Jesus, The Teacher

Disciples of Jesus, then and now, call him Teacher. Some even call him “The Great Teacher”. I didn’t really grasp the meaning of that title until I grew too old for Sunday school. Back then, I thought people called him teacher because he taught them the Torah. I thought it was because he would preach in the temple, on boats, and to millions of people. I thought it was because he was able to explain the Word of God in a manner that could be understood by the masses. He was able to reach people at all levels through his parables. Through his stories, he was able to breathe life into the dead words of the Law.

The more I looked at Jesus and the way he approached life—his dedication to and development of relationships, his unwavering focus to his personal mission, his compassion and healing capacity—the more I realize he’s called The Great Teacher, not because of the lessons he taught to the masses, but because of the lessons he taught to those closest to him—those who knew him best, those he called friends. His lessons were meant for—not the masses, not the faceless crowds—but those he loved.

He offered himself to those who journeyed with him. Knowing that he would be opening himself to denial, betrayal, rejection, and ridicule by those closest to him, he offered his whole self, nonetheless. They were given unrestricted access to him—to eat with him, to sleep under his protection, to share his work, to talk with him, to simply be with him—to be given his time and attention.

His gift to them was himself. He was loyal, dedicated, stable, caring, compassionate, attentive, reassuring, and forgiving. His inner core was based on secure values and principles. He held on to his character and principles to his death, in the face of ridicule and betrayal—in the face of others’ doubts, and of his own self-doubts.

Those closest to him were given insight to his nature and this inner core. He invited them to follow him, to attach themselves to him, to develop a close relationship with him, to be loved by him. He promised to always be with them, without expecting the same promise from them. They felt what it was like to be a friend of his.

Even with all of that, they couldn’t understand him any better than we can; and many did not agree with his teachings or his methods. But nonetheless, they were given the gift of his friendship and love. What they chose to do with that gift was up to them.

The deepness of his love was too much for many to accept—too much to understand. His love was treated as a burden rather than as the gift it was meant to be. Some couldn’t see the gift for what it was, so they discarded it on the side of the road. Some saw the love in his message but found it to be too hard to live by it, so they gave up on the journey. Some wanted the gift but were afraid of what they had to give up to receive it. Some wanted the gift, but were unwilling to trade his love for the security that they had already built up. Some gladly took the gift when things were going well, but gave it back when things weren’t going well—or when things weren’t going the way that they thought they should be going. [The Parable of the Sower, Mt 13.1-17; Mk 4.1-9,13-20; Lk 8.4-8, 11-15]

Although he was surrounded by many followers, he was alone. Even though he viewed all around him as his friends, he could not trust them to be there for him—not even his inner circle and closest confidants. He had no one to turn to in his time of need.

This fact was difficult because it meant that he had to develop independence in mind and body, while cultivating an endless-giving spirit. He taught us to give without expecting to receive anything in return.

His life was one big lesson. He didn’t just say, “Love one another.” He said, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Peace*

Peace I leave with you, my friends.
Peace the world cannot give.
Peace I leave with you, my friends,
So that your joy be ever full.

The Father’s love I came to give,
To be the hope for all who live.
Take His gift and be at peace;
The Spirit of our love I bring.

By this love which you should have,
All will know you are my friends.
Take my words of life to heart,
And you will live with hope and joy.

All I have I give to you;
I share with you the Father’s love.
I came so that you may have life,
And have it to the full.

If you love me, keep my word,
And our home we’ll make with you.

Peace I leave with you, my friends.
Peace the world cannot give.
Peace I leave with you, my friends,
So that your joy be ever full.


*Text –Gregory Norbet, OSB