We are about to embark on a new Bible study about becoming a Jesus follower, a disciple. The word disciple comes from a Latin word “discipulus,” or “learner,” that in turn comes from “discere,” which means “to learn.” Many times we might think that Jesus never had to learn anything, that he automatically knew everything there was to know about ministry. But Jesus was human, and therefore had to be trained just as he eventually trained his disciples.
Who trained Jesus? How else did Jesus prepare for ministry? Joseph and Mary began Jesus’ early training, just as they would for all their other children. Jesus undoubtedly attended a religious school at the local synagogue. The website christianpure.com makes the following points:
- Though there’s no comprehensive account of Jesus’ early education, it’s widely accepted that he underwent some form of formal schooling.
- Jesus’ role as a carpenter’s son suggests he had an education in non-religious areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Jesus’ education likely encompassed religious aspects of Jewish history, the Law, and the Torah, as evidenced by his powerful knowledge of these subjects.
- It’s probable that Jesus received education in Galilee synagogues, which housed schools called bet-sefers, and also from his earthly father, Joseph.
- Jesus’ logical reasoning and adept teaching skills attest to his well-rounded education.
- The New Testament implies that Jesus was educated even though it does not provide detailed accounts of his education.
- Jesus had the ability to read Hebrew texts and interpret them in an advanced manner, as indicated by the incident in the book of Luke where he reads and interprets from the book of Isaiah (Luke 4:16-21). This shows that he had received formal education.
- Many accounts in the gospels frequently use the title ‘Rabbi’ when referring to Jesus, indicating that he was respected as an educated teacher or scholar.
- It is likely that Jesus received an education in a Galilean synagogue, learning from the local rabbis and studying the Torah, Jewish history, and other basic subjects. His father, Joseph, would also have contributed significantly in teaching him life skills and wisdom.
- Jesus received both formal and informal education, intertwining religious tradition with practical life skills.
- His foundational learning might have started with Joseph, his earthly father, enhancing his skills in reading, writing, and rudimentary mathematics integral to carpentry.
- In the local ‘bet-sefer’ of a Galilean synagogue, Jesus likely embarked upon deep religious exploration, guided by rabbis.
- Jesus’ teachings, evidence of his well-rounded education, encompassed more than religious knowledge, reflecting insights into human nature and societal dynamics.
- The education Jesus received transcended territorial and intellectual borders, enriching the depth and breadth of wisdom he exhibited later in life.
Jesus was a bright boy running around in a small town where the favorite form of entertainment was talking about the neighbors. Nobody would pay attention to that little boy sitting in the corner and listening. Many of the parables Jesus later told probably had their origins in the lives of the citizens of Nazareth. Jesus’ listeners could identify with the people in the stories because everyone knew somebody who had lost a coin or who had struggled to rescue a lost sheep. And what farmer had not seen birds scooping up seeds that had fallen on rocky soil?
Jesus learned so much from his studies in the local synagogue that when his parents took him to Jerusalem at age twelve, the priests and scribes in the main temple were amazed at his discernment. (Luke 2:46-47) But Jesus was not a “bright brat.” Luke 2: 51 ”Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them” (his parents.) Hebrews 5:8 tells us that “though he was a son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered.”
Jesus paid attention and learned his entire life, and that attitude helped fit him for ministry. To become an effective teacher, one must first be a successful learner. The most effective teachers are those who maintain a sense of wonder and who are always ready to learn something new. Being a perpetual student also should lead to humility, causing one to realize that there is always far more to learn. This attitude of humility should then transmit to one’s students, encouraging them to think and to study as well. One of the chief differences between Jesus and the professional religious people was that the scribes and Pharisees were certain they knew it all and that nobody could teach them anything. Pride in scholarship led to disdain of working people who didn’t have time to devote to in-depth religious studies.
What can we learn from the way Jesus prepared for ministry?
- Never stop learning. You never know which tidbit of information will become useful at some point.
- There is nothing wrong with formal study, but be aware that some teachers are going to have their own agendas and viewpoints. Don’t take everything at face value but examine it and consider the implications.
- Learn as much as you can from those around you, particularly the elderly. There’s wisdom you won’t find in books.
- Don’t get so caught up in learning that you postpone ministry, for you can postpone it for the rest of your life.
- Begin early to ask God for wisdom and guidance. God can lead you to the right schools, the right teachers, the right books, and the right courses. Even if you get sidetracked, God can deliver you from yourself.
Anytime you begin a ministry, there are always temptations. Tomorrow we will see how Jesus faced those temptations successfully.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, many of us are confused. We want to serve You but aren’t sure how to go about it. And we are afraid of doing the wrong thing. Help us to listen to You and to seek Your Will for our lives. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Burunche's Blog 
Leave a comment