Jesus was a teacher.  Some have said that he was was one of the worst teachers, because he confused most of his hearers. He is cryptic in almost all the things he said.  He speaks in parables, he says, so that outsiders will not understand, and the disciples will need lessons in exegesis. He appears to conceal the truth in paradoxical guise. He says things that sound utterly untrue. “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” He might better have said “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit heaven” or, “Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth, for that’s the only way they could ever get it.” Even his non-parabolic teaching is cryptic. Read the Gospel of John if you want to hear double meanings and cryptic communication.

But I think Jesus was the best of teachers. That which is truly paradoxical cannot be adjudicated by reason alone.  Jesus caused his hearers to think about life.  He forced them to ask questions.  He spoke so many outrageous things that had the ring of truth about them, that people were freed to think anew about old questions. Jesus was provocative and evocative. His intent was to evoke thinking and believing. The mark of a great teacher!

If you are interested in hearing more about Jesus the teacher, check out “Pesky Parables” on this website.