Humbly

Have you ever been impressed with the ability of a child to hear, learn, and remember something they have been told or taught? Their capacity for absorbing is amazing, but also part of how God has made us! This is also where memories come from. Can you think of an activity, trip, or piece of advice your parents (or other adult) shared with you that was special, and for which you are grateful?

What are the qualities that a person must have to be considered an excellent teacher? Can you think of someone in your past (far or near) that you would describe as an effective teacher? The Bible tells of many people who were excellent leaders. The best of all was Jesus who although was true God, was also true human and came, not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28).

Jesus was creating quite a stir in his public gatherings by what he was teaching. Religious leaders were skeptical and sought opportunities to challenge those teachings. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  (Mark 12:35-40)

The first commandment Jesus gave should have been no surprise to those who had previous knowledge of Old Testament history. We read in the book of Deuteronomy: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:4,5).” They were familiar with it and wanted to obey it. But the second part “love your neighbor as yourself” – that was more difficult. Which neighbor? Help in what way? For how long?

These are questions that people have struggled with ever since, sometimes with excellent, God-honoring results, and at other times failing and walking away. Fortunately, Jesus gave us the example in the life he lived and lives. Jesus did not come with fanfare, declaring strength, and demanding adulation. He came to respond to people’s needs, live out the truth, and change people’s lives. That includes yours and mine. May we reflect to others the Gospel message so freely given us by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

4832 Ponderings:

• How can you emulate the example given to you by faithful mentors like parents, teachers, and faithful Christian brothers and sisters?
• What criteria do you think God wants you to use as you consider helping someone in need?

Closing Prayer:
Your ways, O God, are holy. You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples. With Your mighty arm You redeemed Your people. We are Your people, the sheep of Your pasture. As we live in Your blessing, may we be a sweet influence in the lives of those we love and in the lives of our global community. May all love You with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength, and may we love our neighbors as ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.    Adapted from Psalm 77, Psalm 100:3, and Mark 12:28-34