March 17

Jesus presented Himself as one thirsting for knowledge of God. His questions were suggestive of deep truths which had long been obscured, yet which were vital to the salvation of souls. While showing how narrow and superficial was the wisdom of the wise men, every question put before them a divine lesson, and placed truth in a new aspect. The rabbis spoke of the wonderful elevation which the Messiah's coming would bring to the Jewish nation; but Jesus presented the prophecy of Isaiah, and asked them the meaning of those scriptures that point to the suffering and death of the Lamb of God.

         Desire of Ages, page 78 from the chapter, 'The Passover visit'

     Let’s see Jesus in this small ‘school of the prophets’. He genuinely wants learning to take place. As we read the Bible carefully we get a great picture of what is going on. We read well and we read widely, we read prayerfully and carefully, and yet there is always a little something we may miss.

     I have read through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation every year for 31 years. I’m not boasting, it’s a simple fact. It is strange that there is always something I have missed. I read well and I read widely, I read prayerfully and carefully, yet I still miss things.

     I assumed Jesus was with the Rabbis to learn from them. I missed the fact that Jesus was teaching the Rabbis.

     I love the way that we learn how Jesus taught His elders. He asked questions. Jesus asked the Rabbis, “the meaning of those scriptures that point to the suffering and death of the Lamb of God.”

     There are two things to learn from the reading. The first is that there is always something to learn no matter how well you read. If you are a teacher then use this tip from Jesus and save your breath. Ask questions, let other people talk, they will learn as you ask questions.

     Housekeeping details for you

     The point of this short blog will become clear if you decide to use this reading in the way we intend it. Netherfield Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in healthy churches. You can see what that means if you head to the relevant Healthy Churches page of the website. We also want other churches to be healthy. That means you can join in our campaign to create healthy churches, with healthy people serving the people in those churches.

     A healthy church is one where Jesus comes first. A healthy church is one where the people work together to put Jesus first. One thing we are doing is to join people together to spread that news. I would like you to look at our prayer partners page. This will explain how we want you to use this short devotional. Very basically we want you to find a like-minded Christian friend who you will join with to : choose to pray together every day, decide together on a way to serve other people together, to help them grow as Christians - and to invite the Holy Spirit into your life every day. This blog that you will receive every day simply gives a common spiritual purpose. If you are a newcomer and want to join the blog with this object in mind click here