December 22, 2011

Jesus, the Teacher of Teachers

Mark 1:16-22

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
Mark 1:22

— 

Jesus told his disciples: “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am” (John 13:13). Jesus was called teacher by his followers and also by his enemies. History is full of teachers who have filled libraries with their scholarship, but none of them transformed history as Jesus did.

He taught not only by his words but also by his actions. His teachings themselves were manifestations of power. Both in the way he taught and by the words he taught, he transcended any teacher before him (John 7:46). Listening to him, the crowds glimpsed that he was not just human, but divine!

Jesus’ words brought light to the mind and delight to the heart. He addressed the questions of the soul, salvation, and eternity.

Jesus was not only the greatest of all teachers but also the greatest of all examples. Before condemning him to death, Pilate confessed that he found no crime in him (John 19:6). Jesus’ life serves as a reference to his teachings.

Today, in a world exploding with media options, there are more voices than ever offering to teach us about life. Are you listening to the one Teacher who makes a difference for eternity?

Lord, I want to reflect your holy Word in my attitudes and character, as you have done. I want more than to have knowledge about you; I want to know you and walk with you. In your name, Amen.

About the author — Hernandes Lopes

Hernandes became the Portuguese ministry leader for Today's sister Portuguese ministry in 2010. He also serves as the director of the organization Luz Para o Caminho (Light for the Way), an organization formed in partnership between ReFrame and the Presbyterian
Church of Brazil. Hernandes has authored more than 160 books and is a popular and respected conference speaker in Brazil. Hernandes graduated from Seminário Presbiteriano do Sul in Brazil and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in
Jackson, MS.

Hernandes and his wife, Tinha, have two adult children.

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