untry the people flocked about Him. As He healed and taught them,
there was great rejoicing. Heaven seemed to come down to the earth,
and they feasted upon the grace of a merciful Saviour.
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Chap. 10 - Teachings of Christ
Among the Jews, religion had come to be little more than a round
of ceremonies. As they had departed from the true worship of God,
and lost the spiritual power of His word, they had tried to supply the
lack by adding ceremonies and traditions of their own.
Only the blood of Christ can cleanse from sin. Only His power can
keep men from sinning. But the Jews depended upon their own works
and ceremonies of their religion to earn for them salvation. Because
of their zeal for these ceremonies they thought themselves righteous,
and worthy of a place in God’s kingdom.
But their hopes were fixed on worldly greatness. They longed
for riches and power, and these they expected as the reward for their
pretended piety.
They looked for the Messiah to set up His kingdom on this earth,
and to rule as a mighty prince among men. Every worldly blessing
they hoped to receive at His coming.
Jesus knew that their hopes were to be disappointed. He had come
to teach them of something far better than they had sought.
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He had come to restore the true worship of God. He was to bring
in a pure heart religion, that would manifest itself in a pure life and a
holy character.
In the beautiful Sermon on the Mount He explained what God
thinks most precious, and what would give real happiness.
The Saviour’s disciples had been influenced by the teachings of
the rabbis; and for these disciples, first of all, Christ’s lessons were
spoken. That which He taught them is for us also. We need to learn
the same things.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Christ said. Matthew 5:3. The
poor in spirit are those who know their own sinfulness and need. They
know that of themselves they can do no good thing. They desire help
from God, and to them His blessing is given.
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity,
whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him
also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the
humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15.
“Blessed are they that mourn.” Matthew 5:4. This does not mean
those who complain and murmur, and who go about with a sour,
downcast look. It means those who are truly sorry for their sins, and
who ask God for pardon.
All such He will freely forgive. He says, “I will turn their
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mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from
their sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13.
“Blessed are the meek.” Matthew 5:5. Christ says, “Learn of Me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart.” M