Humble Hero

Religious Leaders Turned Many Against Christ

“I say to you,” Jesus added, “that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.” Then His mind went back to the Galilean towns where He had spent so much of His ministry. Day after day the Prince of life had gone in and out among them. The glory of God had been shining on the multitudes that crowded the Savior’s steps. Yet they had refused the heavenly Gift. HH 228.1

The rabbis had warned against receiving the doctrines that this new Teacher taught. Instead of trying to understand the Word of God for themselves, the people honored the priests and rulers, rejected the truth, and kept their traditions. Many had been almost persuaded, but they did not act on their convictions. In this way many rejected the truth that would have been their salvation. HH 228.2

The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Revelation 3:20. Every appeal in the Word or through God’s messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking entrance. With every knock unheeded, the willingness to open becomes weaker. If we disregard the impressions of the Holy Spirit today, they will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and it lapses into a dangerous lack of awareness of how short life is and of eternity beyond. Condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth. HH 228.3

When their work was completed, the Seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Jesus answered, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Beyond the cross of Calvary, with its agony and shame, Jesus looked forward to the great final day when Satan will meet his destruction in the earth that has been marred so long by his rebellion. HH 228.4

From that time onward, Christ’s followers were to look on Satan as a conquered foe. On the cross, Jesus would gain the victory for them. He wanted them to accept that victory as their own. “Behold,” He said, “I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” HH 228.5

The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every repentant sinner. Christ will not permit one who in penitence and faith has claimed His protection to fall under the enemy’s power. When temptations and trials come, look to Jesus, your Helper. Thank God, we have a mighty Savior, who threw out the evil one from heaven. Why not talk of Him? God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil. HH 228.6