p. 11 | NOTES by William N. Glenn

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 24, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 21.

NOTES.

By William N. Glenn

1. At the Tomb.—This lesson begins abruptly. The last lesson closed with the death of Jesus on the cross. The intervening circumstances of the burial, the setting of the watch, the official sealing of the tomb, and the resurrection, are all passed by, and we have brought to view Mary standing at the empty sepulchre weeping because her Lord was not there. From Mark's account we learn that there were three women at the tomb "very early in the morning of the first day of the week." Mark 16:1, 2. But as they were sent to tell the disciples what had occurred (Luke 24:10), it is evident that Mary Magdalene had returned to the sepulchre (compare first ten verses of lesson chapter and Mark 16:9). This first day of the week was not the Sabbath, for "the Sabbath was past" (Mark 16:1), and these women had "rested" upon it "according to the commandment" (Luke 23:55, 56).

2. Still in darkness.—Mary was still in darkness concerning the resurrection. She was weeping because she thought the body of Jesus had been taken to some other place, and her only anxiety was to know where it was, that she might do it further honor. All the teaching of Jesus regarding His resurrection, and a future life only through that means, had as yet been misunderstood.

3. Saw Jesus.—Not only were ministering angels there to care for the dead body of their Leader, and to speak words of comfort to the mourners, but Jesus Himself came just in the time of deepest sorrow. How much of sorrow might be assuaged from day to day if the afflicted ones would only have faith to see Jesus by their side, as well as to believe that His angels are "all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Heb. 1:14. True, Mary did not at first recognize Jesus, but He was there nevertheless.

4. "Why weepest thou?"—That was no time for weeping. The greatest victory in the history of the universe had just been accomplished in behalf of the disciples of Christ. Why should any of them be weeping? Why were they not all there rejoicing? Why were not all of them at the tomb early that morning to witness the resurrection? Had He not told them that He would rise again the third day? Matt. 16:21-23; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:18-22. The simple answer to these queries is the sad word "unbelief." Shall we heed the lesson? "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.

5. "I am not yet ascended."—This is a positive refutation of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. It is positive proof that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died, and was dead until the third day. He "died for our sins according to the Scriptures," was "buried," and "rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." 1 Cor. 15:3, 4. This is emphasized by the further statement that "if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins." Verse 17. If Christ continued His life while the body was dead, and His immortal soul was in heaven during that time, then He did not die, and it was not true that He had not ascended. That, later in the day, He did permit His disciples to touch Him, is proof that He ascended that day, presented His offering to the Father in behalf of the human race, and returned to further prepare His disciples for their important work in the earth.

6. "Peace be unto you."—This was a repetition of the song of the angels when announcing His birth: "Peace on earth, good-will to men." The offering had now been accepted in Heaven, and the way of peace had been made sure for all who would walk in it. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26:3. But for such only. "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked" (chap. 57:21); "the way of peace they know not" (chap. 59:8). "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1. W. N. G.

To ALL interested in carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of other lands, and who desire to assist in supporting missionaries already there and others who may engage in the work, the opportunity is given to make an offering to the FOREIGN MISSION BOARD of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Address, 1730 North Fifteenth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.