Basic HTML Version
122
From Heaven With Love
search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal
life; and these are they which bear witness of Me.” RV.
The Old Testament Scriptures are irradiated with the glory of the
Son of God. The entire divine system of Judaism was a compacted
prophecy of the gospel. Through the patriarchal line and the legal
economy, heaven’s glorious light made plain the footsteps of the
Redeemer. In every sacrifice Christ’s death was shown. In every
cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. In the awful mystery
of the holy of holies His glory dwelt.
The Council Fails to Intimidate Jesus
The Jews supposed that in their mere outward knowledge of the
Scriptures they had eternal life. But having rejected Christ in His
Word, they rejected Him in person. “Ye will not come to Me,” He
said, “that ye might have life.”
The Jewish leaders had studied the teachings of the prophets,
not with a sincere desire to know the truth, but with the purpose of
finding evidence to sustain their ambitious hopes. When Christ came
in a manner contrary to their expectations, they would not receive
Him and tried to prove Him a deceiver. The more directly the Saviour
spoke to them in His works of mercy, the more determined they were
in resisting the light.
Jesus said, “I receive not honor from men.” It was not the San-
hedrin’s sanction He desired. He was invested with the honor and
authority of Heaven. Had He desired it, angels would have come
to do Him homage. But for their own sake and for the sake of the
nation whose leaders they were, He desired the Jewish rulers to
discern His character.
[136]
“I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if
another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” When
others should come, assuming the character of Christ but seeking
their own glory, they would be received. Why? Because he who
seeks his own glory appeals to the desire for self-exaltation in others.
The Jews would receive the false teacher because he flattered their
pride. But the teaching of Christ was spiritual and demanded the
sacrifice of self; therefore they would not receive it. To them His
voice was the voice of a stranger.