February 13 - The Greatest Teacher

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." – 1 John 5:20 (KJV)

The Redeemer of the world did not come with outward display or the wisdom of this world. Under the veil of humility, many failed to see the glory of the Son of God.

Christ met the people where they were. He presented simple truths in the most convincing and direct way. The poor and unlearned could grasp the deepest lessons of God’s kingdom by faith in Him. No one needed to consult scholars to understand His words. Jesus did not confuse the humble with complex arguments or obscure, lofty terms. The greatest Teacher the world has ever known was the most clear, practical, and straightforward in His instructions.

He directed attention to purity of life, humility of heart, and true devotion to God without expectation of earthly rewards or honors. Religion had been burdened with rigid formalism and prejudice, making it a heavy load instead of a path to freedom. Christ came to present salvation as a complete and harmonious gift. The narrow barriers of national exclusivity had to be broken, for His salvation was to reach the ends of the earth. He rejoiced as He saw the poor eagerly receiving the precious message He brought. Lifting His eyes to heaven, He declared: “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matthew 11:25, KJV).

Men of the highest education and greatest accomplishments have learned the most profound lessons from the precepts and example of the humblest followers of Christ—those whom the world might call unlearned. If human vision were clearer, it would discern that these humble ones have been educated in the highest of all schools, the school of the divine Master, who spoke as no man ever spoke.