Celebrating a Master Teacher's Birthday

When Jesus was born, teaching held a position of utmost respect in society, surpassing even other lucrative professions like accounting, fishing, medicine, law, and tent-making etc. 

It’s interesting to note that while other careers evolve over the years. For example, what we now call civil engineering was once regarded as carpentry in the days of Jesus. This is because they were the ones involved with all sorts of construction works.

Teaching, however, has remained unchanged and continues to shape the quality of society's contributing adults. Today, families all over the world celebrate the birthday of “a man” who did uncountable acts of good service to humanity which qualifies him to just about any career title.

The number of people whom Jesus physically healed is undefined, what many people agree is that he healed so many with different kinds of diseases. However, there is no reference in the Bible where he is addressed as a doctor.

People approached Jesus with legal questions, and despite his ability to address their concerns, the people at that time refused to associate Jesus with lawyers.

Jesus engaged in extensive social work across multiple communities, yet historical writings do not identify him as a social worker.

Jesus performed a chemical reaction that turned water into fine wine. This being the first public service would earn him a fancy title in the scientific world but alas, the people took the finest wine and moved on.

Jesus’ act of multiplying 5 small loaves and 2 small fish to feed 5000 adults did not earn him any title in the field of economics.

Because of his high profile as a public figure, there was a desire among some people to install Jesus into a political office. However, despite having a legitimate claim to the throne as per his lineage, Jesus made it clear that he wanted no part in political titles and declined to accept people's suggestions.

The people of that time had witnessed magicians perform various mysteries, but when they saw Jesus walk on water, they were wise enough not to label him as a magician.

Isaiah had tipped off the people what to call Jesus, such as Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace, long before he was born. When Jesus interacted with people, he mostly taught while the people listened and asked questions.

It's no surprise that Jesus was often referred to as "Teacher". This title was given to him by a variety of people, including journalists, disciples, young and old, poor and rich. Theologians have noted that in the gospels, Jesus is directly addressed 90 times, with 60 of those instances referring to him as a teacher.

Educators all over the world celebrate the birthday of a mentor and master teacher. The birth of Jesus is significant to teachers. He redefined the teaching profession. The teachers of the law, Pharisees, and the Sadducees had stained the teaching career due to the way they conducted business.

Christmas reminds me of men and women who today, in their classrooms are walking in the footsteps of a “good teacher” as the Biblical Nicodemus called Jesus, that is interesting because Nicodemus himself was a teacher!

It's amazing how many legal cases Kindie teachers have resolved this year. We should all be grateful to teachers who helped heal students' emotional heartaches. Despite having very few resources, they have skillfully served countless students.

While they can't multiply fish and bread or walk on water, they are defying the odds and continue to show up day after day. In a world that often overlooks their contributions, teachers have refused to be discouraged and continue to make a positive impact.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us also acknowledge the transformative role teachers play in the lives of their students. In doing so, let us advocate for greater recognition, support, and fair compensation for these unsung heroes.

May we actively work towards ensuring that teachers receive the respect and resources they rightfully deserve, fostering a world where education and its practitioners are valued above all else.

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Merry Christmas!