Multitude is the old word for people or public. We use it here because we wish to remind ourselves constantly of Christ, the Master Teacher, of whom it is written: "Seeing the multitudes, . . . He opened His mouth, and taught them." Matt. 5:1, 2. The public phase of teaching is a very large part of the minister's work. Objectivity in public teaching depends greatly upon the minister's knowledge of, and ability to deal with, three distinct public exigencies: (1) The needs of society; (2) the right settlement of such problems; and (3) the proclamation of the will of God. Anyone entering upon his mission of enlightening the public cannot expect satisfactory results without first, as a keen observer, studying the needs of those around him. Then only can he hope to be an arbiter in social strife, and enter into the rightful role of a messenger sent from God.
The needs of society vary and change. The variations multiply into countless numbers and differ in character. Their distinctions may be historical, geographical, racial, national, economic, spiritual, educational, scientific, etc. It is evident at once that the teacher cannot supply all the various needs. With a seer's eye he must view the whole situation, and single out the essential or fundamental need, which, if supplied, will be of greatest benefit.
Here, again, Christ stands as an unparalleled example. Amid all the woes and cries for help, He grasped the situation immediately, and found where He might enter the hearts of the multitude. He had before Him all classes of people, representing every conceivable need; but when "He opened His mouth, and taught them," they "heard him gladly." Mark 12:37. His was a view from above. While He associated with the people and was one among them, yet He was not defiled, His mind was not clogged with perishing ambitions. Like a shepherd who knows His sheep individually, Christ descended into the valley of despair, and brought the people "up into a mountain," directing their vision away from the cares of this life, and teaching them. How important it is for the teacher to have such a view of the needs of men as will arouse sympathy and foresight in his own heart, and create confidence and a search for truth in the hearts of the multitude.
The right settlement of social problems is dependent upon the minister's ability to unite all the conflicting desires of the public into one great interest. History records numerous instances where this principle has predominated. When different parties in conflict with one another are confronted with a national danger, and unite to present a solid front to the enemy, they forget their petty squabbles. So with nations that unite against a common foe. The same principle has wrought wonders in the experience of the church. Liberty of conscience and freedom in worship ushered in the Reformation. Worldwide evangelism has inspired the church during the last two centuries.
What is true on a large scale is also true on a small scale. What nations and international organizations have accomplished can be attained in the community, the church, and the home. Here the preacher must stand as a leader, with ideas that inspire; and concurrently as a just arbitrator, with balanced judgment in many a delicate or critical situation.
The third and last factor to come within the scope of this study—the proclamation of the will of God—follows naturally the two preceding. After all, it is the will of God that mankind needs to know. If an adequate realization of the need has been attained, and the confident attention of the multitudes has been gained, the major obstacles to the proclamation of the will of God have been removed. What then remains is to give God's message, and give it effectively.
There are several qualities that must necessarily characterize the declaration of the Lord's will, such as power, truthfulness, fearlessness, peace, timeliness, adaptability, and salvation. Other attributes may be added, but those mentioned must not be lacking. When Christ commissioned His disciples to go and publish (Mark 13:10), or proclaim, the gospel to the world, He assured them of the presence of all power in heaven and earth. Matt. 28:18, 19. He taught them, too, to be truthful (Matt. 6:16, German translation), and He gave them His peace. John 14:27. These gifts, together with a message that meets all fundamental needs at all times and in every land, constituted the equipment of the apostles of old, and they remain the winning qualities of teaching the multitude today.
In making known the will of God, the minister's methods must be suited to his hearers. Divine truth can be made manifest through illustrations and events familiar to them. Of Christ it is said: "In His lessons there was something to interest every mind, to appeal to every heart."—"Education," p. 102.
"Jesus sought an avenue to every heart. By using a variety of illustrations, He not only presented truth in its different phases, but appealed to the different hearers. Their interest was aroused by figures drawn from the surroundings of their daily life. None who listened to the Saviour could feel that they were neglected or forgotten. The humblest, the most sinful, heard in His teaching a voice that spoke to them in sympathy and tenderness." —"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 21, 22.
The world, the church, and the community need teachers with understanding, vision, and the power of the Holy Spirit, in order that lost, selfish, blinded mankind may be led to perceive the Light of life and be saved.
Edgware, England.
