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John Learned Well The Lessons Jesus Taught, March 20
The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.
Luke 9:56
.
Upon one occasion Christ sent messengers before Him unto a village of the
Samaritans, requesting the people to prepare refreshments for Himself and His
disciples. But when the Saviour approached the town, He appeared to be passing
on toward Jerusalem. This aroused the enmity of the Samaritans, and instead of
sending messengers to invite and even urge Him to tarry with them, they withheld
the courtesies which they would have given to a common wayfarer. Jesus never
urges His presence upon any, and the Samaritans lost the blessing which would
have been granted them had they solicited Him to be their guest.
We may wonder at this uncourteous treatment of the Majesty of heaven, but
how frequently are we who profess to be followers of Christ guilty of similar
neglect. Do we urge Jesus to take up His abode in our hearts and in our homes?
He is full of love, of grace, of blessing, and stands ready to bestow these gifts
upon us; but, like the Samaritans, we are often content without them.
The disciples were aware of the purpose of Christ to bless the Samaritans with
His presence; and when they saw the coldness, jealousy, and disrespect shown
to their Master, they were filled with surprise and indignation. James and John
were especially stirred. That He whom they so highly reverenced should be thus
treated seemed to them a crime too great to be passed over without immediate
punishment. In their zeal they said, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to
come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” (
Luke 9:54
)....
Jesus rebuked His disciples, saying, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye
are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them”
(
verses 55, 56
). John and his fellow disciples were in a school in which Christ
was teacher. Those who were ready to see their own defects, and were anxious
to improve in character, had ample opportunity. John treasured every lesson and
constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the Divine Pattern.
The lessons of Jesus, setting forth meekness, humility, and love as essential
to growth in grace, and a fitness for his work, were of the highest value to John.
These lessons are addressed to us as individuals and as brethren in the church, as
well as to the first disciples of Christ.—
The Sanctified Life, 57-59
.
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