t deserve a special place in the inn (Luke 2:7)

— His parents were poor (Luke 2:22-24; Leviticus 12:6-8)

— Herod tried to kill Him when He was a baby (Matthew 2:13)

— He was raised in a town with a bad name (John 1:46)

Imagine what Jesus had to face during His childhood and youth. He did everything according to God’s will. He was the only sinless person among people who used to sin.

The Perfect Development of Jesus' Childhood and Youth

In childhood Jesus did the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child, and not of a man, honoring His parents and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of His development He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless life. The Sacred Record says of His childhood, "The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." And of His youth it is recorded, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:40, 52. {CG 204.4}

Monday: Despised and Rejected of Men (The Crucible in His Ministry) - Mat. 12:22-24; Luke 4:21-30; John 8:58. 59; Mat. 23:37

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:3)

Poverty, Humiliation, and Suffering

Beyond the poverty and humiliation of the present, He pointed the disciples to His coming in glory, not in the splendor of an earthly throne, but with the glory of God and the hosts of heaven. And then, He said, "He shall reward every man according to his works." Then for their encouragement He gave the promise, "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom." But the disciples did not comprehend His words. The glory seemed far away. Their eyes were fixed upon the nearer view, the earthly life of poverty, humiliation, and suffering.

1. Must their glowing expectations of the Messiah's kingdom be relinquished?

2. Were they not to see their Lord exalted to the throne of David?

3. Could it be that Christ was to live a humble, homeless wanderer, to be despised, rejected, and put to death?

Sadness oppressed their hearts, for they loved their Master. Doubt also harassed their minds, for it seemed incomprehensible that the Son of God should be subjected to such cruel humiliation. They questioned why He should voluntarily go to Jerusalem to meet the treatment which He had told them He was there to receive.

4. How could He resign Himself to such a fate, and leave them in greater darkness than that in which they were groping before He revealed Himself to them? {DA 417.3}

Please check this advanced study on the Throne of David - a Kingdom that will never be destroyed.
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1. Meat In Due Season - 5. Mighty Stone and the Great Image of Daniel 2 (google.com)

2. Meat In Due Season - 6. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory (google.com)

Presenting His Priceless Good as Heavenly Merchantman

Has not the Lord Jesus sent message after message of rebuke, of warning, of entreaty, to these self-satisfied ones?

Have not His counsels been despised and rejected?

Have not His delegated messengers been treated with scorn, and their words been received as idle tales?

Christ sees that which man does not see. He sees the sins which, if not repented of, will exhaust the patience of a long-suffering God. Christ cannot take up the names of those who are satisfied in their own self-sufficiency. He cannot importune in behalf of a people who feel no need of His help, who claim to know and possess everything. {FW 83.2}

The great Redeemer represents Himself as a heavenly merchantman, laden with riches, calling from house to house, presenting His priceless goods, and saying, "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come into him and will sup with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:18-20). {FW 84.1}

Consider the Following

During His ministry, Jesus “went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38). However…

— He was accused of having made a pact with the devil (Matthew 12:24)

— His neighbors and relatives looked down on Him (Matthew 13:55-57; John 7:5)

— People tried to kill Him several times (Luke 4:29-30; John 8:59; John 10:31)

Jesus cried about the rejection of those who He had come to save (Matthew 23:37; John 1:10-11).

Tuesday: Jesus in Gethsemane (The Crucible at Gethsemane) - Eph. 1:1-4; 2Tim. 1:8, 9; Titus 1:1, 2; Mat. 26:39; Mk 14:33-36; Lk. 22:41-44; Zech. 13:7

““Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.’” (Mark 14:34)

Atonement for Sin We Become Sons of God

All blessings come to us by virtue of our union with Christ. He, the Lord of hosts, "hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before Him in love." He has chosen all who will receive and believe and practice the truth,--chosen them to be united to Him by adoption, to be members of the royal family. He has made an atonement for sin, and all who by faith receives Him as their Saviour become sons of God. {BCL 56.2}

Christ knows the weakness and the failings of the human heart. Of ourselves, we can never make ourselves fit to be co-workers with Him. It is God's purpose that each soul shall realize his inefficiency, and hunger and thirst after righteousness. Through the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit, we can be made vessels meet for the Master's use. {BCL 56.3}

Appropriation for Sin - the Son of God We Become His Children

God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, "Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." Luke 22:42. Jesus added these words of submission to the wisdom and will of God when in the Garden of Gethsemane He pleaded, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Matthew 26:39. And if they were appropriate for Him, the Son of God, how much more are they becoming on the lips of finite, erring mortals! {CCh 305.2}

Approbation to do Heart Service for the Master

Let the repenting sinner fix his eyes upon "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." . . . When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony--when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master. We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus, to endure trial, shame, or persecution for His dear sake. {FLB 107.5}

Consider the Following

At Gethsemane, Jesus was finally facing His destiny. He was not going to just die, but to die the eternal death to pay for our sins. It was the ultimate risk, He could lose everything and become eternally separated from the Father.

