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Gospel Workers 1915
So unlike the explanations of Scripture given by the scribes and
Pharisees was Christ’s teaching, that the attention of the people was
arrested. The rabbis dwelt upon tradition, upon human theory and
speculation. Often that which men had taught and written about the
Scripture was put in place of the Scripture itself. The subject of Christ’s
teaching was the word of God. He met questioners with a plain, “It is
written,” “What saith the Scripture?” “How readest thou?” At every
opportunity, when an interest was awakened by either friend or foe,
He presented the Word. With clearness and power He proclaimed
the gospel message. His words shed a flood of light on the teachings
of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new
revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived in the word of God
such depth of meaning.
Simplicity of Christ’s Teaching
Never was there such an evangelist as Christ. He was the Majesty
of heaven, but He humbled Himself to take our nature, that He might
meet men where they were. To all people, rich and poor, free and
bond, Christ, the Messenger of the covenant, brought the tidings of
salvation. His fame as the great Healer spread throughout Palestine.
The sick came to the places through which He would pass, that they
might call on Him for help. Hither, too, came many anxious to hear
His words and to receive a touch of His hand. Thus He went from
city to city, from town to town, preaching the gospel and healing the
sick,—the King of glory in the lowly garb of humanity.
[45]
He attended the great yearly festivals of the nation, and to the
multitude absorbed in outward ceremony He spoke of heavenly things,
bringing eternity within their view. To all He brought treasures from
the storehouse of wisdom. He spoke to them in language so simple
that they could not fail of understanding. By methods peculiarly His
own, He helped all who were in sorrow and affliction. With tender,
courteous grace, He ministered to the sin-sick soul, bringing healing
and strength.
The Prince of teachers, He sought access to the people by the
pathway of their most familiar associations. He presented the truth
in such a way that ever after it was to His hearers intertwined with
their most hallowed recollections and sympathies. He taught in a way