Jesus, Our Teacher

The word 'disciple' in Greek means a learner, a student. In order to be a disciple one has to have a teacher. As Christians we understand we are disciples of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Jesus is our teacher.

Let us look back upon the days we were students. We went to school, received instruction, studied and made our grades. If we did not listen to our teachers or behaved in class, there were consequences such as low grades and the unwanted correction from our teachers. Is it any different being a student of Jesus Christ? To say we are students of Jesus Christ means we have to listen to His teachings and accept His correction. But Jesus is no ordinary human teacher. After His death and resurrection, He ascended to His Father in Heaven. He has poured into us His Holy Spirit. Wherever we are, He is there also. Which means wherever we are, Jesus is teaching us something.

The story of the sisters, Mary and Martha, illustrates how Jesus will teach us something even if we think we know the answer. Jesus enters a village and Martha invites Him into her home. This was a common practice in accordance with middle-eastern hospitality. In other words, Martha did the right thing. She was busy fulfilling what she thought was expected of her so much so she expected her sister to help out in the kitchen. Jesus teaches her saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  Mary had chosen stillness and being at the feat of Jesus. Martha learned something about herself, she is anxious and troubled and she learned what Jesus expected of her, to sit and learn.  (Lk. 10:38-42) If Jesus did not love Martha he would not have bothered to teach her anything. In fact Jesus loved Martha so much that when He heard the news of her brother’s illness, Jesus made a point of staying where He was two days longer! I am not being sarcastic. The text actually says that! So Jesus comes to Bethany after Lazarus has died. It is Martha who greets Him. There Martha learns from Christ, Himself, that He is the Resurrection and the Life! Mary runs to greet Him and like her sister, assumes Jesus is late. But she gets to see Lazarus raised from the dead. Jesus is such a great teacher, that one can be assured, Mary, Martha and Lazarus knew without doubt, death has been conquered in Jesus. But they still experienced their natural emotions of loss, grief and despair. Their classroom was their life. Their teacher was their Lord. (John 11:1-44)

And it is the same with us. Our life is our classroom. Things may not go our way. But they always go God’s way, like Jesus waiting two days to see His friend, Lazarus.

“...He saw a great crowd and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.” (Mk. 6:34)

What is Jesus Teaching You?

Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. Matthew 23:10ESV


Jesus is speaking to His disciples exhorting them not to be like the scribes and Pharisees who desire to place heavy burdens on the peoples’ shoulders. Jesus is emphasizing His role as our instructor, our teacher. We recognize Jesus as a savior from our sins. We call Him Lord of our lives. But we also need to see Christ as our teacher.

We have the Scriptures that teach us what God has said giving us knowledge of His will for our lives. But in our lives that we live daily, we can also see Christ directing events in such a way that He has something to teach us. Not everything goes our way. When times are frustrating in our lives, we should look to Jesus as our teacher. When we are not happy, we should ask the Lord, what is it that we need to learn. Is there something that we need to change in our lives that would reflect God’s will for us. Perhaps it is just an attitude. A rich ruler, a man with power and money asks Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The ruler quickly learned no one is good but the Father in heaven. And he also learned that keeping the commandments were not enough. He loved his money more than God. In other words, he saw where he needed to change. But we know how the story ends, the rich ruler went away very sad. (Luke 18:18-25) Happiness would have come if he had let go of his possessions. What is Jesus teaching you?

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30ESV)