Chapter 67—Woes on the Pharisees
This chapter is based on
Matthew 23
;
Mark 12:41-44
;
Luke 20:45-47
;
Luke 21:1-4
.
It was the last day of Christ’s teaching in the temple. Of the vast
throngs that were gathered at Jerusalem, the attention of all had been
attracted to Him; the people had crowded the temple courts, watching
the contest that had been in progress, and they eagerly caught every
word that fell from His lips. Never before had such a scene been
witnessed. There stood the young Galilean, bearing no earthly honor or
royal badge. Surrounding Him were priests in their rich apparel, rulers
with robes and badges significant of their exalted station, and scribes
with scrolls in their hands, to which they made frequent reference.
Jesus stood calmly before them, with the dignity of a king. As one
invested with the authority of heaven, He looked unflinchingly upon
His adversaries, who had rejected and despised His teachings, and who
thirsted for His life. They had assailed Him in great numbers, but their
schemes to ensnare and condemn Him had been in vain. Challenge
after challenge He had met, presenting the pure, bright truth in contrast
to the darkness and errors of the priests and Pharisees. He had set
before these leaders their real condition, and the retribution sure to
follow persistence in their evil deeds. The warning had been faithfully
given. Yet another work remained for Christ to do. Another purpose
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was still to be accomplished.
The interest of the people in Christ and His work had steadily
increased. They were charmed with His teaching, but they were also
greatly perplexed. They had respected the priests and rabbis for their
intelligence and apparent piety. In all religious matters they had ever
yielded implicit obedience to their authority. Yet they now saw these
men trying to cast discredit upon Jesus, a teacher whose virtue and
knowledge shone forth the brighter from every assault. They looked
upon the lowering countenances of the priests and elders, and there
saw discomfiture and confusion. They marveled that the rulers would
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