Miracles Of ChristIllustration.Healing The Lunatic. "A man approved of God ... by miracles and wonders." Acts 2:22.1. What testimony did the chief priests and Pharisees bear concerning Christ's work?“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? forthis man doeth many miracles.”John 11:47.2. By what did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, say that Christ had been approved by God?“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among youby miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.”Acts 2:22.3. By what means did Christ claim to cast out devils?“But if Iwith the finger of Godcast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”Luke 11:20. Matt. 12:28 says“by theSpiritof God.”Note.—Under the third plague in Egypt,—that of turning the dust into lice,—the magicians, failing to duplicate it, said to Pharaoh,“This is the finger of God.”Ex. 8:18, 19.4. Upon what ground did Nicodemus rest his belief that Christ was a teacher from God?“Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God:[pg 158]for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.”John 3:2.5. After the healing of the blind man, upon what charge did some of the Pharisees seek to prove that Christ was not of God?“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God,because He keepeth not the Sabbath day.”John 9:16, first part.Note.—This was a false charge. Christ did keep the Sabbath, but not according to the Pharisees' idea of Sabbath-keeping. See reading on“Christ and the Sabbath,”page 430.6. What question did others raise in opposition to this view?“Others said,How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?And there was a division among them.”Same verse, last part.7. What was the result of Christ's working miracles at His first Passover?“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast-day,many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.”John 2:23.8. What question did the performing of these miracles lead many to ask?“And many of the people believed on Him, and said,When Christ cometh, will He do more miracles than these which this man hath done?”John 7:31.9. Why were many attracted to Christ?“A great multitude followed Him,because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased.”John 6:2.Note.—A miracle is the display of divine or superhuman power in some unusual or extraordinary manner; hence its nature to attract attention. Christ fed the five thousand with the multiplied loaves and fishes, and all men wondered. Every day God feeds millions of humanity with the multiplied fruits of the earth, and no one marvels. Christ, by a shortened process, changed water into wine, and everybody was astonished; but every year God does this in the usual way—through the vine—in almost limitless quantities, and no one is astonished. A divine miracle, therefore, whenever performed, is wrought to heal and to save, and to call attention to the source of divine power.10. What did the people say when they saw these things?“He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”Mark 7:37.11. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus cure?[pg 160]“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”“Great multitudes followed Him, andHe healed them all.”Matt. 4:23; 12:15.Illustration.Miraculous Draft Of Fishes. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets." Luke 5:4.12. Who were brought to Him for healing?“And they brought unto Himall sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which werepossessed with devils, and those which werelunatic, and those that had thepalsy; and He healed them.”Matt. 4:24.13. To the woman who had been healed by touching His garment, what did Christ say made her whole?“Thy faithhath made thee whole.”Matt. 9:22.14. What did He say to the two blind men as He healed them?“According to yourfaithbe it unto you.”Verse 29.15. To another whose sight He had restored, what did Christ say?“Thy faithhath saved thee.”Luke 18:42.16. Why did not Christ work many miracles in His own country?“And He did not many mighty works therebecause of their unbelief.”Matt. 13:58.17. What lesson did Christ design to teach in healing the man sick of the palsy?“Butthat ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”Luke 5:24.Note.—By His miracles, therefore, Christ designed to teach faith in the power of God not only torestore the body, but toheal the soul.18. What effect did Christ's miracles have upon the individuals restored, and the people who witnessed them?“And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him,glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”“And all the peoplerejoicedfor all the glorious things that were done by Him.”Luke 18:43; 13:17.19. What message did Christ send to John the Baptist while John was in prison, to strengthen his wavering faith?[pg 161]“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see:The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.”Matt. 11:4-6.20. In what miracle did Christ bring to a climax His works on earth?“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”John 11:48, 44.21. What was the result of this great miracle?“Thenmany of the Jewswhich came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did,believed on Him.”Verse 45.22. Because of the interest which this miracle created in Him, what did the Pharisees say?“Behold,the world is gone after Him.”John 12:19.23. What did Jesus present to the people as a basis of confidence in Him?“If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me,believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or elsebelieve Me for the very works' sake.”John 10:37, 38; 14:11.24. Did Jesus ever make use of ordinary means in performing His miracles?“When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and Heanointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go,wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”John 9:6, 7. See also Mark 7:33-35; 8:23-25; 2 Kings 5:1-14.25. Why were the miracles of Christ recorded by the inspired writers?“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: butthese are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.”John 20:30, 31.[pg 162]Christ's MiraclesMiracleMatt.MarkLukeJohnI. Recorded in only one GospelTwo blind men healed9:27-31A dumb demoniac healed9:32, 33Piece of money in mouth of fish17:24-27Deaf and dumb man healed7:31-37A blind man healed8:22-26Passed through throng unseen4:28-31Draft of fishes5:1-11Raising the widow's son7:11-17Healing woman with infirmity13:11-17Healing man with dropsy14:1-6Healing ten lepers17:11-19Healing ear of Malchus22:50, 51Turning water into wine2:1-11Healing nobleman's son4:46-54Healing impotent man5:1-16Healing man born blind9Raising of Lazarus11:1-46Draft of fishes21:1-11II. Recorded in two GospelsHealing centurion's servant8:5-137:1-10Blind demoniac healed12:22-3011:14-26Healing Syrophenician maiden15:21-287:24-30Feeding the four thousand15:32-398:1-9Cursing the fig-tree21:17-2211:12-14Demoniac in synagogue healed1:23-284:33-37III. Recorded in three GospelsHealing the leper8:2, 31:40-425:12, 13Healing Peter's mother-in-law8:14, 151:30, 314:38, 39Stilling the storm8:23-274:35-418:22-25Legion of devils cast out8:28-345:1-208:26-37Healing man sick of palsy9:1-82:3-125:18-26Healing woman with issue9:20-225:25-348:43-48Raising Jairus's daughter9:18-265:22-438:41-56Healing man's withered hand12:10-133:1-56:6-10Walking on the sea14:22-336:48-516:16-21Curing demoniac child17:14-219:14-299:38-42Curing blind Bartimæus20:30-3410:46-5218:35-43IV. Recorded in four GospelsFeeding the five thousand14:15-216:35-449:12-176:5-14[pg 163]Sufferings Of ChristIllustration.Christ In The Garden. "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the worldto save sinners; of whom I am chief.”1 Tim. 1:15.2. What constrained God to give His Son to die for man?“ForGod so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16. See 1 John 4:9, 10; Rom. 5:8.3. What did the prophet say Christ would be called to endure?“He wasoppressed, and He wasafflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He wascut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken.”Isa. 53:7, 8.4. Did Christ know beforehand the treatment He was to receive?“Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them,Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by[pg 164]the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall bemocked, andspitefully entreated, andspitted on: and they shallscourge Him, andput Him to death.”Luke 18:31-33.5. How heavy was the burden which rested on His soul on the night of His betrayal?“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them,My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.”Matt. 26:37, 38.6. What prayer of Christ shows that the redemption of a lost world trembled in the balance in that terrible hour?“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”Verse 39.7. How great was the agony of His soul?“And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”Luke 22:44.8. After He had prayed this remarkable prayer three times, what occurred?“And while He yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas,betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”Verses 47, 48.9. To what place was Christ taken?“Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Himinto the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.”Verse 54.10. While at the high priest's house, how did Peter deny Him?“Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said,Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.”Verses 59-61.11. To what insults was Christ subjected at the house of the high priest?“Andthe men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him. And when they had blindfolded Him,they struck Him on the face, and asked Him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?”Verses 63, 64.[pg 165]12. Where was Christ next taken?“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, andled Him into their council.”Verse 66.13. What admission did they secure from Him as the basis of condemning Him?“Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them,Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.”Verses 70, 71.14. What was the next step in their plan to secure lawful authority to carry out their unlawful purpose?“And the whole multitude of them arose, andled Him unto Pilate.”Luke 23:1.15. When Pilate desired Christ released, how did they remonstrate?“Andthey were the more fierce, saying,He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”Verse 5.Note.—This has ever been a favorite accusation of the enemies of truth against the work of true reformers. The Romans at this very time had a law forbidding the teaching of any new religion“whereby the minds of men may bedisturbed.”16. When Pilate heard that Christ was from Galilee, what did he do?“And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction,he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.”Verse 7.17. Who appeared to accuse Christ before Herod?“Andthe chief priests and scribesstood and vehemently accused Him.”Verse 10.18. To what indignities did Herod subject the Saviour?“And Herod with his men of warset Him at naught, andmocked Him, andarrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate.”Verse 11.19. What did Pilate propose to do when Christ was again brought before him?