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Daughters of God
but upon numerous other occasions, and they conclude by saying, “We
have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did
write, Jesus of Nazareth, who is the long-looked-for Messiah.”—
The
Spirit of Prophecy 2:100 (1877)
.
Mary had heard of the manifestation at the Jordan, at His baptism.
The tidings had been carried to Nazareth, and had brought to her mind
afresh the scenes that for so many years had been hidden in her heart.
In common with all Israel, Mary was deeply stirred by the mission
of John the Baptist. Well she remembered the prophecy given at his
birth. Now his connection with Jesus kindled her hopes anew. But
tidings had reached her also of the mysterious departure of Jesus to
the wilderness, and she was oppressed with troubled forebodings....
As the guests assemble, many seem to be preoccupied with some
topic of absorbing interest. A suppressed excitement pervades the
company. Little groups converse together in eager but quiet tones,
and wondering glances are turned upon the Son of Mary. As Mary
had heard the disciples’ testimony in regard to Jesus, she had been
gladdened with the assurance that her long-cherished hopes were not
in vain. Yet she would have been more than human if there had not
[55]
mingled with this holy joy a trace of the fond mother’s natural pride.
As she saw the many glances bent upon Jesus, she longed to have Him
prove to the company that He was really the Honored of God. She
hoped there might be opportunity for Him to work a miracle before
them.—
The Desire of Ages, 144, 145 (1898)
.
But though Mary had not a right conception of Christ’s mission,
she trusted Him implicitly. To this faith Jesus responded. It was to
honor Mary’s trust, and to strengthen the faith of His disciples, that the
first miracle was performed. The disciples were to encounter many and
great temptations to unbelief. To them the prophecies had made it clear
beyond all controversy that Jesus was the Messiah. They looked for
the religious leaders to receive Him with confidence even greater than
their own. They declared among the people the wonderful works of
Christ and their own confidence in His mission, but they were amazed
and bitterly disappointed by the unbelief, the deep-seated prejudice,
and the enmity to Jesus, displayed by the priests and rabbis. The
Saviour’s early miracles strengthened the disciples to stand against
this opposition.—
The Desire of Ages, 147 (1898)
.