The Desire of Ages Chapters 6 and 7

Chapter 6—“We Have Seen His Star”

Based on Matthew 2:1-23

1. Who were the wise men (or Magi)? (DA p. 59, ¶2, s. 1) [ASI p. 27, ¶1] {The wise men from …}

The wise men from the East were philosophers.

2. How were they different from others of their class? (DA p. 59, ¶2, s. 2) [ASI p. 27, ¶2] {The wise men from …}

They belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation.

3. (DA p. 59, ¶3, s. 1) [ASI p. 27, ¶3] {The light of God …}

The  light  of  God  is  ever   shining   amid  the  darkness  of  heathenism .

4. Describe how the Magi went about discovering the advent of Jesus’ birth. (DA p. 59, ¶3, s. 3) [ASI p. 27, ¶3] {The light of God …}

Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures.

(DA p. 60, ¶0, s. 1-2) [ASI p. 27, ¶3] {The light of God …}

But in the Old Testament the Saviour’s advent was more clearly revealed. The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord.

5a. Describe the journey of the Magi. (DA p. 60, ¶1, s. 1ff) [ASI p. 27, ¶4] {The wise men had …}

The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. As the light faded, a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the sky. It was not a fixed star nor a planet, and the phenomenon excited the keenest interest. That star was a distant company of shining angels, but of this the wise men were ignorant. Yet they were impressed that the star was of special import to them. They consulted priests and philosophers, and searched the scrolls of the ancient records. The prophecy of Balaam had declared, “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17. Could this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One? The magi had welcomed the light of heaven-sent truth; now it was shed upon them in brighter rays. Through dreams they were instructed to go in search of the newborn Prince.

5b. What did the Magi take along? (DA p. 60, ¶2, s. 2ff) [ASI p. 28, ¶1] {As by faith Abraham …}

The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed.

6. Give their expectation when they asked about the Messiah’s birth. (DA p. 60, ¶3, s. 2) [ASI p. 28, ¶2] {They have reached the …}

With eager steps they press onward, confidently expecting the Messiah’s birth to be the joyful burden of every tongue.

7. Write down the Magi and others’ responses when they inquired about Jesus’ birth. (DA p. 61, ¶0, s. 2-3) [ASI p. 28, ¶2] {They have reached the …}

To their amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of joy, but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt.

8. What were the priests’ attitudes toward the Magi? (DA p. 61, ¶1, s. 2) [ASI p. 28, ¶3] {The priests are rehearsing …}

They extol their religion and their own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners above others.

9. How did the people of Jerusalem respond to the arrival of the Magi? (DA p. 61, ¶2, s. 2) [ASI p. 28, ¶4] {The arrival of the …}

Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which penetrated to the palace of King Herod.

10a. Describe King Herod and his political situation. (DA p. 61, ¶2, s. 3-6) [ASI p. 28, ¶4] {The arrival of the …}

The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation of a possible rival. Countless murders had stained his pathway to the throne. Being of alien blood, he was hated by the people over whom he ruled. His only security was the favor of Rome.

10b. How did he respond to the Magi’s arrival? (DA p. 61, ¶3, s. 2) [ASI p. 28, ¶5] {Herod suspected the priests …}

Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite a popular tumult and unseat him from the throne. He concealed his mistrust, however, determined to thwart their schemes by superior cunning. Summoning the chief priests and the scribes, he questioned them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of the Messiah’s birth.

11. Give the response of the Jewish teachers and Herod’s response to them. (DA p. 62, ¶1, s. 2) [ASI p. 28, ¶6] {This inquiry from the …}

This inquiry from the usurper of the throne, and made at the request of strangers, stung the pride of the Jewish teachers. The indifference with which they turned to the rolls of prophecy enraged the jealous tyrant.

12. What might the priests, elders, and rabbis have done when they were first brought reports about Christ’s birth? (DA p. 62, ¶3, s. 3) [ASI p. 29, ¶2] {The priests and elders …}

They themselves might have found Jesus, and might have been ready to lead the magi to His birthplace; but instead of this, the wise men came to call their attention to the birth of the Messiah.

13. (DA p. 62, ¶4, s. 1) [ASI p. 29, ¶3] {Now pride and envy …}

Now  pride  and  envy   closed  the  door   against  the  light .

