Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

Now was proved the truth of His words, “I lay down My life, that I might take it again. . . . I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” Now was fulfilled the prophecy He had spoken to the priests and rulers, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 10:17, 18; 2:19.

Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ had proclaimed in triumph, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being, all are replenished from the Source of life. Only He who is one with God could say, I have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again. In His divinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death. . . . {CSA 43.7}

Memory Text

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? {John 11:25, 26}

This week's SS Lesson will investigate closely the different circumstances that resurrection from the dead had been permitted to happen and will cite different individual conditions which contributed to such events. And it also includes its objectives and purposes in order to understand every resurrection allowed to transcribe before the cross.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: The Resurrection of Moses The First Resurrection of Moses

Jude 9; Luke 9:28-36; Deut. 34:5-7; 2Kings 2:1-11; Eph. 3:20

Monday: Two Old Testament Cases Two Similar Cases: at Zarephath and at Shunam

1Kings 17:8-24; 2Kings 4:18-37

Tuesday: The Son of the Widow of Nain An Interrupted Burial: At Nain

Acts 10:38; Luke 7:11-17; 1Kings 17:8-24; 2Kings 4:18-37; James 1:27

Wednesday: Jairus' Daughter The Girl who was Sleeping: Jairus’ Daughter

Deut. 34:10-12; 1Kings 4:8; Luke 7:12; 8:52; Mk 5:21-24, 35-43; Matt. 9:24; John 11:11-15; Rev. 1:18; John 3:16; Rom. 6:23

Thursday: Lazarus An Extreme Case: Lazarus

John 11:1-44

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Sunday: The Resurrection of Moses The First Resurrection of Moses

Jude 9; Luke 9:28-36; Deut. 34:5-7; 2Kings 2:1-11; Eph. 3:20

“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” (Jude 1:9)

Contending for the Faith, Moses Was in God's Hand

If they, like David, are brought into a position where God's cause really calls for them to meet a defier of Israel, and if they go forth in the strength of God, relying wholly upon Him, He will carry them through, and cause His truth to triumph gloriously. Christ has given us an example. "Yet Michael the Archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."--Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 218-220. (1872) {Ev 163.1}

"Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." Be careful that you do not rail once. We want the Holy Spirit of God to be life and voice for us. Our tongue should be as the pen of a ready writer because the Spirit of God is speaking through the human agent. When you use that twit and fling, you have stirred in some of yourself, and we do not want anything of that mixture. {7MR 79.3}

It is plain that aggressive warfare is to be maintained. "It was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" [Jude 3]. Then, lest men should put on the zeal of their own creating, born of their hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and count it true zeal for God, permitting Satan to get the advantage of them in so doing, Jude presents the example of Christ. He says, "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil He disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee" [Jude 9]. {19MR 106.2}

Type Of Special Resurrection

If Moses represents the general resurrection, who, then, would represent the mixed, or special resurrection of Dan. 12:2? We have the one of Matt. 27:52, 53. "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." The saints who had part in this resurrection were gathered from all ages. Some who, perhaps, had lived at the very time Christ was preaching, and were acquainted with Him and His work, were witnesses to His resurrection. Read Early Writings, page 184; Desire of Ages, page 786. {SR1: 47.3}

There is still another reason why Matt. 27:52, is a type of this mixed resurrection. Those who were resurrected with Christ witnessed of the deity of Christ to the very ones who crucified Him. Speaking of this mixed resurrection, Daniel says: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Then there will be some righteous included who lived and witnessed the crucifixion; also those who crucified Him, and pierced Him, for, (Rev. 1:7) "Behold, He cometh with clouds: And every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him." Therefore, the resurrection which witnessed of the power of God to these murderers of His Son, typified the just who are raised in the mixed (special) resurrection. {SR1: 48.1}

Considering the Following

The resurrection of Moses was peculiar:

— He was 120 years old when he died. Other people who were resurrected were young when they died (Deuteronomy 34:7).

— Nobody saw Moses after his resurrection. We know about it from prophetic revelation (Jude 9).

