Jesus The Master Teacher By Mark Mayberry 10/21/2007 Introduction Jesus Christ has oft been called, The Master Teacher. So he is. When he completed the Sermon on the Mount, the multitude was astonished at his teaching because he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes (Matthew 7:28-29). The same reaction was forthcoming when he taught in Capernaum (Luke 4:31-32). On a later occasion, the chief priests and Pharisees ordered Jesus arrested, but the officers entrusted with this charge returned empty-handed. The religious leaders upbraided them, saying, Why did you not bring him? The officers answered, Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks (John 7:44-46). Matthew 7:28-29... 28 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29 for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. (NASB95) Luke 4:31-32... 31 And He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and He was teaching them on the Sabbath; 32 and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. (NASB95) John 7:44-46... 44 Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. 45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, Why did you not bring Him? 46 The officers answered, Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks. (NASB95) Teaching is a vitally important part of Christianity. It is the basis on which men are drawn to God (John 6:44-45). It is the means by which the gospel is spread (2 Timothy 2:2). Let us, therefore, strive to be like Christ, the Master Teacher. In another context, Jesus said, A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master (Matthew 10:24-25). Again, he said, A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40). We can become better teachers if we will emulate our Lord and Master. To this end, let us ask, What are some of the distinctive characteristics of Jesus approach toward teaching and preaching? John 6:44-45... 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. (NASB95)
2 Timothy 2:2... 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (NASB95) Matthew 10:24-25... 24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! (NASB95) Luke 6:40... 40 A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. (NASB95) He Was Competent Jesus, the Master Teacher, was competent. He knew his material. In contrast with wise men who were woefully ignorant of God s will (Acts 3:17; 17:23), Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14, 16-17). Jesus affirmed, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6). Acts 3:17... 17 And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. (NASB95) Acts 17:23... 23 For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. (NASB95) John 1:14... 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NASB95) John 1:16-17... 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. (NASB95) John 14:6... 6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (NASB95) Knowledge is the means by which grace and peace are multiplied, the foundation of a godly life, and the hope of future glory (2 Peter 1:2-4). The only way that we can avoid being carried away by the error of unprincipled men is that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17-18). Therefore, let us diligently strive to be workmen whom God would approve, not classed among those who need to be ashamed, but counted among those who accurately handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:14-15). 2 Peter 1:2-4... 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent 2
promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. (NASB95) 2 Peter 3:17-18... 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (NASB95) 2 Timothy 2:14-15... 14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (NASB95) He Was Consistent Jesus, the Master Teacher, was consistent. He lived his subject. In contrast with the scribes and Pharisees who say and do not (Matthew 23:1-4), Jesus life was consistent with his message. Our great High Priest was tempted in all points like as we are, and yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16). Even during his agony, Jesus was an example of faithfulness (1 Peter 2:21-24). An effective teacher not only will set his heart to study God s word but also will resolve to practice it faithfully (Ezra 7:10). Matthew 23:1-4... 1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 4 They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. (NASB95) Hebrews 4:15-16... 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (NASB95) 1 Peter 2:21-24... 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. (NASB95) Ezra 7:10... 10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. (NASB95) 3
He Was Complete Jesus, the Master Teacher, was complete. In contrast with those who teach an abridged gospel, Jesus taught the whole counsel of God, addressing the need for obedience in every realm of life. God calls us to do the same. Disciples must be taught everything that Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). The only way that we can be innocent of the blood of men is that we declare the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (Acts 20:18-21, 26-27). Like Jeremiah of old, we cannot omit a word of God s revelation, though it be hard and harsh (Jeremiah 26:2-3). Let us not content ourselves with preaching comfortable truths, but also address those difficult and controversial questions that are currently troubling God s people, including issues such as fellowship, marriage-divorce-and-remarriage, modesty, smoking, social drinking, gambling, etc. Matthew 28:18-20... 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (NASB95) Acts 20:18-21... 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them, You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (NASB95) Acts 20:26-27... 26 Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. (NASB95) Jeremiah 26:2-3... 2 Thus says the LORD, Stand in the court of the LORD S house, and speak to all the cities of Judah who have come to worship in the LORD S house all the words that I have commanded you to speak to them. Do not omit a word! 3 Perhaps they will listen and everyone will turn from his evil way, that I may repent of the calamity which I am planning to do to them because of the evil of their deeds. (NASB95) He Was Compassionate Jesus, the Master Teacher, was compassionate. In contrast with self-serving religious leaders who devour widows houses (Luke 20:26-47), Jesus genuinely loved his hearers. He felt compassion toward those that were lost and confused (Matthew 9:36-38; Mark 6:34), those who were sick and suffering (Matthew 14:14), and even manifested concern for those who were disobedient and rebellious (Luke 19:41-44). However, compassion was always expressed in the way that would benefit his audience. Those who were ignorant, he taught; those who were sick, he healed; those who were defiant, he rebuked. In like manner, we must react to the needs of our hearers in a compassionate but discriminating way (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15). A faithful teacher 4
will manifest the same qualities as a loving father (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Sometimes words of exhortation are demanded; at other times, reproof and rebukes must be patiently forthcoming (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Saving a soul from death is the ultimate expression of compassion (James 5:19-20)! Luke 20:46-47... 46 Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47 who devour widows houses, and for appearance s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation. (NASB95) Matthew 9:36-38... 36 Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest. (NASB95) Mark 6:34... 34 When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. (NASB95) Matthew 14:14... 14 When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. (NASB95) Luke 19:41-44... 41 When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, 44 and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation. (NASB95) 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15... 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. (NASB95) 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12... 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (NASB95) 2 Timothy 4:1-2... 1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (NASB95) 5
