The Signs of the Times
July 8, 1897
Looking Unto Jesus
“Now is my soul troubled,” said Christ,—stirred to its very depths; “and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour.” This is the cry of the humanity of Christ, as he contemplated the future. He was about to enter upon the hour of his humiliation. To his human nature, the death on the cross could not but be clothed with horror. But glory was to come from humiliation. Life and immortality were to be brought to light by his death. ST July 8, 1897, par. 1
The severity of the coming conflict and trial was veiled from the disciples. Christ saw the view they took of his work, and he knew that telling them now of his suffering and death, would not give them satisfactory light. It would not correct their belief in regard to his mission. He could not open before them all that must come upon him. ST July 8, 1897, par. 2
While in the presence of his disciples Christ seemed to them as one who saw things afar off, things which were unseen by them. He did not keep before them the scenes of his humiliation; these he must bear alone. But a faint glimpse of his soul anguish is given in the words, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour.” These words were spoken in anticipation of the future. In anticipation he was already drinking the cup of bitterness. His humanity shrank from this hour of abandonment, when to all appearances he would be deserted even by God, when all would see him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. He shrank from public exposure, from being treated as the worst of criminals, from a shameful and dishonored death. ST July 8, 1897, par. 3
Then came divine submission to his Father's will. “For this cause,” he added, “came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.” Before the world was created, the plan was laid that the Majesty of heaven should come to the earth as the sin-bearer. As Christ said these words, a cloud seemed to enwrap him; once more divinity shone through humanity. There came a voice from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Christ's life, from the manger to the time when he spoke these words, had glorified God, and his future divine-human sufferings would indeed glorify his Father's name. ST July 8, 1897, par. 4
Exaltation through Crucifixion
Some present, beholding the revelation of God, said that it thundered. Others, the Greek inquirers and the disciples, catching the words of the voice, said, “An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.” This is the crisis of the world. If I become the propitiation for the sins of men, the world will be lighted up. The defaced image of God will be reproduced and restored, and a family of believing saints will finally inhabit the heavenly home. This is the result of the crucifixion of Christ. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” ST July 8, 1897, par. 5
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” A short time only remained till the wall of partition reared by the Jews to keep others from the privileges which they enjoyed, would be broken down. Christ saw, as the result of his death, the ingathering of nations, tribes, and peoples. Lost in the contemplation of the scenes of triumph called up before him, he did not immediately speak. He saw the cross, the cruel, ignominious cross, with all its attending horrors, blazing with glory. But before the harvest can be reaped, the grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die. Even so must Christ be crucified. Only by his death could the work of redemption be accomplished. ST July 8, 1897, par. 6
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” The question is asked, Why then are all not drawn to Christ?—It is because they will not come; because they do not choose to die to self; because they wish, as did Judas, to retain their own individuality, their own natural and cultivated traits of character. Altho they are given every opportunity, every privilege, yet they will not give up those tendencies which, if not cut away from the character, will separate them from Christ. If, continuing to cherish these traits of character, they were admitted to heaven, they would cause a second rebellion. ST July 8, 1897, par. 7
Many people were round about Christ as he spoke these words, and one said, “We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever; and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.” The Jews wished to provoke a controversy with him there and then, that they might have something with which to accuse him. Already a conspiracy for the purpose of putting him to death had been formed. ST July 8, 1897, par. 8
Notice the power of unbelief. “Tho he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.” Christ had worked many miracles before the Jews. As an evidence of his divine mission, he had raised Lazarus from the dead. But the men who witnessed this miracle had set their hearts against Christ, and nothing could lighten the darkness that encompassed them. “Tho he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him; that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.” ST July 8, 1897, par. 9
“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagog; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” ST July 8, 1897, par. 10
God's Message to Us
Today Jesus reads the hearts of all; he knows the sentiments of every soul. And to us, at the very close of this world's history, he is saying: “He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on Him that sent me.... I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” ST July 8, 1897, par. 11
Christ's teaching made the disciples realize their own imperfections. And those who now behold Jesus, and fully submit to the sanctifying process that cuts away natural tendencies and habits, will be made patient, kind, forbearing, and full of compassion. This is a hope big with immortality, and full of glory. ST July 8, 1897, par. 12
God has graciously given men a probation, that they may through Christ obtain that power which will constitute them his sons. But full and entire consecration to God is required of us. While our Redeemer was laboring and suffering for us, he denied himself, and his whole life was one continued scene of toil and privation. Had he chosen, he could have passed his days on earth in ease and plenty, and appropriated to himself all the pleasures and joys of this life. But he did not. He lived not to glorify himself, but to do good, to save others from suffering, and help those who most needed help. He endured to the end. The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and he bore the iniquity of us all. The bitter cup was apportioned to us. But the dear Saviour took the cup from our lips and drank it himself, and in its stead he presents to us a cup of mercy, blessing, and salvation. O, what an immense sacrifice was this! What love, what boundless love! ST July 8, 1897, par. 13
After this manifestation of love, shall we shrink from the small trials we have to bear? Can we love Christ, and refuse to lift the cross? Can we love to be with him in glory, and not follow him from the judgment-hall to Calvary? If Christ be in us, the hope of glory, we shall walk even as he walked. We shall imitate his life of self-sacrifice; we shall drink of the cup from which he drank, and be baptized with the baptism wherewith he was baptized; for Christ's sake we shall welcome a life of devotion, trial, and self-denial. Thus beholding him, we shall be changed from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. ST July 8, 1897, par. 14
Mrs. E. G. White