— Moses was resurrected like we will be, with an incorruptible body (1 Corinthians 15:52).

— He didn’t die again because he appeared before Jesus during His ministry (Luke 9:28-36)

Jesus had not died at the cross yet. Therefore, Satan believed he owned Moses’ body and fought for it. Note that he didn’t fight for Moses’ spirit or soul, but for his physically transformed body. Moses ascended to Heaven with a corporeal body, not as an ethereal being.

Special Resurrection of Daniel 12:2

Thus the temple, the first and the largest object, must represent the first and largest body of righteous dead, those from Adam's time to the beginning of the judgment in 1844. While the altar, a special and smaller object, must represent a special and smaller body of righteous dead the righteous who die from 1844 on, and who are to come up in the special resurrection of Daniel 12:2 (Early Writings, p. 285).”

Monday: Two Old Testament Cases Two similar cases: at Zarephath and at Shunam

1Kings 17:8-24; 2Kings 4:18-37

“Women received their dead raised to life again.” (Hebrews 11:35)

Through Much Tribulation Entrance into God's Kingdom

Christianity promises no exemption from sorrow. "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Faith is needed, strong, trusting faith, which believes that God will bring His children into no temptation greater than they are able to bear. What such faith has power to do is told by Paul in his letter to the Hebrews. Speaking of those who in the face of persecution and death had maintained an unshaken trust in God, he says: {HP 268.2}

"Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented" (Hebrews 11:33-37). {HP 268.3}

Unworthy of Life but Enrolled as God's Children

"Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented." {RH, March 7, 1912 par. 8}

In this world these heroes of faith were counted unworthy of life; but in heaven they are enrolled as sons of God, worthy of the highest honor. "They shall walk with me in white," Christ declares; "for they are worthy." In the courts of heaven there awaits them an "eternal weight of glory." {RH, March 7, 1912 par. 9}

Considering the Following

These miracles were possible thanks to the faith of the mothers.

— They hosted the prophet because he was a prophet (1 Kings 17:9; 2 Kings 4:9-10; Matthew 10:41).

— They sought help from the prophet when death stung (1 Kings 17:17-18; 2 Kings 4:27-28).

— The prophet got involved and made the miracle in the room that had been prepared for him (1 Kings 17:19-22; 2 Kings 4:32-35).

— Finally, they received their children back alive (1 Kings 17:23; 2 Kings 4:36)

One woman was a widow and poor. The other was married and rich. Death strikes everyone, but God’s grace is available for everyone too. No matter who we are, God always hears a cry full of faith.

Tuesday: The Son of the Widow of Nain An interrupted burial: at Nain

Acts 10:38; Luke 7:11-17; 1Kings 17:8-24; 2Kings 4:18-37; James 1:27

“Women received their dead raised to life again.” (Hebrews 11:35)

The Widow of Nain

JESUS GAVE HER ONLY SON, WHO HAD DIED, BACK TO THE WIDOW OF NAIN.

Jesus knows the burden of every mother's heart. He who had a mother that struggled with poverty and privation sympathizes with every mother in her labors. He who made a long journey in order to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman will do as much for the mothers of today. He who gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and who in His agony upon the cross remembered His own mother, is touched today by the mother's sorrow. In every grief and every need He will give comfort and help.--DA 512 (1898).{DG 66.5}

The Saviour raised the dead to life. One of these was the widow's son at Nain. The people were carrying him to the grave, when they met Jesus. He took the young man by the hand, lifted him up, and gave him alive to his mother. Then the company went back to their homes with shouts of rejoicing and praise to God.--SJ 79 (1896).{DG 67.1}

Resurrected but not With Immortality

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Matthew 27:52, 53. {CTr 286.1}

During His ministry Jesus raised the dead to life. He raised the son of the widow of Nain and Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus. But these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised they continued to be subject to death and decay. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ’s resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They were the multitude of captives who ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave. . . . {CTr 286.2}

Considering the Following

Jesus made a miracle although nobody asked for it. The mother didn’t show a sign of faith. Jesus just resurrected the young man and gave him back to his mother (Luke 7:11-15).

