Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, "Woes on the Pharisees," pp. 610-620, in The Desire of Ages.
"The Pharisees thought themselves too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly honored to need the honor that comes from Christ. The Saviour turned away from them to find others who would receive the message of heaven. In the untutored fishermen, in the publican at the market place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common people who heard Him gladly, He found His new bottles for the new wine. The instrumentalities to be used in the gospel work are those souls who gladly receive the light which God sends them. These are His agencies for imparting the knowledge of truth to the world."—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 279.
"We may do much in a short time if we will work as Christ worked. We may reflect with profit upon His manner of teaching. He sought to meet the minds of the common people. His style was plain, simple, comprehensive. He took His illustrations from the scenes with which His hearers were most familiar. By the things of nature He illustrated truths of eternal importance, thus connecting heaven and earth."—Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 565.
Discussion Questions: 
Why is the idea of Jesus as just a great moral teacher not good enough? What hope do we have if Christ were only a moral teacher and nothing else? Look at the C. S. Lewis quote from Saturday's introduction. Why is that such a powerful argument in favor of the deity of Christ? Or is it? What options do we have if Jesus isn't the Son of God?
As a class, discuss your answer to Monday's last question.
Whatever we might have to say about the Pharisees, one point we shouldn't forget. They were members of God's remnant church, the elite of the only faith in the world that had present truth. What's the message, and warning, for us in that fact?
Summary:
The story of Jesus is the most important story in history. His life and teachings show us not only the way to live and how to treat one another but also the way to eternal life-by believing in the salvation He brought to us through His death on the Cross.
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| After Hours Ministry Dr. Danielle is a dentist in southern Brazil. During the day she works to give people a more beautiful and healthy smile. But after hours, when her patients have gone and the dental hygienists have cleared away the day's tools, the dental clinic transforms into an evangelistic center, where she holds a small group Bible study. Danielle always wanted to serve God, and she chose dentistry as a way to meet people and share her faith. But she wanted to do more, to sit with friends and patients and share deeply of God's love. It was then that the idea of creating a space in her clinic to study the Bible came about. Now, besides giving her patients quality dental care, she gives them a personal invitation to participate in the Bible study group. Sandra, 32, accepted Danielle's invitation and came to the Bible study. "I came to participate, and I liked what I was hearing very much, so I invited a friend to the group," she said. "I was invited by a friend to come to this Bible study group," Ruben, 30, said. "I came, and I really liked it, so I invited my mother to come. She, too, enjoyed the Bible study, and she invited my brother to come with her. Then she invited her husband. Now the entire family is studying the Bible together in this dental clinic." Danielle is happy that she decided to expand her ministry beyond the dental chair. "The Bible study group grows because people are finding answers to their questions and their doubts," she says. "And when they find something that meets their needs, they invite their family and friends." And the ministry of this group goes beyond casual Bible studies. So far the small group that meets in a dental clinic has led 60 people to baptism. "I want Jesus to return soon," Danielle says. "But I want as many of my friends and clients to be ready as possible. This is one small way I can share my faith with those with whom I have contact." Every Christian knows someone, a friend, a neighbor, someone they meet at the store each week or at work every day who doesn't know the joy they've found in Jesus. Danielle's example challenges each of us to find a way to reach out to those we meet with the good news of salvation every day.
DANIELLE CARMEN ROVEDA (left) is a dentist in Curitiba, Paran, Brazil. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
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