Question

Question & Answer – After He arose, why did Jesus ascend to heaven before appearing to His disciples?

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Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” John 20:17.

Few people understand or notice the significance of what Jesus did.

“Jesus refused to receive the homage of His people until He had the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. He ascended to the heavenly courts, and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal life. The Father ratified the covenant made with Christ, that He would receive repentant and obedient men, and would love them even as He loves His Son. Christ was to complete His work, and fulfill His pledge to ‘make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir’ (Isaiah 13:12). All power in heaven and on earth was given to the Prince of Life, and He returned to His followers in a world of sin, that He might impart to them of His power and glory.

“While the Saviour was in God’s presence, receiving gifts for His church, the disciples thought upon His empty tomb, and mourned and wept. The day that was a day of rejoicing to all heaven was to the disciples a day of uncertainty, confusion, and perplexity.” The Desire of Ages, 790.

That covenant, the plan of salvation that was made between the Father and the Son, was now ratified.

“The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is ‘the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world’ (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. But ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 63.

God the Father and the Son had previously made a covenant, the plan of salvation. After Jesus rose from the tomb the first thing He wanted to do was to go to His Father for His approval. He then revisited His disciples, bringing gifts to empower them for their mission.

Question & Answer – What is meant by the “green tree?” in Luke 23:31.

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“For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 23:31.

To understand Bible symbols they first must be looked at in context. In this passage of Scripture Jesus is being led to Calvary to be crucified. Following Him was a wailing crowd. Turning to them He bid them to weep for themselves, predicting the days ahead and their own future. In verse 30 it says, “Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.” Then the next verse Jesus calls Himself a “green tree.” The following gives us an insight as to what Jesus meant:

“The innocent were represented by the green tree. If God suffered his wrath because of the sins of the world to fall upon the Redeemer, in that He was permitted to suffer death by crucifixion, what might be expected to come upon the impenitent and unbelieving, who had slighted the mercies of God, purchased for them by the death of his Son? The mind of Jesus wandered from the destruction of Jerusalem to a wider judgment, when all the impenitent would suffer condemnation for their sins; when the Son of man should come, attended not by a murderous mob, but by the mighty hosts of God.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, 152.

The green tree represents innocence, the dry tree guilt, ripe for the fire of judgment. Another way to explain this is that if an innocent person suffers in this way, what will become of the wicked person? The wicked are like dry wood for the fire.

In commenting on this verse, Ellen Write wrote, “As Christ told them the things He must suffer at the hands of wicked men, He said, ‘If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry’ [Luke 23:31]? If they do these wicked acts to your divine Lord, what will they do to those that bear the testimony that He came from God, that He was God in human flesh?” Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, 393.

Green wood is still alive. It has the sap in it and is capable of bearing fruit. This moisture also prevents it from burning well. Dry wood has been cut and is dead, which means it bears no fruit. It burns very easily. If the Romans were willing to put to death an innocent man, what would they do later to the Jews who were not innocent? History reveals the devastation.

“By the green tree, Jesus represented Himself, the innocent Redeemer. God suffered His wrath against transgression to fall on His beloved Son. Jesus was to be crucified for the sins of men. What suffering, then, would the sinner bear who continued in sin? All the impenitent and unbelieving would know a sorrow and misery that language would fail to express.” The Desire of Ages, 743.

Question & Answer – What are these frontlets spoken of in Deuteronomy 6:8?

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“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” Deuteronomy 6:6–8

A frontlet is a decorative band or ornament worn on the forehead. Many Jewish people took this literally and wore these with Scripture written on them to ensure that others would count them as righteous. God wants us to regard His law foremost in our minds. Vision plays an essential role in life. Choices are made as the eyes work with the mind affecting what we do, where we walk and at what pace, looking through a crowd to recognize a friend, what food to eat, which book to read, just to mention a few. Each of these activities is accomplished through the joint effort of the eyes and the brain. God wants His word as frontlets in our minds and in our heart so they will determine our choices and shine forth in all of our actions to His glory.

