Mountains and Valleys in the Ministry of Jesus

It is impossible to study the records of the life of Jesus without noticing how often He retired to the mountains. Amid the loneliness of their silent strength, He seemed to breathe the atmosphere of the ages, and to enter into communion with His Father in special degree. It is equally impossible in such study to fail to notice His loyalty to the valleys, and the places where men gathered in crowds. It would be quite true to say that. He loved the mountains, but lived during most of His public life in the valleys.A yet closer examination of the records will reveal the fact that there was ever a most intimate connection between His visits to the mountains and His work in the valleys. To the mountains He carried the interests and needs of the valleys. To the valleys He brought the measurements and atmosphere of the mountains.This is a theme full of suggestiveness and value for us, not only as revealing the methods of the Master, but also because such revelation becomes illumination of the pathway of our service, as in His name we go forward to carry on His work, according to His commands.