The Savior

TEACHING AS CHRIST TAUGHT  (By Robert J. Matthews)

"An idea put forth by Earl V. Pullias of the University of Southern California has become popular among several modern educators. He said, 'One can be no greater as a teacher than he is as a person.'

You teachers, the testimony that you bear, the spirit with which you teach and with which you lead, is one of the most important assets that you can have, as you help to strengthen those who need so much, wherein you have so much to give.  Jesus is the greatest of all teachers because he is the greatest of all persons. He stood on the higher ground and excelled in every way.

We cannot avoid wondering how many more times the Savior enhanced a teaching situation with a glance, a step forward, a raised hand, a louder or softer tone of voice, an inflection or emphasis on a word, a rapidly spoken phrase, a long silent pause, a quick retort, and so on. Undoubtedly Jesus' entire personality-all that he was physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally-served to convey the particular teaching of the moment. As was the case with Jesus, the teacher can be the most effective audiovisual aid there is.

Who in this world does not need the teachings and saving power of Jesus? Who among all mankind is truly righteous without the gospel of Christ? Can anyone be redeemed without the Redeemer? Is there any other way? Is there any other salvation? When Jesus said he was sent only to the sick, that was true; but who among all mankind is not sick?

Learning from 'my Father in heaven' represents learning by the Spirit, by revelation. There is an essential difference between the knowledge of the world and the knowledge of the Spirit: knowledge obtained through revelation saves one's soul: worldly knowledge, even if correct, cannot cleanse the soul nor qualify one for the celestial kingdom.

The Spirit reveals things absolutely essential to One's salvation, things that cannot be learned through the mortal, physical senses. Such things are learned through the Spirit, or they are not learned at all.

Jesus also taught by example. He prepared himself for his ministry and for the work he had to do. He fasted, he prayed, he read the scriptures. And he taught.

I have a love for the New Testament, especially as it has been made plainer through latter-day revelation and the teachings of the Brethren. There is a joy in learning about the Savior. My heart and mind have been made glad by the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, his compassion, his courage, his humility, his manliness, and his masterful ability to teach.

In the best sense of the word, he is a hero. I have a testimony by the Spirit that he is real. He is the Son of God; yet, I marvel, even in his greatness he has time for smaller things. He knows each of us; he knows our names and our joys, weaknesses, and trials. He knows and he cares. There is so much about him that 'I scarce can take it in.' He is our Savior, the great Exemplar, the Master Teacher."

(A small part of the words from Robert J. Matthews A Bible A Bible pages 222-237, Former Dean of Religious Education at BYU).