Bethesda and the Sanhedrin
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Is not the same thing repeated in our day? Are there not many,
even religious leaders, who are hardening their hearts against the Holy
Spirit, making it impossible for them to recognize the voice of God?
Are they not rejecting the word of God, that they may keep their own
traditions?
“Had ye believed Moses,” said Jesus, “ye would have believed Me:
for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye
believe My words?” It was Christ who had spoken to Israel through
Moses. If they had listened to the divine voice that spoke through their
great leader, they would have recognized it in the teachings of Christ.
Had they believed Moses, they would have believed Him of whom
Moses wrote.
Jesus knew that the priests and rabbis were determined to take
His life; yet He clearly explained to them His unity with the Father,
and His relation to the world. They saw that their opposition to Him
was without excuse, yet their murderous hatred was not quenched.
Fear seized them as they witnessed the convincing power that attended
His ministry; but they resisted His appeals, and locked themselves in
darkness.
They had signally failed to subvert the authority of Jesus or to
alienate the respect and attention of the people, many of whom were
convicted by His words. The rulers themselves had felt deep condem-
nation as He had pressed their guilt home upon their consciences; yet
this only made them the more bitter against Him. They were deter-
mined to take His life. They sent messengers all over the country to
warn the people against Jesus as an impostor. Spies were sent to watch
Him, and report what He said and did. The precious Saviour was now
most surely standing under the shadow of the cross.
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