Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Teaching

I've been thinking about the Great Commission (Matthew 28). In this command Jesus didn't say "teaching them everything I've commanded you". What he did say was "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" -- the key difference is the word obey. Teaching them "everything" would result, I think, in us wanting knowledge for knowledge sake [see note at end] and becoming very proud of our knowledge. However, having to actually obey (follow) Jesus' teachings is another thing!

After hearing Jesus' response to the ruler (rich young ruler) his disciples said "Who then can be saved?" (Luke 18:26). That is, this is impossible! Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." (verse 27).

I think we must have a similar response as the disciples to "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" -- this should not result in pride because of what we know but instead should drive us to God because we recognize that this is impossible and it will only be through Him that we can pursue this command.

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On a related note here is what Dallas Willard wrote about teaching.

"We must recognize ... that the aim of the popular teacher in Jesus' time was not to impart information, but to make a significant change in the lives of the hearers.

...

The teacher in Jesus' time -- and especially the religious teacher -- taught in such a way that he would impact the life flow of the hearer, leaving a lasting impression without the benefit of notes, recorders, or even memorization. Whatever did not make a difference in that way just made no difference." (The Divine Conspiracy, p. 112-113)

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