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Christ’s Teaching Embraced the World, June 12
When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his
teaching.
Matthew 7:28
, NIV.
[Christ] did not deal in abstract theories, but in that which is essential to the
development of character; that which will enlarge man’s capacity for knowing God,
and increase his power to do good. He spoke of those truths that relate to the conduct
of life and that unite man with eternity.
Instead of directing the people to study men’s theories about God, His Word,
or His works, He taught them to behold Him, as manifested in His works, in His
Word, and by His providences. He brought their minds in contact with the mind of
the Infinite.
The people “were astonished at his teaching” (
Matthew 7:28
, ASV); “for his
word was with power” (
Luke 4:32
). Never before spoke one who had such power to
awaken thought, to kindle aspiration, to arouse every capability of body, mind, and
soul.
Christ’s teaching, like His sympathies, embraced the world. Never can there be a
circumstance of life, a crisis in human experience, which has not been anticipated in
His teaching, and for which its principles have not a lesson. The Prince of teachers,
His words will be found a guide to His co-workers till the end of time.... Before
His mind’s eye was outspread every scene of human effort and achievement, of
temptation and conflict, of perplexity and peril. All hearts, all homes, all pleasures
and joys and aspirations, were known to Him.
He spoke not only for, but to, all mankind. To the little child, in the gladness of
life’s morning; to the eager, restless heart of youth; to men in the strength of their
years, bearing the burden of responsibility and care; to the aged in their weakness
and weariness—to all, His message was spoken—to every child of humanity, in
every land and in every age.
In His teaching were embraced the things of time and the things of eternity—
things seen, in their relation to things unseen, the passing incidents of common life
and the solemn issues of the life to come.
The things of this life He placed in their true relation, as subordinate to those of
eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and
earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares man better
to perform the duties of daily life.
To Him nothing was without purpose. The sports of the child, the toils of
the man, life’s pleasures and cares and pains, all were means to the one end—the
revelation of God for the uplifting of humanity (
Education, 81, 82
).
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