664
The Desire of Ages
presentiments the priests ministered before the altar. The uncovering
of the sacred mystery of the most holy place filled them with dread of
coming calamity.
Many minds were busy with thoughts started by the scenes of
Calvary. From the crucifixion to the resurrection many sleepless
eyes were constantly searching the prophecies, some to learn the full
meaning of the feast they were then celebrating, some to find evidence
that Jesus was not what He claimed to be; and others with sorrowful
hearts were searching for proofs that He was the true Messiah. Though
searching with different objects in view, all were convicted of the same
truth,—that prophecy had been fulfilled in the events of the past few
days, and that the Crucified One was the world’s Redeemer. Many who
at that time united in the service never again took part in the paschal
rites. Many even of the priests were convicted of the true character
of Jesus. Their searching of the prophecies had not been in vain, and
after His resurrection they acknowledged Him as the Son of God.
Nicodemus, when he saw Jesus lifted up on the cross, remembered
His words spoken by night in the Mount of Olives: “As Moses lifted
up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be
lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but
have eternal life.”
John 3:14, 15
. On that Sabbath, when Christ lay
in the grave, Nicodemus had opportunity for reflection. A clearer
light now illuminated his mind, and the words which Jesus had spoken
to him were no longer mysterious. He felt that he had lost much
by not connecting himself with the Saviour during His life. Now he
recalled the events of Calvary. The prayer of Christ for His murderers
and His answer to the petition of the dying thief spoke to the heart
of the learned councilor. Again he looked upon the Saviour in His
agony; again he heard that last cry, “It is finished,” spoken like the
words of a conqueror. Again he beheld the reeling earth, the darkened
heavens, the rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever
established. The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples
[776]
convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus. Their fears
were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith.
Never had Christ attracted the attention of the multitude as now
that He was laid in the tomb. According to their practice, the people
brought their sick and suffering ones to the temple courts, inquiring,
Who can tell us of Jesus of Nazareth? Many had come from far to find