Words of Jesus by Bene-Barak

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 21, 1886

Words of Jesus.

By Bene-Barak

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." This is the first recorded use of the emphatic word "verily" from the lips of Jesus. After that he used it many times. It was a favorite word with him. No one had so good a right to use it as he; for no one can speak with equal authority. Christ used this word more than any other person mentioned in the Bible. It adds strength to any statement or proposition.

The first use of this word of which we have any record was by Joseph's brethren, but which one is not stated. Its use was brought out in a case of quickened conscience. Ten of Joseph's brethren were before him as purchasers of corn. It was the first time they had met since they drew Joseph out of a pit, and sold him to a company of Ishmaelites journeying to Egypt. Many years had intervened, and although Joseph knew his brethren, they did not recognize him. He charged them with being spies, and put them in prison for three days. It was a time of reflection with them. A little discipline is a good thing for all of us. What passed through their minds in those three days and three nights of confinement is indicated by their first utterance upon their release. "And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother."

The second use of the word "verily" in the Bible is also significant. This time God is the speaker, and it forms a part of the message which he commanded Moses to deliver to the people concerning the observance of the Sabbath. The reference is one of the most extensive allusions to the manner of keeping the Sabbath, and the reason for it, to be found in the Bible. In these days of Sabbath desecration, it is well to consider what the Creator thought of the day. The reference is Ex. 31: 12-17. In it will be found the words, "Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep." God created the Sabbath, and was the first to observe it. We are to keep the Sabbath because he wants us to, and because it is for our good. The keeping of the Sabbath is a recognition of the existence of God and his authority. That is its first and perhaps most important lesson. If there were no other reason for its observance, this of itself would be sufficient. The natural tendency of the unregenerate is to forget God. By keeping the Sabbath, we are reminded of the existence of God at least once every seven days, and no nation or people can entirely ignore God that allows such a frequent reminder to exist. The man who keeps the Sabbath not only recognizes the existence of God by that act, and imitates him, but he is recognized by God and his fellow-creatures as a member of the household of faith, and an heir to the heavenly inheritance. Dire consequences are threatened him who does not keep the Sabbath. Because the punishment is not speedily meted out to the offender, men persist in offending. But as sure as there is a God in Heaven, a violator of the Sabbath, from the standpoint of the great Judge, will not go unpunished.

It is worthy of remark that this message concerning the Sabbath immediately precedes the delivery of the "two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." The whole law of God to man was summed up in the brief inscriptions on these tablets. The system of ethics taught by this law is still in force, and Jesus says it shall remain in force so long as man shall exist. The heavens and earth must first pass away before one jot or one tittle shall fail. No stronger expression can be framed to denote the universality, completeness, and permanence of the law of God. The heavens and the earth shall pass away (2 Peter 3: 10), but not until the work of redemption has been finished.

Till the end of our lives as individuals, and to the end of the world as a race, the law of God delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai, is to be the law of our being and the rule of our conduct. The expression, "jot or tittle," allows of no change or abridgement. The former word denotes the smallest letter in Hebrew and Greek, while the latter word refers to the faintest curl of a letter. The law of God is emphatic and permanent, and its application is universal. Jesus is the only one who has perfectly complied with its letter and Spirit. While we know that we can never keep the law as he did, we are bound by every consideration that can be named or imagined to do the best we can, and trust that our short-comings will be forgiven us through his imputed righteousness. Rightly viewed, to obey is better than sacrifice. There is no liberty without law. License to do as we please is not liberty; it means the destruction of liberty to ourselves and to others. Law is the perfection of liberty. In honoring the law we enjoy the highest style of freedom. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." They only shall be rewarded who keep the commandments of God. —Bene-Barak, in Herald of Truth.