COME UNTO ME, AND LEARN

By Ronny F. Wade

Jesus is the world's master teacher. Those who listen to His matchless words declared "never a man spake like this." Wherever He went and whatever He said, made an impression on people. In Mt. 11:28, while addressing a certain group we hear Jesus as He says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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." When -we come to Jesus, there is so much that we can learn. Any subject with which He deals is made clearer. Presently, we are interested in His attitude toward those lost in sin. We can learn a great lesson if we will only observe what Jesus said and did relative to the lost.

One of the very first things we notice is that Christ was interested in all men. His love for man knew no boundaries. His concern was universal and impartial. The invitation of our text was extended to all men. There were no lower classes or forbidden hearers. The Gospel message which contained power to save was distributed to all. Perhaps this is why Peter said in Acts 10:34 ". . . Of a truth I perceive that God is no re¬specter of persons:" Here is a lesson that we all des¬perately need to learn. God is not limited by national boundaries, or languages, or color. He is interested in all men, regardless of their financial or social standing. In fact, in Mk. 12:37, we are told that "the common people heard him gladly." He was a friend to the poor and outcast. He ate with publicans and sinners. None sank so low or drifted so far that He did not love them. And yet, in view of this, He never neglected the rich. Nicodemus came by night and was received by Him. A rich, young ruler received sound advice, but failed to accept it. Jesus saw in each man something worth saving. So many times we are prone to give up too soon and mark someone off "our list." Our lack of patience and longsuffering many times leads us to premature rejection. With Jesus it was different. As long as there was hope He was willing to try. When a man wanted to dig up a tree because it wasn't coming up to expectations, He suggested digging around it and waiting another season. There is so much for us to learn if we will only come to Christ and receive it.

Another thing interesting about Christ and His dealings with the lost is that His laws were uniform. Jesus required the same of all men. He expected each to give all in order to be His disciple. No one received special favors. The rich ruler learned that he could not buy his way into heaven. Nicodemus learned that even though he was an important man, he too, had to be born again. And so the story goes on and on, rich man, poor man, beggar, thief,—all had to meet His law be¬fore salvation was theirs.

But next, we learn of man's universal need. The need of man was as great as the gift of God, which was given to meet it. Concerning this, Paul says, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all un¬godliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" (Rom. 1:18). Again, "That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph. 2:12). In the teachings of the Spirit, we see ourselves as we really are—sinful, rebellious, and of all men most miserable. And to add to all of this, we were without God and without hope. The sad, degenerate state of man leads us to another great truth learned in Jesus, which follows.

His love and sacrifice to meet man's need is one of the greatest stories ever told. God so loved that He gave. Jesus left the glory-world with all its glitter and charm to die in our behalf. He came not as a king adorned in carnal majesty and splendor, but rather as a common man. He rode not in a chariot drawn by royal horses, but on another's beast. His crown was not bedecked with jewels, but thorns. The only earthly throne He knew was a cross, and all of this for man. He Who was rich became poor that we might through His poverty be rich (2 Cor. 8:9). While here on earth He said, ". . . the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." My, what a lesson! Can we ever realize how much He did for us?

Let us briefly summarize the main points of this study. First of all, we learn from Jesus of his universal and impartial love for man. Next, we learn of man's lost and undone condition, only to remember that Jesus has suffered and died that we might be saved. Since, He has provided for our salvation, let us spare no effort in telling others of His great love. What man cannot bo touched by the wonderful love of Jesus? It is no wonder He became the spring of every believer's life, the basis of his hope, and the theme of his message.

from Old Paths Advocate, October 1, 1963