The Great Teacher
Stories
Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit
Series V, Cycle C
Object:
Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. "I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." (vv. 23-26)
There is a beautiful legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.
The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. He was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.
The second person was a celebrated physician. The doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.
The third person was a distinguished judge. The judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.
The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her; the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.
The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came, "You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!"
The reason we know anything about Jesus is because he left us a teacher -- the greatest teacher. Jesus told the disciples that they will have someone to help them remember and understand his teachings -- the Greek word for this teacher is paraclete and it is translated in different Bible versions as counselor, advocate, comforter, and helper. Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit who will teach the disciples and succeeding generations. This is why the Holy Spirit is so important to us.
Sure we have the Bible, but who do you think helped the writers of the scripture as they recorded the story of Jesus? The Holy Spirit.
And who do you think helps us understand the Bible when we read and study it? The Holy Spirit.
And who do you think helps me as I prepare for my sermons and then deliver them? And who helps you as you hear them? The Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is that part of God that lives in us. To use the phrasing of today's scripture, the Holy Spirit is how we "make our home" with Jesus and God the Father. With the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, God is present to be our teacher.
There is a beautiful legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.
The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. He was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.
The second person was a celebrated physician. The doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.
The third person was a distinguished judge. The judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.
The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her; the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.
The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came, "You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!"
The reason we know anything about Jesus is because he left us a teacher -- the greatest teacher. Jesus told the disciples that they will have someone to help them remember and understand his teachings -- the Greek word for this teacher is paraclete and it is translated in different Bible versions as counselor, advocate, comforter, and helper. Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit who will teach the disciples and succeeding generations. This is why the Holy Spirit is so important to us.
Sure we have the Bible, but who do you think helped the writers of the scripture as they recorded the story of Jesus? The Holy Spirit.
And who do you think helps us understand the Bible when we read and study it? The Holy Spirit.
And who do you think helps me as I prepare for my sermons and then deliver them? And who helps you as you hear them? The Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is that part of God that lives in us. To use the phrasing of today's scripture, the Holy Spirit is how we "make our home" with Jesus and God the Father. With the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, God is present to be our teacher.