He longed for His friends to intercede for Him, but they didn’t. He longed for being freed from His pain. In His anguish, He was sweating blood. Finally, an angel came to comfort Him. He made the decision; He would drink the cup of pain because He loved us (Luke 22:39-45).

Wednesday: The Crucified God (Crucible at the Cross) - Mat. 27:45, 51, 52; 15:38

““He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:3)

Christ on the Cross of Calvary

But must works come first? No, it is faith first. And how? The cross of Christ is lifted up between heaven and earth. Here comes the Father and the whole train of holy angels; and as they approach that cross, the Father bows to the cross and the sacrifice is accepted. Then comes sinful man, with his burden of sin, to the cross, and he there looks up to Christ on the cross of Calvary, and he rolls his sins at the foot of the cross. Here mercy and truth have met together and righteousness and peace have kissed each other. And Christ says, "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me." {1SAT 112.1}

Christ loves every soul. He gave His life to save man. "If ye keep My commandments," He says, "ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." Christ died on the cross to draw all to Him, and He would have us joyful in that joy which He alone can give, the joy of obedience. {1SAT 217.3}

Humility Manifested - the Mystery of Godliness

(Matthew 27:54; 1 Timothy 3:16.) But although Christ's divine glory was for a time veiled and eclipsed by His assuming humanity, yet He did not cease to be God when He became man. The human did not take the place of the divine, nor the divine of the human. This is the mystery of godliness. The two expressions "human" and "divine" were, in Christ, closely and inseparably one, and yet they had a distinct individuality. Though Christ humbled Himself to become man, the Godhead was still His own. His deity could not be lost while He stood faithful and true to His loyalty. Surrounded with sorrow, suffering, and moral pollution, despised and rejected by the people to whom had been entrusted the oracles of heaven, Jesus could yet speak of Himself as the Son of man in heaven. He was ready to take once more His divine glory when His work on earth was done. {5BC 1129.3}

Footprints in the Sure Word of Prophecy

I am told that before finishing the life of Christ I ought to visit Jerusalem, the holy land. What made it holy? The Majesty of heaven clothed His divinity with humanity, and dwelt upon our earth. He was despised and rejected of men; in Jerusalem He was crucified by wicked hands. I have not the slightest inclination to visit Jerusalem, to see where it is thought probable that Jesus trod, where He may have labored, and where He may have been crucified. The means which might be expended thus I would prefer to treasure, that I may point souls to the Saviour risen from Joseph's tomb, and proclaiming, "I am the resurrection and the life." I can trace His footprints in the sure word of prophecy, and can obtain a better idea of His works and of His ways, than I could by visiting Jerusalem, defiled with unholy feet and unholy deeds. I could not expend money to visit these places when the living interests of Christ's kingdom are to be presented to the people. We are to teach the word of God, and to be doers of that word, which is represented as building upon the rock; the structure thus built will withstand the storm and the tempest, because it is founded on the eternal Rock. {PC 137.2}

Consider the Following

Jesus was condemned to die the most shameful way in that time: by crucifixion. However, everything that happened around that cross is a testimony of the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus. That was not just the wrongful death of an innocent man. (Luke 23:44; Mark 15:38; Matthew 27:51; Matthew 27:52).

The “wrath of God” towards sin was deflected from us to Christ. He carried our sins on Him. Jesus suffered the “second death” in our place, so we can live for Him (Revelation 20:6).

Thursday: The Suffering God (In the Crucible with Christ) - Acts 14:22; Phil. 1:29; 2Tim. 3:12; Isa. 53:4; 1Cor. 4:21; John 10:28; Rom. 6:23; Titus 1:2; 1 John 2:25

““Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.’” (Mark 14:34)

Through many tribulations enter into the Kingdom - Acts 14:22

Believe in Him and suffer for Him - Phil. 1:29

Live Godly in Christ suffers persecution -2Tim 3:12

Author and Finisher of our Faith

We are not to lean upon man. God is to be consulted. All our trust is to be placed in Him. But to walk by faith and not by sight does not mean that we are to close our eyes and see nothing. We must open our eyes as wide as possible, but they must be directed to the Saviour. If we continue to look to Him, He will guide us into all truth. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the author and finisher of our faith. {1SAT 219.1}

