“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who leads you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)
When you think of words that describe Jesus, what comes to mind? Surely Savior, Redeemer, and Lord quickly come to mind, but we must always remember that the word Teacher belongs near the top of our list. Jesus is addressed directly as Teacher more than 60 times in the New Testament. From the multitudes to the disciples and even to the religious leaders, Jesus was repeatedly addressed as Teacher.
Jesus did not rebuke anyone for addressing Him with this appellation. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’” He said, “and rightly so, for that is what I am” (John 13:13). With no classroom education, with no teaching degree from any recognized rabbinical institution, Jesus was the greatest teacher the world has ever known. He spent time teaching both the common people who had no formal education, as well instructing the biblical scholars of His day. And what was their response? “The crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law” (Matthew 7:28-29).
Did you know that the final command of our Lord Jesus before He returned to heaven was a teaching command for His disciples . . . and for you and me today?
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20)
If we can measure the success of a teacher by the accomplishments of his or her students, then we would have to say that Jesus was not only the greatest, but also the most successful teacher who ever lived. Jesus taught with power and authority, and it was all rooted in His love, mercy, grace, and compassion. Just a little more than 2000 years have passed since Jesus taught His final lesson here on earth, and more than two billion people from every tongue, tribe, and nation bear the name of Christ. Christianity has spread from its point of origin in Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the world.
So my question to you is this: How well have you learned Jesus’ teaching lesson and put it into practice? I can tell you from personal experience that the greatest privilege in this world is to tell others about Jesus. There is nothing this world has to offer that is more satisfying and meaningful in life than to be part of the salvation process in the life of another person. And the best part of this is that all we have to do is to plant the seeds of the Gospel and water them; we can trust Jesus to supply the increase. He has promised to do exactly that.
Who can you share Jesus with today?
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 