Humble Hero

The Council Fails to Intimidate Jesus

The Jews supposed that in their mere outward knowledge of the Scriptures they had eternal life. But having rejected Christ in His Word, they rejected Him in person. “You are not willing to come to Me,” He said, “that you may have life.” HH 91.5

The Jewish leaders had studied the teachings of the prophets, not with a sincere desire to know the truth, but with the purpose of finding evidence to support their ambitious hopes. When Christ came in a manner different from what they expected, they would not accept Him and tried to prove that He was a deceiver. The more directly the Savior spoke to them in His works of mercy, the more determined they were in resisting the light. HH 91.6

Jesus said, “I do not receive honor from men.” It was not the Sanhedrin’s approval He desired. He was clothed with the honor and authority of Heaven. If He had wanted it, angels would have come to worship Him. But for their own sake and for the sake of the nation whose leaders they were, He wanted the Jewish rulers to recognize His character. HH 91.7

“I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.” When others would come, pretending to have the character of Christ but seeking their own glory, they would be accepted. Why? Because those who seek their own glory appeal to the desire for self-exaltation in others. The Jews would receive the false teacher because he flattered their pride. But the teaching of Christ was spiritual and demanded the sacrifice of self; therefore, they would not accept it. To them His voice was the voice of a stranger. HH 91.8

Are there not many religious leaders in our day who are rejecting the Word of God in order to keep their own traditions? HH 92.1

“If you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” If they had listened to the divine Voice that spoke through their great leader, Moses, they would have recognized it in the teachings of Christ. HH 92.2

The priests and rabbis saw that there was no excuse for their opposition to Jesus, yet this did not quench their murderous hatred. Fear seized them as they saw the convincing power that accompanied His ministry, but they locked themselves in darkness. HH 92.3

They had failed to undermine the authority of Jesus or alienate the people, many of whom were convicted by His words. The rulers themselves felt deep condemnation, yet they were determined to take His life. They sent messengers to warn the people against Jesus as an impostor. They sent spies to report what He said and did. The precious Savior was now most surely standing under the shadow of the cross. HH 92.4