Jesus, Elijah and Moses

CHAPTER 6  (The Great Controversy)

The Transfiguration

I saw that the faith of the disciples was greatly strengthened at the transfiguration.  God chose to give the followers of Jesus strong proof that he was the promised Messiah, that in their bitter sorrow and disappointment they should not entirely cast away their confidence.  At the transfiguration the Lord sent Moses and Elias to talk with Jesus concerning his sufferings and death.  Instead of choosing angels to converse with his Son, God chose those who had an experience in the trials of earth.  A few of his followers were permitted to be with him and behold his face lighted up with divine glory, and witness his raiment white and glistening, and hear the voice of God, in fearful majesty, saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him.

Elijah had walked with God.  His work had not been pleasant.  God, through him, had reproved sin.  He was a prophet of God, and had to flee from place to place to save his life.  He was hunted like the wild beasts that they might destroy him.  God translated Elijah.  Angels bore him in glory and triumph to heaven.

Moses had been a man greatly honored of God.  He was greater than any who had lived before him.  He was privileged to talk with God face to face as a man speaketh with a friend.  He was permitted to see the bright light and excellent glory that enshrouded the Father.  Through Moses the Lord delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage.  Moses was a mediator for the children of Israel.  He often stood between them and the wrath of God.  When the wrath of God was greatly kindled against Israel for their unbelief, their murmurings, and their grievous sins, Moses’ love for them was tested.  God promised him that if he would let Israel go, let them be destroyed, he would make of him a mighty nation.  Moses showed his love for Israel by his earnest pleading.  In his distress he prayed God to turn from his fierce anger, and forgive Israel, or blot his name out of his book.

When Israel murmured against God and against Moses, because they could get no water, they accused him of leading them out to kill them and their children.  God heard their murmurings, and bade Moses smite the rock, that the children of Israel might have water.  Moses smote the rock in wrath, and took the glory to himself.  The continual waywardness and murmuring of the children of Israel had caused him the keenest sorrow, and for a little he forgot how much God had borne with them, and that their murmuring was not against Moses, but against God.  He thought only of himself, how deeply he was wronged, and how little gratitude they manifested in return, for his deep love for them.

As Moses smote the rock, he failed to honor God, and magnify him before the children of Israel, that they might glorify God.  And the Lord was displeased with Moses, and said that he should not enter the promised land.  It was God’s plan to often prove Israel by bringing them into strait places, and then in their great necessity exhibit his power, that he might live in their memory, and they glorify him.

When Moses came down from the mount with the two tables of stone, and saw Israel worshiping the golden calf, his anger was greatly kindled, and he threw down the tables of stone, and broke them. I saw that Moses did not sin in this.  He was wroth for God, jealous for his glory.  But when he yielded to the natural feelings of the heart, and took glory to himself, which was due to God, he sinned, and for that sin, God would not suffer him to enter the promised land.

Satan had been trying to find something wherewith to accuse Moses before the angels.  Satan triumphed in that he had caused him to displease God, and he exulted, and told the angels that when the Saviour of the world should come to redeem man, he could overcome him.  For this transgression Moses came under the power of Satan -- the dominion of death.  Had he remained steadfast, and not sinned in taking glory to himself, the Lord would have brought him to the promised land, and then translated him to heaven without seeing death.

I saw that Moses passed through death, but Michael came down and gave him life before he saw corruption.  Satan claimed the body as his, but Michael resurrected Moses, and took him to heaven.  The Devil tried to hold his body, and railed out bitterly against God, denounced him as unjust, in taking from him his prey.  But Michael did not rebuke the Devil, although it was through his temptation and power that God’s servant had fallen.  Christ meekly referred him to his Father, saying, The Lord rebuke thee.

Jesus told his disciples that there were some standing with him who should not taste of death till they should see the kingdom of God come with power.  At the transfiguration this promise was fulfilled.  The fashion of Jesus’ countenance was changed, and shone like the sun.  His raiment was white and glistening.  Moses was present, and represented those who will be raised from the dead at the second appearing of Jesus.  And Elias, who was translated without seeing death, represented those who will be changed to immortality at Christ’s second coming, and without seeing death will be translated to heaven. The disciples beheld with fear and astonishment the excellent majesty of Jesus, and the cloud that overshadowed them, and heard the voice of God in terrible majesty, saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him.

