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The Desire of Ages
this question. “The baptism of John,” He said, “whence was it? from
heaven, or of men?”
The priests saw that they were in a dilemma from which no
sophistry could extricate them. If they said that John’s baptism was
from heaven, their inconsistency would be made apparent. Christ
would say, Why have ye not then believed on him? John had testified
of Christ, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
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world.”
John 1:29
. If the priests believed John’s testimony, how could
they deny the Messiahship of Christ? If they declared their real belief,
that John’s ministry was of men, they would bring upon themselves a
storm of indignation; for the people believed John to be a prophet.
With intense interest the multitude awaited the decision. They
knew that the priests had professed to accept the ministry of John, and
they expected them to acknowledge without a question that he was sent
from God. But after conferring secretly together, the priests decided
not to commit themselves. Hypocritically professing ignorance, they
said, “We cannot tell.” “Neither tell I you,” said Christ, “by what
authority I do these things.”
Scribes, priests, and rulers were all silenced. Baffled and disap-
pointed, they stood with lowering brows, not daring to press further
questions upon Christ. By their cowardice and indecision they had in
a great measure forfeited the respect of the people, who now stood by,
amused to see these proud, self-righteous men defeated.
All these sayings and doings of Christ were important, and their in-
fluence was to be felt in an ever-increasing degree after His crucifixion
and ascension. Many of those who had anxiously awaited the result
of the questioning of Jesus were finally to become His disciples, first
drawn toward Him by His words on that eventful day. The scene in the
temple court was never to fade from their minds. The contrast between
Jesus and the high priest as they talked together was marked. The
proud dignitary of the temple was clothed in rich and costly garments.
Upon his head was a glittering tiara. His bearing was majestic, his
hair and his long flowing beard were silvered by age. His appearance
awed the beholders. Before this august personage stood the Majesty
of heaven, without adornment or display. His garments were travel
stained; His face was pale, and expressed a patient sadness; yet written
there were dignity and benevolence that contrasted strangely with the
proud, self-confident, and angry air of the high priest. Many of those