“ ‘Thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes’ (Deuteronomy 6:8). These words have a deep meaning. As the word of God is meditated upon and practiced, the whole man will be ennobled. In righteous and merciful dealing, the hands will reveal, as a signet, the principles of God’s law. They will be kept clean from bribes, and from all that is corrupt and deceptive. They will be active in works of love and compassion. The eyes, directed toward a noble purpose, will be clear and true. The expressive countenance, the speaking eye, will testify to the blameless character of him who loves and honors the word of God. But by the Jews of Christ’s day all this was undiscerned. The command given to Moses was construed into a direction that the precepts of Scripture should be worn upon the person. They were accordingly written upon strips of parchment, and bound in a conspicuous manner about the head and wrists. But this did not cause the law of God to take a firmer hold of the mind and heart. These parchments were worn merely as badges, to attract attention. They were thought to give the wearers an air of devotion which would command the reverence of the people. Jesus struck a blow at this vain pretense.” The Desire of Ages, 612, 613.

It is within our own households that the family should be taught the principles of God’s law. It is of no benefit to paste pieces of paper with scripture on them on our foreheads, or plaques on our walls, or decals on our vehicles to advertise our Christianity. The frontlets are the principles that guide each decision we make and enable us to shine forth God’s ways in every word and action.

Question & Answer – Was Jesus rude to His mother, as recorded in John 2:4?

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“ ‘Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.’

“His manner was respectful, yet firm; He designed to teach Mary that the time for her to control Him as a mother, was ended. His mighty work now lay before Him, and no one must direct concerning the exercise of His divine power. There was danger that Mary would presume upon her relationship to Christ, and feel that she had special claims upon Him and special rights. As Son of the Most High, and Saviour of the world, no earthly ties must hold Him from His divine mission, nor influence the course He must pursue. It was needful that He should stand free from every personal consideration, ready to do the will of His Father in Heaven.

“Jesus loved His mother tenderly … but the time had now come when He was to go about His Father’s business. In rebuking His mother, Jesus also rebukes a large class who have an idolatrous love for their family, and allow the ties of relationship to draw them from the service of God. Human love is a sacred attribute; but should not be allowed to mar our religious experience, or draw our hearts from God.

“The future life of Christ was mapped out before Him. His divine power had been hidden, and He had waited in obscurity and humiliation for thirty years, and was in no haste to act until the proper time should arrive. But Mary, in the pride of her heart, longed to see Him prove to the company that He was really the honored of God. … But He answered that His hour had not yet come. His time to be honored and glorified as King was not yet come; it was His lot to be a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

“The earthly relation of Christ to His mother was ended. He who had been her submissive son was now her divine Lord. Her only hope, in common with the rest of mankind, was to believe Him to be the Redeemer of the world, and yield Him implicit obedience. The fearful delusion of the Roman church exalts the mother of Christ equal with the Son of the Infinite God; but He, the Saviour, places the matter in a vastly different light, and in a pointed manner indicates that the tie of relationship between them in no way raises her to His level, or insures her future. Human sympathies must no longer affect the One whose mission is to the world.

“The mother of Christ understood the character of her Son, and bowed in submission to His will. She knew that He would comply with her request if it was best to do so. Her manner evidenced her perfect faith in his wisdom and power, and it was this faith to which Jesus responded in the miracle that followed.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 101–103.

Q & A – What must John have thought of his future while he was banished on the barren island of Patmos?

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The Spirit of Prophecy tells us that John was content even on the island of Patmos.

“In former years his eyes had been greeted by the sight of forest-covered hills, green valleys, and fruitful plains; and in the beauties of nature it had ever been his delight to trace the wisdom and skill of the Creator. He was now surrounded by scenes that to many would appear gloomy and uninteresting; but to John it was otherwise. While his surroundings might be desolate and barren, the blue heavens that bent above him were as bright and beautiful as the skies above his loved Jerusalem. In the wild, rugged rocks, in the mysteries of the deep, in the glories of the firmament, he read important lessons. All bore the message of God’s power and glory.

“All around him the apostle beheld witnesses to the Flood that had deluged the earth because the inhabitants ventured to transgress the law of God. The rocks thrown up from the great deep and from the earth by the breaking forth of the waters, brought vividly to his mind the terrors of that awful outpouring of God’s wrath.

  • In the voice of many waters—deep calling unto deep—the prophet heard the voice of the Creator.
  • The sea, lashed to fury by the merciless winds, represented to him the wrath of an offended God.
  • The mighty waves, in their terrible commotion, restrained within limits appointed by an invisible hand, spoke of the control of an infinite Power.
  • And in contrast he realized the weakness and folly of mortals, who, though but worms of the dust, glory in their supposed wisdom and strength, and set their hearts against the Ruler of the universe, as if God were altogether such a One as themselves.
  • By the rocks he was reminded of Christ, the Rock of his strength, in whose shelter he could hide without fear.