14. What would it mean if the priests believed the reports of the shepherds and Magi? (DA p. 62, ¶4, s. 2) [ASI p. 29, ¶3] {Now pride and envy …}

If the reports brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God.

15. (DA p. 63, ¶0, s. 4-5) [ASI p. 29, ¶3] {Now pride and envy …}

Here began the  rejection  of  Christ  by the  priests  and  rabbis . From  this   point  their  pride  and  stubbornness  grew into a  settled   hatred  of the  Saviour .

16. Where did the wise men go after they left Jerusalem? (DA p. 63, ¶1, s. 4-5) [ASI p. 29, ¶4] {The wise men departed …}

The wise men departed alone from Jerusalem. The shadows of night were falling as they left the gates, but to their great joy they again saw the star, and were directed to Bethlehem.

17. What did and didn’t they find when they came to see Jesus? (DA p. 63, ¶1, s. 5-6) [ASI p. 29, ¶4] {The wise men departed …}

At Bethlehem they found no royal guard stationed to protect the newborn King. None of the world’s honored men were in attendance.

18. On seeing Jesus, what was their response? (DA p. 63, ¶2, s. 1) [ASI p. 30, ¶1] {When they were come …}

“When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him.”

19. Where were the wise men planning to go to next? (DA p. 64, ¶1, s. 1-2) [ASI p. 30, ¶2] {The wise men had …}

The wise men had not penetrated Herod’s design toward Jesus. When the object of their journey was accomplished, they prepared to return to Jerusalem, intending to acquaint him with their success.

20. Why did they change their plans? (DA p. 64, ¶1, s. 3) [ASI p. 30, ¶2] {The wise men had …}

But in a dream they received a divine message to hold no further communication with him.

21. List three ways God brought attention, through the wise men, to the Jews about the birth of Jesus. (DA p. 64, ¶3, s. 1ff) [ASI p. 30, ¶4] {Through the wise men …}

Through the wise men, [a] God had called the attention of the Jewish nation to the birth of His Son. Their inquiries in Jerusalem, the popular interest excited, and even the jealousy of Herod, which compelled the attention of the priests and rabbis, [b] directed minds to the prophecies concerning the Messiah, [c] and to the great event that had just taken place.

22. Describe the reaction of Herod when the wise men failed to come back to him. (DA p. 65, ¶3, s. 1ff) [ASI p. 30, ¶7] {Herod in Jerusalem impatiently …}

Herod in Jerusalem impatiently awaited the return of the wise men. As time passed, and they did not appear, his suspicions were roused. The unwillingness of the rabbis to point out the Messiah’s birthplace seemed to indicate that they had penetrated his design, and that the magi had purposely avoided him. He was maddened at the thought. Craft had failed, but there was left the resort to force.

23. (DA p. 65, ¶5, s. 1) [ASI p. 31, ¶2] {This calamity the Jews …}

This calamity  the   Jews   had   brought   upon   themselves .

24. Why did the Jews forfeit the protection of God? (DA p. 65, ¶5, s. 3-4) [ASI p. 31, ¶2] {This calamity the Jews …}

But they had separated themselves from God by their sins, and had rejected the Holy Spirit, which was their only shield. They had not studied the Scriptures with a desire to conform to the will of God.

25. What was their attitude toward prophecies? (DA p. 65, ¶5, s. 5) [ASI p. 31, ¶2] {This calamity the Jews …}

They had searched for prophecies which could be interpreted to exalt themselves, and to show how God despised all other nations.

26. Give the reaction of the rulers toward this attitude. (DA p. 65, ¶6, s. 6ff) [ASI p. 31, ¶2] {This calamity the Jews …}

It was their proud boast that the Messiah was to come as a king, conquering His enemies, and treading down the heathen in His wrath. Thus they had excited the hatred of their rulers.

27. How did it come back to haunt the Jews? (DA p. 66, ¶0, s. 2) [ASI p. 31, ¶2] {This calamity the Jews …}

Through their misrepresentation of Christ’s mission, Satan had purposed to compass the destruction of the Saviour; but instead of this, it returned upon their own heads.