See Exodus chap.32; Numbers 20:7-12; Deuteronomy 34:5; 2Kings 2:11; Mark chap.9; Jude 9

Exo 32:1  And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 

Exo 32:2  And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. 

Exo 32:3  And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. 

Exo 32:4  And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 

Exo 32:5  And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. 

Exo 32:6  And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. 

Exo 32:7  And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: 

Exo 32:8  They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 

Exo 32:9  And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: 

Exo 32:10  Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. 

Exo 32:11  And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? 

Exo 32:12  Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. 

Exo 32:13  Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. 

Exo 32:14  And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. 

Exo 32:15  And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. 

Exo 32:16  And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. 

Exo 32:17  And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. 

Exo 32:18  And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear. 

Exo 32:19  And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. 

Exo 32:20  And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it. 

Exo 32:21  And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? 

Exo 32:22  And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. 

Exo 32:23  For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 

Exo 32:24  And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf. 

Exo 32:25  And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) 

Exo 32:26  Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. 

Exo 32:27  And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. 

Exo 32:28  And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. 

Exo 32:29  For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day. 

Exo 32:30  And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. 

Exo 32:31  And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 

Exo 32:32  Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 

Exo 32:33  And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. 

Exo 32:34  Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. 

Exo 32:35  And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made. 

Num 20:7  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 

Num 20:8  Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 

Num 20:9  And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 

Num 20:10  And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 

Num 20:11  And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 

Num 20:12  And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. 

Deu 34:5  So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. 

2Ki 2:11  And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 

Mar 9:1  And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. 

Mar 9:2  And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. 

Mar 9:3  And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 

Mar 9:4  And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 

Mar 9:5  And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 

Mar 9:6  For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. 

Mar 9:7  And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. 

Mar 9:8  And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. 

Mar 9:9  And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. 

Mar 9:10  And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. 

Mar 9:11  And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? 

Mar 9:12  And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. 

Mar 9:13  But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him. 

Mar 9:14  And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 

Mar 9:15  And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 

Mar 9:16  And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 

Mar 9:17  And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 

Mar 9:18  And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 

Mar 9:19  He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 

Mar 9:20  And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 

Mar 9:21  And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 

Mar 9:22  And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 

Mar 9:23  Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 

Mar 9:24  And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 

Mar 9:25  When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 

Mar 9:26  And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 

Mar 9:27  But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 

Mar 9:28  And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 

Mar 9:29  And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. 

Mar 9:30  And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. 

Mar 9:31  For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. 

Mar 9:32  But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him. 

Mar 9:33  And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 

Mar 9:34  But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 

Mar 9:35  And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 

Mar 9:36  And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 

Mar 9:37  Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. 

Mar 9:38  And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 

Mar 9:39  But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 

Mar 9:40  For he that is not against us is on our part. 

Mar 9:41  For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. 

Mar 9:42  And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 

Mar 9:43  And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 

Mar 9:44  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 

Mar 9:45  And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 

Mar 9:46  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 

Mar 9:47  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 

Mar 9:48  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 

Mar 9:49  For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 

Mar 9:50  Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. 

Jud 1:9  Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 

Dull of Hearing.

CHAPTER 5  (The Great Controversy)

The Ministry of Christ

After Satan had ended his temptations, he departed from Jesus for a season, and angels prepared him food in the wilderness, and strengthened him, and the blessing of his Father rested upon him.  Satan had failed in his fiercest temptations, yet he looked forward to the period of Jesus' ministry, when he should at different times try his cunning against him.  He still hoped to prevail against him by stirring up those who would not receive Jesus, to hate and seek to destroy him.  Satan held a special counsel with his angels.  They were disappointed and enraged that they had prevailed nothing against the Son of God.  They decided that they must be more cunning, and use their power to the utmost to inspire unbelief in the minds of his own nation as to his being the Saviour of the world, and in this way discourage Jesus in his mission.  No matter how exact the Jews might be in their ceremonies and sacrifices, if they could keep their eyes blinded as to the prophecies, and make them believe that it was a mighty, worldly king who was to fulfill these prophecies, they would keep their minds on the stretch for a Messiah to come.

