To teach is to touch a life forever- part-2.
“You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet, for I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." (John 13:13-15):
Teachers have always been the vital contributor of learning in the society. They serve as the foundation of the cultural and sustainable development of the nation as a whole. The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out by way of occupation or profession at school, college, church, institution or other place of formal education. A teacher’s role may vary between cultures. In the Bible a Master Teacher or a Rabbi is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others. As a principle for the development of consciousness it leads the creation from unreality to reality, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. In its purest form this principle manifests on earth as a divine incarnation, a person with supreme knowledge about God and all creation.
Jesus said “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right "Master" and "Lord", were dignified titles among the Jews, which they frequently gave to their doctors and men of learning, and are often to be met with in their writings: hence the disciples called Christ by these names, not out of flattery, but reverence of him, and esteem for him; nor are they blamed, but commended for it: This double title was not given except to the most accredited teachers, First of all, the writer of John wanted to make it clear that Jesus was greatest teacher and the lord ever lived on earth. Jesus knew that His student Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve that He had handpicked, was about to betray him. He knew that He was going to suffer a nasty, violent death the next day. He also knew He could stop any of this at any time, (Mt 26:53) and that He was going back to God. So He had all of this in mind when He gave this final sermon to His students. He was about to leave them and go back to the Father, as He says many times in this sermon. And before He left, He had these things to tell them. But first He had one important thing to teach and show them. He washed their feet.
Therefore Studying the Master Teacher, Jesus, provides us with the finest instruction in the entire world on how to teach others. Jesus taught with perfect accuracy and effectiveness. Of all the disciplines taught in the New Testament for the spiritual growth of Disciples, none are more important than the discipline of learning. Even in the secular world, every employer wants workers that are “teachable”. We are blessed to have the greatest teacher of all history as our own savoir and Master Teacher—Jesus Christ. His methods, educational philosophy, content, and procedures consist of the finest models of teaching ever developed. So what exactly was this inspiring, challenging, magnificent, and apparently revolutionary teaching of Jesus?
In the first description of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospel of Mark: “ Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news’” (Mark 1:14-15).Here is Mark’s summary of the core of Jesus’ message. It is, in a nutshell: The kingdom of God has come near. The phrase “kingdom of God” appears 53 times in the New Testament Gospels, almost always on the lips of Jesus. The synonymous phrase, “kingdom of heaven,” appears 32 times in the Gospel of Matthew. Throughout the accounts of Jesus’ ministry, he is always talking about the kingdom of God. Many of his parables explain something about this kingdom: it is like mustard seed, a treasure, a merchant looking for pearls, and a king who gave a banquet (Matt 13:44-47; 22:2). Jesus even defines his purpose in light of the kingdom: “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:43).
Throughout his ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of learning the kingdom of God. “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17) was the theme of Jesus’ teachings. “The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. (Matthew 13:10-11)
Now the question is what is the kingdom of God? This kingdom was not a place where God reigns, but rather the reign of God itself – God’s presence, rule, authority, and power. The Kingdom of God is not a castle in the sky; it is a true form of government based upon the legal terms of justice, Righteousness, peace, love and joy in the Holy Spirit. “God’s reign is at hand. God’s power is being unleashed. Turn your life around and put your trust in this good news.” Kingdom of God is God’s reign, rule, authority, or sovereignty. The kingdom of God is the governing influences of God over His people who yielded his/her life to Lord Jesus, enabling that person to do God’s perfect will and bring into being a Godly lifestyle that reflects the Nature and Character of God. Jesus emphasized and taught people to change the mind, renew the heart, and seek the kingdom of God and its righteousness. If teaching and learning were so important to Jesus, they ought to be as important to us, as well.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
The Lord Jesus provides the ultimate role model for any teacher of the gospel; Jesus was more of a conversationalist than an orator. He walked with people and talked with them. He sat and spoke of soul matters. He was interested in individuals, recognizing the value of each soul. Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, conceded that Jesus of Nazareth was “a teacher” from God, as documented by the “signs” which he did (John 3:2). A wealthy young ruler approached the Lord asking, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Even Jesus’ enemies addressed him as “Teacher” (Matthew 22:16, 24), though their use of the expression was not always genuine. The Lord is addressed as “Teacher” twenty-nine times in the Gospels. The noun (teacher) and verb (teach) combined are used of Jesus some ninety times. Christ’s teaching was informative, logical, supported by Old Testament evidence, well-illustrated, documented by divine power, original, and uniquely authoritative (Matthew 7:28). When officers once were sent to arrest him, they returned to their superiors empty-handed, exclaiming: “Never man so spoke” (John 7:46). The Lord’s various methods of teaching beg for careful study.
