Jesus is The Teacher

As we prepare and look forward to Easter, we focus on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the glorious news of His resurrection and power over death. This is why we celebrate Easter. It is the most important event in the history of mankind.

As we study the events of Easter, we can also study how Jesus taught the people. He taught in the temple, on hillsides, in boats, in homes, and even one by one. Jesus was constantly teaching by word and by deed. He was the master teacher and sets the perfect example for us.

We can pattern our teaching after Him and the way He taught and loved His followers.

Matthew shared the powerful impact Jesus and his teachings had on those who followed Him.

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:28-29)

His words were different. The way He taught was different from the way others taught and people noticed. He taught with power and authority. He taught with love and compassion. He taught truth.

Authority and Love

The multitudes could tell that what Jesus taught felt different. They could feel His words. They could feel the truth of what He was teaching–his power and authority. He changed hearts as He taught with compassion. Those who listened with open ears and open hearts were changed and transformed by His teachings.

His listeners included multitudes as He taught on hillsides and out in the open. So many wanted to hear His teachings that He performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand so they could have nourishment and listen to Him even longer.

He also taught one by one. He taught the woman at the well with compassion. He taught Nicodemus with kindness. He taught His apostles over and over again with patience. He loved those He taught and He was willing to teach in any situation.

Because His words are eternal, they can continue to guide and direct us. As we study Jesus’s words, we can feel the same power and authority as the Holy Ghost witnesses to us the truth of Jesus’s teachings. His words aren’t just good advice, they are eternal truths to live by.

Jesus Teaches Us Today

Jesus is still teaching us. Through personal revelation we can learn exactly what the Lord wants us to know in our own lives. As we study and ponder His words in the scriptures and general conference messages He can teach us what we need to know. He can help us solve problems. He can give us the words we need in the moment that we need them. He can help us remember things we have learned. He can call experiences to mind. He can use parables to teach us even today.

As we listen to, sing, and play hymns we can learn from Jesus. Primary songs teach us the gospel in a simple and wonderful way.

Sister Tracey Y. Browning has said, “Primary songs have carried a holy influence in my life and have lifted my soul, taught me eternal truths, and drawn me nearer to the Savior and to His gospel.” Through music, the Holy Ghost can witness truth to our souls.

Jesus knows us. He knows the desires of our hearts. He knows our struggles. He knows what brings tears to our eyes in the dark of night. Because He knows us so individually, He can teach us the specific things we need to learn. The specific things that will help us overcome our weaknesses and stay steadfast and immovable in the gospel.

He will teach us if we are willing to learn. He is the perfect teacher who knows exactly what we need.

Questions We Can Ask

We can ask ourselves what Jesus is trying to teach us. What do we need to learn? No experience in this life is wasted if we learn something from it. Even the most painful experiences can teach us valuable truths and help us on our path back to Heavenly Father.

Elder Neil A. Maxwell taught, “To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the Universe.” (“Meek and Lowly,” BYU Devotional Address 1986)

It’s up to us what we learn and the wisdom we gain in this life. Jesus is willing to teach us if we will but choose to listen and hearken to His words. We choose every day where we spend our time, the books we read, the music we listen to, the entertainment we watch, and how we use social media. We all have the same 24 hours and it’s up to us how we use it.

“The glory of God is intelligence” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36). The best teacher we can have is Jesus Himself. He created this world. He created us. He knows, understands, and sees everything. And He wants to share everything with us because He loves us. He wants us to return to Heavenly Father. He is willing to teach us now just as He was willing to teach His disciples when He lived in mortality. If we want intelligence and wisdom, then we must look to Jesus to teach us.

Activity

What has Jesus taught me?

Read together: Matthew 7:28-29

Sing, “Teach Me to Walk in The Light.”

Ask each family member:

Write the answers on pieces of paper and put them by a picture of Jesus.