“I have found no cause of death in Him:I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.”Verse 22.[pg 166]Illustration.The Crucifixion. "There was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luke 23:44.[pg 167]20. Instead of consenting to His release, what did Christ's accusers now demand?“Andthey were instant[earnest]with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”Verse 23.21. Although Pilate had declared his belief in Christ's innocence, yet what cruel punishment did he inflict upon Him?“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, andscourged Him.”John 19:1.22. What shameful treatment did Christ receive from the soldiers?“Andwhen they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.”Matt. 27:29, 30.23. After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what drink was offered Christ to stupefy Him?“They gave Himvinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Verse 34.24. In what prayer for those who crucified Him did Christ manifest the true spirit of the gospel,—love for sinners?“Then said Jesus,Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”Luke 23:34.25. With what words did the chief priests and others mock Jesus while on the cross?“Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said,He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.”Matt. 27:41, 42.Note.—In their blindness they could not see that Christ could not save others and save Himself at the same time.26. As He cried out in agony on the cross, and said,“I thirst,”what was given Him?“And straightway one of them ran, andtook a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, andgave Him to drink.”Verse 48. See John 19:28, 29.27. What closed this terrible scene?“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said[pg 168]It is finished:and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”John 19:30.28. By what miracle, and phenomenon in nature did God indicate the character of the deed which was being committed?“And it was about the sixth hour [noon], andthere was a darkness over all the earthuntil the ninth hour. Andthe sun was darkened, andthe veil of the temple was rent in the midst.”Luke 23:44, 45.29. What divine purpose was wrought out in the sufferings of Christ?“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory,to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”Heb. 2:10.30. For whom did Christ suffer all these things?“He waswounded for our transgressions, He wasbruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”Isa. 53:5.31. How much was included in the gift of Christ for the salvation of man?“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”Rom. 8:32.'Tis midnight; and on Olives' browThe star is dimmed that lately shone:'Tis midnight; in the garden, now,The suffering Saviour prays alone.'Tis midnight; and from all removed,The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;E'en that disciple whom He lovedHeeds not His Master's grief and tears.'Tis midnight; and for others' guiltThe Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,Is not forsaken by His God.'Tis midnight; and from ether plainsIs borne the song that angels know;Unheard by mortals are the strainsThat sweetly soothe the Saviour's woe.William B. Tappan.[pg 169]The Resurrection Of ChristIllustration.The Visit To The Sepulcher. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." Matt. 28:6.1. In what psalm was the resurrection of Christ foretold?“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [Heb.,Sheol, the grave]: neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10.2. In what way was Jonah a type of Christ?“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:40.3. In what plain words did Christ foretell His resurrection?“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,and be raised again the third day.”Matt. 16:21.“And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him,and the third day He shall be raised again.”Matt. 17: 22, 23.“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain,and be raised the third day.”Luke 9:22. See also Matt. 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:31, 32; 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34.4. When asked by the Jews for a sign of His Messiahship, what did Jesus say?[pg 170]“Jesus answered and said unto them,Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”John 2:19.5. To what temple did He refer?“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days? ButHe spake of the temple of His body.”Verses 20, 21.6. After His resurrection, what effect had this prediction upon His disciples?“When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; andthey believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”Verse 22.7. How did the chief priests and Pharisees seek to prevent the fulfilment of Christ's words concerning His resurrection?“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”Matt. 27:62-64.8. How did Pilate comply with their request?“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way,make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”Verses 65, 66.9. How futile was all this?“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: forHe is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples thatHe is risen from the dead.”Matt. 28:1-7. See also Mark 16:1-16; Luke 24:1-8, 44-46; John 20:1-9.10. Was it possible for Christ to be holden of death?“Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.”Acts 2:23,24.Illustration.The Resurrection. "Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Matt. 28:7.11. How does Paul speak of the resurrection of Christ?“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and thatHe rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”1 Cor. 15:3, 4.12. Who does the apostle say saw Christ after He was risen?“He was seen ofCephas, then ofthe twelve: after that, He was seen ofabove five hundred brethren at once; ... after that, He was seen ofJames; then ofall the apostles. And last of all He was seen ofmealso, as of one born out of due time.”Verses 5-8.13. What importance is attached to Christ's resurrection?“If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.... Ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”Verses 14-18.14. What positive assurance of the resurrection is given?“Butnow is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.”Verse 20.15. What great truth therefore follows?“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”Verse 22.16. What cheering message has Christ sent to His people touching His resurrection?“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold,I am alive forevermore, Amen;and have the keys of hell and of death.”Rev. 1:18.17. What is the measure of the power of God which believers may experience in their daily lives?“That ye may know ... the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe,according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead.”Eph. 1:18-20.18. What Christian ordinance has been given as a memorial of Christ's burial and resurrection?Baptism, the symbol of the new birth. Rom. 6:3-5.[pg 173]
Miracles Of ChristIllustration.Healing The Lunatic. "A man approved of God ... by miracles and wonders." Acts 2:22.1. What testimony did the chief priests and Pharisees bear concerning Christ's work?“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? forthis man doeth many miracles.”John 11:47.2. By what did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, say that Christ had been approved by God?“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among youby miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.”Acts 2:22.3. By what means did Christ claim to cast out devils?“But if Iwith the finger of Godcast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”Luke 11:20. Matt. 12:28 says“by theSpiritof God.”Note.—Under the third plague in Egypt,—that of turning the dust into lice,—the magicians, failing to duplicate it, said to Pharaoh,“This is the finger of God.”Ex. 8:18, 19.4. Upon what ground did Nicodemus rest his belief that Christ was a teacher from God?“Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God:[pg 158]for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.”John 3:2.5. After the healing of the blind man, upon what charge did some of the Pharisees seek to prove that Christ was not of God?“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God,because He keepeth not the Sabbath day.”John 9:16, first part.Note.—This was a false charge. Christ did keep the Sabbath, but not according to the Pharisees' idea of Sabbath-keeping. See reading on“Christ and the Sabbath,”page 430.6. What question did others raise in opposition to this view?“Others said,How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?And there was a division among them.”Same verse, last part.7. What was the result of Christ's working miracles at His first Passover?“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast-day,many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.”John 2:23.8. What question did the performing of these miracles lead many to ask?“And many of the people believed on Him, and said,When Christ cometh, will He do more miracles than these which this man hath done?”John 7:31.9. Why were many attracted to Christ?“A great multitude followed Him,because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased.”John 6:2.Note.—A miracle is the display of divine or superhuman power in some unusual or extraordinary manner; hence its nature to attract attention. Christ fed the five thousand with the multiplied loaves and fishes, and all men wondered. Every day God feeds millions of humanity with the multiplied fruits of the earth, and no one marvels. Christ, by a shortened process, changed water into wine, and everybody was astonished; but every year God does this in the usual way—through the vine—in almost limitless quantities, and no one is astonished. A divine miracle, therefore, whenever performed, is wrought to heal and to save, and to call attention to the source of divine power.10. What did the people say when they saw these things?“He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”Mark 7:37.11. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus cure?[pg 160]“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”“Great multitudes followed Him, andHe healed them all.”Matt. 4:23; 12:15.Illustration.Miraculous Draft Of Fishes. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets." Luke 5:4.12. Who were brought to Him for healing?“And they brought unto Himall sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which werepossessed with devils, and those which werelunatic, and those that had thepalsy; and He healed them.”Matt. 4:24.13. To the woman who had been healed by touching His garment, what did Christ say made her whole?“Thy faithhath made thee whole.”Matt. 9:22.14. What did He say to the two blind men as He healed them?“According to yourfaithbe it unto you.”Verse 29.15. To another whose sight He had restored, what did Christ say?“Thy faithhath saved thee.”Luke 18:42.16. Why did not Christ work many miracles in His own country?“And He did not many mighty works therebecause of their unbelief.”Matt. 13:58.17. What lesson did Christ design to teach in healing the man sick of the palsy?“Butthat ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”Luke 5:24.Note.