Jesus is in the business of teaching

I was reading my Bible this morning in Luke 9 and, for some reason, one sentence stood out to me, “Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida…” I read it again and again, and the part about Jesus taking His disciples away with Him really warmed my heart. It was something He did often so that He could teach them, pour into them and prepare them for the work He knew was ahead of them. Jesus was and still is very intentional about teaching and equipping us for the work He gives us to do.

He teaches by example

In Matthew 28: 11, He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He offers Himself as a blueprint, the perfect example of how we should exist and how we should conduct ourselves. He embodies characteristics that we should embrace and copy. Later, in Luke9, we see Him teaching and healing people then meeting an imminent need, food. A great example of how a good shepherd / leader should lead. 

He teaches by delegating authority and sending

Teaching something or explaining it to someone is one of the best ways to learn something or confirm and solidify your knowledge. At the beginning of the passage in Luke 9, Jesus called his disciples together and gave them authority to cure diseases, drive out impure spirits and proclaim the kingdom of God. He encouraged learning by doing or through experience. As His followers, Christians have been given the same authority and sent to proclaim the kingdom of God in accordance with Jesus’ teachings and the example He embodied.

He teaches with authority through lectures

Jesus taught in synagogues with such authority, wisdom and understanding that those listening were often amazed and praised Him for it. He taught as one who knew what He was talking about and in a way that people in His day hadn’t heard before. He presented God the Father and testified about Him. People began to know Him better and discover mysteries about God previously hidden. I love that Jesus longs for us to have revelations about Him, about the kingdom of heaven and patiently and continually teaches us if we’re willing.

He facilitated asking questions and engaging

Jesus often asked and still asks questions that seem, at least to me, deep and thought-provoking. He asked people questions about Himself, about scripture, about their lives etcetera all the while knowing the answers to those questions. He wants to create moments of engagement with Him and His Word. He wants to confirm and grow understanding. He wants to reveal how much He knows and cares for you. He encourages curiosity and critical thinking. He wants to reason things out with you so that you conform to His wisdom.  

I love Jesus’ guidance and teachings. They have helped in me my life in more ways than I can think of. What about you? Have you engaged with them and what has been your experience? If you haven’t, I encourage you to just give them a try and see for yourself. If you have, I encourage you to share your experience. You may bless and encourage someone today 😊

Love,