296
Pastoral Ministry
None who listened to Jesus could feel neglected or forgotten—
Jesus sought an avenue to every heart. By using a variety of illustra-
tions, He not only presented truth in its different phases, but appealed
to the different hearers. Their interest was aroused by figures drawn
from the surroundings of their daily life. None who listened to the
Saviour could feel that they were neglected or forgotten. The humblest,
the most sinful, heard in His teaching a voice that spoke to them in
sympathy and tenderness.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 21
.
Christ broke up His listeners’ train of thought as little as pos-
sible—As Christ presented these truths to minds, He broke up their
accustomed train of thought as little as possible. Nevertheless a new
and transforming economy of truth must be woven into their experi-
ence. He, therefore, aroused their minds by presenting truth through
the agency of their most familiar associations. He used illustrations
in His teaching which called into activity their most hallowed recol-
lections and sympathies, that He might reach the inner temple of the
soul. Identifying Himself with their interests, He drew His illustrations
from the great book of nature, using objects with which they were
familiar.—
Manuscript Releases 1:22
.
Jesus’ illustrations constantly repeated His lessons—The edu-
cated were charmed with Christ’s teaching, and the uneducated were
always profited; for He appealed to their understanding. His illus-
trations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they
were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The
fowls of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the
sheep,—with these objects, Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever
afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature,
they recalled His words. Christ’s illustrations constantly repeated His
lessons.—
The Review and Herald, May 18, 1897
.
Under-shepherd’s Shepherd
The True Shepherd superintends His work through His
under-shepherds—While Christ is the minister in the sanctuary
above, He is also, through His delegates, the minister of His church on
earth. He speaks to the people through chosen men, and carries for-
ward His work through them, as when, in the days of His humiliation,
He moved visibly upon the earth. Although centuries have passed, the