Sukkot 2021: God as Teacher

 In the book of Exodus, we see God as Deliverer and Redeemer.  We also see him as Teacher.  In presentations at the Church of the Messiah Sukkot celebration on September 25, 2021, Kyle Kettering explored this important biblical picture of God, expanding on his remarks from September 18.  

Kyle observed that teachers are patient with their students.  They know the limitations of their students and don't give up on them.  We observe these characteristics of God in the Exodus account, where God patiently deals with the fear, anxiety, and complaining that the people exhibit during the journey to Sinai and at Sinai.  

Whom does God teach?  Psalm 25:8 says that God "instructs sinners in the way."  For those who humbly turn to God for guidance, as David does in Psalm 25, God provides that guidance.  Isa 30:20-21 also pictures sinners receiving instruction in the way to go.  

If God instructs sinners, the Talmud says (b. Makkot 10b), how much more the righteous.  For example, God promised Moses at the burning bush that he would teach Moses what to say when he came before Pharaoh (Ex 4:12).  

God teaches us in many ways.  He teaches everyone through general revelation, through the creation (Rom 1:18-32).  

He teaches us through his word.  Remember that the word "Torah" means instruction rather than "law."  In a broad sense, Torah includes all the spiritual instruction of God's word and its corollaries.

Jesus is a teacher, not just a carpenter.  When Nicodemus came to see Jesus, he confessed, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God" (John 3:2).

God also teaches us through the Holy Spirit--e.g., Luke 12:11-12.

Why does God teach us?  Because we need it.  God created us, and he knows that our thoughts are "but a breath" (Ps 94:11), so he "teaches man knowledge" (v 10).  

God also teaches us so that we will teach others, as David showed the desire to do (Ps 51:12-13).  The recipients of Hebrews are criticized for still needing basic instruction when they ought to be teaching others (Heb 5:12).  

The Talmud (b Sotah 14a) asks what it means to "walk after God"?  The answer:  To do what he does.  God teaches us, and so we should teach others.  

One audience member at Kyle's presentation asked him why he was making use of post-biblical rabbinic literature.  Kyle observed that there is much to learn from it.  The fact that rabbinic literature contains much of value illustrates the fact that God does not give up on his students.  He is still Israel's teacher.