Our Teacher

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them. –Mark 10:1

Jesus has finished a period in which he has been largely teaching the disciples privately in Galilee. Mark 10 is probably set in late 32 or early 33 AD; the journey Jesus has begun will culminate in Jerusalem with his death. Notice, however, that in spite of the ultimate purpose of this journey, it is not a solemn death march. Jesus is going to his death, but he is also going to teach.

Matthew’s account of this time of ministry beyond the Jordan notes that Jesus healed many sick, but Mark emphasizes that he taught the multitude. It is not his will that we be ignorant. The cross accomplished our redemption and is the focal point of all knowledge, but the full account of that story goes beyond what happened during Passover Week in 33 AD.

Much of the pain and anguish we suffer in this world is the result of ignorance. When we suffer pain, one of the first things we do is question the goodness of God. In reality, our pain is often exacerbated by our apathy regarding the Word. Indeed, our difficulties often resemble those of the patient who has refused to take his medicine. Jesus came to earth to do away with pain, and part of this included doing away with ignorance. When we combine Matthew and Marks’ accounts we see that healing and teaching go hand in hand.

There is no circumstance in life that cannot be addressed by Scripture. This does not mean the Word will prevent all troubles, but the fact that he has given us so much teaching from his own lips should remind us that our God is merciful and compassionate. If we refuse to search his teachings, we refuse much of his consolation.