Thursday, August 2, 2012

The Great Teacher


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“O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old.”   – Psalm 78:1-2


Jesus was often referred to as “Rabbi” by His disciples and others in and around Jerusalem.  The term Rabbi comes from the Greek word Rhabbi, which refers to a title used by Jews to address their teachers, honored ones or great one.  As recorded in Matthew, Mark and John, He was seen as a teacher with knowledge well beyond the earthly realm.  He was always teaching them, through his words, actions and interactions with others.  He knew the scriptures like the Pharisee and Sadducees, and the law even better.  There are countless times when they attempted to trap Him by means of the laws of their ancestors, to which He was always able to respond in accordance with the laws of His Father.

From the tender age of 12 we find Jesus sitting in the synagogue learning from the teachers and scholars of the time.  His mind absorbing their teachings, so in turn He would be able to teach and dispute them one day.  He studied in the tradition of His family and learned from the Torah.  I laugh when I think about this, for as the original author of the book how easy it must have been for Him to memorize the scriptures.  Can you imagine the reaction of His teachers when they would quiz Him on the specifics and He would get every single question right?  I can picture them huddling together to try and stump the boy, but to no avail; it had to be frustrating teaching Jesus Christ the scriptures.

Jesus taught His disciples and in doing so, through the New Testament has taught billions of people over the last 1980 years.  Other religions have formed and used His teachings as their fundamental truths.  You can look at the moral code, ethics and description of integrity and find the underpinnings of Jesus teachings at the core.  One of His most famous teaching moments was recorded in Matthew 5 – 7, The Sermon on the Mount.  It was here that Christ taught the multitudes of the blessings, glory, love, patience, compassion, forgiveness, truth, peace and even sin.  But I propose that this was not His most famous teaching moment.

Upon the cross Jesus hung.  Beaten, bruised and scarred for our inequities.  The people of Jerusalem ridiculed, mocked and spat upon Him.  Even the teachers and leaders of the day mocked Him – “He saves others, but can’t save himself.  He’s the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross and we will believe.”  Could Jesus have done that?  Certainly, but because He didn’t we are still talking about Him today.  In His infinite wisdom, He taught us all from that one action that our lives are worth His death, that He loved us enough to die for us and that indeed by conquering the grave He taught us all that He truly was the Son of God.  Jesus was born to teach us about God’s love, grace, forgiveness, mercy, sovereignty, omnipotence and so much more.  We are drawn close to God Almighty because Jesus Christ was born and fulfilled this purpose in teaching us.


PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with thanksgiving in our hearts. Thanksgiving that you would gave Your son for us, to redeem our sins and set us free from the bondage of this world.  Free to worship, praise and bring glory to You.  We learn from Your Word the truth’s of Your Son and the Holy Spirit and we put these truths into action as we spread Your Good News.  We are in awe of Your redeeming grace and mercy.  We lean upon these never changing truths and draw near to Your bosom.  For it is in Your name we pray - Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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