OF WHOM SHALL WE LEARN?
By G.
A Jewish councilor and teacher called upon Jesus of Nazareth one evening for a friendly interview. The visitor’s name was Nicodemus, and he addressed our Lord in the most complimentary terms: “Rabbi, we know that Thou art a Teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.” John 3:2. Jesus did not indulge in any compliments. He saw His visitor’s need, and at once began to instruct him. According to the record, His response was prompt and direct: “Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God.” The logic of this one sentence was a complete overturning of the current Jewish theology, of which Nicodemus was the exponent. The Jews held and their teachers taught that they were the people of God and heirs of the coming kingdom by virtue of their natural birth. Therefore Nicodemus did not understand what the “Teacher come from God” meant by “born again.” Then Jesus explained the matter further: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Then he made a personal application of the truth to Nicodemus himself: “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (margin, “from above”). It is hard for one to give up the education and prejudices of many years’ inculcation, and it is usually the case that a teacher of any theory or doctrine is more loath to give it up than are others. So Nicodemus hesitated, and answered, “How can these things be?” Then came the Lord’s recognition of His visitor as a teacher. But it was not done in a flattering manner. It came rather as a rebuke: “Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things?” R. V. Now we come to the marked contrast between these two teachers, who represent two classes of teachers. Jesus says, “We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen, and ye receive not our witness.” Jesus taught the Word of God, and used the works of God as illustrations, taking the things around Him as object-lessons. Thus He taught the truth in a positive, tangible manner, adding nothing superfluous or incoherent. And this will be the course of all teachers who have been truly taught of God, who have themselves learned at the feet of Jesus. On the other hand, here was “the teacher of Israel” that did not know the first principle of citizenship in the kingdom to which he and his people claimed to belong by natural birth. What, then, was he teaching?—He was teaching the wisdom of men. He was teaching traditions which would logically undermine the truth concerning the kingdom of God. He was teaching that which would keep himself and his pupils out of the kingdom. And just so it is with all who get their knowledge and their credentials from the world, or from institutions (whatever their profession) that are based on the traditions of men. The Word of the Lord exhorts all people to “get wisdom;” for “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding.” Where are we to get it? The great Text-book used by the greatest of all teachers says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Again, “The Lord giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” And, “A good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” The One who is personally connected with our final examination as to fitness for a place in His kingdom has said: “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” G.