The way the Jewish teachers explained the Scriptures, their endless repetitions of maxims and fiction, called forth from Christ the words: “This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” They performed in the temple courts their round of service. They offered sacrifices typifying the great Sacrifice, saying by their ceremonies, “Come, my Saviour;” yet Christ, the One whom all these ceremonies represented, was among them, and they would not recognize nor receive Him. The Saviour declared: “In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8, 9. (6T 249.1) MC VC

Christ is saying to His servants today, as He said to His disciples: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23. But men are as slow now to learn the lesson as in Christ’s day. God has given His people warning after warning; but the customs, habits, and practices of the world have had so great power on the minds of His professed people that His warnings have been disregarded. (6T 249.2) MC VC

Those who act a part in God’s great cause are not to follow the example of worldlings. The voice of God is to be heeded. He who depends on men for strength and influence leans on a broken reed. (6T 249.3) MC VC

Depending on men has been the great weakness of the church. Men have dishonored God by failing to appreciate His sufficiency, by coveting the influence of men. Thus Israel became weak. The people wanted to be like the other nations of the world, and they asked for a king. They desired to be guided by human power which they could see, rather than by the divine, invisible power that till that time had led and guided them, and had given them victory in battle. They made their own choice, and the result was seen in the destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the nation. (6T 249.4) MC VC