Jesus Christ referred to Himself as a teacher, others called Him “Teacher” and His enemies recognized Him as a teacher. Forty-five times Christ is referred to as Teacher in the Gospels. It is no surprise then that teaching was an important part of Christ’s public ministry. But, what was it that made Jesus a great Teacher? What it takes to be a great Teacher? Educators in public schools use the terms, direct and indirect instruction to classify teaching methods. They believe every method has an advantage and disadvantage. It is believed as well that there is no one “right” method of teaching. To some degree this is true. Look at Jesus’ example.
“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40) Here it means, evidently, everyone “thoroughly instructed" or "informed." The Disciples should be like his Master - holy, harmless, and undefiled, and separate from sinners. He should copy his example, and grow into the likeness of his Redeemer. Everyone who is thoroughly instructed in Divine things, who has his heart united to God, whose disordered tempers and passions are purified and restored to harmony and order; everyone who has in him the mind that was in Christ, though he cannot be above, yet will be as, his teacher - holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. Teaching creates all other professions. The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without his teacher. Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.
The figure of the "Master" in the Bible is of great relevance, Let us think of the Hebrew word itself, with which the "master" is defined: rabbi has a great value; he is a positive figure of great relevance.. A capital passage in the Gospel of John witnesses to this (Jn 13:13-15): “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.". Christ therefore accepts, for himself, both the titles, both the dimensions of the word rabbi: didàskalos, master, and kyrios, lord. Immediately after, however, comes the manner for becoming true teachers and masters: “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." The authentic path of the true ministry of teaching is that of service and of self-dedication.
Look at the following three illustrations taken from the gospels which describe the spirit of a real teacher.
First in Mark 4:38 “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown? At the tragic moment of the storm: The master has to care and worry about the life of the disciple. Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, be still, and be quiet. If he say, Peace, be still, there is a great calm at once.
Second, Luke 17:12-13 (the ten lepers cleansed): “As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”, And as he entered into a village ... Whether in Samaria or Galilee, is not certain; perhaps it bordered on both, since there were both Jews and Samaritans in it, as appears by what follows; and since Christ was passing between both places: there met ten men that were lepers; who either were confined to this place, this village, or else having heard that Jesus of Nazareth was going to such a place, got together, and met him as he entered in it, in hope of being cured by him: Which stood afar off - They kept at a distance, from Christ, by reason of their uncleanness, as they were obliged to by the law, because forbidden by law and custom to come near to those who were sound, for fear of infecting them. And they lifted up their voices, together, and cried aloud, being at a distance, that they might be heard; as well as to express their vehement desire, and great importunity to be cleansed. And when Jesus saw them, he said unto them, go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. They were cleansed. As they went, an act of faith, they were healed. (Portraits of the true love and compassion of master.)
And third is in Luke 11:1: “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." Here is another role of service in teaching: spiritual service. In the so-called Lord's Prayer Christ gives an incomparable model for all prayer. It teaches that right prayer begins with worship; puts the interest of the kingdom before merely personal interest; accepts beforehand the Father's will, whether to grant or withhold; and petitions for present need, leaving the future to the Father's care and love. He grounds prayer upon relationship, and reveals God as freely charging himself with all the responsibilities, as His heart glows with all the affections of a Father toward all who believe on Jesus Christ Mt 6:25,32 7:9-11. Prayer, therefore, is a child's petition to an all-wise, all-loving, and all-powerful, Father-God.
