When Jesus walked on earth, it was difficult to teach the people a different value system. Yet, in spite of a climate in which people failed to understand what God considers really important, Jesus had a great impact on the people of His day. Indeed, a crowd gathered whenever people knew Jesus was nearby. The people were eager to hear what He had to say and to learn from Him. After they encountered Him, they brought their friends and families to learn from His teaching. With an engaging style and a compassion that cannot be matched by any human being, Jesus gently led people to understand who He is and why they needed what He offered to them. When necessary, He could dole out some tough love as well. Those who had already made up their minds or believed they knew more than the Teacher needed a different approach. 

Time spent in God’s Word, finding what Jesus teaches us about teaching is time well-spent. Every day, educators encounter learners, families of learners, and colleagues that represent all types. The purpose of this article is to make a connection between how Jesus conducted himself as a teacher and how educators can emulate Him today. I acknowledge that this article begins to scratch only the surface of all of the treasure found in God’s Word on this topic.   

Why did you choose to teach? Did you feel a call to make a difference in the lives and futures of others? Most of us began our profession with a large quantity of idealism. The belief that we can change the world is a worthy one and absolutely true. I have often said that, next to parenting, education is the most important work in the universe. It is education within the Church and among believers and non–believers outside of the Church that makes people aware of the Way, the Truth, and the Life!    

·        Every teacher is a leader. Jesus had something important to say about Christian leaders. In Matthew 20:25, he said that in order to lead, one must become a servant. In Mark 10:45 (NLT), He led by example. “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” 

In our classrooms, we are called to serve our learners. It is so easy to teach the curriculum and hold those who sit before us accountable to do the rest. But what if they don’t? Jesus took pity on those who didn’t understand, those who lacked support from home, and even those who didn’t always do the right thing. As servants to our learners, we must find a way to lead them to success with compassion. How many of us are guilty of trying to force students into our mold, instead of shaping our program around their learning styles, abilities, and circumstances? Keeping a student encouraged and on a path of success may mean the difference between a drop–out and a graduate. We must take the high road–the one that Jesus took. Then, we may earn the trust and respect of a person and subsequently earn the right to speak a word about Jesus. For those who have no support system at home and/or for some reason have not developed the skills to hold themselves accountable, we may be their only hope. Will it be you who makes the difference for them?

·        Education is about relationships. Research shows that educational success for at–risk students is closely tied with at least one caring adult at school. Christian educators are called to obey Jesus’ commands in all relationships, especially relationships with unbelievers. What we say and do will give to others a picture of God. Strong opinions are formed from interactions with those who claim to be Christians. This applies to learners, families, and colleagues. We make more progress when we treat others well, as people loved by God. Nurturing good relationships promotes learning and encourages good rapport between our schools and our communities. Although the following scripture is often used for marriage ceremonies, it applies to the classroom as well. 1 Corinthians 13:4—7 (NIV) says: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self–seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”   

·        Jesus used the resources available to Him. Similarly, we have a tremendous store of resources to call upon as Christian educators:

-         We have an Advocate with the Father God. Hebrews 4:14–15 (MSG) says: “Now that we know what we have–Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God–let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all–all but the sin.”

It is so comforting to know that we can go to Jesus at any time with any concern!  

-         We can obtain rest and renewal. Matthew 11:28–29 (NIV) says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

-         Jesus took time to pause, rest, and reflect on His ministry. Let’s follow His lead in order to do the best job we can every day. I have been known to say that reflection may be the missing “peace.” Walking back through your day to review God’s faithfulness and your reaction is very helpful in planning for improvement.

-         We have the Comforter. John 14:15–18 (NIV) says: “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

-         Does anyone lack wisdom? Whoa! Every morning, I ask God to make me smarter than I really am. James 1:5 (NIV) says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

After more than 33 years spent as an educator, I’m so excited by God’s faithfulness to me in my calling! His precious presence has guided me every step of the way, and I know He will do the same for you. When we lean hard on the Lord, our students, families and colleagues reap big benefits.

Contributed by Marilyn Dominick, a Public School Representative for Nazarene Educators Worldwide