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Our Example
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light on the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures
came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers
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perceived in the word of God such depth of meaning.
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.
He attended the great yearly festivals of the nation, and to the
multitude absorbed in outward ceremony He spoke of heavenly
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things, bringing eternity within their view. To all He brought trea-
sures 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
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a way that made them feel the completeness of His identification
with their interests and happiness. His instruction was so direct,
His illustrations were so appropriate, His words so sympathetic
and cheerful, that His hearers were charmed. The simplicity and
earnestness with which He addressed the needy, hallowed every
word.
What a busy life He led! Day by day He might have been seen
entering the humble abodes of want and sorrow, speaking hope to
the downcast and peace to the distressed. Gracious, tenderhearted,
pitiful, He went about lifting up the bowed-down and comforting
the sorrowful. Wherever He went, He carried blessing.
While He ministered to the poor, Jesus studied also to find ways
of reaching the rich. He sought the acquaintance of the wealthy