Be Like Jesus - the Teacher
by WCBOn Sunday mornings we are studying the Gospel of Mark with two questions in mind:
1. What is Jesus like?
2. How can I be more like Him?
Vivian was kind enough to put together a list of all the qualities we have come up with through the first half of the book - Chapter 8. I listed them at 130 Gifts Jesus Gives Us for Christmas.
The first one -
Jesus is an example of one who is a teacher.
In Japan, the high schools are ranked by education quality. For a time, I taught at the number two school in the prefecture. (Through no fault of my own, mind you. I think they were just desperate for a blonde-hair, blue-eyed, living being.)
At any rate, I once surveyed my students, asking them what qualities they looked for most in a teacher.
Their answers surprised me just a bit. 
There were two qualities that stood out that might at first glance seem contradictory.
The type of teacher they wanted most was one who was strict and one who was kind.
The students wanted someone to draw boundaries for them and be strict and fair about enforcing them. Then for those who kept within the boundaries, they hoped for kindness.
Jesus is this kind of teacher. He demonstrates the standards of life that he expects from us. He is strict in that those standards cannot be compromised. He is also kind, loving, gentle, and more with those who stay within those boundaries.
Jesus is a strict, yet kind teacher to me, today.
When I teach, I want to be like Him.
What kind of teacher is Jesus to you?
(Bill)
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October 27th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I agree, yet disagree with this perspective. I believe what you say about Jesus being strict and kind. I think you leave out the elements of grace and mercy. Grace is what covers those who may not always, for whatever reason, stay within the restrictive boundaries. Mercy covers the multitude of times that grace is needed. Jesus met people where they were, e.g. the woman at the well, and then took them to where they needed to be. Without these necessary elements, a teacher who seeks to model Christ cannot be successful in their goal.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Janet,
Those are good thoughts and I thank you for sharing.
Like John, if I were to write all there is to say about Jesus, the earth could not contain the books that would be written.
Indeed Jesus is full of grace and mercy, which, in turn, would make Him an even more effective teacher. So much there is to learn from the Master.
Thanks for reading.