Christ As Teacher

by Scotchbrook, A. J. | Category: General | Nov 1994

One of the most common portraits of Christ in the Gospels is that of Teacher; the four gospel writers continually refer to His teaching ministry. Matthew says "Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues" (4:23), and Mark makes the point that "He began to teach by the sea side ... and He taught them many things in parables" (4:1,2). Luke records another seaside scene when Simon's fishing boat became His pulpit, and 'He sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat" (5:3). The synagogues, the mountainsides, the lakeside became His classrooms, and we recall the nocturnal interview with Nicodemus when He unfolded to him the truth of the new birth. Nicodemus, one of the Jewish leaders and himself a member of the Sanhedrin, introduced himself that night by saying "Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God" (John 3:2). At the other end of the social scale we find Him skilfully summarizing the subject of worship to the Samaritan woman, reminding us that His teaching was for all who had hearts to hear.

The impact of His teaching on those who heard was one of astonishment at His wisdom and knowledge. "The multitudes were astonished at His teaching: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes" (Mat. 7:28,29). "Whence hath this Man these things?" they said, "and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this Man?" (Mark 6:2).

As a teacher He had very few of the resources we have today, but His words have endured the centuries of time and two thousand years later we ,still enjoy the word pictures He presented so graphically. What He taught has never become out-dated, but is as timely and timeless as when He first spoke the words in Galilee. All other words are insignificant compared with the eternal truths which poured from His lips. May God help us each in the midst of our busy days to take time to hear His words, for He said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Mat. 11:29).

Scotchbrook, A. J. | Nov 1994
General