Did Jesus Need a Seminary Education?

sermonindex Aug 9, 2013

John 7:14-16
But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach. The Jews then were astonished, saying, "How has this man become learned having never been educated?" So Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not mine but He who sent Me."

As far as we know Jesus did not possess academic credentials or command a seminary degree in His day. Jesus could never claim as Paul did that He had studied at the feat of a notable theologian such as Gamaliel. Yet the people were amazed at the teaching that came from the lips of Jesus.

For sure it might br argued that Jesus did not need seminary or formal learning for He was the Son of God. Yet Jesus said His teaching came from God who sent Him. So how did He acquire this knowkedge, this learning?

Let us remember Jesus was the Son of man. He grew up as any Jewish lad did. Joseph taught Him the Torah as instructed in Duet. 6. Maybe there was a Sabbath or synagogue school Jesus went to to learn mire of the Torah. But there was something else.

One would presuppose that Jesus spent long extended times with His Father in prayer and the word. In communion with the Father Jesus learned truth. He did not need formal education. All He needed was to be taught by His heavenly Father.

The same can be true today. We do not need seminary. We have the Holy Spirit and the Bible. All we need to do is be as Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His word. For as Bunyon has said. A little from God is better than a whole lot from men. One can only agree that seminary best be called cemitary. In those institutions there is death. But in sitting at the feet of Jesus there is true life. Better to listen to the Savior Himself than a theologian.

Posted by Bearmaster.

E

enid Aug 9, 2013

More fuel.

J

jdlashley Aug 9, 2013

Upon reading this post, I couldn't help but think of a sermon I just recently heard by Paul Washer, "10 Indictments Against The Modern Church".

In it, Mr. Washer recounts an episode from his seminary days. I quote,

“….I remember a professor walked in and he started drawing footprints on the blackboard. And as he marched them across the blackboard then he turned to all of us and said only this. “Aristotle is walking through the halls of this institution. Beware, for I hear his footsteps more clearly than those of the apostle Paul and the team of inspired men who were with him and even the Lord Jesus Christ himself.”

Blessings,

J

Jeremy221 Aug 9, 2013

Hi bear,

Thanks for sharing, this is truly at the heart of true learning. I was struck by how it says that Jesus waited because He loved Mary, her sister and Lazurus that the glory of God might be revealed. There is a correlation between walking in the Spirit and believing it is the Word of God because Christ Himself testified that He only did what was shown to Him by the Father and everything He did was for the Father's glory. When this is your reality, you will find that you have learned many aspects of the Life just by obedience to the Spirit. And upon, this your faith will grow and hearing become more sensitive to His leading. It is nessicary to grow in discernment too because the Evil One will try to play on your lusts and parade himself as angel of light.

M

MaryJane Aug 9, 2013

Greetings Bear

I just love the fact that I can sit at JESUS feet and learn and then go and read from so many who have done the same! We are a family we are suppose to share with one another what FATHER shows us, isn't that great and amazing!! Learning from FATHER and then from a brother or sister...so good to be apart of HIS family.

Thanks for sharing with us. I notice you have not been sharing so often as before? pray all is well.

God bless
mj