Rabbi

By: Bob Worzalla

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher. Luke 6:40 (NLT)

We're all teachers, even when we don't realize it. Teaching may not be our primary spiritual gift, but it is part of being like Jesus. We know Jesus healed the sick, fed the masses, and calmed the storm, but the people knew him as their teacher (or Rabbi). One of the main reasons Jesus used miracles was to get people's attention so He could teach them about God. Jesus sometimes taught by saying things, but He also taught by doing things. Honestly, Jesus was constantly teaching everywhere He went.

To be like Jesus, we need to know Jesus personally and intimately. Not just as a Bible character, as our personal friend. Jesus wants to be the friend we talk with every day, the one who is always willing to take our calls. When we spend time reading Jesus' Words in scripture or reading stories about Jesus' life, our minds are transformed. This transformation doesn't usually happen instantly, it occurs over a period of time. As our conversations with God get deeper, we come to a better understanding of who God is... This is how He becomes our best friend for eternity!

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)

When our minds are transformed, our actions will follow. The Holy Spirit helps us grow, He empowers us, and He equips us to teach others. Maybe you're thinking, "I'm not very good at teaching or sharing God‘s word." God knows! If teaching isn't your gift, He will give you other ways to tell the world about Him. Our words and our behavior (while following Jesus) may be as close as someone gets to hearing a sermon. Ask God to use your life to be someone's Bible!

In a way, every Christ follower is a professor in God‘s university. This is an awesome responsibility, and our pay is the eternal blessings of heaven. But remember, we are also teachers when we aren't spirit filled, and those lessons can influence someone in a negative way. Our world is always watching (usually with a critical eye), and what we do and say will be noticed and remembered.

Your classroom is the world, and the students in it are paying close attention to you! Teach those around you with your words and behavior, always be a shining example that would make God proud. Be a teacher that makes God look good!