28. Where did Joseph want to go and why did he change his mind? (DA p. 66, ¶2, s. 1-2) [ASI p. 31, ¶4] {Joseph, who was still …}

Joseph, who was still in Egypt, was now bidden by an angel of God to return to the land of Israel. Regarding Jesus as the heir of David’s throne, Joseph desired to make his home in Bethlehem; but learning that Archelaus reigned in Judea in his father’s stead, he feared that the father’s designs against Christ might be carried out by the son.

29. Bethlehem and Nazareth were in areas controlled by two sons of Herod. How was Nazareth considered the better place to live? (DA p. 66, ¶3, s. 3-4) [ASI p. 31, ¶5] {Again Joseph was directed …}

Galilee was under the control of a son of Herod, but it had a much larger admixture of foreign inhabitants than Judea. Thus there was less interest in matters relating especially to the Jews, and the claims of Jesus would be less likely to excite the jealousy of those in power.

30. As God could not trust the protection of Jesus to men, what did He do? (DA p. 67, ¶1, s. 4) [ASI p. 31, ¶6] {Such was the Saviour’s …}

He commissioned angels to attend Jesus and protect Him till He should accomplish His mission on earth, and die by the hands of those whom He came to save.

Chapter 7—As a Child

Based on Luke 2:39-40

1. Where did Jesus spend His childhood and youth? (DA p. 68, ¶1, s. 1ff) [ASI p. 31, ¶1] {The childhood and youth …}

The childhood and youth of Jesus were spent in a little mountain village. There was no place on earth that would not have been honored by His presence. The palaces of kings would have been privileged in receiving Him as a guest. But He passed by the homes of wealth, the courts of royalty, and the renowned seats of learning, to make His home in obscure and despised Nazareth.

2. Give some of the characteristics that Jesus had during His childhood. (DA p. 68, ¶3, s. 1ff) [ASI p. 31, ¶3] {As a child, Jesus …}

As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truthfulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle firm as a rock, His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy.

3. Who helped Mary with Jesus’ character development? (DA p. 69, ¶1, s. 3) [ASI p. 31, ¶4] {With deep earnestness the …}

Through the Holy Spirit she received wisdom to co-operate with the heavenly agencies in the development of this child, who could claim only God as His Father.

4. Describe the early education that faithful fathers and mothers in Israel gave their children. (DA p. 69, ¶2, s. 4-5) [ASI p. 31, ¶5] {From the earliest times …}

Fathers and mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is an expression of His character, and that as they received the principles of the law into the heart, the image of God was traced on mind and soul. Much of the teaching was oral; but the youth also learned to read the Hebrew writings; and the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were open to their study.

5. Describe the education that the youth received from Jewish teachers. (DA p. 69, ¶3, s. 2ff) [ASI p. 33, ¶1] {In the days of …}

Tradition had in a great degree supplanted the Scriptures. True education would lead the youth to “seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him.” Acts 17:27. But the Jewish teachers gave their attention to matters of ceremony. The mind was crowded with material that was worthless to the learner, and that would not be recognized in the higher school of the courts above. The experience which is obtained through a personal acceptance of God’s word had no place in the educational system. Absorbed in the round of externals, the students found no quiet hours to spend with God. They did not hear His voice speaking to the heart. In their search after knowledge, they turned away from the Source of wisdom. The great essentials of the service of God were neglected. The principles of the law were obscured. That which was regarded as superior education was the greatest hindrance to real development. Under the training of the rabbis the powers of the youth were repressed.

6. How did these teachings affect the minds of the youth? (DA p. 69, ¶3, s. 5, 12) [ASI p. 33, ¶1] {In the days of …}

The mind was crowded with material that was worthless to the learner, and that would not be recognized in the higher school of the courts above. … Their minds became cramped and narrow.

7. Did Jesus receive a formal education? Who taught Him and what did He learn? (DA p. 70, ¶1, s. 1-3) [ASI p. 33, ¶2] {The child Jesus did …}

The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things.

8. (DA p. 70, ¶3, s. 3) [ASI p. 33, ¶4] {Thus to Jesus the …}

From the  first   dawning  of  intelligence  He was  constantly   growing  in  spiritual   grace  and  knowledge  of  truth .

9. (DA p. 70, ¶4, s. 1) [ASI p. 34, ¶1] {Every child may gain …}

Every child  may   gain   knowledge  as  Jesus   did .

