365 Days in the Gospels and Spirit of Prophecy

September 27

Bible discovery

1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 365DGSP 271.2

2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 365DGSP 271.3

3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 365DGSP 271.4

4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 365DGSP 271.5

5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 365DGSP 271.6

6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 365DGSP 271.7

7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 365DGSP 271.8

8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 365DGSP 271.9

9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 365DGSP 271.10

10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 365DGSP 271.11

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 365DGSP 271.12

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 365DGSP 271.13

Mark 12:38-40 365DGSP 271.14

38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 365DGSP 271.15

39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 365DGSP 271.16

40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. 365DGSP 271.17

Luke 20:45-47 365DGSP 271.18

45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, 365DGSP 271.19

46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; 365DGSP 271.20

47 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. 365DGSP 271.21

Spirit of Prophecy Reading

The Desire of Ages pp.610-613: 365DGSP 271.22

This chapter is based on Matthew 23; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 20:45-47; Luke 21:1-4. 365DGSP 271.23

It was the last day of Christ's teaching in the temple. Of the vast throngs that were gathered at Jerusalem, the attention of all had been attracted to Him; the people had crowded the temple courts, watching the contest that had been in progress, and they eagerly caught every word that fell from His lips. Never before had such a scene been witnessed. There stood the young Galilean, bearing no earthly honor or royal badge. Surrounding Him were priests in their rich apparel, rulers with robes and badges significant of their exalted station, and scribes with scrolls in their hands, to which they made frequent reference. Jesus stood calmly before them, with the dignity of a king. As one invested with the authority of heaven, He looked unflinchingly upon His adversaries, who had rejected and despised His teachings, and who thirsted for His life. They had assailed Him in great numbers, but their schemes to ensnare and condemn Him had been in vain. Challenge after challenge He had met, presenting the pure, bright truth in contrast to the darkness and errors of the priests and Pharisees. He had set before these leaders their real condition, and the retribution sure to follow persistence in their evil deeds. The warning had been faithfully given. Yet another work remained for Christ to do. Another purpose was still to be accomplished. 365DGSP 271.24

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for One is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called master: for One is your Master, even Christ.” In such plain words the Saviour revealed the selfish ambition that was ever reaching for place and power, displaying a mock humility, while the heart was filled with avarice and envy. When persons were invited to a feast, the guests were seated according to their rank, and those who were given the most honorable place received the first attention and special favors. The Pharisees were ever scheming to secure these honors. This practice Jesus rebuked. 365DGSP 271.25

He also reproved the vanity shown in coveting the title of rabbi, or master. Such a title, He declared, belonged not to men, but to Christ. Priests, scribes, and rulers, expounders and administrators of the law, were all brethren, children of one Father. Jesus impressed upon the people that they were to give no man a title of honor indicating his control of their conscience or their faith. 365DGSP 271.26

If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by those who bear the title of “Reverend” or “Right Reverend,” would He not repeat His saying, “Neither be ye called masters: for One is your Master, even Christ”? The Scripture declares of God, “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. To what human being is such a title befitting? How little does man reveal of the wisdom and righteousness it indicates! How many of those who assume this title are misrepresenting the name and character of God! Alas, how often have worldly ambition, despotism, and the basest sins been hidden under the broidered garments of a high and holy office! The Saviour continued: 365DGSP 271.27

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Again and again Christ had taught that true greatness is measured by moral worth. In the estimation of heaven, greatness of character consists in living for the welfare of our fellow men, in doing works of love and mercy. Christ the King of glory was a servant to fallen man. 365DGSP 271.28