who knew Him best.

We are very apt to regard the Gospels conventionally. An inherited
orthodoxy which has made peace with the world takes them for granted
as "a tale of little meaning, though the words are strong." An
impatient reaction from orthodoxy sets them aside as incomprehensible
or unimportant. It is worth while making the effort to empty our minds
of prejudice, and to allow the Gospels to tell their own tale. We
shall find that they bring us face to face with a Portrait of
surprising freshness and power.

It is the portrait of One who spent the first thirty years of His life
in an obscure Galilaean village, and who in early manhood worked as a
carpenter in a village shop. He first came forward in public in
connexion with a religious revival initiated by John the Baptist. He
was baptized in the Jordan. What His baptism meant to Him is
symbolized by the account of a vision which He saw, and a Voice which
designated Him as Son of GOD. He became conscious of a religious
mission, and was at first tempted to interpret His mission in an
unworthy way, to seek to promote spiritual ends by temporal
compromises, or to impress men's minds by an appeal to mystery or
miracle. He rejected the temptation, and proclaimed simply GOD and His
Kingdom. He is said to have healed the sick and to have wrought other
"signs and mighty works": but He set no great store by these things,
and did not wish to be known primarily as a wonder-worker. He lived
the life of an itinerating Teacher, declaring to any who cared to
listen the things concerning the Kingdom of GOD. At times He was
popular and attracted crowds: but He cared little for popularity,
wrapped up His teaching in parables, and repelled by His "hard
sayings" all but a minority of earnest souls. He gave offence to the