10. What will happen to us as we become closer to God “through His word?” (DA p. 70, ¶4, s. 2-3) [ASI p. 34, ¶1] {Every child may gain …}

As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined. We shall become more like our Saviour.

11. Name three things that are developed through “communion with God through prayer.” (DA p. 70, ¶4, s. 6) [ASI p. 34, ¶1] {Every child may gain …}

Communion with God through prayer develops [a] the mental and [b] moral faculties, and [c] the spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things.

12. (DA p. 71, ¶1, s. 1) [ASI p. 34, ¶2] {The life of Jesus …}

The  life  of  Jesus  was a  life  in  harmony  with  God .

13. Was Jesus exempt from temptation when He was young? If not, how did He meet it? (DA p. 71, ¶1, s. 3ff) [ASI p. 34, ¶2] {The life of Jesus …}

Yet He was not exempt from temptation. The inhabitants of Nazareth were proverbial for their wickedness. The low estimate in which they were generally held is shown by Nathanael’s question, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46. Jesus was placed where His character would be tested. It was necessary for Him to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity. He was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood.

In the environment our children and youth experience, do they face any less temptation today?

14. What did Satan do against Jesus? (DA p. 71, ¶2, s. 1ff) [ASI p. 34, ¶3] {Satan was unwearied in …}

Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the Child of Nazareth. From His earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. That there should be upon the earth one life free from the defilement of evil was an offense and a perplexity to the prince of darkness. He left no means untried to ensnare Jesus. No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour.

15. Describe how Jesus lived His life. (DA p. 72, ¶1, s. 2, 4) [ASI p. 34, ¶4] {The parents of Jesus …}

The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations.

What benefits do you see of growing poor and having to work?

16. (DA p. 72, ¶2, s. 1) [ASI p. 34, ¶5] {Christ was the only …}

Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth;

17. What do some people believe they have to have before they can live a blameless life? (DA p. 72, ¶2, s. 2) [ASI p. 34, ¶5] {Christ was the only …}

Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness.

What is the significance of the following? “[Jesus] learned a trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenter’s shop with Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work.”

18. (DA p. 72, ¶4, s. 7) [ASI p. 35, ¶1] {As Jesus worked in …}

All should  find   something   to   do  that will be  beneficial  to  themselves  and  helpful  to  others .

19. (DA p. 73, ¶1, s. 1) [ASI p. 35, ¶2] {Throughout His life on earth …}

Throughout His life on earth,  Jesus  was an  earnest  and  constant   worker .

20. How does the above statement contrast with that of His workers? (DA p. 73, ¶1, s. 5-7) [ASI p. 35, ¶2] {Throughout His life on …}

Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted.

21. In what ways can Jesus relate to the plight of the poor? (DA p. 73, ¶2, s. 1-2) [ASI p. 35, ¶3] {So long as He …}

So long as He lived among men, our Saviour shared the lot of the poor. He knew by experience their cares and hardships, and He could comfort and encourage all humble workers.

What are some of the cares and hardships of the poor that Jesus would know?

22. What characteristics did Jesus bring to His work? (DA p. 73, ¶3, s. 1ff) [ASI p. 35, ¶4] {Jesus carried into His …}

Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact. It requires much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life and into the workshop, to bear the strain of worldly business, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God. This is where Christ was a helper. He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things. Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs.

23. (DA p. 74, ¶2, s. 1) [ASI p. 36, ¶1] {Thus as He grew …}

Thus as He grew in  wisdom  and  stature , Jesus  increased  in  favor  with  God  and  man .

24. What does an important lesson in the early life of Jesus teach us? (DA p. 74, ¶3, s. 4-5) [ASI p. 36, ¶2] {Yet Jesus shunned display …}

His quiet and simple life, and even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,—the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,—the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength.

25. Many focus on Jesus’ public ministry to the neglect of His early life. (DA p. 74, ¶4, s. 3) [ASI p. 36, ¶3] {Jesus is our example …}

But it is in His  home   life  that He is the  pattern  for  all   children  and  youth .

26. How did Jesus go about doing His Father’s work? (DA p. 74, ¶4, s. 5-7) [ASI p. 36, ¶3] {Jesus is our example …}

He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He was doing God’s service just as much when laboring at the carpenter’s bench as when working miracles for the multitude.