Jesus the teacher without par

Every year we celebrate Teachers Day on September 5 in honor of teachers, as a tribute to the contributions they make to our society. On this day, should we not recognize the greatest teacher ever to walk the earth? The Gospels refer to Him as a teacher no less than forty-five times. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council told Jesus We know you are a teacher come from God (John 3:2). The guards sent by the Pharisees to arrest Jesus returned without, only to declare No one ever spoke the way this man does(John 7:46). Jesus taught as one having authority (Matthew7:29). He left no room for

argument. His teaching was noteworthy for the absence of complicated technical jargon or theological terms. No wonder then the crowds listened to him with delight (Mark 12:37). Even though the Jewish leaders were not willing to accept Jesus as the Messiah they acknowledged his wisdom and uniqueness as a teacher. The utterances of Jesus combined simplicity with profundity. No shallow or trivial talk came from his lips. His short parables illustrated spiritual truths so clearly that they will remain etched in the mind of the hearer forever. Jesus portrayal of the Heavenly Fathers love in the parable of prodigal son is a classic example (Luke 15:11-32). How else could one have done better? Jesus taught without ambiguity. For example, even a child can follow his teaching on the futility of anxious care and benefit by it (Matthew 6:25-34). Each of the three illustrations, birds of the air, length of life and lilies of the field were familiar to his audience. Jesus came to our world to reveal the Father and His love. His teachings focused on the Kingdom of God and Eternal life. He taught huge crowds, but when the occasion arose was willing to teach just one person as well. The pedagogy of Jesus was elegant. He stated the truth succinctly and clearly, then illustrated the truth with a simple story and, finally drove home its application. His Sermon on the Mount remains unique and precious even today. The words of Jesus never grow old. Surely, Jesus will forever remain the Teacher without par.

-E.Ebenezer Rajakumar