Cornerstone

Christ, The Master Teacher

As a person studies the life of Christ and his ministry, they will come to realize that Christ took every opportunity possible to teach. In Luke 2:42-47, we read about how Christ at the age of 12 stayed in Jerusalem without his parents knowing while they continued their journey. They realized that their son was not with them and turned back to Jerusalem. Verses 46-47 say, "And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." Christ at the young age of 12 understood the perfect form of being a teacher and learner. Not only did He ask them questions, but He also listened to them and answered their questions. These educated elders were surprised at his understanding and his answers. Christ's ability to listen was a vital characteristic in him being The Master Teacher. Often we think that as teachers, we have the responsibility to ask the questions and give the discourse while the student's responsibility is to listen and answer questions.

Christ also taught with parables all throughout his ministry. He taught like this because it made seemingly deep doctrine understandable to all people by relating it to an everyday occurrence (Matthew 13:10-17). Some examples of his parables are; the mustard seed and faith, the lost sheep, the prodigal son and repentance, and the good Samaritan and love. When I'm a teacher, I want to follow this example and make seemingly difficult teachings understandable to ALL the students and not just a select few.

Christ was the perfect example of practicing what you preach. He did not just teach of love, but he exemplified the actions of a loving person. He did not just teach of repentance, but showed what a person who repents can become, perfect just like Christ. A master teacher is one that teaches by example and shows love for everyone even their enemies.