The Desire of Ages

Chapter 62—The Feast at Simon’s House This chapter is based on Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:55-57; John 12:1-11 . Simon of Bethany was accounted a disciple of Jesus. He was one of the few Pharisees who had openly joined Christ’s followers. He acknowledged Jesus as a teacher, and hoped that He might…

Chapter 61—Zacchaeus This chapter is based on Luke 19:1-10 . On the way to Jerusalem “Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.” A few miles from the Jordan, on the western edge of the valley that here spread out into a plain, the city lay in the midst of tropic verdure and luxuriance of beauty. With…

Chapter 60—The Law of the New Kingdom This chapter is based on Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34 . The time of the Passover was drawing near, and again Jesus turned toward Jerusalem. In His heart was the peace of perfect oneness with the Father’s will, and with eager steps He pressed on toward the…

Chapter 59—Priestly Plottings This chapter is based on John 11:47-54 . Bethany was so near Jerusalem that the news of the raising of Lazarus was soon carried to the city. Through spies who had witnessed the miracle the Jewish rulers were speedily in possession of the facts. A meeting of the Sanhedrin was at once…

Jesus encouraged her faith, saying, “Thy brother shall rise again.” His answer was not intended to inspire hope of an immediate change. He carried Martha’s thoughts beyond the present restoration of her brother, and fixed them upon the resurrection of the just. This He did that she might see in the resurrection of Lazarus a…

Chapter 58—“Lazarus, Come Forth” This chapter is based on Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-44 . Among the most steadfast of Christ’s disciples was Lazarus of Bethany. From their first meeting his faith in Christ had been strong; his love for Him was deep, and he was greatly beloved by the Saviour. It was for Lazarus that…

Chapter 57—“One Thing Thou Lackest” This chapter is based on Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23. “And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” The young man who asked this question…

Chapter 56—Blessing the Children This chapter is based on Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17 . Jesus was ever a lover of children. He accepted their childish sympathy and their open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from their pure lips was music in His ears, and refreshed His spirit when oppressed by contact with crafty…

Chapter 55—Not With Outward Show This chapter is based on Luke 17:20-22 . Some of the Pharisees had come to Jesus demanding “when the kingdom of God should come.” More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gave the message that like a trumpet call had sounded through the land, “The kingdom of…

Chapter 54—The Good Samaritan This chapter is based on Luke 10:25-37 . In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness. As…