James 5:19-20... 19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (NASB95) He Was Challenging Jesus, the Master Teacher, was challenging. In contrast with compromisers who would tickle the ears of their audience (2 Timothy 4:3-4), Jesus repeatedly challenged his hearers to greater commitment. Being able to discern the heart of man, Jesus addressed each individual s need (John 2:25). To the half-hearted, Jesus stressed the seriousness of one s spiritual commitment (Luke 9:57-62). To the self-satisfied, he emphasized the all-encompassing nature of Christian faith (Matthew 19:16-26). Those today who would be teachers should follow the example of Christ. We must challenge our students, shake them from their complacency, stimulate them to greater heights, and spur them to fully accept the demands of discipleship (Joshua 24:14-28). 2 Timothy 4:3-4... 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (NASB95) John 2:25... 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. (NASB95) Luke 9:57-62... 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, I will follow You wherever You go. 58 And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. 59 And He said to another, Follow Me. But he said, Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father. 60 But He said to him, Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God. 61 Another also said, I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home. 62 But Jesus said to him, No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (NASB95) Matthew 19:16-26... 16 And someone came to Him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life? 17 And He said to him, Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 Then he said to Him, Which ones? And Jesus said, YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER; YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY; YOU SHALL NOT STEAL; YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS; 19 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. 20 The young man said to Him, All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking? 21 Jesus said to him, If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. 22 But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 23 And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the 6
kingdom of God. 25 When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, Then who can be saved? 26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (NASB95) Joshua 24:14-28... 14 Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 16 The people answered and said, Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods; 17 for the LORD our God is He who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did these great signs in our sight and preserved us through all the way in which we went and among all the peoples through whose midst we passed. 18 The LORD drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. We also will serve the LORD, for He is our God. 19 Then Joshua said to the people, You will not be able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgression or your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you. 21 The people said to Joshua, No, but we will serve the LORD. 22 Joshua said to the people, You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen for yourselves the LORD, to serve Him. And they said, We are witnesses. 23 Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are in your midst, and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel. 24 The people said to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God and we will obey His voice. 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. 27 Joshua said to all the people, Behold, this stone shall be for a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD which He spoke to us; thus it shall be for a witness against you, so that you do not deny your God. 28 Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his inheritance. (NASB95) He Was Courageous Jesus, the Master Teacher, was courageous. In contrast with those who were men-pleasers, Jesus boldly taught the truth, even when faced with opposition. He confronted those who scornfully asked for a sign from heaven while ignoring the multitude of miracles that he had performed (Matthew 12:38-42). Later, he mounted a devastating assault against the hypocrisy of the Herodians (Matthew 22:16-22), the Sadducees (Matthew 22:23-33), and the Pharisees (Matthew 22:34-46). Modern-day teachers would do well to follow this example. Like Paul, we must not fear man, but stand for the truth with courage and conviction (Galatians 1:10). Matthew 12:38-42... 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, Teacher, we want to see a sign from You. 39 But He answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of 7
Jonah the prophet; 40 for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. (NASB95) Matthew 22:16-22... 16 And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. 17 Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the coin used for the polltax. And they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, Whose likeness and inscription is this? 21 They said to Him, Caesar s. Then He said to them, Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar s; and to God the things that are God s. 22 And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away. (NASB95) Matthew 22:23-33... 23 On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, 24 asking, Teacher, Moses said, IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER. 25 Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; 26 so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. 27 Last of all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her. 29 But Jesus answered and said to them, You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: 32 I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB? He is not the God of the dead but of the living. 33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (NASB95) Matthew 22:34-46... 34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. 35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, 36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? 37 And He said to him, YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets. 41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question: 42 What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He? They said to Him, The son of David. 43 He said to them, Then how does David in the Spirit call Him Lord, saying, 44 THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET? 45 If David then calls Him 8
Lord, how is He his son? 46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question. (NASB95) Galatians 1:10... 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (NASB95) The example of Jesus stands in stark contrast with the kinder and gentler crowd who consider themselves above the fray. Many modern-day teachers and preachers pride themselves in being nicer than the Lord Jesus. They seldom identify error or the proponents of such. They accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, and avoid all appearance of controversy. Not so with our Lord and Savior. Jesus, the Master Teacher, addressed controversial issues that many preachers today shy away from, such as marriage-divorce-and-remarriage (Matthew 19:3-9), identification of false teachers (Matthew 7:15-20), and the divisive nature of truth (Matthew 10:34-39). Let us do the same. Matthew 19:3-9... 3 Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all? 4 And He answered and said, Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5 and said, FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. 7 They said to Him, Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY? 8 He said to them, Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery. (NASB95) Matthew 7:15-20... 15 Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits. (NASB95) Matthew 10:34-39... 34 Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; 36 and A MAN S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. The Reward of Service (NASB95) 9
Conclusion Jesus is the Master Teacher. We can greatly benefit by striving to be like him. As we seek to be teachers of God s word, let us adopt the attitude and approach of Jesus. We should view ourselves, not as masters, but as servants (Matthew 23:11-12). Let us speak, not with the wavering voice of human opinion, but with the strong and authoritative voice of inspired Scripture (Matthew 7:28-29). Matthew 23:11-12... 11 But the greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. Eight Woes (NASB95) Matthew 7:28-29... 28 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29 for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. (NASB95) 10