As I have wondered the question, why is Jesus Christ the master teacher, many thoughts and impressions have come to mind. Christ was a wondrous teacher because...
- He prepared himself (Matthew 4:1-2)
- His intention was to serve (John 4:34)
- He taught to needs (Luke 19:38-42)
- He taught simply (Matthew 5:1-12)
- He taught to understanding (Luke 5:4-10)
- He was passionate about what he taught (John 5:30)
- He asked questions (John 21:15-17)
- He invited others to act (2 Nephi 31:10)
- He knew his disciples individually and loved them (Matthew 4:18-20)
- He was always teaching, regardless of where he was and whom he was talking to, it was simply part of his nature (John 4:1-9)
- He taught doctrine (Matthew 4:1-11)
- He was bold (John 2:13-17)
Once I made this list I had a discussion with my family and asked them the question, Why was Jesus Christ the master teacher? My brother had an interesting insight that I found worth sharing. He explained that each learner learns differently, so while my list was good, each quality would not be applicable to each learner's learning style. What makes Jesus Christ the master teacher, he concluded, is His ability to minister personally to each learner. In the Book of Mormon, Nephi, an ancient american prophet wrote,
For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.-2 Nephi 31: 3
From this scripture we learn that the Lord "speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding" not only does this mean a learners specific language, but also to their level of comprehension and application. While a great teacher can be bold, ask questions, and teach simply... etc, only a master teacher can tailor each to an individual learner.
The question posed here is: How is Christ able to personalize his teaching to each learner so perfectly? In the Book of Mormon, Alma, an ancient american prophet wrote,
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. -Alma 7:11-12
This scripture teaches that through His suffering in the garden of Gethsemane, Christ may understand each individual perfectly, thus being able to "succor his people." Succor means to give aid or assistance. In combining the words of Alma with the words of Nephi, Christ "succors his people....according to their language, unto their understanding." What a magnificent truth!
The next question that arises in this contemplation is simply: How can one emulate the master teacher? As I have pondered the thought that comes to my mind repeatedly is this; we have to have the Holy Ghost with us. I know there is absolutely no way a teacher may teach like Christ if he does not have the Holy Ghost with them. To have the spirit of the Holy Ghost one must keep covenants. As we renew our baptism covenants each week through the sacrament we are promised to have the spirit of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. What a blessing!
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - John 14:16-18
When one has the influence of the Holy Ghost while teaching they will be able to discern the needs of those whom they are teaching and tailor their teaching to the learner, just as the Savior did. This is not something that happens all at once, it is a lifetime pursuit. It is my aspiration to teach my future students "according to their language, unto their understanding."
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