In the Greek New Testament the term didàskalos is used 58 times, 48 of which are in the Gospels, mostly applied to Jesus; and the verb didàskein, to teach, 95 times two thirds of these are use in the gospels and also in this case, prevalently applied to Jesus. Jesus is called rabbi. Two passages among many, like for example Mk 9:5 and 10:51. He is a rabbi who speaks in public, like the teachers were doing in Israel: in synagogues, in squares, in the temple. Jesus is a teacher surrounded by students, that is, by the disciples; he has a school. Hence Jesus is the "master" par excellence of the world community. Jesus is an authoritative teacher. Mark’s statement is to the point (1:22): "He taught them with authority, not like the scribes." He is a teacher stands not with the power of authority, but with the authority of authoritativeness. The root of his teaching is transcendent. Two passages are emblematic in this sense: Jn 8:28: "I say only what the Father has taught me (didàskein)." And Mt 11:27: "No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." The teaching of Jesus is the teaching of the mystery of the Father and so, he is a transcendent teacher who teaches a truth that goes beyond the boundaries of human knowledge and originates from a revelation
Jesus was a creative Teacher because he used the concrete to teach a difficult abstract concept. He would make a comparison of what was known and understood to help the student comprehend (Matthew 23:37). He used everyday objects as visual aids (Matthew 6:26-30; John 4:35). He created the symbols to help each of us understand spiritual realities and remember Him (Matthew 26:26-29).
Jesus set a perfect example and held a high standard of personal qualities for each of us to follow. If we prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally to teach others, read the following qualities Jesus possessed and then asks yourself if you strive to posses the same. Christ lived a holy and Righteous life (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus prayed and trusted in the Lord (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16; 6:12-16). Jesus was warm, friendly and patient (Mark 10:13-16). Jesus cared about people (Luke 8:40-56). Jesus was always courteous and He spoke the truth in a loving way (John 4:16-18). He served others (John 13:1-17). He was sensitive to the needs of those around Him (Matthew 17:24-27; Luke 5:4-10; John 2:1-11). Jesus Christ means more to us than being the perfect “Teacher”. He is the chief cornerstone and foundation of Christianity. He is the living Head of His Church. Christ was there at the beginning of creation and He will be there at the end. He is the center of God’s redemptive plan of salvation for all of mankind. He is our Savior who is ever present and dwelling in our souls (Galatians 2:20). Jesus said that He did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5: 17). Bible says All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16)
At the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrated his greatest act of servant leadership. He and his 12 disciples had just finished eating when Jesus, with only a towel wrapped around his waist, knelt down at the feet of each of them and washed their feet, drying them with the towel. This overwhelming gesture made a lasting impression on the disciples, not only because it expressed pure love, but by washing their feet, Jesus laid the foundation for true servant leadership; one that has become the model for Christians today. In those days, all roads to Jerusalem and those within the city were dry and dusty. Since most travel consisted of walking, feet were often the dirtiest part of the body. Because it was considered a lowly task, the ritual of foot washing was usually performed by a household servant. On occasion, the host would wash a guest's feet, but only if the guest was a close friend and of equal social status. But more commonly, water would be offered for guests to wash their own feet upon entering a home. And yet, we read in John 13:13-15 that Jesus, the Teacher and Lord, washed his disciple's feet, presenting a different side of the law than that of the Pharisees.
I usually walk in the villages of Bihar, India. I know how dirty a pair of feet can get after a day in sandals. I often have to wash my feet to properly get it clean and washing my own feet is a very difficult task. But just imagine about washing someone’s feet with dirt. Some commentators point out that foot-washing was, properly, a slave’s job. Of course, the poor didn’t own slaves, and had to wash their own feet. But in the ancient Jewish culture, the students of a rabbi were considered his slaves—in both his mind and theirs. (John 12:26) He was their teacher and lord, (John 13:13) and it was their honor and privilege to not just learn from this holy man, but to do every little thing for Him. But the idea of a rabbi (Master Teacher) washing His students’ feet, however, was unthinkable in the ancient Jewish culture. What Jesus was doing to them simply was not done by anyone else. It was considered beneath His dignity. It would lower Him in most people’s opinion—which is something He was willing to risk. It humiliated Him. But considering how great Jesus is, it didn’t humiliate Him. It elevated service. Though he had acted the part of a servant in such a surprising manner, by washing their feet; yet he had not dropped and lost, but still maintains his place and authority as a "Master" to teach and instruct them, and as a "Lord" to rule and govern them.
