Seite 46 - The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3 (1878)

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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
The parables of Jesus were spoken to warn and condemn the rulers,
and also to instruct the inquiring minds of those present. But, in order
to break the chain which bound the people to customs and traditions,
and unquestioning faith in a corrupt priesthood, he exposed more fully
than ever before the character of the rulers and elders. It was his last
day of teaching in the temple, and his words were not only to reach the
audience before him, but were to go down through ages to the close of
time, in every tongue and unto every people.
The gems of truth that fell from his lips on that eventful day were
hidden in the hearts of many who were present. For them a new
history commenced, new thoughts started into life, and new aspirations
were awakened. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ these
persons came to the front, and fulfilled their divine commission with
a wisdom and zeal corresponding with the greatness of the work.
They bore a message that appealed to the hearts and minds of men,
and weakened old superstitions that had long dwarfed the lives of
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thousands. Theories, philosophies, and human reasonings before their
testimonies became as idle fables. Mighty were the results springing
from the words of the humble Galilean to that wondering, awe-struck
crowd, in the great temple of Jerusalem.
Reading the conflicting emotions of the people, and the anxiety
with which they regarded their leaders and teachers, Jesus proceeded
to further enlighten their minds, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees
sit in Moses’ seat. All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that
observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do
not.” The scribes and Pharisees claimed to be invested with divine
authority similar to that of Moses. They assumed to take his place as
expounders of the law and judges of the people. As such they claimed
all deference and obedience from the people. But Jesus admonished
his hearers to do that which the priests taught according to the law; but
not to follow their example; for they neglected the duties which they
taught others to observe.
Said he, “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and
lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them
with one of their fingers.” The Pharisees enjoined a multitude of minute
regulations having their foundation in tradition, and unreasonably
restraining personal liberty of action. They strictly expounded certain
portions of the law, exacting from the people rigorous observances