The Desire of Ages

-- Study Guide

Ellen G. White Estate

2019

Copyright © 2021
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
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at mail@whiteestate.org. We are thankful for your interest and
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 Contents
Information about this Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Chapter 1: “God With Us” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 2: The Chosen People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 3: “The Fullness of the Time” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 4: Unto You a Saviour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 5: The Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 6: “We Have Seen His Star” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 7: As a Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 8: The Passover Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 9: Days of Conflict . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 10: The Voice in the Wilderness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 11: The Baptism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chapter 12: The Temptation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 13: The Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 14: “We Have Found the Messias” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 15: At the Marriage Feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 16: In His Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 17: Nicodemus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 18: “He Must Increase” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 19: At Jacob’s Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 20: “Except Ye See Signs and Wonders” . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 21: Bethesda and the Sanhedrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Chapter 22: Imprisonment and Death of John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chapter 23: “The Kingdom of God Is at Hand” . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 24: “Is Not This the Carpenter’s Son?” . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter 25: The Call by the Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 26: At Capernaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Chapter 27: “Thou Canst Make Me Clean” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Chapter 28: Levi-Matthew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Chapter 29: The Sabbath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Chapter 30: “He Ordained Twelve” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chapter 31: The Sermon on the Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Chapter 32: The Centurion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Chapter 33: Who Are My Brethren? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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iv The Desire of Ages -- Study Guide

Chapter 34: The Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Chapter 35: “Peace, Be Still” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 36: The Touch of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Chapter 37: The First Evangelists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Chapter 38: Come Rest Awhile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Chapter 39: “Give Ye Them to Eat” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Chapter 40: A Night on the Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Chapter 41: The Crisis in Galilee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Chapter 42: Tradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Chapter 43: Barriers Broken Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Chapter 44: The True Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Chapter 45: The Foreshadowing of the Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Chapter 46: He Was Transfigured . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Chapter 47: Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Chapter 48: Who Is the Greatest? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Chapter 49: At the Feast of Tabernacles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Chapter 50: Among Snares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 51: “The Light of Life” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Chapter 52: The Divine Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Chapter 53: The Last Journey From Galilee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Chapter 54: The Good Samaritan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Chapter 55: Not With Outward Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Chapter 56: Blessing the Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Chapter 57: “One Thing Thou Lackest” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Chapter 58: “Lazarus, Come Forth” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Chapter 59: Priestly Plottings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Chapter 60: The Law of the New Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Chapter 61: Zacchaeus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Chapter 62: The Feast at Simon’s House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Chapter 63: “Thy King Cometh” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Chapter 64: A Doomed People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Chapter 65: The Temple Cleansed Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Chapter 66: Controversy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Chapter 67: Woes on the Pharisees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Chapter 68: In the Outer Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Chapter 69: On the Mount of Olives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Chapter 70: “The Least of These My Brethren” . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Chapter 71: A Servant of Servants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
 Contents v

Chapter 72: “In Remembrance of Me” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Chapter 73: “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chapter 74: Gethsemane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Chapter 75: Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas . . . . . . . . 80
Chapter 76: Judas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Chapter 77: In Pilate’s Judgment Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Chapter 78: Calvary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Chapter 80: In Joseph’s Tomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chapter 81: “The Lord Is Risen” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Chapter 82: “Why Weepest Thou?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Chapter 83: The Walk to Emmaus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Chapter 84: “Peace Be Unto You” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Chapter 85: By the Sea Once More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Chapter 86: Go Teach All Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Chapter 87: “To My Father, and Your Father” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
 Chapter 1: “God With Us”

1. The Father and Son “covenanted” together to save fallen

mankind. Was their plan conceived before or after the fall?
2. In what way is the meaning of the name “Immanuel” signifi-
cant to you in your personal walk with God?
3. Compare Exodus 25:8 with John 1:14. What is the signifi-
cance of Christ’s becoming truly human?
4. As both the Son of man and the Son of God, Jesus partakes in
humanity and lays hold of the throne of God. In what way does this
affect our power to obey God’s law?
5. Satan and sin have marred our picture of God. What are some
ways that the “handwriting of God” remains legible in the world?

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 Chapter 2: The Chosen People [5]

1. Read Genesis 12:1-3. In its practice of faith, Israel failed to

be a “blessing to the nations.” In what ways can the church today
misrepresent God to the world? In what ways has God called you to
be a blessing to your community?
2. Through persecution and oppression, Israel began to see that
their prosperity was dependent on their obedience to God’s law.
Though true, what vital part was missing from their obedience?
3. The people of Israel looked forward to the Messiah, but they
had no true conception of His mission. What did they expect the
Messiah to do for them?

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[6] Chapter 3: “The Fullness of the Time”

1. How did God direct world affairs so that the world was ripe
for the coming of the Savior?
2. In Galatians 4:4 Paul writes that Christ’s coming occurred “in
the fullness of time.” How should this evidence of God’s wisdom
and perfect timing affect our trust in Him?
3. “Israel hoarded the living manna,” thereby shutting out the
light of God’s truth from its neighbors. How can the contemporary
church avoid making the same mistake with non-believers?
4. How did Israel’s system of worship differ from the heathen
religions of the time?

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 Chapter 4: Unto You a Saviour [7]

1. What does the story of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and the

angels’ visit to the shepherds say about God’s interest in us?
2. Read Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:1-5. God used the census by
Caesar Augustus to bring Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where the
Messiah was to be born. What are some ways we can discern the
hand of God in everyday events?
3. Would Jesus have been received differently had He come as a
powerful and glorious earthly ruler?
4. We are called to marvel at the amazing sacrifice of God the
Father in sending His only Son to earth. In what ways has this great
sacrificial love of God affected your life?

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[8] Chapter 5: The Dedication

1. Why is it easier for us to acknowledge “Christ in history” than

“the living Christ” present in our lives today?
2. The life of Jesus is a “call to self-surrender.” What are some
of the challenges you face in surrendering your life to Christ?
3. “The gift of Christ reveals the Father’s heart.” Have you ever
been assured of Jesus’ love for you, yet felt that the Father had a
different attitude toward you? What could be some reasons for this
feeling?

