# “Christ was a very plain preacher” by John Flavel

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2025/08/27/christ-was-a-very-plain-preacher-by-john-flavel/
- Published: 2025-08-27T11:00:00-05:00
- Author: tollelege

“Christ was a very plain preacher.

Jesus Christ discovered truth powerfully, speaking ‘_as one having authority, and
not as the Pharisees_,’ (**Matt. 7:29**). They were cold and dull preachers, their
words did even freeze between their lips; but Christ spoke with power.

There was heat as well as light in His doctrine. And so there is still, though it
be in the mouth of poor contemptible men:

‘_The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the casting
down of strong holds_,’ (**2 Cor. 10:4**). It is still ‘_quick and powerful, sharper
than a two edged-sword; and piercing, to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of joints and marrow_,’ (**Heb. 4:12**).

This Prophet (**Acts 3:22**), Jesus Christ, taught the people the mind of God in
a sweet, affectionate, and taking manner.

His words made their hearts burn within them, (**Luke 24:32**).

It was prophesied of Him: ‘_He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to
be heard on high. A bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not
quench_,’ (**Isa. 42:2**)

He knew how to speak a word in season to the weary soul, (**Isa. 61:1**).

‘_He gathered the Lambs with His arms, and gently led those that were with young_,’(**
Isa. 40:11**).

How sweetly did His words slide to the melting hearts about Him! He drew with cords
of love. He discouraged none, upbraided none that were willing to come to Him.

His familiarity and free condescensions to the most vile and despicable sinners 
were often made the matter of His own reproach.

But such is His gentle and sweet carriage to His people that the church is called
the Lamb’s wife, (**Rev. 19:7**).

He revealed the mind of God purely to men. His doctrine had not the least dash of
error to debase it. His most enviously observant hearers could find nothing to charge
Him with.

He is ‘_the faithful and true witness_,’ (**Rev. 1:5**).

And He hath commanded His ministers to preserve the simplicity and purity of the
gospel, and not to blend and sophisticate it, (**2 Cor. 4:2**).

And lastly, He revealed the will of God perfectly and fully, keeping back nothing
needful to salvation. So He tells His disciples: ‘_All things that I have heard 
of my Father, I have made known unto you_,’ (**John 15:15**).

He was ‘faithful as a Son over His own house,’ (**Heb 3:6**).

Thus you have a brief account of what is implied in this part of Christ’s prophetical
office, and how He performed it.”

–John Flavel, [_The Works of the John Flavel, Volume 1_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0851510604?tag=toletaupanre-20)(
Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1820/1997), 1: 124-125.

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