Did you know that teachers in America were first honored on Teacher Appreciation Day in 1953? I can just imagine the sighs of “Finally, they appreciate us!” that echoed through the halls and classrooms. Sometimes it’s hard to know just how many people appreciate you until you’re gone.
In our church family, we have public, private, and homeschool teachers; we also have Sunday School teachers, AWANA teachers, etc. And each one of them serves our community through their work. So, if you are a teacher, Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We love you and pray that God blesses you this week.
Your work is pretty special. But did you know your role as a teacher originated from God? (which is really cool)
In the Bible, the Holy Spirit (third person of the Trinity) is referred to as a teacher in several passages. Here are a few examples:
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26, CSB)
“We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.” (1 Corinthians 2:13, CSB)
“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. Instead, his anointing teaches you about all things and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27, CSB)
In these verses, we see that the Holy Spirit:
Teaches us all things and remind us of Jesus’ teachings (John 14:26)
Teaches us spiritual realities (1 Corinthians 2:13)
Teaches us the truth about all things (1 John 2:27)
The Holy Spirit's role as a teacher is also connected to the idea of guidance and illumination. In John 16:13, Jesus says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.” This suggests that the Holy Spirit not only teaches us, but also guides us in understanding and applying what we learn.
What a Teacher!
So, as you thank God for the people who teach/taught you or your family or neighbors the truth, remember that there is One Teacher that every person needs in their life—the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Jack