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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
classes, we must meet them where they are; for they will seldom seek
us of their own accord. Not alone from the pulpit are the hearts of men
and women touched by divine truth. Christ awakened their interest by
going among them as one who desired their good. He sought them at
their daily avocations, and manifested an unfeigned interest in their
temporal affairs. He carried his instruction into the households of the
people, bringing whole families in their own homes under the influence
of his divine presence. His strong personal sympathies helped to win
hearts to his cause.
This example of the great Master should be closely followed by
his servants. However instructive and profitable may be their public
discourses, they should remember there is another field of action,
humbler it may be, but full as promising of abundant harvests. It
is found in the lowly walks of life, as well as the more pretentious
mansions of the great, at the board of hospitality and gatherings for
innocent social enjoyment.
The course of Jesus in this respect was in direct contrast to that
of the exclusive leaders of the Jews. They shut themselves up from
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sympathy with the people, and sought neither to benefit them nor
win their friendship. But Christ linked himself with the interests of
humanity, and so should those who preach his word. This should
not be, however, from a desire to gratify the inclinations for personal
enjoyment, or love of change and pleasure; but for the purpose of
embracing every opportunity to do good, and shed the light of truth
upon the hearts of men, keeping the life pure and uncorrupted by the
follies and vanities of society.
The special object of Jesus in attending this marriage feast was to
commence the work of breaking down the exclusiveness which existed
with the Jewish people, and to open the way for their freer mingling
with the people. He had come not only as the Messiah of the Jews, but
the Redeemer of the world. The Pharisees and elders refrained from
associating with any class but their own. They held themselves aloof,
not only from the Gentiles, but from the majority of their own people;
and their teaching led all classes to separate themselves from the rest
of the world, in a manner calculated to render them self-righteous,
egotistical, and intolerant. This rigorous seclusion and bigotry of the
Pharisees had narrowed their influence and created a prejudice which