Jesus came to teach truth
As we continue reflecting on Christ’s first coming, we add to the prior topics of Jesus coming to reveal God and redeem sinners. This week’s reflection centers on the fact that He also came to teach truth.
The prologue that opens the Gospel of John puts it simply: “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (1:17).
The impact of Jesus’ words on those who heard Him teach was such that they began to refer to Him as the Teacher.
Nicodemus, whom Jesus described as “the teacher of Israel” in John 3:10, referred to Jesus as “a teacher come from God” (John 3:2). Two dear friends of Jesus were the sisters Martha and Mary. When Martha announced to Mary that Jesus had come while they were mourning the death of their brother, Lazarus, she phrased it, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you” (John 11:28).
The title of Teacher was one Jesus accepted and endorsed, saying to His disciples, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am” (John 13:13).
Eloquence of clarity
Jesus’ reputation as Teacher was not due merely to His eloquence or method, although both were present. His eloquence was not that of flowery, high-sounding phrases or of extensive vocabulary, but rather it was an eloquence of clarity. His method was to couch truth in everyday images, illustrations and parables, thereby putting divine truth within the grasp of ordinary people. He spoke with clarity and authority. He put heavenly truth down at street level so common people could understand Him.
What made Jesus different from other teachers was not only the down-to-earth quality of His words, but the fact that He embodied the truth He taught. We recall His famous claim about being “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). As truth incarnate, Jesus was the consummate Teacher of truth. He came to be the truth in order to teach the truth with authority and accuracy.
Therein lies a valuable principle for all who would speak the things of God: We are at our best when we speak out of lives that exemplify the truth we seek to communicate. Words of truth backed up by a life which embodies that truth are infused with energy and power. Jesus put it this way: “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63).
Eloquent words without the endorsement of a godly life become rather lifeless.
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