Sabbath Afternoon - February 11, 2023

Reading for the Week

 Luke 4:16–19; Isa. 62:1, 2; Deut. 15:11; Matt. 19:16–22; Luke 19:1–10; Job 29:12–16.

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Prayer Thought

And in the strength of the Redeemer you can work with wisdom and power to help some crooked life to be straight in God. What is there that Christ cannot do? He is perfect in wisdom, in righteousness, in love. Do not shut yourselves up to yourselves, satisfied to pour out all your affection upon each other. Seize every opportunity to contribute to the happiness of those around you, sharing with them your affection. Words of kindness, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would to many a struggling, lonely one be as a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of cheer, an act of kindness, would go far to lighten the burdens that are resting heavily upon weary shoulders. It is in unselfish ministry that true happiness is found. And every word and deed of such service is recorded in the books of heaven as done for Christ. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren," He declares, "ye have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40. {CCh 127.6} 

Memory Text

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: {Matt. 25:34}

This week's SS Lesson will explore into the life and personal ministry of Jesus as our model in serving the Lord. This includes the principles embedded through the lives of His ancient people in relation to the present world.

Study Outline

God Cares for those in Need

Sunday - February 12, 2023

The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Isa. 61:1, 2; Lk. 4:16-19; 7:19-23; Matt. 11:1-6; James 1:27

Monday - February 13, 2023

God's Provision for the Poor (Humanitarian Laws)

Exo. 23:10, 11; Lev.23:22; Deut. 15:11; Ps. 41::1; 82:3, 4; Prov. 28:27; 29:14

Biblical Examples

Tuesday - February 14, 2023

Caring for the Poor 1

The Rich Young Ruler

Matt. 19:16-22; Mk. 8:35-37; 10:17-22; Lk. 18:18-23

Wednesday - February 15, 2023

Caring for the Poor 1

Zacchaeus

Lk. 19:1-10; Mk. 10:24, 26; Lk. 18:27

Thursday - February 16, 2023

Consider the Man Job - Taking Care of those in Need

Job 1:8; 2:3, 9; 29:12-16; 58:6-8

Friday - February 17, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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God Cares for those in Need

Sunday - February 12, 2023

The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Isa. 61:1, 2; Lk. 4:16-19; 7:19-23; Matt. 11:1-6; James 1:27

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.’” (Luke 7:22)

According to Prophecy and Universal Expectation of the Jews

Paul "testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ." From the Old Testament Scriptures he showed that according to the prophecies and the universal expectation of the Jews, the Messiah would be of the lineage of Abraham and of David; then he traced the descent of Jesus from the patriarch Abraham through the royal psalmist. He read the testimony of the prophets regarding the character and work of the promised Messiah, and His reception and treatment on the earth; then he showed that all these predictions had been fulfilled in the life, ministry, and death of Jesus of Nazareth.  {AA 247.1}  

Open His Spirit to the Sweet Influence of Nature

Day by day Jesus gained knowledge from the great library of animate and inanimate nature. He who had created all things, at whose word of power hill and vale, river and tree, had come into being, was now a child of humanity, and He studied the lessons which His own hand had written in leaf and flower and tree. The parables, by which, during His ministry, Jesus loved to teach His lessons of truth, show how open His spirit was to the sweet influence of nature, and how, during those hidden years, He delighted to gather the spiritual teachings from all the surroundings of daily life. To Jesus the significance of the word and the works of God unfolded gradually, as He was thinking, seeking to understand the reason of things, as any youth may seek to understand. {CSW 39.1}  

Consider the Following

— Jesus read Isaiah 61:1-2 in the Synagogue of Nazareth. This passage is a definition of the Messiah’s ministry.

— Jesus treated those in need quite differently to how they were usually treated in that time.

— People thought they were suffering for their sins, so they were treated as if they had been cursed by God. Jesus loved them and saw them as possible citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.

— He tried to fulfill their needs and to share the hope of the Gospel with them.

Monday - February 13, 2023

God's Provision for the Poor (Humanitarian Laws)

Exo. 23:10, 11; Lev.23:22; Deut. 15:11; Ps. 41::1; 82:3, 4; Prov. 28:27; 29:14

“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother,” (Deuteronomy 15:7)

Caring for our Own Poor 

We are commanded to "do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10. In our benevolent work special help should be given to those who, through the presentation of the truth, are convicted and converted. We must have a care for those who have the moral courage to accept the truth, who lose their situations in consequence, and are refused work by which to support their families. Provision should be made to aid the worthy poor and to furnish employment for those who love God and keep His commandments. They should not be left without help, to feel that they are forced to work on the Sabbath or starve. Those who take their position on the Lord's side are to see in Seventh-day Adventists a warmhearted, self-denying, self-sacrificing people, who cheerfully and gladly minister to their brethren in need. It is of this class especially that the Lord speaks when He says: "Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house." Isaiah 58:7.  {6T 85.1} 