10
 Chapter 6: “We Have Seen His Star” [9]

1. The Magi had outward evidence (the star) and inward evidence
(the Holy Spirit) that God was leading them. In what ways have you
experienced both kinds of evidence in your life?
2. The pride of the religious leaders did not allow them to learn
from “outsiders.” Are there “teachers” that God sends to us that we
would rather not learn from?
3. The wise men went to great lengths to bring gifts to the baby
Jesus. What are some practical ways that you can give gifts to God?

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[10] Chapter 7: As a Child

1. Read Acts 17:27. With this text in mind, contrast true educa-
tion with that which was common in the rabbinical schools during
Jesus’ early years. What is the focus and end result of these two
systems of education?
2. What do the setting and content of many of Jesus’ parables in
the Gospels tell us about where He spent much of His free time as a
child? What was His purpose in studying nature?
3. Which of the traits of character manifested by Jesus as a child
would you like to develop in your life?
4. All classes and ages of society and even the animals were
happier for Jesus’ presence among them. How could you imitate the
example of Jesus to bless those with whom you come in contact in
daily life?

12
 Chapter 8: The Passover Visit [11]

1. Read John 1:5. “The youthful modesty and grace of Jesus dis-
armed” the prejudices of the rabbis. What was the rabbis’ response
to the light of the Holy Spirit? What lesson can we learn from their
choice?
2. In the experience of losing Jesus for an entire day, what else
were Joseph and Mary in danger of forgetting? How did Jesus’
response to his parents help them to understand both His mission
and His relationship to God?
3. How does the neglect of Jesus’ parents parallel with that
of many of Jesus’ followers. In what ways can this neglect be
manifested? What is the end result?

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[12] Chapter 9: Days of Conflict

1. In acting independently of the rabbinical laws from His child-

hood, Jesus suffered censure and reproof from many sides. Why did
He follow this course of action? What justification did He give for
His simple life?
2. What encouragement can we draw from the relationship
between Jesus and His brothers when we face scorn or ridicule in
regard to our faith? Read Hebrews 4:15.
3. Jesus “passed by no human being as worthless.” Who in your
sphere of influence might you be passing by? What actions could
you take to show Jesus’ love?

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 Chapter 10: The Voice in the Wilderness [13]

1. In Luke 1:76-79, Zacharias prophesied about the mission of

his son. What was John’s mission? Describe John’s preparation for
this mission.
2. In what ways was John “a representative of those who are to
prepare a people for our Lord’s second coming”?
3. Compare and contrast the society of John’s time with our
contemporary society. Do you think it was easy or hard for John to
fulfill his mission?
4. John’s message was one of repentance for sin. How can his
message prepare you for Jesus’ coming?

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[14] Chapter 11: The Baptism

1. What was it about Jesus that made John certain that the Man
asking for baptism was the Messiah?
2. Read Matthew 3:13-17. What are some reasons why Jesus
desired baptism?
3. Jesus’ prayer on the riverbank included several requests. What
were these requests? Consider the reasons that Jesus may have had
for each request.
4. “The glory that rested upon Christ . . . tells us of the power
of prayer—how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our
petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven.” How would you
apply this statement in your own prayer life?

16
 Chapter 12: The Temptation [15]

1. List the intentional actions of Satan to counter God’s work to

save humanity. What specific reasons are given for these actions?
2. When is Satan most successful in gaining victory over hu-
manity? Give some examples from Scripture.
3. Explain the meaning of Jesus’ words in John 14:30? How did
they apply to Him? What do they mean for us?
4. Name the core issue underlying Jesus’ first temptation on
appetite. In what ways is this issue at work within you? How can
you gain the victory in similar struggles? Think of at least one
specific promise in Scripture that you can memorize and hold onto
in times of temptation.

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[16] Chapter 13: The Victory

1. Satan could not compel Jesus to sin, and Jesus did not fall. Sa-
tan can never compel us to sin either, so why do Christians frequently
fall?
2. Jesus “endured the test, greater than we shall ever be called to
endure.” What made these temptations great for Him?
3. When you think of the temptations you are now facing, what
tools does this chapter present that will help you overcome them?

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 Chapter 14: “We Have Found the Messias” [17]

1. John was well acquainted with the prophecies of the Messiah,

but did not see clearly that Jesus would suffer and die. How can we
make sure we do not miss the presence of Jesus because of our own
expectations?
2. What draws you to Jesus?
3. Why has God given humans a part in the work of soul saving?
4. What role did angels play in Christ’s earthly ministry?

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[18] Chapter 15: At the Marriage Feast

1. Read John 2:4. How did Jesus respond to Mary? By respond-

ing as He did, what was Jesus communicating to her?
2. Like the superior wine (grape juice) of Jesus’ first miracle,
every new gift He gives is “ever fresh and new.” Explore the meaning
of this concept, giving concrete examples from your own experience.
3. Discuss how Jesus trained His disciples. How do His methods
compare with those we use? How did Jesus reach the hearts of the
people?
4. What are some specific ways that you can “carry Jesus” with
you and “reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour”?

20
 Chapter 16: In His Temple [19]

1. Describe conditions in the temple in Jesus’ day. What lessons

are there for the contemporary church?
2. After Jesus cleansed the temple, who stayed behind? Why did
they remain there?
3. What do Jesus’ actions in relation to the Pharisees and the
needy tell you about His idea for the church?
4. Jesus is now in the heavenly sanctuary, ministering on our
behalf. How does this reality make you feel about your salvation?

