What He Taught, He Was

He who seeks to transform humanity must himself understand humanity. Only through sympathy, faith, and love can men be reached and uplifted. Here Christ stands revealed as the master teacher; of all that ever dwelt on the earth, He alone has perfect understanding of the human soul. 

“We have not a high priest” – master teacher, for the high priests were teachers – “we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are.” Hebrews 4:15.

“In that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18.

Christ alone had experience in all the sorrows and temptations that befall human beings. Never another of woman born was so fiercely beset by temptation; never another bore so heavy a burden of the world’s sin and pain. Never was there another whose sympathies were so broad or so tender. A sharer in all the experiences of humanity, He could feel not only for, but with, every burdened and tempted and struggling one. 

What He taught, He lived. “I have given you and example, ” He said to His disciples; “that ye should do as I have done.” “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” John 13:15; 15:10. Thus in His life, Christ’s words had perfect illustration and support. And more than this; what He taught, He was. His words were the expression, not only of His own life experience, but of His own character. Not only did He teach the truth, but He was the truth. It was this that gave his teaching, power.

Education, The Master Teacher, pg. 78-79

These words made me cry tonight as I read them. Something about Jesus identifying with our humanity. Something about his compassion. Something about sympathy, and love. He really did come and dwell with us, didn’t he? He really did – really did – show up.

Note: Education is a slim book that makes it onto my shortlists of favorites. You can read more about its controversial writer here.  😉