People today still have the idea that certain tasks are beneath them: They are too important, too busy, too rich, too upper-caste, even too good, to have to perform certain tasks. The idea of a leader as a “public servant” had been taught many times in the Old Testament; the king was not an absolute ruler, but a servant of God, and responsible to teach and enforce His law instead of their own whims. But this was rarely practiced, and even the best kings, like David and Josiah, sometimes acted like despots and did as they pleased (and suffered the consequences). And there were plenty of pagan examples all around the students: To be a king meant you can do as you like, with no one to tell you otherwise. If you don’t like washing your own feet, you’ll never have to.
So in order to make God’s idea of public service nice and obvious, Jesus demonstrated it personally. If He is the King, and He washes feet, and slaves are not greater than their master, (John 13:16) what business do we have in saying that any job is beneath us? Foot-washing is as lowly a job as one can think of. Today nobody washes our feet. Yet Jesus did it. He even washed Judas Iscariot’s feet. (John 13:10-11)It reminds and shows us that in the Kingdom of God everyone is a servant. It shows how highly Jesus thinks of service. It shows respect and love for one another. It shows exactly the sort of attitude that Jesus wants in His Kingdom.
How is it relevant today? We don’t need to literally wash one another’s feet these days because we have a different kind of foot gear and do not walk on dusty dirt roads to our every destination. But, Jesus is teaching what Paul later advocate about in the following statement.
“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” (1 Corinthians 9:19)
“ You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”(Galatians 6:2)
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)
When Christ washed His disciples’ feet, He was commanding that they humbly help one another as a servant helps his master. Jesus gave us this as a command with a promise — “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” We can all “know“ that we should help one another out, whenever we see our fellow Christians in distress or carrying a load that is too heavy for them — but, we will receive God’s blessing only when we do help in love.
Peter said “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)
In this world, where the hearts of the people are growing cold with greed, false religions, spitefulness, and hatefulness, it is important that we uphold one another in the true faith, so that our brothers and sisters in Christ do not lose hope. That is why Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11,
Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
Also, the writer of Hebrews 3:13 says, but encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. So, as those who are in Christ, we are obligated to lovingly help each other out, because of the love and salvation we have received from God through Jesus Christ. We are not to let the love God has given us go to waste, by not having a loving concern for others.
To teach someone, its mandatory not only has the highest quality of educational supplies, but teachers with spirit of servant leadership, divine attitude, moral value, humility, holiness and commitment and experience. Education is the mother of leadership. A teacher is just like the light of a watchtower that guides us through to the right path. Children are greatest treasure of a family, a society or a Nation and their “learning” is in the hands of parents, pastors, leaders and teachers. Whether you are a parent, teacher, mentor, coach, instructor, priest or a leader, to teach is to touch a life forever. It must be remembered that the average teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The great teacher demonstrates and the wise and Godly teacher inspires with their life and character. The purpose of true education is not to fill the minds of students with facts and information but to empower students to discover the truth and their true potential. A teacher affects eternity; he can never comprehend where his influence can stop. Hence the Good teachers are those who know how little they know and update their knowledge, skill and pursue wisdom on a regular basis. Bad teachers are those who think they know more than they don't know and stop learning.
According to survey In India every year, 6, 50,000 engineering graduates and approximately two million graduates pass out of colleges. Nearly two-thirds of the 6, 50,000 engineering graduates need to be re-skilled, so that they can get jobs in the industry. Meanwhile, the developed world requires more knowledge workers and skilled professionals with right attitude. By 2020, the developed world will have a shortage of 40 million working people, says a report. A recent study by global HR consultancy Manpower Inc says that 41 per cent of employers worldwide are having difficulty filling positions due to lack of suitable talent in their markets. Manpower shortages can cripple economic growth. It can escalate wage rates, thereby reducing the competitiveness of these countries.