—By His miracles, therefore, Christ designed to teach faith in the power of God not only torestore the body, but toheal the soul.18. What effect did Christ's miracles have upon the individuals restored, and the people who witnessed them?“And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him,glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”“And all the peoplerejoicedfor all the glorious things that were done by Him.”Luke 18:43; 13:17.19. What message did Christ send to John the Baptist while John was in prison, to strengthen his wavering faith?[pg 161]“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see:The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.”Matt. 11:4-6.20. In what miracle did Christ bring to a climax His works on earth?“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”John 11:48, 44.21. What was the result of this great miracle?“Thenmany of the Jewswhich came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did,believed on Him.”Verse 45.22. Because of the interest which this miracle created in Him, what did the Pharisees say?“Behold,the world is gone after Him.”John 12:19.23. What did Jesus present to the people as a basis of confidence in Him?“If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me,believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or elsebelieve Me for the very works' sake.”John 10:37, 38; 14:11.24. Did Jesus ever make use of ordinary means in performing His miracles?“When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and Heanointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go,wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”John 9:6, 7. See also Mark 7:33-35; 8:23-25; 2 Kings 5:1-14.25. Why were the miracles of Christ recorded by the inspired writers?“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: butthese are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.”John 20:30, 31.[pg 162]Christ's MiraclesMiracleMatt.MarkLukeJohnI. Recorded in only one GospelTwo blind men healed9:27-31A dumb demoniac healed9:32, 33Piece of money in mouth of fish17:24-27Deaf and dumb man healed7:31-37A blind man healed8:22-26Passed through throng unseen4:28-31Draft of fishes5:1-11Raising the widow's son7:11-17Healing woman with infirmity13:11-17Healing man with dropsy14:1-6Healing ten lepers17:11-19Healing ear of Malchus22:50, 51Turning water into wine2:1-11Healing nobleman's son4:46-54Healing impotent man5:1-16Healing man born blind9Raising of Lazarus11:1-46Draft of fishes21:1-11II. Recorded in two GospelsHealing centurion's servant8:5-137:1-10Blind demoniac healed12:22-3011:14-26Healing Syrophenician maiden15:21-287:24-30Feeding the four thousand15:32-398:1-9Cursing the fig-tree21:17-2211:12-14Demoniac in synagogue healed1:23-284:33-37III. Recorded in three GospelsHealing the leper8:2, 31:40-425:12, 13Healing Peter's mother-in-law8:14, 151:30, 314:38, 39Stilling the storm8:23-274:35-418:22-25Legion of devils cast out8:28-345:1-208:26-37Healing man sick of palsy9:1-82:3-125:18-26Healing woman with issue9:20-225:25-348:43-48Raising Jairus's daughter9:18-265:22-438:41-56Healing man's withered hand12:10-133:1-56:6-10Walking on the sea14:22-336:48-516:16-21Curing demoniac child17:14-219:14-299:38-42Curing blind Bartimæus20:30-3410:46-5218:35-43IV. Recorded in four GospelsFeeding the five thousand14:15-216:35-449:12-176:5-14[pg 163]Sufferings Of ChristIllustration.Christ In The Garden. "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the worldto save sinners; of whom I am chief.”1 Tim. 1:15.2. What constrained God to give His Son to die for man?“ForGod so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16. See 1 John 4:9, 10; Rom. 5:8.3. What did the prophet say Christ would be called to endure?“He wasoppressed, and He wasafflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He wascut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken.”Isa. 53:7, 8.4. Did Christ know beforehand the treatment He was to receive?“Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them,Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by[pg 164]the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall bemocked, andspitefully entreated, andspitted on: and they shallscourge Him, andput Him to death.”Luke 18:31-33.5. How heavy was the burden which rested on His soul on the night of His betrayal?“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them,My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.”Matt. 26:37, 38.6. What prayer of Christ shows that the redemption of a lost world trembled in the balance in that terrible hour?“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”Verse 39.7. How great was the agony of His soul?“And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”Luke 22:44.8. After He had prayed this remarkable prayer three times, what occurred?“And while He yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas,betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”Verses 47, 48.9. To what place was Christ taken?“Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Himinto the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.”Verse 54.10. While at the high priest's house, how did Peter deny Him?“Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said,Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.”Verses 59-61.11. To what insults was Christ subjected at the house of the high priest?“Andthe men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him. And when they had blindfolded Him,they struck Him on the face, and asked Him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?”Verses 63, 64.[pg 165]12. Where was Christ next taken?“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, andled Him into their council.”Verse 66.13. What admission did they secure from Him as the basis of condemning Him?“Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them,Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.”Verses 70, 71.14. What was the next step in their plan to secure lawful authority to carry out their unlawful purpose?“And the whole multitude of them arose, andled Him unto Pilate.”Luke 23:1.15. When Pilate desired Christ released, how did they remonstrate?“Andthey were the more fierce, saying,He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”Verse 5.Note.—This has ever been a favorite accusation of the enemies of truth against the work of true reformers. The Romans at this very time had a law forbidding the teaching of any new religion“whereby the minds of men may bedisturbed.”16. When Pilate heard that Christ was from Galilee, what did he do?“And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction,he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.”Verse 7.17. Who appeared to accuse Christ before Herod?“Andthe chief priests and scribesstood and vehemently accused Him.”Verse 10.18. To what indignities did Herod subject the Saviour?“And Herod with his men of warset Him at naught, andmocked Him, andarrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate.”Verse 11.19. What did Pilate propose to do when Christ was again brought before him?“I have found no cause of death in Him:I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.”Verse 22.[pg 166]Illustration.The Crucifixion. "There was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luke 23:44.[pg 167]20. Instead of consenting to His release, what did Christ's accusers now demand?“Andthey were instant[earnest]with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”Verse 23.21. Although Pilate had declared his belief in Christ's innocence, yet what cruel punishment did he inflict upon Him?“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, andscourged Him.”John 19:1.22. What shameful treatment did Christ receive from the soldiers?“Andwhen they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.”Matt. 27:29, 30.23. After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what drink was offered Christ to stupefy Him?“They gave Himvinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Verse 34.24. In what prayer for those who crucified Him did Christ manifest the true spirit of the gospel,—love for sinners?“Then said Jesus,Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”Luke 23:34.25. With what words did the chief priests and others mock Jesus while on the cross?“Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said,He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.”Matt. 27:41, 42.Note.—In their blindness they could not see that Christ could not save others and save Himself at the same time.26. As He cried out in agony on the cross, and said,“I thirst,”what was given Him?“And straightway one of them ran, andtook a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, andgave Him to drink.”Verse 48. See John 19:28, 29.27. What closed this terrible scene?“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said[pg 168]It is finished:and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”John 19:30.28. By what miracle, and phenomenon in nature did God indicate the character of the deed which was being committed?“And it was about the sixth hour [noon], andthere was a darkness over all the earthuntil the ninth hour. Andthe sun was darkened, andthe veil of the temple was rent in the midst.”Luke 23:44, 45.29. What divine purpose was wrought out in the sufferings of Christ?“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory,to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”Heb. 2:10.30. For whom did Christ suffer all these things?“He waswounded for our transgressions, He wasbruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”Isa. 53:5.31. How much was included in the gift of Christ for the salvation of man?“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”Rom. 8:32.'Tis midnight; and on Olives' browThe star is dimmed that lately shone:'Tis midnight; in the garden, now,The suffering Saviour prays alone.'Tis midnight; and from all removed,The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;E'en that disciple whom He lovedHeeds not His Master's grief and tears.'Tis midnight; and for others' guiltThe Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,Is not forsaken by His God.'Tis midnight; and from ether plainsIs borne the song that angels know;Unheard by mortals are the strainsThat sweetly soothe the Saviour's woe.William B. Tappan.[pg 169]The Resurrection Of ChristIllustration.The Visit To The Sepulcher. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." Matt. 28:6.1. In what psalm was the resurrection of Christ foretold?“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [Heb.,Sheol, the grave]: neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10.2. In what way was Jonah a type of Christ?“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:40.3. In what plain words did Christ foretell His resurrection?“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,and be raised again the third day.”Matt. 16:21.“And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him,and the third day He shall be raised again.”Matt. 17: 22, 23.“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain,and be raised the third day.”Luke 9:22. See also Matt. 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:31, 32; 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34.4. When asked by the Jews for a sign of His Messiahship, what did Jesus say?