What was it like to experience Jesus, the teacher, and why was His time with the disciples so important? Jesus knew the significance of an apprenticeship where students work closely with their teacher because this is how we learn. Modeling is just as important today as when Jesus trained His disciples. Jesus would spend three years with His disciples, preparing them for what God had for them in the present and the future.
When Jesus called the disciples, they had no idea what God had for them as they walked toward their destiny. Jesus called the disciples and took the initiative, the pattern throughout the Bible. God is continually the divine intruder who calls His children to faith and equips them for works of service to build His Kingdom. You and I may be far removed from the disciples’ days, but the Lord calls and equips us similarly.
We Can Learn from Jesus’ Actions
Although we are not walking with Jesus as the disciples did, we can come alongside Jesus similarly as we read God’s word. As you read God’s word, pretend that you are walking with Jesus and enter into the story like you are there. Ask the Lord, “What would you like to teach me through your word?” Don’t be surprised when the Lord gives you insight and understanding as He works to transform you.
As the disciples walked with Jesus, they came across a fig tree, unaware that Jesus would use this as an object lesson about fruitfulness. The fig tree was full of leaves but had no buds, indicating it would not bear fruit that year. The fig tree looks fruitful at a distance, but closer examination proved otherwise. The Temple in Jesus’ day looked impressive, but their worship and sacrifices were superficial as you looked closer. Our faith life can also look fruitful from a distance, only to be shallow when we are honest with ourselves. We may fool others, but we will never fool God.
Jesus Teaches Us About Faith
Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. [1] Throughout the ministry of Jesus with the disciples, He instructed them on the importance of faith, which is the center of our relationship with the Lord. As Jesus taught about the fig tree, He talked to them about the connection between prayer and faith. Mark 11:22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.[2]
To grow deeper in faith is to grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord. As we spend more time with the Lord and are led by the Holy Spirit, our trust in Him grows, as does our faith. Is the Lord calling you into a deeper faith? Does He want you to spend more time with Him?
To learn more about Jesus the teacher, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-fig-tree-and-the-temple
[1-2 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.