According to a survey, 72 per cent of our population is under the age of 35 and it is estimated that 300 million people between the ages of 18 and 50 seek employment of some form. While 57 per cent are unemployable, 46 million are registered with employment exchanges with little hope of finding a suitable job. But there is a mismatch between the skilled manpower required and skilled manpower available and there is huge shortage of skilled talent. A majority of the youth passing out from our universities and colleges do not have the specific skill and right attitude required by various sectors in the market.
The first and foremost task before the church and Nation is to integrate and improve the Biblical values and quality of Education. In a nation whose demography is young¬-both in age and spirit, teachers have the responsibility of providing education which is rich in values, specialized in skill and modern in content. Apostle Paul put it rightly when he said to the Corinthians “Even though you have ten thousand teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15) He addressed to the Galatians “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,” He addresses them very tenderly as their spiritual parent. Of whom I travail in birth again. He is more than a father; he travails for them as a mother. He had done so when they were converted; he did not now again Until Christ be formed in you- that you may live nothing but Christ, and think nothing but Christ (Gla 2:20), and glory in nothing but Him, and His death, resurrection, and righteousness .
Biblical Education is the process by which Godly character is formed, strength of clear conscious and sound mind is amplified, and understanding is sharpened, as a result of which one can walk in divine wisdom. Teachers of God’s word are one of the greatest people whom we can count as reformers and movers of life and they play a vital role in shaping our personalities. They are not only the selfless givers but also the Transformers of life. Bible Teachers are the nation-builders. They build the future citizens of the country and the need of the hour is well qualified professional and committed Bible teachers who are willing to devote their entire life in the enlightenment of the students.
Someone once approached Blaise Pascal, the famous French philosopher and said, "If I had your brains, I would be a better person." Pascal replied, "Be a better person and you will have my brains."
The great commission God gave us is not to promote ourselves but to promote the kingdom of God .The world needs servant leaders and teachers who are godly role models. Jesus said blessed are those who are poor spiritually for to them belong, the Kingdom of heaven. We have to deny our self and reduce ourselves from every race to one race – and that is the human race. Bible says “and He (God) made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent,” (Acts 17:26-30)
As long as we consider race beyond human race there will be racism. We need to get a revelation of what it means to be sanctity of human life. The source of racism is wrong self-esteem, low self-worth and a poor self-concept. Once you understand the real value of a human soul and be aware of that everybody else is also made in the same image as you are then equality, respect, love, peace and Justice is an automatic result. The greatest command in the law is the secret to destroying racism and that is to love God with all your heart. Then love your neighbor to the same degree that you love yourself. Until you love others to the same degree you love yourself, racism will always be present. If you have problems with people who are different from you, then you are still suffering from misconception, self-hatred and wrong conclusion. If you discover and really understand God and love what God is and who God is, then you’ll naturally love yourself because you are made in His image. It’s impossible for you to love God and hate your brother.
The emperor & conqueror of nations, Napoleon Bonaparte, rightly recognized the absolute uniqueness of Jesus, & expressed it in these words: "I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the World there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius?--Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His Empire upon Love, and at this hour millions of men would die for Him."
The world measures greatness by many standards. At the top are intelligence, wealth, prestige, and position—things which God has determined to put at the bottom? God reveals the greatness of His power by demonstrating that it is the world’s nobodies that are His some bodies.
According to Jesus, the greatest man who ever lived, apart from He Himself, was John the Baptist. He had no formal education, no training in a trade or profession, no money, no military rank, no political position, no social pedigree, no prestige, no impressive appearance or oratory. Yet Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matt. 11:11). This man fit none of the world’s standards but all of God’s. And what he became was all to the credit of God’s power. Bible says “Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. (Proverbs 15:16)
“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
To be continued…………