[pg 170]“Jesus answered and said unto them,Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”John 2:19.5. To what temple did He refer?“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days? ButHe spake of the temple of His body.”Verses 20, 21.6. After His resurrection, what effect had this prediction upon His disciples?“When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; andthey believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”Verse 22.7. How did the chief priests and Pharisees seek to prevent the fulfilment of Christ's words concerning His resurrection?“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”Matt. 27:62-64.8. How did Pilate comply with their request?“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way,make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”Verses 65, 66.9. How futile was all this?“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: forHe is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples thatHe is risen from the dead.”Matt. 28:1-7. See also Mark 16:1-16; Luke 24:1-8, 44-46; John 20:1-9.10. Was it possible for Christ to be holden of death?“Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.”Acts 2:23,24.Illustration.The Resurrection. "Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Matt. 28:7.11. How does Paul speak of the resurrection of Christ?“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and thatHe rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”1 Cor. 15:3, 4.12. Who does the apostle say saw Christ after He was risen?“He was seen ofCephas, then ofthe twelve: after that, He was seen ofabove five hundred brethren at once; ... after that, He was seen ofJames; then ofall the apostles. And last of all He was seen ofmealso, as of one born out of due time.”Verses 5-8.13. What importance is attached to Christ's resurrection?“If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.... Ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”Verses 14-18.14. What positive assurance of the resurrection is given?“Butnow is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.”Verse 20.15. What great truth therefore follows?“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”Verse 22.16. What cheering message has Christ sent to His people touching His resurrection?“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold,I am alive forevermore, Amen;and have the keys of hell and of death.”Rev. 1:18.17. What is the measure of the power of God which believers may experience in their daily lives?“That ye may know ... the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe,according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead.”Eph. 1:18-20.18. What Christian ordinance has been given as a memorial of Christ's burial and resurrection?Baptism, the symbol of the new birth. Rom. 6:3-5.[pg 173]
Miracles Of ChristIllustration.Healing The Lunatic. "A man approved of God ... by miracles and wonders." Acts 2:22.1. What testimony did the chief priests and Pharisees bear concerning Christ's work?“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? forthis man doeth many miracles.”John 11:47.2. By what did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, say that Christ had been approved by God?“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among youby miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.”Acts 2:22.3. By what means did Christ claim to cast out devils?“But if Iwith the finger of Godcast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”Luke 11:20. Matt. 12:28 says“by theSpiritof God.”Note.—Under the third plague in Egypt,—that of turning the dust into lice,—the magicians, failing to duplicate it, said to Pharaoh,“This is the finger of God.”Ex. 8:18, 19.4. Upon what ground did Nicodemus rest his belief that Christ was a teacher from God?“Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God:[pg 158]for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.”John 3:2.5. After the healing of the blind man, upon what charge did some of the Pharisees seek to prove that Christ was not of God?“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God,because He keepeth not the Sabbath day.”John 9:16, first part.Note.—This was a false charge. Christ did keep the Sabbath, but not according to the Pharisees' idea of Sabbath-keeping. See reading on“Christ and the Sabbath,”page 430.6. What question did others raise in opposition to this view?“Others said,How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?And there was a division among them.”Same verse, last part.7. What was the result of Christ's working miracles at His first Passover?“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast-day,many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.”John 2:23.8. What question did the performing of these miracles lead many to ask?“And many of the people believed on Him, and said,When Christ cometh, will He do more miracles than these which this man hath done?”John 7:31.9. Why were many attracted to Christ?“A great multitude followed Him,because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased.”John 6:2.Note.—A miracle is the display of divine or superhuman power in some unusual or extraordinary manner; hence its nature to attract attention. Christ fed the five thousand with the multiplied loaves and fishes, and all men wondered. Every day God feeds millions of humanity with the multiplied fruits of the earth, and no one marvels. Christ, by a shortened process, changed water into wine, and everybody was astonished; but every year God does this in the usual way—through the vine—in almost limitless quantities, and no one is astonished. A divine miracle, therefore, whenever performed, is wrought to heal and to save, and to call attention to the source of divine power.10. What did the people say when they saw these things?“He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”Mark 7:37.11. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus cure?[pg 160]“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”“Great multitudes followed Him, andHe healed them all.”Matt. 4:23; 12:15.Illustration.Miraculous Draft Of Fishes. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets." Luke 5:4.12. Who were brought to Him for healing?“And they brought unto Himall sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which werepossessed with devils, and those which werelunatic, and those that had thepalsy; and He healed them.”Matt. 4:24.13. To the woman who had been healed by touching His garment, what did Christ say made her whole?“Thy faithhath made thee whole.”Matt. 9:22.14. What did He say to the two blind men as He healed them?“According to yourfaithbe it unto you.”Verse 29.15. To another whose sight He had restored, what did Christ say?“Thy faithhath saved thee.”Luke 18:42.16. Why did not Christ work many miracles in His own country?“And He did not many mighty works therebecause of their unbelief.”Matt. 13:58.17. What lesson did Christ design to teach in healing the man sick of the palsy?“Butthat ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”Luke 5:24.Note.—By His miracles, therefore, Christ designed to teach faith in the power of God not only torestore the body, but toheal the soul.18. What effect did Christ's miracles have upon the individuals restored, and the people who witnessed them?“And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him,glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”“And all the peoplerejoicedfor all the glorious things that were done by Him.”Luke 18:43; 13:17.19. What message did Christ send to John the Baptist while John was in prison, to strengthen his wavering faith?[pg 161]“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see:The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.”Matt. 11:4-6.20. In what miracle did Christ bring to a climax His works on earth?“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”John 11:48, 44.21. What was the result of this great miracle?“Thenmany of the Jewswhich came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did,believed on Him.”Verse 45.22. Because of the interest which this miracle created in Him, what did the Pharisees say?“Behold,the world is gone after Him.”John 12:19.23. What did Jesus present to the people as a basis of confidence in Him?“If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me,believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or elsebelieve Me for the very works' sake.”John 10:37, 38; 14:11.24. Did Jesus ever make use of ordinary means in performing His miracles?“When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and Heanointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go,wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”John 9:6, 7. See also Mark 7:33-35; 8:23-25; 2 Kings 5:1-14.25. Why were the miracles of Christ recorded by the inspired writers?“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: butthese are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.”John 20:30, 31.[pg 162]Christ's MiraclesMiracleMatt.MarkLukeJohnI. Recorded in only one GospelTwo blind men healed9:27-31A dumb demoniac healed9:32, 33Piece of money in mouth of fish17:24-27Deaf and dumb man healed7:31-37A blind man healed8:22-26Passed through throng unseen4:28-31Draft of fishes5:1-11Raising the widow's son7:11-17Healing woman with infirmity13:11-17Healing man with dropsy14:1-6Healing ten lepers17:11-19Healing ear of Malchus22:50, 51Turning water into wine2:1-11Healing nobleman's son4:46-54Healing impotent man5:1-16Healing man born blind9Raising of Lazarus11:1-46Draft of fishes21:1-11II. Recorded in two GospelsHealing centurion's servant8:5-137:1-10Blind demoniac healed12:22-3011:14-26Healing Syrophenician maiden15:21-287:24-30Feeding the four thousand15:32-398:1-9Cursing the fig-tree21:17-2211:12-14Demoniac in synagogue healed1:23-284:33-37III. Recorded in three GospelsHealing the leper8:2, 31:40-425:12, 13Healing Peter's mother-in-law8:14, 151:30, 314:38, 39Stilling the storm8:23-274:35-418:22-25Legion of devils cast out8:28-345:1-208:26-37Healing man sick of palsy9:1-82:3-125:18-26Healing woman with issue9:20-225:25-348:43-48Raising Jairus's daughter9:18-265:22-438:41-56Healing man's withered hand12:10-133:1-56:6-10Walking on the sea14:22-336:48-516:16-21Curing demoniac child17:14-219:14-299:38-42Curing blind Bartimæus20:30-3410:46-5218:35-43IV. Recorded in four GospelsFeeding the five thousand14:15-216:35-449:12-176:5-14[pg 163]Sufferings Of ChristIllustration.Christ In The Garden. "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the worldto save sinners; of whom I am chief.”1 Tim. 1:15.2. What constrained God to give His Son to die for man?“ForGod so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16. See 1 John 4:9, 10; Rom. 5:8.3. What did the prophet say Christ would be called to endure?“He wasoppressed, and He wasafflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He wascut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken.”Isa. 53:7, 8.4. Did Christ know beforehand the treatment He was to receive?“Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them,Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by[pg 164]the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall bemocked, andspitefully entreated, andspitted on: and they shallscourge Him, andput Him to death.”Luke 18:31-33.5. How heavy was the burden which rested on His soul on the night of His betrayal?