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[20] Chapter 17: Nicodemus

1. What did Jesus mean when He said that we need to be born

again? Have you experienced this birth? How do you know?
2. Read John 3:8. When Jesus compared the work of the Holy
Spirit to the wind, what did He mean? Is conversion a point in time,
a process, or both?
3. Discuss how pride became a stumbling block for Nicodemus.
How does pride sometimes show itself in the believers’ actions in
the church?
4. After talking with Jesus, Nicodemus remained inactive for
three years, but then became a committed leader of the early church.
Has your experience with God been similar to his? Describe.

22
 Chapter 18: “He Must Increase” [21]

1. What can we learn from the humble attitudes of Jesus and

John? Is such humility intentional, or is it solely the result of God’s
presence in one’s life?
2. John understood his role as he worked for God and was
willing to accept it. What should our attitude be when in a leadership
position?
3. Read John 3:30. Describe a time when you had to take such a
course of action.

23
[22] Chapter 19: At Jacob’s Well

1. What social taboos separated Jews from Samaritans?

2. Why did the Samaritan woman receive Christ without a mira-
cle, while the Pharisees rejected Him in spite of many miracles?
3. In light of how Jesus approached the Samaritan woman, how
might you approach people of other faiths, or no faith, differently
than you currently do?

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 Chapter 20: “Except Ye See Signs and Wonders” [23]

1. Why did the “worldly minded” people of Nazareth not recog-

nize and accept Jesus as the Savior of the world?
2. What were some of the issues that led the “nobleman” to
doubt the messiahship of Jesus?
3. What two equally miraculous events took place in this story?
4. Read John 4:46-54. What lessons did you personally learn
from this story about faith and belief?

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[24] Chapter 21: Bethesda and the Sanhedrin

1. Read John 5:1-9. Why did Jesus choose to work this miracle
on the Sabbath? What prevented Him from healing all the people at
the pool? How did Jesus’ words and the man’s actions work together
in the process of this great miracle? What implications does this
have for your own personal exercise of faith?
2. Since Satan could not overthrow Christ in the wilderness, what
was his next strategy? Does the strongest opposition to genuine faith
usually come from believers or unbelievers. Why?
3. What prevented the Jews of John’s day from believing and
accepting the message of Christ?

26
 Chapter 22: Imprisonment and Death of John [25]

1. Read Mark 6:17-28. What does Ellen White add to our

understanding of this passage that is not explicitly stated in the
biblical text?
2. What made John the Baptist wonder whether Jesus was truly
the Messiah?
3. John never performed a miracle or called down fire from
heaven as did the Prophet Elijah. Why, then, did Jesus consider John
to be a greater prophet than the others?
4. In the context of John the Baptist’s story, can you explain why
bad things happen to good people?

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[26] Chapter 23: “The Kingdom of God Is at Hand”

1. Read Daniel 9:24-27. How does this prophecy indicate the

exact time when the Messiah would come?
2. John 1:11 says: “He came to his own, and his own received
him not.” What are some reasons why the so-called “religious”
Israelites rejected Christ?
3. What difference does the soon coming of Jesus make in your
life?
4. What benefit is there in not knowing the exact time of our
Lord’s return?

28
 Chapter 24: “Is Not This the Carpenter’s Son?” [27]

1. Read Luke 4:23-27. Out of the many lepers that lived in

Elisha’s time, why was only Naaman healed?
2. “Truth was unpopular in Christ’s day. It is unpopular in our
day.” What are some contemporary theories and doctrines that have
no foundation in God’s Word?
3. Many people rejected Christ because their deficiencies of
character demanded repentance and they were unwilling to change.
Is there anything in your life that keeps you from living a life totally
committed to God?

29
[28] Chapter 25: The Call by the Sea

1. Read Luke 5:1-11. What were Peter’s thoughts and feel-

ings in this story? Why was the imprisonment of John the Baptist
disheartening to him?
2. Why were “humble and unlearned men” of Galilee chosen to
work for Christ? What happens to those who labor with Christ?
3. “There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting
self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon the
heart and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.” How does this
statement speak to you and your walk with Christ?

30
 Chapter 26: At Capernaum [29]

1. How did Jesus overcome the doubts and natural predisposi-

tions of His audience to win them? What are some things that Christ
refused to do to reach His audience?
2. Describe the process that led to the demon-possessed man
becoming a slave of Satan.
3. What does the story of the demoniac teach us about the
dangers of sin, the power of the Word of God, and the ability of
Jesus to save?
4. Read Isaiah 42:2-4. What are the differences between the
spiritual life promoted by Jesus and that of the Pharisees? What
impact did this chapter have on your own personal approach to
spiritual life and worship?

31
[30] Chapter 27: “Thou Canst Make Me Clean”

1. What were some of the stigmas associated with leprosy? Was

anyone exempt from these?
2. Given these stigmas, what caused the leper to seek Jesus so
diligently? How diligently have you been seeking God in the last
weeks and months?
3. Why did Jesus tell the leper not to talk about his experience
of being healed? In what ways is it possible that our own efforts for
God can actually hinder His cause?
4. Read Psalm 33:6, 9. What does this text have to do with the
healing of the paralytic in Matthew 9:1-8? How has Christ’s creative
power been manifested in your life?

32
 Chapter 28: Levi-Matthew [31]

1. Why did Jesus eat with publicans even though this was so-
cially unacceptable? What implications does this have for our social
interactions with people outside the church?
2. How did Jesus explain to John’s disciples the differences
between His teachings and those of the Pharisees on the topic of
fasting? How can fasting become an abomination to Christ?
3. Read Revelation 3:17, 18. To what degree have you personally
experienced the Laodicean condition? How has God restored you to
relationship with Him?

33
[32] Chapter 29: The Sabbath

1. What was God’s purpose in creating the Sabbath? Why is the

Sabbath not for Israel only, but for the whole world?
2. How can we keep the Sabbath holy? In what ways can its
observance be “perverted”?
3. What is a common characteristic in every false religion? How
does this relate to the Sabbath?
4. In what way does the Sabbath point to Jesus? What have
been some of the strengths and weaknesses of your own attempts to
rightly keep the Sabbath?

