Simplicity
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Simple, Pointed Truths—He [Jesus] labored constantly for one
object; all His powers were employed for the salvation of men, and
every act of His life tended to that end. He traveled on foot, teaching
His followers as He went. His garments were dusty and travel-stained,
and His appearance was uninviting. But the simple, pointed truths
which fell from His divine lips soon caused His hearers to forget His
appearance, and to be charmed, not with the Man, but with the doctrine
He taught.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:373
.
Nothing Nonessential—Christ’s words contain nothing that is
nonessential. The Sermon on the Mount is a wonderful production,
yet so simple that a child can study it without misunderstanding. The
mount of beatitudes is a symbol of the spiritual elevation on which
Christ ever stood. Every word He uttered came from God, and He
spoke with the authority of heaven. “The words that I speak unto you,”
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He said, “they are spirit, and they are life.”
John 6:63
.—
Counsels to
Parents, Teachers, and Students, 439
.
No Parade of Eloquence—But in these words spoken by the
greatest Teacher the world has ever known there is no parade of human
eloquence. The language is plain, and the thoughts and sentiments
are marked with the greatest simplicity. The poor, the unlearned, the
most simple-minded, can understand them. The Lord of heaven was
in mercy and kindness addressing the souls He came to save. He
taught them as one having authority, speaking the words of eternal
life.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:254
.
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