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Christ as the Example and Teacher of Youth
147
[in the simplicity of natural beauty and loveliness]; they toil not,
neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in
all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Then followed the
assurance, “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which
today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more
clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
Matthew 6:28-30
....
In His work as a public teacher, Christ never lost sight of the chil-
dren. When wearied with the bustle and confusion of the crowded
city, tired of contact with crafty and hypocritical men, His spirit
found rest and peace in the society of innocent little children. His
presence never repelled them. His large heart of love could compre-
hend their trials and necessities, and find happiness in their simple
joys; and He took them in His arms and blessed them.
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In these children who were brought in contact with Him, Jesus
saw the future men and women who should be heirs of His grace
and subjects of His kingdom, and some of whom would become
martyrs for His sake. He knew that these children would listen
to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than
would the grown people, many of whom were worldly-wise and
hardhearted. In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the
Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their questions and
simplify His important lessons to meet their childish understanding.
He planted in their expanding minds the seeds of truth, which in
after years would spring up and bear fruit unto eternal life.
Parents and teachers, Jesus is still saying, “Suffer little children,
and forbid them not, to come unto Me.”
Matthew 19:14
. They are
the most susceptible to the teachings of Christianity; their hearts
are open to influences of piety and virtue, and strong to retain the
impressions received.—
Special Testimonies On Education, 62-66
;
written May 17, 1896.
* * * * *
To develop the minds and hearts of the youth, and not hinder
their growth by an unwarranted control of one mind over another,
requires tact and understanding. Teachers are needed who are able to
deal wisely with the different phases of character; who are quick to
see and to make the most of opportunities to do good; who possess