“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them,My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.”Matt. 26:37, 38.6. What prayer of Christ shows that the redemption of a lost world trembled in the balance in that terrible hour?“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”Verse 39.7. How great was the agony of His soul?“And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”Luke 22:44.8. After He had prayed this remarkable prayer three times, what occurred?“And while He yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas,betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”Verses 47, 48.9. To what place was Christ taken?“Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Himinto the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.”Verse 54.10. While at the high priest's house, how did Peter deny Him?“Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said,Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.”Verses 59-61.11. To what insults was Christ subjected at the house of the high priest?“Andthe men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him. And when they had blindfolded Him,they struck Him on the face, and asked Him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?”Verses 63, 64.[pg 165]12. Where was Christ next taken?“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, andled Him into their council.”Verse 66.13. What admission did they secure from Him as the basis of condemning Him?“Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them,Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.”Verses 70, 71.14. What was the next step in their plan to secure lawful authority to carry out their unlawful purpose?“And the whole multitude of them arose, andled Him unto Pilate.”Luke 23:1.15. When Pilate desired Christ released, how did they remonstrate?“Andthey were the more fierce, saying,He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”Verse 5.Note.—This has ever been a favorite accusation of the enemies of truth against the work of true reformers. The Romans at this very time had a law forbidding the teaching of any new religion“whereby the minds of men may bedisturbed.”16. When Pilate heard that Christ was from Galilee, what did he do?“And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction,he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.”Verse 7.17. Who appeared to accuse Christ before Herod?“Andthe chief priests and scribesstood and vehemently accused Him.”Verse 10.18. To what indignities did Herod subject the Saviour?“And Herod with his men of warset Him at naught, andmocked Him, andarrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate.”Verse 11.19. What did Pilate propose to do when Christ was again brought before him?“I have found no cause of death in Him:I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.”Verse 22.[pg 166]Illustration.The Crucifixion. "There was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luke 23:44.[pg 167]20. Instead of consenting to His release, what did Christ's accusers now demand?“Andthey were instant[earnest]with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”Verse 23.21. Although Pilate had declared his belief in Christ's innocence, yet what cruel punishment did he inflict upon Him?“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, andscourged Him.”John 19:1.22. What shameful treatment did Christ receive from the soldiers?“Andwhen they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.”Matt. 27:29, 30.23. After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what drink was offered Christ to stupefy Him?“They gave Himvinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Verse 34.24. In what prayer for those who crucified Him did Christ manifest the true spirit of the gospel,—love for sinners?“Then said Jesus,Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”Luke 23:34.25. With what words did the chief priests and others mock Jesus while on the cross?“Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said,He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.”Matt. 27:41, 42.Note.—In their blindness they could not see that Christ could not save others and save Himself at the same time.26. As He cried out in agony on the cross, and said,“I thirst,”what was given Him?“And straightway one of them ran, andtook a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, andgave Him to drink.”Verse 48. See John 19:28, 29.27. What closed this terrible scene?“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said[pg 168]It is finished:and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”John 19:30.28. By what miracle, and phenomenon in nature did God indicate the character of the deed which was being committed?“And it was about the sixth hour [noon], andthere was a darkness over all the earthuntil the ninth hour. Andthe sun was darkened, andthe veil of the temple was rent in the midst.”Luke 23:44, 45.29. What divine purpose was wrought out in the sufferings of Christ?“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory,to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”Heb. 2:10.30. For whom did Christ suffer all these things?“He waswounded for our transgressions, He wasbruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”Isa. 53:5.31. How much was included in the gift of Christ for the salvation of man?“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”Rom. 8:32.'Tis midnight; and on Olives' browThe star is dimmed that lately shone:'Tis midnight; in the garden, now,The suffering Saviour prays alone.'Tis midnight; and from all removed,The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;E'en that disciple whom He lovedHeeds not His Master's grief and tears.'Tis midnight; and for others' guiltThe Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,Is not forsaken by His God.'Tis midnight; and from ether plainsIs borne the song that angels know;Unheard by mortals are the strainsThat sweetly soothe the Saviour's woe.William B. Tappan.[pg 169]The Resurrection Of ChristIllustration.The Visit To The Sepulcher. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." Matt. 28:6.1. In what psalm was the resurrection of Christ foretold?“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [Heb.,Sheol, the grave]: neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10.2. In what way was Jonah a type of Christ?“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:40.3. In what plain words did Christ foretell His resurrection?“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,and be raised again the third day.”Matt. 16:21.“And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him,and the third day He shall be raised again.”Matt. 17: 22, 23.“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain,and be raised the third day.”Luke 9:22. See also Matt. 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:31, 32; 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34.4. When asked by the Jews for a sign of His Messiahship, what did Jesus say?[pg 170]“Jesus answered and said unto them,Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”John 2:19.5. To what temple did He refer?“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days? ButHe spake of the temple of His body.”Verses 20, 21.6. After His resurrection, what effect had this prediction upon His disciples?“When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; andthey believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”Verse 22.7. How did the chief priests and Pharisees seek to prevent the fulfilment of Christ's words concerning His resurrection?“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”Matt. 27:62-64.8. How did Pilate comply with their request?“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way,make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”Verses 65, 66.9. How futile was all this?“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: forHe is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples thatHe is risen from the dead.”Matt. 28:1-7. See also Mark 16:1-16; Luke 24:1-8, 44-46; John 20:1-9.10. Was it possible for Christ to be holden of death?“Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.”Acts 2:23,24.Illustration.The Resurrection. "Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Matt. 28:7.11. How does Paul speak of the resurrection of Christ?“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and thatHe rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”1 Cor. 15:3, 4.12. Who does the apostle say saw Christ after He was risen?“He was seen ofCephas, then ofthe twelve: after that, He was seen ofabove five hundred brethren at once; ... after that, He was seen ofJames; then ofall the apostles. And last of all He was seen ofmealso, as of one born out of due time.”Verses 5-8.13. What importance is attached to Christ's resurrection?“If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.... Ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”Verses 14-18.14. What positive assurance of the resurrection is given?“Butnow is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.”Verse 20.15. What great truth therefore follows?“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”Verse 22.16. What cheering message has Christ sent to His people touching His resurrection?“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold,I am alive forevermore, Amen;and have the keys of hell and of death.”Rev. 1:18.17. What is the measure of the power of God which believers may experience in their daily lives?“That ye may know ... the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe,according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead.”Eph. 1:18-20.18. What Christian ordinance has been given as a memorial of Christ's burial and resurrection?Baptism, the symbol of the new birth. Rom. 6:3-5.[pg 173]
