One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:18-19.
“In today’s live-and-let-live culture, there is a commendable respect for others, characterized by a desire to avoid prejudicial and overbearing attitudes. However, this respect sometimes comes with a reluctance to acknowledge and embrace the responsibility of one’s own influence and wisdom.”
This reluctance can be expressed in many different ways. By the parent who does not want to teach their children how to negotiate religion or politics or even education, saying, “I want them to learn this on their own.” Or by the employee that does not want to show a newbie how a particular work culture operates. Or to otherwise be a spectator rather than an engaged and responsive fellow traveler.
Admittedly Jesus had certain advantages over those of us normal human beings. Nevertheless, he took his responsibility to teach others seriously. “Jesus called out to them…Follow me…” He spent the next three years teaching them, correcting them, and including them in his life and mission. The result was that after he died, he left behind people who were prepared for life without him.
Appropriate, healthy teaching exists on a continuum between laissez faire (let it be) and telling others what to do. Between indifference and control. Appropriate teaching has these characteristics.
- It shows rather than tells. Jesus healed people, fed people, and confronted false teachers. The disciples were witnesses of that, and it gave them a framework for their faith.
- It gives the pros and cons. Jesus often drew comparisons in his parables.
- It gives opportunity for performing the idea or task. Jesus sent the disciples on small missions which increased their confidence and courage in regard to what Jesus had been teaching them.
The disciples were instrumental in the proliferation of Jesus’ teachings and the further growth of what Jesus began. Only one of the disciples lived to an old age. Ten of them gave their lives for the person they believed Jesus to be.
The apostles are good examples of the influence that a conscientious life has, and they are good models for the value that ethical teaching can have for us.
Prayer: O God, in Jesus we are inspired and influenced by the value of a good and compassionate teacher. Help us to carry the same spirit within ourselves so that we can, in a good and healthy way, spread your influence to our times. Amen.