What are the qualities of a good teacher? Perhaps the most important is the ability to enable one's listeners to understand the lesson being taught. This was the quality which made Jesus Christ the greatest Teacher who ever lived. He illustrated his great truths in simple, easy-to-understand "parables" or stories about everyday events.
One of his parables was about a man who decided to hold a great banquet. He invited all the important people in town but, one by one, they sent their apologies. One had to attend a funeral, another was completing a real-estate deal, and yet another was anxious to try out the new oxen he had just purchased. The fourth man used the excuse of a recent marriage. When the owner of the house heard all the excuses, he became angry and asked his servant to go out into the streets and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. He then said "not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet" (Luke 14:15-23).
There is a modern parallel to this parable.
Jesus called our churches to preach the Word of God. However, before one is allowed to preach in many churches, it is necessary to hold a University degree in theology. What began as an excellent means of preventing doctrinal error has fostered intellectual pride and hypocricy. Knowledge about the Bible often becomes more important than a life-changing experience with Jesus.
Like the parable Jesus told, God first invited the church folks, but since many of them are too busy and proud to listen to the testimonies of reformed drug addicts, murderers, and sex offenders coming out of our jails, God is by-passing them in the present revival.
Jesus is saying, "I invited the church people first, but since they had so many excuses and so much pride, I will invite the ones upon whom the world looks down. They are the ones to whom I will give my power and wisdom to preach and teach my Word."
If Jesus were here today, He would not be allowed to preach behind most pulpits. After all, He was only a simple carpenter from an obscure village. He did not even belong to an important family. He was accused of being demon-possessed because He cast out demons and healed the sick (Luke 11:18). If one attempts such activities today in many churches, the same accusations are made. Neither would the Apostle Paul be allowed behind many pulpits, as he would be termed a radical who spoke in tongues and prophecied (I Cor.14:39)!
Times haven't changed much since the days of Jesus. Man insists on looking after his own concerns firt, trying to please those around him rather than pleasing his Creator. Man forgets Jesus' life of humility, and that his priorities were on heavenly issues.
The servant in the parable who went out looking for those who would attend the banquet represents God's Spirit seeking for those who are willing to give Him their lives unconditionally. He is inviting the new converts who have escaped from the world of sin, regardless of social status. Let us be sure we are not too proud to listen to them as they explain how Jesus turned their lives around and gave them hope.
God has given the keys of the present revival to those whom proud man would never choose. Let us be willing to listen to what they have to say.
© 1999, Doreen Palmer