January 15, 2018
Teaching From Experience
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Yesterday at church, Rob was teaching from Matthew 4 and pointed out that when Jesus was experiencing temptation in the wilderness for 40 days, he only used the same resources available to us. He didn’t join with any of Satan’s suggestions to seek comfort and survival at all cost. He allowed himself to be tested like a person would be tempted so that I would know that he actually does know I how feel when I feel tired, hungry and desperate.
Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. (Hebrews 2:18)
So when Jesus says follow me and remain faithful to my teaching, he’s not saying it as mentor with no experience. He’s saying so as one with experience who mentors.
When I worked as an elementary school teacher, I could recognize instantly an administrator who was formerly a classroom teacher compared to one who never taught in a classroom. I would appreciate and value advice and constructive criticism from the former but not the latter. One has been in my professional shoes and the other has not. What good is advice, suggestions and comments from a person who has no idea or concept of my professional experience?
Jesus has my experience and then also offers me his! He combats temptation by accurately quoting scripture, so I can too. (Matthew 4) He taught what is right, trustworthy and good because he teaches the Word of God. But he also taught from personal experience, so he himself is right, trustworthy and good!
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for all of your experiences so that you could identify with mine. Thank you for truly knowing what I need every day and teaching me to be quieted, content and thankful. Thank you that you identify with me and graciously allow me to be able to identify with YOU and experience your amazing joy, peace and comfort that is never dependent upon my personal comfort or circumstances. You are great and greatly to be praised, and I love you and thank you and pray in your name, amen.
Teaching From Experience
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Yesterday at church, Rob was teaching from Matthew 4 and pointed out that when Jesus was experiencing temptation in the wilderness for 40 days, he only used the same resources available to us. He didn’t join with any of Satan’s suggestions to seek comfort and survival at all cost. He allowed himself to be tested like a person would be tempted so that I would know that he actually does know I how feel when I feel tired, hungry and desperate.
Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. (Hebrews 2:18)
So when Jesus says follow me and remain faithful to my teaching, he’s not saying it as mentor with no experience. He’s saying so as one with experience who mentors.
When I worked as an elementary school teacher, I could recognize instantly an administrator who was formerly a classroom teacher compared to one who never taught in a classroom. I would appreciate and value advice and constructive criticism from the former but not the latter. One has been in my professional shoes and the other has not. What good is advice, suggestions and comments from a person who has no idea or concept of my professional experience?
Jesus has my experience and then also offers me his! He combats temptation by accurately quoting scripture, so I can too. (Matthew 4) He taught what is right, trustworthy and good because he teaches the Word of God. But he also taught from personal experience, so he himself is right, trustworthy and good!
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for all of your experiences so that you could identify with mine. Thank you for truly knowing what I need every day and teaching me to be quieted, content and thankful. Thank you that you identify with me and graciously allow me to be able to identify with YOU and experience your amazing joy, peace and comfort that is never dependent upon my personal comfort or circumstances. You are great and greatly to be praised, and I love you and thank you and pray in your name, amen.
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