Miracles Of ChristIllustration.Healing The Lunatic. "A man approved of God ... by miracles and wonders." Acts 2:22.1. What testimony did the chief priests and Pharisees bear concerning Christ's work?“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? forthis man doeth many miracles.”John 11:47.2. By what did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, say that Christ had been approved by God?“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among youby miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.”Acts 2:22.3. By what means did Christ claim to cast out devils?“But if Iwith the finger of Godcast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”Luke 11:20. Matt. 12:28 says“by theSpiritof God.”Note.—Under the third plague in Egypt,—that of turning the dust into lice,—the magicians, failing to duplicate it, said to Pharaoh,“This is the finger of God.”Ex. 8:18, 19.4. Upon what ground did Nicodemus rest his belief that Christ was a teacher from God?“Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God:[pg 158]for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.”John 3:2.5. After the healing of the blind man, upon what charge did some of the Pharisees seek to prove that Christ was not of God?“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God,because He keepeth not the Sabbath day.”John 9:16, first part.Note.—This was a false charge. Christ did keep the Sabbath, but not according to the Pharisees' idea of Sabbath-keeping. See reading on“Christ and the Sabbath,”page 430.6. What question did others raise in opposition to this view?“Others said,How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?And there was a division among them.”Same verse, last part.7. What was the result of Christ's working miracles at His first Passover?“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast-day,many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.”John 2:23.8. What question did the performing of these miracles lead many to ask?“And many of the people believed on Him, and said,When Christ cometh, will He do more miracles than these which this man hath done?”John 7:31.9. Why were many attracted to Christ?“A great multitude followed Him,because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased.”John 6:2.Note.—A miracle is the display of divine or superhuman power in some unusual or extraordinary manner; hence its nature to attract attention. Christ fed the five thousand with the multiplied loaves and fishes, and all men wondered. Every day God feeds millions of humanity with the multiplied fruits of the earth, and no one marvels. Christ, by a shortened process, changed water into wine, and everybody was astonished; but every year God does this in the usual way—through the vine—in almost limitless quantities, and no one is astonished. A divine miracle, therefore, whenever performed, is wrought to heal and to save, and to call attention to the source of divine power.10. What did the people say when they saw these things?“He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”Mark 7:37.11. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus cure?[pg 160]“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”“Great multitudes followed Him, andHe healed them all.”Matt. 4:23; 12:15.Illustration.Miraculous Draft Of Fishes. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets." Luke 5:4.12. Who were brought to Him for healing?“And they brought unto Himall sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which werepossessed with devils, and those which werelunatic, and those that had thepalsy; and He healed them.”Matt. 4:24.13. To the woman who had been healed by touching His garment, what did Christ say made her whole?“Thy faithhath made thee whole.”Matt. 9:22.14. What did He say to the two blind men as He healed them?“According to yourfaithbe it unto you.”Verse 29.15. To another whose sight He had restored, what did Christ say?“Thy faithhath saved thee.”Luke 18:42.16. Why did not Christ work many miracles in His own country?“And He did not many mighty works therebecause of their unbelief.”Matt. 13:58.17. What lesson did Christ design to teach in healing the man sick of the palsy?“Butthat ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”Luke 5:24.Note.—By His miracles, therefore, Christ designed to teach faith in the power of God not only torestore the body, but toheal the soul.18. What effect did Christ's miracles have upon the individuals restored, and the people who witnessed them?“And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him,glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”“And all the peoplerejoicedfor all the glorious things that were done by Him.”Luke 18:43; 13:17.19. What message did Christ send to John the Baptist while John was in prison, to strengthen his wavering faith?[pg 161]“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see:The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.”Matt. 11:4-6.20. In what miracle did Christ bring to a climax His works on earth?“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”John 11:48, 44.21. What was the result of this great miracle?“Thenmany of the Jewswhich came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did,believed on Him.”Verse 45.22. Because of the interest which this miracle created in Him, what did the Pharisees say?“Behold,the world is gone after Him.”John 12:19.23. What did Jesus present to the people as a basis of confidence in Him?“If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me,believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or elsebelieve Me for the very works' sake.”John 10:37, 38; 14:11.24. Did Jesus ever make use of ordinary means in performing His miracles?“When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and Heanointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go,wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”John 9:6, 7. See also Mark 7:33-35; 8:23-25; 2 Kings 5:1-14.25. Why were the miracles of Christ recorded by the inspired writers?“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: butthese are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.”John 20:30, 31.[pg 162]Christ's MiraclesMiracleMatt.MarkLukeJohnI. Recorded in only one GospelTwo blind men healed9:27-31A dumb demoniac healed9:32, 33Piece of money in mouth of fish17:24-27Deaf and dumb man healed7:31-37A blind man healed8:22-26Passed through throng unseen4:28-31Draft of fishes5:1-11Raising the widow's son7:11-17Healing woman with infirmity13:11-17Healing man with dropsy14:1-6Healing ten lepers17:11-19Healing ear of Malchus22:50, 51Turning water into wine2:1-11Healing nobleman's son4:46-54Healing impotent man5:1-16Healing man born blind9Raising of Lazarus11:1-46Draft of fishes21:1-11II. Recorded in two GospelsHealing centurion's servant8:5-137:1-10Blind demoniac healed12:22-3011:14-26Healing Syrophenician maiden15:21-287:24-30Feeding the four thousand15:32-398:1-9Cursing the fig-tree21:17-2211:12-14Demoniac in synagogue healed1:23-284:33-37III. Recorded in three GospelsHealing the leper8:2, 31:40-425:12, 13Healing Peter's mother-in-law8:14, 151:30, 314:38, 39Stilling the storm8:23-274:35-418:22-25Legion of devils cast out8:28-345:1-208:26-37Healing man sick of palsy9:1-82:3-125:18-26Healing woman with issue9:20-225:25-348:43-48Raising Jairus's daughter9:18-265:22-438:41-56Healing man's withered hand12:10-133:1-56:6-10Walking on the sea14:22-336:48-516:16-21Curing demoniac child17:14-219:14-299:38-42Curing blind Bartimæus20:30-3410:46-5218:35-43IV. Recorded in four GospelsFeeding the five thousand14:15-216:35-449:12-176:5-14
Illustration.Healing The Lunatic. "A man approved of God ... by miracles and wonders." Acts 2:22.
Healing The Lunatic. "A man approved of God ... by miracles and wonders." Acts 2:22.
1. What testimony did the chief priests and Pharisees bear concerning Christ's work?
“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? forthis man doeth many miracles.”John 11:47.
2. By what did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, say that Christ had been approved by God?
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among youby miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.”Acts 2:22.
3. By what means did Christ claim to cast out devils?
“But if Iwith the finger of Godcast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”Luke 11:20. Matt. 12:28 says“by theSpiritof God.”
Note.—Under the third plague in Egypt,—that of turning the dust into lice,—the magicians, failing to duplicate it, said to Pharaoh,“This is the finger of God.”Ex. 8:18, 19.
4. Upon what ground did Nicodemus rest his belief that Christ was a teacher from God?
“Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God:[pg 158]for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.”John 3:2.
5. After the healing of the blind man, upon what charge did some of the Pharisees seek to prove that Christ was not of God?
“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God,because He keepeth not the Sabbath day.”John 9:16, first part.
Note.—This was a false charge. Christ did keep the Sabbath, but not according to the Pharisees' idea of Sabbath-keeping. See reading on“Christ and the Sabbath,”page 430.
6. What question did others raise in opposition to this view?
“Others said,How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?And there was a division among them.”Same verse, last part.
7. What was the result of Christ's working miracles at His first Passover?
“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast-day,many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.”John 2:23.
8. What question did the performing of these miracles lead many to ask?
“And many of the people believed on Him, and said,When Christ cometh, will He do more miracles than these which this man hath done?”John 7:31.
9. Why were many attracted to Christ?
“A great multitude followed Him,because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased.”John 6:2.
Note.—A miracle is the display of divine or superhuman power in some unusual or extraordinary manner; hence its nature to attract attention. Christ fed the five thousand with the multiplied loaves and fishes, and all men wondered. Every day God feeds millions of humanity with the multiplied fruits of the earth, and no one marvels. Christ, by a shortened process, changed water into wine, and everybody was astonished; but every year God does this in the usual way—through the vine—in almost limitless quantities, and no one is astonished. A divine miracle, therefore, whenever performed, is wrought to heal and to save, and to call attention to the source of divine power.
10. What did the people say when they saw these things?
“He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”Mark 7:37.
11. What kinds of disease and sickness did Jesus cure?
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”“Great multitudes followed Him, andHe healed them all.”Matt. 4:23; 12:15.
Illustration.Miraculous Draft Of Fishes. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets." Luke 5:4.
Miraculous Draft Of Fishes. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets." Luke 5:4.
12. Who were brought to Him for healing?
“And they brought unto Himall sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which werepossessed with devils, and those which werelunatic, and those that had thepalsy; and He healed them.”Matt. 4:24.
13. To the woman who had been healed by touching His garment, what did Christ say made her whole?
“Thy faithhath made thee whole.”Matt. 9:22.
14. What did He say to the two blind men as He healed them?
“According to yourfaithbe it unto you.”Verse 29.
15. To another whose sight He had restored, what did Christ say?
“Thy faithhath saved thee.”Luke 18:42.
16. Why did not Christ work many miracles in His own country?
“And He did not many mighty works therebecause of their unbelief.”Matt. 13:58.
17. What lesson did Christ design to teach in healing the man sick of the palsy?
“Butthat ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”Luke 5:24.
Note.—By His miracles, therefore, Christ designed to teach faith in the power of God not only torestore the body, but toheal the soul.
18. What effect did Christ's miracles have upon the individuals restored, and the people who witnessed them?
“And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him,glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”“And all the peoplerejoicedfor all the glorious things that were done by Him.”Luke 18:43; 13:17.
19. What message did Christ send to John the Baptist while John was in prison, to strengthen his wavering faith?
“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see:The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.”Matt. 11:4-6.
