This comprehensive work from Ellen G. White's Redemption series presents a chronological journey through Christ's earthly ministry, emphasizing His teachings and interactions with diverse individuals. Published in 1877, the book masterfully weaves together key encounters from the Gospels—from the profound midnight conversation with Nicodemus to the compassionate dialogue with the Samaritan woman, from calling humble fishermen as disciples to delivering the transformative Sermon on the Mount.
White's treatment reveals the revolutionary nature of Christ's ministry: He broke down barriers between Jew and Gentile, challenged the rigid Sabbath traditions of the Pharisees, and taught that true religion is not 'confined to external forms and ceremonies, but was to be throned in the heart, purifying the life and actuating to good works.' Through parables like the sower, Christ illustrated why His message met varied responses—some hearts like hardened paths, others choked by worldly cares, but some producing abundant fruit.
The book climaxes with Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, a city that 'might have stood forth in the pride of prosperity, the queen of kingdoms' had she accepted her Redeemer. Instead, foreseeing her terrible destruction, Christ's 'great heart of love still pleads for Jerusalem.' This work powerfully demonstrates that Christ came not to establish an earthly kingdom but to transform hearts through love, truth, and the new birth experience that Nicodemus could scarcely comprehend.
This book is invaluable for Bible students seeking to understand Christ's teaching ministry in context, particularly His revolutionary approach to breaking religious and social barriers. It speaks powerfully to those struggling with legalism, offering Christ's example of prioritizing heart transformation over external ceremony. Ministers will find rich material for sermons on the Beatitudes, parables, and Christ's compassionate encounters. Anyone wrestling with hard-heartedness will be moved by the image of Christ weeping over impenitent Jerusalem.
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“Verily, verily I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
“The Samaritans asked no sign, and Jesus performed no miracles among them; yet they received his teachings, were convicted of their great need of a Saviour, and accepted him as their Redeemer.”
“Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days.”
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. That meekness which Jesus blessed, operates amid the scenes of domestic life; it makes the home happy, it provokes no quarrels, gives back no angry answers, but soothes the irritated temper.”
“If Jerusalem had known what it was her privilege to know, and had acted according to the light bestowed upon her by God, she might have stood forth in the pride of prosperity, the queen of kingdoms, free in the strength of her God-given power.”