I was then shown that Satan and his angels were very busy during Christ's ministry, inspiring men with unbelief, hate and scorn.  Often when Jesus uttered some cutting truth reproving their sins, they would become enraged.  Satan and his angels urged them on to take the life of the Son of God.  Once they took up stones to cast at him, but angels guarded him, and bore him away from the angry multitude to a place of safety.  Again as the plain truth dropped from his holy lips, the multitude laid hold of him, and led him to the brow of a hill, intending to thrust him down.  A contention arose among themselves as to what they should do with him, when the angels again hid him from the sight of the multitude, and he, passing through the midst of them, went his way.

Satan still hoped the great plan of salvation would fail.  He exerted all his power to make the hearts of all people hard, and their feelings bitter against Jesus.  He hoped that the number who would receive him as the Son of God would be so few, that Jesus would consider his sufferings and sacrifice too great to make for so small a company.  But I saw that if there had been but two who would have accepted Jesus as the Son of God, to believe in him to the saving of their souls, he would have carried out the plan.

Jesus commenced his work by breaking the power which Satan held over the suffering.  He healed those who had suffered by his evil power.  He restored the sick to health, healed the lame, and caused them to leap in the gladness of their hearts, and glorify God.  He gave sight to the blind, restored to health by his power those who had been infirm and bound by Satan's cruel power many years.  The weak, the trembling, and desponding, he comforted with gracious words.  He raised the dead to life, and they glorified God for the mighty display of his power.  He wrought mightily for all who believed on him.  And the feeble suffering ones whom Satan held in triumph, Jesus wrenched from his grasp, and brought to them by his power, soundness of body, and great joy and happiness.

The life of Christ was full of benevolence, sympathy and love.  He was ever attentive to listen to, and relieve the woes of those who came to him.  Multitudes carried the evidences in their own persons of his divine power.  Yet many of them soon after the work was accomplished were ashamed of the humble, yet mighty teacher.  Because the rulers did not believe on him, they were not willing to suffer with Jesus.  He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  But few could endure to be governed by his sober, self-denying life.  They wished to enjoy the honor which the world bestows.  Many followed the Son of God, and listened to his instructions, feasting upon the words which fell so graciously from his lips.  His words were full of meaning, yet so plain that the weakest could understand.

Satan and his angels were busy.  They blinded the eyes and darkened the understanding of the Jews.  Satan stirred up the chief of the people and the rulers to take his life.  They sent officers to bring Jesus unto them, and as they came near where he was, they were greatly amazed.  They saw Jesus stirred to sympathy and compassion, as he witnessed human woe.  They saw him in love and tenderness speak encouragingly to the weak and afflicted.  They also heard him, in a voice of authority, rebuke the power of Satan, and bid the captives held by him, go free.  They listened to the words of wisdom that fell from his lips, and they were captivated.  They could not lay hands on him.  They returned to the priests and elders without Jesus.  They inquired of the officers, Why have ye not brought him?  They related what they had witnessed of his miracles, and the holy words of wisdom, love and knowledge which they had heard, and ended with saying, Never man spake like this man.  The chief priests accused them of being also deceived.  Some were ashamed that they had not brought him.  The chief priests inquired in a ridiculing manner if any of the rulers had believed on him. I saw that many of the magistrates and elders did believe on Jesus.  But Satan kept them from acknowledging it.  They feared the reproach of the people more than they feared God.

Thus far the cunning and hatred of Satan had not broken up the plan of salvation.  The time for the accomplishment of the object for which Jesus came into the world was drawing on.  Satan and his angels consulted together, and decided to inspire Christ’s own nation to cry eagerly for his blood, and invent cruelty and scorn to be heaped upon him.  He hoped that Jesus would resent such treatment, and not maintain his humility and meekness.

While Satan was laying his plans, Jesus was carefully opening to his disciples the sufferings he must pass through.  That he should be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day.  But their understanding seemed dull.  They could not comprehend what he told them.

See Luke 4:29; John 7:45-48; 8:59

Luk 4:29  And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 

Joh 7:45  Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 

Joh 7:46  The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 

Joh 7:47  Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 

Joh 7:48  Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 

Joh 8:59  Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. 

Joh 7:32  The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. 

Joh 7:26  But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? 

Mat 7:29  For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 

Luk 4:22  And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? 

