Jesus the Teacher

Our Saviour in his earthly life
Taught peace, and how we should forgive;
He taught us to refrain from strife,
And showed us how in love to live.
No bitter tone, no angry blow,
No weapon save His precious word;
No empty pomp, no gaudy show:
He gently leads us by His love.

He taught us when by man oppressed,
To offer e’en the other cheek;
To pray in spirit, faith possessed,
And His forgiving love to seek.
For angry word has never yet
A heartache healed—a will subdued;
Nor made a sinner turn and set
His heart on God, with faith endued.

When at the last He was betrayed,—
Dishonored by the traitor’s kiss,—
He gave command to sheathe the blade;
Nor needed He such arm as this.
All lamb-like to the slaughter led,
While nails and spear His life-blood drew,
This crowning pray’r its glory shed:
“Forgive! they know not what they do.”

• MIDI file from Christian Hymnal (Rev. ed.) #148