The Master Teacher is First a Student
Scripture - Luke 2:41-52
There is a saying that goes something like this, “The best teachers are the best learners/students.” In today’s passage we see Jesus in the temple sitting among the teachers learning. What could He possibly have to learn since what they were teaching He already knew?
The thing is, while Jesus was on the earth He was fully human with heavenly/divine knowledge. Just like you and I, He had to go through a learning process in which He was eager to learn and gather information He knew was key to His life’s purpose. I believe He was so engrossed with learning, He missed the final beckoning of His parents to join them on their return home.
Can you imagine being so caught up in learning that you shut everything and everybody out just to glean wisdom, knowledge and understanding from the best? I’ve been there a few times in my life, but not often enough.
I’m reminded of Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus who sat at the feet of Jesus so consumed with every word that she failed to get up and help Martha serve their guests. When Martha requested Jesus to tell Mary to help her, Jesus replied, “...one things is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her.” (See Luke 10:38-42)
Did you get that? The time Mary spent at Jesus' feet and all she learned, Jesus said would not be taken away from her. What you learn won't be taken away from you either. People may go away. Houses may be destroyed. Natural/material things may be taken away from us at any given moment. But the one thing that cannot be taken away from us is the wisdom, knowledge and understanding we gain while we learn.
Yesterday, we learned we are all predestined with purpose. As you’re living your purpose you need to learn exactly what God wants you to do, how He wants you to do it, when, where and why. This all will come as you take time to sit at His feet and learn.
Learning is not a passive act. You don’t just sit and listen. You listen, make notes (whether mentally or on paper), and ask questions to get clarity. That’s what Jesus did (v. 46). He learned and gained understanding (v. 47).
Years ago, I put together a personal development plan in which I set a goal to be a student for one hour a day. I listed areas of my life I wanted to grow in and searched for classes to take that would help me develop into the person I desired to become. I started off with 15 minutes and worked my way up to an hour and sometimes more daily.
If Jesus took time to learn, then so can you and I. Like we’re learning on this journey we’re no different than Jesus in His earthly ministry. We’re also humans with divine, holy connections to the Father. Learning means growing. If you’re not growing you’re either stagnant or dying.
Journal
Yesterday, we learned we are all predestined with purpose. As you’re living your purpose you need to learn exactly what God wants you to do, how He wants you to do it, when, where and why. This all will come as you take time to sit at His feet and learn.
Learning is not a passive act. You don’t just sit and listen. You listen, make notes (whether mentally or on paper), and ask questions to get clarity. That’s what Jesus did (v. 46). He learned and gained understanding (v. 47).
Years ago, I put together a personal development plan in which I set a goal to be a student for one hour a day. I listed areas of my life I wanted to grow in and searched for classes to take that would help me develop into the person I desired to become. I started off with 15 minutes and worked my way up to an hour and sometimes more daily.
If Jesus took time to learn, then so can you and I. Like we’re learning on this journey we’re no different than Jesus in His earthly ministry. We’re also humans with divine, holy connections to the Father. Learning means growing. If you’re not growing you’re either stagnant or dying.
Journal
- In what area(s) of your life do you need to grow and become better?
- Create a learning plan for each area(s) you just wrote. List books you need to read, classes you need to take, videos you need to watch, etc.
- Select one area and set aside a few minutes a day to learn in that area.
- Ask God to give you the grace to learn and grow your life.
Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7, HCSB
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