How Important is Having a Teacher (Preacher) for Christians?
The following is a response that I posted in somone else's blog and feel should be shared.
Many well-meaning Christians are continuing to experience confusion over the importance of having a teacher.
In the first century A.D., also known as the Second Temple Period, teaching was highly regarded. Sages who taught their interpretation of the Torah, or "yoke," were so appreciated and sought after that every Jew considered it an honor to have a teacher in his or her home.
The most honorable place to be was at the feet of the teacher. This is exactly where we find Mary, as Martha continues to work in Luke 10:39.
Open Airs weren't forced, because the value of hearing the teaching was so high that people would flock to the feet of the teacher. This is why you will often read of teachers of the Torah, Pharisees, et cetera being present when John the Baptist and others are teaching.
Jesus taught in synagogues (gatherings of Jews) and at the Temple just as all Jewish teachers of his time. He also taught in homes, because every home was open to the teachers in Palestine. (Those that weren't open belonged to pagan settlers and Gentiles.)
When preaching and teaching is not valued, it's because the people listening no longer see its relevance for life. The Torah was life for people in the first century. It wasn't religious instruction, but practical, utilitarian, and useful guidance for every aspect of life. Biblical teaching is still to be practical and relevant.
Flippant rants were never a part of Jesus teaching. As someone said to me recently, “In everything you do, reflect Jesus.” Teaching is a serious responsibility and one that requires constant preparation and hard work, along with fervent prayer and a loving presentation.
Preaching is not our privilege from God to bark at His people, but the responsibility and authority to guide them according to His Word.
Forever learning,
Johnny
6 comments:
You said, "When preaching and teaching is not valued, it's because the people listening no longer see its relevance for life."
I agree . . . but it could be, not so much that they no longer see its relevance, but maybe the preacher has lost credibility . . . It could be the witness of the believer and/or preacher that has caused people to doubt the message.
I agree. There are many reasons why the people may no longer value what they are hearing.
The fact that Jewish teachers learned for 25 years, 14 of those year walking with a teacher gave them great credibility.
It's good to place a high value on "forever learning" as teachers.
To do otherwise would be a poor example of stewardship as an instructor of the Word of God.
Thanks Bret.
Forever learning,
Johnny
Sorry about the deleted comment, after I posted I realized a huge grammatical error and I just couldn't leave it...so, this is what I wrote (corrected!)
I am blessed to know teachers who are "forever learning".
Only through His love and forever learning will we be able to grow in our relationships...
Johnny,
you should enable your e-mail. . . I want to send you the survey. . . do you have a personal email? email me at bretmc@aol.com.
Blessings,
Thank you for always teaching me something new. I will miss you when we move. You're an awesome teacher. You're an amazing friend.
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