p. 389 | THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST by J. G. Matteson

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 23, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 25.

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST.

By J. G. Matteson

As soon as we are old enough to consider what is for our own best good in this world, we think of going to school, that we may learn something useful. We do not go to school because we think we are wise and prudent, but because we lack wisdom and desire to obtain it.

The school of Christ is the best of all schools. It is free and open to all. The teacher charges nothing for tuition, and he gives all who will come both food and drink, yea, gold and white raiment, all for nothing. John 6:45; Rev. 3:18. He gives his small pupils the most precious wine and the most nourishing milk, without money and without price. Isa. 55:1. And he treats them just as well the first day as the last.

Here comes a poor orphan lad, pale and lean, ragged and miserably dressed. Behold the loving-kindness of our beloved Teacher as he smiles upon the poor creature. Immediately he removes his unclean clothes, and causes him to be bathed in the fountain that is open for sin and uncleanness (Zech. 13:1), a fountain that has sprung from the dear Teacher's own heart. He puts on him clothes as pure and white as snow. They are the divine Teacher's own righteousness. He causes him to eat of the blessed wine and milk of grace and truth. He gives him a better seat than the throne of a king, and bids him heartily welcome in the midst of all the dear pupils.

This is so wonderful that it is difficult to believe it until a person has experienced and seen it for himself. The Teacher looks upon the new disciple with such loving looks, and all the pupils look upon him in such a friendly way, that he is greatly astonished. He cannot understand the reason for this, seeing that he, a poor, forlorn stranger, so lately has joined the school. Then he hears the Teacher's melodious voice. He tells him that all these pupils have been called according to the purpose of God, and have been appointed "to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren." Rom. 8:29. All the pupils in this school are Christ's brethren. "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." Ps. 118:23. And it is no less joyful than wonderful. Just think that our great Teacher is our Brother. We are Christ's brethren and sisters. I say we, because I am also a pupil in the school. It seems to be only a short time since I started. Time flies so swiftly in the school of Christ. It is so blessed to learn of our King and our God, of our Saviour and Master, of our best Friend and Brother.

Christ can reveal himself best to the humble and simple hearted. When Jesus at a certain occasion had upbraided the cities that had seen most of his mighty works without repenting, he turned his eyes to heaven and said: "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. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." Matt. 11:25, 26. The word "babe" comes from nēpios, which also means unlearned, ignorant. In the Swedish Bible it is translated "simple hearted." It is evident from the context that Jesus speaks of people who have the opposite character of those whom the world calls wise and prudent. We must be converted and become as little children if we desire to learn something in the school of the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3.

Listen now how kindly Jesus invites us to come to his school: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28. That means you, dear soul, who reads these lines or listens to these words. Jesus invites all, and what will he give them?—He will give them rest, a heavenly peace and calm in the soul. He says by the prophet, "I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul." Jer. 31:25.

What are we to learn the first day in the school of Christ? Listen to the words of our dear Master: "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." Matt. 11:29. What are we to learn the next day?—The same. And what are we to learn the last day in the school, before we close these mortal eyes, or our probation closes as Jesus finishes his high-priestly office?—We are to learn the same.

But afterwards, then, in glory, when we are at home in the mansions of gold, where all the brethren and sisters of Jesus shall shine as the sun in their Father's kingdom and as the brightness of the firmament and the stars forever and ever—what are we to learn there the first thousand years?—The same. We are to learn meekness and gentleness, humility and lowliness of mind. This learning, what Jesus in mercy imparts to us, is just what gives the soul quiet and blissful rest and joy in the bosom of Jesus.

Is it possible that Jesus can continue to instruct us through all eternity?—Yes, certainly. Just as extensive and infinite as his great universe, so extensive and infinite is "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," and the excellency of his power. 2 Cor. 4:6, 7. The eternal treasures will always be his, and we will always be the recipients. There is no end to his wisdom and divine power, no end to his meekness and lowliness of heart. The words of Jesus will shine with the most wonderful glory throughout all eternity. And it will always be a wonderful source of joy to our poor hearts that Jesus, our dear Saviour and Teacher, is our Brother.

But how can we find rest under a yoke?—"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt. 11:30. The yoke of Christ is to learn from him to be meek and lowly of heart. The yoke is no hindrance or burden to the ox. It only makes it possible for him to work. Just so the yoke of Christ,—the daily lessons of meekness and humility which we learn in his school,—enables us to work for the Lord. Then comes the burden of Christ. The work for the Lord is the burden, and the burden is light when we have the yoke on, while without it we can do no work at all that may truly be called the Lord's.

Behold, now the fields "are white already to harvest." "And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." John 4:35, 36. A grand harvest field lies open before us. The field is the world. There is much work for the Lord; but this work does not make us tired. It gives rest. The more we work, the stronger we will be. Only let us not neglect to attend the school of Christ every day, and take upon us the easy yoke of Christ. Then the Lord will bless us when we are learning our lessons; and he will bless us when we work in the mission; and he will bless us at last with eternal life and a glorious reward.

This blessing, dear reader, is for you. "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Num. 6:24-26.

College View, Neb.