About five years ago a friend of mine was telling about his opportunity to teach at a local college. He had a full time position in a mental health agency but he was also an adjunct professor. He really enjoyed his class because it was an opportunity to relate to students which was different from dealing with clients at work. He also told me that the college needed qualified teachers and that I should inquire. This exited me and a few days later I made an appointment with one of the school’s department heads. The following semester I began my adjunct teaching career.
When someone we trust and believe in is excited about an opportunity we get excited too. It could be a friend who tells us about an investment opportunity. It could be an exotic place to visit. It could be a new job opportunity. It could be a "call" to a church. It might be the possibility of meeting a potential life partner.
John was exited about the presence of Jesus. The day following his famous announcement he repeated the words, "Behold, the lamb of God." My guess is he said these words with enthusiasm and devotion. The disciples were excited about the opportunity to know this man better. This was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. At this point I have to confess my bias which has to do with education. The disciples addressed Jesus as "Rabbi." They identified him as a teacher. Jesus was someone they could learn from. Jesus was someone who could lead and guide them to new things. I believe they were excited about the possibility of learning.
In his book, Will Our Children Have Faith, John Westerhoff III, said that "living as a Christian is inherently educational." To be a person of faith is to learn and to give others the opportunity to learn from us.
Notice what Jesus said to the disciples. He said, "What do you seek?" It is not just the man Jesus they want to know. It is what they can learn from him. The fact that Jesus asks them this question suggests to me that there is something they want to discover and he is the one who can teach them.
It is at this point that Jesus gives them an invitation. "Come and see," he says. He invites them to explore whatever it is they seek. They are endeavoring on a life-changing journey as we will learn from the following chapters in the gospel. No wonder John was so excited about this great teacher.
Recently I have been counseling a young couple who are struggling in their relationship. Although they seem to be compatible and happy with one another, something is lacking. In the last session it became apparent that the woman would like to continue her education. She had to put it on hold to raise children. It also became apparent that her husband has never taken education very seriously. He dropped out of high school and never graduated. I got the impression that no one ever challenged these two to further their education. They are so consumed with making ends meet they have been unable to invest themselves in education. By the time we finished the conversation the woman was asking questions about Pell grants and the man was rethinking the importance of acquiring his GED.
As the story in John continues we see that Andrew is also excited about this man Jesus. He wants to share the excitement so he brings his brother, Simon, to see Jesus. John’s excitement about Jesus is contagious. It is being passed from disciple to disciple and from brother to brother.
What happens next, in my opinion, is more important than any formal educational pursuit. Jesus says to Peter, "Now you are Simon, son of John, but you shall be called, Peter." Now you are one person - but you shall be known as someone entirely different. Jesus recognizes the potential in Simon to be a leader of the church. Jesus is both affirming and challenges Simon to do something very extraordinary with his life. It is such a profound change that he changed his name to Peter.
"You are - you shall be." Imagine the self-confidence and motivation Peter experienced when Jesus said these words. Today you are this, tomorrow you will be something else. When someone believes in you it becomes an invitation to change. It becomes the first step in a journey that will lead you to a new and fulfilled life.
When my friend introduced the possibility of teaching college it wasn’t the first time that someone believed in me. There were those who encouraged me to be a pastor. There were others who challenged me to get an education. I guess it all depends on how much we trust people who are saying to us, "you are - you shall be."
In A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul, there is a story about a student who was unlike most students. One day in the 11th grade he went into a classroom to wait for a friend. The teacher appeared and asked him to go to the blackboard. He replied, "I’m not one of your students." The teacher said, "Doesn’t matter. Go to the board anyhow." The student told him he couldn’t do that and when the teacher asked "why not?" the student told him he was mentally retarded. The teacher came over to the student and said, "Don’t ever say that again. Someone’s opinion of you does not have to be become your reality."
It became a liberating moment for the student, a time of great learning. The teacher, Mr. Washington, became the student’s mentor. Later that school year Mr. Washington addressed the graduating seniors. And in his speech he said, "You have greatness within you ….. You can touch millions of people’s lives." After the speech the student went up to Mr. Washington and asked him if he had greatness within him. The teacher replied, "Yes, Mr. Brown, you do." The student thanked him and told him that one day he would make the teacher proud.
In his senior year it happened that Brown was placed in Mr. Washington’s speech and drama class. Although Brown was a special education student, the principal realized that this would be a good match up. Mr. Washington gave Brown a larger vision of himself. While other teachers passed Brown from class to class, Mr. Washington made more demands of him. He made him accountable. He enabled him to believe in himself. Years later the famous, Les Brown, produced five specials on public television. Mr. Washington saw the program and called Les Brown to tell him how proud he was of his achievement.
When others believe in us we gain confidence in ourselves and are able to do great things. Naturally, we still have to apply ourselves. Les Brown had to work hard to finish high school. But, he was now motivated to learn. Our children need to hear from us that we believe in them. Our students, who could be our friends, relatives, or co-workers will be motivated to aspire to greater things when we believe in them.
Jesus’ life was about believing in others. He believed that Peter would be the "rock" of the church. He believed that the blind man could see. He believed that the lame man could walk. He believed that the thief on the cross would be with him in paradise. He believed that the woman at the well did not have to live a life of guilt. He believed that his disciples could carry on his mission and ministry. "Today you are … tomorrow you shall be." Everyone he encountered was invited to leave their past and embark on a new mission for their lives.
This is an invitation we can’t refuse. Jesus is our teacher. Jesus is challenging us to venture on a new journey. It will be different. It will require sacrifices. It will mean change. The possibilities are endless. It is, however one that can lead to fulfillment and joy
Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio