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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
disciples were anxious that he should form one of their number. They
commended him in the highest terms to Jesus, as one who would
greatly assist him in his work. They were therefore surprised that
he received him so coolly; but the Saviour read the heart of Judas,
and knew, even then, the part he was to act in his future betrayal and
execution. Still, Jesus wished to connect this man with himself, that he
might learn his divine mission, and gain moral strength to overcome
the defects in his character, and experience an entire change of heart
that would ensure his salvation. This it was possible for him to do,
through the help of Christ.
Had Jesus repulsed Judas, the disciples, who regarded him with
such favor, would have questioned, in their own minds, the wisdom
of their Master. In receiving him, Jesus avoided this, and also placed
the selfish and avaricious Judas in the most favorable position to
develop qualities of mind and heart that would eventually gain for
him a place in the kingdom of Heaven. But notwithstanding these
precious opportunities Judas chose a course that covered him with
everlasting infamy.
Gathering his disciples about him, Jesus bowed in their midst, and,
laying his hands upon their heads, offered a prayer, dedicating them
to his sacred work. Thus were the Lord’s disciples ordained to the
gospel ministry. This being accomplished, Jesus with his companions
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returned to the sea-side, where the multitudes were already gathering to
hear him. Many of them were there for the purpose of being relieved of
various maladies. Here he healed the sick and comforted the sorrowing,
until the crowd increased so that there was not room for them upon
the narrow beach. Jesus therefore moved up the mountain to a level
space where the people could be accommodated. Here Jesus called his
disciples near him, that the great truths he uttered might not fail to be
indelibly impressed upon their minds, and that nothing might divert
their attention from his words.
Though the disciples were close about him, and his words seemed
specially addressed to them, yet they were also designed to reach the
hearts and consciences of the mixed crowd there assembled. At every
large gathering of this kind, the people still expected that Jesus would
make some great display of power in regard to the new kingdom of
which he had spoken. The believing Jews looked for him to free them
from the yoke of bondage and reinstate them in their ancient glory.