Patriot Moms

Submitted By Kendall Evans, Patriot Mom

As we prepare for this next decade, consider for a moment the role of a teacher and that of a student. The hours of work and preparation that go into teaching, and the observation of your student to know how best to teach him. You know well the patience it takes when trying to get your student to really KNOW a concept that is vitally important to his future without your presence to guide and direct him. You also can relate to the stress and concern a teacher feels for students that struggle when learning vital concepts. How much easier it would be to have a “flip top opening” at the top of their heads so we could literally pour in the necessary knowledge (and remove the un-desired)!

Think for a bit about Christ’s relationship to his disciples (not too different from that of our own students right?). He knew how best to teach them. He taught them in parables and by demonstration. He made his concepts fit the current time and political climate. He knew each one’s weakness and strength and stretched each one according to his own ability. He did not give up in the midst of frustration, but patiently prodded. As demonstrated in the gospels Jesus would say “Do you not yet understand?” but he kept patiently teaching, knowing that the “light bulb” moment was coming! (I believe he knew about electricity LONG before it was discovered too! )

Read Matthew 14: 22-36.
In verses 22 and 23 it is being described that Jesus literally made everyone go away from him. Not rudely but insistently, in order to be alone and to pray. He knew he had a big lesson to teach that day! So he MADE time to fill himself up with the presence of His father!

In verse 24 notice that Jesus KNEW EXACTLY where the boat containing his students was! Maybe that is why “he went up on the mountain,” so he could keep watch and know where they were. (Just a personal observation....) Jesus also perceived the coming distress upon the boat and his students. Notice how he sent them out into the sea in a boat. It was an experience appropriate test… they were all familiar with a boat, and choppy waters! They were already experienced fishermen, but he was not protecting them from danger; he had a specific lesson to teach that could only be LEARNED in the midst of the storm… (allow that to wash over you for a bit). Notice that the emphasis is on the word learned? Jesus could teach the lesson many, many ways; however, he knew the short “time frame” he had to teach, and he also knew intimately how his students learned. It was time for them to “test their wings.”

Beginning with verse 25, Jesus knew his students so well that he was already calmly approaching them (in the midst of a brewing storm). In their confusion, the students did not recognize that Jesus was there to help them. In fact, they accused him of something terrible (like many students who lash out during a difficult lesson). They lashed out at the one who loved them the most and who was there to help them learn. Scriptures say that they “cried out in fear.” We all express outwardly our frustration and fear in the midst of unfamiliar situations, not recognizing the very calm presence of the ONE who is there to help us through our trial, don’t we?

Jesus’ response to them in verse 27 was not to chastise them, but was one of encouragement. I believe that because of the preparation, awareness, observation, and anticipation, Jesus spoke power into his students saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Paraphrase: “It’s ok, we’ve been preparing for this, and you know what to do. I know you can do it! Come on!” He enabled the “light bulb” to turn on for Peter in the midst of the storm.

It is in this moment that Peter is the first of the disciples who demonstrated understanding of exactly who Jesus was. He made a HUGE request of Jesus, knowing that ONLY the son of God could fulfill. “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” and Jesus said “Come!” and Peter did! WOW!! Think for a moment the excitement they BOTH felt! You know how much it means when your student, your beloved child finally gets a concept you have both been working on. He at long last understands a lesson that has been really tough to learn. There have been tears, and long days, blank stares and resistance. The bubbling joy you feel as a teacher and parent is almost indescribable isn’t it? How blessed we are to experience this feeling right?! Not to mention the joy and relief your student feels and finally pressing past the barriers that have enslaved them in a lack of understanding! That is pure misery!

Well, immediately Peter became self conscious (like we all do), and lost his focus on Jesus (like we all do). But for a moment, he had punched through the canopy of fleshly reality into the supernatural reality and experienced the very POWER Jesus came to impart to us all. (That whole concept is a complete new rabbit hole not to be pursued at this time…)
After Peter and Jesus got into the boat, everyone worshiped Jesus, and gave him glory. Do we remember to worship God and give him honor and glory when we or our students learn a lesson? Hmmm… I’ll sure start!

Things to ponder:

Even Jesus got frustrated when his students had difficulty learning what he was trying to teach. Patience and persistence was his response.
Jesus allowed others see that he MADE TIME for God. Sometimes he arose before everyone else, and sometimes he just asked for some solitude.
Jesus kept himself filled with God especially when he had an important lesson to teach that day.
Jesus was always aware of where his students were physically, experientially and emotionally. He made sure he had positioned himself to keep proper perspective of the whole situation.
Jesus demonstrated his faith in his students by allowing them to test their knowledge, because he knew they were ready for the ensuing situation.
Do we employ the tools of; preparation, awareness, observation and anticipation and like Jesus speak power into our students?
Do we teach our children to fear the storm or do we teach them in the midst of it?

Know this:
We are all going into, enduring, or coming out of a “storm”. He has prepared you, He is aware of you, He is observing you and He is anticipating your needs. You are empowered, what has He taught you? Step out of the boat knowing that He is who he says He is and you are prepared for this!