From the exiled apostle on rocky Patmos there went up the most ardent longing of soul after God, the most fervent prayers.” The Acts of the Apostles, 571, 572.

Question & Answer – Who is Represented by the Goodly Pearl?

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“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matthew 13:45, 46.

Answer:

The goodly pearl represents both Jesus and the Christian.

“The parable of the merchantman seeking goodly pearls has a double significance: it applies not only to men as seeking the kingdom of heaven, but to Christ as seeking His lost inheritance. Christ, the heavenly merchantman seeking goodly pearls, saw in lost humanity the pearl of price. In man, defiled and ruined by sin, He saw the possibilities of redemption. Hearts that have been the battleground of the conflict with Satan, and that have been rescued by the power of love, are more precious to the Redeemer than are those who have never fallen. God looked upon humanity, not as vile and worthless; He looked upon it in Christ, saw it as it might become through redeeming love. He collected all the riches of the universe, and laid them down in order to buy the pearl. And Jesus, having found it, resets it in His own diadem. ‘For they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land’ (Zechariah 9:16). ‘They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels’ (Malachi 3:17).

“But Christ as the precious pearl, and our privilege of possessing this heavenly treasure, is the theme on which we most need to dwell.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 118.

“Christ Himself is the pearl of great price. In Him is gathered all the glory of the Father, the fullness of the Godhead. …

“The merchantman in the parable represents a class who were sincerely desiring truth. …

“The merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve. We are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and capabilities we possess, are the Lord’s, to be consecrated to His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ, with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain the pearl of great price.” Ibid., 115, 116.

Question & Answer – How Does Matthew 25:1-12 relate to Daniel 7:13?

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Answer

We find the answer in The Great Controversy, 426.

“The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.”

These are all descriptions of the same event pointing us to the investigative judgment!

  1. The coming of Christ to the most holy place to cleanse the sanctuary – Daniel 8:14
  2. The coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days – Daniel 7:13
  3. The coming of the Lord to His temple foretold by Malachi – Malachi 3:1-3
  4. The coming of the bridegroom to the marriage – Matthew 25:6

Another important point is that the cleansing of the sanctuary, which began on October 22, 1844, is the same event described in the parable of the ten virgins as “the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage.” Matthew 25:6.

“In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,’ was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed—one class who looked with joy to the Lord’s appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, ‘they that were ready went in with him to the marriage’ (Matthew 25:10).” The Great Controversy, 426.

Also, consider the following:

  1. In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh” (Matthew 25:1–6) was given.
  2. Two classes were developed
  3. Wise virgins—true believers
  4. Foolish virgins—professed believers

Question & Answer – Was the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness just about food?

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“The first great temptation was the indulgence of appetite; the second, presumption; the third, love of the world.” The Review and Herald, November 28, 1882.

Besides food, the indulgence of appetite may also include a desire to satisfy a need or a craving for the things of this world. We are told: “Satan has better success in approaching man. He whispers, ‘All this money, all this gain, this land, this power, honor and riches will I give thee.’ For what? His conditions generally are, that integrity shall be yielded, conscientiousness blunted, and selfishness indulged. Through devotion to worldly interests, Satan receives the homage which he asks. The door is left open for him to enter as he pleases, with his evil train of impatience, love of self, pride, avarice, over-reaching, and the whole catalogue of sinful traits. Man is charmed, and treacherously lured on to ruin. If we yield ourselves to worldliness of heart and life, Satan is satisfied.” Ibid.

“Satan flattered himself that he could take advantage of the humanity of Christ to urge Him over the line of trust to presumption. Upon this point many souls are wrecked. Satan tried to deceive Christ through flattery. He admitted that Christ was right in the wilderness in His faith and confidence that God was His Father, under the most trying circumstances. He then urged Christ to give him one more proof of His entire dependence upon God, one more evidence of His faith that He was the Son of God, by casting Himself from the Temple. He told Christ that if He was indeed the Son of God He had nothing to fear; for angels were at hand to uphold Him. Satan gave evidence that he understood the Scriptures by the use he made of them.

“The Redeemer of the world wavered not from His integrity and showed that He had perfect faith in His Father’s promised care. He would not put the faithfulness and love of His Father to a needless trial, although He was in the hands of the enemy, and placed in a position of extreme difficulty and peril. He would not, at Satan’s suggestion, tempt God by presumptuously experimenting on His providence. Satan had brought in scripture which seemed appropriate for the occasion, hoping to accomplish his designs by making the application to our Saviour at this special time.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 282.

