Jesus - The Master Teacher
Introduction
Much can be learned about teaching by studying what John records in chapter thirteen regarding Jesus and His disciples (lit. "learners" His students). In chapters 1 - 12, Jesus focuses primarily on His public ministry, chapter 12 being His last public discourse. The focus narrows in chapter 13 as Jesus begins to instruct His disciples. It is important that they listen carefully and learn quickly because shortly the teacher will no longer be present to teach by vivid parables, use object lessons to illustrate a point or be with them to answer their questions.
Categorically, teaching methods may be summarized under three headings:
i. teaching by example
ii. teaching by explanation
iii. teaching by exhortation.
In John 13, the Master Teacher uses all three methods to communicate great truths to His students.
I. What He Taught By Example verses 1-5
Verses 4 and 5 tell us what the Teacher did: "He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." Jesus recognized the value of students "seeing" the lesson in the life of the professor for more great lessons are "caught than taught." The Master taught at least two great lessons by His example:
A. A Lesson In Christian Attitude
He "took a towel and girded himself..." (verse 4). At the very moment when His class expected Him to take a royal scepter crowned with a golden eagle, asserting His authority, He assumed humility.
Humility, not intellectual arrogance, is the mark of a truly great teacher. (cf. 1 Peter 5:5). A true Christian attitude should not expect to be the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral, but rather be "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3) and have the "mind of Christ" (Philippians 2:5).
B. A Lesson In Christian Service
He "poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel..." (verse 5). Foot washing was the job of servants, a role Jesus gladly assumed. The servant spirit is not so prized in a world of high achievers and success driven competitors. We hear more about supervising others and how many people are under us, but Jesus teaches us differently. By personal example Jesus models the virtue of humble service.
II. What He Taught By Explanation Verses 6 -11
"Then cometh he to Simon Peter..." Notice the ensuing conversation: "Peter saith...Jesus answered... Peter saith...Jesus answered." Obviously Peter does not understand foot washing, so he asks questions. Every teacher has students like Peter - - always asking questions. The question and answer method is one of the most effective methods of teaching. First, Peter did not understand why Jesus washed his feet. When Jesus explained that, he couldn't understand why He didn't give him a complete bath. Jesus, being the Master Teacher He was, took time to explain. A professor provoked by a student's dullness said, "Why are you so dumb you can't understand." The student replied, "Professor I can understand anything you can explain." Jesus tactfully explained two things to Peter: Spiritually speaking, a complete bath is necessary one time - - verse 10 "Jesus said, those who have taken a bath are completely clean and do not have to wash themselves, except for their feet" TEV. The word for "washed" (KJV) is a form of the Greek word "louo," "to bathe all over." In the perfect tense, it indicates a completed action with continued effect. It is safe to say that this describes salvation, a spiritual transformation that occurs once and, if authentic, does not need repeating.
However, Jesus explained this does not mean that the saved live perfectly clean, thus the need for the next lesson. Repeated rinsing is necessary often times - - verses 5, 6, 8, 12, 14. Notice verse 8. Jesus said, "Peter, if I wash thee not..." Here the word for "wash" is "nipto" which means "to wash a part." While we are once saved, we are living in a dirty, tainted and contaminated world which means that there is a constant need for repeated spiritual washing. Just because I take a shower every morning of my life does not mean that I don't need to wash my hands several times during the course of the day. As Christians do we need our feet washed? Certainly, at times we do - - and our hands - our tongues - our minds! cf. 1 John 1:8-10.
III. What He Taught By Exhortation Verses 12-35
"So after he had washed their feet and had taken his garments and was set down again, he said unto them, know ye what I have done to you?" (v. 12). At this point Jesus proceeds to teach using the lecture method. Notice what He says in verses 16, 20 and 21 "Verily, verily I say unto you...," or as the TEV renders it "I am telling you the truth..." That sounds like a teacher saying "I have a lesson to teach you." Consider five great lessons in the following verses:
A. A Great Truth About Himself
Verses 13-14 "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." "Master" is more accurately translated "Teacher" and here with the definite article it is "The Teacher." Furthermore, He teaches with authority for He is "Lord," which requires obedience.
B. A Great Truth About Happiness
Verse 17 "If ye know these things, happy are ye if do them." A college seminar discussion concluded that the objective most people look for in life is personal happiness. Unfortunately, the world's "Happy Hour" is not the way to get there nor is the party atmosphere of the average secular campus. Jesus said, "Live by my teachings -do what I did - - and experience true happiness."
C. A Great Truth About Witnessing
Verse 20 "...He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." When we share our faith in Christ, we are not on trial - - Jesus Christ is. The witness is simply the vehicle. If successful, there is no room for pride because the convert received Christ and not the instrument of the witness. On the other hand, if the witness is rejected, there is no place for pity because Christ and not the vehicle of the witness, is refused. Students who understand this principle are bolder in spontaneously sharing their faith.
D. A Great Truth About Hypocrisy
Verses 21-30 "When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said. Verity, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me." How close one can be to salvation and yet miss it! Judas was actually one of the twelve who sat and ate with Jesus. How despicably deceitful the heart can be! Judas professed to belong to Jesus but lived a lie. How dreadful the destiny of those who pretend! Judas went out into the night and hanged himself.
E. A Great Truth About Christian Relationships
Verse 34 "A new commandments I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." Jesus concludes His lecture series with a great lesson on the greatest theme - - love. While He used the term a dozen times in chapters 1 - 12, it permeates chapters 13 - 21 occurring some 44 times. In His last days with His students the Master Teacher made every effort to get across this great lesson about love - - the essential ingredient in Christian relationships.
Conclusion
As with most great teachers, Jesus gave a final exam, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (v. 35). The life we live, the love we exude in relationships, is the most accurate academic record of our learning experience under the tutelage of The Master Teacher.