(((Jesus was speaking boldly, Jesus was speaking as having authority, Jesus spoke graciously… people were receiving the words of Jesus as they never received them before in their lives. They'd gone to the temple and listened to various scribes, teachers, religious leaders speak all their lives, and none had ever spoke like Jesus, why?  Because none of them had the right to do so. None had the authority of God in them. Jesus was speaking the words given Him to speak, is it any wonder they had power to them?  Jesus uttered the words of God spoken of old, to Satan in rebuking him and Satan was rebuked. Powerful words We are given a spiritual sword that is what? 

Eph 6:17 … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Heb 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

Mat 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

The word of God.  Is it any wonder at all that people were hearing Jesus speak as no other had spoken before? None had grasped the power in the word of God.

God's word, the words Jesus spoke given to Him from the Father, are life giving, they are filled with power, they are sharper than a two edged sword… there is POWER in the word of God. That power did not disappear when Jesus returned to heaven. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to those who would be His, giving them the power of the word.

How is it the word of God can be spoken and not touch the heart of those who hear? Those who do not want to hear, will not be able to. Those who have hardened their hearts will not discern the power of the word of God.  Satan loves to deceive and if there is the least bit of susceptibility to be found he will pounce upon it so that he can confuse and turn people from truth. Satan will USE the word of God to confound people, He tried to use the word of God on Jesus- it didn't work.  

Jesus word is powerful, and Jesus used the words of what we call the Old Testament- which to Him and His hearers was the only testament at the time, to open its truths to the people. The word of God is a spiritual sword needed desperately in the spiritual warfare we are thrust in daily.

Let us NOT be dull of hearing…

Mat_13:15  For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.))))

Jesus, A Man, Suffering Temptation.

CHAPTER 4 (The Great Controversy)

The First Advent of Christ

Then I was carried down to the time when Jesus was to take upon himself man’s nature, humble himself as a man, and suffer the temptations of Satan.

 His birth was without worldly grandeur.  He was born in a stable, cradled in a manger; yet his birth was honored far above any of the sons of men.  Angels from heaven informed the shepherds of the advent of Jesus, while the light and glory from God accompanied their testimony.  The heavenly host touched their harps and glorified God.  They triumphantly heralded the advent of the Son of God to a fallen world to accomplish the work of redemption, and by his death bring peace, happiness, and everlasting life to man.  God honored the advent of his Son.  Angels worshiped him.

Angels of God hovered over the scene of his baptism, and the Holy Spirit descended in the shape of a dove, and lighted upon him, and as the people stood greatly amazed, with their eyes fastened upon him, the Father’s voice was heard from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.

 John was not certain that it was the Saviour who came to be baptized of him in Jordan.  But God had promised him a sign by which he should know the Lamb of God.  That sign was given as the heavenly Dove rested upon Jesus, and the glory of God shone round about him.  John reached forth his hand, pointing to Jesus, and with a loud voice cried out, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.

John informed his disciples that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world.  As his work was closing, he taught his disciples to look to Jesus, and follow him as the great teacher.  John’s life was without pleasure.  It was sorrowful and self-denying.  He heralded the first advent of Christ, and then was not permitted to witness the miracles, and enjoy the power manifested by him.  He knew that when Jesus should establish himself as a teacher, he must die.  His voice was seldom heard, except in the wilderness.  His life was lonely.  He did not cling to his father’s family, to enjoy their society, but left them in order to fulfill his mission.  Multitudes left the busy cities and villages, and flocked to the wilderness to hear the words of the wonderful, singular Prophet.  John laid the axe at the root of the tree. 

He reproved sin fearless of consequences, and prepared the way for the Lamb of God.  Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed testimonies of John.  With deep interest he inquired what he must do to become his disciple.  John was acquainted with the fact that he was about to marry his brother’s wife, while her husband was yet living, and faithfully told Herod that it was not lawful.  Herod was not willing to make any sacrifice.  He married his brother’s wife, and, through her influence, seized John and put him in prison.  But Herod intended to release him again.  While there confined, John heard through his disciples of the mighty works of Jesus.  He could not listen to his gracious words.  But the disciples informed him, and comforted him with what they had heard.  Soon John was beheaded through the influence of Herod’s wife. I saw that the least disciple that followed Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and heard the comforting words which fell from his lips, was greater than John the Baptist.  That is, they were more exalted and honored, and had more pleasure in their lives.

