Back to school!
Last week I went back to school. Those of you who know me, know that I didn’t do well at school (as a teen) but ironically I have spent most of my adult life working in schools as a teacher, Christian schools-worker and youth worker. Last week I had the privilege of joining Insight (the local Christian School’s work) to deliver lessons on ‘Who is Jesus?’
Now I could have lectured for an hour with the odd diagram and film clip but that’s not real teaching. Real teaching is all about dialogue and questions, thoughts and answers. Last week I’m pleased to say that the lessons provided much discussion with questions, thoughts and answers.
Looking back on the week, there were some real highlights such as the ‘lightbulb moment’ when a class connected the miracles of Jesus as sign posts to who Jesus was (the son of God). Other highlights were when a 12 year old girl didn’t realise that Jesus was put on a cross for the sins of the world and not some random accident. Likewise many hadn’t realised that Easter was to celebrate the risen Jesus.
Teenagers are real and often they have no filter and they will say it as it is. So for instance, one girl said Jesus’ life was a bit of a waste, when he could have lived on earth for a lot longer and made a lot of money on the way. Another girl said but how do you know its all true? The week really got me thinking about why I believe and follow Jesus and how I can communicate Jesus in a relevant way without the jargon and add-ons we can (as Christians) have.
So this week I am sharpening up my answers to some of the questions that young people and not so young people have. The challenge for me is to respond in the way that the Apostle Paul instructed when he said ‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.’
My prayer for me and you is that we are prepared and ready to give clear answers to the questions that people have about our faith and also to do it with gentleness and with respect.