Chapter 9—An Illustration of His Methods
“I have manifested Thy name unto the man which Thou gavest me.”
The most complete illustration of Christ’s methods as a teacher is
found in His training of the twelve first disciples. Upon these men were
to rest weighty responsibilities. He had chosen them as men whom He
could imbue with His Spirit, and who could be fitted to carry forward
His work on earth when He should leave it. To them, above all others,
He gave the advantage of His own companionship. Through personal
association He impressed Himself upon these chosen colaborers. “The
Life was manifested,” says John the beloved, “and we have seen it,
and bear witness.”
1 John 1:2
.
Only by such communion—the communion of mind with mind and
heart with heart, of the human with the divine—can be communicated
that vitalizing energy which it is the work of true education to impart.
It is only life that begets life.
In the training of His disciples the Saviour followed the system
of education established at the beginning. The Twelve first chosen,
with a few others who through ministry to their needs were from time
to time connected with them, formed the family of Jesus. They were
with Him in the house, at the table, in the closet, in the field. They
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accompanied Him on His journeys, shared His trials and hardships,
and, as much as in them was, entered into His work.
Sometimes He taught them as they sat together on the mountain-
side, sometimes beside the sea, or from the fisherman’s boat, some-
times as they walked by the way. Whenever He spoke to the multitude,
the disciples formed the inner circle. They pressed close beside Him,
that they might lose nothing of His instruction. They were attentive
listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to teach in all lands
and to all ages.
The first pupils of Jesus were chosen from the ranks of the common
people. They were humble, unlettered men, these fishers of Galilee;
men unschooled in the learning and customs of the rabbis, but trained
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