Jesus’ classroom

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 16, 2022. Photo by Dom Fou on Unsplash

“When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me.” (Luke 22:53)

I like to imagine what it would have been like to be there in the temple day after day listening to Jesus teach. I’ve read his words on the printed page and heard them read aloud many times. But just imagine being there, hearing his voice as he tells a parable, answers questions, and teaches about the end times.

A lot of Jesus’ temple teaching towards the end of his life was prompted by questions. “Who gave you the authority to teach?” “Do we have to pay taxes?” “What do you think of divorce?” “What are the signs of the temple’s destruction?”

Jesus’ answers to those questions stepped on a lot of toes. His stories pointed out the unbelief and hypocrisy of the audience. It got real quiet real quick. They stopped asking questions.

What questions would you like to ask Jesus? A lot of folks tell me they have a whole list ready to go for that day when they get to see him face to face. You know, there might be a line. But we’ll have time. Lots of it. Eternity.

Those who got a glimpse of heaven in the bible didn’t ask a lot of questions. Jacob was awed and afraid (Genesis 28:16,17). Isaiah was overwhelmed (Isaiah 6). At the transfiguration, Peter babbled about putting up tents (Luke 9:33). Stephen wanted forgiveness for his murderers (Acts 7:60). John passed out at the sight of Jesus (Revelation 1:17). When that day comes, I think I’ll have other things on my mind besides, “Why did you create mosquitos?” or “Why weren’t you there when I needed you?”

The apostle Paul wrote, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12). Right now we have a lot of questions. But it sounds like one day, we’ll understand.

Over the years, I’ve had teachers who were interesting. I’ve had professors who were brilliant. Some were inspiring. Rarely was an instructor all three. I went out of my way to enroll in their classes.

Jesus taught in the temple every. People came back day after day. They hung on his words. Those who sent to arrest Jesus came back empty-handed, because, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). They forgot what they were supposed to do!

What do you think? Would you come to the temple day after day to hear Jesus teach? (You can sit next to me.)

I can’t wait to be in your class, Lord. Amen.