John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to proclaim the first advent of Jesus.  I was pointed down to the last days, and saw that John was to represent those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to herald the day of wrath, and the second advent of Jesus.

After the baptism of Jesus in Jordan, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the Devil.  The Holy Spirit had fitted him for that special scene of fierce temptations.  Forty days he was tempted of the Devil, and in those days he ate nothing.  Everything around Jesus was unpleasant, from which human nature would be led to shrink.  He was with the wild beasts, and the Devil, in a desolate, lonely place. I saw that the Son of God was pale and emaciated through fasting and suffering.  But his course was marked out, and he must fulfill the work he came to do.

Satan took advantage of the sufferings of the Son of God, and prepared to beset him with manifold temptations, hoping he should obtain the victory over him, because he had humbled himself as a man.  Satan came with this temptation, If thou be the Son of God, command that this stone be made bread.  He tempted Jesus to condescend to him, and give him proof of his being the Messiah, by exercising his divine power.  Jesus mildly answered him, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Satan was seeking a dispute with Jesus concerning his being the Son of God.  He referred to his weak, suffering condition, and boastingly affirmed that he was stronger than Jesus.  But the word spoken from heaven, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased, was sufficient to sustain Jesus through all his sufferings.  I saw that in all his mission he had nothing to do in convincing Satan of his power, and of his being the Saviour of the world, Satan had sufficient evidence of his exalted station and authority.  His unwillingness to yield to Jesus’ authority, shut him out of heaven.

Satan, to manifest his strength, carried Jesus to Jerusalem, and set him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and again tempted him, that if he was the Son of God, to give him evidence of it by casting himself down from the dizzy height upon which he had placed him.  Satan came with the words of inspiration.  For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.  Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.  Satan wished to cause Jesus to presume upon the mercy of his Father, and risk his life before the fulfillment of his mission.  He had hoped that the plan of salvation would fail; but I saw that the plan was laid too deep to be thus overthrown, or marred by Satan.

I saw that Christ was the example for all Christians when tempted, or their rights disputed. 

They should bear it patiently. 

They should not feel that they have a right to call upon God to display his power, that they may obtain a victory over their enemies, unless there is a special object in view, that God can be directly honored and glorified by it.

I saw that if Jesus had cast himself from the pinnacle, it would not have glorified his Father; for none would witness the act but Satan, and the angels of God.  And it would be tempting the Lord to display his power to his bitterest foe.  It would have been condescending to the one whom Jesus came to conquer.

“And the Devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.  And the Devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.  If thou, therefore, wilt worship me, all shall be thine.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Here Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world.  They were presented in the most attractive light.  He offered them to Jesus if he would there worship him.  He told Jesus that he would relinquish his claims of the possessions of earth.  Satan knew that his power must be limited, and finally taken away, if the plan of salvation should be carried out.  He knew that if Jesus should die to redeem man, his power would end after a season, and he would be destroyed.  Therefore it was his studied plan to prevent, if possible, the completion of the great work which had been commenced by the Son of God.  If the plan of man’s redemption should fail, he would retain the kingdom which he then claimed.  And if he should succeed, he flattered himself that he would reign in opposition to the God of heaven.

Satan exulted when Jesus left heaven, and left his power and glory there.  He thought that the Son of God was placed in his power.  The temptation took so easily with the holy pair in Eden, that he hoped he could with his satanic cunning and power overthrow even the Son of God, and thereby save his life and kingdom.  If he could tempt Jesus to depart from the will of his Father, then his object would be gained.  Jesus bid Satan get behind him.  He was to bow only to his Father.  The time was to come when Jesus should redeem the possessions of Satan by his own life, and, after a season, all in heaven and earth should submit to him.  Satan claimed the kingdoms of earth as his, and he insinuated to Jesus that all his sufferings might be saved.  He need not die to obtain the kingdoms of this world.  But he might have the entire possessions of earth, and the glory of reigning over them, if he would worship him.  Jesus was steadfast.  He chose his life of suffering, his dreadful death, and, in the way appointed by his Father, to become a lawful heir to the kingdoms of earth, and have them given into his hands as an everlasting possession.  Satan also will be given into his hands to be destroyed by death, never more to annoy Jesus, or the saints in glory.  

