Bible Verses That Show Humility in a Teacher
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (Jn. 13:14-15)
The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. (Gal. 6:6)
Humility is the Choice Effective Bible Teachers Make
In teaching you’ll find many opportunities to be humbled … forgetting a student’s name, verbally stumbling when reading a Bible character’s name or city, not knowing how to answer a student’s question, losing your place in your notes, being questioned by parents about how you wrongly disciplined their child, having a student challenge you on the veracity of what you are saying when you are wrong, using a method that goes terribly wrong, etc.
Being humbled often comes out of mistakes we make, forgetfulness, or a lack of preparation. Being humbled is usually a result of choices we have made or actions we have taken that didn’t go well. Prayerfully we learn from these situations.
Humility is a choice we must make. Effective Bible teaching requires a good dose of humility, not merely learning from times we were humbled. We choose to be a servant, like Jesus, in various situations. We are teachable, accepting input from our students rather than acting like we know it all. We go the extra mile without need of recognition. We put time and effort into teaching that will never be seen or known by others. And, we graciously accept blessings from our students.
Humility is also an attitude as seen in Philippians 2. We are to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” that kept Him from holding Himself aloof or letting His equality with God keep Him from relating with people. Jesus even “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Therein He was betrayed, falsely accused, tortured, and ultimately laid down His life for others though He didn’t deserve to die. If Bible teachers are to come even close the way Jesus handled such adversity for the sake of others, they must begin with an attitude of humility. Without that kind of mindset, we risk acting out of a sense of entitlement which fights against that which is inconvenient or uncomfortable. But, effective teaching sometimes takes us out of our comfort zones and might require us to prepare lessons or spend time with students when it isn’t convenient.