Moment in the Word

John 1:48-49 "How do you know about me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, "I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you." Then Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi (Teacher), you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!"

In the account of Nathanael's commission, we read that the man was sought by Philip who eagerly announced the good news of Christ's coming, "We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth."

Unfortunately, Nathanael was biased and critical, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from Nazareth?"

"Come and see for yourself," Philip replied.

In spite of Nathanael's shortcomings and misgivings, Jesus received him gladly due to the man's value that others overlooked, "Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity."

Nathanael was totally amazed by Christ's insight and marveled, "How do you know?"

Jesus answered, "Because I saw you!"

No longer doubting the new rabbi from Nazareth, Nathanael earnestly hailed him as "Teacher!"

Although a guilty conscience might make some feel uncomfortable being discovered, yet a man of integrity finds assurance in knowing that "nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."  Hebrews 4:13  As Nathanael quickly learned, Christ's perfect awareness made Jesus the Great Teacher.

Recently, I was reminded of this fact after learning about the unfortunate death of a favorite teacher - Mr. James Orchard. While Mr. Orchard was gifted with so many amazing talents, yet his greatest claim to fame was undoubtedly the cherished title of "Teacher," as aptly stated in an article of Bluegrass Today, "Take the time to teach someone something with a smile on your face and you'll leave an impact that lasts far beyond your last breath."

After many years, I remember how Mr. Orchard started every eighth-grade history lesson with a mischievous grin that made each of us wonder what he knew that we didn't, and the undisputed answer was, "A lot!"

Make no mistake, our beloved teacher had perfect classroom control, despite the good-natured laughter that graced each and every period. I endured so much friendly teasing in Mr. Orchard's class... but thoroughly enjoyed his good-natured attention, knowing he always had my best interest at heart.

Mr. Orchard was a Master Teacher, as I am reminded as an adult. Many years later after I was grown, he unexpectedly invited me to play with his band on one occasion at the Mountain View Community Center. But before we started the song, he spent several minutes telling the audience how proud he was of me as his former student. Undoubtedly, he endorsed all his kids in the same way because that's the kind of man he was. Nevertheless, his public compliment left me totally speechless. His words were more valuable than gold... since as a kid, I never had a good self-concept.

Thankfully, just as Jesus perceived Nathanael, Mr. Orchard saw me in a way that I could not see myself. By this noble quality, Mr. Orchard bore the mark of an exemplary teacher, one who recognized untapped potential and value in those he called to follow!

Mr. Orchard, you will always be loved by those whose hearts you touched and lives you changed! Despite your passing, you remain our honored "Teacher”.