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness was not just about food but included the indulgence of appetite, presumption and the love of the world and it is these three things that we can and must overcome through Jesus.

Question & Answer – Explain Type and Anti-type of the Earthly Sanctuary

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There is a reason why God had the people build an earthly sanctuary. Here is a little background: “It was difficult for man, surrounded by the darkness of sin, to comprehend these wonderful heavenly truths. The rays of light which shone from the heavenly sanctuary upon the simple sacrifices were so obscured by doubt and sin that God, in His great love and mercy, had an earthly sanctuary built after the divine pattern, and priests were appointed, who ‘served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things’ (Hebrews 8:5). This was done that Man’s faith might lay hold of the fact that in heaven there is a sanctuary whose services are for the redemption of mankind.

“God Himself gave to Moses the plan of that structure, with particular directions as to its size and form, the materials to be employed, and every article of furniture which it was to contain. The holy places made with hands were to be ‘figures of the true,’ ‘patterns of things in the heavens’ (Hebrews 9:24, 23)—a miniature representation of the heavenly temple where Christ, our great High Priest, after offering His life as a sacrifice, was to minister in the sinner’s behalf. God presented before Moses in the mount a view of the heavenly sanctuary, and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern shown him. All these directions were carefully recorded by Moses, who communicated them to the leaders of the people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 343.

To know that our brother John, the disciple of Jesus, saw Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary and wrote of it in the book of Revelation is a real faith builder. God’s word brings us into heavenly places when studied deeply by comparing Scripture with Scripture. The “type” with the “anti-type” come alive through the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy.

TYPE (PATTERN) ANTI-TYPE (REALITY)
Hebrews 8:1–5. The earthly sanctuary was a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary. Revelation 11:19. There is a temple in heaven.
Hebrews 9:1–3. The worldly sanctuary had two apartments. Hebrews 9:24. The heavenly sanctuary also has two apartments.
Exodus 40:24. Golden candlestick in the first apartment of earthly sanctuary. Revelation 1:12. John saw seven golden candlesticks in heaven.
Exodus 25:37; 40:25. There were seven lamps upon the candlestick. Revelation 4:2, 5. John saw seven lamps of fire before the throne of God in heaven.
Exodus 30:7, 8. The high priest trimmed and lighted the lamps in the earthly sanctuary. Revelation 1:12–18. John saw Christ, our High Priest, in the midst of the candlesticks in heaven.

The Cross and Its Shadow, Stephen N. Haskell, pages 21, 32, and 54.

Question & Answer – Why were James and John called the ” sons of thunder “?

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“John did not naturally possess the loveliness of character that his later experience revealed. By nature he had serious defects. He was not only proud, self-assertive, and ambitious for honor, but impetuous, and resentful under injury. He and his brother were called “ sons of thunder ” (Mark 3:17). Evil temper, the desire for revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. But beneath all this the divine Teacher discerned the ardent, sincere, loving heart. Jesus rebuked this self-seeking, disappointed his ambitions, tested his faith. …

“The defects in John’s character came strongly to the front on several occasions during his personal association with the Saviour. At one time Christ sent messengers before Him into a village of the Samaritans, requesting the people to prepare refreshments for Him and His disciples. But when the Saviour approached the town, He appeared to be desirous of passing on toward Jerusalem. This aroused the envy of the Samaritans, and … they withheld the courtesies which they would have given to a common wayfarer. …

“… the coldness, jealousy, and disrespect shown to their Master filled them with surprise and indignation. James and John especially were aroused. … In their zeal they said, ‘Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?’ … They were surprised to see that Jesus was pained by their words, and still more surprised as His rebuke fell upon their ears … (Luke 9:54–56). …

“At another time during their early evangelistic labors, James and John met one who, while not an acknowledged follower of Christ, was casting out devils in His name. The disciples forbade the man to work and thought they were right in doing this. But when they laid the matter before Christ, He reproved them, saying, ‘Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me’ (Mark 9:39). … James and John had thought that in checking this man they had in view the Lord’s honor; but they began to see that they were jealous for their own. They acknowledged their error and accepted the reproof.

“The lessons of Christ, setting forth meekness and humility and love as essential to growth in grace and a fitness for His work, were of the highest value to John. He treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the divine pattern. John had begun to discern the glory of Christ—not the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but ‘the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14).” The Acts of the Apostles, 540–544.

Until they were converted, they were surely sons of thunder.