Chapter 20—Adaptation to His Listeners
Truth As People Could Bear It—Christ drew the hearts of His
hearers to Him by the manifestation of His love, and then, little by
little, as they were able to bear it, He unfolded to them the great truths
of the kingdom. We also must learn to adapt our labors to the condition
of the people—to meet men where they are.—
Evangelism, 57
.
Varied Messages for Different Audiences—His [Jesus’] mes-
sages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew “how to
speak a word in season to him that is weary” (
Isaiah 50:4
); for grace
was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most
attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced
minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention.
Through the imagination He reached the heart.—
The Desire of Ages,
254
.
Language of Common Life—Learn of Jesus. He was the greatest
teacher the world ever knew; yet He spoke in the language of common
life. He met the necessities of all. He adapted His instruction to all
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times and places, to both the rich and the poor, the educated and the
ignorant. He ever dwelt upon the grandest themes that can engage
the attention; and He presented them in such a form, and used such
illustrations, that the feeblest intellects could grasp His meaning, while
the most intelligent minds were attracted and instructed.—
The Review
and Herald, July 22, 1884
.
Access to All Classes of People—Christ met the case of every
class in the subjects and manner of His teaching. He dined and lodged
with the rich and the poor, and made Himself familiar with the interests
and occupations of men, that He might gain access to their hearts.
The learned and the most intellectual were gratified and charmed
with His discourses, and yet they were so plain and simple as to be
comprehended by the humblest minds.—
Testimonies for the Church
3:214
.
Lessons Adapted to Need—The respect shown to Christ at the
feasts He attended was in marked contrast to the manner in which the
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