The Scribes and Pharisees were the acknowledged teachers in Jesus’ day but they were more concerned about their own self-importance than the importance of the message and their listeners. They were like blind teachers, teaching the blind. A true teacher uses everything in his or her repertoire of skills to pass on knowledge to his listeners for the benefit of the listeners themselves. Such a teacher never fails to realize that he or she is imparting not only valuable information but also a part of himself or herself to others.

Every Christian shares in the awesome ministry of Jesus to lead others to the fullness of knowledge and truth. The word, education, comes from the Latin, “educare,” which means to draw out. Like the Lord Himself, all His followers are called to draw out, from within themselves, knowledge of God’s will contained in scripture, the Word of God.

Jesus is a model for all those seeking to do God’s will. He was a great story-teller; a powerful communicator who taught with authority and conviction. His listeners were amazed at how He taught with such authority and wondered, among themselves, what was the secret of such knowledge. Of course, we know the secret : His knowledge emanated from the pure fountain of Truth which He possessed as the Son of God.

Like a bright lamp, lighting up a dark room, Jesus came brightening up the lives of his listeners. The people who heard Him looked and saw that life could be lived better. They looked, and followed His shining lead.

Like a singer with a new song, Jesus moved through Galilee inviting His listeners to sing along with Him. The song was so sweet, even deaf people could hear it. The music was so fine, even lame people could dance to its rhythm. His song has been rendered into different musical compositions down through the ages, and it continues to find new renditions time after time.

Like a special teacher with a new message, Jesus came teaching about the kingdom of God. What He said was so unbelievable, it had to be experienced to be believed. Country folk learned that they were the sheep of God’s pasture. Sinners learned that God was their forgiveness. Outcasts learned that God was their salvation. Children learned that God was their Father. Everyone learned that Jesus had come to teach them the way to belong to God and the way to live together in the Kingdom of God.

Being a Christian parent is special vocation. It is a sharing in the teaching ministry of Jesus Himself. He has committed to parents the blessed role of communicating His messages of Faith, Hope, and Love to those in their charge, their offspring. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and He depends on His followers, all parents especially, to communicate this life-saving message to their children in ways they can understand. And, what better way is there to communicate than by example. You may forget the lessons you have learned in the classroom, but the one thing you will never forget is example. It is better than any sermon.

Let us never underestimate the power of Jesus’s teaching to influence, motivate, and transform the lives of everyone who listens to Him.

—Fr. Hugh Duffy