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146
From Heaven With Love
Jesus made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and
simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running
stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the
monotonous tones of the rabbis.
No Doubts or Hesitancy
He spoke as one having authority. The rabbis spoke with doubt
and hesitancy, as if Scripture might be interpreted to mean one thing
or exactly the opposite. But Jesus taught Scripture as of unques-
tionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with
power.
Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. In every theme God
was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which
keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this
life in their true relation as subordinate to those of eternal interest;
but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that a knowledge
of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday
life. Conscious of His relationship to God, He yet recognized His
unity with every member of the human family.
He knew “how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.”
Isaiah 50:4
. He had tact to meet prejudiced minds and to surprise
them with illustrations that won their attention. His illustrations
were taken from the things of daily life, and although simple, they
had a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds, the lilies, the seed, the
shepherd, the sheep—with these objects Jesus illustrated immortal
truth; and ever afterward when His hearers chanced to see these
things, they recalled His lessons.
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Christ never flattered men nor praised them for their clever in-
ventions; but deep, unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching and
found that it tested their wisdom. The highly educated were charmed
with His words, and the uneducated were always profited. He made
even the heathen to understand that He had a message for them.
Even amid angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmo-
sphere of peace. The loveliness of His character, the love expressed
in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief.
Afflicted ones felt that He was a faithful and tender friend, and they