Let Him Deny Himself

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 11, 1915

Let Him Deny Himself

Lesson for the Children — No. 5

“Let Him Deny Himself”

MEMORY TEXT: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23.

Tell how soldiers obey and follow their leader. Jesus is the Christian’s captain. He does not ask us to go anywhere that he has not gone before us. He is our example. 1 Peter 2:21. We are to walk in his steps.

Jesus denied himself: (1) Gave up his home and friends; (2) became poor for our sakes; (3) worked for others instead of for himself; (4) glorified not himself; (5) even gave his life. 1 Peter 2:24; Phil. 2:7, 8.

What shall we do if we walk in his steps? Give examples of those who have followed the example of Jesus in denying themselves riches, friends, and fame as did Moses. The martyrs are examples of self-denial and suffering. Heb. 11:36-38.

Tell how people in Europe are denying themselves, living sparingly, that they

may win in war. They give money, relatives, homes, themselves, all, as proof of their patriotism. We, too, are engaged in warfare. We are trying to rescue Satan’s captives. What shall we give that people in other lands may be warned of their danger and saved at Jesus’ coming? How can we deny self that we may help finish the work? Speak of things we naturally love—expensive food, clothing, pleasure, etc. We can and should do without these for Jesus’ sake, and so follow in his steps.

We are to bring an offering to the Lord for his work this week. It will be of value according to the love and self-denial that go with it. Tell how Mary brought a precious and costly gift to Jesus. The ointment was worth much money. She thought nothing was too good for Jesus. She might have used the ointment herself and enjoyed its fragrance, but she poured it all out on Jesus.

There was also a poor woman who brought as an offering all the money she had. It would take eight mites to make a penny. She had nothing left to buy food or clothing. Jesus measures our gifts by what we have left after they are given.

The leader may tell a story of some who were very poor giving to the Lord, to illustrate self-denial in giving.

In this meeting let all pray to overcome selfishness—the disposition to please ourselves, and to use the best and most for self instead of giving to Jesus. We should also pray that the Lord will help those who have money to give it to finish his work. We have now reached the place in the third angel’s message where it is like a beautiful building on which much labor and money have been spent, but now funds and workers are greatly needed to finish it.