THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST by John Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 10, 1869

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST.

By John Matteson

JESUS is the great teacher, as Nicodemus said: “We know that thou art a teacher come from God.” And in his own words: “I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple.” Every one who learns from Jesus can with propriety be called his disciple. Some scholars are apt, others slow to learn. Some study hard, others are very indifferent about their study. Some bid fair to obtain the qualifications necessary for a graduate; others make so slow progress that it is very doubtful whether they will ever go through; again, others have already got tired and left the school.

It is a blessed privilege to be taught of God. “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law.” Ps. xciv. The great God of Heaven condescends to teach the children of men, and the school is free for all. Yet how few are willing to be taught.

Suppose there is a free school in a certain place. Teachers are there at certain hours, ready to instruct all who will come. Some do not go to the school at all. Of course they receive no instruction. You hear some say: I would really like to go; I wish I could; yet they do not make proper efforts to get there. These also learn nothing. Others go, but when there, their minds are most of the time on play, or something else separate from the interest of the school. These, too, learn nothing. But some go, and while at school apply themselves to their studies with all their energy, and receive instruction with all willingness. These are true disciples.

Christ does not now personally go about in this earth, teaching. Nevertheless, his school is in operation every day. He has left us his word: “I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.” Ps. xxxii. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things.” Was this spoken only to the disciples of old? No. It applies to all ages until the Master comes. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one.” “And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” No doubt the following is also written of the Holy Spirit: “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: [men who have not the fear or knowledge of God,] but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, [necessary to godliness and salvation] and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John ii, 27.

We can learn of Christ when our minds are in such a condition that we are ready to receive impressions by his word and Holy Spirit. This world, with its many evil and useless habits, has been stamped on our minds.

We need to be converted. Our minds need to be moulded over. This is done when we walk with God, and commune with him, leave out the world and wait before the Lord. We can commune with God through the reading and study of his word, through prayer and holy meditation; attending preaching of the truth, and meetings with brethren where the good Spirit moves on the minds. And especially can we draw near to God by sacrificing our own comfort, convenience, time or property, to do others good. On missions of love, to deal our bread to the hungry, to clothe the naked, visit the sick, comfort the afflicted, seeking after the lost, bringing souls to Jesus, giving up self, living for others to do them good; all such are excellent opportunities to learn of Christ, to have our minds molded for the kingdom of Heaven.

Dear reader, do you daily attend the school of Christ? You say you feel so weak; it is so difficult to overcome. Come, learn of the Master, this will make you strong. Come daily, come often. Make strong efforts to learn, until you may become a graduate for the kingdom of Heaven. JOHN MATTESON.