August 7, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Thursday, August 7.
Thanks for joining us for another installment of “Teacher Week” at the Daily Devotion. I hope you’re enjoying these little looks at teachers in the Bible. Tomorrow we’ll close our series with a series of inspirational quotes about this honored profession. But first...
In the Gospels, when the disciples personally addressed Jesus, they never used his given name. That would have shown a distinct lack of respect and an inappropriate degree of familiarity. Instead, they used terms like “Lord” and “Master.” But in the overwhelming majority of these recorded encounters, the followers of Christ addressed him as “Teacher.” The position of teacher was much more highly regarded in that time than it is today. And in Matthew 7:28 we read, “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching.”
What made Jesus an amazing teacher? Well, first, he knew how important it was to get his student’s attention. Often he would do this by employing hyperbole, exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally. In Luke 14:26 he famously said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his mother and father... he cannot be my disciple." Obviously, Christ is not saying we should despise our parents, but, rather, is talking about priorities and the level of commitment expected from a Believer.
Jesus was an effective teacher because he used questions in his lessons. This “Socratic Method” is designed to engage the mind of the student, designed to make them an active listener. When, in Matthew 16:13, he asked the Twelve - “Who do men say that I am?” - he initiated a discussion that encouraged them to consider their own beliefs, encouraged Peter to rise and proclaim, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!”
Jesus was a master teacher because he constantly made use of common objects and symbols in his teaching. These objects included salt, seeds, vines, coins, pearls, doors, water, bread - just to name a few. One assumes that in many of these moments Jesus was nearby these objects, or perhaps holding them in his hand. One can assume that his students never forgot these objects lessons, never forgot this master teacher.
Teaching was at the center of Christ’s ministry here on earth. And right before he ascended back to his Father in heaven, he spoke this immortal commandment, this great commission - “Go ye therefore, and teach...”
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
