Trusting Our Teacher

As we venture on together in Mark’s Gospel on Sundays (this week we’ll be in ch. 6), I’m noticing more and more how much teaching is at the heart of Jesus’ mission.  To be sure, he also heals the sick and casts out demons; the Kingdom of God comes in power.  But nothing is more foundational to God’s Reign than the conveying of a message:  speaking truth and instructing people about who God is and how he operates and how we can be in a right relationship with him.

Twelve times Mark records Jesus being referred to as “the Teacher.”  And this is true even in passages where he’s not teaching but doing other things:  “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (4:38).  “Your daughter is dead.  Why trouble the Teacher any further?” (5:35).  A man who seeks healing addresses Jesus as “Teacher” (9:17).  His disciples also call him “Teacher” (10:35).

And Jesus’ words made a major impact.  Those in the synagogue were “astonished at his teaching” (6:2), as were the crowds (11:18).  What was so extraordinary about Jesus’ words?  He spoke “with authority” (1:22, 27); demonic spirits were compelled to obey him (1:27); even the wind and the waves obeyed Jesus’ voice (4:41).

Jesus’ teaching also conveyed wisdom (6:2); his words shed light on the nature of reality—of God and life and the future.  Which means his message cut through the fog of cliché.   Further, Jesus was known for teaching God’s way impartially; he didn’t spin the truth to win points or avoid conflict (12:14).  He spoke the Word of God faith­fully, compassionately, and courageously (9:31; 11:17).

As you trust in Jesus Christ today, make sure your faith involves not just appealing to him for comfort or power, but also taking him at his word.  Make sure Jesus is your Teacher—the One who shows you which way’s up and why we’re here and what it means to belong to God.  And make sure and take the posture of a humble learner in relation to Jesus (the original word for “disciple” means “student”).

Regardless of our age or background, we have a LOT to learn from Jesus today.  In fact, the better you get to know him, the more you’ll feel a need to grow in your knowledge of Jesus and his message!