Like The Teacher!

One who likes their teacher can easily develop the desire to become like their teacher. There are times when the expressions or mannerisms of a student are such that who their teacher is can be easily identified. There were some characteristics noted about the DISCIPLES of John the Baptist and those of the Pharisees that were viewed in contrast to Jesus’ DISCIPLES. ( Luke 5:33) When we think about our own life, is there something distinctive about it that clearly reveals with whom our thinking and actions are aligned?

On an occasion when Jesus was teaching a multitude on a number of subjects we read. . .
“(39) He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? (40) A DISCIPLE is not above his teacher, but EVERYONE WHEN HE IS FULLY TRAINED WILL BE LIKE HIS TEACHER.” ( Luke 6:39-40 ESV)

By whom are we allowing ourselves to be led? To be led by one whose sight is not very good can either lead us in the wrong direction or “into a pit.” Though we would understand the physical implications of the blind leading the blind, it was how one was being led spiritually that Jesus had in mind. A DISCIPLE -- according to the Greek “mathetes” -- is literally “a learner”, but not just in the sense of simply being a pupil. To be a DISCIPLE was to hold so closely to the practices of the teacher that the pupil became like the teacher. Such is the goal of DISCIPLESHIP. Therefore we must be mindful of who it is we are allowing to DISCIPLE us.

On another occasion we read. . .
“(19) So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, BUT ONLY WHAT HE SEES THE FATHER DOING. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. (20) For THE FATHER loves the Son and SHOWS HIM ALL THAT HE HIMSELF IS DOING. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.” ( John 5:19-20)

What we need is to be taught by the One Who sees as the Father sees. This way we will be led in a proper direction. John recorded three very specific ways Jesus Himself described this DISCIPLESHIP as coming to fruition.

We read. . .
“(31) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘IF YOU ABIDE IN MY WORD, YOU ARE TRULY MY DISCIPLES, (32) and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” ( John 8:31-32 ESV)

. . . and . . .
“By this all people will know that YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, if you HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.” ( John 13:35 ESV)

. . . and . . .
“By this my Father is glorified, that you BEAR MUCH FRUIT and SO PROVE TO BE MY DISCIPLES.” ( John 15:8 ESV)

Like Teacher, like pupil let us abide in His teaching, love as selflessly as He loved, and bear righteous fruit to the glory of the Father. May we remain under the instruction of the Lord so that the DISCIPLESHIP process of becoming more and more like Him continues. In so doing, hopefully others will begin to take note that Jesus -- the Master Teacher -- is the One with whom our life is fully aligned. No one sees better to lead than He!

Have a great day MATURING TOWARD “THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST.” ( Ephesians 4:13 ESV)
Carl

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