34
 Chapter 30: “He Ordained Twelve” [33]

1. Why did Jesus prefer to teach in the groves and fields rather
than in ornate synagogues? What does the Savior’s attitude toward
creation say about His attitude toward us?
2. Read Matthew 8:19-20. Why did Jesus deal patiently and
tenderly with Judas though He knew what was in his heart?
3. Is it possible for us to become so accustomed to spiritual
things that they no longer have power to change us? In what ways
has this been your experience?

35
[34] Chapter 31: The Sermon on the Mount

1. What was Christ’s attitude toward “the law and the prophets”?
2. Read Exodus 20:3-17. The Ten Commandments were written
by the finger of God. What is the purpose of this law? What does
God reveal to us through it?
3. Read Matthew 7:24-25; Romans 8:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,
17. If today were to be your last day on earth, to what degree could
you honestly say that you had both heard and done the words of
Jesus?

36
 Chapter 32: The Centurion [35]

1. What characteristics did the centurion possess that caused

Jesus to describe him as more faithful than anyone in Israel?
2. Under what circumstances do feelings of unworthiness have a
positive or negative impact on one’s spiritual life?
3. Do you see a relationship between physical resurrection and
spiritual resurrection? Explain.

37
[36] Chapter 33: Who Are My Brethren?

1. It is not God who deceives people or hardens their hearts.

What is the process that ultimately leads people to unbelief?
2. How do you balance your love for Jesus and your love for
your family and friends? What example did Jesus set in this regard?
3. Read Isaiah 43:1, 4. Imagine God speaking these words
directly to you. What response would God desire from you?

38
 Chapter 34: The Invitation [37]

1. What are some causes of the oppressive burdens that rest on

the shoulders of many?
2. What is “the school of Christ”? How do Christians enter it?
3. Read Matthew 11:28-30. If this passage is true, why do many
professed Christians have an “anxious” and “troubled heart”?
4. How is the analogy of a yoke placed upon oxen instructive for
your own personal experience with God?

39
[38] Chapter 35: “Peace, Be Still”

1. Why was Jesus at times utterly exhausted? Read Psalm

107:23-32. How does it relate to this story? How might this passage
have impressed the disciples?
2. What contrasting purposes did Jesus and Satan have in the
destruction of the pigs?
3. What lesson did the demoniacs at Gergesa have for the disci-
ples? What lesson did you find most meaningful in this account?

40
 Chapter 36: The Touch of Faith [39]

1. How was the woman’s mere touching of Jesus’ garment

sufficient to heal the disease that had plagued her for nearly her
whole life? How did Jesus guard against a superstitious reaction to
this event?
2. Read Mark 5:24-34. What was the difference between the
touch of the woman and of those who merely bumped into or stood
next to Jesus?
3. What are we to keep “fresh” in our memories? Why?

41
[40] Chapter 37: The First Evangelists

1. Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. Discuss the benefits
of such an arrangement and of the disciples’ first opportunities to
work at a distance from Jesus.
2. Read Matthew 10. What instructions did Jesus give to His
disciples? How do these instructions apply to us?
3. “Real peace can never be secured by compromising principle.”
Where would you draw the line between the compromise of principle
and Christ-like tolerance when dealing with someone who has a
different perspective from yours?

42
 Chapter 38: Come Rest Awhile [41]

1. How would you describe Jesus’ views on taking rest from

labor? What is accomplished by this kind of rest?
2. “Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sancti-
fied by the merit of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient
for good.” Why is this so?
3. What happens when we are always in a bustle of activity or
under the strain of work? With society’s demands, how can this be
prevented?
4. What does it take to hear the voice of God? How can this be
accomplished in modern times?

43
[42] Chapter 39: “Give Ye Them to Eat”

1. Jesus’ miracles were designed to help us “recognize Him in

His gifts.” Are there gifts of God that are confused with “natural
causes” or “human instrumentality”?
2. When we sense Jesus leading us into a ministry for which we
do not have adequate resources, what should we do? How does this
apply to situations that you or someone in the group are facing now?
3. Read John 6:1-13. Put yourself in the place of Philip, Andrew,
the lad with the lunch, and/or one of the crowd. What are your
thoughts and feelings as you watch Jesus perform this miracle? God
used the Passover pilgrimage to bring a great crowd together in order
to experience this miracle. Who is God placing in your path? Which
of His blessings to you would He like you to share with others?

44
 Chapter 40: A Night on the Lake [43]

1. What kind of Messiah-Deliverer did the people desire? What

kind of Deliverer did they need?
2. How did popular misconceptions of “the Christ” burden the
life of Jesus? Are there any popular misconceptions of Christ that
might pose as a burden to Him today?
3. Read Isaiah 43:1-3. Why did God allow the storm to approach
the disciples? How does God continue to use afflictions and trials to
educate Christians?
4. How was Peter able to walk on the sea? What caused him to
sink beneath the waves? Has even spiritual work sometimes led to
pride and self-satisfaction in your life?

45
[44] Chapter 41: The Crisis in Galilee

1. Read John 6:1-15. What was the turning point in the ministry
of Jesus? Is this turning point noted in the Gospel of John as well?
2. Why didn’t Christ soften the directness of His message in
order to make it easier for people to accept it?
3. What does it mean to eat the flesh and drink the blood of
Jesus? How does this aid our understanding of the Lord’s Supper?
4. How is God calling you to “overcome as Christ overcame”?
What specific steps in this direction can you take today?

46
 Chapter 42: Tradition [45]

1. How did tradition designed to enhance God’s law actually

obscure both the law and its Author?
2. Read Mark 7:5-13. What was the corban tradition? In what
specific way did it enable a person to avoid the claims of God’s law?
3. Are there specific customs and traditions in your personal life
that you find hard to give up even though they have no basis in the
eternal laws of God?

