God is portrayed throughout Scripture as the ultimate teacher, and as His followers, we are called to mirror His teaching style. The foundation of all teaching comes from reverence for God.Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” The Hebrew word for “fear,” yare (יָרֵא), carries the sense of awe, deep respect, and humility. Reverence for God is not merely knowing about Him; it is humbling ourselves before Him, recognizing that His ways are infinitely higher than ours. To teach effectively, we must first stand in awe of His wisdom. Teaching that springs from this kind of reverence is alive, vibrant, and filled with depth that human effort alone cannot achieve. Psalm 111:10 reinforces this truth: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.” Teaching rooted in God’s wisdom transforms both teacher and learner.
Jesus models the heart of teaching in Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” The Greek word for “learn,” manthano, conveys active, intentional engagement, not passive reception. Learning from Jesus is relational and ongoing. His teaching is marked by gentleness, patience, and humility. When we teach, we are called to embody the same heart, guiding others toward rest in God’s truth rather than compelling or coercing them. His invitation to “learn from me” is both gentle and profound, challenging us to reflect His character in our teaching.
God also instructs us in the mechanics of teaching. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reads, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” The Hebrew word for “impress,” shanun (שָׁנוּן), literally means “to sharpen,” suggesting that teaching should be intentional, consistent, and precise, like a well-honed tool. Teaching is not a one-time event; it is woven into the fabric of daily life. It happens in conversations, in routine actions, and in the small, ordinary moments. This aligns with the New Testament instruction in 2 Timothy 4:2 to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season,” showing that teaching is meant to saturate life itself, not merely occupy designated classroom moments. True teaching flows naturally from a life lived in alignment with God’s ways.
One of the deepest lessons in teaching comes from the way a teacher shapes other teachers. In my experience as a Teacher of Teachers for the ARC, I saw firsthand how mentoring those who would also teach is different from teaching first-time learners. Teaching teachers involves much more than transferring knowledge, it is about forming character, attitude, and behavior. Every interaction communicates what is acceptable, professional, and godly. The way a teacher walks, speaks, responds under pressure, dresses, and carries themselves, all of these elements become lessons for those observing. Teachers of teachers model integrity and consistency because the learners are not just absorbing facts, they are learning how to teach faithfully themselves.
Behavior and attitude are paramount. Just as Jesus demonstrated humility and patience, a teacher of teachers must show composure under stress, respect for each student, and unwavering commitment to the standards being taught. Attitude communicates values as powerfully as words. A teacher’s humility, gentleness, and steadfastness in difficult moments become the unspoken curriculum for other teachers. This mirrors Moses’ mentorship of Joshua, where instruction went beyond law to encompass leadership character, wisdom, and discernment.
Dress and personal presentation also teach silently. In first responder training, as in many fields, what is modeled visually reinforces discipline and respect. Uniform, appearance, and attention to detail signal the seriousness of the calling, reinforcing the culture and values of the work. A teacher who maintains proper dress and conduct communicates standards without uttering a word, students internalize the expectations for themselves, and eventually, they pass them forward.
Mentorship is central to the teaching of teachers. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” The Greek word paradidomi means “to hand over” or “entrust,” highlighting that teaching is a generational responsibility. Just as Moses prepared Joshua to continue leading Israel, a teacher of teachers equips others to carry forward the work faithfully. Teaching in this context is not just about content, it is about forming hearts, shaping character, and setting a model that can be replicated.
Scripture remains central in all of this. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The Hebrew word margéa refers to a portable light, emphasizing that God’s Word is always with us, guiding each step. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word as “living and active,” shaping hearts and minds. Paul emphasizes this practical utility in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Greek word ophelimos means “beneficial” or “advantageous.” The Word equips teachers to guide, correct, and prepare others, not just intellectually, but in character and action.
Jesus exemplifies teaching through action, not merely words. John 13:13-15 recounts, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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.” The Greek word typos means “pattern” or “model,” showing that teaching is inseparable from living out the truth. For a teacher of teachers, this principle is magnified: the model is scrutinized, observed, and internalized by future teachers. Leadership, patience, diligence, humility, and respect are all conveyed in daily example.
Even after decades of study, I recognize that I cannot recall every verse or every translation perfectly. Memorization is helpful but not essential to faithful teaching. What matters is pointing others to Scripture, demonstrating how to study, apply, and teach it accurately. A teacher of teachers models both knowledge and the humility to admit limitations, showing that reliance on God’s Word, rather than personal memory, is what sustains teaching across generations.
Ultimately, God’s teaching method and the model of teaching teachers converge. We are called to teach with reverence, humility, integrity, and careful attention to behavior, attitude, and example. Teaching teachers is a sacred responsibility: we shape not only minds but hearts, forming vessels who will carry God’s truth forward. Whether in ministry, first responder training, or any calling, teaching teachers requires a blend of Scripture, modeling, mentoring, and authentic living. It is a process of transformation, for both teacher and learner, that perpetuates God’s wisdom and love through the generations. Even in human imperfection, God’s Spirit guides, His Word endures, and His principles continue to illuminate the paths of those we teach, creating a legacy of faithfulness that cannot be undone.
Heavenly Father, ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
We thank You for being the ultimate Teacher, whose wisdom, patience, and love guide every step we take. We ask that You fill every teacher, especially those who teach other teachers, with Your Spirit of humility, discernment, and integrity. May their hearts mirror Yours in gentleness, patience, and reverence, and may their words and actions always reflect Your truth.
Lord, help us to lead by example, showing through our behavior, our attitude, and our very presence the values of Your Kingdom. Let every lesson we give, every standard we model, and every way we carry ourselves serve as a light to those we teach, guiding them not only in knowledge but in character. Give us the grace to mentor faithfully, entrusting wisdom and truth to the next generation, knowing that You sustain what we cannot.
Keep our minds anchored in Scripture, our hearts in Your love, and our lives a living testimony to Your Word. May the teachers we raise become vessels of Your light, echoing Your teaching, and multiplying Your wisdom and truth in ways we may never fully see. Guard us from pride, strengthen our humility, and remind us always that the work of teaching is ultimately Yours, not ours.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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