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The Life of Christ

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 18.

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The Life of Christ

By Mary Valliant Nowlin

MARY VALLIANT NOWLIN
The Sabbath-school studies on the life of Christ are now in the past; but it will be well for us to remember the things which caused our hearts to burn within us as we walked by the way with the Master, not only from Jerusalem to Emmaus, but from Bethlehem to the ascension from Olivet. This study gave a new view of the wonderful love of God, far beyond finite comprehension, in giving his only begotten Son to the world, that whosoever believeth in him might have everlasting life. In following the Christ of God from Bethlehem’s manger to Calvary’s cross, there has been a going from strength to strength, from faith to faith, from glory to glory.
O the wonderful revelations in the Christ-life of the mystical connection of divinity with humanity! What hope there is in such a connection,—a real hope of becoming a real Christian, a real follower of Christ; what certainty of conquering as he conquered, if, like Paul, we can say: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” What lowliness, what holiness, what simplicity, what grandeur, met in the Saviour of men! With what unfathomable depths of love and pity for the erring we come in contact in contemplating his life—God-life, man-life—lived among men, tempted and tried as no man can ever be, never failing, always triumphing, because he ever depended on his Father! Through the prophet Isaiah, he declared: “I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. . . . For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” Through the psalmist he said: “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”
We see him as a child thoughtful of others, helpful, kind, obedient to his parents, firm and unyielding when temptations were to be met. As a man, he was a perfect example of manhood in every respect, “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Reach up higher, sinner, backslider, saint; Jesus can save from all sin, and bring on higher ground the one who reaches out for the divine-human hand.
“But still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found, Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”
We see him in the garden, blood-drops of agony staining his raiment, and marring his visage more than the sons of men; we hear the thrice-repeated cry, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Thank God, he drank it. We bow our heads in humility, all vainglorying hushed as we hear that cry, and see the cup tremble in his hand. For him to refuse to drink it would have meant our eternal ruin. But he gave up all, that we might have all, that he might give us the life that measures with the life of God.
We see him again, as the mob, led by Judas, approaches. No trace of agony is now visible on his face, calm as the moonlight bathing the mysterious mountainside with silvery radiance, yet bearing the glory of the mighty angel who strengthened him, that idle curiosity might not see the throes of suffering it could not comprehend. With what patience he greets Judas! He does not refuse the traitor’s kiss. What a lesson for pharisaism, that holds aside even the hem of its garment, lest it touch what it calls defiled. Behold him before his persecutors, bearing their cruel, senseless taunts with perfect serenity, seeking even now to draw them to him by cords of love. We find him on his cruel march to Calvary, hungry, weary almost unto death, yet not discouraged. No self-pity, no seeking of sympathy, but giving all; even now speaking tender words to the wailing women who follow him: “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me.”
At last behold him on the cross, our martyr King,—Barabbas set free,—hanging between the heaven and the earth, forsaken even by him who said, “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” In his agony we hear the Son of God saying to one who had faith in him, “Thou shalt be with me in paradise;”and again, in filial love committing his mother to the beloved John, and breathing out that prayer of all prayers, in divine love and compassion, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And now ring out, in omnipotent triumph, the words that startle the gaping multitude with wonder: “It is finished.” In a vague way it dawns even upon the minds of the Roman soldiers that more than man is dying by the cruel hands of men. His work is done. All that the Father committed unto him, he has faithfully performed. Perfect victory crowns the cross of Calvary.
In the resurrection morning, when Jesus comes forth conqueror, the Roman seal snapped by the power which death could not hold, nor powers, nor principalities of darkness, his first thought is for the bereaved ones. He greets her first who has been forgiven much, and who, therefore, loves much. He does not forget Peter, who is likely to sink under shame and discouragement for his base denial of him. The risen Christ is the same tender, loving Saviour, with his “Peace be unto you.” Working, loving, forgiving—this was the Christ-life. Let it be ours. And it can be; for he says: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. . . . And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
The simplicity of his life was its wonder; his goodness was his glory. And when we see him coming in triumph, sitting on the white cloud, and all the angels of heaven with him, I believe the splendor of that scene will be the glory of his goodness still. Words fail when we contemplate this wondrous Christ, Saviour, Brother, Friend. No wonder, at sight of such sweetness, such goodness, such glory, such majesty, the islands flee away, the mountains are removed into the sea, and sinners call for the rocks to fall on them, and hide them from the face of Calvary’s slain Lamb! No wonder that at last all are constrained to say: “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord”!
“Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts! Thou fount of life! thou light of men! From the best bliss that earth imparts, We turn unfilled to thee again.
“We taste thee, O thou Living Bread, And long to feast upon thee still; We drink of thee, the Fountainhead, And thirst our souls from thee to fill.
“Our restless spirits yearn for thee, Where’er our changeful lot is cast; Glad, when thy gracious smile we see, Blest, when our faith can hold thee fast.
“O Jesus, ever with us stay; Make all our moments calm and bright; Chase the dark night of sin away, Shed o’er the world thy holy light.”
Washington, D. C.