47
[46] Chapter 43: Barriers Broken Down

1. How was the manner in which Jesus received the Syro-Phoeni-

cian woman similar to and different from the practices of His day?
What lesson was to be gleaned by the disciples from this exchange?
2. How did the example of the “dogs” and the “crumbs” test the
woman’s faith and educate His disciples? What does it say to us?
3. Read Ephesians 2:11-18. When was the wall of “partition
broken down” between Jew and Gentile? How should this affect the
way you personally choose to treat people?
4. In what ways is it possible for Christians to place a wall of
partition between themselves and the non-Christian world?

48
 Chapter 44: The True Sign [47]

1. Why did Jesus touch the “deaf’ and “stammering” man in

such an unusual way? Read Revelation 3:14-22. What lesson is
there for the Laodicean church in Jesus’ act?
2. Why was the phrase “ye can discern the face of the sky, but
can ye not discern the signs of the times,” such a rebuke to the
religious leaders?
3. What was the “leaven” of the Pharisees? Are Christians at
risk of partaking of this “leaven”?
4. To what degree is the love of self something that you have to
battle every day? Share victories that you have experienced in this
battle.

49
[48] Chapter 45: The Foreshadowing of the Cross

1. Did Christ know before the incarnation the toils, the trials,
the betrayal, the abandonment, and torture He would endure in the
process of saving man? What does it say about Christ’s view of the
human race?
2. Read Matthew 16:13-28. What did Christ mean by the “Rock”
and the “keys”?
3. Why did Jesus rebuke Peter sharply, saying: “Get behind me,
Satan?” Who was Peter hurting by his words?
4. Read John 2:4. By responding to Mary as He did, what was
Jesus communicating to her?

50
 Chapter 46: He Was Transfigured [49]

1. Why did Jesus take only Peter, James, and John with Him to
pray on the mountain?
2. Why did Moses and Elijah meet with Jesus when He was
transfigured, rather a legion of angels or Gabriel?
3. Read Psalm 46:10. How does this text relate to the command
of God the Father to the disciples that they to listen to Jesus? Are
there times in your life when you need to just stop and listen to
Jesus?

51
[50] Chapter 47: Ministry

1. Read Mark 9:23. Jesus told the distressed father of the demo-
niac: “All things are possible to him that believeth” Read Romans
10:9, 10. Is this the kind of belief Jesus is referring to?
2. Why did Jesus delay in healing the demon-possessed boy?
3. The time Jesus spent with His Father on the mountain made
Him better equipped for service in the plain below. What can we
learn from Jesus’ example?
4. “In this state of darkness, they [the disciples] had undertaken
the conflict with Satan.” How do we reach a state of mind that is
able to endure the daily conflicts with Satan?

52
 Chapter 48: Who Is the Greatest? [51]

1. When the collector of the temple tax questioned Peter about

Christ’s payment of the tax, why did Peter answer so hastily?
2. Relate Lucifer’s desire to be the greatest, as set forth in Isaiah
14:12-14, with the desire of the disciples to be the greatest. In what
ways are they similar or different?
3. Many times people interpret Matthew 18:17 (“Let him be
unto thee as an heathen man and a publican”) as instruction to never
again communicate with an erring person. How did Jesus mean for
this passage to be understood?

53
[52] Chapter 49: At the Feast of Tabernacles

1. Read John 7:1-15. Why did Jesus decide not to go to the feast
at the appointed time?
2. Jesus’ brothers were hopeful that He was the Messiah. What
“spirit” caused them to be anxious and perplexed at his strange
behavior?
3. According to John 7:8, Jesus knew that it was not time for
Him to go to Jerusalem. How do you personally respond when you
receive an impression that seems to be from God?

54
 Chapter 50: Among Snares [53]

1. In order to receive the truth, what must we do when the Holy

Spirit reveals our sins to us?
2. Jesus showed the rulers that He read their hearts. While they
accused Jesus of being a breaker of the law, what command from
God were they breaking?
3. Jesus performed a great miracle for the woman caught in
adultery by His acceptance of her and His forgiveness of her sin.
Share examples from your own experience of trying to love sinners
while maintaining hatred for their sin.

55
[54] Chapter 51: “The Light of Life”

1. Light has always been a symbol of God’s presence. Name at

least four events in the Bible where light accompanied the presence
of God?
The Desire of Ages Study Guide
2. Abraham longed to see the Messiah. How did his own experi-
ence with Isaac on Mt. Moriah help him to understand the infinite
sacrifice God has made to save humanity?
3. By openly healing the man who was born blind, Jesus placed
the rulers and Pharisees in a serious predicament. Describe two
ways they tried to change public opinion about Jesus’ healing of the
man.
4. The Jews believed that one’s suffering was always a direct
result of sin. When you suffer for any reason, do you tend to blame
others, God, or yourself?

56
 Chapter 52: The Divine Shepherd [55]

1. How does the example of the caring “Shepherd” relate to the

care of Christ for us? How would you apply this to the way you treat
other believers?
2. What is meant by this sentence: “The way of heaven is
consecrated by the Savior’s footprints”?
3. What does John 10:17, 18 mean: “I lay down My life, that I
might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I have the power
to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again”?

57
[56] Chapter 53: The Last Journey From Galilee

1. Read John 7:1; 11:7-16. Near the close of His ministry, Jesus
made a change in His manner of labor. What did He do differently?
2. What were the trials and temptations that vexed Christ as He
set out toward Jerusalem? How did Jesus meet these temptations
and trials?
3. Why did the Samaritans refuse to receive Christ’s disciples?
Why was the response of James and John so disappointing to Christ?
4. If the science of salvation cannot be explained, how can it be
known?

58
 Chapter 54: The Good Samaritan [57]

1. Read Luke 10:25-37. How does the story of the “Good

Samaritan” illustrate the difference between true religion and false
religion?
2. Why was the example of the priest passing by the injured man
such a rebuke to the religious leaders? What lessons did the priest
and Levite learn but fail to practice?
3. What is the definition of Christianity? What does it mean to
be a Christian?