A Second Tithe - a Provision for the Poor

To promote the assembling of the people for religious service, as well as to provide for the poor, a second tithe of all the increase was required. Concerning the first tithe, the Lord had declared, "I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel." But in regard to the second he commanded, "Thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always." This tithe, or its equivalent in money, they were for two years to bring to the place where the sanctuary was established. After presenting a thank-offering to God, and a specified portion to the priest, the offerers were to use the remainder for a religious feast, in which the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow should participate. Thus provision was made for the thank-offerings and feasts at the yearly festivals, and the people were drawn to the society of the priests and Levites that they might receive instruction and encouragement in the service of God. Every third year, however, this second tithe was to be used at home, in entertaining the Levite and the poor, as Moses said, "That they may eat within thy gates, and be filled." This tithe would provide a fund for the uses of charity and hospitality.  {RH, September 17, 1889 par. 1}  

God's Design to Bless His People

And further provision was made for the poor. There is nothing, after their recognition of the claims of God, that more distinguishes the laws given by Moses than the liberal, tender, and hospitable spirit enjoined toward the poor. Although God had promised greatly to bless His people, it was not His design that poverty should be wholly unknown among them. He declared that the poor should never cease out of the land. There would ever be those among His people who would call into exercise their sympathy, tenderness, and benevolence. Then, as now, persons were subject to misfortune, sickness, and loss of property; yet so long as they followed the instruction given by God, there were no beggars among them, neither any who suffered for food.  {PP 530.3}   

The law of God gave the poor a right to a certain portion of the produce of the soil. When hungry, a man was at liberty to go to his neighbor's field or orchard or vineyard, and eat of the grain or fruit to satisfy his hunger. It was in accordance with this permission that Jesus and his disciples plucked and ate of the standing grain as they passed through the field on the Sabbath day.  {RH, September 17, 1889 par. 3}  

Consider the Following

— Poverty will never be eradicated (Dt. 15:11; Mr. 14:7). Therefore, God gave Israel laws to defend those in need:

(1)   Exodus 23:10-11: Lands were not sown every seventh year, and the poor could eat from their fruit

(2)   Leviticus 19:14: It was forbidden to curse the deaf or to make the cripple stumble

(3)   Leviticus 23:22: Part of the yearly harvest had to be left behind for those in need

— God’s love for those in need is an inspiration for us. How could we not love and care for those in need?

Every extravagance should be cut out of our lives, for the time we have for work is short. All around us we see want and suffering. Families are in need of food; little ones are crying for bread. The houses of the poor lack proper furniture and bedding. Many live in mere hovels which are almost destitute of conveniences. The cry of the poor reaches to heaven. God sees; God hears. But many glorify themselves. While their fellow men are poor and hungry, suffering for want of food, they expend much on their tables and eat far more than they require. What an account men will by and by have to render for their selfish use of God's money! Those who disregard the provision God has made for the poor will find not only that they have robbed their fellow men, but that in robbing them they have robbed God and have embezzled His goods.  {6T 385.1} 

Biblical Examples

Tuesday - February 14, 2023

Caring for the Poor 1

The Rich Young Ruler

Matt. 19:16-22; Mk. 8:35-37; 10:17-22; Lk. 18:18-23

“[…] Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor […] I give half of my goods to the poor;” (Luke 18:22; 19:8)

Acknowledgment of God as Good Master

In the nineteenth chapter of Matthew is recorded the case of the rich young ruler. This young man's tastes and desires were not offensive, but favorable to the growth of spirituality. As he saw Jesus blessing the little children, he was convinced that this must be a good man. He was sure that he could live in perfect harmony with him. Hastening to the Saviour, he knelt before him, and said, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" "Why callest thou me good?" Christ asked. "There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, which?" Jesus said, "Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."  {RH, September 11, 1900 par. 1}  

Acceptance of the Conditions of Discipleship

But first he must accept the conditions of discipleship. He must give himself unreservedly to God. At the Saviour's call, John, Peter, Matthew, and their companions "left all, rose up, and followed Him." Luke 5:28. The same consecration was required of the young ruler. And in this Christ did not ask a greater sacrifice than He Himself had made. "He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9. The young man had only to follow where Christ led the way.  {COL 393.1}  

Challenges Ahead as Travelers in Christian Living

"Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure." Now they realized that they themselves were included in the solemn warning. In the light of the Saviour's words, their own secret longing for power and riches was revealed. With misgivings for themselves they exclaimed, "Who then can be saved?"  {COL 394.1}  

"Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  {COL 394.2}  

A rich man, as such, cannot enter heaven. His wealth gives him no title to the inheritance of the saints in light. It is only through the unmerited grace of Christ that any man can find entrance into the city of God.  {COL 394.3}  

To the rich no less than to the poor are the words of the Holy Spirit spoken, "Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price." 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.