God makes miracles even in favor of those who don’t ask for help or feel undeserving. He does it because He loves us.

Wednesday: Jairus' Daughter The girl who was sleeping: Jairus’ daughter

Deut. 34:10-12; 1Kings 4:8; Luke 7:12; 8:52; Mk 5:21-24, 35-43; Matt. 9:24; John 11:11-15; Rev. 1:18; John 3:16; Rom. 6:23

“When He came in, He said to them, ‘Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.’” (Mark 5:39)

Ministering to the needs of a father in Great Distress

At length, faint and weary with the work of teaching and healing, Jesus left the multitude in order to partake of food in the house of Levi. But the people pressed about the door, bringing the sick, the deformed, and the lunatic, for him to heal. As he sat at the table, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus, by name, came and fell at his feet, beseeching him: "My little daughter lieth at the point of death. I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live." {2SP 318.2}

The father was in great distress, for his child had been given up to die by the most learned physicians. Jesus at once responded to the entreaty of the stricken parent, and went with him to his home. The disciples were surprised at this ready compliance with the request of the haughty ruler. Although it was only a short distance, their progress was very slow; for the people pressed forward on every side eager to see the great Teacher who had created so much excitement, begging his attention and his aid. The anxious father urged his way through the crowd, fearful of being too late. But Jesus, pitying the people, and deploring their spiritual darkness and physical maladies, stopped now and then to minister to their wants. Occasionally he was nearly carried off his feet by the surging masses. {2SP 319.1}

The Lesson of Careful Attention to the Little Things

Christ in His life on earth taught the lesson of careful attention to the little things. The great work of redemption weighed continually upon His soul. As He was teaching and healing, all the energies of mind and body were taxed to the utmost; yet He noticed the most simple things in life and in nature. His most instructive lessons were those in which by the simple things of nature He illustrated the great truths of the kingdom of God. He did not overlook the necessities of the humblest of His servants. His ear heard every cry of need. He was awake to the touch of the afflicted woman in the crowd; the very slightest touch of faith brought a response. When He raised from the dead the daughter of Jairus, He reminded her parents that she must have something to eat. When by His own mighty power He rose from the tomb, He did not disdain to fold and put carefully in the proper place the graveclothes in which He had been laid away. {COL 357.2}

Considering the Following

Everyone was sure that the girl was dead (Mark 5:35, 38), but Jesus said she was just sleeping (Mark 5:39). He just asked her to wake up (Mark 5:41).

Death looks like the end from our perspective. We cannot do anything to get out of it. From God’s perspective, death is just like sleeping. He just needs to wake us up so we can live again.

Jesus has the keys of death (Revelation 1:18). Everyone lives to Him because everyone will be resurrected (Luke 20:38). He will keep us alive forever if we accept Him as our Savior today.

Thursday: Lazarus An extreme case: Lazarus

John 11:1-44

“Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, ‘Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.’” (John 11:39)

Demonstration of God's Power through Christ

"Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself cometh to the grave." Lazarus had been laid in a cave in a rock, and a massive stone had been placed before the entrance. "Take ye away the stone," Christ said. Thinking that He only wished to look upon the dead, Martha objected, saying that the body had been buried four days, and corruption had already begun its work. This statement, made before the raising of Lazarus, left no room for Christ's enemies to say that a deception had been practiced. In the past the Pharisees had circulated false statements regarding the most wonderful manifestations of the power of God. When Christ raised to life the daughter of Jairus, He had said, "The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." Mark 5:39. As she had been sick only a short time, and was raised immediately after death, the Pharisees declared that the child had not been dead; that Christ Himself had said she was only asleep. They had tried to make it appear that Christ could not cure disease, that there was foul play about His miracles. But in this case, none could deny that Lazarus was dead. {DA 534.3}