59
[58] Chapter 55: Not With Outward Show

1. How did Jesus’ ascension change the disciples’ view of His

character and mission? To what degree are we affected by the kinds
of regret they felt at that time?
2. Read Luke 17:20-22. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in
the inner kingdom that Jesus talked about in this passage?
3. Why did Jesus respond indifferently to the civil and political
issues of His day? In what ways do you feel you should respond to
similar issues in your surroundings?

60
 Chapter 56: Blessing the Children [59]

1. Read Mark 10:13-16. Why did Jesus express strong emotion

with regard to the disciples’ treatment of the children who had come
to Him?
2. Why do children listen to Christ more readily than do many
adults?
3. What are the best ways to win the confidence of the children
we wish to draw to Jesus?
4. “Do not keep the little ones away from Him by your coldness
and harshness. Never give them cause to feel that heaven will not be
a pleasant place to them if you are there.” How does this statement
challenge you personally?

61
[60] Chapter 57: “One Thing Thou Lackest”

1. Why was the rich young ruler drawn to Christ? Why was
Christ drawn to him? What was the key element in the rich young
ruler’s decision? See Joshua 24:15. Describe a point in your life
when you faced a similar decision.
2. How can our natural love of self be surrendered, in practical
ways?
3. In what way is the ruler’s life an object lesson for all Chris-
tians?

62
 Chapter 58: “Lazarus, Come Forth” [61]

1. What was it about the home of Lazarus and his sisters that
Jesus enjoyed so much?
2. Read Luke 10:40-42. How did Jesus respond to Martha’s
complaint that Mary was not helping her?
How does this story relate to your own personality and natural
way of dealing with situations?
3. Why did Jesus delay in going to Lazarus? How is the resur-
rection of Lazarus both a great miracle and a great mercy? What
is the significance of Jesus asking those present to take away the
stone? Why was the resurrection of Lazarus a bitter-sweet event?

63
[62] Chapter 59: Priestly Plottings

1. Read John 11:45-53. Why was the resurrection of Lazarus

the event that necessitated the death of Jesus in the eyes of the
Sanhedrin? Why was it particularly embarrassing for the Sadducees?
How did it embarrass the Pharisees? In what ways do the words of
Jesus still offend religious people?
2. What did the Sanhedrin hope to gain by putting Christ to
death? In what ways do you feel tempted to put personal position
ahead of God’s will for your life?
3. How could one so loving, pure, kind, truthful, and divine be
considered an offense to the religious world?

64
 Chapter 60: The Law of the New Kingdom [63]

1. Why did the disciples have such a hard time understanding

the prophecies of Scripture and the words of Christ concerning His
death?
2. Read Matthew 20:20-28. How is position in the kingdom
of heaven determined? How should this affect your decisions in
relation to family, church, work, and society? How do the kingdoms
of the world differ from the kingdom of God?

65
[64] Chapter 61: Zacchaeus

1. Before he ever met Jesus, Zacchaeus began correcting the

wrongs that he had done. What caused him to take these actions?
2. Zacchaeus publicly announced what he was doing to make
restitution to those he had wronged. Why do you think it was im-
portant for him to “make public his confession and his repentance”?
3. True repentance will result in “reformation.” In what areas of
your life do you see the work of reformation taking place?

66
 Chapter 62: The Feast at Simon’s House [65]

1. Judas disapproved of what Mary did for Jesus at the feast at

Simon’s house. What character traits did these criticisms reveal?
2. Simon “acknowledged Jesus as a teacher . . . but he had
not accepted Him as a Savior.” What do you think is the difference
between accepting Jesus “as a teacher” and accepting “Him as a
Savior”?
3. “To human reasoning the whole plan of salvation is a waste
of mercies and resources.” Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Why does
God’s salvation seems like foolishness to the worldly?
4. If individuals are to “appreciate all that Christ is to them,” they
would not consider anything too valuable to give to Him in return.
How is God calling you personally to respond in appreciation for
what Jesus has done for you?

67
[66] Chapter 63: “Thy King Cometh”

1. Read John 18:36. If Jesus’ kingdom “was not of this world,”

why did He allow the people on this occasion to honor Him the way
they did?
2. The temple in Jerusalem was an object of pride for both the
Jews and the Romans. Why, then, did the sight of the temple bring
overwhelming sorrow to Jesus?
3. The disciples responded to questions about the triumphal
entry by repeating prophecies that pointed to Christ. How have the
Bible’s prophecies enhanced your understanding of Jesus?
4. “Pharisaical pride, hypocrisy, jealousy, and malice had
prevented [Christ] from accomplishing His purpose” of saving
Jerusalem. Are any of these preventing Christ from accomplish-
ing His purpose in you?

68
 Chapter 64: A Doomed People [67]

1. Read Matthew 7:21-27. The fig tree that Jesus cursed stood
out from all the other fig trees in the orchard because it appeared
to have fruit. In what ways did the Jewish nation at that time also
appear to stand out above the other nations of the earth? In what
way is the cursing of the fig tree a warning “to all churches and to
all Christians”?
2. To the disciples, the cursing of the fig tree seemed strange in
contrast to Jesus’ saving ministry. In what ways was Christ’s mercy
visible, even in the cursing of the fig tree?
3. After the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus spent the night
in prayer. Why is prayer particularly important after what seems like
great spiritual success?
4. Often individuals reject God’s truth because it doesn’t fit with
their own “practices and their natural inclination.” What is supreme
in your life right now—God’s truth, or what you think is right for
yourself?

69
[68] Chapter 65: The Temple Cleansed Again

1. The leaders of the temple multiplied sacrifices in order to

bring increased riches to themselves. What impact should these
sacrifices have had in people’s lives?
2. The religious leaders in Jerusalem had lost the respect of the
people. What caused this loss of respect?
3. When Jesus came to cleanse the temple the second time, “the
condition of things was even worse than before.” Why is it that when
people fall back into sin they tend to fall deeper than before?
4. “It was not Christ’s purpose to humiliate His opponents.” Why
did Jesus not seek to humiliate those who were trying hard to trap
Him?

70
 Chapter 66: Controversy [69]

1. Jesus was “charged with exalting the last six commandments

above the first four.” On what basis was He accused of doing this?
2. “While peaceably subject to the laws of the land, they should
at all times give their first allegiance to God.” To what degree is the
church keeping its balance between these two principles?
3. “When God has His rightful place on the throne of the heart,
the right place will be given to our neighbor.” How does your re-
lationship with your “neighbors” demonstrate the quality of your
relationship with God?
4. Read Mark 12:28-34. What is the central matter of true
religion according to this passage? In what way did the lawyer
understand this principle? What did he not yet understand?

71
[70] Chapter 67: Woes on the Pharisees

1. Read Matthew 23:11-12. How did the religious leaders of

Jesus’ day seek greatness? What does true greatness consist of in
Heaven’s eyes?
2. Jesus told His disciples that the widow gave more than all the
others. What made her gift so valuable?
3. “It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them
with ignominy or with high moral worth.” What are the motivations
behind most religious actions?

72
 Chapter 68: In the Outer Court [71]

1. Read John 12:20-25. Why did the request from a group of

Greeks trigger thoughts of the cross in Jesus? How can we apply the
principle of verse 25 in our own lives?
2. What agricultural metaphor did Jesus use in John 12? In what
way does selfishness inhibit us from bringing people into God’s
kingdom?
3. “All who have borne with Jesus the cross of sacrifice will be
sharers with Him of His glory.” What are some areas in your life
where God could be calling you to make a sacrifice for Him?

73
[72] Chapter 69: On the Mount of Olives

1. Why did Jesus mix descriptions of the destruction of

Jerusalem with “the great day of His coming”?
2. Read Matthew 24:36-42. Why didn’t Jesus reveal to the
disciples the exact time when He would return?
3. What is it about trials and persecution that causes people to
make decisions for Christ?
4. Jesus gave warning signs of His return so that “Those who
heed the warning will be saved.” How are Christ’s gracious warnings
impacting the way that you live your life?

74
 Chapter 70: “The Least of These My Brethren” [73]

1. Read Matthew 25:31-46. On the great judgment day, everyone

will be in one of two groups. What are these two groups? What
determines which group an individual will be in?
2. Some people believe that they would be blessed by visiting
the places where Jesus taught and ministered during His time on
earth. In what ways can we “walk in the steps of Jesus”?
3. “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of
God.” In what ways is God’s love being spread throughout the earth
through the way you live your life?

75
[74] Chapter 71: A Servant of Servants

1. Read John 13:6-10. What relationship is implied between the

footwashing service and baptism? What kinds of changes need to
happen in the hearts of those who participate in the footwashing?
2. When Jesus came to wash Peter’s feet, at first Peter was not
willing to let Him. What would Peter have ultimately rejected if he
had refused to allow Jesus to wash His feet?
3. “While pride, variance, and strife for supremacy are cherished,
the heart cannot enter into fellowship with Christ.” In what areas of
your life might you be holding on to any of these traits?

76
 Chapter 72: “In Remembrance of Me” [75]

1. How do the Passover and the Lord’s Supper commemorate

the mighty acts of God for the salvation of His people?
2. When Judas left the upper room, he “passed the boundary
line.” What was the boundary line for Judas? Discuss Judas’s resis-
tance to the Holy Spirit’s work in his life. What steps can we take to
make sure that we do not grieve the Holy Spirit?
3. “Christ’s example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord’s supper.”
How do your own thoughts about the people around you relate to
the example of Christ?

77
[76] Chapter 73: “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”

1. Read John 16:7-14. The greatest gift that Jesus gives His
followers after His ascension is the Holy Spirit. In what way is the
Holy Spirit’s work for us even more beneficial than having Jesus
present in the flesh?
2. Many Christians talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit,
yet receive no benefit. Why is that true?
3. Throughout His life Christ met with apparent defeat, yet in
the unseen world His life was one of uninterrupted victories. Why
is it difficult to see and understand the unseen world?
4. Christ speaks of connection between Himself and humanity in
terms of a vine and its branches. In what ways have you personally
experienced this connection?

78
 Chapter 74: Gethsemane [77]

1. The Sanhedrin at times played a dominant role in Jesus’ life.

Describe the Sanhedrin’s attitude toward Jesus.
2. What made it difficult for Jesus to accept the path of the cross?
What caused Him such agony that He sweat drops of blood?
3. What was the determining factor for Jesus in deciding to go
through with His sacrifice on the cross? How does anything that you
might sacrifice or suffer compare to what the Savior experienced?

79
[78] Chapter 75: Before Annas and the Court of
Caiaphas

1. What kind of Messiah were the religious leaders looking for?

Why did Jesus, the true Messiah, disappoint them?
2. How can we avoid the pitfalls that caused the Jewish religious
leaders to condemn and murder Jesus?
3. Read Isaiah 53. As we behold Jesus’ suffering at the hands of
His own creation, what can we learn from His behavior throughout
the trial?

80
 Chapter 76: Judas [79]

1. Read John 8:23; 18:36. What was it about Jesus’ teaching

about the kingdom of heaven that caused Judas to reject it?
2. What is the difference between true and false repentance?
3. One reason Judas joined Jesus was to gain a position of
recognition in the kingdom of Jesus. Can you think of times when
your own faith was motivated by earthly rewards?

81
[80] Chapter 77: In Pilate’s Judgment Hall

1. Summarize the character qualities and thought processes of

Pilate that caused him to act the way he did at the trial of Jesus.
2. Why did Jesus refuse to perform a miracle in order to save
himself? Read Luke 23:7-12.
3. What gave Jesus the strength to rise above natural human
instinct to defend one’s self in the face of cruelty and dishonest
accusations?
4. “All who compromise with sin will gain only sorrow and ruin.”
Where do you draw the line between compromise and a toleration
of differences?

82
 Chapter 78: Calvary [81]

1. Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12. What aspects of this prophecy were

fulfilled in Jesus’ suffering, trial, and crucifixion?
2. Describe the thought processes that led the penitent thief to
accept Jesus as his Savior?
3. Jesus suffered great physical pain, abuse, and mental distress
during the course of His crucifixion. What encouragement can those
who suffer take from this?
4. Many who took part in praising Jesus as He rode into
Jerusalem a few days before were now demanding Jesus’ cruci-
fixion. How did such a radical change take place?
5. Carrying the cross of Jesus “was a blessing to Simon, and
he was ever after grateful for this providence.” What “cross” could
Jesus be asking you to carry? How could carrying that cross become
a blessing to you?

83
[82] Chapter 79: “It Is Finished”

1. “To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, ‘It is finished,’
had a deep significance.” Read John 19:28-30. What impact did
Christ’s death have on those who had never fallen?
2. List the various charges Satan has made against the govern-
ment of God. In what ways does the cross answer those charges?
3. “Obedience or disobedience is the question to be decided by
the whole world.” How are you answering that question in your daily
experience?

84
 Chapter 80: In Joseph’s Tomb [83]

1. During Christ’s execution, three men from widely different

backgrounds confessed their faith in Jesus. Who were these three
men? What drew each of them to Jesus?
2. Read John 3:14-15. Why is it that Jesus “must be lifted
up”? What about the cross was absolutely essential to the plan of
salvation?
3. Even after His death, Jesus’ disciples held Him in respect and
desired for His body to be buried properly. How is your life showing
respect to Jesus, the One who died for you?
4. While Jesus was dead in Joseph’s tomb, sick people “were
dying for want of the healing touch of Jesus.” What can you do to
share the risen Jesus with people around you who would otherwise
die without Him?

85
[84] Chapter 81: “The Lord Is Risen”

1. Read Matthew 28:1-15. In what way did the priests “overreach

themselves” in creating a fabricated story about the disappearance
of Jesus’ body?
2. Why was Pilate troubled about reports that Jesus had been
raised from the dead?
3. At Christ’s resurrection, the soldiers’ “eyes were riveted upon
the face of Him whom they had so recently mocked and derided.” Put
yourself in the soldiers’ place; what kinds of thoughts and emotions
would you have felt at that moment?

86
 Chapter 82: “Why Weepest Thou?” [85]

1. Read John 20:13-17. Why did Jesus reject the worship of His
followers until after He met with His heavenly Father?
2. The disciples had a hard time believing in the resurrection of
Jesus because of “the so-called scientific theories of the Sadducees.”
In what ways can modern scientific knowledge blind us to the reality
of God’s Word?
3. Why do you think people are often unable to sense the pres-
ence of the Lord until their trial or difficulty has passed and they
look back on the situation?
4. The careful folding of the grave clothes reminds us that “Order
and perfection are seen in all His [Jesus’] work.” Identify one area
or time in your life where you have experienced Christ’s orderly and
perfect work.

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[86] Chapter 83: The Walk to Emmaus

1. As Jesus walked and talked with the two disciples from

Emmaus, He kept His identity hidden from them. Why was it
important for Him to do this?
2. Read Luke 24:25-27. What kinds of things in the Old Testa-
ment would Jesus have pointed out to these disciples?
3. Once the disciples realized that their guest was Jesus, they
could not keep this news to themselves. How is your experience
with Jesus compelling you to share it with others?

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 Chapter 84: “Peace Be Unto You” [87]

1. What were the six truths that the followers of Christ were to
share with others in the wake of Christ’s resurrection? Consider the
meaning of each of these.
2. Read John 20:21-23. Does the church have “power” to forgive
and to withhold forgiveness? Explain your answer.
3. In what way is it true that “He who despises the authority of
the church despises the authority of Christ Himself”?
4. Thomas had a deep love for Jesus, “but he had allowed jeal-
ousy and unbelief to take possession of his mind and heart.” Have
jealousy or doubt ever hindered your relationship with Jesus or with
the church?

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[88] Chapter 85: By the Sea Once More

1. Why do public sins necessitate public confession? What

lessons can churches draw from Peter’s experience?
2. What is the single most important characteristic that Jesus
is looking for in His disciples? How can we obtain more of this
characteristic?
3. Read Matthew 7:1-5. Why is it easy to judge others, yet hard
to honestly evaluate ourselves?
4. “Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and Satan had
taken advantage of these characteristics to overthrow him.” What are
the weak points of your own personality that Satan tries to exploit?

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 Chapter 86: Go Teach All Nations [89]

1. Why was it necessary that the proclamation of Jesus’ kingdom

begin at Jerusalem? Read Luke 24:45-47.
2. Why did Jesus involve natural means when healing people if
His own healing power was what actually brought about the cure?
3. God entrusted the Jews of Jesus’ day with a special knowl-
edge, “but Pharisaism had made them the most exclusive, the most
bigoted, of all the human race.” What kinds of beliefs lead to similar
prejudices today?
4. “Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple.” What kind
of portrait of Jesus can others see in your life?

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[90] Chapter 87: “To My Father, and Your Father”

1. The Mount of Olives plays a central role in what three biblical

events? Do you sense any spiritual lesson in this pattern?
2. Before His ascension, Jesus repeated to His disciples some of
the lessons that He had already taught them before His death. What
are the benefits of repetition in spiritual things?
3. Read Psalm 24:7-10. Why do you think that praise to God is
so important for His creatures?
4. Jesus promised His followers that He would always be with
them. What significance does this have for you when you share
Christ’s love with people who do not appreciate it?

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