Listen to Audio Devotion
James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
The passage for today, though it speaks about teachers, isn’t that encouraging for them. The Greek term that translates to teacher is Didaskalos. In the first century, Didaskalos referred to a person who was a subject matter expert, who not just had some theoretical knowledge, but one who could teach and apply it practically to everyday life. For the Jews, Didaskalos referred to someone skilled in the Torah (the law of Moses), and the rest of OT. So one of the reasons Jesus was referred to as a teacher in the NT is simply because of his expertise in the subject, and practical application of God’s law in everyday life.
Jesus serves as the ultimate Teacher, but He isn’t the only teacher for God’s people. It’s not like we gather as a church to hear Jesus speak. But yes, Jesus continues to call and equip teachers within the church to this day. Many people train to be able to interpret, communicate, and apply God’s Word to the congregation. This calling to teach holds great significance and responsibility. The passage we read today emphasizes that not many should take up the role of a teacher because the Lord holds them to a stricter judgment than others. Due to their influence, teachers have more opportunities to lead people astray compared to lay people of the church. Hence, teachers should not take their calling lightly, as they possess the power to significantly impact God’s people, either for better or worse.
It’s not just the pastors or seminary professors that we’re talking about here. Even if you oversee a Sunday school class, and teach at a small prayer meeting or bible study, you will be held accountable by God. Therefore, you must diligently study and exert effort to present your assigned topic clearly and without error. As a church, the least we can do is support our teachers in prayer that they handle God’s Word accurately.
Let’s Pray
Father, we pray that you’ll forgive us for the times we’ve taken the task of teaching your word lightly. Help us to pray for those who teach us. We thank You for Your Spirit who teaches us every single day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