Wednesday - February 15, 2023

Caring for the Poor 2

Zacchaeus

Lk. 19:1-10; Mk. 10:24, 26; Lk. 18:27

A Heart Susceptible to Divine Influences

"The chief among the publicans," Zacchaeus, was a Jew, and detested by his countrymen. His rank and wealth were the reward of a calling they abhorred, and which was regarded as another name for injustice and extortion. Yet the wealthy customs officer was not altogether the hardened man of the world that he seemed. Beneath the appearance of worldliness and pride was a heart susceptible to divine influences. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus. The report of One who had borne Himself with kindness and courtesy toward the proscribed classes had spread far and wide. In this chief of the publicans was awakened a longing for a better life. Only a few miles from Jericho, John the Baptist had preached at the Jordan, and Zacchaeus had heard of the call to repentance. The instruction to the publicans, "Exact no more than that which is appointed you" (Luke 3:13), though outwardly disregarded, had impressed his mind. He knew the Scriptures, and was convicted that his practice was wrong. Now, hearing the words reported to have come from the Great Teacher, he felt that he was a sinner in the sight of God. Yet what he had heard of Jesus kindled hope in his heart. Repentance, reformation of life, was possible, even to him; was not one of the new Teacher's most trusted disciples a publican? Zacchaeus began at once to follow the conviction that had taken hold upon him, and to make restitution to those whom he had wronged.  {DA 552.4}  

Consider the Following

— There are similarities between the story of the rich young man (Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23) and Zacchaeus’ (Luke 19:1-10). The way they treated the poor reflected their hearts and their relationship with Jesus.

RICH YOUNG MAN

Jesus asked him to give to the poor

He needed to give everything away

He rejected Jesus

Jesus got sad because of his greed for money

ZACCHAEUS

He willingly offered to give to the poor

He needed to give away half of his wealth

He accepted Jesus

Jesus was happy because he had accepted salvation.

Thursday - February 16, 2023

Consider the Man Job - Taking Care of those in Need

Job 1:8; 2:3, 9; 29:12-16; 58:6-8

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’” (Job 1:8)

Though Severely Tried Job Remained Perfect and Upright

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. Job 1:1. {SD 95.1}  

Unselfishness, the principle of God's kingdom, is the principle that Satan hates; its very existence he denies. From the beginning of the great controversy he has endeavored to prove God's principles of action to be selfish, and he deals in the same way with all who serve God. To disprove Satan's claim is the work of Christ and of all who bear His name. . . .  {SD 95.2}  

Very early in the history of the world is given the life-record of one over whom this controversy of Satan's was waged. Of Job, the patriarch of Uz, the testimony of the Searcher of hearts was, "There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil."  {SD 95.3}  

God Communicates, Job Heard His Voice

When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed: "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6). It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, and heard the cherubim crying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts," that he cried out, "Woe is me! for I am undone" (Isaiah 6:3, 5). Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things which it was not possible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as "less than the least of all saints" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4, margin; Ephesians 3:8). . . {RC 91.4}  

Consider the Following

— Why was Job “a blameless man”? Job 29:12-16

(1)   I rescued the poor who cried for help (12a)

(2)   And the fatherless who had none to assist them (12b)

(3)   The one who was dying blessed me (13a)

(4)   I made the widow’s heart sing (13b)

(5)   I put on righteousness as my clothing (14)

(6)   I was eyes to the blind (15a)

(7)   And feet to the lame (15b)

(8)   I was a father to the needy (16a)

(9)   I took up the case of the stranger (16b)

— Let’s learn from Job. He was proactive by identifying the needs around him and acting accordingly.

Friday - February 17, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

"The names of God's chosen servants have been handled with disrespect, and in some cases with absolute contempt, by certain persons whose duty it is to uphold them.  The children have not failed to hear the disrespectful remarks of their parents in reference to the solemn reproofs and warnings of God's servants.  They have understood the scornful jests and depreciatory speeches that from time to time have met their ears, and the tendency has been to bring sacred and eternal interests, in their minds, on a level with the common affairs of the world.  What a work are these parents doing in making infidels of their children even in their childhood!  This is the way that children are taught to be irreverent, and to rebel against Heaven's reproof of sin."--"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 4, pp. 194-195.

Questions to Ponder

1. Is helping the poor, one of the ministries that we need to do? How?

2. What does Isaiah mean by this phrase, “to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord”? How is it being done through Jesus’ ministry on earth?

3. How should we as Christians participate in these noble acts of visiting the orphans and the widows, fulfilling God’s great commission to our church?

4. In what way does the gospel to everyone relate to us whether we’re rich or poor?

5. What were the differences between the experience of Zacchaeus and the rich young man?

6. What was the secret of Job’s victory over the trials he had faced?

7. Based on the statement above, (4T 194-5), How is it relevant to our lesson this week? And what principle does it portray?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“There are many to whom life is a painful struggle; they feel their deficiencies and are miserable and unbelieving; they think they have nothing for which to be grateful. Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would be to many a struggling and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of sympathy, an act of kindness, would lift burdens that rest heavily upon weary shoulders. And every word or deed of unselfish kindness is an expression of the love of Christ for lost humanity.”

E. G. W. (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, cp. 2, p. 23)

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