Hello beloved,
Let us continue our study of the names and titles for Jesus. Last month, we considered the titles of Jesus as the “Rabboni.” This month we will continue to focus our attention on Jesus’ titles as an instructor, but this time as the “Didaskalos” or Teacher.
When Nicodemus wanted to see Jesus at night, probably in some sleuth capacity, he opened his discussion with Jesus giving Him not only the high-status title of “Rabbi,” but he also included to title of “Didaskalos.” John states, “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him”
John 3:1-2 (ESV). Of course, in this conversation, Jesus bested Nicodemus, communicating clear information of the “new birth” and its connection to salvation.
On another occasion, Matthew concludes Jesus’ comprehensive Sermon on the Mount with an awe-inspiring response from the multitudes who heard Him. Matthew writes, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes” Matthew 7:28-29 (ESV).
Elmer Towns identified several blocks of teaching that are associated with Jesus’ ministry. These blocks include His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus’ instructions to the disciples before sending them out (Matthew 10), His parables on the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13), His sermon on the temple and the day of testing (Matthew 21-23), the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), and the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-16).
When Jesus taught, He did not allude to the many opinions of the great scribes, as was the custom in His day. Rather, like a prophet of old, He spoke as from the Lord. However, Jesus did not say “thus saith the Lord” but rather “I say to you.” Jesus spoke authoritatively and normally did not appeal to the scholastic authorities on the subject. Of course, because Jesus is God in flesh, He held a unique position as the ultimate teacher or “Didaskalos.” Though we can never rise to the level or magnitude of Jesus as a teacher of God’s Word, we should all strive to emulate Christ in His accuracy, trust, and demeanor. Here is a final story of a little boy and his Pastor:
A minister filling in for a teacher of a young boys' class asked, "What do you think Jesus was like?" Doubtless the pastor expected an answer like: He was a good man; He was a poet; He was a carpenter; He was like God. But no. One little fellow raised his hand and replied, "I think Jesus was like my Sunday School teacher." Has anyone ever compared your demeanor and deeds to those of Jesus? (1000 Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching)
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
*Much of the content of this newsletter is taken from Elmer Towns The Names of Jesus.