PENTECOST XVI

September 20, 2020

“Lessons Learned . . . And Taught”       

As the new school year has approached, there has been a great deal of attention centered on how to teach the students in our community, and how to best help them be able to learn.  So here’s a little challenge to those who haven’t been in a classroom for a very long time.  Consider how you learn, how various subjects or skills have stuck with you, and why they have.  For instance, my freshman English professor was not only a dynamic, enthusiastic personality, he also knew his subject matter thoroughly, and I came to enjoy and appreciate the great stories of Shakespeare and other classic literature.       

So many lessons are learned outside the classroom, and any number make a great impact on our lives.  Parents and grandparents, friends, neighbors and others in our community, all comprise the “faculty” of our everyday learning.  These values and life skills are the foundation of who we are and how we continue growing and learning throughout our lives.  Being a teacher can come about incidentally, such as when we help a coworker solve a problem or take part in a volunteer group.     

Teaching and learning are tightly intertwined as part of our faith heritage and the lives of God’s people throughout history.  The importance placed upon both learning and sharing is so embedded in the scriptures, it could almost fade into the background, but look at the many themes we find.  Learning God’s law and living according to his precepts are central to the early Old Testament, whereas the Psalms express a close relationship to God, crying for help or expressing thanks.  The prophets corrected the people when they strayed from God’s teachings, warned them of the consequences, and continued to strive to bring them closer to their creator.      

The centuries came and went, and as the ancient prophecies were fulfilled and the Messiah came into the world in human form, the ongoing teaching/learning loop was central in Jesus’ ministry.  Throughout Jesus’ ministry, although he was often referred to as Lord, his disciples and other followers called him Teacher or Rabbi much of the time.  Jesus used everyday images that connected him to his listeners, as he spoke of farmers tending their crops, fishermen casting their nets, shepherds caring for their flocks, and the work of stonemasons and builders.  Jesus’ message was clear and real, because he met people where they were in their lives.     

The Apostle Paul wrote countless letters to the new communities of faith in the early years of Christianity.  His letter to the Philippians is filled with joy and encouragement, and he closes with these encouraging words:  “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, . . . think about these things.  Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”   (4:8a, 9) 

Still learning, thinking about these things,

Your friend in Christ,

Mary Rogers