The Master Teacher

In the United States, the beginning of school is just around the corner. Parents are focused on getting their kids’ school supplies ready, figuring out their schedule, and meeting their teachers. Meeting the teacher is really important. Now, I know I’m biased when it comes to teachers. (I come from a long line of teachers and my husband is a public school teacher while I am a college professor. ) Teachers are one of the foundations of our society so it is no wonder parents and students alike are anxious to meet and interact with their teachers. Parents and students want a teacher who is kind, competent, patient, disciplined, affable, and experienced. Teachers spend hours with children. Teachers provide knowledge, help kids navigate situations, discipline children when they make mistakes, provide kind words when kids are having a bad day, and watch out for kids. Yet, no teacher is perfect. It is just a reality of being human. Teachers all have strengths and weaknesses but no earthly teacher is perfect.

There is only one teacher who has ever lived and taught on this earth who was perfect – the master teacher. Jesus – the son of God – came to this earth to teach His father, Yahweh, lessons and precepts to humanity. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is repeatedly called “teacher.” Yet, Jesus was not a trained rabbinical teacher. He did not have the earthly “pedigree” to be considered a great teacher. In fact, his lack of “pedigree” was often thrown back in his face by the Pharisees. But no amount of mocking or dispersions negated this reality – Jesus was the master teacher. After his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew records this:

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. (Matthew 7).

Luke tells us even at a young age, Jesus’ skills amazed and could not be denied:

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. (Luke 2)

Jesus even referenced and accepted the title of teacher while he was washing the disicples feet:

 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. (John 13)

Finally, Jesus never took credit for his teachings. It was always the teachings of His father.

“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.” (John 12)

So, throughout this month we will focus on God as our master teacher. We will examine all the ways God teaches us. All of our verses include words that relate directly to teaching: instructions, teaching, learning, etc. The goal of this month is two fold:

📚 Better understand God as our teacher.

📚 Learn how to be a better pupil for God.

So, get your supplies ready and settle into your desk. Class is in session! #GodsPupil #TheMasterTeacher