In Training!

From time to time I will see one of our local transit buses with the message “In Training” scrolling across the front rather than route information. Though the bus may be on a route, it is not picking up riders because the present driver is receiving instruction to prepare him (or her) for when they actually do have riders on board. The instructor is one who knows about driving buses and once the driver in training has met certain requirements they are then entrusted with the lives of the passengers they will help get to their respective destinations. The goal of the driver in training is to emulate the skills of their instructor.

Some people view Jesus merely as a great teacher. If that is all He was, in light of His claims we would have to say He was one of the greatest deceivers who ever lived. Jesus declared Himself to be the Messiah and Savior of the world, and as such, the only access to the Father. ( John 14:6) However, though Jesus was (and is) much more than a great teacher, we should still be significantly struck by His greatness as the Master Teacher. His knowledge and ability did not escape the attention of those who heard and saw. (i.e. Matthew 7:28-29) Jesus taught principles which needed to be taken to heart and He demonstrated how to live out those ideals in this realm. As the Lord trained His disciples for their continued ministry, they witnessed, by observing Him, how to respond to a variety of people and situations.

Before Jesus would eventually give them the “great commission” ( Matthew 28:18-20) He sent them on a “limited commission” ( Matthew 10:5-7) for some hands on experience and encouragement in preparation for the broader work that would eventually be theirs. In both public and private Jesus taught and trained His disciples. And the Gospels give us insight into their struggles to understand and stand firm as they were in training. Following the death, resurrection, and then ascension of the Lord we see how bold and effective the disciples became and because of this people took note that they had been with Jesus. ( Acts 4:13).

Jesus Himself stated…
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone WHEN HE IS FULLY TRAINED WILL BE LIKE HIS TEACHER.” ( Luke 6:40 ESV)

This was not only a focus toward the aim we should have, but also an expression of our Lord’s desire for His followers; to become LIKE HIM! We will never be greater than Jesus. He will always remain King of kings and Lord of lords. However, as we mature under the guidance of His example and teaching (as recorded in the Scriptures) we will become more and more LIKE HIM.

As Jesus trained the disciples He did so with the desire for them to eventually come to the place He would go and prepare for them. They were called to a work with an eternal destination in mind. We are to accept His training so that as we live LIKE HIM we can direct others to that destination as well. May we recognize the ultimate impact our life lived LIKE JESUS can have with regard to the eternal destination of the souls of others.

Have a great day EXCELLING AS A GOOD STUDENT OF CHRIST!
Carl

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