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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
the divine instruction of Jesus, became instruments of enlightenment
to the people.
The pointed words addressed by Jesus to the Pharisees on the
occasion of this feast silenced them, but did not remove their prejudice
nor soften their hearts. They went away and complained to the disciples
of John concerning the practices of Jesus and his followers. They
dilated upon the dangerous influence that he exerted over the people,
setting at naught their ancient traditions, and preaching a doctrine of
mercy and love to the world. They sought to arouse dissatisfaction
in the minds of John’s disciples by contrasting their austere piety and
rigorous fasting with the example of Jesus in feasting with publicans
and sinners.
The feelings of John’s disciples were stirred, and they complained
to the disciples of Jesus concerning the course of their Master, which
was so contrary to the teachings of John. If John was sent of God,
and taught according to his Spirit, how could the practices of Jesus
be right? The followers of the Saviour, being unable to answer these
questions, brought the matter to their Master. “And they said unto
him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and
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likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And
he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast,
while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the
bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in
those days.”
Jesus had come to the world, bringing the light of Heaven. He
came as the Redeemer of mankind, to limit the power of Satan and set
the captive free. At his birth the heavenly messengers had borne the
glad tidings of great joy to the humble shepherds upon the plains of
Bethlehem, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward men!”
The greatest gift of Heaven had been given to the world. Joy to the
poor, for Christ has come to make them heirs of his kingdom! Joy to
the rich, for he will teach them how to apply their earthly treasure that
it may secure for them eternal riches in Heaven! Joy to the ignorant, for
he has come to give them wisdom unto salvation! Joy to the learned,
for he will open to their understanding deeper mysteries than they have
ever before fathomed!