"In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path." This is the promise. God must be consulted at every step. He would not have us trust in human beings, who need themselves to walk carefully before God. Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. If we look to humanity we shall obtain human help, but if we ask for divine guidance we are safe in the assurance that God is leading us. {1SAT 219.2}

Done by Our Pattern - the Suffering Man of calvary

It is religion that ministers need; a daily conversion to God, an undivided, unselfish interest in His cause and work. There should be self-abasement, and a putting away of all jealousy, evil surmising, envy, hatred, malice, and unbelief. An entire transformation is needed. Some have lost sight of our pattern, the suffering Man of Calvary. In His service we need not expect ease, honor, and greatness in this life; for He, the Majesty of heaven, did not receive it. "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." With this example before us, will we choose to shun the cross, and to be swayed by circumstances? Shall our zeal, our fervor, be kindled only when we are surrounded by those who are awake and zealous in the work and cause of God? {2T 516.2}

Seed in Different Ground of Circumstances

But, alas, not all who come, remain, for "when any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side." And others, "when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word," are offended. These are they "that received the seed into stony places." "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty." Matt. 13:19-23. {7SC7-12: 4.2.10}

Though the "bad" along with the "good" are still coming (for we are yet in the period in which the wheat and the tares are commingled, the good and the bad fish are together in the net), you need not be of the tares or of the "bad fish." Be of the wheat, do as the "good": lay aside your own thoughts and ways, then take the Lord's, for He says: "...My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isa. 55:8, 9. {7SC7-12: 5.1.1}

And finally, never be like a Pharisee who can see the mote in his brother's eye, but cannot see the beam in his own (Matt. 7:3). For after all, "Who art thou?" asks the Lord. Art thou thyself not a Laodicean? How "judgest" thou "another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." Rom. 14:4. {7SC7-12: 5.1.2}

Consider the Following

What lessons can we learn from how and why Jesus confronted His crucibles?

First, we can be sure that He understands us (Hebrews 4:15). Besides, His suffering was greater than ours because of His moral purity.

Second, we find hope, “hope of eternal life” (Titus 1.2). Our temporary crucibles feel small when we look at them through the lens of eternity.

No matter our troubles in this life, we must always thank Jesus for His upright life and His perfect sacrifice. Thanks to Him, even the crucible of death will pass.

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

"This prophecy has been fulfilled in a marked manner. Every indignity, reproach, and cruelty that Satan could instigate human hearts to devise, has been visited upon the followers of Jesus. And it will he again fulfilled in a marked manner; for the carnal heart is still at enmity with the law of God, and will not be subject to its commands. The world is no more in harmony with the principles of Christ today than it was in the days of the apostles. The same hatred that prompted the cry, 'Crucify Him! crucify Him!' the same hatred that led to the persecution of the disciples, still works in the children of disobedience. The same spirit which in the Dark Ages consigned men and women to prison, to exile, and to death, which conceived the exquisite torture of the Inquisition, which planned and executed the massacre of St. Bartholomew, and which kindled the fires of Smithfield, is still at work with malignant energy in unregenerate hearts. The history of truth has ever been the record of a struggle between right and wrong. The proclamation of the gospel has ever been carried forward in this world in the face of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering." A.A. 84-5. {1SC9: 2.9}

Questions to Ponder

1. How could we relate our experiences of suffering to Christ's crucible? What kind of suffering did He suffer for us?

2. What instances of Christ's early life reveal His humility? What does He suffer early in life?

3. Why is it necessary for Christ to suffer rejection? How does it help in understanding His plan for us?

4. In Tuesday's Lesson, in what extent does he suffered for our sake? Does His last hour of suffering more significant than the previous or earlier sufferings?

5. Based on your experiences, have you thought that your suffering is incomparable with Christ's suffering on the cross? What lessons can we draw from this event? (note: hope and comfort)

6. What's the purpose of our suffering as we serve God and what promises had He given to bear them?

7. Based on the statement above (A.A. 84-5. {1SC9: 2.9}), what truth can we draw from it in order to fully understand His will for us and what assurance does he portray?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“As we separate from the world and its customs, we shall meet with the displeasure of worldlings. The world hated the One who was the very embodiment of virtue, because He was better than they were […] If the Majesty of heaven came to this world, and endured a life of humiliation and a death of shame, why should we shrink back because obedience involves a cross? If He was persecuted, can we expect better treatment? […] He will comfort and sustain all who come to Him for help.” E. G. W. (The Upward Look, November 7)

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