Return to Reading
The Desire of Ages
DA 601.1–604.1 • Matthew 21:23-24; Matthew 21:42

“Controversy”

Facing Religious Pretension with Divine Truth and Righteousness

In the temple courts, the Jewish leaders challenged Jesus' authority, hoping to entrap Him. Christ exposed their spiritual bankruptcy through parables of the Two Sons and the Wicked Husbandmen, declaring Himself to be the rejected Chief Corner Stone.

pp. 601–604 · 11 paragraphs

Holy Scripture

KJV
Matthew 21:23-24
23

And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Matthew 21:42
42

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

The Desire of Ages

• Chapter 66
Checking Text...
DA 601.1
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 601.2
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 602.1
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 602.2
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 602.3
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 602.4
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 602.5
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 602.6
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 603.1
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 603.2
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

DA 604.1
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

End of Day 1(DA 601.1–604.1)

Take a quiet moment to pause, pray, and meditate on these living truths.

You may engage with 3 gentle devotional review questions, record insights in your journal, or advance when ready.

Heart Reflection (Optional)

“Why did the religious leaders demand credentials rather than receiving the truth and healing Christ manifested?”

The Blindness of Self-Righteousness
Prayer & Practice (Optional)
Prayer Focus

“Lord Jesus, You are the Chief Corner Stone, elect and precious. We lay our lives unreservedly upon You, confessing that our only righteousness and wisdom are found in Your sacrifice.”

Practical Action

Examine your spiritual motivations today to ensure your choices rest upon Christ's Word rather than seeking human approval.

Personal prayer intention

Study Portion Completion

Study completion will be available once the reading passage is confirmed.

Pause Study

How did this chapter speak to you?

Share your impressions, questions, or editorial suggestions directly with the stewards.

Open Private Journal