20. In what miracle did Christ bring to a climax His works on earth?
“And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”John 11:48, 44.
21. What was the result of this great miracle?
“Thenmany of the Jewswhich came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did,believed on Him.”Verse 45.
22. Because of the interest which this miracle created in Him, what did the Pharisees say?
“Behold,the world is gone after Him.”John 12:19.
23. What did Jesus present to the people as a basis of confidence in Him?
“If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me,believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or elsebelieve Me for the very works' sake.”John 10:37, 38; 14:11.
24. Did Jesus ever make use of ordinary means in performing His miracles?
“When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and Heanointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go,wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”John 9:6, 7. See also Mark 7:33-35; 8:23-25; 2 Kings 5:1-14.
25. Why were the miracles of Christ recorded by the inspired writers?
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: butthese are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.”John 20:30, 31.
Christ's Miracles
Sufferings Of ChristIllustration.Christ In The Garden. "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the worldto save sinners; of whom I am chief.”1 Tim. 1:15.2. What constrained God to give His Son to die for man?“ForGod so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16. See 1 John 4:9, 10; Rom. 5:8.3. What did the prophet say Christ would be called to endure?“He wasoppressed, and He wasafflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He wascut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken.”Isa. 53:7, 8.4. Did Christ know beforehand the treatment He was to receive?“Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them,Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by[pg 164]the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall bemocked, andspitefully entreated, andspitted on: and they shallscourge Him, andput Him to death.”Luke 18:31-33.5. How heavy was the burden which rested on His soul on the night of His betrayal?“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them,My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.”Matt. 26:37, 38.6. What prayer of Christ shows that the redemption of a lost world trembled in the balance in that terrible hour?“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”Verse 39.7. How great was the agony of His soul?“And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”Luke 22:44.8. After He had prayed this remarkable prayer three times, what occurred?“And while He yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas,betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”Verses 47, 48.9. To what place was Christ taken?“Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Himinto the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.”Verse 54.10. While at the high priest's house, how did Peter deny Him?“Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said,Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.”Verses 59-61.11. To what insults was Christ subjected at the house of the high priest?“Andthe men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him. And when they had blindfolded Him,they struck Him on the face, and asked Him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?”Verses 63, 64.[pg 165]12. Where was Christ next taken?“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, andled Him into their council.”Verse 66.13. What admission did they secure from Him as the basis of condemning Him?“Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them,Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.”Verses 70, 71.14. What was the next step in their plan to secure lawful authority to carry out their unlawful purpose?“And the whole multitude of them arose, andled Him unto Pilate.”Luke 23:1.15. When Pilate desired Christ released, how did they remonstrate?“Andthey were the more fierce, saying,He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”Verse 5.Note.—This has ever been a favorite accusation of the enemies of truth against the work of true reformers. The Romans at this very time had a law forbidding the teaching of any new religion“whereby the minds of men may bedisturbed.”16. When Pilate heard that Christ was from Galilee, what did he do?“And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction,he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.”Verse 7.17. Who appeared to accuse Christ before Herod?“Andthe chief priests and scribesstood and vehemently accused Him.”Verse 10.18. To what indignities did Herod subject the Saviour?“And Herod with his men of warset Him at naught, andmocked Him, andarrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate.”Verse 11.19. What did Pilate propose to do when Christ was again brought before him?“I have found no cause of death in Him:I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.”Verse 22.[pg 166]Illustration.The Crucifixion. "There was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luke 23:44.[pg 167]20. Instead of consenting to His release, what did Christ's accusers now demand?“Andthey were instant[earnest]with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”Verse 23.21. Although Pilate had declared his belief in Christ's innocence, yet what cruel punishment did he inflict upon Him?“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, andscourged Him.”John 19:1.22. What shameful treatment did Christ receive from the soldiers?“Andwhen they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.”Matt. 27:29, 30.23. After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what drink was offered Christ to stupefy Him?“They gave Himvinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Verse 34.24. In what prayer for those who crucified Him did Christ manifest the true spirit of the gospel,—love for sinners?“Then said Jesus,Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”Luke 23:34.25. With what words did the chief priests and others mock Jesus while on the cross?“Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said,He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.”Matt. 27:41, 42.Note.—In their blindness they could not see that Christ could not save others and save Himself at the same time.26. As He cried out in agony on the cross, and said,“I thirst,”what was given Him?“And straightway one of them ran, andtook a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, andgave Him to drink.”Verse 48. See John 19:28, 29.27. What closed this terrible scene?“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said[pg 168]It is finished:and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”John 19:30.28. By what miracle, and phenomenon in nature did God indicate the character of the deed which was being committed?“And it was about the sixth hour [noon], andthere was a darkness over all the earthuntil the ninth hour. Andthe sun was darkened, andthe veil of the temple was rent in the midst.”Luke 23:44, 45.29. What divine purpose was wrought out in the sufferings of Christ?“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory,to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”Heb. 2:10.30. For whom did Christ suffer all these things?“He waswounded for our transgressions, He wasbruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”Isa. 53:5.31. How much was included in the gift of Christ for the salvation of man?“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”Rom. 8:32.'Tis midnight; and on Olives' browThe star is dimmed that lately shone:'Tis midnight; in the garden, now,The suffering Saviour prays alone.'Tis midnight; and from all removed,The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;E'en that disciple whom He lovedHeeds not His Master's grief and tears.'Tis midnight; and for others' guiltThe Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,Is not forsaken by His God.'Tis midnight; and from ether plainsIs borne the song that angels know;Unheard by mortals are the strainsThat sweetly soothe the Saviour's woe.William B. Tappan.
Illustration.Christ In The Garden. "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.
Christ In The Garden. "There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven strengthening Him." Luke 22:43.
1. For what purpose did Christ come into the world?
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the worldto save sinners; of whom I am chief.”1 Tim. 1:15.
2. What constrained God to give His Son to die for man?
“ForGod so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16. See 1 John 4:9, 10; Rom. 5:8.
3. What did the prophet say Christ would be called to endure?
“He wasoppressed, and He wasafflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He wascut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken.”Isa. 53:7, 8.
4. Did Christ know beforehand the treatment He was to receive?
“Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them,Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by[pg 164]the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall bemocked, andspitefully entreated, andspitted on: and they shallscourge Him, andput Him to death.”Luke 18:31-33.
5. How heavy was the burden which rested on His soul on the night of His betrayal?
“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them,My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.”Matt. 26:37, 38.
6. What prayer of Christ shows that the redemption of a lost world trembled in the balance in that terrible hour?
“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”Verse 39.
7. How great was the agony of His soul?
“And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”Luke 22:44.
8. After He had prayed this remarkable prayer three times, what occurred?
“And while He yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas,betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”Verses 47, 48.
9. To what place was Christ taken?
“Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Himinto the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.”Verse 54.
10. While at the high priest's house, how did Peter deny Him?
“Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said,Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.”Verses 59-61.
11. To what insults was Christ subjected at the house of the high priest?
“Andthe men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him. And when they had blindfolded Him,they struck Him on the face, and asked Him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?”Verses 63, 64.
12. Where was Christ next taken?
“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, andled Him into their council.”Verse 66.
13. What admission did they secure from Him as the basis of condemning Him?
“Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them,Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.”Verses 70, 71.
14. What was the next step in their plan to secure lawful authority to carry out their unlawful purpose?
“And the whole multitude of them arose, andled Him unto Pilate.”Luke 23:1.
15. When Pilate desired Christ released, how did they remonstrate?
“Andthey were the more fierce, saying,He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”Verse 5.
Note.—This has ever been a favorite accusation of the enemies of truth against the work of true reformers. The Romans at this very time had a law forbidding the teaching of any new religion“whereby the minds of men may bedisturbed.”
16. When Pilate heard that Christ was from Galilee, what did he do?
“And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction,he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.”Verse 7.
17. Who appeared to accuse Christ before Herod?
“Andthe chief priests and scribesstood and vehemently accused Him.”Verse 10.
18. To what indignities did Herod subject the Saviour?
“And Herod with his men of warset Him at naught, andmocked Him, andarrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate.”Verse 11.
19. What did Pilate propose to do when Christ was again brought before him?
“I have found no cause of death in Him:I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.”Verse 22.
Illustration.The Crucifixion. "There was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luke 23:44.
The Crucifixion. "There was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luke 23:44.
