Best lessons from Jesus Christ, the Great Teacher
Jesus Christ embodies divine love, grace, and salvation for humanity. Image: Matt Marzorati | Unsplash
Imagine sitting in a classroom with the greatest teacher of all time, Jesus Christ. He's not like any ordinary teacher. He has a special kind of wisdom that goes beyond textbooks and lectures. He teaches you important lessons that can change your life.
Jesus is a great teacher because he teaches us about forgiveness and redemption. He understands we all make mistakes and have flaws, but he offers us a chance to start anew. He teaches us to forgive others when they hurt us and forgive us when we mess up.
What does the Bible say about Jesus Christ as the Great Teacher?
Image: Anuja Tilj | Unsplash
The Bible portrays Jesus Christ not only as the Son of God but also as the Great Teacher. Throughout the New Testament, numerous passages highlight his teachings and their impact on the people of his time. Let's explore some key passages that emphasize Jesus' role as a teacher:
Matthew 7:28-29: "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
This passage illustrates Jesus's profound impact on the people through his authoritative teaching style.
Matthew 7:28-29 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
Matthew 13:54: "Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. 'Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?' they asked."
Jesus' teachings were often accompanied by signs and wonders, capturing the attention and astonishment of those who witnessed them.
John 7:46: "’No one ever spoke the way this man does,’ the guards replied."
This verse testified to the temple guards who were sent to arrest Jesus. This statement reflects the uniqueness and power of Jesus' words, setting him apart as an extraordinary teacher.
Matthew 22:33: "When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching."
Jesus' teachings often challenged the conventional wisdom of his time, inspiring amazement and deep reflection among those who heard him.
John 3:2: "He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.’"
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, acknowledged Jesus as a teacher sent by God, recognizing the divine authority behind his teachings.
John 3:2 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
Mark 6:34: "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things."
Jesus demonstrated deep compassion for the people and used his teaching to guide and nurture them spiritually.
Mark 6:34 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
Matthew 5:1-2: "Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them."
This passage describes the famous Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivered profound teachings to his disciples and the gathered crowd, including the Beatitudes and other moral instructions.
Matthew 13:10-13: "The disciples came to him and asked, 'Why do you speak to the people in parables?' He replied, 'Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.'"
Jesus often used parables, or stories with symbolic meaning, to convey deeper spiritual truths. Here, he explains the purpose behind his use of parables to the disciples.
Matthew 19:16-17: "Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?' 'Why do you ask me about what is good?' Jesus replied. 'There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.'"
In this interaction, Jesus is addressed as a "Teacher," acknowledging his role as a source of wisdom and guidance in matters of eternal significance.
Matthew 21:23-27: “Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave you this authority?’
Jesus replied, ‘I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?’ They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We don’t know.’
Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
The religious leaders recognized Jesus as a teacher of authority and questioned the source of his teaching power.
Luke 4:31-32: "Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching because his words had authority."
Jesus' teaching consistently carried a sense of authority that set him apart from other teachers. The people recognized this and were astonished by the power and impact of his words.
These verses reveal the profound respect, astonishment, and recognition of Jesus as a teacher with divine wisdom and authority. His teachings inspire and guide believers today as they reflect timeless truths about faith, morality, and the nature of God's kingdom.
What are the lessons that we learned from Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ imparted numerous valuable lessons through his teachings and actions. Here are some key lessons we can learn from Jesus:
Love and compassion
Jesus emphasized the importance of love and compassion towards others. He taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves, showing kindness, empathy, and care for one another. He exemplified this through his interactions with the marginalized, the sick, and even his enemies.
Image: Mayur Gala|Unsplash
Forgiveness and redemption
Jesus taught the power of forgiveness and redemption. He demonstrated that no matter how grave our mistakes are, we can find forgiveness and have the opportunity for a fresh start. He encouraged us to forgive others and ourselves, understanding that forgiveness brings healing and restoration.
Humility and service
Jesus modeled humility and service. He taught true greatness in serving others rather than seeking personal glory. He washed his disciples' feet, demonstrating the importance of humble acts of kindness and selflessness.
Faith and trust in God
Jesus encouraged faith and trust in God's plan. He taught us not to worry about worldly possessions but to seek God's kingdom first. He illustrated the power of faith through his miracles and emphasized the importance of trusting in God's provision.
Image: Humble Lamb|Unsplash
Morality and righteousness
Jesus called for moral and righteous living. He taught the principles of honesty, integrity, and treating others with fairness and justice. He challenged societal norms and called for a higher standard of righteousness based on love for God and one another.
Inner transformation
Jesus taught about the importance of inner transformation and the renewal of the heart. He emphasized that not just outward actions but the condition of our hearts matters. He called for repentance and a change of heart, inviting us to be transformed from within.
Eternal perspective
Jesus taught us about the eternal perspective, reminding us that this life is temporary and that we should focus on storing treasures in heaven. He pointed to the hope of eternal life and the importance of living with an awareness of our eternal destiny.
These lessons from Jesus Christ resonate with people of various backgrounds and beliefs, offering guidance, inspiration, and a roadmap for living a meaningful and purposeful life. They highlight the values of love, forgiveness, humility, faith, righteousness, and eternal perspective, ultimately leading to personal growth and a positive impact on the world around us.