Crowning Evidence Given of the Son of God

Christ alone was able to bear the afflictions of the many. “In all their affliction he was afflicted.” He never bore disease in His own flesh, but He carried the sickness of others. With tenderest sympathy He looked upon the suffering ones who pressed about Him. He groaned in spirit as He saw the work of Satan revealed in all their woe, and He made every case of need and of sorrow His own. . . . The power of love was in all His healing. He identified His interests with suffering humanity. {CTr 251.2}

Christ was health and strength in Himself, and when sufferers were in His immediate presence, disease was always rebuked. It was for this that He did not go at once to Lazarus. He could not witness his suffering and not bring him relief. He could not witness disease or death without combating the power of Satan. The death of Lazarus was permitted that through his resurrection the last and crowning evidence might be given to the Jews that Jesus was the Son of God. {CTr 251.3}

Considering the Following

All the resurrections before Lazarus’ took place hours after the person died. However, Lazarus’ body was already rotting.

Despite Lazarus’ state, Jesus still considered he was sleeping so He was going to wake him up (John 11:11-14).

The resurrection of Lazarus is indubitable proof that Jesus has power to give life (John 11:25).

Martha was asked about the resurrection, and she expressed her faith in our future resurrection (John 11:23-24). She didn’t think she would see her brother again before that moment. She didn’t think her brother was already in Heaven either.

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Here we learn that the process of resurrection is the same as the process of creation: first the frame of the man, then the organism, the flesh, the skin, and last the breath, and again he becomes a living soul. Man's soul or spirit, you see, is not called down from heaven, or up from hell. In fact, not a soul at all, but wind from the four corners of the earth fills his lungs at the command of God, and thus he again becomes a living soul. Then, too, the material of which man was composed originally, of the same shall he be made again, for bone to bone come together. When he is thus re-created or resurrected, though, he must retain the knowledge and memory which he had at his death, otherwise the man that is raised would not be the man that died, and if such be not his case, then the experience gained in this life would be lost. The next point of interest would be to note why there are two resurrections, a thousand years apart (Rev. 20:5, 6). Let us turn to Romans: Rom. 8:10, 11 -- "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." Those who die with the Spirit of Christ in them, are the ones who come up in the resurrection of the just. But those in whom the Spirit of Christ does not dwell are to come up in the resurrection of the unjust, a thousand years after the resurrection of the just. Rev. 20:6 -- "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years." If these verses mean what they say concerning the righteous, then concerning the wicked they actually say: "Cursed and unholy is he that hath no part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath power; they shall not be priests of God and of Christ, and shall not reign with Him during the thousand years." {2TG32: 17.1-4}

Questions to Ponder

1. What are the purposes of resurrections done before the crucifixion of Christ, namely;

a. the son of the widow of Zarephath (1Kings 17:8-24).

b. the Shunammite's son (2Kings 4:18-37).

c. the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17).

d. Jairus daughter (Luke 8:40-56)

e. Lazarus (John 11)? Compared this situation with Moses's special resurrection?

2. What significant lesson we can glean from Moses’ resurrection? Was it a representation of those faithful who will also come into life when they have experienced the grave? (See: PK 227)

3. In what way has Moses received an exceedingly abundant blessing even though he didn't see the land of Canaan? Where does God bring him into?

4. For what purpose does God allow the miraculous resurrections to happen and why they died again?

5. What significant lesson can we learn from those dead whom Christ considers asleep?

6. In Thursday's lesson, why did Jesus weep, and what are the reasons?

7. Based on the above statement, {2TG32: 17.1-4}, How does resurrection compare to the creation and why did the first resurrection have a blessing in contrast to the second resurrection?

Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 25: Living and Dead Forms the House of Judah (google.com)

From the Pen of Inspiration

“God's chosen ones may fall at their post of duty, but they have only fallen asleep, to rest till Jesus awakes them to share with Him an eternal weight of glory.” E. G. W. (The Upward Look, September 15)

SSL-Q4-L5-Resurrections-Before-the-Cross-October-22-28-2022 (fliphtml5.com)