20. Instead of consenting to His release, what did Christ's accusers now demand?
“Andthey were instant[earnest]with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”Verse 23.
21. Although Pilate had declared his belief in Christ's innocence, yet what cruel punishment did he inflict upon Him?
“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, andscourged Him.”John 19:1.
22. What shameful treatment did Christ receive from the soldiers?
“Andwhen they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.”Matt. 27:29, 30.
23. After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what drink was offered Christ to stupefy Him?
“They gave Himvinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”Verse 34.
24. In what prayer for those who crucified Him did Christ manifest the true spirit of the gospel,—love for sinners?
“Then said Jesus,Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”Luke 23:34.
25. With what words did the chief priests and others mock Jesus while on the cross?
“Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said,He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.”Matt. 27:41, 42.
Note.—In their blindness they could not see that Christ could not save others and save Himself at the same time.
26. As He cried out in agony on the cross, and said,“I thirst,”what was given Him?
“And straightway one of them ran, andtook a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, andgave Him to drink.”Verse 48. See John 19:28, 29.
27. What closed this terrible scene?
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said[pg 168]It is finished:and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”John 19:30.
28. By what miracle, and phenomenon in nature did God indicate the character of the deed which was being committed?
“And it was about the sixth hour [noon], andthere was a darkness over all the earthuntil the ninth hour. Andthe sun was darkened, andthe veil of the temple was rent in the midst.”Luke 23:44, 45.
29. What divine purpose was wrought out in the sufferings of Christ?
“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory,to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”Heb. 2:10.
30. For whom did Christ suffer all these things?
“He waswounded for our transgressions, He wasbruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”Isa. 53:5.
31. How much was included in the gift of Christ for the salvation of man?
“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”Rom. 8:32.
'Tis midnight; and on Olives' browThe star is dimmed that lately shone:'Tis midnight; in the garden, now,The suffering Saviour prays alone.'Tis midnight; and from all removed,The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;E'en that disciple whom He lovedHeeds not His Master's grief and tears.'Tis midnight; and for others' guiltThe Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,Is not forsaken by His God.'Tis midnight; and from ether plainsIs borne the song that angels know;Unheard by mortals are the strainsThat sweetly soothe the Saviour's woe.William B. Tappan.
'Tis midnight; and on Olives' browThe star is dimmed that lately shone:'Tis midnight; in the garden, now,The suffering Saviour prays alone.
'Tis midnight; and on Olives' brow
The star is dimmed that lately shone:
'Tis midnight; in the garden, now,
The suffering Saviour prays alone.
'Tis midnight; and from all removed,The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;E'en that disciple whom He lovedHeeds not His Master's grief and tears.
'Tis midnight; and from all removed,
The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;
E'en that disciple whom He loved
Heeds not His Master's grief and tears.
'Tis midnight; and for others' guiltThe Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,Is not forsaken by His God.
'Tis midnight; and for others' guilt
The Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;
Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,
Is not forsaken by His God.
'Tis midnight; and from ether plainsIs borne the song that angels know;Unheard by mortals are the strainsThat sweetly soothe the Saviour's woe.
'Tis midnight; and from ether plains
Is borne the song that angels know;
Unheard by mortals are the strains
That sweetly soothe the Saviour's woe.
William B. Tappan.
The Resurrection Of ChristIllustration.The Visit To The Sepulcher. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." Matt. 28:6.1. In what psalm was the resurrection of Christ foretold?“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [Heb.,Sheol, the grave]: neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10.2. In what way was Jonah a type of Christ?“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:40.3. In what plain words did Christ foretell His resurrection?“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,and be raised again the third day.”Matt. 16:21.“And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him,and the third day He shall be raised again.”Matt. 17: 22, 23.“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain,and be raised the third day.”Luke 9:22. See also Matt. 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:31, 32; 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34.4. When asked by the Jews for a sign of His Messiahship, what did Jesus say?[pg 170]“Jesus answered and said unto them,Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”John 2:19.5. To what temple did He refer?“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days? ButHe spake of the temple of His body.”Verses 20, 21.6. After His resurrection, what effect had this prediction upon His disciples?“When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; andthey believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”Verse 22.7. How did the chief priests and Pharisees seek to prevent the fulfilment of Christ's words concerning His resurrection?“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”Matt. 27:62-64.8. How did Pilate comply with their request?“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way,make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”Verses 65, 66.9. How futile was all this?“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: forHe is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples thatHe is risen from the dead.”Matt. 28:1-7. See also Mark 16:1-16; Luke 24:1-8, 44-46; John 20:1-9.10. Was it possible for Christ to be holden of death?“Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.”Acts 2:23,24.Illustration.The Resurrection. "Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Matt. 28:7.11. How does Paul speak of the resurrection of Christ?“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and thatHe rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”1 Cor. 15:3, 4.12. Who does the apostle say saw Christ after He was risen?“He was seen ofCephas, then ofthe twelve: after that, He was seen ofabove five hundred brethren at once; ... after that, He was seen ofJames; then ofall the apostles. And last of all He was seen ofmealso, as of one born out of due time.”Verses 5-8.13. What importance is attached to Christ's resurrection?“If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.... Ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”Verses 14-18.14. What positive assurance of the resurrection is given?“Butnow is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.”Verse 20.15. What great truth therefore follows?“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”Verse 22.16. What cheering message has Christ sent to His people touching His resurrection?“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold,I am alive forevermore, Amen;and have the keys of hell and of death.”Rev. 1:18.17. What is the measure of the power of God which believers may experience in their daily lives?“That ye may know ... the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe,according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead.”Eph. 1:18-20.18. What Christian ordinance has been given as a memorial of Christ's burial and resurrection?Baptism, the symbol of the new birth. Rom. 6:3-5.
Illustration.The Visit To The Sepulcher. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." Matt. 28:6.
The Visit To The Sepulcher. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said." Matt. 28:6.
1. In what psalm was the resurrection of Christ foretold?
“For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [Heb.,Sheol, the grave]: neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.”Ps. 16:10.
2. In what way was Jonah a type of Christ?
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”Matt. 12:40.
3. In what plain words did Christ foretell His resurrection?
“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,and be raised again the third day.”Matt. 16:21.“And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him,and the third day He shall be raised again.”Matt. 17: 22, 23.“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain,and be raised the third day.”Luke 9:22. See also Matt. 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:31, 32; 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34.
4. When asked by the Jews for a sign of His Messiahship, what did Jesus say?
“Jesus answered and said unto them,Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”John 2:19.
5. To what temple did He refer?
“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days? ButHe spake of the temple of His body.”Verses 20, 21.
6. After His resurrection, what effect had this prediction upon His disciples?
“When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; andthey believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”Verse 22.
7. How did the chief priests and Pharisees seek to prevent the fulfilment of Christ's words concerning His resurrection?
“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”Matt. 27:62-64.
8. How did Pilate comply with their request?
“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way,make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”Verses 65, 66.
9. How futile was all this?
“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: forHe is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples thatHe is risen from the dead.”Matt. 28:1-7. See also Mark 16:1-16; Luke 24:1-8, 44-46; John 20:1-9.
10. Was it possible for Christ to be holden of death?
“Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.”Acts 2:23,24.
Illustration.The Resurrection. "Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Matt. 28:7.
The Resurrection. "Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." Matt. 28:7.
11. How does Paul speak of the resurrection of Christ?
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and thatHe rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”1 Cor. 15:3, 4.
12. Who does the apostle say saw Christ after He was risen?
“He was seen ofCephas, then ofthe twelve: after that, He was seen ofabove five hundred brethren at once; ... after that, He was seen ofJames; then ofall the apostles. And last of all He was seen ofmealso, as of one born out of due time.”Verses 5-8.
13. What importance is attached to Christ's resurrection?
“If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.... Ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”Verses 14-18.
14. What positive assurance of the resurrection is given?
“Butnow is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.”Verse 20.
15. What great truth therefore follows?
“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”Verse 22.
16. What cheering message has Christ sent to His people touching His resurrection?
“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold,I am alive forevermore, Amen;and have the keys of hell and of death.”Rev. 1:18.
17. What is the measure of the power of God which believers may experience in their daily lives?
“That ye may know ... the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe,according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead.”Eph. 1:18-20.
18. What Christian ordinance has been given as a memorial of Christ's burial and resurrection?
Baptism, the symbol of the new birth. Rom. 6:3-5.