Morning Devotional 123025 Master Teacher

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 30, 2025 

Matthew 7:24-29

24 “Everybody who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who built a house on bedrock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house. It didn’t fall because it was firmly set on bedrock. 26 But everybody who hears these words of mine and doesn’t put them into practice will be like a fool who built a house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house. It fell and was completely destroyed.” 28 When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were amazed at his teaching 29 because he was teaching them like someone with authority and not like their legal experts.

Good Morning! The wise man built his house upon the rock!

It’s a fun morning when the daily passage evokes memories of childhood songs. If you know it, you’re probably singing it with me right now. 

Verse 29 reminds me of an important tenet of Jesus’ teaching. He was teaching them like someone with authority and not like their legal experts. Hmmm! 

When we know because we have seen or experienced something, we can teach others with authority. When we know because we read it in a book, we lack the authenticity of authority. i.e., book learning only gets you so far! You have to do it to really know it! 

Think of a respected teacher from your days in school. Now think about a day they were out, and you had a substitute teacher. Even if they were qualified to teach, it was difficult if the subject was not one for which they were trained and knowledgeable. 

Through firsthand experience, one learns more than the basics; they learn the nuances that accompany the subject. If I read and study books about brain surgery, do you want me to be the substitute surgeon when the actual surgeon is unavailable? Even if I were fully qualified, do you feel comfortable as my first “real” patient? 

Jesus came and taught as a master teacher because he knew the subject matter intimately. When Jesus became human, he retained his divinity, and all that he had seen and experienced since the beginning of time remained a part of him. As a result, Jesus taught with God's authority.     

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! Open our hearts and minds to follow your teachings. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Follow the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus is my Guru! Pastor Liz