In response to 435-452 of Strauss
I like to think of Jesus as my greatest mentor, because I aspire to be something that Jesus also was: a teacher. As a pre-teacher in an education program, I am taught all sorts of methods for how to be a teacher and to do it well. But Jesus never had that, and he was an amazing teacher. What did he use to teach? A whole host of things!
Jesus used lots of stories and parables. He got people thinking by using metaphors, riddles, and paradoxes. He used proverbs a lot. Jesus taught to people from what he knew, and what they knew. He taught grounded in the culture he was in, but wasn't exclusive of other cultures.
How do he teach? He taught with authority! He taught with grace and justice. He was slow to anger, and in fact, he was of the greatest moral fiber in every aspect of this teaching, so you could say taught to all the fruits of the spirit. He promoted integrity. He gained a deserved respect and treated his followers well. He protected his flock, but was not afraid to stretch them at all. He gave everything for them.
These are all of the makings of a truly great teacher when it comes down to it. It's not the specific strategy you use with a student, your ability to plan a lesson, or how well you can grade work that makes a good teacher. These things are not what are really important. It's the character and attitude that drives you to care for and serve your students. If you teach like Jesus, you will teach them well, with respect, integrity, and a dedication to their holistic wellbeing and growth.
I like to think of Jesus as my greatest mentor, because I aspire to be something that Jesus also was: a teacher. As a pre-teacher in an education program, I am taught all sorts of methods for how to be a teacher and to do it well. But Jesus never had that, and he was an amazing teacher. What did he use to teach? A whole host of things!
Jesus used lots of stories and parables. He got people thinking by using metaphors, riddles, and paradoxes. He used proverbs a lot. Jesus taught to people from what he knew, and what they knew. He taught grounded in the culture he was in, but wasn't exclusive of other cultures.
How do he teach? He taught with authority! He taught with grace and justice. He was slow to anger, and in fact, he was of the greatest moral fiber in every aspect of this teaching, so you could say taught to all the fruits of the spirit. He promoted integrity. He gained a deserved respect and treated his followers well. He protected his flock, but was not afraid to stretch them at all. He gave everything for them.
These are all of the makings of a truly great teacher when it comes down to it. It's not the specific strategy you use with a student, your ability to plan a lesson, or how well you can grade work that makes a good teacher. These things are not what are really important. It's the character and attitude that drives you to care for and serve your students. If you teach like Jesus, you will teach them well, with respect, integrity, and a dedication to their holistic wellbeing and growth.
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