Luke 4:15

"And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all."

People can and will say a lot of things about Jesus, but one thing most people agree upon is the fact that Jesus was a master teacher. His lessons were at the same time easy to listen to and hard to comprehend. The parables form a perfect example.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus tells the story of a farmer who planted seed in four different types of soil. Each soil produces different results. It seems that the majority of the hearers of this parable enjoyed the entertainment, but failed to comprehend the message behind the story. They went away satisfied that they had heard a powerful teacher. But the disciples were not satisfied. They knew there was some thing more to the story, they just couldn't put their finger on it. Perhaps being braver than most and more familiar with the Master, they asked, "What did you mean by that parable?" And Jesus proceeded to tell them the real meaning, the seed is the Word of God, the soil represents men's hearts...

Jesus also used the teaching tool we call proverbs. The Beatitudes fit this bill. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted..." Matt. 5:3-4 (NKJV) Each little statement is a proverb, a catchy saying that delivers a message. This style the people readily understood. Simple thoughts put into simple language yields truths that can sink into the heart and take root.

Jesus was not always kind in His teachings. Do you recall the time when Jesus went into the Temple and found the moneychangers fleecing the people? With anger in His eyes, He took a cord and made it into a whip and drove the wicked businessmen out. As they fled, He shouted that God's House was a place of prayer, and they had made it into a den of thieves. While the populace probably enjoyed that display, it is certain that the moneychangers and the priests who profited from their thievery were no to happy!

Jesus also had a sense of humor when He taught. He called Herod "that fox". He has some rather juicy things to say to the Pharisees as well. "But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone." Luke 11:42 (NKJV) can almost hear the crowds cheering Jesus on during this lesson! But the point was made, and all understood. Working the loop holes would no longer be an acceptable practice. Jesus removed the "gray" from the Law, the gray the interpreters of the Law had put in for their own benefit.

Yes, Jesus was God. He was man. And He was a teacher. It would serve us well to re-familiarize ourselves with His teachings. We just might learn a thing or two about how to live our lives while dwelling in this foreign land. Amen and Amen.