A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Here Jesus announces the goal for His students – to become like the Teacher!
Notice, the Teacher comes not only teaching ideals about love, mercy, forgiveness, and generosity, but offering to train His students in them!
He not only brings information but provides transformation of heart and life. Not only learning what Jesus teaches but training together with Him to be and to do.
For example, students of painting not only receive information about the art. They learn to paint!
Students of music not only learn theories. They receive training to become accomplished musicians.
In the same way, Jesus not only teaches ideals. He trains His students to develop these abilities and demonstrate them in their lives.
To receive this training we must enroll in the University of Jesus. Become His students. Then daily, in the classroom of life, the Teacher informs and trains us to become more like Him.
We apprentice ourselves to the Master and learn His life skills. In this way, we fulfill our God-given destiny – to be more like Jesus!
The student who is fully trained will be like His Teacher.
How much mercy do we desire?
ReplyDeleteHow much mercy do we show to others?
Jesus says there is a coorelation between the two.
Interesting enough, it comes from one who doesn't need mercy shown to Him. Jesus needs no mercy, or forgiveness, as He was/is sinless. Yet he continually showed mercy and granted forgiveness.
You'd think it would be the other way around - that the ones needing mercy and forgiveness would be quick to grant them to others and the one not needing it not being so compassionate.
But that's us, and the Teacher! Even from the cross, he prays for those who put him there.
How are we at showing mercy and forgiveness?
How are we at becoming more like the Teacher?
For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.