See Deuteronomy 6:16,8:3; 2Kings 17:35-36; Psalms 91:11-12; Luke chap.2-4

Deu 6:16  Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

Deu 8:3  And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 

2Ki 17:35  With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them: 

2Ki 17:36  But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice. 

Psa 91:11  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 

Psa 91:12  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

Luk 2:1  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 

Luk 2:2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 

Luk 2:3  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 

Luk 2:4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 

Luk 2:5  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 

Luk 2:6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 

Luk 2:7  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Luk 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

Luk 2:9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

Luk 2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

Luk 2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

Luk 2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

Luk 2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

Luk 2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Luk 2:15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

Luk 2:16  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 

Luk 2:17  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 

Luk 2:18  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 

Luk 2:19  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 

Luk 2:20  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 

Luk 2:21  And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Luk 2:22  And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 

Luk 2:23  (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 

Luk 2:24  And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 

Luk 2:25  And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 

Luk 2:26  And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 

Luk 2:27  And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 

Luk 2:28  Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 

Luk 2:29  Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 

Luk 2:30  For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 

Luk 2:31  Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 

Luk 2:32  A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 

Luk 2:33  And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 

Luk 2:34  And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 

Luk 2:35  (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 

Luk 2:36  And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 

Luk 2:37  And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 

Luk 2:38  And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 

Luk 2:39  And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 

Luk 2:40  And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 

Luk 2:41  Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 

Luk 2:42  And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 

Luk 2:43  And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 

Luk 2:44  But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 

Luk 2:45  And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 

Luk 2:46  And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 

Luk 2:47  And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 

Luk 2:48  And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 

Luk 2:49  And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 

Luk 2:50  And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 

Luk 2:51  And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 

Luk 2:52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. 

Luk 3:1  Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 

Luk 3:2  Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 

Luk 3:3  And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 

Luk 3:4  As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 

Luk 3:5  Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; 

Luk 3:6  And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. 

Luk 3:7  Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 

Luk 3:8  Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 

Luk 3:9  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 

Luk 3:10  And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 

Luk 3:11  He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 

Luk 3:12  Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 

Luk 3:13  And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 

Luk 3:14  And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. 

Luk 3:15  And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 

Luk 3:16  John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: 

Luk 3:17  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. 

Luk 3:18  And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. 

Luk 3:19  But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 

Luk 3:20  Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. 

Luk 3:21  Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 

Luk 3:22  And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. 

Luk 3:23  And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, 

Luk 3:24  Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, 

Luk 3:25  Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, 

Luk 3:26  Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, 

Luk 3:27  Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, 

Luk 3:28  Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, 

Luk 3:29  Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, 

Luk 3:30  Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, 

Luk 3:31  Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, 

Luk 3:32  Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, 

Luk 3:33  Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, 

Luk 3:34  Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor, 

Luk 3:35  Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala, 

Luk 3:36  Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech, 

Luk 3:37  Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan, 

Luk 3:38  Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God. 

Luk 4:1  And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 

Luk 4:2  Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 

Luk 4:3  And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. 

Luk 4:4  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. 

Luk 4:5  And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 

Luk 4:6  And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 

Luk 4:7  If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 

Luk 4:8  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 

Luk 4:9  And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: 

Luk 4:10  For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: 

Luk 4:11  And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

Luk 4:12  And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 

Luk 4:13  And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. 

Luk 4:14  And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 

Luk 4:15  And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 

Luk 4:16  And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 

Luk 4:17  And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 

Luk 4:18  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 

Luk 4:19  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 

Luk 4:20  And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 

Luk 4:21  And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 

Luk 4:22  And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? 

Luk 4:23  And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 

Luk 4:24  And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. 

Luk 4:25  But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; 

Luk 4:26  But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. 

Luk 4:27  And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. 

Luk 4:28  And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 

Luk 4:29  And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 

Luk 4:30  But he passing through the midst of them went his way, 

Luk 4:31  And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. 

Luk 4:32  And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. 

Luk 4:33  And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 

Luk 4:34  Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 

Luk 4:35  And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. 

Luk 4:36  And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. 

Luk 4:37  And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. 

Luk 4:38  And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. 

Luk 4:39  And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. 

Luk 4:40  Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 

Luk 4:41  And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. 

Luk 4:42  And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. 

Luk 4:43  And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. 

Luk 4:44  And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.