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Chapter 26
2 (
Mark 14:1
;
Luke 22:1, 2
). Attention Called to Sacrifice
—
Christ was crowned with thorns. His hands and feet were pierced by
nails. Every step onward in the shameful scene was one of intense
suffering. But it was God’s purpose that publicity should be given to
the whole transaction, point after point, scene after scene, one phase
of humiliation reaching into another. It was appointed that these
events should take place on the occasion of the Passover (
Manuscript
111, 1897
).
3 (
Mark 14:53
;
Luke 22:54
;
John 18:13
). A Corrupted
Priesthood
—The priesthood had become so corrupt that the priests
had no scruples in engaging in the most dishonest and criminal acts
to accomplish their designs. Those who assumed the office of high
priest prior to, and at, the time of Christ’s first advent, were not men
divinely appointed to the sacred work. They had eagerly aspired
to the office through love of power and show. They desired a po-
sition where they could have authority, and practice fraud under a
garb of piety, and thereby escape detection. The high priest held
a position of power and importance. He was not only counselor
and mediator, but judge; and there was no appeal from his decision.
The priests were held in restraint by the authority of the Romans,
and were not allowed the power of legally putting anyone to death.
This power rested with those who bore rule over the Jews. Men
of corrupt hearts sought the distinguished office of high priest, and
frequently obtained it by bribery and assassination. The high priest,
clad in his consecrated and expensive robes, with the breastplate
upon his breast, the light flashing upon the precious stones inlaid in
the breastplate, presented a most imposing appearance, and struck
the conscientious, true-hearted people with admiration, reverence,
and awe. The high priest was designed in an especial manner to
represent Christ, who was to become a high priest forever after the
order of Melchisedec (
The Review and Herald, December 17, 1872
).
65